NEWS

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves,

An update on 2010 YOGA FOR INNER PEACE Worldwide Reunion of Sivananda Yoga Teachers.

The Yoga Camp Sivananda Headquarters has received many applications from people wanting to come to the World Wide Teachers Reunion to be held this August on Thursday the 12th, Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th.  So far we have 450 confirmed attendees. The Yoga Camp staff is busy preparing for the event.  We are all excited about it as it brings everyone closer to Swamiji's teachings and peace missions.

Re-energize, revitalize and create peace.

The 3-day program includes yoga classes, celebrated vegetarian foods, an evening cultural program, group discussions and Satsangs with Swami Mahadevanandaji, and other members of the Executive Board. Swami Mahadevananda will also be offering an informative and entertaining discussion every afternoon. There will be plenty of time in the day to also visit with friends around the poolside and lawns of the Ashram.

In addition Potti Swami will be here from India to perform an auspicious Homa on the morning of 16th Saturday.

A few reminders:

Please bring your tent and bedding
There is no charge for this event
Advance registration is necessary

If you haven't already registered, please make reservations on line now at www.sivananda.org/reunion as we are planning on accepting up to 500 participants for the event.

Pranams,
Prahlada
Yoga Camp

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HATHA YOGA TIP

One Foot to Head Pose – EKA PADA SIRASANA - Advanced
One Foot to Head Pose is an advanced pose, providing a full stretch for both the lumbar and thoracic regions. Be sure to warm the body up properly before attempting this posture, being careful never to force or strain in any position.

1 - From Sukhasana, lift right leg and place the right foot into the left elbow crease. Bring the right arm around outside the right leg and clasp the hands into the Rocking Baby Pose. Rock side to side for a few minutes to help massage the hip socket.

2 - Release the right leg. Take ahold of the right foot with both hands and gently try to bring the sole of the foot flat against the breast bone. Slowly slide the foot towards the chin, then nose, then the forehead.

3 - Release and hold onto the foot with both hands. Drop the right shoulder enough to slide it under the right knee, resting the knee and upper right calf on the shoulder. Try to sit as tall as possible to avoid compressing the back and chest.

4 - Slowly straighten the right knee, bringing the foot behind the head with the left hand. When steady, bring the hands into Namaste. Hold for several breaths then try the other side.

Benefits:
Deep opening of the hip socket and adductor leg lines
Increased flexion and rotation of the hip joints

YOGA SANSKRIT GLOSSARY

VAMANA AVATARA – The dwarf avatara. Vamana Avatara is a descent of Vishnu, the Preserver, in the form of a dwarf. According to the Puranic allegory, Vamana of the Three Strides came to dispossess the asura Bali Daityaraja from dominion over the three worlds.

To accomplish this Vamana petitioned Bali for only three steps of land, as much of the world as Vamana could cover in three steps. Vamana then transformed for a dwarf to his godlike stature, then in three world-encompassing strides, deprived Bali of the heavens and the earth in his first two steps the entire universe, and for the third step King Bali realized his demise and offered his own head. Pleased with Bali's surrender, Lord Vamana offered to become the guard at Bali's door.

These three strides of Vamana Avatara represent the godlike emanation or essence passing through the three cosmic planes superior to the material plane, informing and inspiring as the essence proceeds.

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

End and beginning are dreams.  Endless and beginning-less is the Soul or Atman.- Sri Swami Sivananda

From Discourse I: ""Samadhi Pada- On Contemplations" "
I.1. ATHA YOGAANUSHAASNAM

"Now Yoga is explained.''The word 'Yoga' means union. It refers to the process of
uniting the individual with the Universal Soul. It brings about that state of mind which is unruffled and calm in all situations.

GOMASIO – A typical Japanese macrobiotic condiment both appetizing and highly nutritious. Gomasio is a tasty way to reduce salt consumption. It is worth making a large amount of this mixture at a time as it stores well.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup sesame seeds, rinsed and drained
1/2 tsp unrefined sea or rock salt

Preparation:
Roast the seeds in a hot oven for 10 minutes, stirring once.
Add the sea salt and roast for another minute.
Cool slightly, then grind with a pestle and mortar.

