Yoga Teachers'Training Course - Sivananda Yoga

$3.50 US

£2.50 UK

3.70 € Europe

Summer 2009

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SPECIAL FEATURE Celebrating Forty Years of Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses Page 10

Thought Power Swami Sivananda

Prana as Electricity Swami Vishnudevananda

Connect to your Inner Divinity Swami Durgananda

Benefits of the 12 Basic Postures Swami Sivadasananda

S E R V E • L O V E • G I V E • P U R I F Y • M E D I TAT E • R E A L I Z E

Imagine… a haven of peace in the midst of vast open spaces, ancient forests with century old trees, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets… just one hour from Paris

Yoga Vacation all year round from 38 ?per night Yoga Teachers' Training Courses July 3 – August 1st and August 2 – 30, 2009 International guest speakers Yoga psychology course August 14 – 21, 2009

Sadhana Intensive for TTC graduates Aug 7 – 22, 2010 Diploma Course: Yoga and stress management diploma course Further training courses for yoga teachers

Château du Yoga Sivananda 26 Impasse du Bignon, 45170 Neuville aux Bois Fax: +33 (0) 2 38 9118 09 email: [email protected] Est 1957

Tel: +33 (0)2 38 91 88 82 www.sivananda.org/orleans Swami Sivananda (1887-1963)

Swami Vishnudevananda (1927-1993)

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YOGALife I Summer 2009

Editor’s letter

International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres Swami Sivananda (1887-1963) The spiritual strength behind the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, Swami Sivananda’s teachings are a synthesis of all the formal doctrines of yoga. Author of more than 300 books on yoga, Swami Sivananda was a medical doctor before renouncing worldly life for the spiritual path. He founded the Divine Life Society and the YogaVedanta Forest Academy, Rishikesh, Himalayas. His main message was: Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise. In 1957 he sent one of his foremost disciples, Swami Vishnudevananda to the West to spread the ideals of yoga. Swami Sivananda entered Mahasamadhi on July 14th 1963.

Swami Vishnudevananda (1927-1993) Born in South India in 1927, Swami Vishnudevananda entered the ashram of Swami Sivananda at the age of 18. A world famous authority on Hatha and Raja Yoga, Swami Vishnudevananda founded the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in 1957 and was author of The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, Meditation and Mantras, Karma and Disease and a commentary on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Swami Vishnudevananda entered Mahasamadhi on November 9th, 1993.

The Executive Board The Executive Board of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres is comprised of senior disciples of Swami Vishnudevananda, personally chosen and trained by him to direct the organisation after his departure. Each of them has had many years’ experience in teaching all aspects of yoga. They are renowned for their devotion to Swami Vishnu-devananda and Swami Sivananda and for their profound knowledge and inspirational teaching and guidance, wisdom imparted to many thousands of students throughout the world.

Swami Mahadevananda Swami Swaroopananda Srinivasan

Swami Durgananda Swami Sivadasananda Swami Kailasananda

HEADQUARTERS SIVANANDA ASHRAM YOGA CAMP

Welcome... e are celebrating this year 40 years of Sivananda Teachers’ Training Courses (TTC). Swami Vishnudevananda taught the first TTC at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, Val Morin, Quebec in 1969. Since then over 23,000 people have taken the course. Over the years, we have received thousands of testimonies from students eager to express their gratitude for this life changing experience. A few recent testimonies are included in this issue. The course will be taught for the first time in Italy this year. We have been putting quite some energy this year into book printing: Swamiji’s commentary on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika has been reprinted – see the article “prana as electricity”; the new book Swami Vishnudevananda Upadesha has been printed. We included some inspiring excerpts in this issue. We are also working on a new book on Hatha Yoga, which will be printed shortly in England by Dorling Kindersley. Thanks to the untiring volunteer work done at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, over 3,000 recordings have been transferred from cassette tapes to mp3-format. We need help to organise this precious legacy to make it available to all – see the article on how you can help on page 25. Swami Durgananda’s article provides wonderful inspiration on how to reconnect with our divinity, while Swami Sivadasananda’s article on the 12 basic asanas reminds us of the logic behind this powerful sequence. We also wanted to put emphasis on the power of the mind in this issue – Dr Shastri is sharing his rich knowledge of the vedic tradition in his article on improving memory and concentration in the gurukula tradition. Finally, we would like to acknowledge in this issue the great spiritual work done by inspired souls in various parts of the world: the great work of Dr. Marilyn and Dr. John Rossner, both close disciples of Swami Vishnudevananda, in inter-religious and intercultural understanding for world peace; the wonderful work of Gopala and a whole team of karma yogis in Spain and South America with the translation of the books of Swami Sivananda into Spanish, and last but not least, we would like to pay a special tribute to Swami Neeladevananda, who left her body last year at age 89. Her total devotion to her teacher, Swami Vishnudevananda, will remain a source of great inspiration for many generations of spiritual seekers to come.

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We hope you enjoy this issue. Om Shanti, The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, London

Eighth Avenue, Val Morin, Quebec, Canada JOT 2RO Tel: +1 819 322 3226 email: [email protected] With ashrams and centres located around the world see page 58 for addresses

Est 1957

The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, founded by Swami Vishnudevananda is a non-profit organisation whose purpose is to propagate the teachings of yoga and vedanta as a means of achieving physical, mental and spiritual well-being and Self-realisation.

Cover Photo: Swami Vishnudevananda gives out books and uniforms during a Teachers’ Training Course inauguration


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International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres Europe

Yoga Teachers’ Training Course Ustka, Baltic Sea, Poland August 29 – September 27, 2009 • Fully certificated four-week intensive course • International guest speakers • Taught in English, Polish, Lithuanian, Russian

Yoga Vacation Programme A Yoga Vacation programme will be held at the same time as the Teachers’ Training Course.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Berlin Schmiljanstr. 24 (U9 Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz) • 12161 Berlin Fax: 030/ 85 99 97 98 · E-Mail: [email protected]

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Contents

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Thought Power "Thought makes man. Man makes civilisation." Swami Sivananda explains how the power of positive thought can help develop a 'New civilisation'.

Celebrating 40 years of Sivananda Teachers’ Training Courses In this issue of Yoga Life we look back at how and why the course was started. With personal experiences of some past graduates of the course.

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Teachings of Swami Vishnudevananda Excerpts from the newly published book, Vishnudevananda Upadesha

Prana as Electricity

An excerpt from the newly reprinted commentary on the Hatha Yoga Pradhipika by Swami Vishnudevananda

Connect to your Inner Divinity

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Swami Durganananda talks about the fundamental problems of human life and the necessity of developing a spiritual orientation.

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Life and Teachings of Swami Vishnudevananda in audio files… Find out how you can help in this Karma Yoga Project to make Swami Vishnudevananda’s precious archive material available to all.

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A Tribute to Ruby Blue – Swami Neeladevananda

We remember one of Swami Vishnudevananda’s dearest and closest disciples.

The Living Evolution

An Interview with Ruby Blue, Swami Neeladevananda.

The logic behind the sequence of the 12 Basic Postures Swami Sivadasananda takes an in-depth look at the benefits of the 12 Basic Postures.

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’Swamiji’

Dr Marilyn Rossner talks about Swami Vishnudevananda.

The Training of Memory and Concentration in the Gurukula Tradition By Dr H V Satyanarayana Sastry.

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Being Staff

Lakshmana, staff member at the Sivananda Yoga Centre in Paris, gives a personal account of what joining staff has meant for him.

The Power of a Smile

“I still remember the first time I met Swami Vishnudevananda in 1974. I remember above all his first smile.” Gopala remembers Swami Vishnudevananda.

Elephant Ride A tribute to the humility, compassion and wisdom of Elephants.

Sivananda Ashram and Centre News

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Updates on new developments in Ashrams and Centres around the world.

Kumbha Mela

The background behind this most auspicious and sacred festival.

New Trivandrum Centre Opens

The inauguration of the new Sivananda Yoga Centre in Trivandrum Kerala, South India, by the Maharaja of Travancore.

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Prison Project News Swami Padmapadananda updates us on the latest Prison Project news.

Sivananda Ashram and Centre Addresses A listing of Sivananda Ashrams, Centres and teachers worldwide.

Inter-Religious and Inter-Cultural Understanding Father John Rossner, founder of the International Institute of Integral Human Sciences, talks about its aims and objectives.


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“Flood the brain with healthy thoughts, ideas and ideals.” – Swami Sivananda 8


Thought Power

Thought Power and the conditions for a New Civilisation an extract from Thought Power by Swami Sivananda

Thought makes man. Man makes civilisation. There is a powerful thought-force behind every great event in life and in the history of the world. Behind all discoveries and inventions, behind all religions and philosophies, behind all life-saving and life-destroying devices is thought. Thought is expressed in words and executed in deeds. Word is the handmaid of thought, and deed is the end result. Hence, the saying, ‘As you think, so you become.’ How to build a new civilisation? By generating a new thought-force. How to build a civilisation that will ensure the peace of mankind, the prosperity of society, the salvation of the individual? By generating a thought-force that will invariably result in man enjoying a peace of mind, that will instill in his heart the divine virtues of compassion, of service to his fellow-men, love of God, and of an intense desire to realize Him. If but a fraction of the wealth and the time spent on wasteful pursuits and destructive activities is devoted to the creation of a Good Thought, there will be a new civilisation right now. Atomic and hydrogen bombs, I.C.B.M. and a host of other inventions drive mankind inevitably to destruction. They waste your wealth; they destroy your neighbours; they pollute the atmosphere of the whole world, and generate fear, hatred, and suspicion in your heart; the mind is unbalanced and the body is subject to diseases. Stop this trend. Promote research in spirituality, in religion, in all the good things of life. Support the philosophers and saints – the real benefactors of mankind. Encourage them in their study of religion, researches in ancient spiritual literature, and the projection of a great thought-force for the good. Ban all literature that pollutes the thoughts of the young. Flood the brain with healthy thoughts, ideas and ideals.

The man who commits murder, the man who steals your purse, the man who cheats you – the law punishes him. But this crime is insignificant to the crime committed by the wicked intellectual who instills a wicked idea into the mind of youth. The new civilisation will give every encouragement to those who wish to study philosophy, religion and spiritual thought. It will make their study compulsory in schools and colleges. It will award scholarships to students of philosophy. It will confer prizes and titles on those who conduct researches in religion and philosophy. The deepest urge in man, the spiritual urge, will be given the fullest scope to realize its goal. The fruits of the New Civilisation are well worth all that everybody can do towards building it up. In the New Civilisation man will want to lead a righteous life, he will be eager to serve his fellow-beings and share with them what he has; he will love all, realising that his own Self dwells in all; he will be devoted to the welfare of all beings. What an ideal society it will be, where people share with others all that they possess, and will serve everybody! Where will be the need for taxes and duties in such a society in which everyone will voluntarily work for all? Where is the need for police and the army when people are devoted to virtue? This then is the ideal. Towards this end, let everyone strive to generate a Thought-force. May God bless you all!


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40 Years of Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses In 1969, Swami Vishnudevananda taught the inaugural Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) in Canada, the first yoga teaching course of its kind to be established in the West. This year we celebrate the 40th year of Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses, and in this issue of Yoga Life we look back at how and why the course was started. We also include the inspiring ‘life changing’ personal experiences of some past graduates of the course. Photo: Swami Vishnudevananda inspires the Teachers’ Training Course students

1969: Swami Vishnudevananda giving a lecture during the first Sivananda Teachers’ Training Course

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Archive photos of Swami Vishnudevananda conducting the Teachers’ Training Course

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“Swami Vishnudevananda developed the Teachers’ Training Course as a means to train the future leaders and responsible citizens of the world in Yogic disciplines.” Background

The Sivananda Teachers’ Training Course

In 1968, whilst meditating in the temple at the Sivananda Yoga Retreat on Paradise Island, Swami Vishnudevananda had a vision that was to have a profound effect on his life. He saw people rushing to tear down the walls and borders that exist between nations, in a bid to escape a wall of fire and destruction. This unsettling experience became the catalyst for his founding of the True World Order (T.W.O.) which aimed to promote a deeper unity and understanding between peoples of the world. The T.W.O. envisaged a world where the ideas of patriotism, nationalism and separation would be replaced by a new era of Unity in Diversity. He said that although there are and always will be different languages, cultures, faiths and social orders, these will only add to the beauty of the world once we accept and understand them properly, instead of creating bigotry, intolerance, misunderstanding and war. Swami Vishnudevananda developed the Teachers’ Training Course in order to train future world leaders and responsible citizens of the world in Yogic disciplines. In this way he hoped to achieve the aims of the T.W.O. He asked the question: “What type of leaders should lead us in the future? Leaders who have disciplined themselves and have control over their minds and emotions through the development of spiritual and psychic senses instead of ordinary intellect to see and solve problems. This is achieved by the yogic method of physical and mental exercises and meditation combined with other modern techniques which will hasten mental and spiritual development. Without these it is very difficult to control one’s emotions and become selfless in thought and action. If even a glimpse of peace and happiness, which true yogis enjoy, can be brought to leaders, their attitudes and sense of values in leadership will be improved.”

Swami Sivananda founded an institute of education within his ashram in Rishikesh, India, named the Vedanta Forest Academy. Swami Vishnudevananda was one of the principal professors of the academy and as an extension of this educational programme, the Sivananda Teacher's Training Course was developed.

The Gurukula System of Education The Teachers’ Training Course is modelled on the traditional Indian system of education, ‘Gurukula’, in which the students live harmoniously together in a spiritual community under the guidance of their teachers. With this unique approach, it is not just an academic teaching of techniques – the teachings are transmitted and practiced in daily life.


The early training: Swami Sivananda (centre) with disciples. Swami Vishnudevananda stands next to him with arms folded.

The course is based on the training that Swami Vishnudevananda himself received under his Master, Swami Sivananda, over a period of 10 years, the essence of the training being condensed into a four week period. The course is designed to be intensive, immersing the students in a balanced programme of yogic theory and practice for all-round physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. Since the first course in 1969, over 23,000 graduates have received the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training certification. Swami Vishnudevananda’s visionary approach to the dissemination of yoga and yoga training has equipped thousands of aspirants with the necessary discipline and yogic skills to enrich their own lives and to help spread these teachings to others. Swami Vishnudevananda said that yoga teachers should also be yogic practitioners – “teachers and not just preachers”. With this positive attitude, each of us can help to carry on Swamiji’s legacy to create a new True World Order where each individual becomes a messenger of peace and a potential future world leader!

Personal experiences of the Teachers’ Training Course In Tune with my Real Self

A Life Changing Expeience!

My TTC in 2002 brought not only an enormous change to my life but also an enormous relief at finally finding a way of living that was in tune with my real Self. All the different aspects that we were exposed to and taught during the TTC, met all the different aspects of my personality that I couldn’t seem to combine before. I was a dancer for years and the yoga asanas combined with breathing and relaxation fullfilled my need to be in touch with my soul through my body. I studied psychology and philosophy at university and the study of Vedanta answered my questions even more satisfactorily. The practice of daily meditation gave me real, pragmatic tools for personal growth by helping me to understand my mind and control my thoughts. I had sung in a chorus for many years and missed singing with others, and since I was in India (Neyyar Dam) for my TTC with 250 students, I had the pleasure of experiencing very full satsangs with Indian musicians every day and reconnecting with the joy of singing through Kirtan. But most of all, I had always been a ‘counter-cultural activist’, deeply aware that our Western culture was disconnected from our true needs and heading perilously in the wrong direction faster and faster. I wanted to be involved in social change but had not found the way, having been dissapointed with both strictly political activism on the community level, and conventional psychotherapeutic methods on the personal level. And having grown up in a small village in Switzerland, spending hours and hours in the hills, fields and woods, I had a deep sense of being one with nature and all living things, an awareness that was sometimes difficult to keep in the busy urban world I was living in. So the chance the TTC offered to dig deeper inside to create a solid well of inner peace from which I could draw at will, and to spread this knowledge to others by becoming a yoga teacher was an absolute blessing. I have since had the opportunity to teach regularly at the Sivananda Center in Paris, where I receive as much as I give, if not more, and which has made me understand fully how much selfless service is a true source of joy. In addition, I have had the priviledge of being the French translator at the TTCs in Vrindavan,India for the last few years, an experience that I cherish for the renewed opportunity of reliving the ‘TTC adventure’ of people coming from all over the world to learn and grow together, and of witnessing the perpetual miracle of all of us struggling through our differences and personal challenges to arrive at a final shared sense of true Oneness during the graduation ceremony. I am so grateful that the TTC exists and continues to draw so many students. As time passes my commitment to it grows deeper and deeper. It has given me and continues to give me hope for a future dedicated to a more peaceful and loving world.

