NEWS

Lateral rotation is very important for achieving complete flexibility of the spine, working on the rotation of all of the vertebrae as well as the rotation of the hip joint. This asana is named after the great yogic sage, Matsyendranath.
 
Sit with legs extended in front and take both arms behind back palms down on mat, fingers pointing back. Keep right leg straight while lifting and placing left foot flat across right leg and on the mat outside right calf. Inhale. Lift right arm straight up beside right ear. Exhale and bring right arm across and down against outside of left leg. Reach and hold left ankle or foot. Slowly with several breaths, turn hips, ribs and chest to the left, with chin to follow last. Breathe and move slowly. Hold up to 1 minute. To release, slowly unwind/rotate head first, then chest, ribs and hips. Repeat on opposite side. Counter posture – Child’s pose.

Benefits:

• Helps improve flexibility of the spine
• Tones the roots of the spinal nerves
• Energizes the gastrointestinal system
• Enhances function of the large intestine
• Improves appetite

YOGA SANSKRIT GLOSSARY

MATSYA AVATARA – The Fish - Lord Vishnu’s first Avatara. The form was a huge fish. Lord Vishnu takes the form of a Matsya avatar (fish incarnation) to save the seeds of live and the life of Manu. Matsya appeared at the end of the Cakshusha manvantara to save the next Manu civilization, the seven sages, and the Vedas from the universal deluge. The king Manu was washing his hands in a river when a little fish swam into his hands and begged him to save it. He put it in a jar, which it soon outgrew; he successively moved it to a tank, a river and then the ocean. The fish then warned him that a Great Flood would occur in a week that would destroy all life. Manu therefore built a boat which the fish towed to a mountaintop when the flood came, and thus he survived along with some "seeds of life" to re-establish life on earth.

HOLI - In days of yore, there were communities of cannibals in India. They caused much havoc. They threatened the lives of many innocent people. One of them was Holika. She took immense delight in devouring children. Sri Krishna destroyed her and thus saved the children. This is the origin of the great festival of Holi. It begins about ten days before the full moon of the month Phalgun (February-March), but is usually only observed for the last three or four days, terminating with the full moon. This is the spring festival of the Hindus. In the spring season all the trees are filled with sweet-smelling flowers. They all proclaim the glory and everlasting beauty of God. They inspire you with hope, joy and a new life, and stir you on to find out the creator and the indweller, who is hiding Himself in these forms.

Holi is known by the name of Kamadahana in South India, the day on which Cupid was burnt by Lord Siva.

Another explanation is once upon a time an old woman's grandchild was to be sacrificed to a female demon named Holika. Connected to this legend of the demon Holika is Bhakta Prahlad's devotion to Lord Narayana, and his subsequent escape from death at the hands of Holika. Prahlad's father, Hiranyakashipu, punished him in a variety of ways to change his devotional mind and make him worldly-minded. He failed in his attempts. At last he ordered his sister, Holika, who had a boon to remain unburnt even in fire, to take Prahlad on her lap and enter into the blazing flames. Holika did so. She vanished, but Prahlad remained untouched. He was not affected by the fire on account of the Grace of Lord Narayana.

In North India, people play joyfully with coloured water. People stand in the streets and sprinkle coloured water on any man who passes by, be he a rich man or an officer. There is no restriction on this day. It is like the April Fool's Day of the Europeans. People compose and sing special Holi songs.

On the festival day, people clean their homes, remove all dirty articles from around the house and burn them. Disease-breeding bacteria are thereby destroyed. The sanitary condition of the locality is improved. During the festival, people play practical jokes with passers-by. A bonfire is lit towards the conclusion of the festival.
Huge bundles of wood are gathered and burnt at night, and everywhere one hears shouts of "Holi-ho! Holi-ho!" On the last day of Holi, people take a little fire from this bonfire to their homes. They believe that their homes will be rendered pure, and their bodies free from disease.

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

Where there are kindness, humility and purity, there spirituality springs up, saintliness shines, divinity descends and perfection manifests itself.- Sri Swami Sivananda

Commentary:
The yogi is ever alert, watching his mind. When he sees useless thought waves arising, he immediately replaces them with positive thoughts, thus creating new mental habits that are conducive to spiritual growth.

