Volume XXII, No. 4, Nov. 2013 Prayer

By Sri Swami Satchidananda

I once visited a home where there was a young baby. I was talking to the family and the mother was busy somewhere in the kitchen. The baby was playing with its toys. After a while, the baby cried a little and started putting things in its mouth, thinking that by sucking on them, it might get some milk to satisfy its hunger. A little crying, a little trying, again a little crying; this went on for a while. When it had sucked everything and not found any milk, it cried some more.

Then the mother came with a rubber pacifier. The baby started sucking the pacifier and stopped crying. But very soon it found out that milk wasn’t coming even from the pacifier. Then it started kicking everything and really crying. This time the cry was completely different. And now the mother knew that the crying was real and came running to take the baby and feed it.

That taught me a very good lesson. I used to meditate and pray a little, but my mind was on the market and the cinema. I used to go to the Himalayas, sit in front of the Ganges, close my eyes and start meditating, but I would be meditating on the cinemas of New Delhi. I would be sitting in a cave but my mind was in the city. I repeated all the prayers correctly and people who heard them said they sounded wonderful. They admired how I would sit quietly for hours and hours in meditation. But nothing came to my heart. I didn’t feel or realize anything.

(Continued on Page 3) Inside

Prayer by Sri Swami Satchidananda p. 1 Language as a Vehicle of Power p. 11 Letter from the Editor by Bharata Wingham p. 2 The Gift of Peace: My Journey in Hatha I Importance of Thought-Force by Sri Swami Sivananda p. 4 by Bhavani Joyce Zonana p. 14 Global Garland p. 5 Yogaville Recipes p. 15 Karma, Will and Grace by Swami Suddhananda p. 6 Bhagavad Gita Study Commentary Swami Asokananda p. 16 Yoga and Medicine—Fasting and Diet by Amrita McLanahan, M.D p. 8 The IYTA News Column by Brahmi Milliman p. 17 Flying Yoga: The Yoga of Bliss—Everyday Life as Partners Yoga Senior Speakers’ Schedules p. 18 by Meenakshi Angel Honig p. 10 Calendar of Upcoming Programs at Yogaville p. 19 The Goal of Integral Yoga® Integral Yoga Teachers Association

The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every The Integral Yoga Teachers Association is a membership individual is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the association open to all Integral Yoga teachers. Its mission is diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as to provide mutual support and spiritual fellowship, to share members of one universal family. information, to provide inspiration, and to conduct ongoing training and guidance. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum health and strength, senses under total Director: Gopal Watkins control, a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as Newsletter Editor: Bharata Wingham sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart Graphic Design: Anand Shiva Hervé full of unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as a Photos: Madhavan Aubert, Archives crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy. Copy Editors: Lilavati Eberle, Jeff Curry, Brahmi Milliman, Lakshmi Fradianni Attain this through asanas, pranayama, chanting of Membership Coordinator: Brahmi Milliman Holy Names, self-discipline, selfless action, mantra japa, meditation, study and reflection. Integral Yoga Teachers Association Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. 108 Yogaville Way, Buckingham, VA 23921 USA Ever yours in Yoga, Tel: 434.969.3121, ext. 177 Fax: 434.969.1303 E-mail (Newsletter): [email protected] E-mail (Membership): [email protected] E-mail (Director): [email protected] Website: www.iyta.org From The Editor

Namaste! We are all keeping very active here in Yogaville. quality of our thoughts. “Thought makes By the time this issue reaches you the Sivananda Hall man. Man makes civilization.” It’s good addition will be well along on its completing steps. to remember this in times of economic and political turmoil. Welcome to the November issue of the IYTA Newsletter. This issue starts off with two great articles on the power Swami Suddhananda shares with us part of her of prayer and thought in our lives. experience with “karma, will and grace” and how her mother’s determination overcame a doctor’s disturbing Sri Swami Satchidananda discusses the analogy of suggestion. prayer being like tuning into a radio station. We might call it, “WGOD,” or for those on the West coast of Swami Asokananda offers us an insightful commentary the United States, “KGOD.” “By tuning the radio, you on the Bhagavad Gita’s teaching about fate, and the are not creating music. It is already there; your tuning cost of evading our duties. merely attracts the radio waves. If your tuning is not correct, if it moves a little off that particular wavelength, Dr. Amrita McLanahan gives us some very helpful you won’t receive the music. But the moment you find suggestions on Fasting and Diet and expands on an the correct wavelength, the music comes easily...In the earlier article with the best diet for staying healthy. She same way, you will receive God Consciousness, God’s discusses the novel idea of giving all the digestive organs grace or the Cosmic Consciousness, only when you rest from active duty and time to repair themselves. tune your mind to the proper wavelength.” The International Journal of Yoga Therapy has We are announcing the worldwide celebration of contributed a highly informative article on “Language Sri Swami Satchidananda’s 100th Birth Anniversary, as a Vehicle of Power.” “A Global Garland.” The entire year of 2014 will be celebrated with a stunning array of events around Also included in this issue are inspiring articles from the world. Meenakshi Angel Honig, “Flying Yoga: The Yoga of Bliss—Everyday Life as Partners Yoga” and Bhavani Joyce Swami Sivananda reminds us that, “Behind all discoveries Zonana, “The Gift of Peace: My Journey in Hatha I.” and inventions, behind all religions and philosophies, behind all life-saving or life-destroying devices is thought.” We hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter. And that our hope for a better society is based on the Om Shanti, Bharata Wingham IYTA Newsletter‡November 2013 ‡Page 2 (Continued from Page 1) To such people, I say that God is really everywhere, not in a particular form, but as an omnipresent awareness or power. When I saw the baby I understood my mistake, because I God is consciousness itself. And by your concentrated, never cried, I never prayed sincerely, as the baby cried at the sincere prayer, you are tuning your mental radio to receive very end. I used to sit in prayer, but the moment I smelled that power. If, say, there is nice music in this room, some of some good food, I would finish quickly and go to the kitchen you may disagree and say, “We don’t hear any music. How to eat. And when I sat down to pray, I would watch the time can you say that there is music in the room?” To you, I say get to make sure that I wouldn’t be late for the first show. My a radio, tune it properly and you will hear the music. prayers were not answered properly because they were not real and sincere. By tuning the radio, you are not creating music. It is already there; your tuning merely attracts the radio waves. If your Then I learned to pray for the sake of prayer and not for tuning is not correct, if it moves a little off that particular anything else. I would not be satisfied with anything but God. wavelength, you won’t receive the music. But the moment If our prayers are that sincere and our interest is only in God you find the correct wavelength, the music comes easily. and nothing else, then God cannot sit quietly somewhere. God has to run to us. If we need help, it is always waiting. All In the same way, you will receive God Consciousness, we need to do is ask sincerely. God’s grace or the Cosmic Consciousness, only when you tune your mind to the proper wavelength. Some people Help is not for the proud person. You must be like a baby; call that tuning “meditation,” some call it ”prayer,” others cry, ask for it. All of Nature is ready to give to you. You need call it ”communion.” Some say you need not do anything not go and praise the sun to get light; just open the window but sit quietly to go into that higher state. But even sitting and sunlight comes in. As long as you don’t put up a barrier, quietly is doing something. That God or Self or blissful pure you get light. Don’t allow your pride to get between you and Consciousness is always there. You are not creating it by God’s help. your meditation. You need not do anything to get into it, but you have to do something not to disturb that flow. We are Cry wholeheartedly, “Oh, God, help me. I can’t do it by not creating God’s grace, but we are removing everything myself. I am so limited, so little.” Let it be sincere. Let the that prevents the grace from coming to us. eyes shed tears. Learn to cry well. Taste your tears. A hearty laugh or cry will relieve you from much tension. People who St. John begins his gospel, “In the beginning was the Word do not cry much have to go to the doctor very often. If you and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” “The keep everything inside, it ferments. Word” can be understood to mean sound. In the beginning there was a sound and that primal sound can be called God. When children want to show devotion to their mother, is Out of that sound, the whole universe was created. there a restriction on how many times they should hug, how many kisses they should give? No. It comes automatically. Scientists say that the entire universe, what you see and Prayer, too, should be like that. what you cannot see, is nothing but atomic vibrations. When a dynamo starts rotating, the first thing you hear is Of course, some people pray sincerely but ask for worldly a hum. The same with anything set in motion. When the things such as money or help on an exam. But even that is static, unmanifested God wanted to set Itself in motion, God good because as their devotion develops, they think, “Why hummed. In Sanskrit, the word for “individual self” is hum. In should I ask God for all these things? Won’t God know what other words, we are all part of that cosmic hum. is good for me? God will give me everything that is necessary. God is all-knowing.” Then their prayers take a different turn. OM, or the hum, is the basis of all the different sounds. Even They say, “God, I don’t need to ask. I might even ask for if you honk a horn, it’s nothing but the expression of OM. something that is not good for me. You know what is good. Stand on the beach, close your eyes and listen to the music Just do what is proper. I don’t know anything. All I need is of the sea—it is OM. When the wind blows, it blows OM. faith and devotion to You.” That is a much higher prayer. When the fire burns well, you will get the same sound. The elements themselves produce that sound. The movement of Devotion gradually progresses to higher levels. The Bhagavad the elements is caused by OM. In other words, when the OM Gita talks about four kinds of devotees. One type goes to moves, it gives rise to the elements. The elements are not God and asks for the removal of their suffering. Another different from OM. Ultimately, everything is the expression type will ask for money or material things. A third will request of OM. It is the original sound. When you realize the Truth, liberation or release from bondage. And the fourth will not you are at home. ask for anything. That one will just enjoy praying and praising God. That is the highest form of prayer. Home is the place where you can be comfortable. Why is it called home? Because “om” is surrounded by He. “H” is on People who don’t believe in a God ask me, “Who is this one side, “e” is on the other and “om” is right in the middle— God? Where is God? Is God hiding in a corner and pulling all you have God and the cosmic sound, so you feel at home. the strings? What is the idea of prayer? Is God going to hear me and come running?” —Excerpt from Beyond Words IYTA Newsletter ‡November 2013‡Page 3 Importance of Thought-Force