The TTC is an intense and wonderful experience that changes your life. Before doing the TTC myself, I read in the Yoga Life magazine the opinion of many people who have done the TTC. It was a surprise to read that so many people said that TTC had changed their lives. I thought to myself “what an exaggeration!”. But today I think that these people were right. It is an experience that changes the consciousness indeed; the course is demanding, wonderful and intense… a true gift of God. The expectations that we have when we begin the course are very little compared to the knowledge we obtain from it. They become true and we receive even more than expected. The end of the TTC it is only the very beginning of the path. We realize that we didn’t come here only to teach asanas and pranayama, but to integrate yoga into our lives, and finally we realize that we don’t really teach anything, but only pass on this precious knowledge that the Masters gave us. This is the mission, to pass on these teachings from one to another, like passing a flame or a candle until you can transform yourself

“We realize that we don’t really teach anything, but only pass on this precious knowledge that the Masters gave us.” and the people around you and fill the world with peace and joy and love, the greatest ideals of yoga! The main question my friends and family asked me and probably are going to ask you also was: Is it possible to become a yoga teacher within four weeks? Obviously not. You’ll be able to give a basic class, but from there until you become a teacher, there is such a long way! When does one become a yoga teacher? When through your personal practice of yamas, niyamas, asanas, pranayama, karma yoga, swadyaya, meditation, and with the grace of the guru and God you have removed all the obstacles to experience God inside, when you become an example for others and not just an entertainer, when you become a “peace ambassador” (to quote Swami Vishnudevananda), when you can go to the level of your students and bring them up, when you’re “light”, when “yoga” and “life” become identical… So not today, not tomorrow, and not at the end of the TTC. May you enjoy each moment of your TTC and remember that the Masters always teach through you! Amba

Kaivalya TTC November 2002, Neyyar Dam, India

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Personal experiences of the Teachers’ Training Course introspection, self-analysis, evaluation and ultimately evolution. As we peeled away the layers of conditioning, As a writer, I now find myself in an unusual position; not firmly held beliefs and values instilled from aeons ago, our quite the typical ‘writer’s block,’ but rather wanting to write vulnerability levels increased which ultimately gave rise to the ‘perfect piece’ – to share a deeply personal experience compassion – of self and others. Bearing witness to nationals yet afraid – in case my readers don’t ‘get it.’ of countries that have only entertained hostile relations share How do I convey my deeply intimate story while this sacred space serves as living testimony of what is truly remaining detached to the outcomes, opinions and beliefs possible for humanity right in this present moment. of others? To achieve this is among the higher planes During the introduction session when asked why I’d of yoga; detachment from the ego. chosen to come there, my first response was ‘to deepen my Since departing India at the end of February, not a single yoga practice.’ Well, it was that and then some I would learn day has gone by where thoughts of this intense land have as things transpired and evolved. For starters, there would be not crossed my mind. In spite of global economic meltdown, no peace and solitude as I’d envisioned, living dormitory style in India, a land overflowing with polarities and extremities, and sharing time and space with ALL of these participants the vast majority still knows how to smile. morning, noon and night. Any privacy required had to be My first month in India was spent at the Sivananda Ashram sought within. Herein lay the essence of lesson #1: how in Neyyar Dam, near Trivandrum in south India from 4 January to remain centered and focused while immersed in chaos. 2009, enrolled in the TTC. Besides my weekly journey to the As little incidents erupted and got ‘agitatedly’ under my internet café located 15 minutes walk away, and uphill to boot, skin, I was very confronted by my temperamental self. Over I chose to remain at the ashram even on our days off; time, I became accustomed to bumping into my shadow at a golden opportunity for us to embrace its true essence. every corner. At times I’d laugh hysterically – like the time Given our grueling schedule – from 05.30 hrs until 22.00 hrs when I said to one woman who 6 days weekly – it quickly asked whether she could join my became apparent that I’d need table where I was studying and to maintain immense focus “The nature of the TTC is ideally suited I responded by saying deadpan if I were going to excel at this programme which was clearly to this sort of introspection, self-analysis, ‘well, I’m actually seated here with my 3 friends – the Father, my unequivocal intention. evaluation and ultimately evolution.” the Son and the Holy Ghost.’ With a total of 177 Completely thrown, she turned participants from over 25 on her heels to run away until I quickly pacified the situation different countries attending this course – I was number by telling her that I was only joking. Earlier that day, during 129 – it was tempting and easy to lose one’s track. our philosophy lecture we explored the 3 levels of God in This was my first ashram experience and I chose to arrive Hinduism – Brahma, Brahman and Atman. Concisely speaking, like a blank slate. I can still recall arriving there after over 20 Hindus believe that it is easier to worship and honour God hours travel with my two suitcases to what I had perceived to in a concrete form rather than an abstract one. Ultimately be a sanctuary and being ‘greeted’ by a woman whose spiritual however they share the tenet that forms the basis of all name is/was Lakshmi (the Hindu Goddess for wealth and religions: Supreme Oneness – how one chooses to identify prosperity), a former New Yorker of Hispanic descent I believe. or define this is up to the individual. Clearly, my ‘jibe’ flew As she searched the seemingly endless list for my name, straight over my ‘intruder’s’ head. I said, ‘my name is Nadine McNeil,’ to which she Amidst the humour, there were also some very painful yet commandingly replied, ‘around here we go by first names.’ releasing moments. If my Lululemon yoga mat could talk Having noticed that there were two ‘Nadines’ on the list, I pointed this out to her while looking her straight in the eyes. what stories she would tell. Throughout the programme, she had unconditionally endured my thoughts, my fears, my tears, ‘If you will notice, there are two persons with the first name my triumphs, my sweat, and my dusty feet. I can still feel the Nadine on your list. I have given you my last name to make ‘largesse of energy’ that 177 of us built up during that aftera distinction,’ I authoritatively explained. ‘Oh boy,’ I thought noon session where Mani our teacher took us through those to myself in mild trepidation. 108 Surya Namaskars (sun salutations). Another powerful and At a glance, an ashram appears to be a microcosm of the memorable day for me was when I did my mantra initiation. outside world; not surprising given that its inhabitants are That afternoon, I wept, releasing joyful buckets of ‘salty-sweet’ people like you and me who, for whatever reason have chosen tears. I have tremendous respect for all that my mat has to step off the treadmill to find and/or lose themselves. absorbed. When I lay in savasana, I am re-born. However upon closer observation, one sees where the ashram As a friend of mine said just prior to my embarking on this is in fact a replica of an ideal world – one where human India journey, ‘change is not for the weak at heart.’ I would beings eventually surrender and unite for a singular purpose: further add that anyone choosing to embrace yoga had better the attainment of peace. be prepared to confront oneself at an authentic, cellular level. The nature of the TTC is ideally suited to this sort of

TTC: A Profound Journey


Personal experiences of the Teachers’ Training Course Yoga uncovers our truths, our pains, our fears, our anger, our joys and our sorrows. When one is fully immersed in yoga; i.e., proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, positive thinking and meditation, the true self inevitably emerges. Throughout the programme we were invited to analyse rather than paralyse. Judgment and firmly held opinions can and do lead to paralysis. Constantly, we were told to inquire within from a place of detachment and objectivity. Having lived in over 11 different countries in less than 25 years, thankfully, I’ve learned to let go of any preconceived notions about the way things should be. This is how I’ve managed to shape shift my way through Jamaica, North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa AND the ashram experience. My unwillingness to blindly conform to the accepted ‘status quo’ of (Western) society has in some instances, come at a great cost: the illusion of ‘alone-ness.’ At times I felt immense compassion for some of my ‘ashram-mates’ who were visibly struggling with newly acquired information that was contrary to what they had been brought up to believe their entire lives. One such example that springs to mind is that of a 19-year old African-American from the Bronx whom I ‘adopted.’ As I bore witness to her struggles – being one of three ‘people of colour’ in this ashram setting – I shared with her my various experiences vis-à-vis race. Having spent my twenties in New York, roaming the streets of Harlem, listening to Coltrane, reading about Malcolm X, the Black Panthers, Miriam Makeba and the like, I understood her struggle and empathized with her anger. However in this supposedly sacred spiritual setting, I invited her to release her anger – to let go of the deeply entrenched notion that the ‘big bad (White) world’ was out to get her. Painstakingly I explained that as much as she was being confronted that perhaps our ‘friends’ were equally if not more so confronted by our presence. While our presence is undoubtedly increasing within the yoga world, still the percentages are small. I often ponder whether it truly matters how many people of colour are choosing to adopt a yogic approach toward life. Yoga in its true form represents freedom so categorizing it according to race, gender, ethnicity and the like only aids to detract from its divine intention and purpose. Given that the essence of yoga is ‘Oneness’ and inclusiveness of all sentient beings I recognized that my/our presence in this setting was to enlighten others as we illuminated our paths. During the final week of the programme, we were invited to volunteer to spend periods from one month to one year at the ashram. I was pleasantly surprised and deeply moved when she came to tell me that she was seriously considering spending the next year at the ashram. Clearly something within her had shifted. Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise; indeed these yogic hallmarks are the gateway to living a life of freedom and peace. Om Namo Narayaanaya. Nadine McNeil TTC Neyyar Dam, India, January 2009

Swami Vishnu’s Teaching Style His teaching style was one of somehow compelling the student into the orbit of his personal magnetism. With his eyes, his gestures, his powerful voice and gut laughter, he created an aura of powerful force into which the student was absorbed willy-nilly. One characteristic devise he constantly used was the unfinished sentence, repeated with compelling insistence until one or all would fill in the blank. ‘What everyone really wants is……?’, ‘What everyone really wants is……?’ – Sleeping at one of Swamiji’s lectures was well-nigh impossible! Father Dan O’Hanlan A Jesuit priest who took the Teachers’ Training Course

A Steep Learning Curve During my TTC I had a relatively hard time, being quite a novice yogi. To my surprise, I began to miss everything about it as soon as I left the ashram. Without satsang, asana classes, karma yoga and the group energy of all those wonderful yogis from all over the world, I suddenly felt like a bird thrown out of its nest. Upon my return to Paris, I therefore headed to the local Sivananda Centre and begged to be allowed to clean toilets or cut veggies, just so I could be back in that uplifting atmosphere and feel part of the team. I received a friendly welcome. After a few weeks, reception duties were added to my repertoire, and I also started translating lectures for non-French-speaking staff members. Since then, a year has gone by, and it’s been a steep learning curve. Every time I was entrusted with a new task, I thought “How on Earth am I going to do this?”, yet somehow you rise up to the occasion, and there is always someone around to help if need be. I went on a couple of great teachers’ retreats at the ashram in Neuville aux Bois, Orleans, and took as many courses in Paris as I could. Nowadays I teach all sorts of classes and courses, I help with maintaining the www.Sivananda.eu website… and I still get to clean toilets sometimes. More and more of my free time is spent at the Centre. Some of the students I’ve taught have just graduated from TTC in Vrindavan. We went on the magnificent Himalayan Pilgrimage together. I hope that being a Sivananda teacher proves to be as fulfilling and exciting to them as it has been to me. Susmita TTC Neyyar Dam, India, November 2007


Vishnudevananda Upadesha

Teachings of “God created perfection: That thou art. Look inside and you will see.”


Swami Vishnudevananda Excerpt from the newly printed book, Vishnudevananda Upadesha Do not forget your discipline, what you have learned. Keep it up. Society will pull you down. Now it is your duty to keep fighting against the part of your nature that pulls you down. Your life is very short. In another forty or fifty years from now none of us will be here, except the few children now growing. Most of us will be dead and gone. In a very short time, remember. In forty, fifty, sixty years, you won’t be here on this planet Earth. You will have to leave your children, your home, your wife or husband, your loved ones; you will have to leave everything here, including this physical body you are now nourishing. Even the body has to leave: earth to earth and ashes to ashes. There is nothing here that you can take with you. Except two things: the good and bad that you have done. This, in the form of happiness or unhappiness, will go with you wherever you go. Whether you are still in a body, or without a body, these two things stay with you. So let us brush up our life, let us create a positive atmosphere, let us evolve and seek peace, let us encourage and help human beings and stop waging war with the animal kingdom. Do not believe only what you see and hear. Your mind can only cover a limited wavelength. Your reason is also limited. Do not blame God, saying he created an imperfect world. This imperfection is due to your own imperfection. If you wear red glasses, you will see everything red. God created perfection: That thou art. Look inside and you will see. Don’t worry about what others do, whether others practise or not. Your progress depends only upon your own effort. If you say that you will stay at this ashram only if everyone else is doing their Sadhana, this is foolish because nowhere will you find a perfect place. Everywhere there is duality. There is no perfection in this world. You have to do whatever you can for your own growth. Do not worry about your neighbours, your friends, other swamis, even your teacher. It doesn’t matter what the teacher does. It is immaterial to you. You practise and you eat. If you eat, you can satisfy your hunger. No one else can eat for you, or enjoy for you. If you want to be healthy, you have to eat healthily and live a proper life. To think ‘if everyone is healthy, then I will be healthy automatically’ is not possible. To be healthy you have to

do it yourself. Always remember this. Just mind your own business and carry on. Only then will your mind be peaceful when you meditate. Do not think that because you practise this or that you’ll be able to conquer this Maya. You need lots of God’s grace and discipline. The grace of God will come only when you work within your capacity. You cannot just say, ‘Oh, God will do everything for me, I don’t care’. God cannot help you unless you help yourself. The spiritual path is not one continuous climb to the top of the mountain, like climbing Mount Everest. Even climbing Mount Everest is not one straight climb. There are many ups and downs, valleys and finding camps, coming back again, going to a second camp, third camp, and fourth camp, falling down, and breaking down, and climbing up. Slowly, slowly, after several ups and downs, going back and forth, you reach the top. Spiritual aspirants think ‘I am doing pranayama, asanas, so how come there is no kundalini awakening?’ It is not that easy. There will be failures. Without failure there will be no success. You must understand that point very well. Nobody achieves the highest state immediately. Even Buddha. Buddha, in that particular incarnation became Buddha. But in how many lives did he fail, how many ups and downs, how many times did he move on? Only in that one last life he could, with all the training and discipline he had. For one thousand lives he failed, and in that one life he became Buddha.

Special Thanks With special thanks to Kamala Devi, a close disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, who devoted many hours of selfless work in editing the many transcripts of Swami Vishnudevananda’s lectures and helping to make this beautiful book a reality. email: [email protected]

Vishnudevananda Upadesha By The Sivananda Yoga Centre Vishnudevananda Upadesha contains extracts that are taken from talks by Swami Vishnudevananda on a variety of topics that encompass the teachings of the vast science of yoga. The words he speaks offer solace, hope, guidance and above all joy and love to all who listen to him. To order a copy of this inspirational new book, contact your local Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre or Ashram.


An excerpt from the newly reprinted commentary on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Vishnudevananda

Your physical body is like a machine. It runs on two types of energy: chemical energy, which comes from food, and psychic energy (called prana) which comes from all objects we take in: food, water, air and sunlight. These are the basic sources of our prana and they are found everywhere in nature. Prana also exists in the vacuum of space, underground, and even in water. But is not a chemical thing, it is electrical in nature. Your body is a storehouse of prana, and the blood system (circulatory system) acts as a transformer, diverting the prana from the astral to the physical. Yogis do not believe that the body exists merely because of its physiochemical nature; to them it is basically electrical in nature. When the electrical connection from the astral to the physical is severed (like a battery disconnected from an engine) it doesn't matter how powerful the engine is, it cannot start. The impulses of prana travel through the astral to the physical through an astral umbilical cord at our solar plexus. When this cord is severed, no more prana can come to the physical body. If the prana comes in very small amounts then the body will be comatose (unconscious).


If you understand the electrical nature of our bodies, you will understand the purpose of pranayama. I will try to explain in modern terms, as some of the ancient terms are very difficult to grasp. It is said that you can block the air in the Sushumna, in the throat region, in the stomach region, in the back region, in the ear region, in the eye region. Actually, how can you block the air in these places when the air which you inhale does not go into these places at all? What does this mean? Actually, it is not a physical blockage; it is the diversion of energy

from one source to another. In yoga, we call this energy ‘prana’. The problem is that there is no English equivalent for this word, so it gets translated as ‘air ’. Even Indian yogis make this mistake when they don't know how to translate it from the Sanskrit. I like to explain these ideas using analogies with electronic terms. Most of you are familiar with such gadgets as radios, cameras, and computers. There are three basic components common to all of them. Similar things exist in your body, but please don't take what I said literally; it is only to help you to understand how such things as locks work in the


body mechanism. When you do pranayama, it will help you a great deal if you understand this. Three things should be understood: 1. Transformers, 2. Condensers and 3. Resistors. Transformers: In electronic components there is always a source of power, usually a battery or household current. A small tape recorder cannot handle the 110 volt current as it enters the house, so it must be stepped down to a lower voltage by a transformer, otherwise the components will burn up. (There are step-down transformers and stepup transformers for decreasing and increasing the voltage.) Condensers (also called Capacitors) are storehouses of electricity. An example is the electronic flash in your camera. The electricity for the flash may come from a six volt battery, but that voltage cannot give enough light to take a photograph. What is needed are several thousand volts to create an intense light, so the energy coming from this small battery is stored up (it is not stepped up or stepped down) like a reservoir and accumulated till it can create a powerful flash for a brief moment.

Resistors: Another concept in electronics that we should understand is that of resistance. We can increase or decrease the resistance to the flow of energy. Most impurities will reduce the electrical flow. An example is the ordinary garden hose through which water flows at a specific velocity unless constricted by squeezing. The pump continues to try to force 16 gallons of water per minute through the hose, but when its capacity is reduced by constriction, the pressure goes up, and the water comes out more forcefully. In our body, something similar to a condenser exists. Prana is like electricity but very subtle. All electricity flows through wires, and in our body it flows through nadis (or meridians in the Chinese system). The problem here is when I say nerve, many people understand only the visible type of nerve. The nadi is equivalent to the nerve in the physical body, but it may be called an astral nerve tube, as it exists not in the physical, but in the astral body. I will not be able to completely communicate this subject in electronic terms, but there does exist a similarity between a physical nerve

and your astral nerve; they are counterparts. The difference is that one is visible and the other is not. In our bodies, the impulse coming from the brain through the vagus nerve which controls the heart and lungs are all impulses called prana. Previously it was thought that the heart was not susceptible to voluntary control, that you could not control the heartbeat by concentration. Yogis can demonstrate that the heartbeat can be slowed down with concentration or by such practices as Jalandhara bandha. They shut down the flow of prana. We are not talking about physical prana, but psychic prana. Thought can change your breathing rhythm as well as your heartbeat. Two important components of your body are together called the cardiovascular system because they are interdependent. When the body needs extra oxygen, the heart rate goes up. In order to make the lungs pump faster you have to stimulate the muscles of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. That is done by the brain. In an emergency, say you are running because a tiger is chasing you and you are close to YOGALife I Summer 2010

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Map of the Nadis Many ancient manuscripts show pictures of the energy patterns within the Astral, or subtle body. These are the nadis, the astral tubes that carry the prana or vital energy. In acupuncture, they are referred to as meridians.


exhaustion, the adrenal gland will, through adrenaline, give the heart an extra boost so that the lungs can breathe a bit faster for a short time. That's equivalent to the capacitor in electronic gadgets which I mentioned. Nature has given us the ability to escape from dangerous situations. This extra stimulation activates the adrenal gland which pumps adrenaline into the blood stream so that the heart gets a fast kick for a short time so that it can pump more oxygen to the muscles. Let us try to understand the cardiovascular system, to see how the heart rate and the breathing are interconnected. There is a gadget called the polygraph or lie detector. Just as EEG test the brain waves, the polygraph measures the three basic components mostly connected to the autonomous nervous system, a system which is basically not under our control. Generally speaking, the autonomous nervous system is beyond our control, but yogis can control it. In the polygraph, the three basic components are; 1. To demonstrate and measure your breathing pattern, how many cycles per second

you are breathing (normally we breathe 16 times per minute). 2. The pulse rate (normally about 75 or 80 per minute). 3. Galvanic skin response. Under our sweat glands there are nerves which carry sensory impulses. Because the galvanic skin response (GSR), measured as coming from the sweat gland, will change according to your thought, it is one of the three basic components in a polygraph. When you check for GSR by putting small electrodes on the tip of the finger (for example), you can take this current coming out and amplify it so that you can see its pattern. That is also under the autonomous nervous system. The polygraph technician also connects an elastic type of material from your chest to the polygraph so that you can see the number of times you are breathing, or what your breathing pattern is: shallow, long or disturbed. With normal breathing we inhale about 1500 cc of air and exhale out the same amount very gently. However, when you are breathing deeply, you can take in and out about 2000 cc. At that time the impulse will be very

strong. When you are mentally disturbed the breathing pattern will also change. When all these components are connected to the polygraph, we observe three different waves: breathing pattern, blood pressure, and galvanic skin resistance. After two or three minutes there is a normal reading. If suddenly the polygraph changes, it is an indication that the person has lied. An emotional upset will cause the breathing pattern to change from say sixteen times per minute to twenty-five or thirty times per minute. This can go up or down. In extreme cases the breathing or the heart may even stop, as in the case of shock or some bad news. Also with good news: something very exciting – say you won five million dollars in a lottery – that could stop the heart also. In such cases, you are overloading the capacitor. Within a brief time, everything is short circuited. The voltage coming through the nerves becomes so powerful that it just short circuits everything: the heart and/or lungs stop and there is collapse. So you see that your body is not different from an electronic mechanism. The electronic impulse in our body is the prana. This prana comes to the nervous system when it is stored by condensers and transformed by transformers. There are five basic types of prana: prana, apana, udana, samana, and vyana, as well as some minor pranas; the difference between major and minor pranas lying in the voltage. Even in electronic gadgets, some things need higher voltage so there are different types of transformers. In the body we call these transformers chakras. Various nerves come and go through the chakras. They are not physical nerves, but astral. In the physical body, the places where these nerves gather at the spinal cord are called plexuses. They are a kind of junction like a telephone exchange. These plexuses correspond to the chakras. This is where the energy is stored up like a condenser, altered like a transformer and acted upon by resistors. All these things take place in the same area.