Draw strength and power from within. Atman is a magazine of infinite power and strength. - Sri Swami Sivananda

• 5 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 3 1/3 cups soy milk
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 ounce nutritional yeast flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
• salt and pepper
  

1. Melt the margarine in a pan.
2. Add the flour and cook over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Whisk soy milk and cook until thick.
4. Add the mustard, yeast flakes, and nutmeg, if using.
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper

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

Thirst for the vision of God. Have real spiritual hunger. - Sri Swami Sivananda

Om Namah Sivaya! Greetings from the Headquarters.
In early February the Camp was very busy with projects. A lot of indoor work is being started and completed. The weekends were busy and lively with at least 20 extra local students for class and supper in the evenings. It was very inspiring local people enjoy to the Ashram and even more so now. A group of Karma Yogi's came from the Montreal Centre to help out, lead by Arjuna, staff member of the Centre. Lalita Ambika also spent some time with us helping with some administration tasks. Sivadas Chaitanya returned after a month away helping with the TTC courses held in Brazil. The weekly Puja's continue in the Krishna temple, raising the energy levels. Om and Pranams to all from the staff at Yoga Camp/ Sivananda Headquarters.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
In early February started with the new yoga vacation, attended by two hundred guests. The cultural program featured a Vedic Mathematics lecture by Mr Hari Das and a Barathanatyam Dance, by Usha Vasudevan. Lalita Sahasaranama Archana in Dhanwantri Hall was attended by over three hundred people.  Lakitha japa of “Om Namo Narayanaya” was written in Sanskrit, English, Malayalam, and Japanese during a Satsang. A slide show presented by Mani Chaitanya promoted the beautiful location of a new TTC in Thailand.  Another successful TTC finished with a banana leaf feast, graduation, and talent show on Saturday. The beautiful Nataraja statue in the Siva Hall, being 1 year old, was in need of a polishing due to normal oxidation of the materials used in the statue. It is made from panchaloha, meaning five metals; it is a five-metal alloy of sacred significance used for making Hindu temple icons. Making panchaloha images was a well kept secret for a long time and their colour changing properties added to their mysticism. The composition is laid down in the Shilpa Shastras, an ancient Sanskrit text on icon making. It is traditionally made as an alloy of gold, silver, brass, iron and copper, with the later as the major constituent. The group that created the statue were called in to polish it and put on a metallic lamination. The lamination will prevent oxidation and any deterioration for a period of 5 years.

During mid-February for Sivaratri enthusiastic 'Om Namah Sivaya' chanting was done from 6 am until 5 am the following morning. Chanting started in the Rama Hall with staff and guests rotating hourly, then evening arati by Swami Mahadevananda and Potti Swami in the Siva Hall, the Raja Rajeswari Temple and the Rama Hall, continuing through out night. Everyone had the opportunity to offer ghee into the fire and tulsi at the Siva Puja. All were amazed at the end of the Puja, to see Lord Siva and Parvati appear...two staff very well disguised!  They led the all night pradakshina of the Temple area along with chanting led by Swami Mahadevananda and other staff. The chanting was accompanied by drumming so loud no one could possibly fall asleep! Around 70 devotees, mostly staff and a few guests, made it through to the morning, and were blessed with 13 sweet and savoury prasad offered in arati at the Dakshinamurti shrine.

On Sivaratri, Sita, from Rio de Janeiro Brazil, was initiated into Brahmacharya by Swami Mahadevanandaji. We wish Sita Chaitanya Master's and Swamiji's Blessings, for her new life as a Brahmacharya. Another event in February saw eleven students, from 8 different countries, attend a new Ayurvedic course governed by Dr. Mahadevan and his team of doctors. It offered the perfect mix of deep traditional knowledge as well as hands-on experience doing massages and other Ayurvedic treatments. Besides this, students gained an understanding of the three doshas, the body-mind constitution and how to use this knowledge to determine proper diets and healthy lifestyles. A field trip to Dr. Mahadevan's Sri Sarada Hospital, gave an opportunity to see the preparation of oils and herbal medicines. The herbal gardens provided a view on how the herbs are grown and harvested for use in the hospital. The trip also included a visit to some of the South Indian Temples. An enthusiastic group of 72 students continued their ATTC. With early morning pranayama, and advanced asanas being attempted, and sometimes, mastered body's and mind's limits. Studies of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and an energetic Sanskrit lesson followed by an in depth lecture on Vedanta and philosophy by Swami Mahadevananda. This left no doubt about our true nature - the immortal, eternal self. 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. Construction of the Asana Hall continued despite cold temperatures and rain. It is expected to be completed by the end of March. This will provide twice the space as the current hall. Also, demolition of some very old and un-usable buildings began at Vishnu Kutir. This land will be levelled and used to build more accommodations. As the new Asana Hall can hold more people, the need for additional living space will be fulfilled. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya!
The Ashram experienced much snow over the last few weeks; the Ashram looked like a Christmas picture card. We had a very nice weekend with the topic “Yoga for the Back”. Swami Shyamananda left for India and Bhima came form Lithuania. Staffs were trained in the various departments to manage in the next few weeks while the Ashram was closed and to get the buildings ready for the next season. Arjuna taught workshops. Lakshmana came from Paris. Radha went to Vilnius. Marc also left to prepare for the Himalayan pilgrimage. The TTC and Yoga vacation bookings were very steady. OM.

