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Om Namay Sivaya.

We are glad to inform you that by the grace of Swamiji a new affliated center is opened in Japan, Please read the following special report for this month.

Inauguration of Affiliated Centre in Tokyo Japan - May 2008

The trip to Japan to open the affiliated Centre in Tokyo was very successful and full of joy and inspiration for both the students and for Swami Mahadevananda.

We were met at Tokyo airport by Masao, one of our close students in Toronto, who took us to residential apartments in the popular downtown district of Shinjuku, only a ten minute drive from the affiliated Centre. These were small one room apartments with bathroom and facilities for cooking and washing. We settled in and rested.

The next day (Friday) Masao took us to Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine in a central district of Tokyo, set in a forest area of over 175 acres. It is both a spiritual Centre and also a place of relaxation for the people of Tokyo. We were blessed to see a formal Shinto wedding taking place with bride and groom along with the Shinto priest and his assistants in full traditional costume, as well as experience the beauty and peace of the Shrine and its grounds.

After a short rest we then went to the affiliated Centre to meet Sivakami and Sita, two of the trustees of the Affiliated Centre and other close students who had prepared a beautiful meal there for us. This was followed by satsang. There was much excitement from the students at meeting Swamiji, many of whom had taken TTC in Neyyar Dam. The Centre is in the appropriately named Yoyogi district of Tokyo, a busy and bustling area of Tokyo. The Centre is one room with a small kitchen and bathroom with a small balcony overlooking the local area.

The students have created a beautiful altar in one corner with pictures of Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda and small murthis of the deities. The walls have pictures of the Masters and deities. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful and much care has been taken in creating a very sattvic space.

The following day (Saturday) we went to a different location for a day-long programme including asana class, two workshops and satsang given by Swami Mahadevananda.

Over fifty students attended, with approximately thirty five having taken TTC. Sivakami and Sita said that many more would have come with a little more prior notice. The interest was genuine and intense, and everyone stayed till the end of the day, with many questions on the philosophy and practice of yoga. After the programme, we met up with Potti Swami who had flown in from Trivandrum. The following day (Sunday) we held the programme in the Centre. Here we had a workshop on How to Control Anger, followed by the Inauguration Puja with Potti Swami. About twenty close students attended and there was a very beautiful ceremony with Sivakami and Sita and Swami Mahadevananda officially opening the Centre. On Monday, Masao and two students took us on a wonderful day-long tour to Kamakura, a coastal town one hour south of Tokyo. Here is a massive eight hundred old bronze statue of Buddha, along with numerous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. On Tuesday, Potti Swami left back to India, and we spent the afternoon visiting the magnificent Tokyo-Edo Museum, seeing the history of Tokyo during its golden age. In the evening we had another satsang at the Centre, when close students came to pay their respects to Swami Mahadevananda and to say good-bye.

On Wednesday, we returned to Toronto. The trip was a great success. The potential for growth is very large. Sita and Sivakami and many of the other students are sincere and very eager to develop the Centre and the teachings in Japan. Swami Mahadevananda felt the love and devotion of the students towards the organization and the teachers, and was very touched by the simplicity, purity and generosity of the students and the people of Japan.

Om saha naavavatu sahanau bhunaktu
Saha veeryam karavaavahai
Tejasvi naavadheetamastu maa vidvishaavahai
Om shantih shantih shantih

OM, protect us both, teacher and pupil.
Cause both to enjoy the bliss of Liberation
May we find out the true meaning of the scriptures
May our learning be brilliant
May we never quarrel with each other.
Om, Peace, Peace, Peace

• 2 bulbs fennel
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
• 25g (1oz) butter or margarine
• 100g (4oz) breadcrumbs
• 200g (7oz) fromage frais, or soft tofu
• 150ml (5 fl oz) milk or soya milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1. Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/400°F. Slice the fennel thinly, reserving the feathery fronds for garnishing. Place the slices in a pan and pour the lemon juice over them. Cover and steam over a medium heat for 5-10 minutes, until the fennel begins to soften.
2. Roast the caraway seeds dry in a frying pan over high heat for a few seconds and then crush them slightly. Heat the butter or margarine in a pan and fry the breadcrumbs over a medium heat until slightly browned.
3. Transfer the fennel to a 1.5 litre (2.5 pints) baking dish. Beat together the fromage frais or soft tofu, milk, caraway seeds and salt, then pour the mixture over the fennel. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top and then add the chopped parsley. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the fennel is tender. Serve hot.