In most people, the transformers in their upper chakras are not completely opened up; maybe for highly advanced students they are partially opened. Or if there is a tremendous amount of impurity, it acts as a resistor. These variable resistors are automatically controlled by your thought as well as your diet. Everything is controlled by thought. According to the nature of your thought, your impurities will increase and decrease. For each of these three gadgets in your system: condenser, transformer, resistor, all are controlled by your mind. So yogis go directly to the mind to change the pattern. According to the nature of the pattern of your thought, the voltage will be increased or reduced. If the voltage increases, then the energy goes to a higher chakra. If you reduce the voltage (make your thought very gross with only sensual and sexual thoughts), then the energy goes only to the lower chakras because the voltage is not sufficient to lift to the higher chakras. Remember that neither thought nor prana are in the physical body. They are in the astral body and according to the nature of your thought, the prana flows in the physical body. When your thoughts are very gross, the prana or electrons coming to the physical body will be lessened since there is too much resistance. Also, a physical nerve cannot take a high, powerful thought, so there may be a shutdown of the prana to a certain extent. The nervous system which is impure cannot transmit high voltage. Sometimes a sudden shock to the mind will even shut off this flow of prana. Sometimes this current is slowed down to such an extent that you are like a living corpse, in a state of coma. The ultimate purpose of Hatha Yoga is to escape from the lower voltage and move to a higher voltage.

The Chakras This is where the energy is stored up like a condenser, altered like a transformer and acted upon by resistors

Sahasrara Chakra

Ajna Chakra

Vishuddha Chakra

Anahata Chakra

Manipura Chakra

Swadhistana Chakra

Hatha Yoga Pradipika This article is an excerpt from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika the classic guide for the advanced practice of Hatha Yoga (Kundalini Yoga) with commentary by Swami Vishnudevananda.

Muladhara Chakra YOGALife I Summer 2009 21

by Swami Durgananda From a lecture given at the Sivananda Yoga Centre in London in January 2009

We all have to face the suffering of disease, old age and death. It is difficult to accept that these are part of everybody’s life and of our own life as well. And still another suffering comes in the form of unfulfilled desires, if things do not come the way we want. In order to solve these fundamental problems of human life some kind of spiritual orientation is absolutely necessary. In the 21st century we are flying higher than the birds and dive deeper than the fishes. We have conquered space and we are trying to conquer time. We have an advanced system of universities, libraries and colleges. But still the human society lives in the same basic fear of survival. How different are we really from the people who lived in caves and went out to hunt? Their fear was “do I have anything to eat?” When disease came “to whom do I go?” or “what do I do?” The same problems are still present in the modern society. Recently I met a lady who moved to the city from overseas and is trying to get established. She said


“Oh, I found a flat now. I didn’t know where to live. All my fears are gone.” To have a home, to have food, to have clothing, to have some friends, these basic needs of mankind have not changed since prehistoric times. Despite accumulation of knowledge, universities and education, hospitals and democracy, man has not really evolved. Why? The reason is that man has ignored the spiritual aspect. The inner path has to be cultivated. Instead what is being cultivated is the materialistic view. The untrained mind thinks that food and clothing, employment and housing, medical aid and education is everything. In this situation yoga has a different, a positive message: The Indian seers knew by experience that body and mind are not the real nature of man. They saw that not only the body changes constantly but also the mind. Something which is constantly changing cannot give us peace of mind. Just compare this with today’s thoughts of uncertainty in the financial world crisis.


The real view of yoga is not the materialistic view You remember that you are a Divine being, that you are of how to improve your concentration so you can have peace and harmony. For this you do not have to buy a better job. The yogic scriptures like the Upanishads anything, no special pillow, no special asana mat. You affirm that body and mind are not that real nature do not need anything for it. The yogis have been doing of man. Yoga is called a science, because it works like this for thousands of years. They sat under a tree or by an experiment. Yoga trains you physically and mentally, the river. We have to go back to these basic truths and to become aware of the present moment and to give should not mix them with materialistic aspects. up the false identifications of thinking I am the body You may say “I don’t have time.” But even if you are and I am the mind. very busy, you still have time to breathe. So inhale and Man’s whole attention is projected outside towards simply say “I am a divine being.” Thus for the time being the gross world of names and forms. We do this even you can forget the world. in religion, projecting a particular name and form which If you want to, you can also use a mantra or any word has to be worshiped. Real spirituality does not project you find divine. Yogis use OM, others use Amen, again outside, but consists of becoming aware of an inner others use Shalom, you can use Shanti – something divinity. It does not need to be called God, as some divine. Do not use words which put the mind back into people do not like that word. Religion and God do not a materialistic frame. have a good name anymore; even yoga is beginning God or Divinity is really universal. We should develop to have a bad name, as it is becoming so materialistic. respect for all forms. In every society people try to obtain Spirituality does not refer to a specific religion or a peace of mind and harmony. The whole planet earth is specific name of God. It means that there is something nothing but a spark of the Sun. And yet we are fighting divine within us which over my territory, my culture, we can actually contact my language. Divinity is and experience. universal. All names of God And there are many imply the same: total eternal “The Indian seers knew by experience ways to achieve this. Most and infinite perfection. This that body and mind are not the real religions like Christianity and is what OM represents. If you nature of man.” Buddhism have a founder, say “OM is a mantra which who connected to the inner belongs to the Hindu divinity and then taught their religion”, you have confined followers how to find that divinity as well. While the OM into a box, and it will not have its universal effect. founder practiced intense austerities, the followers tend Use something which represents for you infinite to see it again in a materialistic context; they are looking Divinity. In this sense you can make your own religion. for the divinity outside. Once you have come to terms with the idea of Universal Yoga does not have a founder, but it has already Divinity, you may find that you actually are able to follow many materialistic followers. In every century there are a religion, because you look at it differently. Just to a few Yoga Masters who have realised the inner divinity. discuss and explain all the religious practices is useless, Swami Sivananda said, “Do not make a religion out because where then is your own practice? of me.” A Sivananda religion – wouldn’t that be awful? Yoga is a process of self-culture. The Self is in But it is already happening. Of course the name of our everybody, otherwise love would not exist. Without love, international organisation is named after Swami how could we live? Children who grow up without love Sivananda, but when I hear people saying, “I teach need support for the rest of their life. People who do not Sivananda Yoga”, as being different from this yoga receive any love become very quickly old and sick. It is or that yoga, it’s actually not correct. Swami Sivananda very important to share this essence of the inner divinity, never developed a new yoga. which is love. Yoga does not want you to just love Yoga describes many different ways of finding this yourself, but also to make others happy. How does divinity. It does not matter what you wear, where you God work? God works through human beings. are and with whom you are – you just go within. Bring a divine radiance in your thoughts. If you That is the beauty. do not have any guidelines, you can go to the Ten Morning and evening, you can sit in silence and drop Commandments, to the Yamas and Niyamas of Raja Yoga the world from your mind. Just like in deep sleep you or to the do’s and don’ts of Buddhism. Deep down forget the waking state, so also you forget about the everybody knows what is right and what is wrong. But world when you sit morning and evening. Forget the it has to be actively cultivated in thought and action, economical crash, forget any unfulfilled love, forget in your feelings and in your family life. For a while you whether your body is tall or small, young or old. If you are going to be an outsider, but then people will pick up. manage this for a few minutes, your mind will love it. They will say, “Oh, well, this is a nice person. Let me be It will be so relaxed. You do not have to sleep for seven helpful, he or she is also nice with me.” Of course the hours to forget the world. Just sit for a few minutes. motivation is not that you want to be helped in return, Just to forget the world is actually not possible. but it is a natural response. Positivity radiates in one way, The mind needs something to think about. So you remind just like negativity radiates in another way. Thought yourself that you are a Divine being. This is called culture consists in concentrating on positive things. sublimation. In this way you transform the thoughts. Today yoga is going in a very materialistic direction. YOGALife I Summer 2009 23


improving the Centres and Ashrams, so more people can have access to the yoga experience. The materialistic outlook on yoga in the West has to change. We have to go back to the essence of yoga, otherwise yoga will be spoilt. We managed to spoil everything, the air, the river, everything else, but we should not spoil the last thing we have, that is our own divinity. The attitude towards our yoga practice is very

"Spirituality does not refer to a specific religion or a specific name of God. It means that there is something divine within us which we can actually contact and experience." Morning and evening, you can sit in silence and drop the world from your mind

There is complete emphasis on the body only. For this reason, teaching asanas for money is considered acceptable and very common everywhere. I just met a former staff member and asked him “Do you have a job?” He replied “Yes, I teach yoga”. Then I said, “Well, that is not a job.” If you consider teaching asanas as a job, it is a materialistic outlook and will not bring inner peace and happiness and strength in the long run. While it is true that the Sivananda organisation also charges fees for its courses, the situation is quite different. None of the teachers are paid, whatever is left after paying the bills is invested in expanding and


important. Sometimes beginner practitioners are very strict about their time – “oh, leave me alone, I cannot do this now, I have to do my asanas. If God sent people to meet you, this is your asana at the moment. You serve them; you share your time with them. So do not be selfish and say “this is my time, I have to do my yoga”. What is the yoga really good for if you do not have time for your fellow men? Karma Yoga is there to remind you that you also have to make others happy. To serve selflessly can be the essence of our life. That is actually the basis of yoga. Swami Durgananda is Yoga Acharya (spiritual director) of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in Europe. e-mail: [email protected]

Karma Yoga Project

Life and Teachings of Swami Vishnudevananda in audio files… Be part of a wonderful project of making this precious material available to all! Swami Vishnudevananda’s life was dedicated to teaching Yoga. His classes, lectures and satsangs were carried by great sincerity and inspiration. The atmosphere was charged with authoritative first hand knowledge, which addressed the essential points in a very straightforward and clear way. Swamiji’s presence emanated a special blend of discipline and humour, which deeply touched the lives of thousands of people. Thanks to the untiring volunteer work done at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp Headquarters in Val Morin, Canada, over 3000 recordings have now been transferred from cassette tapes to mp3-format. This impressive archive constitutes a most precious legacy of Swami Vishnudevananda, this great pioneer of Yoga of the 20th century, who served his students by actually living with them.

Extracts of the wide scope of topics which are addressed in recordings as early as 1969

Yoga Lectures •Ashtanga – the eight steps of Yoga •Mission of Yoga in world •Meditative States •Karma and Reincarnation •Power of Thought •Vedanta Philosophy

•The three Bodies •The three Gunas •Three States of Consciousness •Kundalini •Life after Death •Yoga and Ayurveda •Brain and Swara Yoga •Bhakti Yoga and Chanting

Yoga and Health

•Postural Alignment •Relaxation and Meditation •Mobilisation of Joints •Diet and Muscle development •Stress Management •Benefits of Asanas •Effects of Yoga on Children

Satsang topics

•Pleasure, Pain and Bliss •Yoga Experience vs Drug Experience •Life is pre-planned •Exercise Physiology •Who am I? •Proper breathing •Sannyasa - renunciation •Yoga and Disease Prevention

Commentaries on Scriptures •Bhagavad Gita •Raja Yoga Sutras •Srimad Bhagavatam

Symposia and Peace Missions •True World Order Convention •God, Man and Psychic Discovery •Festival of Inner Light – Siva and Shakti •Global Village Peace Festival •Facing the Future •All India Tour •Delhi and Bombay press conferences

Most recordings have been taken at the Sivananda Ashrams in Val Morin, Woodbourne (NY), Grass Valley (California) and Nassau (Bahamas). Very precious lectures have also been recorded on tour in the following places: Berlin, Buenos Aires, Chicago, Cracow, Geneva, Houston, Ireland, London, Los Angeles, Madras, Madrid, Montevideo, Montreal, Munich, New York, Paris, Prague, Puerto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco, Santiago de Chile, Tel Aviv, Trivandrum, Vienna, Warsaw, Washington, etc. For non English speaking students especially, the lectures in non English speaking countries with consecutive translation into the local language will be of great value.

‘Listen and take notes’ – Karma Yoga Project Preparing the audio archive of Swami Vishnudevananda’s lectures. It is the wish of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres to make this treasure of knowledge and inspiration progressively available to students all over the world. For this we need your help: •Send an email to [email protected] •Receive an internet link to download one demonstration mp3 – lecture file and submit your details

if you would like to participate. •You will receive by email a recording for evaluation. •Listen to the recording, and define the content

by selecting, for each 10-minutes of the recording, 5 – 10 keywords from an online evaluation form.

In this way we hope to be able to start publishing the audio files by the end of 2009. Your help is greatly appreciated. OM shanti, The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres


Yoga Life remembers Ruby Blue

A tribute to Ruby Blue – Swami Neeladevananda On June 8, 2008, a very dear and close disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda left her body at age 89: Ruby Blue or Swami Neeladevananda. She inspired generations of seekers with her total faith in her teacher, Swami Vishnudevananda and her extraordinary dedication in passing on his teachings. We would like to pay a special tribute to her in this issue of Yoga Life.

Blue: An inspiration Ruby – from Dianne Beal, daughter in law of Ruby For those lucky enough to be aware in her presence, Ruby Blue was an inspiration and guide to the powers of love and intuition in our lives. Her constant reminders of what a blessing we were to her made us realize our own powers of self-realization and what a blessing she was to us. As her daughter-in-law, we shared a special relationship and what I consider a privileged introduction to Sivananda yoga and the spiritual path. My first breathing lessons with Ruby taught me to focus on my breath in a totally new way and to concentrate on “a bright, white shining light” after which several years of practice, opened my mind, my heart and my life. For that, I will be ever grateful.

“Swami Vishnudevananda was more than a guru to Ruby. He was a world leader of humanitarianism.” Ruby lived a purely spiritual life as a yoga teacher and guru to those around for her nearly forty years. She met Swami Vishnudevananda in 1967 when she made her first visit to the yoga camp in the Laurentian Mountains and continued teaching yoga well into her 80’s. Born Ruth Thaler in Mielec, Poland, to Jewish parents in 1918, she immigrated with her family to the United States as a child. In 1931, she moved to Washington, DC and became active in the school’s celebrated chorus. Her voice continued to guide her and was one of the miracles of her yoga classes. After raising a family of three, she and her husband, Harry Blue, moved to Palm Beach, Florida in 1975 where she continued to teach yoga


classes until she moved back to Washington in 1991. At age 81, she took a job teaching yoga at Gold’s Gym, a short walk from her apartment. Swami Vishnudevanada was more than a guru to Ruby. He was a world leader of humanitarianism. For four decades, Ruby continued her spiritual pilgrimage by teaching students (and anyone else in her path), the lessons of Swami Vishnudevananda. Each summer, she spent 40 days at the yoga camp. Daily meditation and asanas kept her sane and flexible. Her last years of intense sadhana were the most glorious. She was initiated as Swami Neeladevananda at the ashram in Orleans, France in 2005 and became the oldest person to become a swami in the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta movement. The joy radiating from that ceremony was sanctification and acknowledgement of her years of study and devotion.

Loving Devotion Srinivasan, Yoga Acharya for the East Coast centres in the USA, remembers Ruby Blue I knew and loved Ruby as an inspiration not only as a teacher but for her devotion for Swamiji. I have never heard anyone speak so clearly about Swamiji, about his energy and vision than Ruby. Ruby spoke the best about Swamiji. When she taught an asana class it was as if Swamiji himself shone through her with all his prana, love and humor. When I was at the Camp she would council me and many of the senior staff like a mother. Her heart was always behind Swamiji and saw the Organization as Swamiji's baby to nurture. Whenever she would guide the staff in their individual problems it was always with the clarity of Swamiji's love and the importance of his mission.

The Living Evolution An interview with Ruby Blue at the Château du Yoga, France, summer 2005 Swami Vishnudevananda was a living evolution. I don’t think about Swami Vishnudevananda as having a particular age. He was a highly dedicated and an exquisite human being. I had the honor of knowing him for a very long time, so I could watch his program evolve. He was sent by the master with a few rupees, some blessings and turned around the whole world. It wasn’t a sudden thing. In the beginning, in the very beginning, Swamiji understood the West and turned us westerners to the physical aspect of yoga, to asanas, to flexibility, showing us methods of health and healing. As I kept going to the Yoga Camp in Val Morin year after year, summer after summer, and winter after winter to the Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas, I watched. Now I can look back, I can see the pattern and see the chapters. When first I met Swamiji the chapters were very visible. His life was work and strictly work. Most of his yoga teaching and most of his spiritual teaching came straight out of him. There was no thought behind it.

master and enjoy it. I’ve watched the growth in myself and others. And there is nothing more exiting than watching someone sceptical, nervous, unacquainted with the system become fulfilled as a result of it. Nothing more wonderful.