By Sri Swami Sivananda

Thought makes man. Man makes civilization. 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 or 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 civilization? By generating a new thought- force. How to build a civilization 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 peace of mind, that will instill in his heart the divine virtues of compassion, being of service to his fellow- men, love of God, and an intense desire to realize Him.

If but a fraction of the wealth and the time spent on wasteful pursuits and destructive activities was devoted to the creation of a good THOUGHT, there would be a new civilization right now.

Atomic and hydrogen bombs, I.C.B.M. and a host of other inventions have driven mankind inevitably to destruction. They waste your wealth, they destroy your neighbors; they pollute the atmosphere of the whole world, and generate fear, hatred, It will make their study compulsory in schools and colleges. and suspicion in your heart; the mind is unbalanced and the It will award scholarships to students of philosophy. It will body is subjected to diseases. Stop this trend. confer prizes and titles on those who conduct researches in religion and philosophy. The deepest urge in man—the Promote research in spirituality, in religion, in all the good spiritual urge—will be given the fullest scope to realize its things of life. Support the philosophers and saints—the real goal. The fruits of the New Civilization are well worth all benefactors of mankind. Encourage them in their study of that everybody can do towards building it up. In the New religion, researches in ancient spiritual literature, and the Civilization man will want to lead a righteous life, he will be projection of a Great Thought-Force for the Good. eager to serve his fellow-beings and share with them what he has; he will love all, realizing that his own Self dwells in all; he Ban all literature that pollute the thoughts of the young. Flood will be devoted to the welfare of all beings. the young brain with healthy thoughts, ideas and ideals. The man who commits murder, the man who steals your purse, What an ideal society it will be, where people will share with the man who cheats you—law punishes him. But this crime is others all that they possess, and will serve everybody! Where insignificant when compared to the crime committed by the will the need for taxes and duties be in a society in which wicked intellectual who instills a wicked idea into the mind everyone will voluntarily work for all? Where is the need for of youth. police and the army when people are devoted to virtue?

He is the author of many murders that take place on earth; This, then, is the ideal. Towards this end, let everyone strive he steals your greatest wealth viz., wisdom; he cheats you by to generate a Thought-Force. May God bless you all! presenting you with poison in the name of sweet elixir. The laws of the new civilization will deal very severely with such The Bhagavad Gita (16.4) says that the asuric (demonic) Asuric1 beings. qualities are pride, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness, and ignorance. The New Civilization will give every encouragement to those who wish to study philosophy, religion and spiritual thought. —Excerpt from Mind Control IYTA Newsletter‡November 2013 ‡Page 4 As 2014 approaches, Integral Yoga® International is gearing up to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidananda with a stunning array of events around the world during this year-long celebration. This “Global Garland” will be comprised of individual flowers—offerings of love and service—and larger commemorations. We’re asking all Integral Yogis to find a way to offer tribute to Sri Gurudev during 2014 with a special offering, tied to the visual identity (see logo). The year of the Global Garland will culminate with the opening of a new Light Of Truth Universal Shrine on December 22, 2014 at Sri Gurudev’s Birthplace in South India. Here are just a few other highlights of the year:

