NEWS

God is Love. Love is God. God is sweeter than the sweetest thing. God is all-milk, all-love, all-sweetness. God is the inflowing honey and nectar. - Sri Swami Sivananda

HATHA YOGA TIP

Tip #74: THE DEEP LUNGE
Stand with your feet wide apart and your hands clasped loosely behind your back. Turn your left foot out and bend your left knee until you are in a deep lunge. Lower your chest to left knee & head to the floor inside your left foot and raise your clasped hands as high as possible behind the back. Hold the pose for 30 seconds. Repeat for the right side.


KINDS of MEDITATION - (continued from May & June 2009 Gurugrams) – Sw. Sivananda

4. When you see the concrete figure of a deity, such as Krishna, Vishnu, Kali, etc with open eyes and meditate, it is the concrete form of meditation. When you reflect over the image of a deity by closing your eyes, it is also concrete form of meditation but it is more abstract. When you meditate on the infinite abstract light it is still more abstract meditation. The former two types of concrete meditation belong to Saguna form of meditation, the latter to Nirguna form. Even in Nirguna meditation there is a concrete form in the beginning for fixing the mind. Later on this form vanishes then meditator and meditated become one. Meditation proceeds from the mind.

From the book "101 Essential Tips On Yoga"
Previous Yoga Tips at http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/asana/101tips.html


The Absolute is neither a subject, nor an object of knowledge. It is Pure Consciousness. - Sri Swami Sivananda

YOGA SANSKRIT GLOSSARY

PARIVRAJAKA - a wandering religious monk; a free super-social person; a spiritual wanderer.

OJAS - "vigor". It is the essential energy of the body which can be equated with the "fluid of life". Those who practice Ayurveda say that Ojas is the sap of one's life energy which, when sufficient, supports immunity and, when deficient, results in weakness, fatigue and ultimately disease. Ojas is responsible for maintaining contentment, luster, strength, and health.

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


Be active, but not noisy. - Sri Swami Sivananda

RAJA YOGA

From Chapter II: "Sadhana Pada - On Spiritual Disciplines"
II.46. STHIRA-SUKHAM ASANAM
"Asanas should be steady and comfortable."

Commentary: Patanjali now moves on to the next limb of Raja Yoga, the asanas, or postures. This is the whole subdivision of Raja Yoga known as Hatha Yoga, which works directly with the prana and kundalini, the more subtle energy currents of the body. Hatha Yoga postures, always done in a specific order, massage the endocrine glands and releases energy blockages in the system so that a meditative state is brought about physically rather than through sitting and watching the mind. Hatha Yoga is the best practiced in conjunction with meditation for the 'asanas' are a vital aid, but not the end, on the path to 'samadhi'. It is said that the 'asana' should be steady and comfortable. Whether the posture is a simple cross-legged meditation position or part of a set of Hatha Yoga exercises, it is important that the practitioner not be strained. He should be given amount of time. Fidgeting and loss of concentration only waste energy. Just as in meditation, the mind and body must remain one-pointed.


Love knows no reward. Love knows no fear. - Sri Swami Sivananda

VEGETARIAN CUISINE

ALMOND MILK – increase your ojas

This sustaining and soothing drink was developed by Swami Vishnu-devananda during the time he was doing intensive sadhana (yoga practice) in the Himalayas. It is served daily during our Sadhana Intensive courses to increase the sadhakas ojas. It is a rich source of easily digestible food for a rapid replenishment of energy. Almonds are a concentrated source of protein, as well as being high in vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Almonds fat content makes them excellent for skin and muscle repair. Highly valued in Ayurveda, almonds strengthen the respiratory system and lubricate the intestines. The ingredients below are per person. Simply multiply by the number of people you want to serve.

Recipe per person:

Ingredients:

• 10 almonds
• Pinch of ground cardamom
• Pinch of pepper
• 1 cup warm milk, soy milk or water
• 1 teaspoon honey

1. Soak the almonds overnight in enough water to cover
2. The next day, drain the almonds, reserving the soaking water
3. Remove the almond skins
4. Place the nuts in a food processor, or blender, with the soaking water, cardamom & pepper
5. Blend at high speed for 5 minutes
6. Combine the almond mixture with warm milk, water or soy milk
7. Stir in the honey
8. Drink at once

Om Namah Sivaya!
Greetings from the Headquarters. In early June all is well at the camp, getting ready for the beginning of the Sadhana Intensive & the Fasting/ Detoxification programme both due to start on the 14th June. Familiar & new staff steadily arrived to help out during the summer. The gardens were planted with the annuals bringing a splash of colour to the Ashram. Buildings were cleaned, painted &, re-vamped.