The here-and-now-guy Swami Vishnudevananda was a here-and-now-guy. There is one thing I have finally figured out: Swami Vishnudevananda was teaching by example, even though he planned, even though his whole life was dedicated to retrieving the loss in our civilization that makes us human. This was his master’s energy and his

“Swami Vishnudevananda had this boundless compassion which exuded from his pores and the energy to teach endlessly.” He was expressing the feelings of his great master. There was nothing thought out about it. As Swamiji’s method became more meaningful to the soul, we as students evolved with him. This evolution was just for our own benefit. He was always there right on, on every level, and just gave – like he often said, “I’m giving you all I have with all my heart” and that is the understatement of the year. He gave us everything he had including the knowledge that there exist living beings looking perfectly natural in the environment of this troubled world, that there exist self-realized souls. Because you can not aspire to something you don’t know exists. I find that the value of the Teachers’ Training Course is being in it – I watched these young people here at the ashram magnificently perform, receive that seed which Swamiji brought from his Right: Swami Vishnudevananda YOGALife I Summer 2009 27

The Living Evolution

master’s ideas. He watched a self realized human being you don’t feel this same sense of belonging. After years and although he never saw himself as one – he paraded and years of listening to Master Swami Vishnudevananda, his flaws and that is why I call him a closet-saint, he had I absolutely and totally believe it is all about karma. We this boundless compassion which exuded from his pores all mash and jell, come from very different cultures and and the energy to teach endlessly. It’s all about give, completely different places. Some of us, very few, come give, give; love, love, love; compassion, compassion, because things are so bad they think they’ll join yoga. compassion. I honestly believe that his humility was so Most of us come – and I’ve trained thousands of very great that he never thought he came up with it. All of us powerful people and also very lucky, very blessed people who have been touched by Swamiji knew that he was – most of us come, like I did, at a time when everything one in a million. What he had, what empowered him, is wonderful. My family was perfect, my way of life was was faith in his guru, faith in his God and confidence perfect, my head was pretty good, and I looked good. in his master’s teachings. That’s what we got from Swami Everything was real good. Every now and then I had a Vishnudevananda. I have spoken to some much evolved thought that said “Everything is really good. But so what? young people who are in the organisation and they Is that it? It’s just not enough! There’s got to be literally felt him exude compassion. I brought friends something else!” But I didn’t know what I was looking for. of mine up to the None of us knows yoga Camp because what we are they were heavy for. But “If you really find a yoga master who lays looking smokers and I had when you find it, the thing on you with his soul and with thought that Swamiji if you really find would scold them his heart, with his truth, with his talent, a yoga master who and tell them they the thing on then you know that it is the right thing.” lays are crazy and doing you with his soul something insane and with his heart, etc”. The first thing he said to these two women who with his truth, with his talent, then you know that it is the were not able by any scientific method to quit smoking right thing. All I have spoken to have always felt “Yes, I hit was: “It’s a struggle, isn’t it?” it!” How do you know? It feels really good on your skin, He united with them against the struggle. They threw and it feels just right and that is the only guess you really their cigarettes in the trash can and never smoked again. have. It isn’t the approval of somebody else. In the Because it was an act of compassion, an act of underbeginning nobody knew what the yoga was. When the standing, an act of forgiving humanity for its humanity. masters came, the early masters like Vivekananda, they That’s my guru. gave their ideas which were pure Vedanta and very holy – but the ears were not available. Whereas Swamiji opened the door and said “Come on in everybody!” nobody felt The right thing they were not worthy, and it was not meant to change Swami Vishnudevananda did never ever fear. The only possible disturbance – I don’t even want to use this word, you in any way. It was just that the master sent him: “Tell the truth! We’ve got something; let us share it with I don’t know how to say it – the only thing that may have caused him some doubt was the doubt of his ability the rest of the world! The West is hungry, the West is waiting!” Vishnudevananda did the job. That’s all. to perform that with which his master entrusted him. That’s the only thing, because his humility was enormous Swamiji’s good-bye to Ruby – but not a false phoney humility like “I’m nothing’”. The last word I ever heard from Swamiji was in Val Morin, The only thing he wanted to do was give that what he when I got him to his car, when he was leaving for India was sent to give. He would often say: “Don’t bleat like a to leave his body. I was hiding behind a tree. Swamiji lamb, roar like a lion!” The meaning of life is very simple. sent somebody out for me to go and sit in his car with Some people are confused – they try to make it bizarre him. I knew he would be at master’s statue. I didn’t know and mystic and cause more confusion. The power of what to do. The physicality was gone but the prana was Swamiji, above everything, was his simplicity and the alive and there was a sense of God-like power. I saw simplicity of his adoration for his master. I am ever grateful to him for this. When we, people from Germany, from France, from Ethiopia, from Lebanon, from every kind of culture, sit around the table, I get the sense we “I said ‘Swamiji, on behalf of the whole are more comfortable with one another than we are with humanity: Thank you!’” our own families – even if we have delightful families. The power of the entire Sivananda system is that most physicality and I said “Swamiji, on behalf of the whole of us feel - and I’ve talked to thousands - that we are humanity: Thank you! You changed the world, you have in the right place at the right time with the right people. absolutely changed the world!” Swamiji laughed and You can’t beat that. That is how I felt this morning at said “Thank you for thanking me!” And that was the last breakfast, and I asked the people at the table “do you conversation I had with my master. My Guru. My life. feel this way with your magnificent children or grandma or whoever you love?” You feel the love with them, but


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The 12 Basic Asanas

The logic behind the sequence of the

12 Basic Asanas By Swami Sivadasananda

The ancient Hatha Yoga scriptures of India* give detailed descriptions of pranayama and meditation techniques, but offer only little instruction on the practice of asanas. It appears that the classical asana sequences known to us today are based on oral tradition. The twelve basic asanas taught by Swami Sivanananda and Swami Vishnudevananda combine in a masterly way health-promoting effects with the awakening of subtle energies, and thus prepare for the practice of pranayama and meditation. * Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gerandha Samhita, Siva Samhita 32 YOGALife I Summer 2009

The Benefits of the Postures This is how the 12 basic poses work in conjunction with conscious breathing and deep relaxation: Gentle stimulation of the circulatory system: Fitness workout programmes today strongly emphasize a balanced cardiac workout. Yoga Asanas include this aspect very specifically: • Inverted poses and abdominal breathing increase the venous return to the heart, thus stimulating a stronger heart beat. • The massage action of specific pressure on internal organs increases the local blood circulation ensuring a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients to all cells of the body.

Yoga for the back: Kyphosis (exaggerated upper back curve), lordosis (exaggerated lower back curve) and scoliosis (lateral deviation) are three common spinal problems. The asana sequence systematically improves these three postural habits and can often relieve the pain associated with them.

Balancing muscle length and muscle strength: Yoga exercises develop both strength and flexibility, yet the body of a proficient practitioner will not show any extreme tendencies such as overdeveloped biceps muscles or permanent hyperflexibility of the hip joints. This is because the practice of the twelve basic asanas develops flexibility and strength in equal measure.

Hormonal balance: The inverted poses increase the blood supply to the brain. This improves neuronal control of the pituitary gland (hypophysis), whose hormones regulate such important endocrine glands such as the thyroid gland (involved in cell metabolism) and the adrenal glands (emotional balance). Specific asanas work like a massage, enhancing cellular functions in each gland.

Internal organs: From the gastrointestinal tract to the liver and pancreas right through to the bladder – the pressure exerted by various asanas detoxifies these tissues and increases the supply of blood to them.

Autonomic nervous system: The stretching and relaxing in the first half of the asana sequence, as well as the contraction and relaxing in the second half, encourages the ‘rest

and repair’ functions of the parasympathetic nervous system. At the same time, it prevents the over-stimulation (‘fight or flight’ reaction) of the sympathetic nervous system.

Deep relaxation with auto-suggestion: Impulses transmitted by motor and sensory nerves are regulated or registered in two adjacent areas of the cerebrum. In the wave of relaxation which begins in the feet and ends in the head, 'visualisation’ (motor) and ‘feeling of relaxation’ (sensory) impulses are barely distinguishable. That is no surprise, seeing the proximity of the respective area of the brain dedicated to sensory and motor activity. The short period of relaxation between the asanas is essential to harmonise motor and sensory impulses.

Nadis (meridians): The classical yoga texts speak of 72,000 subtle nerve channels through which prana (vital energy) flows in and around (aura) the body. Pranic blockages at junctions of nadis can lead to a lack (and, conversely, an excess) of energy in different parts of the body. The 12 basic poses exert pressure on these points in a way that balances the prana, much like acupressure. That’s one of the reasons why you feel rejuvenated after a yoga class.

Hatha Yoga, the union of Sun and Moon: Prana (upwards moving energy, supporting respiration) is denoted by the Sun (Ha). Apana (downwards moving energy, supporting elimination) is called Moon (Tha). In the asana sequence these two vital energies merge in the solar plexus, creating a unique sensation of well-being.

Effects on the chakras: The seven energy centres correspond to subtle elements and spiritual planes of consciousness. Advanced pranayama exercises, mantra repetition and meditation on the elements can awaken the cosmic Kundalini energy in the chakras. When the nerve plexuses in the physical body which correspond to the chakras in the astral body are stimulated through the asanas, the yoga practitioner may become aware for the first time that these energy centres really exist. YOGALife I Summer 2009 33

The 12 Basic Asanas

The Benefits of the Postures Sirshasana – The Headstand

The Headstand

The increased venous flow of blood back to the heart strengthens the heart beat and relieves varicose veins; contraindication: chronic high blood pressure.

An increased supply of blood to the brain helps regulate the autonomic nervous system

Contraindication: neck injuries

Working the arm muscles and relaxing the legs improves one’s sense of balance

Strengthens the muscles of the shoulder region

Greater pranic flow to the head area

Improves the function of the pituitary gland (hypophysis)

The inverted pose channels apana into the solar plexus.

Counteracts gastroptosis (downward displacement of stomach). Contraindication: menstruation

Energises Ajna Chakra (‘the third eye’)

Sarvangasana – The Shoulderstand The increased venous flow of blood back to the heart strengthens the heart beat and relieves varicose veins. Contraindication: chronic high blood pressure Stretches the neck and upper back and strengthens the lower back

Stretching relieves stress-related tension in the neck and shoulder region Removes energy blockages in the neck area

Has a balancing effect on the thyroid and parathyroid glands

Both the inverted pose and the chin lock direct prana and apana into the solar plexus.

Contraindication: menstruation

Stimulates Vishuddha Chakra in the throat region.

The Shoulderstand

Halasana – The Plough Combats lordosis (exaggerated lowerback curve)

The long stretch stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation)

Stretches the whole posterior side of the body from the toes to the neck

Removes energy blockages in the neck and back

Gives a gentle massage to the abdominal organs

Massages the solar plexus, promoting the union of prana and apana

The Plough

Matsyasana – The Fish

The Fish


Combats kyphosis (exaggerated upper back curve)

The fish is a counter-pose to the shoulderstand and the plough. It has a balancing and relaxing effect on the entire back.

Strengthens the arms and stretches the thoracic muscles

Removes energy blockages in the throat and neck region

Has a balancing effect on the thyroid and parathyroid glands, and puts gentle pressure on the thymus gland (immune system)

Stretching the abdomen enhances the union of prana and apana in the solar plexus

Relieves chronic bronchitis and asthma

Stimulates Anahata Chakra (heart chakra)

Parasympathetic stimulation (relaxation) by stretching the throat, rib cage and abdomen

Paschimottanasana – The Forward Bend Combats lordosis (exaggerated lower back curve)

The body experiences a natural, deep relaxation following this asana

Stretches the whole posterior side of the body from the toes to the upper back

Releases energies in the main nadis along the spine

Gives a natural massage to the pancreas (helping to prevent diabetes)

Intensifies the union of prana and apana in the solar plexus

Gently massages the abdominal organs

Stimulates the first three chakras (Muladhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura)

Parasympathetic stimulation (relaxation) through a complete stretch; has a strong calming effect

The Forward Bend

Bhujangasana – The Cobra Dynamic exercise stimulates the circulatory system

Relieves menstrual problems


Intensive tension/relaxation improves the body’s resistance to stress

Strengthens the neck and upper back, stretches the thoracic muscles

Short and powerful contraction releases energy in the neck region

Massages the female sex glands (ovaries)

Pressure on the solar plexus channels the united Ha – Tha (Sun – Moon) energy back into the rest of the body

The Cobra

Salabhasana – The Locust Dynamic exercise stimulates the circulatory system

Massages the gastrointestinal tract

Strengthens the lower back, while protecting it in cases of lordosis (exaggerated lower back curve)

Intensive tension/relaxation improves the body’s resistance to stress

Strengthens the lower back

Pressure on the solar plexus channels the united Ha – Tha (Sun – Moon) energy back into the rest of the body

The Locust

Dhanurasana – The Bow Dynamic exercise stimulates the circulatory system

Gives an intense massage to all abdominal organs


Conscious contraction/relaxation improves the body’s resistance to stress

Stretches the thoracic muscles and strengthens the thighs

Pressure on the solar plexus channels the united Ha –Tha (Sun – Moon) energy back into the rest of the body

Massages the pancreas (preventing diabetes) and the female reproductive organs (ovaries)

The Bow


35

The 12 Basic Asanas

The Benefits of the Postures Ardha-Matsyendrasana – The Half Spinal Twist Combats scoliosis (lateral curvature)

Reduces pressure on the roots of the spinal nerves, which in turn enhances the function of the peripheral nervous system

Stretches the hip abductors and strengthens the back muscles

Harmonises the left and right hemispheres of the nadis

Massages the colon and relieves constipation

The Half Spinal Twist

Mayurasana – The Peacock Dynamic exercise stimulates the circulatory system

Optimal massage of all abdominal organs


Strong contraction/relaxation improves the body’s resistance to stress

Strengthens many muscles throughout the body

Pressure on the solar plexus channels the united Ha–Tha (Sun–Moon) energy back into the rest of the body

Massages the pancreas (preventing diabetes) and the female reproductive organs (ovaries)

The Peacock

Padahastasana – The Standing Forward Bend Gentle increase of blood circulation in the head; may also be practised by people with chronic high blood pressure

Gives a gentle massage to the abdominal organs

Combats lordosis (exaggerated lower back curve)

Parasympathetic stimulation (relaxation) through a complete stretch

Stretches the whole posterior side of the body from the toes up to the neck

Releases energies in the main nadis along the spine

The Standing Forward Bend

Trikonasana – The Triangle Dynamic exercise stimulates the circulatory system

Massages the kidneys

Combats scoliosis (lateral curvature)

Equal measure of stretching and tensing develops stress resistance

Simultaneously stretches and strengthens the inner hip muscles (Iliopsoas)

Building strength in the lateral muscles of the back has a very relaxing effect on the entire back

Increases the supply of blood to the adrenal glands

Harmonises the left and right hemispheres of the nadis

The Triangle

Swami Sivadasananda Is a long time disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda and the director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Madrid. He is also Yoga Acharya for the Sivananda Yoga Centres in Europe and S. America. e-mail: [email protected]


Savasana – Final Relaxation

Lowers blood pressure

The relaxation improves digestion

Energies are stored for the future

The effects of gravity combat both kyphosis (exaggerated upper back curve) and lordosis (exaggerated lower back curve)

The activation of the parasympathetic nervous system intensifies the ‘rest and digest’ process

United prana–apana energies flow up to the head and expand the aura

This one-of-a-kind asana enables the complete relaxation of all voluntary muscles

By focussing on Ajna Chakra (‘the third eye’) the practitioner can enter a state of consciousness beyond body awareness.

Deep relaxation of the muscles The reduced brain activity has a soothing effect on the pituitary gland (hypophysis)

NEW! To be published in January 2010 YOGA YOUR HOME PRACTICE COMPANION

The Sivananda Yoga Centre Published by Dorling Kindersley and written by Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda and Swami Kailasananda. The book will come out in January 2010. To place an order, contact any Sivananda Yoga Centre. • Classic yoga poses for all levels, with clear step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions. • The physical and mental benefits of each pose, and invaluable tips on how to improve common faults in your practice. • Well-rounded programmes of 20, 40, and 60 minutes. • The essential roles of meditation and breathing exercises, and strategies to develop powers of concentration.


Our Most Beloved Swamiji


Swamiji

Forty eight years ago... I met our most beloved

Dr. Marilyn Rossner speaks about Swami Vishnudevananda

I would like to share with you some of my most memorable and blessed experiences with our wonderful and loving master teacher, Swami Vishnuji, who gave his life for humanity. It was in February 1961 that I first met him. From childhood I had given my life to following a path that was shown to me when I was just a very young child. But a very significant part of my life began when I first met Swami Vishnu. I then had the great blessing of being able to spend many of my own young adult life years with Swamiji and later many of my adult years with him. Now as I look back I realize more and more everyday who Swami Vishnu really was and what his role has been, not only in my life, but also in the life of all humanity. When I was quite young I heard that there was a “great master” who had come to Canada, I was invited to visit a "Yoga Center. You have to understand that 46 years ago I had no idea what a yoga center"was and I must say most of the people that I had met had no idea what a “yoga center” was either.

“Swamiji spoke about the importance of living a yogic life and he was determined to teach people about how to live a healthy life." Well I was invited to go; I can still see and experience the whole event that happened. I was quite young at the time. I went upstairs of the place on St. Laurent Boulevard which is still our Montreal Sivananda Yoga Center. There was a person who was quite young. It was Swami Vishnudevananda. He was wearing red shorts and an orange T-shirt. He was very thin and he was teaching a “yoga class". I was excited to see him because on the wall, over him, there was a large picture of a face of an older Indian Guru. I interrupted the class and I said, “Pardon me, who is that?” Swami Vishnu said “Shhh" we are doing yoga. Anyway, I kept on asking. I asked Swami Vishnu, and told him that that man had appeared to me many times since I was a child. When Swami asked me “What does he say to you?” I answered that he says “Om Namah Sivaya”. I told him that when I was 4 and a half year old, the same

“He taught all of us the importance of honoring, respecting and acknowledging every tradition, every religion, every path, every culture and every person.”

person had come to me in another vision and told me that I needed to become a vegetarian. From that day on, I was never able to eat any kind of animal products. I remained an extremely pure vegetarian from that very day. I have never taken any alcohol, beer or wine, in my life. I began to realize from that day what the yogic path was through Swamiji. Swamiji was, of course, very very kind. He started telling me about yoga. Swamiji started explaining what yoga is and of course he invited me to start doing yoga. I did. What I am trying to do is to share what Swamiji was, who he is, what his life is like. You know I was very young and no one knew what yoga was. People thought yoga meant walking on broken glass or on fire. They did not know what yoga was. Here was Swamiji, obviously he spoke some English but he did not know the western ways at all. He also did not have the language skills that most people would have. Yet he was determined to explain and teach about yoga. Swamiji worked almost night and day. He was always doing something for people. Nothing was ever too hard for him. I remember when he first brought yoga into a hospital, and he offered to do a free class there, over 300 people came. Then another time when he was teaching yoga in the beginning at the YMCA, people were lined up all the way around the corner of the street to be able to get into the class. People were fascinated by what Swamiji was saying. Swamiji spoke about what the five points mean. He spoke about the importance of living a yogic life and he was determined to teach people about how to live a healthy life. So Swamiji would teach, do the cooking himself, help with the cleaning, etc. etc. I was a very young school teacher at the time. After school, Swamiji would take me to the Yoga Camp. At the beginning it was only one little place at the ashram. There were 11 people there, and for the weekend sometimes we would have 12, sometimes 14. I went every single weekend to be with this great master. I knew Swamiji very well. I saw him so much; it was like I lived with him. When I say lived with him I mean I saw how he lived. Swamiji lived exactly the way he taught. He always followed the path that he brought to all of us. He never did anything that he did not teach. He was always very, very humble. He never wanted anybody to touch his feet. In fact, I remember when someone tried to touch his feet, he turned over and YOGALife I Summer 2009 39