San Francisco IYI: Rev. Jivana Heyman Divine, to hold a very special “Interfaith Concert for Peace” Here, at the IYI, we’re planning a series of programs with an celebration on June 7th, 2014. emphasis on personal practice and transformation, as well as building sangha (community). Participants in this “Yoga “Enlightened Health Day” on October 18, 2014 at the New Life Training” will attend our Global Garland programming York Society for Ethical Culture will include panels on Swami throughout the year, and commit to practicing different Satchidananda’s groundbreaking holistic health teachings and aspects of Yoga on their own. They’ll also attend part of the will include Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Nischala Joy Basic Yoga Teacher Training and meet monthly to support Devi, Dr. Amrita McLanahan, and Dr. Timothy McCall. The each other and build sangha. Sri Gurudev taught us that we “Enlightened Health Fair,” will feature natural health products, can only understand the teachings of Yoga by practicing vegetarian/vegan food, and mini-spa sessions, along with them, and that the best way to build a practice is with the demos of specialized applications of Integral Yoga. support of sangha. Integral Yoga Europe During 2014, we’ll dedicate two months to each of the six Integral Yoga Centers and teachers throughout Europe branches of Integral Yoga: Hatha Yoga, Japa Yoga, Karma are planning celebrations during 2014. May 1–5 will be an Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Jnana Yoga. Swami Integral Yoga Europe event bringing everyone together in Ramananda, Nischala Joy Devi, Jai Uttal, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dorset, England. Center programs are scheduled for June Swami Asokananda, Erich Schiffmann, Jnani Chapman, and 7th in Gibraltar, June 8th in Spain, and December 22nd in Richard Miller are among the presenters. Germany. Integral Yoga Europe’s new website (see bottom of page) will contain information updates. New York IYI: Chandra/Jo Sgammato On December 20, 2013 a Winter Solstice Gong Bath with Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville Grand Gong Master Don Conreaux, will begin our year-long Guru Poornima will be comprised of a garland of events celebrations. On December 21st, we celebrate Gurudev’s from July 11–14th beginning with a homa at Kailash 99th Jayanti. December 22 is our first Community Forum conducted by Swami Marudachalam, pujas and tributes, during which we’ll invite students, teachers, and health food a Light of Truth Universal Service, panels focusing on key store customers to talk about what Gurudev’s teachings areas of Sri Gurudev’s global service and Saturday evening’s have meant to the New York community and the world. Global Garland Gala. On the 14th is the IY International We’re planning a special commemoration on the 22nd of Conference, Vidyalayam reunion, followed by a week-long each month in 2014 including Community Puja, Community Teacher Trainers Conference. Kirtan, Free Yoga Class Day, a screening of Living Yoga, and workshops on Gurudev’s core teachings. More information and visual identity materials available from: www.globalgarland.org We’ll join with the Temple of Understanding and other www.facebook.com/GlobalGarland interfaith organizations at the Cathedral of Saint John the www.integralyogaeurope.com IYTA Newsletter ‡November 2013‡Page 5 Karma, Will and Grace