In mid-June all was good in the Ashram with everything focused on becoming busy for the summer. The buildings & the grounds are shining! The Summer 2009 staff are still arriving with the sun is shining. The new Ayurvedic building is receiving clients. It looks and feels wonderful. The temples are also receiving many devotees. All the staff are good and well sending our pranams.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
In early June the staffs welcomed the cooling winds and rain showers, indicating the start of the rainy season. Sanditha and Shubh lal were two additions to Ashram staff. A new batch of Yoga Vacationers started their new Ashram lifestyle. We held a chanting workshop for the guests with a noticeable difference in the following kirtan portions of Satsangs. We experienced an interactive talent show, with improv acting and a group energy circle. On one Friday “day-off” staff and guests visited the Subramanya Temple in Neyyar Dam to witness the parade of Kaavadi participants tolerating various degrees of tapas in the form of body piercing hooks and spears. The parade ended with a fire walk across a bed of worshipped hot coals.

In mid-June the staff in Neyyar Dam were taking advantage of the low season to increase their time in personal and group Sadhana. This includes regular attendance to asana classes, daily chanting of Om Namo Narayana for one hour in the Narayana Hall plus Puja to the Divine Mother every Friday at the Rajarajeswari Temple. The Yoga Vacation lectures and asana classes were becoming smaller creating an atmosphere to stimulate group discussions and concentrate teachings. The talent show one Friday was abundant in creativity with two capella-singing performances plus a guitar and vocal performance with lyrics describing the monsoon season. Om Namah Sivaya from all staff at Neyyar Dam.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
Greetings from Uttar Kashi. In mid-June the first week of TTC concluded with a full contingent of 34 students. Sw. Govindananda & Nagaraj are here. Apologies, due to our rural set up outside communication is often disturbed. At the moment we have no telephone or mobile lines working. Staffs are well and send their pranams.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In mid-June we had a good start for our week-long programme focussing on vegetarian cooking. The cooking classes for the guests were all a success. All guests helped very nicely and were eager to learn more about the yogic diet. We also took the opportunity to touch a little the Ayurvedic principles through our Ayurveda video. We also put efforts into the administration of the summer 2009 special programmes, especially the upcoming TTC. The new topic of the guest programme was ‘Yoga and Anatomy’, which has generated a good response in term of registrations. François and Viswakarma continued with the putting of the plasterboards in the Krishna Kutir extension. The priest had to leave to India for family reason and will be back for the start of the TTC in July.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early June we cleaned up the Ashram after TTC and adjusted to the change of staff. The “Anatomy for Hatha Yoga” course, taught by Swami Pranavananda, was attended by our TTC graduates and a small group of other teachers. Swami Sitaramanananda, Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Premaswaroopananda, Rukmini and Jnaneswari had a very successful visit to the San Fransisco and Los Angeles Centre, where they gave inspiring, well-attended lectures. We began, for the first time, the “Sadhana for Yoga” teachers’ course, with Krishna and Mahashakti from Uruguay teaching and Swami Sitaramananda giving daily Satsangs. The course was like a mini Sadhana retreat for 10 days geared towards TTC graduates. The 9 students attending will study the Raja Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Hatha Yoga Pradipika, attend 2 yoga classes per day, and have some additional time in the afternoons for personal sadhana of additional pranayama and likhita japa. We celebrated the birthday of Swami Swaroopananda with a Maha Mritun Jaya Homa ceremony performed by Krishna at the Durga temple. Swami Swaroopananda reminisced about how Swami Vishnuji Maharaj loved to contemplate at the Durga temple. All shared in the birthday cake and enjoyed the beautiful full moon.

In mid-June the Vedanta and Silence course was held with students absorbing and applying the truth of Vedanta as expounded in Viveka Chudamani. The ashram felt some of their vibrations through their silence, wearing the signs of mounis in action. The Beginners’ Yoga course was going at the same time with Swami Pranavananda. Devika, Ananta took care of the guests. We received an unusual surge of Yoga vacation guests and had to use the Yoga Hall to accommodate the large group. The guests enjoyed thoroughly their Yoga vacation experience, talks on how to get prana and how to conserve prana as well as what is relaxation. They also went to the Yuba River. Durga and the Ayurvedic therapists arrived for a week end of Ayurveda. Durga gave two well- received Ayurvedic workshops to the guests. Pranams to all.

