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Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Self,

By the grace of Master and the blessings of Swamiji we are happy to inform you that the Sivananda Organization has bought an Ashram in Uttarkashi. The location of this property is just across the river from the present Sivananda Ashram. The land is as extensive as our existing Ashram across the Ganga. The property is in requirement of attention and repairs. Slowly we will improve the buildings over time. At present the intention is to develop it as a Sadhana place for the Organization. Please send your thoughts & blessings towards this new place.
May Master and Swamiji's blessings be with us always.

Prem and Om
Swami Mahadevananda

The initial stages in Sadhana will be one of ups and downs. Obstacles and unfavourable circumstances are God-sent chances to make you more steady and strong in will.
-- Sri Swami Sivananda

1. Use toasted sesame seed oil and 1 cm( ¹/₂ inch)piece of ginger root, peeled and grated
2. Replace the sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds, or use a mixture of the two.

• 5 Tbsps oil
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• about 50 g(2oz) sunflower seeds
• 1 Tbsp tamari or 1 tsp salt
• 5 Tbsp water

1. Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add more water, or more sunflower seeds, depending on how thick you wish the dressing to be

Om Namah Sivaya!

In early September we are experiencing some extended brilliant summer days while the 30 students of the TTC started off comfortably. The camp still received lots of guests. Local student numbers increased. We had a visit from Sachdev and his wife who came for a short holiday and surprised the students by offering to play flute during one of the meditations. We also had a wonderful Sarangi concert by Aruna Narayan Kalle who has performed here before, which is always a blessing. The summer went well with many outside visitors and well-attended courses.

In mid-September all is well at the camp though summer days are over and heavy frosts have begu. The Canada geese have been heard in the skies, flying in formation Southward, signaling to us that winter is approaching. The TTC went well. Mantra Initiation saw nearly all students taking part. We celebrated Swami Mahadevananda's 69th birthday with a wonderful party started with a Pada Puja where may local and temple devotees came to pay their respects. Dr Spunt, Mr Trager also attended the joyous celebration which went into the evening. Pranams.

Om Namo Narayanaya!

In early September there was a beautiful Puja with abhishekam during the morning Satsang to began the month. With the celebration of Swami Sivananda's birthday being further celebrated with Akhanda Kirtan of Om Namo Bhagavate throughout the day and a feast on banana leaf for brunch. The guests that went on the Kanya Kumari trip one Friday were further exposed to the local culture. The usual visits to temples and the Vivekananda rock were of even more interest than usual. Children's games were taking place for Onam Festival outside the ancient Adi Keshava Temple (Lord Vishnu reclining just as at the Padmanabhava Temple in Trivandrum) and the temple statues at Suchindran were being paraded around the temple with a flock devotees following. These guests were also treated to a beautiful sunset. Meanwhile at Neyyar Dam it was raining as it had done lately. However, for the Onam parades and festivities the sun was out in full. Almost all the guests joined in the parade of which the Ashram was a part, walking along with an elephant in front and Kathakali dancers behind! Sunday was a necessary day of rest with proper exercise, proper breathing, proper... Ashley returned to the Ashram to continue her service with a new visa. Kunjamon went home on his way to Chennai.

In mid-September a new batch of yoga vacationers arrived which included a group of 15 students from an international school at Kodai Canal, a hill station in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. This group of mostly Korean teenagers' utilized this school field trip as an occasion for exploring yoga. They stayed for 5 days. Preparations for our hi-season began in the form of small and medium levels of repairs & maintenance, keeping the staff busy. As the weather is mostly been dry, we took the opportunity to walk up the Kaliparra hill, with the clear morning skies allowing sight of beautiful sunrise and panorama of the Neyyar Dam waters with the forested mountains in the background, the guests were happy to have made the effort to get there. May Swamiji and Masters continue to bless and guide us. Om Shanti.

Om Namah Sivaya!