By Swami Suddhananda

Karma, karma, karma, my karma has brought me this. I don’t situations. A little peace. So, where is the will here? Once like this karma. I am buried by my karma. Karma is payback we know, “Yes, this gives me real peace,” that is what I for all the bad things I have done. Karma, karma, karma. would call Grace. Mostly we have assessed karma and attached a somewhat negative connotation to the idea. It’s like conflict. “Don’t We can use the will to get up in the morning, early enough want it. Don’t like it. Get away.” to meditate. We can use the will to make the time to do our practices, when there are piles of other things clamoring for Karma is everything we experience. What I am experiencing; our attention. that’s my karma. Period. Simple. Any questions on that? How do these experiences come to us? Here is the tricky There is a story that might be useful. Around the time I was part, where there is a lot of mental noise. What we are 6 months old, my Mom became aware that I wasn’t moving aiming at most of the time is, ‘How do I get my life to be less like other babies did. I was too quiet. I was also not making pain and more pleasure, or maybe just less pain?’ Pain and any kind of talking noises. She took me to doctors, who were pleasure are two sides of the same coin. It is not possible to mystified. About a year later, still the same situation with me, have one side all the time. Pleasure and pain are like ocean still going to doctors for answers. My Mom found one. The waves. They come and go. But what do we do mostly? We doctor said, “She has Cerebral Palsy. She will never walk, push away pain and we welcome pleasure. Isn’t it interesting never talk, never feed herself. She will be a burden to you that pleasure seems so fleeting and pain stays around? For and your family. Place her in a state hospital, forget about a lot of us, pleasure is fleeting and pain stays around. Why? her, and have another child.” Could we be keeping the very thing we don’t want, by resisting that it is here? The doctor’s idea here—the prognosis for this child is “negative.” The body and mind won’t work and she will be This is a radical idea to us. Try this thought experiment. a burden. Visualize a partner (or it would be better if you had a real, live one) and pair up. Stand a couple of feet apart. Pick My Mom – based on her desire – to have a child, her an A and B. Put your palms up and touch the hands of the experience of multiple miscarriages, her intuitive feeling of other person. A push on B, gently. B push back so the hands someone worthwhile in a different sort of wrapping, saw a don’t move. This is resistance. This is what we do. Is the very different picture. She had a little space and experience, energy moving at all? No. Now B, allow A push and you to see past my physical situation and the doctor’s mental don’t resist. What happens? Now switch. B push against picture. She came to the situation with her own spiritual A. A resist. Now A, stop resisting. B moves through. Now wealth. She used her will to override the doctor’s ideas, bring your arms down and be seated. Thank you. What do and most likely her own fears for my future, and brought we experience with this exercise? What happens with the me home. This is the place beyond the automatic mind. energy? See how partner B moves through? When we act in order to dwell in that place, we invite what we call Grace. We don’t create Grace, or make Grace Here’s the thing. Resisting is automatic. It’s part of fight or happen. We put ourselves in a receptive state for Grace to flight in the brain. The big news in yoga is, we don’t have be revealed. Grace is difficult to talk about because it is a to be at the mercy of the mind’s automatic response. This state of awareness, rather than a thing. Often when we don’t is where we can apply will. Here, I define will as using understand how a thing happens, we say it’s Grace. I think energy to obtain a desired outcome. We can apply the will we just simply let go, and when we let go, the Grace that is to anything. “I will get a degree. I will get that car. I will already there, is experienced. …anything we want.” What do we want in Yoga? Peace. Joy. Light. Unconditional Love. All the Yoga practices are This is radical stuff here. Real living spirituality. It’s the best. designed to bring us into this awareness. At the beginning, maybe we do the practices to get out of suffering. But it’s So what to do when we are not on the mat? Yoga is 24/7. not by pushing against the suffering. It’s by going into a different vantage point altogether. Letting go. There is a beautiful part of letting go. When we let go, we become our own experiment. We hold on to things At the end of a Hatha Yoga class for example, none of because we think we need to. Sometimes, this is obviously the circumstances in our lives are different than they were true, such as the need to hold on to a job to have sufficient before we went to the Hatha Yoga class, but our relationship funds to manage in life. But with thoughts and feelings it gets to them is different. We are in peace. The body is relaxed. a little trickier. Do we need to hold on to anger to protect We have mentally disconnected from those circumstances. ourselves? Do we need to hold on to grief in order to shield They are not bothering us. There is a little space between ourselves from more? It may be the more we hold on to us and our circumstances. All the practices are designed these things, not only do we feel less Peace, but we feel less to give us this little space of peace between us and our of everything. It’s a sort of self-numbing situation. IYTA Newsletter‡November 2013 ‡Page 6 How do we protect ourselves, if not by holding on? It may with letting go of the whole stream of awareness attached to be that the more relaxed we are, the more open to our the unwanted event, as we identified above. For example, if experience we are, the more strength we have to meet life I am letting go of a physical sensation I identify as pain, then as it happens for us. We can do this. We can make ourselves I gather all the other parts that might be connected to that, our own experiment. We can let go and see what that is like. such as “This is hard. It won’t change. It’s beyond me,” etc., If we want to pick up that thought or emotion again, if we and let go of them as well. The interesting thing is, for this feel we still need to hold on to it, we can. part I found specifics are not necessary. I word it as, “It is my intention to let go of all the thoughts, feelings and energy If your mind is like mine—give me something practical—a surrounding this event that may have kept this pattern going mantra can literally form an energy shield around us. You for me.” can pick any one you like. Om Shanti, Amen– two powerful mantras invoking the divine presence. Spend time in mantra Repeat the above questions, including this last one. repetition. It is said in this age to be the easiest path. That way, when something difficult happens, the mantra you Final note: in letting go, we may find a feeling of “space” choose will be there for you automatically. You won’t have that was filled by the problem before. At first this “space” to call it to mind. can feel uncomfortable. We can ask that it be filled with whatever higher quality we want to cultivate. It will be filled. Exercise in Letting Go Meditation, hatha, mantra repetition, all these and the other Call to mind an unwanted situation. Make it specific. For Yoga practices gradually elevate us out of our habitual ways example, “I don’t have enough money,” more specifically, and into the Self. might evolve into, “I am fearful about the future after hearing about layoffs on TV last night, and seeing those images of Amid all the circumstances of our life, all its activities, all people out of work.” Make the situation as specific as you its demands, there lies deep within us an undisturbed, can. The more specific it is, the more power your letting go unmoved place of ultimate quiet and peace. This is the will have. center in the midst of conditions. When we learn how to enter this place for short periods each day, the demands I will ask a series of questions. It doesn’t matter whether of the day lose much of their sting. It’s where we can ask your answer is “yes” or “no.” Just bringing awareness to the the questions, where we find we can not only cope better, situation is enough. I will go through the seven questions but we can actually make better decisions and effect with you first, then we will choose an event and apply them. better use of our time and energy each day. Our reaction Can I allow this situation to be unwanted by me? to what presents as “our karma” (our everything) creates Can I allow myself to feel any feelings about this situation? new energy, karma, grace, whichever term falls into your Can I put some space between me and this situation? perspective. If we are able to begin experiencing the center Can I allow this situation to be the way it is? or space in the midst of conditions, we can use that space Here comes the radical spirituality question: to precede the reaction. Can I love this situation because it is the way it is? Can I live without this situation? Willingness Can I let this situation go? A Course in Miracles talks of “A little willingness.” This is our Whatever the answer, just note it. If a question doesn’t make willing heart, to leave our habits in favor of dwelling in the sense to you, leave it. No need to answer that one. Self. This willingness indeed only has to be little. When we return again and again to this little willingness, we dwell in One more part on letting go: I started noticing some time the Divine. This “little willingness” is our key to the Kingdom. back, that each of us moves about in our own world. Then I ran into the writings of David. R. Hawkins. He says that our From the Top Down thoughts are not our own, we “think” them because of the mind we already have, but the thoughts already exist in the Here’s where it gets really interesting. When we experience universe. Like minds gravitate to like thoughts, something who we are enough times, a shift happens. Instead of life like one of those vending machines where the arm comes happening in the “planet of me” (I borrowed that from Krishna down, controlled by us, and grabs onto the toy at the bottom Das), life happens and the “planet of me” is a small part off to of the bin. We think the thought is “ours.” There is a stream the side. The “planet of me” is not the central focus. What of awareness that certain types of thoughts exist within. A a relief. How do we get to that point? Everything we do is complaining mind where everything is always sub-standard dedicated to something we care about more than the little is in a different stream than a happy mind, which gravitates “me.” A dedicated life. Everything can be dedicated action, to the positive. to the service of others, to the Divine, however your mind likes to think of it. Just because it is who we are. Not to get The mind of an athlete has a different stream of awareness anything, but just for the doing of it in this moment. Then we than the mind of a person with the type of body I have. Are are spiritual beings moving through a physical life instead of we all on the same page here? So, I started experimenting physical beings always reaching for a spiritual life. IYTA Newsletter ‡November 2013‡Page 7 May we all live in Peace–our true nature.

Swami Suddhananda was born with Cerebral Palsy. At age 16, she began meditating and doing Hatha Yoga, adapting poses to her physical situation. She has an MA in Clinical Psychology and uses both the Eastern and Western systems of addressing the mind, focusing on compassion and living from within the grateful heart. She can be reached at: siviya1008@ gmail.com

References: The Living Gita With Commentary by Swami Satchidananda The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali With Commentary by Swami Satchidananda—Book 2, Sutra 1 The Sedona Method by Hale Dwoskin Power vs. Force by David R. Hawkins A Course in Miracles Foundation for Inner Peace Yoga and Medicine: Fasting and Diet By Amrita McLanahan, M.D.

