NEWS

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Peace & Pranams to all.

The Yoga for Inner Peace Event -
A Reunion of Sivananda Yoga Teachers
August 12,13, 14th 2010 at the Yoga Camp, Val Morin, Canada

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Forgiveness is the greatest virtue, which shines forth in all its splendour in the devotee. - Sri Swami Sivananda

Plank Pose is one of the positions in the traditional Sun Salutation sequence. You can also perform this pose by itself and stay anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute. Start in Adho Mukha Svanasana – Down Dog. Then inhale, exhale then draw your torso forward, lower hips down until the arms are perpendicular to the floor and the shoulders directly over the wrists, torso on a 30 angle to the floor. If there is too much pressure in the wrists then walk the toes back. Press fingertips into the mat to engage the arms and shoulders. Tuck your shoulder blades against your back line. Lift forward in the chest by spreading your collarbones away from the sternum. Press your front thighs up toward the ceiling, but resist your tailbone toward the floor as you lengthen it toward the heels. Lift the base of the skull away from the back of the neck and look straight down at the top of your mat to create a long line from top of head to heels. Keep the eyes soft.
To engage the core muscles, step right foot to centre line raise left foot just off the floor. Press into right big toe mound for 10 seconds.  Repeat on other side. Counter posture – Child’s pose.

Benefits:

• Strengthens the arms, wrists and spine
• Tones the core & abdomen

YOGA SANSKRIT GLOSSARY

SAKSI CHAITANYA – It is in the nature of man to strive for happiness, but all the happiness which he can gain by his actions is only of limited duration. The enjoyments of the senses are transient and the senses themselves are worn out by too much enjoyment. Further, sin generally accompanies these enjoyments and makes men unhappy beyond comparison. Even if the pleasures of the world are enjoyed as much as their nature permits, if they are as intense, as varied and as uninterrupted as possible - old age still approaches and with it, death. And the enjoyments of heaven are in reality not more enviable than these pleasures of the senses. They are of the same nature although more unmixed and durable, and they come to an end for they are gained by actions. Actions are finite and their effects must also be finite. In one word, there is necessarily an end to all these enjoyments and what avails us to strive for pleasure which we know cannot sustain us beyond the moment of enjoyment? It is therefore the nature of the man to look out for an unchangeable, infinite happiness (ananta sukha) - which must come from a `being' in which there is no change if such a being can be found. It is only from him that man attains an unalterable happiness. And if this be so, this `being' must become the sole object of all his aspirations and actions. This `being' is not very far - he resides in your heart. He is the saksi caitanya (witness consciousness) who witnesses the activities of your buddhi (intellect). He is the nirguna Brahman of the Upanishads.
TRUE BEING - True being is that which knows no bounds, neither physical nor intellectual. It is unbounded, spiritual being. The nature of approach must befit the nature of the object approached. The pathway can be known only when the destination is known. The indivisible, absolute and conscious nature of the reality signifies that life on earth should be lived according to rigid laws - laws of dispassion towards external existence and active awareness of the self as an unlimited being. It also shows that all forms of physical and even intellectual indulgence are deviations from eternal truth.
It shows that every desire for objectification of consciousness is suicidal in the real sense.

THE TEN AVATARAS - The Srimad Bhagavata Purana is a chronicle of the various Avataras of Lord Vishnu. There are ten Avataras of Vishnu. The aim of every Avatara is to save the world from some great danger, to destroy the wicked and protect the virtuous.

The ten Avataras are:
Matsya (The Fish)
Kurma (The Tortoise)
Varaha (The Boar)
Narasimha (The Man-Lion)
Vamana (The Dwarf)
Parasurama (Rama with the axe, the destroyer of the Kshatriya race)
Ramachandra (The hero of Ramayana - the son of Dasaratha who destroyed Ravana)
Sri Krishna (The teacher of the Gita)
Buddha (The prince-ascetic, founder of Buddhism) and
Kalki (The hero riding on a white horse, who is to come at the end of the Kali-Yuga)

A complete Sanskrit Glossary can be found at: http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/glossary/glossary.html

Immortality is thy birthright. Realize this now and here. - Sri Swami Sivananda

Commentary:
Liberation occurs when the gunas no longer have an effect. The three qualities of nature rest in balance, ceasing to go through change, for their purpose has been fulfilled. Then, the yogi can no longer be called an individual, for he is Purusha (the Soul) itself.

