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OM Namah Sivaya
2006 started off well, with courses in NeyyarDam and Bahmas are full in capacity. As well good news of the year is the successful completion of the first TTC in Madurai, South India. The students were extremely happy and the course completed successfully with no incidents. Now the Ashram is opened year round with Yoga Vacations courses and a Childrens Yoga Camp in addition to the 2 Teachers Training Courses a year. Thanks for your continued support for the growth of organization.

1. Stare at your thumb in front of you, then look into the distance. Relax and repeat.
2. With eyes wide, look from side to side 10 times, then up and down 10 times and then diagonally 10 times.
3. Finally, after rolling your eyes in circles in both directions, cup your hands over your eyes for 30 seconds and relax.

• 20 green olives, stuffed with pimento
• 3 tablespoons walnut pieces
• ½ a red pepper - cored, seeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil

1. Put all the ingredients in a blender. Blend to a coarse purée. Alternately chop the ingredients very finely. Allow to set for about one hour before serving.
2. For a green spread, omit the walnuts and red pepper. Halve the amount of oil and blend in 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons tahini.

Om Namah Sivaya.
December has been very busy, with the preparation of the Camp, ready for the Christmas Season. Swami Mahadevananda and Sita arrived from India and spent time in New York and the Ranch for the EBM. Padmavati joined them there for one week. The Christmas weekend was very joyful, with a full house of karma yogis and guests and special guests, with daily workshops on Ayurveda by Dr Sonal Bhatt and special guest Hanakia Zadek, a shaman, who gave workshops on shamanism, mysticism, and the power of silence as well as a vibrant drumming concert during one of the evenings. On Christmas Eve we had our traditional Christmas feast (cooked by Sankara Chaitanya from the Montreal Centre) followed by our Christmas Eve satsang of carols, music, Santa Claus and Midnight Mass with Marilyn Rossner and Sister Leone. We welcomed Prahlad, Saraswati, Anousha, Harsha and Leticia from Toronto, Narayana Chaitanya and Gayatri from the New York Centre, and Swami Srinivasananda came on Christmas Day from the Ranch. Each day we take the guests out skiing, snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing and the atmosphere in the Camp is very joyful. We are blessed with lots of snow and full sunshine. The staff is well.

Om Namah Sivaya! In early December, TTC finished, sending off 146 new teachers into the world to spread peace through the teachings of Yoga. Swami Mahadevanandaji urged the new graduates to approach the 'outside world' with humility, remembering to be practitioners, rather than preachers - words that all aspirants need to be reminded of regularly. The graduation ended late in the evening, with Bharata Natyam dance performance. Arriving this week were - Suzanna, to assist Parameshwara for the Fasting Program, and Manimala, from the Trivandrum Center. Farewells were bid to - Kapoorji, returning to Delhi after a month's inspirational selfless service; Karuna, off to Meenakshi, Ashram to help out with TTC; and Parvati, over to the Trivandrum Centre. Swamiji and Sita left for the Madurai TTC opening and then for the EBM meeting at the New York Ranch. We pray for their safe journey and speedy return. The staff are well and sending Pranams to all.

Mid-December - Signs of Christmas popped up in Kerala, as jolly Santas paraded around towns. The staff enjoyed a treat one Tuesday night, venturing out into Trivandrum to enjoy a delicious meal, ending with a trip to Baskin Robbins, with all the gooey trimmings. The following morning, thirteen guests and staff, led by Parameshwara and Suzanna, commenced the journey of purifying the body, mind, and spirit, as the 2 Week Fasting and Detoxification Program began. A lovely Ganapati Homa was performed by Swami Nivedananda, invoking Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles and initiating the fasters. Fresh fruit juices, soothing vegetable broths, cleansing powders, specially formulated herb mixtures, massages, Clysmatics, Quantum Xrroid coupled with biofeedback technology and, of course, Yoga seem to be working harmoniously for the quickly bonding, globally diverse group. Another beautiful Jungle Trip was experienced by a large group of guests and staff, led by Swami Sivaswaroopananda. As always, the weather was beautiful the hiking exhilarating, swimming refreshing, and picnicking satisfying. Swami Gayatriananda left for North India for a short visit. Swami Brahmananda arrived to the Ashram from Uttar Kashi. His light heart, cheery disposition and continuous chanting of the Lord's name have been truly inspirational. We also welcomed TTC graduate, Laura, to staff as we said, "Good-bye," to work-study mother-daughter team Shakti and Uma. Santosh left to visit his family. We thank him for offering his time at the Ashram. Shakti and Maheshwara arrived from Germany with a group of 15 students from their Centre. They will also act as translators in the upcoming TTC. Nischala Joy Devi and Bhaskara arrived for a short visit to celebrate Nischala's 'very special' sixtieth birthday with us in Neyyar Dam. The staff is well and wishing the SYVC family worldwide a Happy Holiday, filled with Peace, Love, and Gratitude for the many blessings bestowed.