Om Namah Sivaya!

In early May, Padmavati left for Japan with Swami Mahadevananda. The camp started to liven up outside with the preparation for the on- coming summer season and the increase numbers in guests. The Open House was very busy with over 100 people descending on the camp from afar away as Ottawa. They were welcomed and fed aplenty. Thank you to the Local community of dedicated Karma Yogi's who stepped in for the day to teach, lecture and feed the largest group we have had in many years. The maintenance & clean up from the damage caused by the heavy snow this winter continued. The gardens started to sprout some green at last. We look forward to a busy summer with the uprising trend in Quebec towards yoga. Om Shanti.

Om Namo Narayanaya!

In early May, the Kids Camp went well with everyone in high spirits. There were plenty of activities to keep the children inspired: classes, silent walks, talent show, etc and plenty of birthdays to celebrate! The kids particularly enjoyed three special classes on mandalas and made some beautiful creations. The children went on a two-day trip to Kanya Kumari with a cool bath at Tripparappu water falls, Devi darshan at Kanya Kumari temple, a visit to Gandhi Mandapam and satsang and breakfast at the top of holy Maruthamalai mount after a vigorous climb through the rocks. We also visited the Vivekananda Rock, the Thiruvalluvar statue and the ancient Suchindram Temple. They returned late in the day tired but exhilarated after the sea bath and sunset where the three oceans meet. A new Yoga Vacation programme started, with around 40 guests. A Friday evening Satsang took place in the Devi Temple with Archana Puja and chanting. The weather has been dry recently so we went for an early morning walk up nearby Kalippara Hill one Sunday morning. One evening Professor Haridas revealed some of the 'secrets' of Vedic mathematics to a bewildered audience. We bade farewell to Veena who has gone back to the New York Centre and to Nalini.

In mid-May the Kids Camp ended with sad goodbyes and promises to stay in touch. In their last week, the children went for a walk to the nearby elephant park, held bhajans and Gita competitions and plenty of games in addition to their scheduled classes. The Camp concluded with Parents Meeting, followed by the graduation ceremony, which included an asana demonstration and chanting by the children. This was followed by a traditional Kerala-style feast, on banana leaf, served by the staff. We welcomed a new batch of Yoga Vacation guests just in time to enjoy the last Kids Camp talent show. All are well and send their pranams.

Om Namah Sivaya!

We had an inspiring month with a sincere group of TTC students. For the first time in the history of the Sivananda organization, the course was entirely taught in French. Though all students were French speakers, several nationalities were presented with students originating from Laos, Japan, Russia, Portugal and Switzerland. Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda and Swami Kailasananda, discussed a variety of upcoming construction projects at the Ashram. The drawings for the extension of the Krishna Kutir were finalized and include the enlargement of the meditation room and the construction of additional living space for staff. We welcomed an Indian temple architect and under the guidance of Swami Durgananda, the first plans were made for the professional renovation of the Krishna temple with it's five shrines. Since indoors accommodation is limited in the summer season, two new wooden cottages will be built before the summer. Special programmes this month included a series of well attended lectures on Ayurveda with Angela Hope Murray. We welcomed also Stephen Quong who gave inspiring lectures on Vedic astrology explaining the planetary influences on a person's life and character traits. Subhankar Chatterjee from North India gave a vibrant concert with ragas narrating stories of Krishna and Radha.

Om Namah Sivaya!