Om Namah Sivaya!
During early February it was very quiet with much rain. We welcomed two new work-study yogis, Clint and Lindsey. Everyone was busy with projects. Our close neighbor Michael taught us how to prune our trees. We harvested some chard, kale and spinach from the greenhouse, and planted new seeds there. Om Shanti. Pranams to all.

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In early February we had a small change over of staff. Whle a few staff left, we welcomed Vishnu Priya and Robin, both of them are graduates of TTC here at the Ranch and were very happy to come back and to serve at the Ashram. We held a cooking workshop, led by Chandrika. The small group of students were inspired to see how vegetarian cooking can be not just delicious but also quick and easy. Staff send Pranams to all!!

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves!
In early February our “Yoga of Chant” retreat gave us 4 wonderful days of chanting with Krishna Das in evening concerts and afternoon workshops. Our second TTC course of the season got underway with 50 students taking part. Swami Sitaramananda and Durga from the Yoga Farm began the popular “Yoga of Recovery Certificate Course” for Counsellors. Arjuna, from Ottawa, held a program entitled “Explore Bahamas, Explore Yourself!” which includes outings such as Art and History tours of Nassau and a boat trip to a nearby island. Dr. Timothy McCall gave us a series of lectures on “Yoga and Medicine” and how to use the tools provided by yoga to maintain health. Krishna (Uruguay) taught an “Introduction to Jyotish” course and Caroline Dupont gave a 4-day course on “Enlightened Eating” and balanced holistic nutrition.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early February a smaller group of guests were here at the Retreat House, most of them staying the whole week. Topics were relaxation and how to lead a yogic life style. A yogic, Ayurvedic cooking class was also included and some guests were ready to become vegetarians. It was snowing almost continuously for a few days, afterwards the weather turned bright presenting nature in a most beautiful form. Amongst the office work many addresses were entered into the mailing list and preparations for the next TTC and India travel proceeded. Om Namo Narayanaya

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In early February all went well in the Madurai Ashram, by Gurudev's GRACE. The second week of the TTC went well with the usual schedule of the course. Weekly talent show one Saturday evening, visit to the near by temple of Lord Vishnu - Azhagar Koil, on the day off Friday, Sudarsana Homa, etc were all events of the Ashram. The work on retention wall for the Devi Temple went very well. The registration for the next TTC progressed well. We said good bye for now to Kartikeya, Gayatri and Sourabh Puri. New staff joining us was Radhika, from Russia.

During mid-February we had a very special puja for Mahasivaratri, a homa (ritual in which offerings are made into a consecrated fire, which purifies the atmosphere) and 24-hour akhanda japa (uninterrupted chanting). Students, including 54 TTC participants, and staff participated in the celebration. A Sri Maha Bhadrakali Temple in the Meenakshi Ashram, started in 2004 with stones laid in a blessing ceremony, continues to be our dream. We would like to have the Divine Mother's Temple sitting at the heart of our Ashram. The temple has been designed to utilize the greater energy potential by using Vaastu principles. This ancient Indian architecture combines all the five elements of nature (earth, water, air, fire and ether) to purify the atmosphere, mind, body and spirit. After considerable work to raise the level of the ground to support the foundation structure, we are now building a soil retention wall for the temple.