Our Most Beloved Swamiji

Swamiji when he was giving a lecture at the YMCA on Stanley Street. After the lecture, I told Swamiji that I had “There was a large picture of a face of an older this vision and this visitation from Indian Guru. I interrupted the class and I said, master. He said “OK, Lalita, you do it”. ‘Pardon me, who is that?’ Swami Vishnu said So, of course, being an educator ‘Shhh’ we are doing yoga. Anyway, I kept on I thought well, I will plan it. I said asking. I asked Swami Vishnu, and told him that maybe we can do it for next year and that man had appeared to me many times since he said: “No, no Lalita. We'll do it this Swami Sivananda I was a child.” summer”. It was the first children’s program that was held for special said: “Don't do that”. He would planet earth passport that he designed. needs children. It was also the first always say at the end of every class He spoke about going across borders for Swami Vishnudevananda. that if the people got something from not with a national passport but with Then of course we have the it, if it did something good, it was not a planet earth passport. He taught history of the centers and ashrams him – it was the Master, but if there us what life was really about. and how they all came into being. was something that was not good – He told me to bring this knowIt is very important to acknowledge that was him. He said that everything ledge of yoga into the schools. And that Swamiji was the first one to set was done in the name of the Master. of course, my love had always been up the Teachers’ Training Program. Swamiji was the first person who children with special needs. He would I often heard Swamiji talk about really introduced the whole interfaith say "you do it". I started doing yoga how important it is to follow the path movement to the West. No one knew with children. Let me share a little bit and that there is no happiness unless what Swamis were, and yet he was about my experiences with yoga. I first we have happiness inside. Wherever willing to bring together people from brought yoga into Special Education Swamiji went he was always teaching. every religion and every walk He did not waste a minute. of life. He taught all of us the That’s the point. I had the importance of honoring, privilege of traveling the world respecting and acknowledging “It is very important to acknowledge with him. On the airplane there every tradition, every religion, that Swamiji was the first one to set was always something to do. every path, every culture and Not one moment would up the Teachers’ Training Program.” every person. Everybody just Swamiji waste. Every moment loved Swamiji. They began was for the service, the honor, to come from near and far. and the glory of God. Swamiji did and the results were absolutely I remember the nuns came, the not live for himself. He really owned marvelous. I brought yoga into priests came. People came from all nothing. He had his couple of dothis schools and hospitals, into the group the different religions. The educated and a couple of sweaters. He really homes, into agencies, I have done came, the uneducated came, the had nothing and everything he had 33 objective studies using yoga as an young came, the old came. Then, was just to give. People would give adjunctive therapy to psychotherapy of course, his dream was to have him something and he would just with children and youth. an ashram. So when the ashram give it away. He showed us what real Swamiji started organizing peace opened, it was a very special event. love is. He showed us what real spirit conferences. No one was doing I remember 163 people came. is. He showed us what it is to be able anything like that. Swamiji was the There was a doctor who came and to give of one self. He showed us what first to organize peace conferences. was talking about what a blessing it is to love everyone. He showed He brought people together from it was. Some people were doing the us what it is to have purpose in life. the different traditions. He started cooking. We were doing the cleaning He showed us what it is to serve. inviting some of the known sages and we were trying to let people He showed us what it is to live a total know what yoga was. We were all just from India. He housed them and yogic life. we made sure to take care of them. following what Swamiji asked us to Swamiji was very very strict about He was the first to have teachers’ do. Because we saw that in Swamiji, the teachings of yoga. He also would training courses for yoga. The first there was the teaching. In Swamiji not compromise. He never compromised course was held in the ashram there was a way of life. In Swamiji anything in life. He wanted yoga there was a love. In Swamiji there was in Quebec. to be very pure. He would get very In 1972, we had the first yoga a diamond. In Swamiji was a being concerned if he found that people program for children with special that we knew had come on this earth were using the word of yoga in a way needs. I had the great privilege of to bring a great truth. that was not honorable. Yoga was so organizing it. That was, again, through When Swamiji first organized special for him. So if people misused a vision I had had. It was a vision peace missions, when he first talked it or tried to make light of what yoga where Master Sivananda had come about a planet earth passport, I had is, he always stood up to that. He to me and had asked me to do that. been given the task of selling these wanted yoga to remain pure and It was March 1972, I was with passports for $5. So there was a

Who is that?


remain what it was supposed to be. We all know the stories of Swamiji’s peace missions and where he went. I remember when I was with him in Boston when he took off on that airplane that Peter Max had painted for him. I remember him sitting on the wings of the airplane, he prayed and talked. He always said for all of us to take care of everybody. He was absolutely fearless. Every moment with Swamiji was momentous. I had the privilege of being in India with him many times. One time there was a group of us who went with Swamiji. He wanted so much for the fighting to stop between groups. He went to the great leaders and he tried very hard to bring the people together. He wanted them to talk. I remember he asked them to come out because one of them was in a different place. There was a controversy between them. Swamiji said that he will go out and somebody mentioned that if we go out, someone will shoot us, Swamiji replied: “No. People are willing to die in the name of war, I’m willing to die in the name of peace.” But the point is that this is how he lived. He was absolutely positively fearless. All the things we are seeing happening on the earth now were really prophesied by Swamiji. He talked about what would happen by the year 2000. He talked about what would happen if the drug culture continued. He talked about what would happen if the family life was not serious. He talked about what would happen if people were not living a clean, moral, ethical life. He talked about what would happen to nature. Everything we see happening now, absolutely everything,

Swamiji talked about. Vegetarianism then was almost unknown. Now when we look around, vegetarianism is popular. Holistic health is a popular interest. Yoga is also very popular. But much of this, in Canada and throughout the world, was started by this one saintly being, Swami Vishnudevananda Maharaj. Swamiji was a scientist. He was an educator. He was a teacher. He was a therapist. He was a counselor. He was really all of these wrapped up in this one person. And yet, he did not have the formal education for all that. But he had it! He was that! No matter what a person needed, he was always there to do it. I remember in one of our first children's groups, one of the children had difficulty sleeping, Swamiji had a technique for that. One child thought he was a frog, Swamiji had a technique for dealing with that. One child was making certain sounds, Swamiji had a technique for that. One child used to run away, Swamiji had a technique for that. Some people had different allergies, Swamiji had a technique for that. To one he would give a mantra. To another he would say “Hold your mala”. To one he would give a specific pranayama technique. To one he would give a certain asana. And so as I review the last 46 years of my own life on earth I can say with absolute assurance that the Almighty has blessed me in a special way. To have known Swamiji as he walked this earth, to have sat at his blessed feet, to have heard him speak, teach, to have had him as a yoga teacher,

Photo Archive: Swami Vishnudevananda with some of his early yoga students

to have had him as a mentor, an inspirer, a master of masters has been my gift of gifts. Swamiji has made his Mahasamadhi 15 years ago. I really can say I do not feel that he is gone. I feel his presence more and more each day. I feel his presence more and more as I go from place to place and continue to share the truth of yoga. I feel his presence with every Sadhana I do. No matter where I go I try to encourage people to do a little bit of what he asked us all to do. But every day I realize more and more who Swamiji really was. All I can say is Thank You Lord for Swamiji. I pray to continue to bring Swamiji's message of truth, of oneness, of light, wherever I go and in whatever I am asked to do. In the Service of the Lord. At the feet of the Master, Marilyn Rossner Dr Marilyn Rossner Ph.D. is a children’s behaviour therapist, a clairvoyant, medium, and expert in the field of parapsychology.


The Gurukula Tradition

The Training of Memory and Concentration In the

GurukulaTradition By Dr H V Satyanarayana Sastry

In the light of my observations at the Gurukulas of our villages coupled with my own experiences of tutoring there, I would like to share some insights into the proficient techniques of our ancient tradition that aid concentration and memory. In the creation and the diffusion of interest and passion for knowledge, the mind obviously plays a pivotal role. Whether we are learning or working in a professional carreer, memory and concentration of the mind are the tools; we need to sharpen them for the intellect to function optimally. Today, we are better off by enjoying the revolutionary information technology that allows for rapid dissemination of knowledge across the globe. However, I find that Vedic principles remain just as applicable, and the term ‘Vedic’ remains the now of always.

Concentration of Mind Ekagrata or a spearheaded-mind helps to prolong the grasp while learning. Learning requires the unity of our will and the intellect. Our mind is basically like a switchboard operator; it links one of our senses – at a time – with their subjects. Our intellect (the plant) doesn’t get the mind's supply unless the mind wills to connect. Scriptures claim that we easily concentrate on what our mind likes. Hence creating interest is the fundamental requisite. If the mind wants to atop a hill, even while limping you will climb. Vedic education emphasizes the following for a pointed mind: Holistic Vision and following the footsteps of the Vedas. The entire Indian tradition emphasises the practice of ethics


and discipline. If the moral precepts are not in place all the freedom, humanitarian and spiritual goals lead to confusion.

The Guru Faith in a Guru and trusting his always-available navigation system is indispensable. Even on roads we install a satellite navigation system in our car! Similarly, an ordained life ensures good mileage. The Guru helps prioritise what is appropriate to the seeker and acts as a guide in his or her spiritual growth.

should not isolate or totally withdraw from people, but has to avail the benefits of solitude.

Moderation Being moderate always has good results. Being hopeful, keeping cheerful, finding joy in everything, good humour and a helpful nature are all the qualities of an enlightened soul. Such a person is a product of well-balanced contemplation and meditation. In general, “avoid extremity in anything”.

Strength in Solitude

Memory

Scriptures say that too much socialising is an impediment for concentration as well as meditation. Excessive extroversion leads to dissipation of one’s energies. One

Memory is the companion, the asset of the early age of everybody. Perhaps when we grow up, we invest that capital upon too many nonessential things.

The Sanskrit term for memory is Smriti. Memory is twofold. Firstly, committing to memory (memorising) and remembering the memorised. It is, if you like, picking up an old paper or file from the cabinet. Secondly, to channel the reservoir of memory. In the era before books, the oral tradition was the hallmark of the Gurukulas. Repetition became the chief mode of memorising and memorising the chief mode of learning. Memorising the Mantras became the main pastime of the students. That was fun, but that is not the goal, which is a deeper understanding of the Vedas.

Home – The Foundation for Early Learning Today a private tuition at home is to back up the school curriculum; but in the ancient India it was the reverse. In any household with children was run a parallel school. Mothers taught a lot of rhymes, folksongs, and traditional epics – all memorised and spread in this ‘cultural centre’. With a child on their lap, they also sang the mathematical tables in melodious tunes! In the same way, children were taught the names of the week, months, zodiacs, constellations, prayers to numerous divinities, hymns for meals and for going to bed, etc.

The Gurukula A Gurukula is like a retreat for 16 years given at a receptive age. The formal ceremony (prevalent even today) to mark the beseeching of the traditional learning is called Upanayana wherein the powerful Gayathri mantra is taught. One of the purposes of this ceremony is to pre-empt and prepare the student to enrol into Gurukula. Every Gurukula was essentially for all castes and was open amidst the woods as a free residential school. Men and women of all age groups were there to offer specific services. In the safe custody of Acharyas and Maharshis their children were protected, tutored and groomed with personal attention. Although a normal tutelage of every child lasted for 16 years, some youths stayed beyond. They carried on with their unceasing concen-

tration for several decades. Their school was so welcoming and friendly they didn’t prefer going back home. As in Ayurveda as well as yoga, every treatment is tailored for the person. Hospitality, honesty, service and responsibility were entrusted upon all. Gurukulas resemble any ideal community living.

Natural Setting The learning centres were far from the maddening crowds of the cities. In that escape full of Prana, tigers and elephants would visit and children would play with deer and rabbits. The fresh air free from any pollutants around the forest optimised the learning environment. The sounds of the birds and flowing water accentuate the silence. Students have the opportunity to learn from and interact with nature at all times.

“Hospitality, honesty, service and responsibility were entrusted upon all.” Dress Code The uniforms for the Gurukula were simple, comfortable and natural. The dress, given in the Upanayana (initiation) ceremony, is neither very loose nor very tight and is helpful for concentration for a long time. Bachelors, married men and women all wore distinct garments.

Chanting Mantras The majority of the population in those monasteries were male and youngsters. They were easily recognisable because wherever they went, they would incessantly utter the Mantras such as the Gayatri, holding their sacred thread as a Japamala, a physical support for concentration, they walked, keeping their thoughts focused at all times. People joked about them as the bees or the flowers, before whose sight you came across their buzzing sound or their fragrance. Their chanting filled the narrow lanes and footpaths tread by their tiny footprints. This was their walking yoga.

Daily Routine Their routine diary commenced with a quick bath and early morning physical exercise briskly done followed by the yoga exercises or Surya Namaskar. Wearing certain marks on the forehead helps concentration for the wearer as well as giving the onlookers a sense of freshness. Gazing at the sun (while not very hot) and moon helps in freshening up of mind and leads to single-minded focus. During their prayer, in both twilights, the students would do Japa, normally with the Gayatri mantra, which helps concentration of mind and stimulates memory. The practice of asanas would also help them for concentration.

Food Good food and good exercise is the master key for good health. The basic needs were supplied for free. The food, drinks and medicines served in the Gurukulas were of a satvic nature. Though not a specific medicine for loss of memory or concentration, moderate amounts of ghee were served to these pupils to stimulate their mental work, as recommended by Ayurveda. Dairy products, honey, ginger, lime and neem were used to tone up their mind. Abhyanga (oil bath) and refraining from alcohol or tobacco helped their concentration. Certain herbal tonics like Amalaka, Chyavana-prasha or Kooshmanada (Pumpkin) were also used to aid memory and concentration.

The Tradition Continues The gurukula tradition continues nowadays. I recently visited an all female Gurukula, Panini Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, in Benares. More than eighty girls are studying scriptures of their choice in that residential school. They mainly learn Panini’s Grammar, Yoga, and priest-craft. Dr H V Satyanarayana Sastry, is a freelance Sanskrit teacher, and is the former academic director of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London, UK.


By Lakshmana, 30 year old yoga teacher, Sivananda Yoga Centre Paris

How, when and why I chose to become staff

available there. So it was the logical continuation for me to apply as a full-time staff, which interestingly enough, happened on the symbolical “Fête du Travail” or Labor Day in France.

The year 2007 was a transition period for me where I had quit my job and had applied to some graduate education programmes with the hope to find a new direction in my life. In the meanwhile, I had started to read some of Swami One ‘Chunk of Life’ experience Sivananda's books, which had been a great comfort and The move from the historical Paris Centre of Réaumur help for me during these uncertain times. I had no clear Sebastopol (since 1977) to the new Centre was challenging agenda in the summer and decided it was the right time on many different levels, to say the least. Many things were to take the Teacher's Training Course. to be done each day over The programme far exa period of roughly two ceeded my expectations on months. Many karma yogis all aspects: I was particularly “After a couple months, I realized that were helping us to renovate thrilled by the depth but also I was allocating almost all of my free the new Centre, carry and the practicality of the yoga unload the boxes, etc. Many time to the yoga center but that I felt philosophy. Here were some matters had teachings that appealed to the inner urge to be even more involved.” administrative to be thought of and dealt so many people from so many with and organising different countries and walks everything was quite challenging. Finally, we managed of life and that were being applied in everyday life with to get it done. Not everything was perfect and we were all tangible results, particularly in terms of well-being and exhausted but the bulk of it was there. Student numbers peace of mind. immediately picked up when we came to the new Centre, When the TTC ended, in order to keep the momentum although the summer time is usually the quietest of the going, I decided to move in close to the Paris Yoga Centre year and although we had done no advertising yet. It’s as and to teach as soon as I could, to do some karma yoga if the universe was telling us that all these efforts had not and to attend the evening Satsangs. After a couple of been done in vain. months, I realised that I was allocating almost all of my free time to the Yoga Centre but that I felt the inner urge The most challenging aspects of being to be even more involved. So I decided to sub-let my flat a staff member and live in the Centre as a resident, keeping all options The daily schedule can be quite intense sometimes, but it open, as although I had given it some serious thinking, is also this intensity that gives training for the mind and for I could never be 100% sure as to how I would react and the body in order to evolve and improve. Also, it's always cope with this new life experience. The first days, weeks and months were quite interesting possible to slow down and rest from an intense rhythm when necessary but finding a challenge when nothing but also challenging with so many new concrete things to learn and to think about. It was like the TTC, but even more substantial is happening is much harder to do. As for the balance between free time and working hours, you come “real”. After five months as resident, my interest in my to understand that it's for a large part artificial, when you graduate studies fell from low to an airy nothing, as I was think about it. When you really like what you do and feel learning so much more important things in day to day life concerned about it, you don't count your hours and a little at the Centre and with the many beautiful spiritual books


Being Sivananda Staff

time off is enough to give the mind and body a rest. Another issue which is no doubt very tricky and challenging is the relationship evolution with friends and relatives. Some of them approve this choice of lifestyle and even admire it, some disapprove it stongly and don’t understand it, with all nuances in between including a few people who are indifferent. In any case, less time and energy is spent directly with them, and it can be quite tough at first for the mind and for the emotions to cope with this reality, which can’t really be changed. One should remember that whatever choice you make in life, some close people will always approve it while others disapprove. Friends and relationships evolve anyway throughout everyone’s life, whether we like it or not: we lose some old relationships which are not in line with our lifestyle anymore and also make many new ones which share the same interest for yoga. Ultimately, the real question is whether you feel happy with what you are doing and with the direction you are going in life. If that’s the case, the experience turns into a way of finding out who, even if their own life philosophy is different in many aspects, recognises that this choice suits you and approves it because it makes you happy.

The best things about being a staff member One could summarize it bluntly as an ideal way to lead a spiritual path. The daily schedule is there to help you keep the discipline, the swamis and other staff members are

there to guide you, to inspire you, to share and to relate with you, the spiritual books are there and the “real life” situations are there. You have the opportunity to interact with teachers, students, and other staff members of all backgrounds, nationalities and age groups, who all share a common interest in yoga. Day to day operations also confront you with businesspeople and government officials, which is useful in order to stay aware of their preoccupations, priorities and ways of thinking. Furthermore, the Sivananda Yoga Organisation is present in many countries around the globe and staff members can be placed in situations where they move to different places and cultures, thereby learning many interesting things, such as developing new adaptation and language skills. A second fundamental difference with other organisations (for profit or non profit) is that all the employees are each day consciously putting forth an effort of self-analysis in terms of behavior, thought patterns, emotions, and energy level, because they are all going through a Sadhana, or spiritual path. This creates a whole different working atmosphere, much more positive and energetic. It also gives a deeper meaning to ordinary tasks and projects, which become opportunities to learn so many things about yourself and about others. That process is something so useful and so precious whatever you end up doing in life.


The Gurukula Tradition

The Training of Memory and Concentration In the

GurukulaTradition By Dr H V Satyanarayana Sastry

In the light of my observations at the Gurukulas of our villages coupled with my own experiences of tutoring there, I would like to share some insights into the proficient techniques of our ancient tradition that aid concentration and memory. In the creation and the diffusion of interest and passion for knowledge, the mind obviously plays a pivotal role. Whether we are learning or working in a professional carreer, memory and concentration of the mind are the tools; we need to sharpen them for the intellect to function optimally. Today, we are better off by enjoying the revolutionary information technology that allows for rapid dissemination of knowledge across the globe. However, I find that Vedic principles remain just as applicable, and the term ‘Vedic’ remains the now of always.