In early May, the second week of TTC was blessed with talks from Syn Kun Loh (Skanda) on Creativity, Design and the Spiritual Journey; Vidya Chaitanya on Permaculture; Candice Cantin on the healing power of herbs and Krishna on the 4 goals of Life. TTC students put on an entertaining and inspiring talent show complete with drama, dance, song, and even operatic singing - everyone was thoroughly entertained. TTC students also enjoyed a Labyrinth walk, a Yuba River outing, led by Govindadas and Sri Devi, which is always a popular resting/renewal destination near the Ashram. On Mother's Day we had a beautiful Devi Puja at the newly renovated Durga temple. We are working on the plans for the garden at the Durga temple including a spiral walk. Swami Sitaramananda continued with the main philosophy lectures and Krishna with the Hatha Yoga and Bhagavad Gita instruction. We enjoyed ideal weather with nature in full splendor.

In mid-May a special guest philosopher Synn Kune Loh, and wife, from Vancouver gave the students much appreciated talks on the pride of belonging to a tradition, the process of creativity and living in the third alternative. We celebrated Mother's Day with a beautiful Durga Puja at the Durga temple. Vidya Chaitanya shared her experience with Mother Nature in her work with permaculture. We had 2 Ayurvedic lectures, one by Durga on the topic of Yoga and Recovery from Addiction, and Ambika (Jennifer Andrews) on Panchakarma, the detoxification/cleansing aspect of Ayurveda. Krishna gave an inspiring talk on Reincarnation and Karma, and Swami Sitaramananda on Positive Thinking, among many others. The TTC students were in full teaching mode, which many of them enjoyed. Most of them also partook in mantra initiation and received spiritual names. A few brave ones chanted during Satsang. Krishna and Swami Sitaramananda performed an uplifting Puja in honour of Buddha Purnima , Lord Buddha's birthday, who is a incarnation of Lord Vishnu. We received a bit of "tapas" with an unexpected heat wave, with temperatures in the 90's F, and used it as an opportunity to flex our yogic muscles of detachment. Work on the garden of Durga temple continued. Pranams to all.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves!

April has been a wonderful month of learning in the Ashram, with many courses and with well-attended guest programs. There has been much opportunity for guests, students and staff to learn new techniques for healing the self and others, and to receive healing treatments. Master Ou Wen Wei returned to the Ashram to teach the healing techniques of Pan Gu Shengong, mystical QiGong. Dr Richard Panico and Reverend Manjula Spears taught a very popular Yoga Therapy Week, sharing with us yoga practices for the relief of conditions such as lower back pain and knee problems, and practices for breast cancer care. The Advanced Raja Yoga certification course was a great inspiration to the many students who joined the course, with transformative teachings on the third chapter of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Vibhuti Pada, from Swami Swaroopananda, Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christie McNally. The Pregnancy Yoga, Childrens' Yoga, Ayurvedic Yoga and Yoga Peace Ambassadors' courses were all well attended. The Yoga Peace Ambassadors students made great steps forward in planning ways in which yoga centres around the world can support the eight Millenium Development Goals created by the United Nations. These goals include ensuring environmental sustainability, promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, eradication of extreme hunger and poverty , combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, achieving universal education for all, developing a global partnership for development. The Yoga Peace Ambassadors' Symposium opened with an introductory talk by Dr. Elaine Valdov. Dr. Valdov gave startling and very clear facts regarding issues such as hunger and poverty, child mortality, and destruction of the environment. This moved many students and guests to approach Dr. Valdov about training as Yoga Peace Ambassadors and also about joining the Yogis Without Borders project that Dr. Valdov directs. The Yogis Without Borders project plans to take yoga into post-conflict areas around the world. Do contact the Yoga Retreat to learn how you too can become a Yoga Peace Ambassador and/or part of the Yoga Without Borders project. Staff, guests and students of the Yoga Retreat are looking forward now to the May 2008 schedule, which is coloured with the spirit of devotion and healing. There will be two kirtan retreats, with Atmaramadasa and Shyamdas, and teachings on the Narada Bhakti Sutras. Then alongside the devotional concerts and workshops, there will be more lectures and workshops on healing the self and others. We send our love and best wishes.