Question: I would like to know more about fasting. When in the right amounts there would be no need to fast. But fasting, how does the body get the necessary proteins and unfortunately, by our bad habits, we eat toxic things (refined vitamins, etc. How should I ease into fasting? When I am not and synthetic foods, chemical sprays) or eat too much, both fasting, what is the best diet to be on? of which create toxic conditions within the digestive tract. These toxic products accumulate in our livers and fat storage Dr. McLanahan: Perhaps the reason fasting originally got its areas. In order to regain our health we must fast to eliminate name was because it was found to help make you healthy these accumulations. “fast.” Indeed, fasting is a very useful natural technique for relieving many bodily problems. But fasting must be What takes place physiologically is that as fewer nutrients approached cautiously. Know that nature works best come in, the body must rely on its stored supplies. As it gradually and doesn’t do well with sudden changes. uses them up, deposited waste products are eliminated and balance is restored to the body. You can verify this yourself. One way in which fasting benefits us is by giving the body a As the deposits are disturbed and the body is “cleaning chance to rest from expending energy to digest and assimilate house,” the tongue may become coated, the mouth cloggy food. The stomach, intestines and all the digestive organs and a bad smell develop. All this comes from within as the have time to repair themselves and rest from active duty. In elimination process continues. But as the fast progresses, addition, the body is able to send more of its blood supply to the tongue coating will disappear, the eyesight will become weak areas of the body to catch up on left-over work. clearer and the saliva will actually taste sweet. You will feel very alert. This alertness is probably why so many religions When the stomach and intestines are filled with food, a great associate holy days with fasting. proportion of the blood supply must go there. That’s why if you run, after eating (drawing blood to arms and legs), How to Fast you may feel slightly sick. Or if you try to meditate on a full stomach, you feel drowsy because, again, you are asking the One fast day a week is an excellent regular practice for health. body to put its blood supply and energy in two places at once. On this day take only juices–one kind of your preference (orange is good). Don’t use canned juice; when possible Animals naturally fast when they are sick–in fact, you cannot take fresh, or if not, frozen. If you are having a very quiet day, make them eat anything. This allows the body to correct you may take only water. In the beginning, if you feel very problems by concentrating on eliminating toxic substances weak, take some solid fruit (fruit fasting). rather than digesting. Almost every disease is helped by fasting–arthritis, high blood pressure, etc. Once you are used to this, you may try three–day fasts or go as long as two weeks twice a year with great benefit, but Cleaning House judge according to how you feel, not by any pre-set rules. When the tongue clears and the saliva is sweet the fast is long Of course, we do need raw materials for our bodies to enough, For long fasts, a mixture of juices is beneficial: to function well. Probably if we always ate the right food one gallon water, add two cups orange, one cup prune and IYTA Newsletter‡November 2013 ‡Page 8 one cup papaya juice. This mixture of diluted juices is very gentle on digestion and aids fasting.

Most important, take as many days to break a fast as you have fasted. During a fast the stomach and intestines become smaller, so you can’t go right back to eating the same foods as before. A good approach is: begin the fast on juice (make sure the last few meals before fasting are light). Take an enema each day you fast, because the body’s normal reflexes of elimination are not in effect. Come off the fast by first taking juicy fruits like oranges or grapes or by taking yogurt and finely chopped cucumber. Next add easily digestible items like cream of wheat, applesauce and plain steamed vegetables until you have equaled the number of days of the fast.

The Best Diet

Once you return to a regular diet, what is the best way to eat? The very best is to eat foods as close as possible to the way they come in nature. At least 50% of the diet should be raw because vital nutrients are destroyed by cooking. Raw Vajrasana salads, fruits, nuts, sunflower and sesame seeds and yogurt or cottage cheese form the basis of the diet. These foods Vajrasana looks simpler than its dramatic effects reveal. It build a perfect body, if taken in the right quantity. To know increases the digestive fire manyfold, tones the digestive tract the right quantity, develop the alertness to eat only when you and eliminates gas. Keeping the knees together, kneel on the are really hungry–not because it is a certain time of day. Ask floor. Point the toes, spread the heels and sit back on the feet. the stomach, “Did you empty yourself fully of the last meal?” Keep head, neck and trunk in a straight line. Let the weight fall on the ankles; place the palms on the knees and relax. Most of all, moderation is important. The ancient South Indian scripture, Tirukkural, says, “No medicine is necessary for him At first you may not be able to hold the pose long because who eats after assuring himself that what he has already eaten of tension in the knees or ankles, but gradually it will become is digested.” Overeating any food produces mucus. The real comfortable. If possible, sit in this pose while eating and mucus-less diet is simply not overeating any food. for at least ten minutes afterward. You will notice a great strengthening of the capacity of the digestive tract as well as Try to eat only one main meal per day, the other two very toning of the entire nervous system. light. Eat the main meal at noon so it is fully digested before bed. Train yourself to be conscious while eating of how your Amrita (Sandra) McLanahan, M.D. is stomach is reacting. Stop when it is 3/4 full. If possible, sit in a nationally recognized authority on Vajrasana while eating, and for ten minutes afterward. preventive medicine, nutrition, stress reduction, and primary family health care. Just as we should not overeat, neither should we take the For twenty years she served as Director of other extreme and fast to excess. You can judge for yourself Stress Management for Dr. Dean Ornish’s how much you need to fast. Start with one day a week. If research which uses yoga and lifestyle needed, try a longer one later. Return to taking food with an changes to reverse heart disease and cancer. She worked with attitude that food is medicine for the body, not only sensory Dr. Dean Ornish to document the benefits of dietary change pleasure for the tongue. In this way, you will avoid getting and stress management to prevent and treat cardiovascular caught in overeating and remain in a light state. You will disease and cancer. She currently practices Integrative better be able to manifest your own inner Light. Medicine in Yogaville.

—Why did the breatharian go to the new restaurant? —Because she liked the atmosphere!

—Why did the breatharian go to the restaurant and put a clothespin on her nose? —She was fasting.

Excerpted from Meenakshi Honig’ book Celebrate! 108 Jokes IYTA Newsletter ‡November 2013‡Page 9 Flying Yoga: The Yoga of Bliss—Everyday Life as Partners Yoga

By Meenakshi Angel Honig

I have been practicing and teaching Integral Yoga for forty years!When I first started teaching Yoga, people would ask me if I was teaching “yogurt” and now there are over twenty million people practicing Yoga in the USA alone.

From the age of 16, I had the great good fortune of learning Yoga directly from the highly revered and deeply loved Yoga Master, His Holiness Reverend Sri Swami Satchidananda. Swami Satchidananda, who was ordained by the Great Enlightened Yoga Master, His Holiness Master Sivananda of Rishikesh, is the founder of Integral Yoga International.

Integral Yoga is comprised of six branches of Yoga which are:Hatha Yoga, Japa Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga and Raja Yoga.