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

It is divinity that shapes, not only your ends, but also your acts, your words and thoughts.- Sri Swami Sivananda

SIVANANDA WORLD NEWS - JUNE 2010

SIVANANDA YOGA VEDANTA Ashrams -

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, Val Morin, Quebec, Canada

Om Namah Sivaya! Greetings from the Headquarters.
Om and Pranams to all from the staff at Yoga Camp/ Sivananda Headquarters as we prepare for the Sivananda Teachers' Reunion in August.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
In June The quiet of the low season has allowed us to focus more on staff sadhana. We are all trying to maintain half an hour Om Namo Narayanaya chanting daily, attending morning and evening satsang and at least one yoga class a day and keeping a group spiritual diary. This week Swami Rajeshwariananda, Sadasiva and Shreekumari accompanied 10 guests for a 2 day excursion to Madurai. Pranams & Om Namah Sivaya from all staff at Neyyar Dam.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
Greetings from Uttar Kashi. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya!
At the end of April we had very nice weather with most of the afternoon classes outside and also some of the guest lectures. The silent walks in the blossoming nature around were very much enjoyed by the guests. Then the temperatures dropped and we had to teach inside again. We had a week-long cooking workshop with lectures on the 3 gunas, the benefits of vegetarianism, proper use of spices, how to cook a balanced meal etc. A sincere and interested group of ten people stayed for the whole week. It was nice to see them recharge following the daily schedule in the Ashram, their faces shining a bit more each day! OM.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In June the ATTC students did very well as they prepare for their final exam. Swami Swaroopananda gave an inspiring Questions & Answers session a Sunday evening Satsang. Dr. Timothy McCall, MD, author of 'Yoga as Medicine', gave an interesting workshop on Yoga Therapy, and also gave Satsang lectures on Yoga and Stress Reduction that were very informative, linking the benefits of yoga practice to a healthy lifestyle. We also thanked Mark and Terra for their lovely 5-night program of Hari Katha celebrating the lives of Indian Saints. We held a beautiful sunrise meditation at the Siva Temple on Siva Hill. As the weather grows warmer, guests and staff gave their energy to the garden, planting summer vegetables and tending the fruit trees. Construction on our 3rd deluxe cabin is coming to completion, with the help of dedicated karma yogis and staff. Om Namah Sivaya to all blessed selves from the Yoga Farm.

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In June the TTC went smoothly, with student purifications strong and steady. Michael Judd returned to continue guidance with permaculture teaching and projects with the WWOOF program around the ashram. The Ranch hosted a performance during an evening satsang of Haripath Kirtan with the Shanti Mandir Haripath Mandali. A powerful performance of devotion enjoyed by staff, guests, and TTCs. We hosted very special guests, Rabbi Gelberman and Judith Steele. The Rabbi's message of joy and unity had everyone up on their feet dancing and closing the weekend with huge smiles and joyous hearts. The staff are very well and send pranams to all.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves!
In June Celia McBride (Mirabai) was here this week talking about how to get over fears and develop courage. Her workshops lead us through a process of recognizing our root fears and then finding ways, through yoga practices and other methods, to overcome them. Sita Chaitanya started a 5-day program on Meditation and Mind Control. The evening of the full moon we all enjoyed a satsang on the beach and 'storytelling' with Shankara. Om Shanti from all the staff in Nassau.

Om Namah Sivaya!
Towards the end of April we offered different excursions and lectures for your yoga guests. One of the guests, who was suffering from a burnout, benefited a lot from his week-long stay. Cooking for the guests (as the Biohotel was closed) continued to be a good learning experience and the guest enjoyed the simple yet yogic setup. We used the time for progressing with the spring clean up and also prepared a mailing for Whitsun. Work on the construction site in the Kailash building continued fast and smooth. An enlarged garden and kitchen extension is taking shape.

Beginning of May we had an interesting weekend. We had a further teachers' refreshing weekend named "the art of correcting asana - inverted poses". In very detailed workshops all aspects of the Asanas very shown and practiced. The participants appreciated it a lot. A kirtan workshop brought a lively and warm energy and the Satsangs were uplifting. Preparations for the Whitsun retreat and the upcoming TTC continued. We planted many new perennial flowers along the wooden platform so in summer the view will be even nicer with colourful plants, green lawn, mountains and blue sky behind. Swami Sivadasananda and Swami Bhagavatananda arrived to be here throughout the TTC. On Saturday the 8th of May 36 TTC students arrived mainly from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is a German speaking course, which is taught once a year here in Reith. After an inspiring inauguration ceremony in the afternoon the students enjoyed a dynamic asana demonstration presented by the staff under the guidance of Swami Sivadasananda. Om Namo Narayanaya!