Enquire who am I? Search, understand, and realize. There is only one Atman. Feel oneness with all. - Sri Swami Sivananda

• 200 ml (7fl oz) yogurt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 400g (14oz) cooked chick peas, drained
• 75ml (3 fl oz) orange juice
• 200g (7oz) cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
  

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Oil a 20cm (8inch) round cake pan.
2. Mix the yogurt and baking soda together and leave for 10 minutes.
3. Put the chick peas and orange juice in a food processor and blend until smooth.
4. Add the sugar, cocoa and baking powder and blend until smooth.
5. Very gently fold the yogurt mixture into the chick pea mixture.
6. Pour the batter onto the prepared pan and bake in the oven for 50 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and cool in the tin on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature..

Previous Recipes: http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/diet/recipes.html

Control the mind. Have a balanced mind. Coax the mind. Discipline the mind. Keep the mind fully occupied with practice of Sadhana. - Sri Swami Sivananda

Om Namah Sivaya! Greetings from the Headquarters.
In early January the New Year was very quiet in the Laurentian mountains. Lots of snow and cold temperatures prevail which is usual for this time of year. A few guests still visited to keep us on our toes! Om and Pranams to all from the staff at Yoga Camp/ Sivananda Headquarters.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
In early January Swami Gayatriananda and Swami Rajeshwariananda went on Yatra to Shabarimala where their endurance was tested as they climbed to the top of the mountain. We had one hundred and seventy guests. By the end of the first week we had about 120 guests but also almost 200 students for the TTC.  The Ashram welcomed a number of translators, in addition to Swami Mahadevananda (returning from HQ and Thailand), Mani Chaitanya and Mr Nagaraj.  The inauguration of the international course was translated into German, Japanese, French, Persian, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Singhalese. All corners of the world were represented by the students from Scandinavia, Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Russia, Asia, Australia, North and South Americas, the largest group being 34 Japanese students.  To accommodate everyone, temporary dormitories were set up in Rama and Agastya Hall.

Mid-January saw TTC get off to a good start with a Ganapati Homa, with 201 students attending.  Ashram orientation and karma yoga assignment helped tune students to the Ashram.  Swami Mahadevanandaji’s Satsangs and lectures were sources of inspiration for students and staff alike.  Master Sivananda’s video helped people to connect to the Gurus. The cultural programme saw a performance of traditional Tamil temple music with wind instruments known as Nadaswaram.  Eighty six guests travelled to Kanyakumari on the day off. Om Namah Sivaya from all staff at Neyyar Dam.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
Greetings from Uttar Kashi. Courses return in April 2010 with a TTC, commencing April 11th 2010. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early January the New Year's celebration was very inspiring: the priest performed a Navagraha Yantra Puja. Guests participated enthusiastically in the Mantra chanting and offering of flowers. We were reminded by Swami Kailasananda to take the resolves for the coming year and stick to it also. We had a lovely talent-show afterwards and entered the New Year with Peace Mantras. Our Yoga vacation guests enjoyed the quiet atmosphere in the Ashram which followed, showed a keen interest in the meditation and the mantras and they even learned to chant a few songs. We had a nice group of Yoga vacation guests, who enjoyed the asanas and the pranayama in the Krishna Kutir hall. The priest went to Paris and we thank him whole-heartedly for the regular temple activities. We finished the boutique inventory of 2009. Marc left for Paris to help with the extension. Radha took the opportunity to help with the special programme there on the weekend. Our Yoga vacation guests enjoyed the quiet atmosphere in the Ashram, and showed a keen interest in the meditation and the mantras, they even learned to chant a few songs. The contractors came to finish the road connecting to the tent area. We had still a little snow, so the gardener was helping inside Krishna Kutir with the preparing of the walls for painting. We said good bye to Padmini and thanked her for her selfless service the last months. OM.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early January we had a wonderful program at the Yoga Farm with Swami Sitaramananda leading a Positive Thinking Course with 20 students and guests, mostly from Mount Shasta, California, who came with their teacher Radha, a long-time devotee and TTC graduate. It was a transformative experience for all as we learned techniques to recognize and understand the power of thought, how to apply tools to overcome negative thoughts and realize our potential. Deep wounds were given light and healing thoughts and hope and joy are in the air. The staff also enjoyed an after-New-Year crisp early morning walk and meditation at the Yuba River. We had a beautiful Guru Puja, led by Swami Pranavananda. We bid farewell to our special guests Synne Kune Loh Skanda and his wife Deviyani, who spent 10 days with us and shared inspirations, stories, team building techniques and knowledge in Feng Shui, I-Ching. plus the power of Creative thinking. We also said goodbye to Mahadevika (temp staff) after three months service to the Ashram. We also thanked Karma Yogi Jeffrey and work-study Kyla for their time at the Yoga Farm. Other staff, on leave during the holidays, came back inspired for service.