Om Namah Sivaya. The Ashram reopened after the yearly closure in the month of November. An intimate group of guests joined us for the weekend retreat "Awaken Your Energy through Asanas" and enjoyed invigorating yoga classes, workshops on the importance of consistent Sadhana, meditative walks in silence and rest and rejuvenation. Both guests and staff enjoyed studying Master's writings on prana and practising basic breathing techniques during the retreat on Pranayama, Science of Breath. The guests keenly joined the rhythm of yoga twice a day and actively participated in outdoor karma yoga projects. Under the guidance of Swami Shyamananda, the abundance of fall leaves were collected and the pathways through the woods were cleared. Winter is settling in at the Ashram, showing us the surrounding nature in all its beauty. The age-old trees in the park are covered with a white layer of frost in the early mornings and we have most beautiful Arati's with the outdoor temple shrines brightly lit and the Gods in their colourful dresses radiating warmth and joy. An increasing number of inscriptions are received daily from spiritual aspirants from all over Europe who are longing to spend their Christmas Holidays in the quiet seclusion of Ashram life. We are looking forward to enter the New Year with the Ashram filled to it's maximum capacity and we send our best wishes for a prosperous and joyful 2006. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with all.

Om Namo Narayanaya - Greetings from UttarKashi. The Ashram is closed for the winter.

Om Namah Sivaya! Greetings from the Yoga Farm!

Early December was quiet, with staff working on cleaning up around the Ashram and focusing on the landscaping project for the entrance of the Farm. Swami Sivarupananda came back from Los Angeles, where she helped out at the Center for a week. We were happy she joined us again. Five staff went to the San Francisco Center for their Christmas party. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Later Swami Sitaramanada left for the East Coast for the EBM meeting at the Yoga Ranch and Canada. She will be gone until the 22nd of December. We also said a sad goodbye to Maha Shakti. She went back to Uruguay after 2 months here. And we welcome Shambhu from the San Francisco Center. He will be here to help out during the Christmas Holiday.

By mid-December, winter set in at the Yoga Farm. The weather has been very cold and then the rain started, making work outside difficult for those karma yogis who enjoy the outdoor work. The priest hut continues renovations, even through the rain, with the use of tarps. Karma yogi Krishadas has been making an addition to the original priest hut so that Krishnan Namboodiri can have his own kitchen and more living space. We welcomed Satyadev, from Germany, here to help for the Holidays. He will be with us until mid-January. Staff have been working on sending out Christmas cards to members and guests wishing them a warm and Happy Christmas. We wish you all a Happy Christmas. Pranams and Blessings.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Greetings from the Yoga Ranch.During mid-December, the highlight was the EBM meeting, here at the Yoga Ranch. The 6 Acharyas meet here, coming from different parts of the world. We had had no guests during those days, but a pretty full house, with all the assistants and staff. The meeting started with a Guru Puja performed by Swami Vasishtananda, followed by the Acharya initiation of Swami Atmaramananda from the Berlin Center. The EBM's had a busy agenda. There were meetings all day. Swami Srinivasananda enjoyed some skiing time with Swami Sivadasananda and Swami Atmaramananda. We had an ice-storm on Friday. Returning to our schedule, we held workshops on relaxation, later in the month that the guest enjoyed.