After an energetic summer with intensive courses, special events and programmes with international guest speakers, we started to prepare the Ashram for housing more intimate groups of staff and guests. Renovation work was done this month in the Krishna temple and included the painting of all the shrines and repairing of the roofs. Two new wooden garages were constructed to house the Ashram car and our tractor. Work to create two new pathways through the Ashram woods is almost completed. The paths will be lit by lamps, providing the opportunity for evening strolls within the grounds. We were happy to welcome Swami Sivadasananda who surprised us with a visit on Ganesha's birthday. He led a beautiful Puja ceremony, explaining to us the symbolism behind Ganesha. The celebration of Master's birthday with a Puja and abishekham uplifted the spiritual vibration further. This month featured a course on Stress Management, entitled Yoga Relaxation Techniques. The curriculum covered modern stress research combined with the ancient yoga techniques to achieve inner balance. A week long course on positive thinking was attended by a sincere group of guests.

Om Namah Sivaya!

In early September we had a pleasantly quiet start to the Fall months at the Yoga Farm. We celebrated Swami Sivananda's birthday with a day-long Sankirtan then a Puja in the evening. We also welcomed back Ishwara from the Yoga Camp. We also hosted Sahadeva from the camp for a week. One Thursday, the staff took a well-deserved trip to the beach of Lake Tahoe. Swami Sitaramananda, Sankara, and Siva Priya traveled to Los Angeles on their West Coast Tour, where they gave an asana demonstration and interview to the Chinese media. Vidya Chaitanya arrived from the LA Centre to lead the Permaculture Weekend. As the weather cools down school and work resumes its normal rhythms outside of the Ashram lowering attendance in th e Ashram, leaving more time for the staff to prepare for the upcoming TTC.

In mid-September we had a US West Coast Teachers' meeting gathering 40 teachers from San Francisco, Los Angeles, FA, Portland, Seattle. This is the 9th annual Teachers' meeting. It was heart warming as teachers re-attune themselves to the practice and get to know each other. Besides inspiring Satsangs, they also were exposed to many workshops: "The healing power of Yoga", proper teaching vocabulary, "how to teach people with limited flexibility", "proper alignment" and "the pathway of a Sivananda teacher". Swami Padmapadananda came from San Francisco to join the event. While the Intermediate Yoga week is going on, Krishna and Mahashakti conducted separate teaching workshops for teachers at the Yoga Farm. Swami Sitaramanananda, assisted by Sankara, gave a week programs in San Diego, Arcata and Garberville in the North coast of California. Pranams to all.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Greetings from the Yoga Ranch. In early September the TTC students adjusted to the course with ease and maturity. They worked hard and did a great job. We welcomed Aruna Narayan Kalle, accompanied by Nitin Mitta for a classical Sarangi & Tabla concert. It was an inspiring concert with the many sounds of the sarangi. The Ashram worked in the garden and around the property on the apple trees to prepare them for the winter season with Michael Judd, a perm culture activist and teacher leading.

In mid-September the Ashram welcomed the Fall season with cooler weather and the change of the leaves. The TTC students were introduced to two special guests, Rabbi Gelberman and Jim McKeegan. One Saturday evening Jim McKeegan, a local astronomer, presented a beautiful presentation, "Touch the Stars". We were reminded of the vastness of the Universe and saw amazing images that expanded our minds. Rabbi Gelberman led an inspiring Satsang with his cantor Judy Steele. By the end of the evening, all the TTC students, guests and staff remained in their seats waiting to hear more wisdom from Rabbi. He opened the hearts of all. Om Shanti.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves!

In early September everyone was busy getting the Ashram back up and running after the evacuation due to the tropical storms. As during the preparations for the hurricanes, all were in good spirits and working hard! We have few guests as of now but the 2009 season is approaching rapidly. We received many emails and phone calls to book reservations for our different courses and programs. Swami Brahmananda returned after a two week visit to Israel. We thanked Sita Chaitanya who came down from the Yoga Ranch to step in to manage the Ashram.

In mid-September the 2009 brochure was finished and sent out to our mailing list. Our website has also been updated for the 2008-2009 season. Our Satsangs and workshops were dedicated to stress-free living and how to apply the teachings of yoga to keep centered in the face of challenges in daily life. Swami Brahmananda discussed how to turn these challenges and stresses into stepping-stones on our spiritual path. The staff is well. Pranams to all!