Om Namah Sivaya!

We had some active weeks. One of the topics was a preparation weekend for the yoga teachers' training course. The program included practical information as well as an introduction into asanas and yoga philosophy. The general guest program focussed on an introduction to meditation and the yogic techniques of mind control. Everybody enjoyed a beautiful Sunday morning silent walk with brilliant sunshine, as well one of our first asana classes on the outdoor platform. During the yoga vitality week students learned how to build up their life energy. We had a very international guest group with participants from France, Italy, England, US, India and Austria. Everybody was very happy to get in contact with the different aspects of yogic life with many questions about meditation, philosophy, mantra repetition and asana practice at home. Swami Durgananda as present for some days for inspiring talks and guidance for staff and guests.

The highlight finally was the Grand Whitsun Retreat. Again we welcomed a large group of students from all over Europe. Lectures held by Brother Rolph Fernandes led us deeper into philosophy and reflections about the roots of eastern and western traditions. Also a nice group of former TTC graduates came for a further teacher training weekend on the physical aspects of yoga asanas and pranayama. The training included how to give individual corrections to yoga beginners and how to integrate anatomy vocabulary into the yoga teaching. Swami Sivadasananda gave much appreciated special workshops depth and strength of asana practice. A Bharata Natyam dance performance by Rajashree Ramesh and a most beautiful meditative Indian flute concert performed by the Master of the Bansuri flute G.S. Sachdev were crowning highlights of the month.

Om Namah Sivaya.

We had a nice cooking course as well as a course on Ramayana which started. A local TV station came to make a small feature story about the influence of yoga on the digestive system. Swami Atmaramananda gave an interview and students demonstrated Asanas. The feature has already been on the air and presents the Yoga Centre in a nice way. There were some bank holidays which we used for maintenance. We repainted and redecorated some of our teaching rooms with a fresh and modern look. Several special guests came to visit the Centre. Sachdev gave an inspiring and uplifting Vabsuri flute concert, and Brother Rolf gave talks about Yoga and Christianity. Swami Atmarmananda returned from an inspiring TTC in Scotland.

Om Namah Sivaya! Hello from Buenos Aires.

In early May the activity was normal. Kanti Devi came from Uruguay to share the assembly. It was a successful event in which many teachers participated, hearing the news and requirements of the Centre: 1- The diffusion of the first Teacher Training Course to be done in Argentina during next October. Some travels are being organized to divulgate the course: to Mar del Plata, Cordoba, Rosario, La Plata, Junin and other places. Teachers offered to collaborate. 2- Kanti Devi and Swami Premananda requested teachers to increase their participation in the Centre's activities, helping in the workshops and learning to teach themselves in different workshops for the future. - Specials activities are programmed for the following months: a yoga kids class will be included in the normal activities and some teachers are preparing it. Also some suggestions about new courses and workshops were welcome for everybody: Pujas, Scriptures and Ayurveda are some of the intended matters.

The beginner's courses continued plus a new meditation course started with sixteen students. The diffusion of the first Teacher Training Course to be done in Argentina next October was the other important matter attended. We have organized some conferences and continue looking for other places.

In mid-May we had a special yoga week-end with workshops on Yoga and control of stress, Raja yoga, Yoga and digestive system, Mudras and sacred salutations, Ayurvedic auto-massage techniques and Ayurvedic cooking workshops. The teachers in charge of the courses were Kanti Devi, who arrived from Uruguay, Swami Premananda, Ananda (a local yoga teacher), and Geraldine Seff (actress and professor of theatre). All the people left the programs very happily and we had also very well attended Satsangs given by Kanti Devi.

Om...Pranams to the Sivananda family, from all Chennai Centre staff. In early May, the hot climate remained with the same high temperatures. Mornings and evenings were normal tempertures. We started a meditation class and an evening beginners class. The Kids summer camp finished. We had the kids' parents visiting the last day of camp as a get- together, which was good for all attending. We are getting the new brochures and dates ready. Mr Mahadevan from Delhi was here for few days with his wife.