Mid-January - Swami Sitaramananda and Gauri Chaitanya travelled to Los Angeles for programs at the LA Centre. At the Yoga Farm we had a week-long Beginners Yoga Course taught by SivaDurgadas. On Thursday the Beginners went to the Yuba River for a walk and Meditation. That evening, January 14, we held an inspiring Krishna Puja celebrating the Sun's movement into Capricorn (signifying the Sun's re-birth) as well as the beginning of the Kumbha Mela Festival. For many of the guests it was a new and uplifting experience as it was their first Puja! Over the weekend Durga presented the Ayurvedic Massage and Rejuvenation Retreat. Guests enjoyed learning about Ayurveda and received consultations and treatments. Talks were given by Durga and Shambu. The staff is doing well, the garden is abundant with greens and lettuces and the llamas and goats have a beautiful new shelter. Om Shanti. Pranams to all.

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In early January Srinvasan and Gauri Devi travelled to the Bahamas to help with the ATTC and the busy season at the Yoga Retreat. Here at the Yoga Ranch it was quiet, giving the staff an opportunity to focus on different projects, including: detail kitchen cleaning and organizing the library.

In mid-January the energy was building up at the Yoga Ranch. A group of dedicated Karma yogis came up from NYC to help out with our library project. Meenakshi (from NY Centre) came up for the weekend to lead our cross country ski program, while Mahadev Chaitanaya was teaching Positive thinking workshops both programs were well attended. Staff send Pranams to all!!

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves!
In early January we are excited to announce the completion of four luxurious air-conditioned beachfront villas comfortably furnished with two double beds, a private bathroom with tub and shower, and sliding glass doors to a large balcony with a breathtaking view of the ocean. The balconies offer privacy and solitude for visitors who desire quiet time at the Yoga Retreat during the busy season. The new villas are also equipped with a private kitchenette for guests with special dietary needs or small children to prepare the food they need or prefer to eat. The villas are designed with characteristic Bahamian charm, made of wood and painted pastel green with white trim. Reservations are being taken for the winter-spring 2010 season. Also new at the Yoga Retreat for the many people coming for yoga vacations, teacher training courses and other yoga and healing programs, we now offer “luxury” camping accommodations. The large Tent Huts are comfortably furnished with beds, nightstands, closets and electricity! In addition to the villas and tent huts, the Retreat has undertaken an Ashram-wide renovation project, renewing existing bathrooms and bathhouses, and adding private bathrooms and air conditioning to some rooms so that visitors can enjoy Ashram life with these new added comforts.

Mid-January - our yoga vacation program included a series of lectures by Dr. Raymond Moody, a leading authority on the subject of Life after Death. He has interviewed hundreds of people over the past few decades who have had near-death experiences and shared with us their common experiences and other knowledge he has gathered and experienced over the span of his career. Dr. Pema Dorjee, of the Tibetan Medical College in Dharmasala, spoke of the healing practices of Tibetan Medicine. We learned of health and disease from a holistic Tibetan medicine perspective and how we can use mind, body, nutrition and other variables to maintain health. The priest conducted a Ayyaappa Puja to celebrate the Tamil New Year.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early January was again filled with many special programmes. Asana workshops for the guests; winter walks amidst fresh new snow, followed by hot tea and healthy snacks. The evening programmes created a cheerful mood and uplifted minds with wisdom recitations and raga music. Swami Durganandaji was talking to many staffs and students giving guidance for this New Year. Swami Kailasanandas lectures and satsangs were much appreciated by all guests. Dr. Kulkarni gave more lectures on Ayurveda as well as personal consultations. Dr. Behman and many staffs left these days to continue to serve in the Centres. We thank everybody very much. The new Reith brochure was sent to many addresses.