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December, we worked hard on many jobs to spruce-up the Ashram. We are almost finished with the work on the Beach House, as well as the near completion to the addition on Swami Swaroopananda's hut. This week we decorated for the holidays, with three large Christmas Trees and lots of Christmas lights all around the Ashram, creating a very homely and holiday feeling. The guest numbers are increasing every day, and in less than two weeks we are completely booked! With Guru's grace all staff are well

In mid-December, we prepared for the long-awaited arrival of Swami Swaroopananda and Swami Premaswaroopananda. Many new and lustrous plants are now sparkling in the gardens, more lights are up (Christmas lights and otherwise), the addition on Swami Swaroopananda's hut received it's final touches and much more! We happily welcomed several new Work Study, and Temp Staff, who will integrate well with the team, so we can have a smoothly running Holiday program. One of the highlights this week was a very lively and spirited Bahamian Church service. We visited Reverend Prince Hepburn's church, as is tradition since Swami Vishnudevanandaji's time, and celebrated the holidays with singing, lecturing and praising the lord. Twenty nine guests and staff went to the church by bus and very much enjoyed the service. We wish all a very happy Holiday Season! Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya. The Retreat House was closed for the month of November for students. Parameshvari remained at the Retreat House, taking care of the house and office and teaching the Yoga classes in the village. The Retreat House opened again on the 1st of December with a nice group of guests. Winter arrived with a continuous snowfall for two days, and and granted us a marvellous view of snow-covered mountains. The guests enjoyed practising yoga and combined their stay with cross country and down hill skiing excursions. In the second week of December we had the theme "in peace lies strength". Guests enjoyed the various workshops on stress release, relaxation, positive thinking and peace. They felt how quickly the regular practice of asanas, pranayama and relaxation helped them to recharge on a deep level. The highlight of the week was the arrival of 37 students for the winter TTC amidst majestic snowy landscapes and snowfall. The course is held in English, with a variety of nationalities participating, translated into German, French and Spanish. During the inauguration, Swami Durgananda spoke beautifully about the original Yoga tradition and its application in the modern world through Master's and Swamiji's work. She pointed out how deep the five points are. Many of students said during their presentation they are coming to deepen their practice and are looking forward to study both practical aspects of Yoga and the philosophy in depths. We also welcomed special guest Brother Rolf Fernandez from Canada. The Inauguration ended with a beautiful classical concert with transverse flute and guitar, performed by 2 musicians from the Tyrol region. Everybody concentrated on the preparation of the Christmas programme and awaited a very festive atmosphere at Christmas.

Om Namo Narayanaya. In mid-December, by Gurudev's Grace, the first ever TTC went well. For the TTC preparation all staff worked hard since it was first time here. Many of the materials like uniforms and manuals for TTC came from Neyyar Dam. Sundar, and wife Lakshmi, Durairaj from Chennai, Karuna from Neyyar Dam arrived for the course. An invitation letter was sent to many students and donors for the inauguration of the TTC. The students were happy to be part of the first TTC of the newest ashram. The natural beauty of the surrounding also attracted everybody. The course initiation was performed on Sunday Dec 11 the 6.30 am. At 11.30 am the official inauguration took place. Sri Swami Swaroopananda of Sivananda Satsang Bhavan, Madurai, presided over the function. The inauguration was performed by Sri R Viswanathan, the State Minister for Transport and electricity. Swami Mahadevananda reached on time for the inauguration from Neyyar Dam, after getting trapped in a big traffic jam in Madurai city. Marking of the inauguration, an oil lamp was lit by Sri Swami Mahadevananda, Sri R Viswanathan, Sri Swami Swaroopananda, Sri Jakkayyan ( former member of Parliament from the area ) and Dr Narayanasamy ( house owner of our centre in Madurai ). Speakers of the function were Dr Narayanasamy, Swami Swaroopanada, , R Viswanathan, Swami Mahadevananda, Muthayya ( local village president ), and Sivananda Srinivasan in the same order. Swami Sundarananda from Palakkad, all TTC students, local government officials and many of the Ashram well-wishers participated in the function. As it was the birthday of the minister, a birthday cake was cut and distributed to all the people participated. Food was given to all immediately after the function. Swami Mahadevananda gave his talk and inspiration to the students, then immediately departed the ashram to catch the flight to Chennai and New York. At 2 pm the course orientation was given to students, by Sundar. Chinnamma and daughter Susan, from Kerala, decided to join as staff. Other staff arrived - Dimitry and Natasha from Toronto, Susmita from France, Nagaraj from Delhi ( for Gita teaching ). On Dec 12th morning, the course started with the auspicious Ganesha Havan, performed by Br. Sajith. Apart from the usual classes, we had a video show, Saturday talent show and visit to Madurai Meenakshi temple on the first day off of the Course. Br. Sajith, who was staff here about 18 months, left as staff and went back to his former Ashram in Kerala. May Gurudev's Blessings be with him, always. In the beginning of the Ashram existence, his service was invaluable. The canteen was opened by Sri Swami Vimalananda Saraswati ( 98 years ) of Kerala, on Dec 17. This Swamiji was studying yoga under Swami Vishnu-devananda in DLS in 1940s. All the classes are going on well. All staff are conveying pranams.