In mid-May the climate remained the same during the day with evenings becoming cooler. We start a new morning batch. The class population and Ayurveda treatments are bit down in numbers due to the hot climate. We prepared for the up-coming dates and courses. All staff are fine and sends their pranams to the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya!

Mid-May was busy with more students coming out in the fine Spring weather. Maheshwari held a workshop on "Yoga for Backs", which the students enjoyed. With the nice weather renovations continued - a new porch was built in the back yard and the kitchen re-painted. Work progressed well in the garden, preparing for the permaculture program in June. Sending pranams to all - Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

Om Namah Sivaya

In early May, we had slightly less hot temperatures after a surprise cooling rain. A 10 am Yoga 1 started as well as a 5.00 am Wednesday morning class. We had a lovely Sudarshan Homa in the front yard. The Shat Kriyas workshop brought ten eager students, most of whom managed sutra neti and kunjar Kriya. Kids' class was large with fifteen students, and a nice prelude to our upcoming kid's camp. For a Sunday satsang Ma Purnananda, instead of her scheduled discourse on Raja Yoga Sutras, entertained us with stories of Adi Shankaracharya to commemorate Guru Shankaracharya's birthday, and also to accommodate the audience whose ages ranged from four to eighty. May we always feel the presence of the Guru's grace.

In mid-May our new Yoga 1 course started 6.30 pm with ten students. We also started an early morning meditation course with six students, and restarted the gentle yoga class after many months' lapse. A midweek spinal and flexibility workshop brought seven students. Sowndari is adding South Indian flair to the Centre by making beautiful kollam decorations outside the front door, and jasmine garlands for the altar. We had a full house with Surendran and Manoharan and wives visiting from TRV on their way to Netala. This Sunday we were very happy to welcome Jaypal back to the Centre. We look forward to PC Kapoor's return next week. Staff are well and convey their Pranams.

Om Namah Sivaya

Om Namah Sivaya to all and one. In early May, the week started with Ganapathi Home. We have started weekend course, with good numbers of students. All other Centre's activities are going very well. All the staff are doing their Sadhana energetically.

Mid-May began with Y1 course with good numbers of students. The Centre's activities are going very well. All the staff are doing their sadhana energetically. Om and pranams.

Om Namah Sivaya from the Geneva Centre.

We continued with the Centre spring cleaning. A new group of 18 students came for our Yoga 1 Series. Ana, who graduated from the last TTC in Vrindavan started teaching. We had a very inspiring asana and meditation workshop with Swami Sivadasananda who came for a visit. Swami Shyamananda visited the Paris Centre to give Satsang there and also help with the renovation of the new Centre. Lakshmi went to Reith to help there for 10 days. The Centre was closed for the Pentecost weekend.

Om Namah Sivaya.

Due to the TTC in Scotland the staff focus was divided: Swami Krishnadevananda and Madhava left for the TTC in Scotland together with Swami Atmaramananda who came from Berlin. Mangala Chaitanya arrived from Austria to serve in London for one month. Saturday workshops have been successful and well received. The workshop on "Cool head balanced mind" was particularly appreciated. The Fasting day and Kriya workshop also went very well with positive feedback from the participants. Also a Cooking workshop on the theme of "Vegetarian cooking for Beginners" was fully booked and the simple and Sattvic food was enjoyed by everyone. Our last Sunday Satsang was enlived by a very special Indian dance performance in the Bharata Natyam style by Parvati Nair. Everyone was very moved by her humility, simplicity and devotion to dance. Dr. Shastri delivered a most motivating talk about the power of transcendental knowledge. Swami Durgananda came to London for one day and with Swami Krishnadevananda met the architect and contractor in charge of the renovation project next door. Swami Durgananda took time to give much encouragement and guidance to the staff. Another focus was a mailing to promote our special programs in June and we are already receiving bookings for the Summer retreat in Dorset in August.