Mid-January saw the last week of TTC. The advanced pranayama classes and Vedanta lectures obviously gave energy and inspiration. Dr. Annika Waldmann came for lectures on vegetarianism and her scientific and clear presentation of the data is more then convincing that a vegetarian lifestyle is most healthy. Everybody graduated successfully and Sunday was the great departure day. Nobody left without promise to come back soon. Om Namo Narayanaya!

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In early January, all went well in the Madurai Ashram, by Gurudev's GRACE. The first main program of the New Year - the Sadhana Intensive - started with 32 yogis attending. The course started well. Taking advantage of the cooler climate we planted a lot of tree plants at the Ashram. We started a 10-day Sanskrit course - reading, writing and speaking - in which almost all staff participated. Later we thanked and said goodbye to Nadine Minnet-Tulasi , Yin Funghua, Sridevi, and Bharati after their short-term staff service in the Ashram. Arup Chand joined as staff. As part of the fund-raising for the construction of the Maha Bhadrakali temple, we started a website: www.maduraiAshramtemple.org where we will be displaying the progress of the temple project. All staff in the Ashram were well as they seriously practiced their regular Sadhana program.

Mid-January - All went well in the Madurai Ashram by Gurudev's GRACE. The Sadhana Intensive Course concluded successfully. The second week of the course had a Mahamrityunjaya Homa, Devi pooja and on the last day of the course a small graduation ceremony and a feast. On Makara Samkranti day the whole Tamil Nadu contingent celebrated the Pongal festival, signifying prosperity and abundance and also the starting of the Uttarayanam - sun's northern journey. The first ever 10-day Sanskrit course of the Ashram concluded successfully, which was taught by Swami Advaitanandaji. All the recently planted plants were growing nicely. All goes well within the Ashram by Gurudev's GRACE. OM.

Om Namah Sivaya.
The New Year started with good attendance in classes and courses. There was a successful continuation of the Christmas Intensive Course for beginners. Many new students came to the Centre, eager to enquire about yoga; many took the trial class and inscribed for the beginners´ courses. We were also busy with the preparation for the Special Program which was very successful. We had nice Asana workshops followed by a series of Lectures on Svara Yoga, by Swami Durgananda, which were highly appreciated and well attended by a very attentive audience of teachers and close students eager to deepen their knowledge and practise of Yoga. Every evening concluded with elevating classical Indian music concerts which opened the hearts of all. People enjoyed all the activities very much. Everybody was thankful and happy to be able to participate in this mind-uplifting event. One weekend we started our next Special Program on Ayurveda. We hosted two Ayurveda Acharyas from India. They gave an excellent cooking class, with plenty of practical information and tips for healthy cooking and two inspiring lectures. The students were impressed and inspired by the simplicity and subtlety of Ayurvedic approach to health and nutrition. OM.

Om Namah Sivaya.. Hello from Buenos Aires.
Pranams and prayers for Peace. Prem & Om to all.

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre.
In early January the climate was cooling. We started a evening batch of classes. The Ayurveda camp was good located near the temple to give more publicity, which was good. Udhyan and Janaki left to travel to Neyyar Dam. We also had a visit from Swami Mahadevanada and Mani ji on the way to Neyyar Dam. We had Sandhya arrive from Neyyar Dam. Sajeev left to Neyyar dam for assisting the TTC. Parvathi left to her home for few days and helping out in the Madurai Centre. All Chennai Centre activities are fine. Pranams.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early January we had a fairly quiet start to the New Year, though our Open House event one Saturday turned out to be busy, despite the very cold temperatures outside. Registrations for new courses were strong. We welcomed Mira as a new resident at the Centre. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya
In early January we started a new Beginners course on Monday 4th and another one for Saturdays, with a good number of students attending. Regardless of the cold weather and the thick fog, most courses have been running smoothly.

Mid-January saw a successful Open House, a kids yoga asana class and the commencement of two new Yoga-1 courses. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family. Om Shanti.

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In early January comings and goings: Maniji left to Thailand to join Swami Mahadevananda. Dr. Mamta and Uma Krishana too left to take the TTC in Kerala. Two new Yoga -1 started. Yoga – 2 continued steadily.

Mid-January - We started three new Beginners Courses, one at 10:00 am, 4:00 pm on weekdays and 4:00 pm on the weekends. The three of them have a good number of students. To celebrate Makar Sankranti we had a homa on Jan 14. Regardless of the cold weather and the persistent fog we were all well. All courses ran smoothly. Our best wishes to all the Sivananda family. Prem and Om.