Concentration of Mind Ekagrata or a spearheaded-mind helps to prolong the grasp while learning. Learning requires the unity of our will and the intellect. Our mind is basically like a switchboard operator; it links one of our senses – at a time – with their subjects. Our intellect (the plant) doesn’t get the mind's supply unless the mind wills to connect. Scriptures claim that we easily concentrate on what our mind likes. Hence creating interest is the fundamental requisite. If the mind wants to atop a hill, even while limping you will climb. Vedic education emphasizes the following for a pointed mind: Holistic Vision and following the footsteps of the Vedas. The entire Indian tradition emphasises the practice of ethics


and discipline. If the moral precepts are not in place all the freedom, humanitarian and spiritual goals lead to confusion.

The Guru Faith in a Guru and trusting his always-available navigation system is indispensable. Even on roads we install a satellite navigation system in our car! Similarly, an ordained life ensures good mileage. The Guru helps prioritise what is appropriate to the seeker and acts as a guide in his or her spiritual growth.

should not isolate or totally withdraw from people, but has to avail the benefits of solitude.

Moderation Being moderate always has good results. Being hopeful, keeping cheerful, finding joy in everything, good humour and a helpful nature are all the qualities of an enlightened soul. Such a person is a product of well-balanced contemplation and meditation. In general, “avoid extremity in anything”.

Strength in Solitude

Memory

Scriptures say that too much socialising is an impediment for concentration as well as meditation. Excessive extroversion leads to dissipation of one’s energies. One

Memory is the companion, the asset of the early age of everybody. Perhaps when we grow up, we invest that capital upon too many nonessential things.

The Sanskrit term for memory is Smriti. Memory is twofold. Firstly, committing to memory (memorising) and remembering the memorised. It is, if you like, picking up an old paper or file from the cabinet. Secondly, to channel the reservoir of memory. In the era before books, the oral tradition was the hallmark of the Gurukulas. Repetition became the chief mode of memorising and memorising the chief mode of learning. Memorising the Mantras became the main pastime of the students. That was fun, but that is not the goal, which is a deeper understanding of the Vedas.

Home – The Foundation for Early Learning Today a private tuition at home is to back up the school curriculum; but in the ancient India it was the reverse. In any household with children was run a parallel school. Mothers taught a lot of rhymes, folksongs, and traditional epics – all memorised and spread in this ‘cultural centre’. With a child on their lap, they also sang the mathematical tables in melodious tunes! In the same way, children were taught the names of the week, months, zodiacs, constellations, prayers to numerous divinities, hymns for meals and for going to bed, etc.

The Gurukula A Gurukula is like a retreat for 16 years given at a receptive age. The formal ceremony (prevalent even today) to mark the beseeching of the traditional learning is called Upanayana wherein the powerful Gayathri mantra is taught. One of the purposes of this ceremony is to pre-empt and prepare the student to enrol into Gurukula. Every Gurukula was essentially for all castes and was open amidst the woods as a free residential school. Men and women of all age groups were there to offer specific services. In the safe custody of Acharyas and Maharshis their children were protected, tutored and groomed with personal attention. Although a normal tutelage of every child lasted for 16 years, some youths stayed beyond. They carried on with their unceasing concen-

tration for several decades. Their school was so welcoming and friendly they didn’t prefer going back home. As in Ayurveda as well as yoga, every treatment is tailored for the person. Hospitality, honesty, service and responsibility were entrusted upon all. Gurukulas resemble any ideal community living.

Natural Setting The learning centres were far from the maddening crowds of the cities. In that escape full of Prana, tigers and elephants would visit and children would play with deer and rabbits. The fresh air free from any pollutants around the forest optimised the learning environment. The sounds of the birds and flowing water accentuate the silence. Students have the opportunity to learn from and interact with nature at all times.

“Hospitality, honesty, service and responsibility were entrusted upon all.” Dress Code The uniforms for the Gurukula were simple, comfortable and natural. The dress, given in the Upanayana (initiation) ceremony, is neither very loose nor very tight and is helpful for concentration for a long time. Bachelors, married men and women all wore distinct garments.

Chanting Mantras The majority of the population in those monasteries were male and youngsters. They were easily recognisable because wherever they went, they would incessantly utter the Mantras such as the Gayatri, holding their sacred thread as a Japamala, a physical support for concentration, they walked, keeping their thoughts focused at all times. People joked about them as the bees or the flowers, before whose sight you came across their buzzing sound or their fragrance. Their chanting filled the narrow lanes and footpaths tread by their tiny footprints. This was their walking yoga.

Daily Routine Their routine diary commenced with a quick bath and early morning physical exercise briskly done followed by the yoga exercises or Surya Namaskar. Wearing certain marks on the forehead helps concentration for the wearer as well as giving the onlookers a sense of freshness. Gazing at the sun (while not very hot) and moon helps in freshening up of mind and leads to single-minded focus. During their prayer, in both twilights, the students would do Japa, normally with the Gayatri mantra, which helps concentration of mind and stimulates memory. The practice of asanas would also help them for concentration.

Food Good food and good exercise is the master key for good health. The basic needs were supplied for free. The food, drinks and medicines served in the Gurukulas were of a satvic nature. Though not a specific medicine for loss of memory or concentration, moderate amounts of ghee were served to these pupils to stimulate their mental work, as recommended by Ayurveda. Dairy products, honey, ginger, lime and neem were used to tone up their mind. Abhyanga (oil bath) and refraining from alcohol or tobacco helped their concentration. Certain herbal tonics like Amalaka, Chyavana-prasha or Kooshmanada (Pumpkin) were also used to aid memory and concentration.

The Tradition Continues The gurukula tradition continues nowadays. I recently visited an all female Gurukula, Panini Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, in Benares. More than eighty girls are studying scriptures of their choice in that residential school. They mainly learn Panini’s Grammar, Yoga, and priest-craft. Dr H V Satyanarayana Sastry, is a freelance Sanskrit teacher, and is the former academic director of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London, UK.


By Lakshmana, 30 year old yoga teacher, Sivananda Yoga Centre Paris

How, when and why I chose to become staff

available there. So it was the logical continuation for me to apply as a full-time staff, which interestingly enough, happened on the symbolical “Fête du Travail” or Labor Day in France.

The year 2007 was a transition period for me where I had quit my job and had applied to some graduate education programmes with the hope to find a new direction in my life. In the meanwhile, I had started to read some of Swami One ‘Chunk of Life’ experience Sivananda's books, which had been a great comfort and The move from the historical Paris Centre of Réaumur help for me during these uncertain times. I had no clear Sebastopol (since 1977) to the new Centre was challenging agenda in the summer and decided it was the right time on many different levels, to say the least. Many things were to take the Teacher's Training Course. to be done each day over The programme far exa period of roughly two ceeded my expectations on months. Many karma yogis all aspects: I was particularly “After a couple months, I realized that were helping us to renovate thrilled by the depth but also I was allocating almost all of my free the new Centre, carry and the practicality of the yoga unload the boxes, etc. Many time to the yoga center but that I felt philosophy. Here were some matters had teachings that appealed to the inner urge to be even more involved.” administrative to be thought of and dealt so many people from so many with and organising different countries and walks everything was quite challenging. Finally, we managed of life and that were being applied in everyday life with to get it done. Not everything was perfect and we were all tangible results, particularly in terms of well-being and exhausted but the bulk of it was there. Student numbers peace of mind. immediately picked up when we came to the new Centre, When the TTC ended, in order to keep the momentum although the summer time is usually the quietest of the going, I decided to move in close to the Paris Yoga Centre year and although we had done no advertising yet. It’s as and to teach as soon as I could, to do some karma yoga if the universe was telling us that all these efforts had not and to attend the evening Satsangs. After a couple of been done in vain. months, I realised that I was allocating almost all of my free time to the Yoga Centre but that I felt the inner urge The most challenging aspects of being to be even more involved. So I decided to sub-let my flat a staff member and live in the Centre as a resident, keeping all options The daily schedule can be quite intense sometimes, but it open, as although I had given it some serious thinking, is also this intensity that gives training for the mind and for I could never be 100% sure as to how I would react and the body in order to evolve and improve. Also, it's always cope with this new life experience. The first days, weeks and months were quite interesting possible to slow down and rest from an intense rhythm when necessary but finding a challenge when nothing but also challenging with so many new concrete things to learn and to think about. It was like the TTC, but even more substantial is happening is much harder to do. As for the balance between free time and working hours, you come “real”. After five months as resident, my interest in my to understand that it's for a large part artificial, when you graduate studies fell from low to an airy nothing, as I was think about it. When you really like what you do and feel learning so much more important things in day to day life concerned about it, you don't count your hours and a little at the Centre and with the many beautiful spiritual books


Being Sivananda Staff

time off is enough to give the mind and body a rest. Another issue which is no doubt very tricky and challenging is the relationship evolution with friends and relatives. Some of them approve this choice of lifestyle and even admire it, some disapprove it stongly and don’t understand it, with all nuances in between including a few people who are indifferent. In any case, less time and energy is spent directly with them, and it can be quite tough at first for the mind and for the emotions to cope with this reality, which can’t really be changed. One should remember that whatever choice you make in life, some close people will always approve it while others disapprove. Friends and relationships evolve anyway throughout everyone’s life, whether we like it or not: we lose some old relationships which are not in line with our lifestyle anymore and also make many new ones which share the same interest for yoga. Ultimately, the real question is whether you feel happy with what you are doing and with the direction you are going in life. If that’s the case, the experience turns into a way of finding out who, even if their own life philosophy is different in many aspects, recognises that this choice suits you and approves it because it makes you happy.

The best things about being a staff member One could summarize it bluntly as an ideal way to lead a spiritual path. The daily schedule is there to help you keep the discipline, the swamis and other staff members are

there to guide you, to inspire you, to share and to relate with you, the spiritual books are there and the “real life” situations are there. You have the opportunity to interact with teachers, students, and other staff members of all backgrounds, nationalities and age groups, who all share a common interest in yoga. Day to day operations also confront you with businesspeople and government officials, which is useful in order to stay aware of their preoccupations, priorities and ways of thinking. Furthermore, the Sivananda Yoga Organisation is present in many countries around the globe and staff members can be placed in situations where they move to different places and cultures, thereby learning many interesting things, such as developing new adaptation and language skills. A second fundamental difference with other organisations (for profit or non profit) is that all the employees are each day consciously putting forth an effort of self-analysis in terms of behavior, thought patterns, emotions, and energy level, because they are all going through a Sadhana, or spiritual path. This creates a whole different working atmosphere, much more positive and energetic. It also gives a deeper meaning to ordinary tasks and projects, which become opportunities to learn so many things about yourself and about others. That process is something so useful and so precious whatever you end up doing in life.



The Power “I still remember the first time I met Swami Vishnudevananda in 1974. I remember above all his first smile. This vision continues to linger in my mind.” By Gopala In the seventies in Madrid, yoga was an activity that many people were suspicious of, associating it with sects, and strange, not very respectable people, in what was still a very conservative Spanish society. To have a child doing yoga in the seventies was a cause of concern for some parents. To have a parent doing yoga in this decade is a source of healthy pride for a child. It is an inspiration to see society opening up. How much things can change in the space of 30 years! The words of Swami Vishnudevananda and the energy of his voice were reflections of his determination to pull us towards this wonderful way of Life that Yoga is. He was resolute in his decision to lift us up. After many years, I now see in Swami Vishnudevananda’s smile the effect of the thoughts of Swami Sivananda and of all the great Masters who preceded him. The universal knowledge that they share should be surrendered to. Thought is the underlying force which makes things happen. Sometimes I ask myself, when we organise activities, festivals, courses and workshops at the Madrid centre: “What is it that keeps us united and inspired by these wonderful projects, and brings so many people to the centre?” I always come to the same conclusion, that in this first smile, all of our present work and all of our future were already present,



of a

Smile

because it was a genuine smile, absolutely pure and selfless. All that was necessary was to receive it with an open heart, so that this inspiration would last for many years to come. From this smile, and from those words and first instructions, arose the project, involving constant and deliberate work, which today enables close to 700 students to come through the doors on Eraso Street every week, where the Sivananda Yoga Centre of Madrid is located. All is done in His name, the same way He did everything in the name of his teacher, following the Gurukula tradition. In the West, we are still surprised when we come into contact with somebody from India who asks us: “Who is your Master? With whom did you learn?” We are so used to speaking about ourselves as the centre of the universe. Working every day in the service of others, leaving behind our identity is something very important in our Sadhana. Swami Vishnudevananda always acted in the name of his Master. He was already a well known and respected Master himself when many people came to see him in the European cities during the seventies. However, when I met him in 1974, he spoke only of Sivananda, of his Master, to whom he dedicated each of his actions. His boundless energy and creativity to bring yoga in Spain has today turned into a solid project that has been progressing steadily. “Stay in one place and be faithful to one spiritual master, to one system of yoga”, Swamiji would say. “Have patience, a strong will and tireless perseverance”, Swami Sivananda would say. This first smile is now a Yoga Centre which is growing slowly and steadily.

The service as staff, as a karma yogi Through selfless service your heart is purified. “Egoism, hate, jealousy and above all the feeling of superiority, disappear”, said Swami Sivananda. The true meaning

of life, following the principles of yoga, is found in service. The more energy we put into inspiring and serving others through the teaching of yoga, the more will flow back to us in the form of divine energy. To serve is the essence of yoga. I have seen many people come through the Madrid Centre, great masters and swamis, who each have left their own mark in the growth of the centre. I have seen teachers with admirable dedication, and hundreds of students of every possible background, each with diverse and vibrant talents, all coming to experience yoga. I have seen numerous yogis who have dedicated themselves entirely to selfless service, cooking, sweeping, tidying and teaching, greeting the students, doing the accounts – our income is ever insufficient but always well invested! – translating, preparing herbal tea and baking cookies, washing up of pots and pans. Many people have come and gone, they have continued on their path and I am sure they are carrying deep in themselves the teachings of our masters and the smile of Swami Vishnudevananda, the teachings of the universal knowledge of Vedanta: adapt, adjust, accommodate. This is the essence of yoga.

The valuable experience of the teacher training course: a reality One of the examples of the effect of this smile was the establishment of the Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) in Spain. The first TTC that Swami Vishnudevananda led in Europe took place in Galicia, this green and beautiful land in the northwest of Spain. Swamiji always liked this land, as the greenness reminded him of Canada. The first Teachers’ Training Course in Spain took place 1985. There have now been eleven teachers’ training courses held in Spain. The course is held between the months of August and September, in the heat and the colours of summer. So far the course was held in Mojacar and Turre in Almeria, Santillana in Madrid, Barajas de Melo in YOGALife I Summer 2009 49


Cuenca, and Aluenda in Zaragoza. These places are converted into a travelling ashram with the combined efforts of many people. After a month of group practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation at dawn and dusk, they become magical and sacred places which attract us year after year.

The literary work of Swami Sivananda in Spanish Another of the powerful manifestations of the thought of Swami Vishnudevananda was to put us in touch with the immense and enriching literary work of his Master Swami Sivananda. Thousands of people have been touched by his close to three hundred books, written and translated into most Indian languages and the main European languages. His literary work is very extensive and deep, and at the same time deliberately simple to reach people of various intellectual capacity. Despite the efforts of many selfless yogis in the recent years and, amongst others, of the Sivananda Yoga Centres in Montevideo, Uruguay and in Madrid, Spain, not all books of Swami Sivananda have been translated from English into Spanish. Many Spanish speaking people do not have sufficient knowledge of the English language to be able to read the work of the Great Master in English, and we find it a very worthy purpose to make this work available to them in their native language. To achieve this end, we have put together a group of people to translate the books of Swami Sivananda. This effort is dedicated to Swami Vishnudevananda. This small group reviews, on both sides of the Atlantic, the books already translated and focuses on translating others. This is a great and most inspiring work, undertaken with patience and great hope. A good number of translations have already been produced through this effort. Books of Swami Sivananda are now A Historic Reception

available in many bookshops, and of course at the Yoga Centres of Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Madrid. Apart from the translation of the work of Swami Sivananda in recent years we have also worked with various periodical publications, in particular the Spanish edition of the magazine Yoga Journal in which we publish a section called “living yoga each month”, with practical inspirations from the teachings of Swami Sivananda. Translating is a great service and it is worthwhile to dedicate oneself to it for a period of time every day, even if only for a few minutes. It is a form of meditation, allowing us to stay in touch with knowledge. *** As I contemplate the work of many yogis at the Madrid Centre, the development of the Teachers’ Training Courses in Spain, and the expansion of Swami Sivananda influence through his books, I realise that this first smile of Swami Vishnudevananda didn’t even belong to him, and that it was the strength of his Master Swami Sivananda which was shining in his face. It has been almost 35 years since I experienced this first smile and I cannot feel anything but an immense gratitude towards him, his teachings, and the way in which he, in so many ways, brought us the knowledge of Swami Sivananda, the universal knowledge of the great masters. An eternal knowledge, invigorating us with ever renewed energy. Behind this smile of Swami Vishnudevananda, I can now feel the smile of Swami Sivananda. Gopala has been Swami Vishnudevananda’s disciple since 1975 and is General Manager in the Spanish General Council for the Judiciary. e-mail: [email protected]"

SPANISH NEWS

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres received by the President of the Republic of India on historical state visit to Spain On the 21st of April 2009, the King of Spain Juan Carlos I, received the President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, with a traditional namaskar greeting at the Royal Palace, highlighting the ‘historical dimension’ of the meeting as the first state visit by any Indian President to Spain. The Reception in honour of the President of India was presided over by the Indian Ambassador, Ms. Sujata Mehta. The Indian Community, including the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, was invited to the reception. The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres were acknowledged by the Ambassador as “Indians in spirit and at heart because their friendship for India is deep and all encompassing”.


Pictured: The Indian President and her husband (seated centre), the Indian Ambassador seated far right, and Gopala and his wife Dolly (standing second and third from left), representatives of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres at the official reception.

Elephant Ride

Have you ever looked into the eye of an elephant? It is a lesson in humility, in compassion and in wisdom. It is a lesson in intelligence and in knowledge. They know something we know not, and because we don’t know, we cannot pinpoint it, we cannot categorise it, we cannot judge. Have you seen an elephant pick up a blade of grass or a grain of rice? Have you seen an elephant move logs of wood with which even a machine would struggle? We were blessed to be able to ride bareback on fifteen such magnificent beasts. Organised by the Elephant Welfare Trust of India (EWTI), these majestic animals were transported from neighbouring areas especially for this ride. How beautiful they were, how elegant and precise in their movements, how sweet and gentle when we boarded them, how noble and proud as we paraded the streets of Palakkad in south India. A sight to behold. An experience imprinted deep into the souls of all those who came to pay tribute. Elephants are known to live as long as humans. No major festival or procession is complete without at least one elephant leading the way. These cousins of Lord Ganesha have become an integral part of Kerala culture. Besides their ceremonial role they are hard workers in the forest industry. Their working life generally extends to forty years. Thereafter they are often abandoned due to high maintenance costs.