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In early June the TTCs completed their first week with great strides. The deaf community gives us all inspiration with their sincerity and light. We welcomed new temporary staff, Parameshwara, Krishna Priya and Joe. They helped the Ashram with carpentry projects, maintenance and painting. We also welcomed Swami Brahmananda from the Bahamas, for a well deserved yoga vacation. We inaugurated the new asana/dining room, now named the Annapurna room. Krishnam Namboodiri led a beautiful Puja for the room, and at the same time we celebrated Srinivasan's birthday. The same day we had a special program with Rabbi Gelberman and Judith Steele. The TTCs enjoyed his Satsang, with many laughs and some very touching moments with his words of wisdom.

In mid-June we welcomed a New York City based women’s classical quartet. It was a debut performance, lead by a karma yogi from the Centre, Amy. The performance was delightful and touching, the acoustics of the new asana room enlivened the concert with a rich sound. Jim McKeegan gave his annual Introduction to Yantra Painting Workshop with several guests learning the art of creating beautiful Yantras. Om Shanti. May the Gurus' blessings of be with us all.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves!
In early June Swami Brahmananda left for a 10-day retreat at the Ranch. Staff and Karma Yogis continued the Ashram clean-up after a busy season, labelling and storing tents and furniture, painting and maintenance. We began a new project, building a fountain/sink for purified drinking water. The rain has finally stopped and we started to feel the humidity in the air.

In mid-June we were happy to have Swami Brahmananda back after his 10-day retreat. We continued in the process of cleaning up the Ashram, taking tents down and doing summer preparations. Many staff left this month to go home for the summer. During Satsang we learned about Bhakti Yoga and opening the spiritual heart which was a nice segue into the following topic of Kirtan. There were some spectacular thunderstorms this month, accompanied by plenty of rain. Om Namah Sivaya from the Staff of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In mid-June it was the last week of the TTC and the ATTC courses. The TTCs enjoyed going deeper into yoga philosophy and the energy and focus of the advanced pranayama class. The ATTC had a real breakthrough in asanas. With all the variations, their flexibility increased considerably. The intense early morning advanced pranayama sessions were very serene and elevating. The group of guests was happy with the yoga classes, walks and being part of the TTC/ATTC energy. Finally, after the last day off - we had the exams. Everybody passed and the graduation ceremony in the afternoon was celebrated in high spirits. Everybody became completely absorbed in Swami Durgananda’s picture presentation on Swami Vishu-devanandas life and work. The spirit of peace and service was truly invoked and the highlight of the final week.

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In mid-June we were just a few staff. There are no guests and no guest programs running. We were fully focused on repairs and maintenance works with some new construction. All staff are well and practicing their Sadhana. Sending pranams from the teachers and staff at Madurai Ashram. Pranams & OM.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In late June the highlight was the Special Program with Stephen Quong, astrologer from California. He gave wonderful, inspiring and very informative lectures. We got a very interesting insight into the holistic approach to health care, karmic cycles and spiritual development. The students were amazed, how practical and profound the astrologic knowledge is.

Om Namah Sivaya. Hello from Buenos Aires. Prem & Om to all.

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves.
In early June the climate in Chennai was still hot.We started new beginners’ 9.30AM batch. We received enquires for classes as the monsoon season changed. Gopan left to Canada. Talitha and Narayani also left due to their visa. We got a new cook - Jaya. We remained working in Ayurveda with new ideas from Dr. Vijay.

In mid-June the climate in Chennai was still hot. Swami Mahadevananda was here for a day before he left to Canada. We sent Talitha back home for few months. The Ayurveda section isgetting better with more new consulting. We started a new beginners’ course. All the staff send their pranams to the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early June our Chicago Centre continued to be fairly quiet. We started a new meditation course which attracted a full group of students. One Monday we made a trip to visit the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago and also the newly constructed Ramakrishna Universal Temple just outside the city.
In mid-June classes continued to be quiet at the Centre. We finally experienced some long awaited summer warmth. Gauri Chaitanya left for a short break to visit family in Seattle. Om Shanti. Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In early June Yoga 1 started, with 25 students. A few of our workshops were cancelled due to the renovation of Vishnu Hall. The Meditation 1 course was successfully completed by 12 students. Jaypal left for home for one month. A new cook adapted well to the Ashram lifestyle. Many had joined for our Sunday Free Trial class, with a few kidsattending their Sunday class. We welcomed Koely Dasji to start the Pre-natal classes again.