 

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In June a few highlights were the visit by guests from Neyyar Dam ashram and 100 strong students + teacher group from a nearby school to our ashram. Neyyar Dam guests stayed here for two nights. It was a nice experience for them and the existing guests of the Ashram. A trip was organized to Azhagar Koil (temples for Lord Subramania and Lord Vishnu), 12KM away from Meenakshi ashram.
Guests had a sprinkle of the scared water stream reaching into the temple compound from the verdant forest slopes of the hill. Down in the foothills is the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a massive structure build of granite. Next day they were taken to Meenakshi temple on their way back to Neyyar Dam. Appreciating their experiences, they parted with us. The visiting student & teachers spent almost a day in the ashram; enjoyed their outing, playing games and attended a lecture demonstration on yoga provided to them upon their request. Yoga vacation continued. All are well and conveying Pranams. OM.

Om Namah Sivaya.
Highlight of May was the weekend retreat in Neu-Schönau. This is our new retreat place. It proved to be a good choice. The weekend was very successful: students could enjoy the yoga practise in a very beautiful surrounding. The nature was in a full bloom, charging us with Prana and giving a great relief after city stress. We were charmed by sunny outside classes, brisk walks, freshness of the morning meditations and evening satsangs, accompanied by the frogs' voices. We enjoyed a great diversity of the lecture topics, broadening the view of the yoga practise. We are looking forward to go back next year. In the centre we had two weekend seminars on was our annual fasting seminar every spring which was again appreciated by a nice group of students and the second one a day seminar on Yoga and Stressmanangement. Swami Atmarmananda taught a course "Success in Life and Self-realization" with a good mixture of new students and teachers. Swami Atmaramananda, assisted by Jnaneshvara, a long-time teacher went to Russia for the weekend retreat, which took place near Moscow. It went very well. There were 85 participants from different parts of Russia, including some coming from far away in Siberia. There were many new students, as well as many TTC graduates known to us from TTCs in Poland. Our temporary Russian staff Ishwari finished her program in Berlin and went back home. OM.

Om Namah Sivaya.. Hello from Buenos Aires.
Hello from Buenos Aires. In June all the courses and classes continued as usual with less attendance when Argentina played in the World Cup. We increased activities with a Vegetarian Cooking Workshop one Saturday and Karma Yoga Day the following Sunday. Almost twenty karma yogis made a beautiful job sorting and cleaning the Center. The promotion of the TTC went throughout the country and abroad. We are preparing the brochure for yoga vacations in Merlo. Prem & Om to all.

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre.
In June we started a Beginners Course at 6:00 am with a very good number of enthusiastic students. One Sunday we had a Teachers Meeting. As most of the outside teachers came, it was a good opportunity to exchange ideas and listen to their suggestions and experiences. After the meeting we had Satsang together and enjoyed a very nice Prasad that Sandhya prepared. The rest of the courses, private and open classes ran smoothly. We are all well and send our best wishes to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In June we started a new Positive Thinking course with a good sized group of students. We welcomed a new resident to the Center, Marcus, who recently completed TTC at the Yoga Farm. Classes and courses went well. The garden grew at a tremendous pace in the warm weather. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya
We are all well and send Pranams to all the Sivananda family Om Shanti.

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In late June all beginner's courses were cancelled the final week. The World Cup fever was strong in the city and the open classes numbers also dropped. Hanuman worked in the garden with his skills and planted more banana trees before monsoon starts. Mahendra and some other Karma Yogis worked on the broken stairs to terrace. Pranams to All. Prem and Om.