The practice of Integral Yoga is designed to harmoniously integrate the mind, body and spirit. Integral Yoga is a complete science for optimal well-being and self-realization and is a perfect recipe for gliding into the Bliss of one’s own I have found that Flying Yoga simply expedites and amplifies true nature in and of itself! the process of attaining bliss. Perhaps this has something to do with the Biblical statement, “When two are more are A few years ago, I discovered Flying Yoga. Flying Yoga utilizes gathered in His name…” all the same principles that I have learned and taught in Integral Yoga; however it involves practicing with a partner. Bliss is our very own true nature. What works to access it may vary from person to person. My beloved teacher Sri Swami Partner Yoga brings a whole new set of dynamics into play Satchidananda said that any practice that brings benefit to by using the weight and leverage of your partner to enhance someone and harm to no one is Integral Yoga. your stretch, strength, balance and bliss! The Bliss does not end when the feet reach the ground; It involves listening not only to your own body temple but also there, it is integrated into everyday life. Through the practice to the body temple of your partner. It involves communication of Integral Yoga, Flying Yoga or any Yoga I find that I become and teamwork. It sparks creativity and synergy! more present, mindful, centered and peaceful. This state of consciousness is then brought into whatever activity is at In Flying Yoga, there is a base, a flyer and a spotter. The hand whether it be preparing a meal, washing the dishes, flyer balances his or her abdomen or back on the feet of making a bed, driving my Angelmobile, etc. the base. Wherever one applies pressure, it brings blood, which brings oxygen which brings prana, the vital life force When I am more present, I recognize that everything I am energy, to that area. doing is Partner Yoga as I am in partnership with everyone and everything that I am interacting with including myself! I When my Flying Yoga partner presses his feet into my sacrum, notice that I am doing partner Yoga with the other drivers on which is sacred, because that is where the kundalini energy is the road and all roads lead to bliss sooner or later. stored, symbolized as a coiled snake, it creates a gentle heat. That helps to kindle up the kundalini energy to spiral up the May we all abide, glide and enjoy the ride!! Here is a link spine to illuminate the higher centers of consciousness. for one of our YouTube Flying Yoga demonstrations, if you would like to see our devotion in motion! http://www. When the Shakti energy from the base of the spine spirals up youtube.com/watch?v=BZZ1wr2OgU8&feature=related to the crown chakra at the top of the head, it unites with the Siva energy which causes the Amrita or Divine nectar to be Meenakshi Angel Honig is an internationally acclaimed certified released. This can be experienced as an endorphin shower Yoga Instructor, Integral Yoga Teacher Trainer. She offers of bliss–hence Flying Yoga is the Yoga of Bliss. personalized Retreats on Maui and worldwide upon request. For further information please visit: www.AngelYoga.com This bliss, of course, can also be experienced in solo Yoga through diligent and consistent Yoga and meditation practices Meenakshi’s Flying Yoga Partner who is in the photo as the combined with ethical living including a compassionate base is Allowah Lani, Yoga Teacher Trainer and founder of vegan diet. Yoga University www.yogauniversity108.com. IYTA Newsletter‡November 2013 ‡Page 10 IYTA Newsletter ‡November 2013‡Page 11 IYTA Newsletter‡November 2013 ‡Page 12 IYTA Newsletter ‡November 2013‡Page 13 The Gift of Peace: My Journey in Hatha I

By Bhavani Joyce Zonana

I took my first Integral Yoga Hatha class—my first Yoga class Island, allowing the simplicity and clarity and peace of Hatha ever—at the New York Integral Yoga Institute in the spring of I to bring simplicity and clarity and peace to my life. 1975. It was a dark, desolate time in my life. At twenty-six, I most certainly had not found myself, and I was somehow Things began to change. I found a better job and moved into managing, with each passing day, to lose myself even a more congenial home, a communal house I shared with more. A college dropout, barely employed, living alone in three others. I decided to return to school and succeeded in a dark and dirty apartment, friendless and estranged from completing my B.A. and gaining acceptance into a graduate my family—I spent most of my days huddled in fear. Several program in English literature. The Ph.D. program was in years earlier, an acquaintance had suggested I might benefit Philadelphia, and I chose to move, although it meant leaving from Yoga, singing the praises of an amazing Swami who the IYI. In Philadelphia in 1977, I could find no Yoga classes. gave talks every Friday night on West End Avenue. So every month or two I boarded the train to New York, walked down from Penn Station to Thirteenth Street, and Later, I met other people who swore by Integral Yoga, took a Hatha class. founded by that same Swami. I dimly knew him to be Swami Satchidananda, whom I had heard speak once in the East I never developed a personal practice, relying instead on Village in 1966, and whose picture I had carried around with those occasional classes to bring me the peace I still so me for years. Still, no doubt obstinately, I remained locked in desperately needed. I did this for nine years, the classes my private suffering, which by now had become physical as eventually beginning to string themselves like beads on well as psychological. My back and neck hurt all the time; I was a mala, each class a prayer, an embodied mantra bringing growing less and less mobile. Nothing seemed to help. Until continuity and order to my still-troubled (though much, one day, desperate for relief and mustering all my courage, I much happier) life. ventured through that orange door on Thirteenth Street. When I moved to Oklahoma in 1986 for my first college The calm, the quiet, the peace that suffused the old building teaching job, my trips to New York became less frequent. were palpable. Warmly greeted by the receptionist, I silently I missed my Yoga moments; so I purchased a tape of the made my way upstairs and into a large, light-filled room. I Hatha I class and practiced on my own from time to time. found a place in the far corner, away from the altar and the When I did come to New York, maybe three or four times windows, spreading my borrowed towel and lying down on a year, I still made my way to the Institute. It was my sacred my back as I saw others doing, my head toward the center ritual; no visit to the city was complete without my taking a aisle. I don’t now remember how my tightly wound body Hatha class at IYI. Year after year, time after time: always the reacted to the asanas during that first Hatha I class, though I same Hatha I class. know I was self-conscious, impatient during the chanting and anxious during the eye movements. Still, I allowed myself to Finally, in 1998, by then living in New Orleans, I found a teacher be led, setting aside my discomfort. whose classes I enjoyed. She wasn’t trained in the Integral Yoga tradition, and she did use music in her classes, but something And then the surprise, the astonishing gift, the precious about her gentle style (drawn from Iyengar, Ashtanga, and jewel of Integral Yoga Hatha I: yoga nidra. Eyes closed, body Triyoga) allowed me to feel at home. I began going once, extended, tensing and releasing, performing the mental scan twice, three times a week. Yoga became more fully integrated (amazed that the mind could actually encourage the muscles into my life, and I began to dream about giving up my work as to release), becoming the witness as directed, I found myself an English professor. Perhaps I could become a Yoga teacher. in a state I had never before experienced: perfect peace. Body relaxed, breath steady, mind stilled. The boundary When I looked around for certification programs I might separating me from the world dissolved. I became pure attend, Yogaville’s month-long Basic TT jumped out at awareness, one with all, free from fear, entirely present in me. Of course! I would go to the Virginia ashram—which that time and place, in that large airy room, on that soft gold I had never visited—and immerse myself in the tradition carpet, among those other breathing bodies, lulled by the that had meant so much to me. In the summer of 2001— dimly muffled sounds of the city. I was safe, home, at peace. twenty-six years after that first class in New York!—I took the plunge, enrolling in Satya Greenstone’s Basic TT. It seemed Returning to ordinary consciousness, I wanted never to leave impossible, perhaps even sacriligious, to believe that I might that room. So I did the next best thing: I returned. Day after one day teach the very class that had been my lifeline for so day, week after week, in quest of that moment of stillness. long, but I was willing to try. At the very least, I told myself, Never speaking to anyone, never lingering after class, the experience would deepen my practice. Satya quietly never wanting more than that straightforward sequence of assured me all would be well. poses and that profound experience of peace–I lived for that moment. Eventually I began to attend silent retreats, Living at the ashram for a month, with Gurudev still in the travelling to Connecticut and New Hampshire and Rhode body and presiding at weekly satsangs, I discovered that I had IYTA Newsletter‡November 2013 ‡Page 14 indeed returned to my spiritual home. I had not the slightest adjustments, but their careful instructions always allowed me trouble learning the names or memorizing the sequence of to discover exactly what I needed to do at each moment. the asanas. The class was embedded in my body and spirit, completely part of me. All I needed to do was to get out of my Today I have at last my own daily practice and—though I’m own way. So when, after invoking the presence of Gurudev now also certified to teach Hatha II—most days, pressed for and Master Sivananda, I began to lead my own classes, the time, my body simply falls into that old Hatha I sequence, teachings readily flowed through me. There was no question performing the cultural poses, those asanas Gurudev of what to do when or how. I was simply the vehicle. promised would keep the body healthy and peaceful and easeful. I’m still a college English professor. People today ask me who my teachers were over all those years. Did I have classes with Swami Asokananda? With But when I occasionally teach Hatha I at the New York IYI, Ramananda? Vivekananda? I never knew, it never mattered. which I have so stunningly been privileged to do during the All my teachers in my always closed eyes were equally good, past few years since my return to the city, I too follow that interchangeable in fact, for they all taught the class in exactly precise pattern I was taught so many years ago, knowing that the same manner, following the same sequence, using the perhaps someone in the class, like me, wants nothing more same words, coming from and leading me to that same than to slip into that place of perfect peace, that place where place of stillness. No doubt many of these early teachers we find our true Selves, losing our illusions. I am humbled by had been trained directly by Gurudev, and they all adhered the opportunity now to serve others as once I was served, strictly to the Hatha I script—as, of course, did Satya, my most grateful for the gift our Teacher has shared and encouraged beloved teacher of teachers. No one ever offered hands-on us to pass along in turn. Yogaville Recipes