Om Namah Sivaya!

The last week of August was also the final week of the International Yoga Teachers' Training Course here in Reith, Tyrol, Austria. The main lectures on yoga philosophy and Vedanta with Swami Sivadasananda were a great inspiration and uplifting for the whole group. We did several silent walks supported by marvellous mild and warm whether. A kirtan Satsang was appreciated with enthusiastic participation. The advanced pranayama classes created even more prana and serenity amongst the students. Swami Durganandaji came back after a short leave just in time for the mantra initiation on Thursday. The course came to an end with a joyful graduation ceremony, everybody had passed. A very professional and elevating flute and guitar concert kept the audience spellbound. During the get together at night the students showed photos which they had taken during the past 4 weeks. A lot of laughter could be heard and soon the students left with their hearts wide open. Also the Ayurveda cooking course came to an end on Sunday with a feast prepared by the students of the course. Beginning of September we started another Yoga Teachers' Training Course and its first week went well with students settling into the daily routine. Swami Durganandaji spent the first half of the week here, supporting and guiding in many ways. The introductions into the use of mantras, the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga philosophy were received with great interest and many questions. Dr. Annika Waldmann from Germany shared her knowledge on scientific facts about nutrition. Also the new topic on the pros and cons of milk products was very informative. We were blessed with continuous nice weather and the silent walks were a great joy. Later on this month the teacher' training course went smoothly through its 2nd and 3rd week. Swami Kailasanandaji taught the main lectures and Satsangs much to the inspiration of students and staff. Dr. Kamlesh gave two lectures on Ayurveda and conducted a cooking class for TTC and guests. The delicious Ayurvedic meal with chapattis was appreciated by everybody. For the guests we offered yoga and hiking with some very nice tours to lakes and mountains. On Friday, we went to the Hohe Tauern Mountains and enjoyed the pristine nature.

Om Namah Sivaya.

At the beginning of September we had an open day with a good number of newcomers and people registering for the next courses. Different yoga courses started throughout the month, beside the Yoga 1, 2 and 3 we had a Raja yoga course as well as a meditation course. The two Pujas, for Ganesha's birthday as well as Swami Sivananda's birthday uplifted nicely the energy in the Centre. One weekend we had one nice cooking class and a preparation seminar for the teachers training course.

TTC Poland:

The second TTC in Poland went well so far. There are 86 students mostly from Eastern Europe participating in the course. Students have now well adapted to the TTC schedule. We celebrated Master's birthday by watching a Video of Master. A few days later students were happy to see Swamiji in "In The Name of Peace" talking about his mission in the West and demonstrating it through his peace missions. Everything was nicely prepared for the visit of the European Acharyas Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda. On Sunday a 4 day program with Indian classical music which brought to the students the beauty of Indian Ragas and the wisdom of India. Also, students were introduced in the science of Ayurveda with lectures and a cooking class.

Om Shanti. Om & Prem!!!

In early September the three courses for beginners (two of them in eight classes and the third one in four) continued. A Meditation course with more than 20 students finished. The regular class schedule ran smoothly. We had a workshop about "The art of Breathing" one Saturday morning with nine students. We also held a special topic - an open conference about Tibetan Vertebral Praxis with Doctor Ruben Pistacchia, who learnt the technique from a Tibetan Monk. Around 35 persons were really interested about this not-so-known technique.

In mid-September we had a nice yoga retreat at our Centre. Kanti Devi came from Montevideo to give some conferences about the five points yoga from Swami Vishnudevananda's teaching plus the paths of yoga. We held the same daily schedule as in the Sivananda Ashrams. People enjoyed this opportunity to relax and go deeply in the yoga practice. The other current activities have developed as usual. Lalita arrived from Uruguay. She took TTC in Garopaba last summer and decided to become staff. She is adapting very well to the routine. Om Shanti to All!

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves.

By the guru grace Centre's activities are going very well. Om Shanti. Shanti, Shantihi. Pranams to All.

Om Namah Sivaya!

In early September we continued with the Meditation Course taught by Swami Narayanananda, two Yoga 2 Courses taught by Sri Devi, and a Yoga 1 course taught by Sadasiva. We continue with the remodeling of our reception and boutique.

In mid-September we started to put the finishing touches to our re-organization of the boutique and are happy to be offering the students a full range of our books as before. We're enjoying wonderful fall weather, with the exception of one weekend when we experienced torrential rains that were the tail end of Hurricane "Ike". Swami Narayanananda and some of our students visited the nearby Vedanta Society retreat in Ganges, Michigan, for one weekend. Produce is still coming in from the garden, we have learned that we should plant a few less tomato plants next year, right now our students are enjoying the surplus! Sending pranams to all!

Om Namah Sivaya

In early September a new Yoga 1 started at 10 am on Mondays. Master's 121st birth anniversary was celebrated with a homa. Many outside teachers attended. That evening the Centre was decorated with oil lamps and Pada Puja was done. One Wednesday morning a "How to get sound sleep" workshop was well received by 15 students. Onam Festival was celebrated with a simple Kerala feast prepared by Srikaumari. "Stress Management through Yoga" with Aasahish ws well attended. Many students have registered for the next one. The new one-hour open class is getting popular among the students. A Lalita Sahasranama Archana was done for the full moon day. All bathroom renovation work was concluded. We received Swami Govindanandaji from Madurai on his way to Sadhana Intensive in Himalayas. The new brochure was sent to all airlines offices as well IT industries, as requested by few students. Pranams to all. Om Namo Narayanaya.

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.

In mid-September we started a new beginner course at 10:00 am with seven students. Attendance at the evening classes dropped due to a few rainy days, but despite of that the student's numbers have been good. Harish left on Tuesday, to take care of his mother. Om Shanti! Om & Prem to all.

Om Namah Sivaya from the Geneva Centre.

Students at the Palais des Nations are happy to continue with their Yoga classes after the summer break. We are continue to teach there twice a week. Swami Shyamananda came back from Reith at the beginning of the month. Preparations for the special programme with Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda for the end of September are in full swing.

Om Namah Sivaya.

There was much movement in the Centre throughout the last few weeks as students returned from the holiday period ready for more Yoga. We had several special programmes during the month. Dr. Uma Krishnamurthy led a Yoga Psychology weekend. Her three-day programme went very well, concluding with everyone participating in a circle dance to Sivananda Bhajans. Students gave very positive feedback, expressing how valuable her talks were to them. Dolores Cannon gave a series of three talks, speaking on the theme of "Between Death and Life" which were very well attended. Students were very attentive and much motivated by the subject. We had 61 students for our annual Summer Retreat; it was very much enjoyed by all. Our special guest, Angela Hope- Murray, delivered inspiring talks on Ayurveda. Staff helped with a cooking demonstration which was followed with keen interest. All enjoyed the beautiful Dorset landscape during the lovely meditation walks. We saw cows, horses, goats and deer. Our "Gift of Forgiveness" workshop with 15 students was the first official class in the new property which has been named the "Swami Vishnudevananda Kutir". We had very successful Summer Intensive combing Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses with meditation and positive thinking. Another workshop on "How to Get Sound Sleep" gave our new staff Padmini the chance to teach her first workshop. Our "Cooking with the 6 tastes" workshop had an added special attraction - learning how to make chapattis. Every one had a go and loved the experience.

The "Peace Garden" project has created an air of interest amongst the students. The beauty of the Indian sandstone paving is reminiscent of the multi-hued pinks of Rajasthan. The fund raising campaign is running well with positive replies. Chandra has designed a lovely "Peace Garden" t-shirt which will be given to all those taking part in the project. The peace garden is the perfect addition to the Swami Vishnudevananda Kutir. We welcomed Swami Gayatriananda back to the Centre after her summer spent at the Camp.

TTC Aluenda

We had the visit of Swami Durganandaji who gave an inspiring lecture on Raja Yoga to the TTC students. We had an inspiring Music festival that elevated everyone present. All the 51 TTC students successfully passed the exam and are graduated. We were blessed to have a very positive and open group this year.

Om Namah Sivaya.

In mid-September all classes & activities continued smoothly. We started an Evening Beginner course with six students. Kids are enjoying their class. One Sunday evening we had Satsanga with staff and students participating.