Twenty dollars a day for food and water might not seem much in Western terms but it is lot in India where a labourer earns on average one hundred dollars a month. India has 3,500 domesticated elephants with approximately 600 in Kerala. Most of them are used for commercial purposes. The EWTI, composed of concerned persons and veterinary surgeons, have taken up the cause of these gentle giants. They plan to buy land which will serve as a rehabilitation centre for diseased, aged and abandoned elephants. Other issues include the screening and treatment of infectious diseases such as TB, maintaining minimum standards of comfort for elephants during festivals, setting up a mobile veterinary clinic, simplifying insurance for captive elephants, training and welfare of mahouts (elephant handlers), cultivation and supply of balanced feeds for captive elephants and mass education on elephants. If you wish to help contact Dr Joju Davis, telephone: + 91 9447417100, email: [email protected]



Ashram & Centre News VAL MORIN, CANADA Sivananda Yoga Ashram HQ The Camp will see the opening of The Ayurveda Centre, a clinic that will start operating during the summer months of 2009. The Centre is housed in a building that has been custom built to accommodate two massage rooms, with living accommodation for the therapists and including a consultation room for our ayurvedic doctor. The design, by Zev Daniels, has been created on vastu principles. Original massage tables, made of mahogany, have been brought in from Kerala and many of the oils and herbs used will be shipped directly from India. Consultations will be given on a residential and non-residential basis, with extended panchakarma and rejuvenation programmes held in July and August. The building is winterised and the programme will be extended over the coming seasons.

MONTREAL, CANADA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre The year 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Montreal. Swami Vishnudevananda established the Centre in 1959 and using it as his base, spread the teachings of yoga throughout the world. We would like to thank all the staff, teachers and students who have come during these 50 years and who have, through their interest and enthusiasm contributed to the growth and expansion of the Centre and the organisation. May the Centre flourish with the grace and guidance of Swami Vishnudevananda and his master Swami Sivananda, and continue to bring the glorious teachings of yoga to many future generations.

PARIS, FRANCE

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre

NETALA, INDIA Sivananda Kutir With the grace of the Gurus we have purchased a new Ashram across the River Ganges in close proximity to our existing Ashram in Netala. The buildings are nestled against the bank of the Mother Ganga and situated opposite Swami Vishnu’s Samadhi rock, the place where Swamiji’s body entered the Ganges in 1993. It lies at the gateway to the holy pilgrimage centre of Gangotri, where Swami Vishnudevananda spent many months in the Sivananda cave practising intense sadhana. We have named the Ashram the Vishnu Kutir and extensive remodelling and rebuilding will take place over the next two years. The Ashram will be used for retreats and extra accommodation for the Netala Ashram.

The Paris centre has moved to a new location, 10 minutes away from the previous one. Its location is perfect for us: it is 2 minutes from the the East train station, with direct trains to Munich, 10 minutes from the North train station, with direct trains to London and 20 minutes from the Austerlitz train station, with direct trains to the Ashram in Neuville aux bois. The new centre is on the ground floor in a yard. Its 550 m2 include a spacious entrance and reception area with a lovely boutique. The main asana room is very large, and can accommodate 80 students. The accoustics are very good

which allows teaching large classes without a microphone. A ventilation system has just been installed. The meditation room already has a wonderful vibration, with two newly installed Krishna and Ganesha Murtis. Our students love their new centre and the staff feel very uplifted to be able to pass on the teachings of the Masters in this very representative place. If you come to Paris, please stop by the centre! We look forward to welcoming you soon. Address: 140 rue du Fg St Martin 75010 Paris.

MUNICH, GERMANY Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre The Munich Centre is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year with a series of special musical performances, asana workshops and lectures. Beautiful wooden sliding doors were installed in several parts of the centre, and with their exquisite open-worked structure they add a special charm to the rooms. In the big yoga hall the curtains were replaced with blinds in a warm peach shade, making the room appear more spacious and luminous. The corridors were furnished with new oriental-style carpets and modern transparent lamps. Blinds were also installed in several asana rooms. After the redecoration, the Centre looks fresh and radiant, and ready to host many more generations of yogis.


LONDON, ENGLAND

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre

BERLIN, GERMANY Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Gateway to Eastern Europe

The London Centre has gone through a miraculous transformation over the past 18 months with the addition of the newly acquired property at 45 Felsham Road. After a 12 month period of construction and renovations, the new addition to the Centre was completed, inaugurated and lovingly named Swamiji’s Kutir. We now have a large, open shop space as well as additional teaching space on the basement and upper floors. The new addition gave birth to a lovely green space christened

the Sivananda Peace Garden in June 2008 with the planting of a magnificent cherry blossom tree. The garden beautifully integrates the new property to the existing one and features a water fountain and a beautiful array of green shrubs and seasonal blooms. Students are enamoured with the new space and we have already set our sights on future projects, all aimed at bringing the priceless teachings of Master and Swamiji to a larger public.

The Sivananda family is growing at a steady pace throughout Eastern Europe, in Poland, Lithuania, Russia and Estonia. In these countries annual programmes are being held. Public lectures have good attendance and the interest in Yoga is constantly growing. This year in March, for the first time, a public lecture presenting the 5 points and the TTC was held in Moscow. It attracted 150 very receptive Moscow residents. This September for the third time the TTC is being held in Poland in Ustka (2 hours from Gdansk) offering a translation in Polish, Lithuanian and Russian. This opens up the teachings of Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda to a much wider spectrum of people. The first Sivananda Centre in Eastern Europe is opening in October in Vilnius, Lithuania. Swami Atmaramananda with the help of close local Sivananda teachers found a suitable location. The Lithuanian Yogis are looking forward very much to the opening of the new centre and are keen on helping to run it.

REITH NEAR KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA Sivananda Yoga Retreat House The Sivananda Yoga Retreat House has increased it’s capacity with the addition of a beautiful “Kailash Kutir” just 400m further up the hill. It is located on a sunny slope and has a marvellous view of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. Six rooms are available for accommodation, as well as a spacious living room with a fire place and kitchen attached. There is also a small garden around the house with a wooden asana platform. Kailash Kutir is ready to accommodate yoga guests, special guest speakers as well as visiting staff. It is also an ideal place for special study courses and cooking workshops.

Plans for some architectural improvements and further expansion are on the way.

NEYYAR DAM, INDIA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram

MILAN, ITALY Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in Italy have had great developments in the first months of 2009. Swami Vishnudevananda’s The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga has been published in Italian, with a modern layout and cover design by one of the major publishers in Italy, Edizione Mediterrannee. This is well in time for the first Teachers' Training Course in Italy to be held in September 2009. The course will held at an agriturismo in Umbria, 2 hours north of Rome, which features a working farm providing organic produce, restored 19th century

farmhouses, and beautiful vistas of the surrounding countryside. Swami Rajeshwarananda has transferred from Montreal to become director of the Centre in Rome and Swami Jnaneswariananda is setting up a new Sivananda Centre in Milan. The presence of the Executive Board members in Rome for the EBM meeting in March gave a boost of prana to the staff in Italy and the encouragement of the acharyas was most appreciated.

We were saddened to hear that Tara, an affiliated teacher on the Isle of Elba, left her body in March and we pray that Master and Swamiji guide and comfort her husband, Ganapathi, and children Vrinda and Anjaneya.

Over two years ago, a monumental statue of Lord Siva in the form of the Cosmic Dancer, Nataraja, was commissioned by the Neyyar Dam Ashram. Early this year on the auspicious date of February 23 2009, the day of Sivaratri when Lord Siva is worshipped continually for twenty four hours, the installation of the murthi took place. Over three hundred people chanted the mantra Om Namah Sivaya and bhajans extolling the virtues and glory of Lord Siva, while Potti Swami accompanied by priests and aides performed the final rite of opening Lord Nataraja’s eyes. The statue was created by the renowned vastu architect and designer, Dr Ganapathi Stapathi. Work was executed by Radhakrishna Stapathi. The statue weighs 1500 kg and is made from five metals: copper, bronze, lead, silver and gold. It stands in splendour in the Siva Hall of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam.


“More than 70 million Hindu pilgrims took part in the Kumbha Mela pilgrimage, making it by far the largest peaceful gathering anywhere in the world.” Kumbha Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that takes place four times every twelve years (approximately once every three years) at one of the following four locations of India: Haridwar (Uttar Pradesh), which litterally means the “Gateway to God”, where the river Ganga enters the plains from the Himalayas. This is where the next Kumbha Mela will take place in March & April 2010. Prayag, also known as Allahabad, in the state of Uttar Pradesh at the confluence of three holy rivers: Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati where it will be held in 2013.


Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of the Shipra river. Nasik (Maharashtra), on the banks of the Godavari river. Kumbh Mela is attended by millions of people on a single day. On January 15th 2007, the most auspicious day of the Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, more than 5 million participated. Over 45 days beginning in January 2007, more than 70 million Hindu pilgrims took part in the pilgrimage, making it by far the largest peaceful gathering anywhere in the world. Thousands of holy men and women (monks, saints and sadhus) also attend, and the

auspiciousness of the festival is in part attributable to this. The major event of the festival is to bathe at certain sacred spots of the river on certain auspicious days. Other activities include religious discussions, devotional singing, mass feeding of holy men and women and the poor, as well as religious assemblies where doctrines are debated and standardized. A large tented city is erected and pilgrims stay at tents owned by Pandas (religious and spiritual guides) and at various ashrams. Others will just camp on the ground or turn up for the actual bathing day.

Kumbha Mela

Origins and History of the Kumbha Mela The Kumbha Mela is celebrated according to Hindu Vedic Astrology when the planet of Brihaspati moves into the zodiac sign of Aquarius or Kumbha. It finds mention in several Hindu sacred scriptures including the Srimad Bhagavatam, Vishnu Purana, Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Gods had lost their strength, and to regain it, they thought of churning the Ksheera Saghara (primordial ocean of milk) for amrit (the nectar of immortality). This required them to make a temporary agreement with their arch enemies, the demons or Asuras, to work together with a promise of sharing the nectar equally thereafter. However, when the Kumbha (urn) containing the amrita appeared, a fight ensued. For twelve days and twelve nights (equivalent to twelve human years) the gods and demons fought in the sky for the pot of amrita. It is believed that during the battle, the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu, flew away with the Kumbha of elixir and drops of amrita fell at four places on earth: Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik, and that is where the Kumbha (pitcher) Mela (gathering) is observed every twelve years.

After visiting the Kumbh Mela of 1895, Mark Twain wrote: “It is wonderful, the power of a faith like that, that can make multitudes upon multitudes of the old and weak and the young and frail enter without hesitation or complaint upon such incredible journeys and endure the resultant miseries without repining. It is done in love, or it is done in fear; I do not know which it is. No matter what the impulse is, the act born of it is beyond imagination, marvellous to our kind of people.”

Churning the Ocean of Milk The Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churn the ocean of milk to aquire amrit, the ‘Nectar of Immortality’



Five hundred people gathered to welcome the Maharaja of Travancore for the opening of the new premises of the Sivananda Yoga Centre in Trivandrum in February 2009.

The Centre, situated on the busy main road to the Airport, is an oasis of calm and serenity, built according to vastu principles.

The Maharaja of Travancore is welcomed to the new Trivandrum Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre by Swami Mahadevananda and Sri Potti Swami

With the teaching of yoga in mind it has beautiful spacious rooms for Satsang and yoga classes, massage rooms, a large kitchen with staff and guest bedrooms adjoining. The roof has been especially designed for yoga classes providing a welcome cool location for evening practice sheltered from the hot south Indian climate.

The front of the new Centre The Opening Ceremony began with the arrival of the Maharaja, a man of acuity and grace. His way to the front door and the ceremonial ribbon was lined by Kerala women bedecked in traditional dress, strewing rose and jasmine petals before the royal figure. A quick snip of the scissors by H.H. Padmanabhadasa Uhtradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma Maharaja, and the Centre was formally declared open. The Maharaja graciously donated an armchair used by Swami Sivananda


during his visit to the Kowdiar Palace in1950, as a guest of the then Maharaja of Travancore. The programme reflected the joy of Swami Vishnudevananda’s mission, to bring yoga to all people. Formal speeches by the Maharaja and Swami Mahadevananda were followed by a bandhara feeding the five hundred present, followed by satsang with Swami Mahadevananda and closing with a beautiful veena concert. The Centre is now operational with classes and satsang in full swing.

“The inmates’ options in prison are quite limited, and it is people and organizations like yours that help them to better themselves while in prison.” – DS, Prison chaplain

“Mahadev is collecting money from cookie sales from both the city ovens as well as at the Ranch.”

Mahadev, staff at the Yoga Ranch, has happily joined me in the operation of the Project. He is a great help, working enthusiastically in New York, and began resuming teaching at the local prison. One of the prisoners, Bill, who participated in the very first class taught there in 1998, is still coming for classes – a lesson in titiksha! Many letters still arrive at the Ranch for processing. Mahadev is collecting money from cookie sales from both the city ovens as well as at the Ranch. Needless to say, he is taking quite a load off my shoulders, which is a blessing. Letters are also arriving here in SF daily, so the Project has grown now to two "branches." Thanks to all of you who contributed towards the Project during the year and please continue with your generous donations to keep the Project alive.

Thy Own Self, Swami Padmapadananda Donations should be sent to Sivananda Prison Project, 1200 Arguello Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94122. We take Visa, MasterCard, Discover (via phone), checks, and cash. Phone: 415-681-2731. For more information about the Project please visit our website www.sfsivananda.org.

Prisoners Letters Letter from a prison chaplain Dear Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, I wish to express our gratitude for the books you sent to our chapel. The books have already been placed into our Chapel Resource Center for checkout. The inmates' options in prison are quite limited and it is through people/ organizations like yours that help them to better themselves while in prison. It also helps to remind them that even though they are in prison for whatever they have done, not everyone is society has given up on them. It reminds them there are still compassionate people in the world that are willing to give of themselves to help those who are less fortunate. Thank you very much, from both the inmates and myself. DS, SOU Chaplain

Dear Swami Padmapadananda, I hope this finds you deeply immersed in the joy of the Self and in good health. Thank you very much for sending the Meditation and Mantras book. It is truly an excellent book and I have studied it closely. Swami Vishnudevananda did a tremendous job in covering the subject of meditation in great depth and breadth, both theory and practice. I am sure I will read it many more times because I have benefited greatly and have incorporated some of his suggestions in my practice. I really liked the commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Thanks again for your kindness and generosity. This incarceration has truly become an extended spiritual retreat for me and you should know that I have benefited greatly from your advice and books in my sadhana. May the Lord keep you joyful and peaceful always. With great love and respect, D

My Dearest Swami, I thank you sincerely for the copy of the Meditation and Mantras that you sent me. I have begun to read it and considering how much I enjoy meditation, I am sure it will help lots in guiding my path. I would like to take this opportunity to further thank you for all you've done for me and for your kind words and attention. The books that you so graciously provided me with gave me two most valuable instruments: Yoga and Meditation. They provided me with a way to channel some of the pent up energy and most of the frustrations and stress that I had and will encounter in life. I want you to know that you are appreciated. A prison is always filled with lots of darkness and gloom. Sometimes easily comparable to a cemetery where a person vegetates before dying (on the inside). I've seen it first hand in many people. On the other hand, it could also be compared to a seminary where a person can study, look at life, and even analyze to see where it is that went wrong (which is what I tried to do).

Namaste, Thank you for the Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga. It is exactly what I have been looking for. It has helped me increase my understanding a lot. I especially enjoy the information in the book about vegetarianism. This is new to me but it is also very important. I am very devoted to my practice to include my diet, which is not as easy as you might think in prison. I would like to request your help and guidance with my spiritual practices. I am experiencing difficulty with painful thoughts and memories; any advice for this or diet or anything to do with spiritual growth would be greatly appreciated. CF

Be well, LCR


Sivananda Ashram and Centre Addresses ASHRAMS

CENTRES

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp 673, 8th Avenue Val Morin Quebec J0T 2R0, CANADA Tel: +1.819.322.3226 Fax: +1.819.322.5876 e-mail: [email protected]

ARGENTINA

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch P.O. Box 195, Budd Road Woodbourne, NY 12788, U.S.A. Tel: +1.845.436.6492 Fax: +1.845.434.1032 [email protected] Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat P.O. Box N7550 Paradise Island, Nassau, BAHAMAS Tel: +1.242.363.2902 Fax: +1.242.363.3783 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram P.O.Neyyar Dam Thiruvananthapuram Dt. Kerala, 695 572, INDIA Tel: +91.471.227.3093 / 2703 +91.949.563. 0951 (mobile) Fax: +91.471.227.2093 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm 14651 Ballantree Lane Grass Valley, CA 95949, U.S.A. Tel: +1.530.272.9322 Fax: +1.530.477.6054 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram Near Pavanna Vilakku Junction, New Natham Road, Saramthangi Village Madurai Dist. 625 503 Tamil Nadu, South INDIA Tel: +91.94421.90661 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Kutir (Near Siror Bridge) P.O. Netala, Uttar Kashi Dt, Uttaranchal, Himalayas, 249 193, North INDIA Tel: +91.1374.224.159 or +91 9411.330.495 [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Retreat House Bichlach 40 A- 6370 Reith bei Kitzbühel, Tyrol, AUSTRIA Tel: +43.5356.67.404 Fax: +43.5356.67.4044 e-mail: [email protected] Château du Yoga Sivananda 26 Impasse du Bignon 45170 Neuville aux bois, FRANCE Tel: +33.2.38.91.88.82 Fax: +33.2.38.91.18.09 e-mail: [email protected]

Centro Internaciónal de Yoga Sivananda Sánchez de Bustamante 2372 - (C.P. 1425) Capital Federal - Buenos Aires - Argentina Tel: +54.11.4804 7813 Fax: +54.11.4805 4270 e-mail: [email protected]

AUSTRIA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum Prinz Eugen Strasse 18 A -1040 Vienna, AUSTRIA Tel:: +43.1.586.3453 Fax: +43.1.587.1551 e-mail: [email protected]

CANADA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre 5178 St Lawrence Blvd Montreal, Quebec H2T 1R8, CANADA Tel: +1.514.279.3545 Fax: +1.514.279.3527 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre 77 Harbord Street Toronto, Ontario M5S 1G4, CANADA Tel: +1.416.966.9642 e-mail: [email protected]

FRANCE Centre Sivananda de Yoga Vedanta 140 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin F-75010 Paris, FRANCE Tel: +33.1.40.26.77.49 Fax: +33.1.42.33.51.97 e-mail: [email protected]