In mid-June a new Yoga 1 started.We held a Spine & Flexibility plus a Kriya workshop. Our Sunday Trial class and Kids class had more students even when the heat of the city went up to 47° Celsius. The renovation of the Vishnu Hall continued. The new brochure was prepped for mailing.Sending pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya
In early June our Centre’s activities continued very well with all the classes and courses held with high energy. Delhi’s temperature continued to climb higher and higher every day. A new yoga course started with good numbers of students attending. We prepared for our new brochure. Karma yogis began cleaning the street near the Centre. We were also excited to prepare for Swami Govindanandaji’s visit in July for a “Meditation and Yoga” workshop. Members were sowing their interested in upcoming workshops with Swamiji.

Mid-June started with new Beginners course at 10:00am and 6:30pm, with a good numbers of students. We started a meditation course. We held a Shat Kriya Workshop & we prepared for the new Centre’s brochure. OM Shanti! Om & Prem to all.

Om Namah Sivaya from the Geneva Centre.
In late June a new Yoga 1 started. Swami Anantananda returned from an inspiring ATTC in Reith. Lakshmi kept the Centre up and running for 4 weeks with the help of dedicated teachers and Karma yogis. Om Shanti.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In late June whilst student numbers were lower, the activities in the Centre were still flowing. One Saturday, we had a good sized Cooking workshop "Cooking for Beginners". Students were very much inspired with the food. We all sat outside to eat as a group under the new awning – a very nice and relaxed group energy. We had a wonderful concert with Partho Sarothy one Sunday evening. The music was sublime and the attendance good. Swami Durgananda and Swami Krishnadevananda had an architects’ meeting with the new renovation projects in mind. Swami Krishnadevananda contacted the lawyer and local estate agent regarding the possible purchase of the 47 Felsham Road property. With the brochure finalised, we started to prepare the envelopes for the mailing. Sita made some nice changes to the database, preparing for the mail out. Padmini left to serve in the Orleans Ashram for the summer. Om and Prem to all.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
In early June the highlight was the visit of Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Premaswaroopananda, Rukmini and Jnaneswari, from Bahamas Yoga Retreat and Swami Sitaramananda from the Yoga Farm. One Wednesday evening Swami Swaroopananda answered many questions at Satsang, covering a wide area of topics, but the main message was the importance of selflessness and helping others and the necessity of doing bhakti-infused karma yoga to ensure the benefits of all other yoga Sadhana. The following night, Swami Sita's subject was "Faith, not Fear”, giving a very clear explanation of the importance of Faith in our lives as we progress towards Self-realization. She also offered practical advice on how to reduce fear and doubt and strengthen faith. Participants on both evenings were very inspired. Attendance at workshops was good. Both sessions have been transcribed and can be downloaded from our website www.sivananda.org/la. We welcomed Kailasa back from the Yoga Farm, after TTC, and Gopala also arrived with Kailasa to spend some time with us. Shakti went to the Farm for a week to attend the teacher’s sadhana week.we had Saturday's karma yoga party, spent transforming a loft at the yoga Centre to accommodate Gopala who recently joined from the Yoga Farm, making our staff numbers increase to four. One Saturday night staff and several guests watched the very beautiful Indian movie, 'Water' for our monthly movie night. Much time was spent mulching the gardens to conserve water during the summer. Shakti came back refreshed from the Yoga Farm where she had been taking the Teachers’ Sadhana Retreat.

In mid-June we spent a week preparing for a fundraising event to be held at the local Ecofest, where we will be holding a Sivananda Yoga demonstration class. Vidya Chaitanya started a new 5 week “Yamas and Niyamas and the Environment” course. Shakti started a Yoga 2 course. Visiting presenter, Jeff Jones, held a workshop which focused on questioning old beliefs that keep us trapped in unwanted behaviours and habit. We started our summer sale which provided a welcome boost to our finances! Kailasa returned to the Yoga Farm to participate in the Vedanta course. Gopala settled in well and is teaching classes and enjoying karma yoga in the garden, which was very productive with fruit and a variety of seasonal vegetables. We are enjoying very pleasant summer weather. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves!
In late June the main activity was the Ayurvedic program with Dr Kamlesh. Dr Kamlesh gave inspiring lectures on Ayurveda in the evenings. The high light was the Ayurvedic cooking class, well appreciated by the 25 participants. We received the new brochure from the printer and prepared the mailing during the two evening Satsangs. Om Shanti. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In early June by the grace of God & Guru, the Centre is running well. All the works and activities, classes continued smoothly.We started a new beginners’ class. Staff member Panchavarnam got a new male baby. Sandy from Germany (ATTC Madurai) visited our Centre for 2 weeks. On 10th Wednesday we received a new staff member, Ashker Aboo Hameed, (TTC at Neyyar 2008 March, ATTC Madurai). He will be with us for another 3 months. We had our weekly Satsanga with all staff and students participating.