Om Namah Sivaya from the Geneva Centre.
In early January the Centre reopened after the Christmas break and the students were happy to have “their” Centre back. We had a successful open house day with a sincere and interested group of students. Half of them booked for upcoming courses. Also a class for Senior Citizens started, with 26 students, which was organized in cooperation with the City of Geneva. A highlight of the month was the programme with the visiting priest which started with a beautiful Ganesha-Yantra-Puja and continued with a powerful Durga-Puja with the chanting of the 1000 names of Durga. Mangala Chaintanya arrived from Reith. Bhaskara came from Paris to take care of the Centre. Om Shanti.

Om Namah Sivaya.
This month saw the New Year’s Eve celebration which was very successful and inspiring with 76 students. Swami Krishnadevananda returned energized and refreshed from a stay in Sivananda Yoga Retreat House in Austria. Late December and early January saw a lot of snow and ice, which created transportation problems and prevented students getting to their classes. Nevertheless, we had a thriving Open House with a lot of interest in courses and TTC. The Ganapathi Homa this month drew a sizeable group. The new brochure was received and the first half of the mailing was finished. We welcomed Vyasa, a new resident to the Centre. It has been a very productive and active month in the London Centre. Staff are well and send OM & Prem to all.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
In early January we began a Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 course. Each course was well attended and students enthusiastic about learning. We were very busy with several workshops and special events. We held an advanced asana class at the Centre one Sunday alongside a raw foods workshop at the staff house. One Sunday evening Satsang, we hosted the Temple Bhajan Band, who sang lovely songs of Krishna and then served us a nice meal.

In mid-January Swami Sitaramananda came to visit staff, teachers and students of the Los Angeles Centre. We performed a Devi Puja and offered our prayers to those who are suffering in Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake. Swami Sita gave a lovely program on the Mahabharata and its lessons on dharma and karma. We had a strong turnout of students and teachers who attended her lectures and participated in the workshops. Participants were extremely interested in how to interpret the stories of the Mahabharata for their own life learning. Staff, teachers and supporters of the Centre gathered at the staff house for dinner with Swami Sitaramananda. We had quite a bit of rain and our community garden, as well as home garden, looked lovely. Om Shanti.  Sending our Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves!
In January the Madrid staff were coming back from the Xmas holidays in Reith, where they spent inspiring and relaxing days. We restarted the full class schedule. Swami Gopalananada went to Brazil to teach in the TTC and ATTC courses in Garopaba. Two new staff joined the Centre and they are adapting well to the daily rhythm. Many people called to begin the yoga practice. Some of the new teachers that took the last course in Aluenda are joining as active teachers. Om Shanti. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In mid-January, by the grace of God & Guru, our Centre continued to run well. All the works and activities, classes ran smoothly. We started a new class with two students. We had Pongal Holy Day. One Sunday morning Swami Mahadevanandaji visited our Centre. Staff and students participated in Satsanga and Devi Puja. Staff convey their Pranams to all. Om Shanti!!

Om Namah Sivaya.
In January the Centre was doing well with new students and new members particpating. Sunday evening Satsangs attracted regular attendees. Om Namo Narayanaya.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In mid-January the Centre had at 20 hours attendees - the most popular participation of students. We are experiencing summer in our country. For the first hours the day is hard for the practice of yoga, but in the day can see the improvements. We participated in the preparations by the conference about philosophy and religion traditions of the India, with the presence Dr. Rukmani in our Centre.
Open House day invited new students for the free yoga asana class. Om Shanti to all!