Curried Spinach and Potatoes Serves 9 1. Prepare and put aside 5. When Potatoes are cooked firm, add

• Spinach, 2 pounds, washed, trimmed, and minced • Spinach from above • Potatoes, 2 pounds, peeled and diced small 6. Continue cooking all gently another little while 2. Saute in dutch oven until seeds turn grey and “pop” until vegetables are well done, adding more water if • Ghee* or Oil, 2 Tablespoons necessary to maintain a little sauce. • Brown Mustard Seed, 1 teaspoon 3. Add and continue to saute 2 more minutes *Ghee is clarified butter. • Cumin Seed, whole, 1 teaspoon Melt 2 pounds unsalted butter in small, heavy saucepan, • Coriander Seed, ground, 1 teaspoon • Nutmeg, ground, 1 teaspoon over very low heat, being careful not to let it brown. Do • Turmeric, 1 teaspoon not stir. Skim foam off top periodically. After 30 to 45 • Serrano Chili Pepper, seeded and minced, 1 minutes, pour clear butterfat off through cheesecloth-lined 4. Add to this mixture and simmer 10 minutes strainer, into small bowl, leaving solids in bottom of pan.

• Water, 2 cups Potatoes from above Ghee will keep, refrigerated, for many months.

—How do you fix a broken pizza? —Waiter, this soup tastes funny. —With tomato paste. —Then why aren’t you laughing?

—How do you make gold soup? If you eat pasta & antipasto, —Add fourteen carrots. would you still be hungry?

Excerpted from Meenakshi Honig’ book Celebrate! 108 Jokes IYTA Newsletter ‡November 2013‡Page 15 Bhagavad Gita Study Chapter 2 Verses 32-33 Commentary by Swami Asokananda “Happy indeed are the Kshatriyas, Arjuna, who are given the chance to fight in such a battle! This opportunity, arising unsought, by fate, is an open gate to heaven. “But if you refuse to fight for righteousness, then having abandoned your duty and honor, you will incur sin.”

When I was drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, I applied I see that most Western translations of the Gita avoid for and received a Conscientious Objector status. I wasn’t translating the last word in verse 33 “papam” as “sin.” It is just a Kshatriya (warrior) like Arjuna, but I can fully understand too filled with baggage from our Judeo-Christian heritage. In why he doesn’t feel “happy indeed” for this chance to enter Sanatana Dharma, “sin” simply means we are losing touch into battle. with our soul. Rather than exhausting the samskaras that shroud our inner light, we add new samskaras. Rather than But, in reality, it is the inner spiritual battle that Arjuna, and finishing off the karma we came to complete, we pile on all of us, must face. We have suffered through many trials new karma. Many of us, like Arjuna, when faced with a great and tribulations at the hands of our cousins, the Kauravas— challenge, decide it is time to abandon duty and focus on the egoistic tendencies of the mind. We have been forced what we consider to be our “spiritual development.” To our into many years of exile, denied our birthright to guide the dismay, we usually discover that these same difficulties are direction of our soul toward the Light. able to find us again somehow. If we are sincere about truly overcoming them, Krishna says that we will need to hold on Arjuna is now in a position to bring about the dramatic shift to Him, stand our ground, do the righteous thing, and walk he’s been longing for. All he has to do is execute the duty that through the gates of heaven. is in alignment with his inner nature. Yet it is the hardest thing he has ever done in his life. It can only be done if he trusts Sri Swami Chidbhavananda: “Omission of doing the right thing Krishna (the Higher Self) as his charioteer. If he holds onto is more potent for evil than the commission of the bad thing.” this connection, this opportunity will be “an open gate to heaven.” For you and me it means that if we are sincere in Swami Chinmayananda: “Sin in Hinduism is a mistake of letting go of the ego, we will find our spiritual life more and the mind in which it acts contrary to its essential nature as more falling into place. the Self.”Self.