In mid-June all the workshops, activities, classes ran smoothly. We started new beginners’ class, with nine students. Yashpal returned to the Centre from home. All other functions are going smoothly. Staffs are conveying their Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In early June we prepared for the start of an Intensive for beginners. In two weeks, they were ready to begin daily classes of asanas. We also had two other beginner groups who attended the following week. Every Wednesday afternoon we held the "Repeat Mantra for Peace." We continued with classes on Saturdays and Sundays at 17:00hs. After class on Saturdays, we enjoyed the movie "National Geographic Human Body." On Sundays, after the asana class we offered Satsang as an option for those who cannot attend on Friday. We had the opportunity of enjoying three exciting workshops: “Yoga to Overcome Stress”, “Concentration and Meditation” and “Learn to Eat Healthy”, which saw the interest of many students. We welcomed Lalita, a teacher who will be part of our staff for three months, sharing what she learned in other Centres as a Karma Yogi and providing a rich experience. We began the closing of the skylights in the Centre. Initially the work was completed in the small one, and we will start with the big one. We have seen the changes quickly, because it provides more warmth to the house during our winter, so as to better enjoy the practice of Yoga.

In mid-June we started Intensive Course for Beginners, with very good participation. Every Wednesday afternoon is the RepeatingMantra for Peace: "Om Namo Narayanaya".We began to see new faces in classes onSaturday and Sunday for those who can not come to class during the week. After a Saturday class people enjoyed the movie "What we know about this?" After a Sunday class the students enjoyed the Satsang as an option for those unable to attend on Friday. Pranams to all. Om Shanti!!

Om Namah Sivaya. Blessings from Montreal.
In early June we had a good response after sending our summer brochure, with lots of inquiries and registrations. Swami Rajeshwarananda arrived from Rome. Classes and courses are going well. We had a beautiful Satsang with 90 people. The Kirtan was amazing. We continued with preparations for the 50 anniversary celebration of the Montreal Centre. Read the NEWS Section at the top of the Gurugram for more details and link to a photo gallery. One Saturday, the staff went to the Yoga Camp. We started 2 beginners Yoga 1 and a Meditation Course. Om Namah Sivaya!

Om Namah Sivaya from the Munich Centre!
In late June we held a workshop “Yoga and Stress Management”. The participants learned about the reasons of stress and practiced different yoga techniques which help to prevent it. For our Open House many interested people came and stayed the whole afternoon for a full yoga programme. We also started a positive thinking course based on Master’s book “Thought Power”. Swami Narayananada returned from the Retreat House in Reith after teaching with the TTC and ATTC.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early June Satsangs were strong, with consistent attendance. We spoke from Swami Sivananda’s All India Tours, particularly on quality and content of education and faith. Staff and karma yogis have continued the advertising efforts, bringing our program materials and asana practice to busy Union Square. Open house was an inspiring success. Course bookings continued to be strong.

In mid-June all courses continued to run well. Our books from the boutique started to find new homes with inspired students! Karma yogis have been strong and supportive. Our programs with Master Ou were nicely attended. It was again our privilege to host him during his stay in New York. We pray all are well.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In late June Nischala Joy Devi gave four inspiring, warm and loving lectures, on The Healing Path of Yoga; on Yoga as a Means of Prevention; on Yoga and Western Medicine and on Yogic Methods of Stress Management. Her visit was quite uplifting and positive for staff and students alike. Swami Kailasananda gave two special program lectures on the theme of the mysteries of the astral body and on living with inspiration. Students and staff were energized and grateful for this knowledge. A third special program took place with Dr. Kamlesh. He gave a lecture on the fundamentals of Ayurveda and a well appreciated cooking workshop, with his usual enthusiasm and humour.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves.
In early June we were busy with preparations for the Yoga Festival in Roma, which was a great exposure for the Centre. Swami Jnaneswariananda came from Milano to help in the festival. We gave classes plus Swami Janeshwarananda gave a talk on Prana at the Yoga festival. Swami Rajeshwaranananda left for Canada for two weeks to arrange some papers.Om Shanti.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves.
In early June Buddhi Devi and Kumari joined the San Francisco Centre staff after recently completing their TTC at The Farm. Practice classes have been assigned to them, along with resident Karuna, preparing them to take classes on our open schedule soon. Temporary staff member Sri Devi left for Ireland to visit friends for a month so the new graduate’s arrival was timely. Our first challenge together was a “Yogathon”, raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital Saturday afternoon. Staff and students participated. It was a huge success with three of our staff performing an impressive 216 rounds each of Surya Namaskar with hardly a break. Satsang was blessed with a devotional kirtan concert by Mike Irvine and Ensemble, sharing sacred and classical Indian music and sound.