Om Namah Sivaya from the Geneva Centre.
The highlight of the month was the Special programme with Swami Sivadasananda. The asana-workshops about "The six levels of movement" and "Effects of the 12 basic postures on the mind" were met with great enthusiasm. The hall was filled to its capacity and the Satsang about "The goal of life" was strong and energetic. Everyone left uplifted and energized. With Swamiji's help the brochure was ready to be sent to the graphic designer.  He has left us much inspired both on a practical as a spiritual level. The weekends were active with a cooking class about cooking with the 6 tastes, an Open Day, bringing a breath of fresh air and more importantly, new students and a workshop about "How to control Anger" which was very well visited. Students were seeking to deepen their knowledge and practice in an "Art of Relaxation" workshop and a headstand-workshop. New curtains for the asana-hall arrived which completely changed the atmosphere in the room, making it feel much more warm and protected. We also had a change of staff: Narayani arrived from Madrid and Saraswati left for the Retreat house in Reith. Om Shanti.

Om Namah Sivaya.
After much preparation to turn the Centre into a real city Ashram, we finally welcomed  33 happy students for the first ever TTC at the London centre. The course was a wonderful experience for staff and students alike. It brought much inspiration and dynamism to the centre. The month flowed effortlessly with the centre's reduced timetable. It started with an uplifting Ganapati Homa performed by an Indian priest. The students enjoyed all aspects of the course. We had lovely silent walks along the river, and inspiring special programmes : wonderful talks with Angela H. Murray on Ayurveda and Stephen Quong on Vedic Astrology, a very inspiring talk on the Ramayana by Dr Nanda Kumar from the Bhavan centre. It was very inspiring for the staff to receive the guidance from the Acharyas, Swami Durgananda, Swami Kailasananda and Swami Atmaramananda. We are also thankful to Bhima, Meenakshi and Arjuna who came to help during the course. We had great support from many dedicatged karma yogis who took time off to help. Swami Durgananda's powerful and insightful talk on the Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic aspects of ego, followed by a talk on the thought provoking and uplifting topic of Raja Yoga was one of the highlights of the month. We are very grateful for the experience and look forward to having the TTC again next year ! Staff are well and send OM & Prem to All.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
In June our annual summer sale of class passes and boutique items started, which brought more energy to the center. We held a Yoga 1 and Meditation course. One weekend we had a visiting presenter hold a workshop 'The Hero's Journey' based on the work of Joseph Campbell. Vidya Chaitanya led a workshop on 'Positive Thinking for Times of Change'. Both were well received. We also prepared the brochure for the next quarter's events and sent it to the printer. Sending our Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves!
The high light of the month was Swami Sivadasananda's visit in April. Swamiji gave Yoga classes and lead the Satsangs with lot of partipants including teachers, students and residents from the provinces who came for the program. We had a Teachers meeting after the evening Satsang and we served a nice meal to the teachers after the meeting. The other high light of the month of May was the visit and the Astrology program with Stephen Quong who gave inspiring lectures on Yoga and Astrology from Thursday to Sunday well appreciated by all. Swami Gopalananda went to Elche during the weekend for a Yoga day to promote the summer TTC Spain with the participation of 19 students and teachers. We had also during the weekend an exhibition "Las Dalias" (Hippies market), we had a yoga class and a lecture each day with a good participation from the people. We had also a weekend with a TTC preparation weekend with 10 participants, the group was very positive and enjoyed the yoga classes, lectures and Satsangs, most of them stayed at the center on Saturday night, and most of them are interested to take TTC. The other event of the weekend was an Yoga exhibition at Málaga, Gopala and a team of Madrid's teachers and South of Spain teachers took care of the Sivananda Stand, Gopala gave two workshops on Pranayama and Meditation with 60 and 70 participants, they announced our next Retreat in South of Spain in beginning of June. We welcome Nidia from Almeria (South of Spain) who joined staff for a year. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In June, by the grace of God & Guru, our centre was running well. All the works and activities and classes are going on smoothly. We started new beginner class with three students. One Sunday we had the Center's yearly pujas. Staffs and students participated in hte Pujas. Staffs convey their Pranams to all. Om Shanti!!

Om Namah Sivaya.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In June we completed the courses for beginners. We continued with the Kirtan workshop. Regular, pregnancy and advanced classes continue to develop normally. The study group for teachers continues with the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. One Saturday morning  we had a very interesting workshop on "Yoga and Stress Control." The students were very interested to participate. We continued with the painting at the library and a small room with the final coat of paint. The ladies' bathroom had ceramic tile work done in it which should be ready for July. Om Shanti to all!!