GERMANY Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum Steinheilstrasse 1 D-80333 Munich, GERMANY Tel: +49.89.700.9669.0 Fax: +49.89.700.9669.69 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum Schmiljanstrasse 24 D-12161 Berlin, GERMANY Tel: +49.30.8599.9798 Fax: +49.30.8599.9797 e-mail: [email protected]

INDIA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Nataraja Centre A-41 Kailash Colony New Delhi 110 048, INDIA Tel: +91.11. 292.40869 or +91.11. 292 30962 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dwarka Centre PSP Pocket, Swami Sivananda Marg, Sector - 6 (Behind DAV school) Dwarka, New Delhi, 110075 INDIA Tel: +91 11 6456 8526 Or +91.1145566016 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre TC37/1927 (5), Airport Road, West Fort, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala, INDIA Tel +91 0471 245 0942, +91 (0)9497008432 Email: [email protected]


Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre 3/655 Kaveri Nagar, Kuppam Road, Kottivakkam Chennai 600 041, Tamil Nadu, INDIA Tel: +91.44.2451.1626 or +91.44 2451.2546 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Plot # 101 (Old No 23), Dr Sathar Road Anna Nagar, Madurai 625 020 Tamil Nadu, INDIA Tel: +91.452-2521170 Fax: +91.4552-4393445 e-mail: [email protected]

ISRAEL Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre 6 Lateris St Tel Aviv 64166, ISRAEL Tel: +972.3.691.6793 Fax: +972.3.696.3939 e-mail: [email protected]

ITALY Centro Yoga Vedanta Sivananda Roma via Oreste Tommasini, 7 00162 Rome, ITALY tel: +39 06 4549 6529 fax: +39 06 9725 9356 [email protected] Centro Yoga Vedanta Sivananda Milano Milan, ITALY Phone: +39 334 760 5376 email: [email protected]

LITHUANIA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Opening in October 2009 For information contact Swami Atmaramanda e-mail: [email protected]

SPAIN Centro de Yoga Sivananda Vedanta Centro de Yoga Sivananda Vedanta Calle Eraso 4 E-28028 Madrid, SPAIN Tel: +34.91.361.5150 Fax: +34.91.361.5194 e-mail: [email protected]

SWITZERLAND Centre Sivananda de Yoga Vedanta Centre Sivananda de Yoga Vedanta 1 Rue des Minoteries CH-1205 Geneva, SWITZERLAND Tel: +41.22.328.03.28 Fax: +41.22.328.03.59 e-mail: [email protected]

UNITEDKINGDOM Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre 51 Felsham Road London SW15 1AZ UNITED KINGDOM Tel: +44.20.8780.0160 Fax: +44.20.8780.0128 e-mail: [email protected]

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center 243 West 24th Street New York, NY 10011, USA Tel: +1.212.255.4560 Fax: +1.212.727.7392 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center 1200 Arguello Blvd San Francisco, CA 94122, USA Tel: +1.415.681.2731 Fax: +1.415.681.5162 [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center 13325 Beach Avenue Marina del Rey, CA 90292, USA Tel: +1.310.822.9642 [email protected]

URUGUAY Asociación de Yoga Sivananda Acevedo Díaz 1523 11200 Montevideo, URUGUAY Tel: +598.2.401.09.29 / 401.66.85 Fax: +598.2.400.73.88 [email protected]

AFFILIATED CENTRES ARGENTINA Centro de Yoga Sivananda Centro de Yoga Sivananda Carlos y Laura Chiarotto Alderete 97- Neuquén (8300), ARGENTINA Tel: +54.299.4331774/ 4484879 e-mail: [email protected]

AUSTRALIA Sivananda Yoga Centre Kamala Devi, The ‘Shellin’ 40 Ninth Avenue Katoomba 2700 N.S.W. AUSTRALIA Tel: (047) 82-32-45 e-mail: [email protected]

BOLIVIA Centro de Yoga Sivananda Santa Cruz Calle Junin #271 Santa Cruz de la Sierra, BOLIVIA Tel/Fax: +591.333.1508 e-mail: [email protected]

BRAZIL Centro Sivananda de Yoga Vedanta Rua Santo Antonio, 374 Porto Alegre 90220-010 -RS, BRAZIL Tel: +55.51.3024.7717 e-mail: [email protected] www.sivanandayoga.com.br Centro Sivananda de Yoga Vedanta Rua das Palmeiras n/13 Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20270-070 BRAZIL Tel: +55.21.2266.4896 www.sivanandayoga.com.br

UNITEDSTATES

CANADA

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center 1246 West Bryn Mawr Avenue Chicago, IL 60660, USA Tel: +1.773.878.7771 Fax: +1.773.878.7527 e-mail: [email protected]

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Sivaram & Sasi “Lakshmi”, 108 Des Berges Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, J7V 9X2, CANADA Tel: +1.450 510 2656/+1.450 510 2657 e-mail [email protected]

Yoga Sivananda de l'Outaouais Catherine Gillies (Kumari) 745 Chemin d'Aylmer Gatineau (secteur Aylmer) Québec, J9H 0B8, CANADA Tel: +1.819 684-2084 e-mail: [email protected] www.yoga-aylmer.com Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Vancouver 280-2010 East 48th Vancouver, B.C. V5P 1R8, CANADA Tel: +1.604 321 9039 [email protected]

COLUOMBIA Atma Yoga Antioquia, Medellín, COLOMBIA www.atman-yoga.org [email protected] Tel: (57 - 4) 311 11 32

Sivananda Yoga Centre #236,5th Cross, 3rd Block, H R B R Layout, Bangalore , Karnataka, 560043, INDIA Tel: +91 80 57637144, Mobile: +91 9448464448 e-mail: [email protected] Arsha Yoga Gurukulam Double Cutting Calvarimount Post Idukki (Dt), Kerala 680 681, INDIA Tel: +91 480284 6080 e-mail: [email protected] www.arshayoga.org Sivananda Yoga Centre, Gurgaon M13/23 DLF Phase II Gurgaon 122002 Haryana, INDIA Tel: +91 0124 2581353 e-mail:[email protected]

Centre de Yoga Sruthi 18 rue Savorgnan de Brazza, 14000 Caen, FRANCE Tel: 06 86 88 69 78 or 02 31 73 26 41

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre L-12, 26th Street Annanagar East Chennai , Tamil Nadu, 600102, INDIA Tel: +91 44 26630978 e-mail : [email protected]

GERMANY

INDONESIA

International Sivananda Yoga Centre Kleiner Kielort 8 20144 Hamburg, GERMANY Tel: +49.40.41.42.45.46 e-mail: [email protected] www.artyoga.de

Bali Yoga and Wellness Beate McLatchie Jl Tunjung Mekar 58 Br Peliatan, Kerobakan Bali, INDONESIA Tel: +62 8123804046 e-mail: [email protected] www.baliyogawellness.com

FRANCE

INDIA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre # 79, 4th cross, 4th Block, 16th Main Koramangala, Bangalore -560034 Karnataka State, INDIA Tel: +91.80.2563.4991 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Swami Sundarananda 'Laksmi Sadan' College Road Palakkad, Kerala 678 001, INDIA Tel: +91.491.254.5117 / 254.4549 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Centre Ajitha Vijayaraghavan E-94 Income Tax Quarters Panampilly Nagar Kochi, Kerala 682 036, INDIA Tel: +91.484.231.3418 e.mail: [email protected] T Raghavan Kripa, Kundanmur Maradu P.O. Kochi 682304, Kerala, INDIA e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Centre Sarath Kumar Balan K. Nair Road, Asokapuram, Kozhikode, Kerala 673 001, INDIA Tel: +91. 495 2771754/2770384 Mobile +91 944 6953652 e-mail: [email protected]

ISRAEL Sivananda Yoga Centre 3 Reuven Street Jerusalem, ISRAEL Tel: +972.2.671.4854 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Centre 8 Amnon and Tamar Street, Apt 1 Herzelia, ISRAEL Tel: +972.9.9561004 e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Center 11a Einstein Street Haifa 34605, ISRAEL Tel: +972.4.8111921 e-mail: [email protected]

ITALY Sivananda Yoga Firenze Via de' Marsili 1 50125 Firenze, ITALY Tel +39 055 230 2250 In Sabina Yoga Centre Torri in Sabina Lazio, ITALY Tel: +39.340.387.6028 e-mail: [email protected] www.insabina.com

JAMAICA

UKRAINE

Sivananda Yoga Centre 17 Tremaine Road Kingston 6 Jamaica WEST INDIES Tel: +1 876 381 1504 [email protected]

Sivananda Yoga Centre Valentina Nikitina Sadovaya Str 60, 95050 Simferopol, Crimea, UKRAINE E-mail: [email protected] Victoria Rybachuk (Savitri) Street Baggovutivska 3/15, Flat 88, Kyiv 04107, UKRAINE Tel: +380 44 4833683 Mobile: +380 679925623 E-mail: [email protected]

JAPAN Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Japan Suite 1002 Yoyogi Cityhomes Sendagaya 5-26-5 Shibuya, Tokyo JAPAN Tel +81.03 5969 8311 e-mail [email protected]

LEBANON Sivananda Yoga Centre Sivananda Yoga Centre 522 Couraud Street #3A Gemayzeh, Beirut, LEBANON Tel: +961-1-566-770 e-mail: [email protected]

NEW ZEALAND Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre 145a Tukapa Street Westown, New Plymouth, NEW ZEALAND Tel : +64(0)6 7538234 [email protected] www.sivanandayoga.co.nz

POLAND Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centrum ul.Friedleina 20/6 30-009 Krakow, POLAND Tel: +48 12 634 43 83, +48 604 460 166 e-mail: [email protected] www.yoga.krakow.pl

PORTUGAL

UNITED STATES The Yoga Center Tara Durga Devi (Terry Crane) and Bhavani (Mary Keeney) 235 Dorris Place, Stockton, CA 95204 Phone # 209-463-3330 Website: www.stocktonyoga.com e-mail: [email protected] Vishnudevananda Yoga Vedanta Center 1034 Delaware Street Berkeley, CA 94710, USA Tel: +1.510.273.2447 e-mail: [email protected] www.vishnuyoga.org Yoga and Inner Peace 3964 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth FL33461-4054, USA Tel: +1.561.641.8888 e-mail: [email protected] Yoga Warehouse Shyam and Mohini 508 SW Flagler Ave. Fort Lauderdale Florida 33301, USA Tel: +1 954 525-7726 e-mail [email protected] www.yogawarehouse.org

Centro de Yoga Sivananda Vedanta de Lisboa Rua Jose Carlos dos Santos No. 12 – 1 Andar 1700-257 Lisbon, PORTUGAL Tel: +351 217971431 e-mail: [email protected] www.sivananda.pt

SINGAPORE Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Affiliated Singapore Harbour Front Centre Post Office PO Box 026 Singapore 910930, SINGAPORE Tel: +65 90679100 [email protected]

UNITED KINGDOM Universal Yoga (Chandrika) Redhill House, Red Hill, Camerton, Bath, BA2 0NY, UK Tel: 01761 470 658 E-mail: [email protected]


Inter-Religious and Inter-Cultural Understanding

The International Institute of Integral Human Sciences (IIIHS) Montreal, Canada.

Founded in 1975 by Dr. John Rossner

It serves over 10,000 This is an invitation to join general members and an exciting worldwide students from all walks family involved in the of life, with the objective exploration of: of inter-religious and •New sciences of coninter-cultural undersciousness and healing standing for world peace. •New paradigms for the convergence of science, The Quest for spirituality and more Universal Human humane values in the Values in the global village. World's Religions •New insights into the human psyche & spirit, & Cultures and its hidden potentials Our great family, through for intuition, creativity and its interfaith studies healing, individual and division, The International planetary. Council of World In 1975 that family Religions and Cultures, started its professional now includes repremembership with a global sentatives of all races network of over 300 and persuasions: Fellows. Most were Christians, Jews, distinguished scientists and Moslems, Hindus, spiritual leaders from many “A Global Family, with the objective Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, faiths and many lands, Yogis, Spiritualists, New of inter-religious and inter-cultural including a number of Religionists, Atheists, prominent medical doctors, understanding for world peace” Agnostics, and Freepsychiatrists, psychologists, Thinkers of every stripe... clergy and educators who persons from every part were pioneers at the forefront of discoveries in the new of the political, socio-economic and educational sciences of consciousness and healing. The organiser of spectrum, and from many nationalities and races. the network and IIIHS Founder-President was Dr. John Rossner, an Anglican priest and a professor of Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres affiliation comparative religion and culture at Concordia University with the Open International university in Montreal. The ultimate objective was to provide a worldwide The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres are affiliated forum for the encouragement of studies which would with the Open International university via the help to reintegrate the inner spiritual and outer material International Institute for Integral Human Sciences. life of human beings, by restoring integral-human By graduating from the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ spiritual and psychic sciences to their proper place Training Course or Diploma Courses offered at the alongside of the natural, physical and social sciences. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, you can earn credits for Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. university programmes. A Global Family, East & West

with a Noble Objective Today the IIIHS family has professional and general members or associates in many nations, East & West, and an affiliated network of Spiritual Science Fellowship chapters and other cooperating groups in North America.


For further information, please contact: International Institute of Integral Human Sciences 1974 de Maisonneuve West, Montreal, PQ, H3H 1K5, Canada, www.iiihs.com

International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

International Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) 10 October – 8 November 2009 6 March – 3 April 2010

Advanced International Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course (ATTC) 10 October – 8 November 2009

Teaching location: Vrindavan, North India

Intensive Ayurvedic Nutrition Seminar 17 March – 3 April 2010 With Ayurveda Acharyas from Pune, India. With Certificate.

North Indian Pilgrimage 30 October – 8 November 2009: Vrindavan 9 – 17 November 2009: Agra | Jaipur | Varanasi | Delhi TTC/ATTC students can join at a reduced rate.

Founder: Swami Vishnudevananda, est 1957

email: [email protected] or [email protected] • www.sivananda.eu YOGALife I Summer 2009 61

SIVANANDA YOGA Vedanta Retreat House

Reith /

, Tyrol, Austria

Swami Sivananda

Swami Vishnudevananda

Mountains, rivers, lakes, fresh air – Just like the Himalayas INTERNATIONAL YOGA TEACHERS’ TRAINING COURSE · With Internationally Recognised Certificate · Course in English language with simultaneous translation into German; please ask for Spanish, French and Italian translation. May 23 – June 21, 2009 (German) August 1 – August 29, 2009 September 5 – October 4, 2009 (reduced price) December 19 – January 17, 2010 July 2 – July 29, 2010 (German) August 1 – August 29, 2010 December 18 – January 16, 2011

AYURVEDA NUTRITION / COOKING COURSE (ANC) August 10 – 30, 2009 Certificate upon Completion · With Ayurveda Acharya from India · Daily Cooking workshops with authentic recipies · Ayurveda Nutrition Science · Yoga classes, Yoga lectures, Meditation

YEAR ROUND YOGA VACATION Free Choice of arrival and departure dates WIDE CHOICE OF SEMINARS Yoga Relaxation Days Yoga and Hiking Yoga Vitality Week Asana Practice Days Yoga Body Check Yoga Lifestyle Yoga@Home In Peace lies Strength Yoga – the Art of Living Thought Power and Positive Thinking

Founder: Swami Vishnudevananda, est. 1957 Bichlach 40, 6370 Reith bei Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria [email protected] · Tel. +43 (0)5356 / 6 74 04 www.sivananda.org/tyrol · www.sivananda.eu

SPECIAL PROGRAMS WITH YOGA ACHARYAS AND INTERNATIONAL GUEST SPEAKERS · YOGA PHILOSOPHY AND SATSANGS Swami Durgananda, Yoga Acharya · ASANA SPECIAL WORKSHOPS Swami Sivadasananda, Yoga Acharya · EASTERN WISDOM MELODIES Sri Venugopal Goswami and Ensemble · JYOTISHA - VEDIC ASTROLOGY Stephen Quong, California, USA · HOLISTIC HEALTH WITH ENERGY MEDICINE Dr. Fadel Behman, Montreal, Canada · AYURVEDA NUTRITION SPECIAL Dr. Shanti Kumar Kamlesh, North India · MANTRAS ANS MYSTICISM OF YOGA Sri Potty Swami, Kerala, South India · YOGA AND MENTAL HEALTH Dr. Uma Krishnamurthi, Bangalore, India

Swami Sivananda Swami Vishnudevananda (1887 – 1963) (1927 – 1993)

An intensive four week immersion in the yogic way of life: Open to students of all levels who have a sincere desire to learn. Certificate given upon successful completion of the course.

Dates and Locations QUEBEC, CANADA

TYROL, AUSTRIA

MERLO, ARGENTINA

July 5 – Aug 1, 2009 Sep 6 – Oct 3, 2009 Nov 14 – Dec 12, 2009 Feb 14 – Mar 14, 2010

Aug 1 – 29, 2009 Sep 5 – Oct 4, 2009 Dec 19, 2009 – Jan 17, 2010 May 8 – Jun 6, 2010

Oct 17 – Nov 15, 2009

ORLEANS, FRANCE

UMBRIA, ITALY

July 3 – Aug 1, 2009 Aug 2 – 30, 2009 May 29 – Jun 26, 2010

Sep 6 – Oct 4, 2009

In depth study of: Asanas, Pranayama, Meditation, Mantras, Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, Kriyas, Yogic Diet, Anatomy & Physiology.

WOODBOURNE, NY Sep 11 – Oct 9, 2009 June 2 – 30, 2010

ALUENDA, SPAIN Aug 17 – Sept 13, 2009 (Spanish only)

USTKA, POLAND

1866 446-5934 in Bahamas

Oct 25 – Nov 22, 2009 Nov 29 – Dec 27, 2009 Jan 24 – Feb 21, 2010 Feb 28 – March 28, 2010

NEYYAR DAM, SOUTH INDIA Nov 15 – Dec 13, 2009 Jan 10 – Feb 7, 2010 March 21 – April 18, 2010

NASSAU, BAHAMAS

Oct 3 – 31, 2009 May 1 – 30, 2010

Dec 6, 2009 – Jan 2, 2010 Jan 31, 2009 – Feb 27, 2010 Mar 4 – 31, 2010 Apr 4 – May 1, 2010 May 5 – Jun 1, 2010

HIMALAYAS, INDIA

BRAZIL, S. AMERICA

Oct 4 – Nov 1, 2009 Apr 11 – May 9, 2010 June 20 – Jul 18, 2010

Jan 3 – 30, 2010

VIETNAM

VRINDAVAN, INDIA

LONDON, UK

Oct 10 – Nov 8, 2009 Mar 6 – April 3, 210

Apr 24 – May 23, 2010

Aug 29 – Sept 27, 2009

GRASS VALLEY, CA

1800 263-YOGA in Canada 1800 783-YOGA or 1800 469-YOGA in USA

MADURAI, SOUTH INDIA

+ 43 (0) 5356/67 404 in Europe + 44 (0) 208 780 0160 in UK

Feb 28 – March 28, 2010

[email protected] www.sivananda.org www.sivananda.eu