This month we had many inspiring workshops, classes and other events. We had a cooking course about "simple dishes for busy people" and a workshop on "The path to inner stillness". This included two Yoga classes, the workshop for two hours, lunch and the evening Satsang.

The highlight of the month was the annual Christmas party on Saturday. A lot of time and energy were put into the preparations and the centre got a lot of help from our hardworking and devoted Karma Yogis. The hall was decorated very beautifully with joyful lights. There was a large turnout of 150 people. The evening started with Satsang and a message from Master Sivananda. This was followed by the Christmas meal and dessert. Everyone gathered together for a lively session of Christmas carols which led up to Father Christmas's arrival. He and his four elves handed out great gifts to everyone. We then served a spectacular Christmas cake in the form of a snowman. A talent show followed, consisting mainly of beautiful music which was very inspiring. We even had 2 beautiful trumpet solos by the child of one of our teachers. One student, a professional storyteller, told the story of how Ganesha got his elephant head. All students left happy, grateful and inspired.

The energy in our two new rooms next door is building up steadily and the presence of Master and Swamiji there is getting quite strong. Swami Atmaramananda came back just in time from the Himalayan pilgrimage to lead the Christmas party. About 150 souls joined the joyful celebration with meditation, chanting of Christmas carols, an exciting theatre play (where Siva's consort Sati burnt herself and Daksha got beheaded and received a goat's head) and a beautiful musical performance on the flute by a student. More than 30 children were thrilled by the visit of Santa Claus. The evening ended with a delicious feast and the distribution of the beautiful new Calendars with Swamijis pictures as Christmas gifts to the students. 7 aspirants from all over Germany took part in a preparation for the Teachers Training Course; they enjoyed the inspiring two days and returned home with a deeper understanding of the classical Yoga practise as taught by Master and Swamiji. Preparations began for the 15th anniversary jubilee of the centre, which will be celebrated January 12 - 18 with many special guests and the European Acharyas. The celebration will include musical performances, the installation of a Laksmi Murthi, special asana workshops, lectures and satsangs.

OM SHANTI. In early December, we had the regular activity, except one Thursday was a holiday and the Centre was closed .We made use of the holiday to decorate the Centre for Christmas time. Kanti, Chandra and Mahadevi arrived from Uruguay. They spent one weekend with us. We celebrated the end of the year Satsang. 85 persons were present. We had meditation, kirtan and an inspired message, given by Kanti Devi. After, we had asana demonstration, a play based on a story of Ganesha and Kubera, titled "The Proud Kubera", followed by a choir of Christmas songs then a vegetarian buffet. The new Spanish Sivananda calendar 2006 was gifted to the participants. All left the Centre, for the New Year, with radiating faces from the inspiration of the Masters. One weekend we offered ayurvedic massage with Omkari.

Mid-December - Classes and activities are running as usual. The end of the year satsang gave inspiration to the students. We noted this in its concurrence. We have incorporated new items in our boutique, thus having a successful response from the students. We prepared for the meditation and supper of Christmas, with very good inscription of students. Prem and Om to all.