Om Namah Sivaya. Blessings from Montreal.
Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya from the Munich Centre!
A highlight was a special programme with asana workshops and Satsangs with Swami Sivadasananda. We also had a couple of lectures on Jyothisa – the Vedic astrology - with Stephen Quong (Umananda). On a weekend we held a teachers retreat on the topic "yoga anatomy in the teaching practice". Further special weekend activities were a preparation day for the teachers training course and a cooking class "Quick and easy yogic dishes for busy people". End of May we also had our monthly Open House for newcomers. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In June it was very hot for days which has also affected the student numbers.  Kumari went home to be with her dad who was in a critical condition (suffering from Parkinson's Disease) and has by now passed on.  She and the whole of her whole family are in our hearts and minds at these difficult moments.  Please send your kind prayers. One one Saturday we had a small Cooking Course.  Minakshi led her first Sunday Satsang with the good student attendance. All staff are well & sending pranams to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya.
It was another busy month at the Centre with many new students coming to learn yoga and various special programs and workshops. The three-day programme on Vedic Astrology, Yoga and Spirituality with Vedic astrologer Stephen Quong included interesting lectures on health and identifying the goal of one's life and career. This month featured a headstand workshop, a workshop on eyes exercises and a workshop on how to make the transition to a vegetarian diet. Three students who graduated in March from the TTC in Vrindavan have started to teach. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves.
In June as summer progressed and the weather improved we slowed our activites down a bit. We had a nice turnout for a Sunday night satsang with special guests Mark and Terra, who specialize in Hari Katha. They gave a wonderful presentation of bhajans and stories about Mirabai. We remain having Farm TTC graduates passing through, adding to the spirit of the Center. The front of the Center was finally painted. We constructed a small private room for new staff by dividing one of the resident dorms. Pranams to all from San Francisco Centre.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In early June the passing weeks were very inspiring and busy. Starting with a one-day intensive of "Healing World Music" with Gerhard Fankauser & Einat Gilboa, we were joined by 40 students for 2 elevating workshops and an evening concert with many new songs and a magical atmosphere. Swami Brahmananda taught a workshop titled "Principal approaches and insights on the spiritual path". More than 50 students attended. At the request of the students, Swami Brahmananda will give another on "meditation and prayer" before he leaves to Bahamas. In the asana classroom, two new yoga courses opened: yoga 1 with 14 students and yoga 2 with 13 students. We had a raw-food workshop with Shambu Das Chaitanya. 21 participants learned how to create a balanced raw food diet, how to sprout different lentils and much more. The staff travelled to the north and enjoyed a peaceful weekend with lots of Sadhana in nature. Om and Prem to all. Blessings and Peace to all the Sivananda Family.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In June the Open classes picked up once again after people being outdoors for few days due to summer weather. Saraswati spent a lot of time with preparations for Kids Camp at the Yoga Camp and all boutique orders and pre- arrangements for the summer special guest program at the Yoga Camp.  Vasudeva was assisted with many enthusiastic Karma Yogis who finished all the remaining painting.  Center looks very beautiful and clean now.  We have also made lots of new cushions both for center use and to sell in the boutique.  Weekend classes were slow due to high security in the city during the G8 and G20 meeting that were held near Toronto. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya!
By the grace of our gurus all the activities of our centre went smoothly. All the classes and Pujas continued as usual. We started two beginners' batches with 16 students. One Sunday we conducted a sun salutation workshop with 18 students, followed by the Satsang with Nataraj ji. All the staffs and teachers regularl y attend. Om Shanthi.

Om Namah Sivaya.
Courses and classes are running smoothly with higher courses beginning in Y4, Y8, Y28, Meditation, Yoga Anatomy and Bhakti & Kirtan. Over the holidays of this month we realised a renovation project: together with karma yogis all 3 asana rooms in the first floor were painted and given a shining white new Staff took turns visiting the Reith Retreat house: Sivani assisted with planting and Swami Annapurnananda and Ishwara (with family) travelled to Reith on Pentecost for assisting and participating there during the special programs over the prolonged holiday weekend. Om Namah Sivaya from Vienna.

Om Namah Sivaya, from Vilnius.
The centre focused on the kitchen renovation and maintenance projects to prepare the centre for the special programme end of May. This was also the promotion focus in the last weeks. A successful open house brought fresh Prana to the centre. New boutique items have been displayed and the Krishna statue got a new set of clothes. Om & Prem.