In mid-June summertime rolled in sweetly with beautiful weather, soaring Sadhana, and sunny visits from great friends. Krishna Darshan and Maha Shakti stayed with us here at the Centre, teaching asanas, playing tabla and singing bhajans. Krishna gave a workshop on Karma, Yoga, and Jyotish, as well as a talk on the true meaning and significance of Hatha Yoga at our Sunday Satsang. Karma Yogis, Travis and Vasudeva, continued their work on the third floor bathroom and treatment room renovation, preparing for the grand re-opening of the Ayurveda Wellness Centre in mid July. Pranams to all from San Francisco Centre.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In early June we focused on a massive promotion with three special programs for our teachers, starting on July. These programs include a "Yoga for Children" training workshop, "Parental Yoga" training workshop and "Yoga for Special Needs" training workshop. We received very good feedback and expect all three workshops to be booked soon. The new brochures looked very nice. Both were printed and will be mailed soon. Sunday evening Satsang celebrated Ishwara’s 28th birthday & Vishnu's 31st birthday. Many students came to the special Satsangs so the atmosphere was very joyous. The weekend was peacefully spent in seclusion.

In mid-June we printed the July-September program and a brochure for our upcoming Yoga Retreat in August with Swami Swaroopananda. Both brochures were mailed to thousands of students all across Israel.Shankara Chaitanya gave an introductory class for Meditation, with 11 participants. A second introductory class will be very soon with 16 students registered already. We focused on promoting our regular activities – a Jyotish Workshop, a special lecture on the Mahabharata and Bhagavad-Gita and several Yoga courses. We had a very nice attendance for our current programs. We were especially glad to see old time students coming back and taking part in the activities.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In early June we celebrated Swamiji's cousin, Rajappan Nair's 80th birthday, where he told us some stories of Swamiji. Rajappan Nair is visiting his son in Toronto. It was inspiring to see him and Valsala Amma, his wife. We were also blessed with a visit from Marylyn Rossner and Sister Liona, they were both visiting sister Anita who is in her last phase of her life in a Toronto care home. Highlight of the month was the Retreat that we held outside Toronto. Prahlada led 32 people for this Mantras and Bhakti Yoga Retreat. The group attending was very enthusiastic attending many workshops and lectures, asking questions and getting clarification. Jiva was there, amusing everyone with her variety of Indian cooking, which is enjoyed by all. We had a new carpet installed in the downstairs of the Centre where we created a waiting room just next to the changing rooms. Saraswati stayed back to keep running the Centre. We had Arjuna came to help out for the weekend. We continued to have courses and classes going very strong. We started serving meals which was very popular. Prahlada was travelling to the Camp quite a bit. Saraswati was extremely busy with Yoga Camp and Kids Camp 2009 preparation. Our new classes and courses have good number of students registered already. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early June, by the grace of our gurus all the activities of our Centre continued smoothly. Swami Mahadevananda visited the Centre on his way back to Canada.We have painted the roof floor and the roof is now ready for the upcoming asana classes. We installed a beautiful Ganesha statue at the front of the Centre. One Sunday, we had a workshop on Meditation with Swami Sivaswaroopananda, followed by a satsang. The morning and evening open classes were in full swing. The Kids Vacation class finished. The registrations for the next beginner’s course continued. We had a Lalithasahasranama & a Satsang with Kalyani Chaithanya. Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi! Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi!

Om Namah Sivaya.
In late June new courses were beginning in Y1, Y2, and Y3. We had an inspiring special program with the Vedic astrologer Umananda/Stephen Quong. His introduction and lectures on the topic, entitled “Karma Cycles” and “Health” were very informativeand clearly presented, allowing time for questions also. We then had a successful cooking course on “Quick Dishes”. We welcomed Gopika back from her stay in Reith, from where she retuned inspired and recharged.