Report from TTC and ATTC in Garopaba:
We were delighted with the location’s customary exuberant beauty, and thus contributing substantially to the achievement of the courses’ objectives. During the second week, Devi blessed us daily with rain, sometimes serene, sometimes with all its shakti, resulting in more pleasant temperatures, ideal for practice. For teaching and organizing the courses during the first days we had the support of Swami Gopalananda, Swami Premananda, Kanti Devi, Gopala, Mirabai; Subramanya, Anna Purna and their little daughter Kumari, Ishwara and Sarada from Germany, and from Porto Alegre Lalita, Sri Devi and Mirabai. The second week, Sarada, Sri Devi, Mirabai and Lalita from Porto Alegre had to leave us, being substituted by the equally valuable collaboration of Adriana and Radha from Buenos Aires and, as “work and study” staff, Uma, Anandi and Maheshwari II from Uruguay, Omkari from Neuquén and Jnana Dev from Porto Alegre.
During the week, work continued intensely and harmoniously, the instructors combined the teaching of Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta for the TTCs with Sanscrit and Raja Yoga for the ATTCs, as well as the different classes of asanas. The daily routine of Sadhana and study continued to benefit from synergies between ATTC and TTC. We had the traditional fire place night after satsang, where we heard songs from different regions and had a demonstration of “capoeira“, a Brazilian martial art. Swami Gopalananda entertained us reading stories from India, containing both humour and spiritual lessons. We had the visit from the multifaceted psychiatrist Dr. Shankara, who guided us through the history of alquimia and its relation to homeopathy. We had a talent show, where the participants demonstrated their artistic abilities, with enthusiastic participation of TTCs and ATTCs. There were high level music and dancing performances, as well as a malabarism spectacle. In summary, it was a colorful night with lots of humour. On Day Off some students went to nearby beaches such as Garopaba and Ferrugem. Others opted for enjoying the serenity of the Ashram for study and rest in a relaxed but concentrated mood. With most of the staff we went to Siriú beach, taking a refreshing bath in the sea. From there we proceeded to the “enchanted cascade”, a beautiful park with a lot of autochthonous vegetation, with flowering bromelias and multicolored butterflies, as the frame for a pristine water fall with natural pools where we refreshed.
After the evening satsang we viewed the video “Gangaparikrama” on the last stage of Swami Vishnu's physical life and his pilgrimage along the Ganges. We were impressed once more with the Master's image and his attitude towards his physical body and its limitations. We then took up the sadhana routine with renewed enthusiasm. The TTCs started with anatomy classes, whereas the ATTCs continued with their practice and studies. We also had a Sunday meditative walk to a nearby water fall, where we meditated under the sounds of water and sang kirtan. Some students took the occasion for a refreshing bath. That evening we chanted the Sunday prayers to Sri Rama.

Om Namah Sivaya. Blessings from Montreal.
For mid-January our Centre activities went well with Positive Thinking and Meditation 2 courses in addition to the regular classes. We experienced interest from new students and karma yogis who would like to be more involved in the Centre. At the beginning of the month we were happy to welcome Arjuna who joined staff from Toronto Centre. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya from the Munich Centre!
We started 2010 with our traditional celebration where we entered into the New Year with mantra chanting, meditation and resolves. The first special courses in 2010 where a cooking course; a preparation day for the yoga teachers training course; plus our first monthly open house. Many people came and many took also advantage of our discount to book courses or buy cards for the open classes. Swami Narayananda returned from Reith from the TTC. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early January brought a nice and very inspiring group of students for our first Open House of the year. Many of them showed a great interest in our classical teachings. Kumari did the talks with an introduction to Five Points and an introduction to Meditation. Joe continued with the work on Vishnu room, coming along nicely.

Mid-January - We were blessed with a visit by Dr Peme Dorjee, a Tibetan medicine doctor who is a part of a Dalai Lama's team of physicians. He gave an inspiring talk on the principles of Tibetan Medicine very similar to Ayurveda. He also gave a consultation to all the staff. We begun a several new courses - Yoga 1S, Meditation Course, Positive Thinking, The Bhagavad Gita (the 6th chapter) - which are well attended. Minakshi went to the Ashram to lead a team of cross-country skiers to help the Ashram, and have a little break. All staff are sending pranams to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya.
A beautiful Ganesha Puja was performed by Jagneswara Dixit to start the year and remove any forthcoming obstacles. Ganesha’s name was repeated 1008 times, many beautiful Kirtans were sung, leaving the student enthusiastic and elevated. We were pleased to welcome Dr Anjani and Sanjay Kulkarni who gave three much appreciated programs about Ayurveda, amongst which a lecture on Ayurveda for women.  Professional renovations of the upper floor continued, the first room was painted and furnished with a wooden floor – the result was beautiful.  May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with all. Om Shanti.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves.
Happy New Year to all. May Master and Swamiji Bless you and protect you in the New Year! In early January Sankara Chaitanya, from Montreal, came to help at the Centre. He also visited the new Centre in Milan. We started the year with many programs. Sankara Ch. gave a delicious Indian cooking class, a Satsang and a Kirtan evening which was very much appreciated. One Saturday we had an Open House with 3 trial classes, vegetarian brunch, lecture on Yoga with demonstration of postures and lecture on Meditation. Teachers and Karma yogis helped nicely during the day, people came from different areas of Italy. One Sunday we had a 3-hour asana class and a nice Satsang, also very well attended. We had a holiday in Italy so took advantage to paint the reception and the men’s changing room. We thank Sankara Chaitanya for all the programs and help during his stay in Rome. Om Shanti.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves.
Mid-January saw lots of heavy rain in San Francisco. We had Rob, a website designer, visit for a few days. He took pictures and got ideas for the finishing touches on the new website. All staff and residents are doing well. Pranams to all from San Francisco Centre.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In early January it was very busy and fruitful in the Tel Aviv Centre. We started 3 new courses – Yoga 1 with 17 participants, Yoga 2 with 20 participants and Yoga 3 with 14 students. We travelled north to a beautiful Kibbutz where we held a spontaneous small retreat with 35 teachers and students. During the retreat we held a fund raising for a new parquet floor in the main asana rooms. The event was most successful. The students loved the place and the special program. With the fund-raising we were able to cover the whole parquet floor project. Another project that was successfully completed was the acoustic sealing of our meditation room.