We look forward to the momentum of the construction building up, so that the development of the temple will become quickly more visible. Any donations, large or small, of materials or money, are greatly appreciated. We thank you in advance for your time and compassion. May the Divine Mother's blessings be with you always and bring peace and happiness to you. OM.

Om Namah Sivaya.
At the end of January we had an Indian priest visiting the Centre for one week. We had 2 Yantra Pujas and one Murti Puja in the evening for the students and a daily morning Puja which uplifted the energy in the Centre nicely. We had a small TTC Preview day for students interested in taking TTC. The weekend seminar with Ishwara from Vienna on the topic of Yoga Body check was well received. An inspired and interested group of students participated. The Highlight of the month was Sivaratri which was celebrated with Om Namah Sivaya Chanting and Pujas for the whole night with a good group of students and teachers. On Sunday we had our monthly open house with many interested newcomers with lots of yoga 1 inscriptions.OM.

Om Namah Sivaya.. Hello from Buenos Aires.
In early February two new courses for beginners started with a very good attendance. A crowded meditation course began. The student attendance increased in all activities. Rama (Chile) returned after doing the Advanced Teachers Training Course in Brazil. One Saturday we had a Concentration Workshop. A highlight was the satsangs preparing the next Sivaratri. Swami Premananda inspired everybody with lectures about Siva and what Sivaratri means. Prem & Om to all.

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre.
During February the Chennai Centre held a retreat in Thiruvannamalai with Swami Mahadevananda. Thirty students and teachers set off together on the second day of the 10 day Karthigai Deepam (a celebration that culminates with a huge lamp lit at the top of Holy Aranchala, using a cauldron with three tons of ghee). After a four hour drive from Chennai, lunch was taken at the Siva Sannidhi Ashram, and after a rest, we had a Hatha yoga class given by Swamiji. Evening time, we made an energetic circumambulation of Arunachala, completing it in 4 hours with Swamiji. The next day's program consisted of an early morning Siva Temple visit, a short satsang and then we had an interesting question and answer session with Swamiji for one hour, before returning to Chennai by evening. All appreciated this informative and interesting trip. Pranams.

Om Namah Sivaya!
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya
In early February we started weekend Beginners Courses at 8:00 am. Open classes and rest of the courses ran smoothly. Staff and students from Kailash Colony and Dwarka Centre celebrated Mahasivaratri at the Nataraja Centre in Kailash Colony. The celebration was conducted by Vedic Priests in the Shiva Hall with all the traditional flower decorations. Puja started at 8 pm on 12 February - 4 Kaala Pujas were performed at 4 auspicious times during the night. The Abhishekam for the Crystal Lingam continued with the students, using honey, curd, rose water, coconut water, Kumkum, holy ash, herbal powders and flowers. More than 45 students joined us for the rituals and chanting. Many stayed through out the night. The chanting ended at 5 am with a final Puja for the Lingam, followed by Arati. Many sweets were brought as Prasad. We felt Master's and Swamiji's blessings were received through out the devotion. We are all well and send Pranams to all the Sivananda family.

More news: After 3 years since opening the Dwarka Centre, the monsoons will no longer flood the basement satsang hall. The open back stairwell has now been closed with new windows. Another improvement was the completed fence in the back of the building, giving more security and refinement to the building area. Dwarka Centre is a 5 story building; 1 story for reception and office, and 3 stories are used for the many different classes and workshops offered at the Centre. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family. Om Shanti.

Om Namo Narayanaya.
In early February two new Yoga -1 classes started with 20 students in the morning batch. The climate is slowly warming up. The open class numbers also slowly increased.

During mid-February we welcomed 40 psychologists from Germany for a day program presented by PC Kapoor. He introduced the Yogic System and the 5 points of Yoga, explaining the effect on different levels. Questions relating to the mind were discussed, as well as how yoga is a systematic and scientific system and how it can be practiced universally. Many doctors were not aware of the power of yoga beyond the physical exercises. They were happy to know about this ancient system that can be used as a tool to help with our problems. Prem and Om.