IYTA Newsletter‡November 2013 ‡Page 16 IYTA News Column You may be excited to hear that I have just uploaded a PDF version of the 2013 IYTA Teacher’s Directory. This is only By Brahmi Milliman available to current members and you must be logged into the website to view it. This format gives you the option to Congratulations to Lilavati Eberle, our Teacher Training browse through the directory online just as you would browse Administrator, and Sam Eberle, the Manager of Shakticom, through your paper copy. This does not replace the online who are expecting their first child in early December. directory and you still have the ability to search that way if you Lilavati will be stepping out of her role as Teacher Training prefer, by clicking on “Find a Teacher” on the top menu. Administrator to stay at home with the little one. As they welcome their new addition, we welcome our new addition It’s fall and that means it’s time to update your contact to the Academy team, Jivani Tiffainy Stevenson. We wish information with the IYTA so that we can prepare the 2014 her good luck, filling those “big” little shoes. IYTA Teacher’s Directory for mailing out in January. Do you have any changes to your phone number, email address, For the first time, the winter 2002 issue of Integral Yoga mailing address, studio name, or website address? If so, please Magazine is being made available in electronic format. This email them to [email protected], as soon as possible. special issue was published five months after the passing of Sri Swami Satchidananda on August 19, 2002 and contains As you receive this newsletter in early November, the trees articles on his life and teachings as well as “personal will be at their “peak color” here in Virginia. Before things memories” of devotees. To find it, log in to the IYTA website get too hectic with your holiday season, we encourage you at www.iyta.org, click on “Members Only,” and then click on to take some time in nature; to slow down and go within. “Newsletter Archive.” This is also a splendid time to contemplate, as we see those leaves turn and fall; the “never-changing” in life, the pure New with a two year renewal of your IYTA membership, we self; that which remains still and stable within as the winds of are offering a free downloadable PDF of an Integral Yoga change shake us from without. As you set your intentions for Hatha TT Manual of your choice (Basic TT, Intermediate the New Year, consider “what do I want to fall away, to let TT, or Advanced TT). This offer is only for the PDF version, go of, for 2014?” not a hard-copy. To receive a TT manual, you must have taken the appropriate level Integral Yoga training. To take In Peace, advantage of this offer, please call me at 434-969-3121 x177 to renew. Brahmi Milliman, IYTA Membership Coordinator

Enjoy fresh air and a serene country setting. Fall 2013/ Winter 2014 Programs Transforming Lives

Yoga for Optimal Health Relax & Rejuvenate with Restorative Yoga Gary Kraftsow Satya Greenstone, e-RYT 500 December 6–8 November 29–December 1

New Year’s Silent Retreat—Rediscover the True You: Greet the New Year with Renewed Clarity & Vigor December 27–January 1, 2014

1-800-858-9642 [email protected] www.yogaville.org

IYTA Newsletter ‡November 2013‡Page 17 Integral Yoga Senior Speakers’ Schedules

Please contact local representatives for times, costs, pre-enrollment requirements, schedule changes, etc. Swami Asokananda Contact

Nov. 18–19 Programs in China [email protected]

Jan. 24–31 Yoga Vacation in El Salvador [email protected]

Programs at IYI New York www.iyiny.org

Nov. 16 5:30 pm–6:30 pm Satsang www.iyiny.org Swami Ramananda

Nov. 16 6:00 pm–7:30 pm Satsang: Swami & the Rabbi, 415-821-1117 San Francisco IYI [email protected] or

Nov. 20 6:00 pm–7:30 pm Workshop: Yoga Practice as a Moving Prayer for Healing San Francisco IYI

Nov. 23 11:00 am–12:30 pm Workshop: Transforming Anger San Francisco IYI

Dec. 28–31 New Year’s Silent Retreat Swami Divyananda Santa Barbara, CA [email protected]

Jan. 3–12 Intermediate Teacher Training Part I Manjula Spears Athens, GA [email protected]

Jan. 19 1:30 pm–7:30 pm Interfaith Retreat Contemplation and Action: Living our Spiritual Values 415-821-1117 San Francisco IYI [email protected] Swami Karunananda

Nov. 3 Sadhana Day, Santa Barbara, CA [email protected]

Dec. 2 Program for Chaplain Interns at University of VA Hospital

Dec. 27–Jan. 1 New Year’s Retreat at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville [email protected] Swami Divyananda

Dec. 28–31 New Year’s Yoga Retreat La Casa de Maria Santa Barbara, California 917-500-3306 Satya Greenstone

Nov. 29–Dec.1 Relax and Rejuvenate with Restorative Yoga Satchidananda Ashram- Yogaville [email protected]

Jan. 19–Feb. 16 Winter Basic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram- Yogaville [email protected]

IYTA Newsletter‡November 2013 ‡Page 18 Upcoming Nov. 2013/Jan. 2014 Programs at Yogaville November

1–3 Moving into Meditation: Mindful Yoga and Embodied Meditation with Anne Cushman

1–3 Applying Yoga to Daily Life: The Five Yama with Madhavan Mark Wolz, RYT 500

5–8 Special Interest Retreat: To Know Yourself with Swami Gurucharanananda

8–10 The Healing and Miracle of Yogic Chanting with Snatam Kaur and her Band

15–17 Embracing Life, Reducing Stress with Susan Stone, Ph. D.

22–24 Yoga On & Off the Mat with Lakshmi Sutter, E-RYT 500

29–Dec. 1 Relax and Rejuvenate with Restorative Yoga with Satya Greenstone, E-RYT 500

Restorative Yoga is an effective antidote to stress, tension, and anxiety. During this practice, the body is placed in gentle, supported asanas or poses. These poses literally hold and support the physical body, while the mental body lets go of stress, worry, and tension. Since the poses are supported by props, they can be held longer with no effort. In this state of deep relaxation, the innate intelligence of the body returns and reintegrates the entire system to its natural state of balance and ease. When the body is easeful and the mind becomes calm, one can experience the peace within. Join us for this healing, rejuvenating workshop, the perfect gift to yourself before the holidays.

December

6–8 Yoga for Optimal Health with Gary Kraftsow

The insights of the ancients from Vedic India have deep and practical relevance for modern living. We will explore specific Yogic teachings and practices that provide methods to help us achieve our highest potential. This workshop will be an overview of the Viniyoga perspective on health, healing, and beyond. We will focus on the means and methods to achieve both the outer goals and inner goals of asana and pranayama. Our emphasis will be to increase vitality, improve sleep, enhance energy, manage stress, stimulate immune response, and much more.

27–Jan. 1 New Year’s Silent Retreat—Rediscover the True You: Greet the New Year with Renewed Clarity & Vigor, with Swami Gurucharanananda, Retreat Director

It’s a new year! There’s a sense of fresh possibilities and energy for change. That makes it a perfect time to pause, reflect, relax, and clarify your direction for the year ahead. The silence of the retreat helps participants slow down to truly nourish body, mind, and spirit. Away from the demands of normal daily life, many find themselves reacquainted with their ideals, their dreams, and the ways they can bring their regular lives into alignment. Retreat participants keep silence, but the presenters and staff speak to bring you all levels (beginner to experienced) of Yoga’s physical poses, meditation techniques, and a variety of talks to help you renew healthy mental and physical goals for 2014.

January

17-19 Basic Meditation: Meditation is the Key to Everything with Lakshmi & Paraman Barsel

19-Feb. 16 Hatha Yoga Basic Teacher Training with Satya Greenstone & Lalita Vigander, RYT 500

24-26 Breath = Life: Pranayama Workshop with Bhaktan Eberle

25–31 Yoga Vacation in El Salvador with Swami Asokananda, E-RYT 500 & Ram Wiener, RYT 500

IYTA Newsletter ‡November 2013‡Page 19 ® U.S. Postage Integral Yoga Teachers Association PAID 108 Yogaville Way Permit No. 3 Buckingham, VA 23921 Nonprofit Organization Dillwyn, VA 23936 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED