For the first time the Sivananda Yoga Retrat House in Reith, Tyrol, Austria, conducted a Yoga Teacher's Training Course in the winter time in the beautiful Austrian Alps, starting on December 21st. The year end holidays are the only possibility for taking off 4 weeks from work - this is what many of the participants said who had come from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, England, Spain, Lithuania, Belgium, Argentina, as well as Canada. The course was taught in English and German, and there was a beautiful sense of sharing throughout. From the first to the last day we had the beautiful snow-covered mountain scenery all around us which calmed the mind and created a Himalayan-like feeling. It was very comfortable to meditate and chant while it was snowing outside.

The course was taught by Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda, Swami Ramapriyananda, Swami Atmaramananda, Swami Narayananda, Swami Anantananda as well as several visiting Swamis. Many Yoga vacation guests joined the Retreat House for the Holiday season and enjoyed the celebrations along with the TTC group: Inspiring spiritual messages, stories about Swamiji, special kirtans, Christmas carols in many languages, a theatre play written by the staff as well as delicious food with a variety of traditional Christmas cookies. A strong spiritual presence was strongly felt by all of us and some students commented on their inner experience with Master Sivananda and Swamiji as the course unfolded. The daily routine of Meditation, Satsangs, Asanas, Pranayama, lectures and workshops about how to teach Yoga was much apreciated.

Extensive silent walks in the snow were another highlight of the month, often ending with hot chocolate upon return to the Retreat House. As the end of the course was drawing near, students spent more time studying the extensive course material and finally all passed the exam. Upon departure on January 18th, one student commented: "In one month, I have learnt more than in 3 years in university." We pray for the spiritual evolution of all the 48 graduates, that they may live and spread the message of peace, Yoga and unity far and near.

PS: the next International Winter Yoga Teachers's Training Course in Tyrol is scheduled for December 19th, 2004 to January 15th 2005. Please come and join!