Om Namah Sivaya from the Geneva Centre.
The programme with the visiting priest ended with a beautiful Siva-Puja which again uplifted the energy of the Centre. We had a very informative Ayurveda-programme with Sanjay and Anjani Kulkarni: The both lectures about “Ayurvedic Health Tips” and ”Women’s Health” as well as the Ayurvedic cooking class were attended by an interested group of students who really appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Ayurveda principles and how to apply them in daily life. Another Highlight of the month was the programme with Swami Sivadasananda which started with a satsang about “Inner strength through meditation” and continued the next day with an Asana-workshop on “Yoga - nectar for the nervous system”. We also had an informal but informative teachers meeting. Workshops about Yoga@Home, "Prana - the vital energy" and “Yoga for the back” were well received and over the weekends a Y1- and a Y2-crash-course were attended by interested groups of students. One of our students started to assist the first time after her TTC in Reith. Maha Sivaratri was celebrated with a beautiful Puja and chanting with a steady group of students. Om Shanti.

Om Namah Sivaya.
February started off with the elevating 5 day Krishna Lila programme. Swami Durgananda, Swami Kailasananda, Swami Anantananda and special guests were here for the special programme. We thank the Acharyas for the energy and guidance received during this uplifting week, many projects and discussed and much was accomplished in moving them forward. The Ayurveda programme with Angela Hope Murray attracted eager students. A successful Open House brought in 30 new visitors. We received the new book, Yoga-Your Home Practice Companion, which is very popular amongst teachers and students. Brochures of the new Residential Course in London are in hand which we are now actively promoting. A large order of Sivananda Eco mats in many vibrant colours has been received into stock. Renovation on the 1st floor Siva Kutir continues. We have a new temporary office and the old office has been cleared out. Krishna Kutir basement bathrooms are coming into fruition, the structure of the room has been erected, new boiler piping, tiles, basins, showers and colour scheme chosen. The roof garden was completed and looking as lovely as before. Jyothi returned from her visit to New Zealand full of fresh energy and prana. Swami Krishnadevananda underwent a successful knee operation. Swami Krishnadevananda, Swami Anantananda and Durga departed on for Kumba Mela and Vienna. We were blessed with a visit from Sita and Nitya who are staying with us for the week. This month ended with a wonderful Sivaratri celebration with 88 participants. Everyone was highly energised. And finally, contact from Gaunts House this week meant the Easter Retreat is potentially on the agenda again. Staff are well and send OM & Prem to all.

Om Namo Narayanaya!
In early February Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses completed with a very enthusiastic group of Yoga 1 students continuing to Yoga 2. Interest in the courses was good. We have a large group for the new Positive Thinking course. The new Meditation 2 course is also well attended. Open House, and the free chanting workshop which followed, both drew a good attendance. Vishnuprem inspired an enthusiastic group of advanced Hatha yogis in his monthly 3-hour class one Sunday afternoon. He then stayed on and led satsang that evening. Ananta's father visited briefly from DC for the weekend. Staff have been warding off seasonal colds and are well. Om Shanti.  Sending our Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves!
In early February Swami Gopalananda returned from Garopaba after an inspiring TTC and ATTC. We started a meditation course with ten participants. We had a meditation intensive course one weekend with twenty participants. The highlight was the cooking class, with twenty five participants, taught by Saraswati and assisted by Vishnupriya, Mirabai and Gopi. Most of the students had their first experience about Vegetarian diet. All left happy to learn and discover a new way of eating. We had Lalita Sahasranama with all staff and few teachers. Om Shanti. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya.
Staff convey their Pranams to all. Om Shanti!!

Om Namah Sivaya.
In early February asana classes were small but steady. The weather was very strange with snow in the morning and rain in the evening some days. The students in Rome warned us that visitors would miss the sun here in Milan during the winter! Om Namo Narayanaya.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In early February the most popular participation of students were at the 18:00 and 20:00 hour classes. It is now summer in our country. We finished the ATTC and TTC at Garopaba. Our Centre received new graduate teachers of yoga. We finished the preparations for our conference about philosophy and religion traditions of India with the presence Dr. Rukmani from our Centre. We also held a free “open class” for new students which offered the students the possibility of experiencing a Sivananda Yoga class. These students continued their study of yoga in the beginners’ course next month. Om Shanti to all!

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

Om Namah Sivaya from the Munich Centre!
One of the highlights was a programme with workshops on “Asanas and Classical Hatha Yoga” and Satsangs with Swami Sivadasananda. We also held a retreat on “Yoga and Stress Management” and a teachers training day with the topic “How to Teach Beginners”. In a weekend course “Introduction to Meditation” participants learnt about Swami Vishnudevananda’s 15 points how to meditate and started to practice Tratak and meditation. The spiritual highlight was the celebration of Sivarati with mantra chanting and Pujas. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family.