TTC Scotland:
The third week of the course went very well. The students continue to adapt well to the Sadhana and rhythm. We were happy to welcome Dr Uma Krishnamurthy who led an informative and much appreciated programme on "Yoga Psychology". The students found the programme to be a great source of inspiration, taking particularly delight in the Bharata Natyam dance performance. The group dancing at the end was done with great relish and joy. We've been blessed with beautiful summer-like weather, providing a great excuse to have classes outdoors on the beautiful, sprawling lawns. The teaching groups are going well and the students are beginning to understanding the profound benefits of Master's Yoga of synthesis. We were very happy to welcome Swami Durgananda and special guests for the final week programme. Their presence brought an immediately uplift to the staff and students. The TTC Scotland ended on a note of high inspiration. We were blessed to have Swami Durgananda and special guests for a week-long programme which was deeply appreciated by the students and staff. Swamiji gave in-depth guidance and encouragement to the staff and students and the energy of the course benefited greatly as a result. Everyone passed the exam and the final graduation ceremony and feast was filled with the spirit of joy and gratitude. The students expressed their appreciation for the experience with many seeing is as the "best things they'd ever done". The new teachers from London are already assisting for classes at the Centre and feel themselves part of Swamiji's mission as ambassadors for Peace. OM & Prem to all.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

In early May, the Introduction to Ayurveda, Meditation and Positive Thinking Courses continued. A Bhagavad Gita study group continued to meet on Friday evenings. One Saturday saw our second Karma Yoga party, with enthusiastic yogis gathering to clean the Centre, distribute flyers in the community, and work in the garden. The day was followed by dinner and a movie at the Centre. One Sunday a lovely Puja was led to the Divine Mother by Rajeshwari and Chandra.

In mid-May the students progressed well on the various courses that are running at the Centre as we witnessed a strong core of regular students developing. One Saturday we were treated to some fabulous vegetarian food produced by Del and Linda for their vegetarian cooking workshop. Ram had a full house for his tratak workshop one Sunday afternoon. We celebrated the life of one of our students who had been in hospice care for some time. Four of his friends came for Satsang and brought a powerful energy of appreciation for the spiritual nurture that David had received during the nine months he had been attending the Centre. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves.

Loving greetings from Madrid. We started the month with Swami Sivadasananda's visit teaching Yoga classes and satsangs well appreciated by all. We had a meeting with most of the Centre teachers. We had also a TTC preparation weekend with 8 participants from various parts of Spain, most of them where interested to do the TTC this summer or in autumn. A Retreat in Aluenda with seventy participants in the mountains was enjoyed by all with the yoga classes, lectures, meditation and silent walks in the nature.

Om Namah Sivaya.

In early May all classes & activities of our Centre ran smoothly. We started a Beginner course, with eleven students. One Saturday Swami Sivaswaroopananda visited our Centre to teach a Meditation course with good number of students. The Kids enjoyed their special class. Students participated in Satsanga. All other activities continued well. All of our staff conveys their Pranams to all of our Sivananda Yogis.

In mid-May all classes & activities of our Centre continued smoothly. After repairing the yoga hall, we over come from 80% of rainwater. We started an evening Beginner course plus a Private class with two students. The Kids are enjoying their class. Students participated in Satsangas. All other things went well. All of our staff convey their Pranams to all of our Sivananda Yogis.

Om Namah Sivaya from Montevideo!

The beautiful autumn weather helps to the concurrence to the Centre. In early May Kanti Devi gave different workshops every day one week. One Saturday we had a special "Yoga Day for Peace". We received lots of teachers and students to the Centre. Mirabai gave the Asanas class that was full of energy. Karuna cooked a delicious lunch and then Kanti Devi taught a Raja Yoga workshop. Students and teachers did some karma Yoga and then finished with meditation guided by Chandra, talking very nicely about Peace.