Pranams to all the Sivananda family. In early December, with student numbers in Open classes improving slightly, with less rain falling, and the Yoga 1 students being regular in their attendance, the overall numbers have crept up a little. We also had a good number for Swami Mahadevananda's Satsang, one Sunday, when he passed through between Madurai and New York. The teachers and karma yogis who attended, stayed for an informal get together afterwards, sharing a mix of Indian and Western dishes from the Centre's kitchen and the new Pizzaurant, courtesy of teacher, Poornam ji. The week was spent in packing up the rest of the Sivananda Journals and Spiritual Diaries ready for transporting to Neyyar Dam. Also, cleaning, furniture varnishing and preparing the artwork for new advertisements. Despite a few more rain showers, we found the water had subsided enough to remove sandbags, stepping stones and sweep away debris at the entrances to the Yoga Hall. We were able to clean the boutique. The gardens are otherwise still underwater - we are praying for the plants some of which are looking very unhappy.

Mid-December - open class attendance remained steady. A small yoga 2 started. Kartikeya Deepam was celebrated - the day on which Lord Siva is said to have manifested as an endless pillar of light at Arunachala, Thiruvanamalai, in order to test and show Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu who is most powerful. Many dheers (oil lamps) are lit. We even managed to have a few outside, despite the wind, using some small glass shades we found. Poornami was celebrated with Lalita Sahasranama. Ganapathy homa was held, to begin of the Tamil month, Marghizh - a particularly auspicious month for spiritual practice. Many houses had kollams (decorative rice powder patterns) at the front door with little dheers lit. The staff began practicing Christmas carols with enthusiasm and the Christmas decorations were brought out of storage with the tree being prepared for decoration by the kids one Saturday. The stable was filled with 'straw' and the nativity prepared by the kids. Plenty of lights and other decorations also went up in order to encourage teachers and students in their attendance of the Christmas Satsang. More Rain - The Yoga Hall once more has a moat, the stepping stones are back, and the boutique which was dry started to leak water, despite the drainage hole being plugged. The dates for the January's programmes are set. We look forward to going to print later in the coming week.

Om, Shanti. In early December, we started a new Positive Thinking course. Most of our other courses came to a conclusion. Open class attendance was low, due most likely to the cold stormy weather we had. We did have a good turnout for our Sunday Beginner's class.

Mid-December, our furnace needed repair, our car broke down and the computer crashed in the midst of our holiday preparations and completion of the brochure. We faced some unexpected challenges, but in the end, the holiday party was shining light that brought our Sivananda family together. Thirty-two people came and we were blessed to have a wonderful food, beautiful talent and lively spirits. Staff will be gone for the holidays, visiting family and enjoying New Year's at the Ranch. Happy Holidays to all.

Om Aim Saraswatayai Namaha In early December, a Monday morning Yoga 1 started. The Centre was decorated with flowers and lamp to receive the European pilgrimages. All Yatris arrived, led by Sw.Atmaramanandaji. We had a beautiful Satsang in Vishnu Hall. Some students and teachers joined to share Sw.Atma's memories of Sw.Vishnu and His several Yatras to India, even with His physical illness. A delicious South Indian brunch, on banana skin plates, was served by staff and students. It was organized, by Sri.Nagarajji. Few enjoyed the elevating Ayurvedic massage, strongly recommended to everyone. Krishna (Uruguay) and Sankara (Bahamas) stayed with us before leaving to their destination. The Centre was invited by the American Embassy for their Health Fair inside the campus. Mani and Dr.Vasanth made several posters and charts of 5 points of Yoga and how to treat your spine. "Why be a Vegetarian" poster was the highlight. The Sivananda Centre display was the only alternative system, where all other stalls are related to allopathic medicines. More than 2500 embassy employees and their family visited our stall. A lot of people, even the medical doctors, had consultation with Dr.Vasanth. There was one Yoga/Pranayama demonstration, explaining the benefits of a Yogic Life. The American Ambassador for India was presented a Yoga Life magazine and a "Meditation and Mantras" book by Mani. Mani gave a brief introduction about Swamiji and His Mission and invited all to visit the centers/ashrams worldwide. Dr.Tuli, an old student of the Delhi center, who happened to be there, explained about Swamijis tireless work and His teachings in America and bringing Yoga to everyone's life. Geeta Jayanti was celebrated with Chanting a few chapters by Nagrajji. Sadasiva gave a TTC introduction class, with 8 students. The city is getting colder everyday. Warm pranams

Mid-December - The cold hands of winter are gripping Delhi, as the temperature dropped. So did the number of students. Mani left for Chennai. Swami Gayatri arrived for few days on her way to Vrindavan. Dr. Rukumani stayed with her husband for few hours only. Mailing list project has started slowly and all the staff and students are busy in this work. The new brochure came from the printer. We brought out the Christmas decorations with the help from some students. The Centre looks colourful and festive. Om Tat Sat.