Om Namah Sivaya.

In early September Kanti Devi gave a workshop - "How to develop Pranayama". We promoted the course of Massage Thai with Yoga to be held in October. Classes and meditations are going well. Om Shanti!!

Om Namah Sivaya. Blessings from Montreal.

All is well at the Centre. In early September we had a beautiful celebration for Masters Birthday, Manjunath the priest came to the Centre to perform the Puja. Everybody participated in the Puja. Prema sang beautiful kirtan. The staff also went to the camp for Masters Birthday Puja. It was a wonderful start for the high season at the Centre with many students returning from the summer holiday. We started the full schedule with many new students. The new teachers from the TTC in July at the Camp started to assist.

Om Namah Sivaya from the Munich Centre!

We started the autumn season with our first monthly Open House in mid-September. We celebrated Krishna Jayanthi, Ganesha Chaturthi and Swami Sivanada´s birthday with nice little Pujas, meditations, stories and lots of mantra chanting. In one of our main asana rooms we put up beautiful new pictures of Swami Vishnudevananda in the twelve basic postures.

Om Namah Sivaya!

In early September the Centre was busy as regular students return from the summer break. We began new Meditation, Mantras, and Positive Thinking courses which were well attended. Swamiji returned to the city to give a course on "Conquest of Anger" one Saturday, which the students loved, many signing up for the following course. Nitya moved to the Yoga Ranch in the Catskills. We wished him every happiness in starting his new staff life there.

Mid-September was good week though slightly lower in numbers of students. Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses are full. Upcoming courses are also well subscribed to. We ran a "Living without Fear" workshop one Saturday in addition to a Cooking class and Headstand workshop. Everyone enjoyed participating in the various workshops. In Om.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves.

In early September Rome was hot and humid with lots of thunder storms - very unusual, but the plants are happy after a long, hot summer with no rain. We held a cooking workshop one Saturday featuring South Indian food. Now the students have asked for a field trip to the open market where the Indian, Asian, and African produce and foods are sold.

In mid-September open classes are filling after the summer break. A Yoga-1 course started. We held an asana workshop ono Saturday. Om Shanti.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves.

In mid-September the Centre began filling up again with local residents after their summer break. The new people are very enthusiastic and helpful, bringing abundant energy to our classes and Satsangs. One weekend saw the completion of a major renovation project, which has been underway for more than a month. The upstairs hardwood floors were sanded and refinished after removal of all the carpets. All the damaged sections of flooring were repaired. The project was guided by expert floor finisher and ex-staff Vasudev along with Shambhu, Rudra, and Mukunda (another ex-staff karma yogi). Everyone was happy to see the results. The floor looks almost brand new - clean and bright. Swami Padma attended the annual US West Coast teachers' meeting at the Farm along with a large number of our local teachers. They all report that it was an amazing experience. Pranams to all!

Om Namah Sivaya!

In mid-September, by the grace of our gurus, all the activities of our Centre are going on smoothly. One Monday we started the new beginner's classes. The open classes are growing in size after the Onam festival. On 17-09-08 we had a Ganapathi Homa in the morning and there was a Lalitha Sahasranama Puja. We had a teachers' meeting with Swami Sivaswaroopananda with 13 teachers participating. One Sunday evening we had a Public Satsang with Swami Sivaswaroopananda. The staff and teachers are well. Om Shanthi!

Om Namah Sivaya.

Apart from the usual beginner's courses, this month new courses were beginning in Y4, Y17 and Meditation. We also had a successful Cooking Class with dishes which are fast and easy to prepare. Beautiful Pujas on the occasion of Krishna Jayanti, Masters Birthday and Vinayaka Chaturthi uplifted the energy of the Centre. A Saturday-Workshop about "Yoga and Stress management" and a seminar about "Yoga for the Back" gave students and staff the opportunity to deepen their practise and knowledge and a successful Open Day brought many new students to the Centre.

You say your life has been one of suffering. Think of Prahlada. Think of Dhruva. Draw inspiration from them, and be calm and unperturbed.
-- Sri Swami Sivananda