Mid-January saw stormy weather, but in spite of the many heavy rains that poured down in Tel-Aviv, students streamed to the Centre and 3 new courses opened. Yoga 3 asana class started with 18 participants. Meditation & Meditation courses commenced with 17 students each. We made all the preparations needed for the parquet floor to be installed. We expect to get it early next week. Many students came and joined us for a weekend program during which we showed the new released film “HOME”, which made a deep impression on us all. Blessings and Peace to all the Sivananda Family.

Om Namah Sivaya.
We wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. After spending Christmas and New Year away our staff came back to open the Centre with the first week very busy. In early January we had a new Y1 and Y2 commence plus, open classes were full. Most of the upcoming courses filled up fast with online registrations. Camilo is back from a visit to his family in Chile. Kalyani is producing more new posters and brochures to promote the Centre. Morning Satsangs were popular. Our upcoming retreat in Mexico is generating a lot of interest in people. Visit www.sivananda.org/toronto/retreats-mexico.html.

Mid-January saw two new classes begin - Y1 and Y2. We also had Roufus starting with healing drumming lessons for adults, and after school drumming lessons for students. Saraswati started a new Meditation course. Open classes and Satsangs were well attended. Our upcoming courses had good number of registrations. Kalyani left for Mexico to get a proper Visa for her to stay in Canada. In general the Centre is very busy and the New Year started off very well. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early January, by the grace of our gurus, all the activities of our Centre are going on smoothly. One Monday we started two beginners’ courses - one at 9:30 AM and the other at 6:15 PM. One Saturday we conducted a Kriya Workshop for the beginners. We had weekly Lalithasahasranama Pujas and public satsangs.
In mid-January we held a Ganapathi Homa. we conducted a Teachers' meeting with Natarajji, followed by a satsang. Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya.
The staff took turns with visiting the Austrian Retreat House during the inspiring special programs there over the winter vacation time. We finalized our new brochure and then welcomed the Priest for a wonderful and inspiring two day special program: one day we had a sweet Ganesha Puja and the other day we celebrated a powerful Sri Chakra Nava Devi Yantra Puja. The Centre picked up the full schedule of courses again after the winter holidays: many new courses, classes, workshops and seminars were well visited again. We also welcomed Ayurveda Acharya. Kulkarni and his wife for another special program: an interesting talk on “Ayurvedic Nutrition for better Health” and a delicious cooking course. Lakshmi, a new teacher of the Centre, taught her first class and two new staff, Shambu from Hamburg and Vasudev from Spain, arrived at the Centre. Finally the beautiful new brochure arrived from the printer and was sent out to the students immediately. Om Namah Sivaya from Vienna.

Om Namah Sivaya, from Vilnius.
We had a fruitful and encouraging start to the New Year. The first Open House and trial classes attracted many new students to the Centre. The workshop “Yoga in the office” was well attended and appreciated. Many new courses started; a Yoga 1, Yoga 2, Yoga 3 and Yoga 4. Overall student attendance has increased steadily since last year. Much prana was concentrated on advertising and cleaning for the Centre. Staff and Karma Yogi’s worked on finalising the New Vilnius brochure. Om & Prem.