We were very happy to have Swami Sivadasananda pass by the center at the beginning of the month for a brief visit and it was good to have his guidance and help. We have been also blessed to have a Karma Yogi come in and prepare our new brochure for the printer.

Our Christmas party was very successful: we had many Christmas songs, a wonderful classical music concert for the piano and violin and also Santa Klaus visited. Everyone left with much joy and thankfulness for this evening.

Pranams to all. In early December we were blessed to have Swami Sivarupananda with us for one week, helping with the books and teaching asana classes and running a second chanting workshop. Swami Sivarupananda returned to the Yoga Farm. We hope to see her back in LA sometime in the New Year. We also saw the start of our bi-annual yoga class pass sale. Many of our long time students, in addition to our newer students, have taken advantage of the sale to buy passes and courses for the new year.

Mid-December was very busy, with a wonderful holiday party, with meditation, chanting, singing of Christmas Carols, announcements about the changing of staff, and a high-quality talent show. We had an Open House, attended by people who saw our flyers at a nearby video store, and Vishnuprem's Hatha Yoga Workshop just before the party. The workshop was very well attended. We thanked Father Philaret for his contribution to the Center over the past 4 years and wished him well, as he pursues a new career. We said thank-you to Revati also who has been staff for 3 years and helped to build up the LA Center, for the past 2 years. We welcomed Padmavati Ma, who will be with us, as staff now. A delicious dinner was provided after the program by many of the close teachers and students. Our discount on classes and courses is coming to a close with many people signing up. We announced our new schedule, with the addition of morning Satsang and Yoga Classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Many students are happy with this change.

Om Sri Maha Lakshmyai Namah!

We had an active month with lot of activities: open house with 50 partipants, and workshops of "Yoga for the back", cooking, and pranayama. Swami Sivadasananda visited the center on his way to India for few days and we had a teachers meeting with 30 teachers. He gave inspiring yoga classes and satsang, which was very much appreciated by all.

Highlight of the month was the Christmas party with one hundred and twenty participants including children, parents, students and teachers. All enjoyed singing the Christmas carols and seeing the play about Swami Vishnu-devananda's life and the Christmas feast. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2006.

Pranams to all. In early December, we started a new beginner's class (Afternoon & evening). We celebrated the birthday of Panchavarnam, with a nice cake and some happy birthday mantras. The following day, we got another gift, in the form of our new staff member, Geetha, former staff from Neyyar Dam. She attends the Centre from 8AM to 6PM to give some classes and help. Panchavarnam, Geetha and Seetha went to the Madurai Ashram to assist with the preparations for the TTC inauguration. Kumari joined them for the event. We all had a nice meal, and attended the opening event, which was attended by many special guests and Swamis, including our own Swamiji Mahadevananda. He came briefly to gave a warm, welcoming address of advice to the TTC participants, on the subject of the three steps in learning Yoga: first learn to listen, then analyze, and finally put into practice what you have learned. This was well remembered from our own TTC courses and inspiring for all. We are all appreciating the wonderful efforts put out by Swami Govindanandaji and all the staff at the ashram. We wish to congratulate them on the opening of their first TTC. Swamiji's and Master Sivananda's blessings were strongly felt. After arriving home, we had a small Satsang and a "pre-birthday" party for Kumari at the local Meenakshi Bhavan. Manas, sadly, was again left at home in charge of the Center. But we think he somewhat enjoys the solitude.