In mid-May we had beautiful sunny weather. One Monday we had the second class of our Meditation Course. The students were very happy with the practice and their improvement during meditation. Kanti Devi, Chandra and Karuna went to Buenos Aires to participate during a weekend Yoga Festival, organized by Buenos Aires Center. One Friday, Mirabai taught a special class for some teachers, teaching how to play the harmonium. The classes and courses are doing well. We finished the brochures design with activities until September. Om Shanti

Om Namah Sivaya. Blessings from Montreal.

In mid-May the staff went to the Yoga Camp Ashram for the long weekend. Sankara Chaitanya gave two cooking classes. We took advantage of the good weather to plant the flowers outside the Montreal Center and to do a deep clean up, everybody is enjoying the nice weather. Om Namah Sivaya!

Om Namah Sivaya from the Munich Centre!

End of April we had a special program "Hatha Yoga - wings for body and mind" with Swami Sivadasananda. In three workshops a detailed explanation of the effects of asanas and pranayama was given followed by a practical yoga class. The next workshop will be mid-June. We also held a meditation course with study of the Raja Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Mid-May we had a couple of very interesting lectures on Vedic astrology with Stephen Quong. We are looking forward to our next special programmes: a Sanskrit learning weekend and an Ayurveda programme with Dr. Shanti Kumar Kamlesh from Lucknow/North India.

Om Namah Sivaya!

In early May, we started several new courses: two Yoga 1s, one Yoga 2, a Meditation course and Positive Thinking. We welcomed two FIT classes (university classes) and introduced the Centre to them with a beginner's class and delicious vegetarian meal. Gauri Devi and Mahadev travelled to the Ashram for a short visit to help in a photo shoot with Yashoda. Kumari has been busy with advertising, website updates and the upcoming brochure. Over the weekend we had an Open House with 36 students. It was an inspiring day for us all. Mahadev organized a karma yogi day. Eight yogis came to clean different areas of the Centre, inside and outside, then we showed them Swami Vishnudevananda's video, "In the Name of Peace" with our new projection unit and screen. They had cookies and tea. It was a very touching afternoon. One Sunday evening we welcomed Srinivasan, Saraswati and special guest Bob Seven Crows Bourdon. Bob spoke in the evening Satsang, with traditional story-telling from the Native American tradition.

He played the drum, sang, played original songs on the guitar and spoke on his travels around the world. We were happy to have his wisdom and presence.

In mid-May we welcomed a new staff, Veena. She recently returned from her TTC in India and spent two months as staff at the Neyyar Dam Ashram. We started a new Yoga 1 and Yoga 3. Two FIT classes (university classes) came for a class and meal, as they finished their semester. Over the weekend we hosted several workshops, creating an active and educative atmosphere. The Centre was full of activity and learning, 14 people enjoyed a Cooking workshop taught by karma yogi, Priya. We also taught a Yogic Diet class that had 9 students. One Saturday afternoon we had a teachers' intensive class. Nineteen teachers joined for the two hour class. It brought many of the teachers together and inspired them in their sadhana. We send our pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya!

Beginning of the month we had a many special events, which brought a lot of energy and inspiration to all. We welcomed Angela Hoppe Murray who gave a very nice programme on Ayurveda and self healing. It was very successful. She touched many points on how to live one's daily life according Ayurveda, and maintain good health with proper diet. She talked in details about each body constitution and everyone who participated in the workshop could do a test and to find out their own body type, what was very much appreciated by all. Subankar Chaterjee arrived to give a one evening concert. Many close students as well as students who came for the first time enjoyed a wonderful experience of chanting of evening ragas, beautiful classical bhajans on Krishna and Radha, on Rama and Mirabai songs. Celebration of Hanuman Jayanti was a wonderful event as for staff as for the all who came, close students and some new souls at the Centre. We had a simple but very joyful celebration with Puja, 108 names and Mantra of Hanuman, chants and the story from Ramayana. Some people brought flowers and Prasad and some came with their children what brought lovely energy as well. Last weeks of the month were quieter with many students and Teachers being on vacation because of many bank holydays in France. We had a change in the staff situation with Lakshmana moving from the resident program to being fully staff and Vishwakarma from London came to help Pio with preparation of the new Centre.