Om Namah Sivaya!
All staff are sending pranams to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya.
Swami Kailasananda gave a weekend programme, which included a workshop on thought power and two satsangs on the topic “The Truth is Within” and “From Ego to Self respect”. All programmes were well attended and gave inspiration to the staff, teachers and students. A few days later an "Art of Concentration" workshop was attended by 19 enthusiastic students. A wonderful Sivaratri celebration took place with many students coming for the first time to the yoga Centre and more than half staying from the beginning at 8PM until 5AM in the morning in a very positive and devotional atmosphere. The energy level of the Centre and of all the participants were uplifted by Siva's energy. Pranams to all. Om Shanti.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves.
During early February Swami Rajeshwarananda visited Pesaro, North Italy to give some programs, yoga asana classes, satsang and two workshops, the programs were very successful and very much appreciated by the local students. We celebrated Mahasivaratri with 20 people attending the beautiful chanting and Pujas. On Sivatatri day we had snow in Rome after 25 years, every one was very excited. We started a new Raja Yoga Course with 8 people, and a Yoga 1. Om Shanti.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves.
In early February Kiran Patel kept up our tradition (and strategy!) of leading a Heart-Centered Nonviolent Communication workshop, just before Valentine's day. The practical workshop inspired students to learn skills through role-playing and following guidelines popularized by Marshall Rosenberg. They left armed with new "communication ammunition" which will help fostering peace and harmony in their day-to-day communication with others. Staff member, Kumari, concluded her Yoga 2 course. Lakshmi helped Swami Padmapadananda to bring the Prison Project operation up to date. We had the pleasure of having Nirmala, a staff member from the Farm, with us for about a week. It was beautiful to hear her leading the Daily Chants at the morning Satsang playing her guitar. Everyone's doing well! Pranams to all from San Francisco Centre.

Om Namah Sivaya.
Blessings and Peace to all the Sivananda Family.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In early February we had a new Y1 and Y2 start. We had also several Karma Yoga projects underway. A highlight was a beautiful Veena concert given by a well-known Sri Lankan Veena Teacher. She gave a nice concert with accompanied musicians for a roomful of enthusiastic students. Kalyani came back from Mexico with a new work permit. Visiting with her was her brother for few days to see Canada. Camilo continues with intense TTC registration process, along with other Karma Yoga duties. We are happy to inform you that with Swami Mahadevanandaji's blessings we have raised $4000 between India and Canadian Centres and Ashrams, which we are sending it to Doctors without Borders, an organization which is bringing lots of aid to Haiti and other countries around the globe. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya!
In early February, by the grace of our gurus, all the activities of our Centre continued well as usual. We started a Monday morning beginners’ batch, with 20 students. We regularly held Lalithasahasranama Pujas and also a Teacher's Meeting, with Mani Chaitanya, followed by a Satsang. Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya.
In February many new courses began, plus we had some inspiring seminars on the weekends. Again some staff moves took place with Shambu leaving to Munich, Ishwara visiting the Berlin Centre for a weekend seminar, Rajeswari arriving from Berlin and Durga coming from London. The Sivarati celebration took place with many students joining us for this energising and inspiring festivity. Shortly after Swami Annapurnananda left for the Kumbha Mela Yatra and Sivani to the Munich Centre. The staffs went on several poster runs and we sent out a nice postcard to our inactive mailing list. We are currently working on different maintenance projects and are happy about the karma yogis, who are supporting the staffs in the Centre well. Om Namah Sivaya from Vienna.

Om Namah Sivaya, from Vilnius.
We held a very successful cooking workshop “Vegetarian cooking for beginners”. Later in the month we had an open house and a workshop in stress management. The Centre received a boost of Prana and Inspiration by the visit of Swami Atmaramananda and a South Indian priest. Swami Atmaramananda delivered dynamic Asana classes, two inspiring workshops on “Prana” and the “Three levels of consciousness” and uplifting Satsangs. The South Indian Priest performed 3 Pujas. Students and staff were very thankful for the inspiring programmes. Sivarati was celebrated with a dedicated group of close students and the energy in the Centre was uplifted. Om & Prem.