Om Namah Sivaya! In mid-December, we celebrated with an end-of-the-year Satsang. The Centre was decorated with the Christmas tree, lights and special garlands. It looked colourful and joyful. We had a Meditation, Kirtan, and then Kanti Devi gave a very inspired reflection. After that we shared with all a delicious banquet, prepared by Karuna, Parvati, Kanti and Sarada (from Germany). Many people assisted - teachers, students and friends. Everybody was happy they received a Spanish Sivananda calendar as a gift. From 24th of December until the 8th of January the Centre will be closed. We will have Summer schedule of classes soon. Most of the teachers will be on Vacation. Kanti Devi, Chandra and Mirabai will be in Garopaba, Brasil for the TTC. Love to all.

Om Namah Sivaya. Happy Holidays, filled with Peace, Love, and Gratitude. Pranams.

In December, we had the last open day of the year and also a teachers training course (TTC) preparation weekend with 9 very motivated participants who enjoyed the two days of sadhana and expressed their intentions to join one of the upcoming TTCs. Also the last cooking class of the year turned out to be a great success. Because the group of 18 participants was too big for the kitchen we improvised one of the asana rooms into a large kitchen so that everybody could see and learn how to cook a balanced yogic meal. Various maintenance projects were carried out - the main one being the installation of a large sound-proof door - an elegant wood - plexiglass construction built by one of our karma yogis who is a professional carpenter - which makes it possible to separate our yoga hall into two rooms.

The biggest event of the year was of course our Christmas party in the beginning of December. We were very happy to have Swami Durgananda with us who managed to come just in time from the retreat house in Reith in spite of winter weather and bad road conditions. She gave an inspiring address quoting from a scripture of Sankaracharya. She reminded us that only love combined with divine grace will help us to reach the aim in yoga. Other highlights of the party where a letter from the Sivananda Upanishad set in melody and presented by Swami Sivadasananda, a theatre play with a story from the Siva Purana and a musical performance of cello and flute with pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach. After a delicious South Indian meal everybody set out happily back home. We also mailed the brochure for next year.

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early December, we were blessed with the visit of acharyas Swami Srinivasanandaji, Swami Durganandaji, Swami Sivadasanandaji, Swami Kailasanandaji and their assistant Maha Lakshmi. joining Swami Swaroopanandaji, Swami Premaswaroopanandaji, with their assistant Rukmini, on their way to the Ranch for the EBM meeting. They have all brought lovely energy to the Center. We enjoyed serving them all. Swami Sivadasanananda gave two excellent asana workshops and Swami Swaroopanandaji gave a well appreciated satsang in the form of questions and answers. We thank the EBM for gracing our Center with their visit.

Mid-December - The visit of all EBM members on their way to, or returning from, the Yoga Ranch for the EBM meeting brought high energy to the Centre. We were pleased to welcome Swami Atmaramananda, from the Berlin Centre, who taught a well-received advanced class and workshop on "The Mastery of Destiny" One Sunday we celebrated our holiday party with a satsang, carol singing and a pot-luck dinner, we were happy to have Swami Swaroopananda and Swami Premaswaroopananda attend. We faced the challenge of a mass-transit strike in New York, which will provide a test for yogis trying to reach the Centre for teaching and classes. Pranams to all.

In December, the cold weather did not deter the students from coming and we still had very full classes and courses during this last month. One of the highlights was our Christmas party. The Christmas party is always very popular in Paris, as in all the Sivananda centres, and this year we welcomed some 150 students, many long time students of the centre, but quite a few newer students as well. The evening was very joyful and lifted everyone's spirit. It started with a meditation for world peace followed by a message of Swami Sivananda, a play on the power of positive thinking (remembering that everything is always for the best), a grand asana demonstration by several of the staff and teachers, and a lovely talent show filled with many acts, including a masterly piece of Mozart on the piano, opera singing, reading from the Bhagavad Gita, and many lively songs and poems. Santa Claus paid his timely visit and brought a lot of laughter to the party. The evening ended with a ceremony where we wrote peace messages and attached them to helium balloons and then let them go from the balcony as we chanted the mantra for peace "Om Namo Narayanaya".

We are finalizing the work on our French asana CD, which will come out at the beginning of the year. The staff and students from the Paris centre wish you all a very happy New Year!

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. In mid-December, our Christmas Party was a fun experience for all. Almost all of the Yoga Farm staff joined us, plus about 30 students. After joyful Kirtan and Carols, an impromptu talent show began. Gajananam, from the Vishnu-devananda Yoga Center, received a hearty applause for his expert juggling. A humorous play was enacted by staff, which drew much laughter In preparation for her future trip to Vietnam, (after a 35 year absence) Swami Sitaramananda recited parts of her lectures in English, then translated it into Vietnamese, which made her laugh more than anyone. The potluck dinner was delicious - especially the huge selection of desserts!

In early December, Swami Swaroopananda and Swami Prema Swaroopananda left Israel for the EBM meeting in New York. From there they will travel to the Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas. Rukmini accompanied them in this visit. Their visit, which lasted over two months, was very inspiring and educative for us. We thank Swami Swaroopananda and Swami Prema for their patience and grace. We opened a new workshop for "Developing Virtues and Eradicating Vices", with 16 participants. One weekend we spent in nature, allowing the staff to take some time for recreation, rest and a lot of Sadhana. In mid-December, we started a major renovation project, on our 1st floor, where the storeroom and dressing rooms are located. The place was neatly painted and organized. The whole energy changed positively. A new Yoga 2 course opened, with 12 participants. A beginners' course opened, with 13 students. Many close students came to take part in a yoga class and in satsang. The atmosphere was very joyous and uplifting. Pranams.

In early December, we had good attendance in our open classes. We started two new courses - a Yoga 2 and a Yoga 1. The students in the Bhakti Yoga course enjoyed a special Puj, with Saraswati. We held our annual Christmas/Hanukkah party. We had over 80 people in attendance enjoying satsang, a message from Swami Sivananda, carol singing and the traditional pot luck dinner. Santa Claus visited and brought presents for all the children, teachers and karma yogis. Everyone enjoyed the evening. Pranams to all.

In early December, it was still raining heavily, although we did not struggle with floodwater as in Tamil Nadu. The Centre was busy, we had 2 beginners asana classes, and a new 10am Ladies Only class. One Tuesday evening we had a pasta dinner with many VIP guests, Swami Mahadev, Mr BK Iyer and his wife, Mr Shankara Iyer, all the staff, and a number of teachers. Veena left for a visit to her family in South Africa and to get a new visa. Vasanthe started his examinations. Hari taught his first class - a private class at a students home. Leena and Manimala attended the TTC graduation at the Ashram. Manimala stays as Ashram staff. Parvati came with Leena to the Centre to teach. Veena is away during December. Swami Sivaswaroopananda gave the Satsang one Sunday evening.

In mid-December, the rain continued, but spirits were high, as the local children were ready for school holidays. Class attendance was lower, while everyone completes all their examinations. Preparation for a Kids Winter Camp was underway. Vasanth completed his examinations. He will be training at a local hotel chain, in his chosen field, as a chef. The Centre misses his warm, helpful energy and wonderful teaching style, after three and a half years of service. Teachers and Staff are well. Pranams to all. Om Shanti shanti shanti

Our special courses were well received over the last month: a Pranayama course with inspired students began, and we had a good group of 16 students who came for a 3 hour workshop on advanced Asanas. The continuation course Positive Thinking II began and we also had a TTC preparation course for a small but very interested group of possible future yoga teachers.

Highlight was our Christmas party. Swami Ramapriyananda came especially from Reith to be with us, after just having returned from India. The celebration began with meditation and chanting for world peace and an address of thanks to the Masters, teacher, students and staff by Swami Ramapriyananda. The Christmas carols were followed by a visit of Santa Claus, after which we heard an exceptional classical concert by two professional Viennese violinists. In the end we saw an Indian dance performance before the conclusion with a delicious feast and the distribution of Swamijis beautiful calendar to all! Everybody left inspired and thankful for the wonderful evening.

We could strongly feel the Christmas excitement in the city growing, and the students sought refuge by coming to the teaching of the Masters for Y4, a headstand workshop and a well received workshop "Yoga Body Check".

Saraswati came from Munich to support us when we were working on the bulk mailing of the new brochures. We finished it with the combined effort of many karma yogis helping us.

Finally we also worked on our website, updating it with next year's programmes and also tried to create a better structure and graphic design.

Staff and students are now happily looking forward to the Xmas celebrations in Tyrol and the upcoming New Years celebration at the centre. Happy New Year to All!