$5 Canada $3.50 US £2.50 UK 3.70 € Europe Summer 2009

H EAC E R S ’ T T G A R O A I Y N I A N D G N A C O N A U R V I S S E

1 9 9 6 9 - 2 0 0 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

SERVE • LOVE • GIVE • PURIFY • MEDIT ATE • REAL 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 Sadhana Intensive for from 38 ? per nightnight TTC graduates Yoga Teachers' TrainingTraining CoursesCourses Aug 7 – 22, 2010 July 3 – August 1st Diploma Course:Course: and August 22 –– 30,30, 2009 Yoga and stress management International guest speakers diploma course Yoga psychology course Further training courses August 14 – 21, 2009 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 Swami Vishnudevananda (1887-1963) (1927-1993) 4 YOGALife I Summer 2009 Editor’s letter

International Welcome... Sivananda Yoga e are celebrating this year 40 years of Sivananda Teachers’ Training Courses (TTC). Swami Vishnudevananda Wtaught the first TTC at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Vedanta Centres Camp, Val Morin, Quebec in 1969. Since then over 23,000 people have taken the course. Over the years, we have received Swami Sivananda (1887-1963) thousands of testimonies from students eager to express their The spiritual strength behind the gratitude for this life changing experience. A few recent Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, testimonies are included in this issue. The course will be taught Swami Sivananda’s teachings are a for the first time in Italy this year. synthesis of all the formal doctrines of yoga. Author of more than 300 We have been putting quite some energy this year into books on yoga, Swami Sivananda book printing: Swamiji’s commentary on the Hatha Yoga was a medical doctor before Pradipika has been reprinted – see the article “prana as renouncing worldly life for the electricity”; the new book Swami Vishnudevananda Upadesha spiritual path. He founded the has been printed. We included some inspiring excerpts in this Divine Life Society and the Yoga- issue. We are also working on a new book on Hatha Yoga, Vedanta Forest Academy, Rishikesh, which will be printed shortly in England by Dorling Kindersley. Himalayas. His main message was: Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise. In 1957 he sent one of his foremost Thanks to the untiring volunteer work done at the disciples, Swami Vishnudevananda to the West to spread the ideals of yoga. Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, over 3,000 recordings have Swami Sivananda entered Mahasamadhi on July 14th 1963. been transferred from cassette tapes to mp3-format. We need Swami Vishnudevananda help to organise this precious legacy to make it available (1927-1993) to all – see the article on how you can help on page 25. Born in South India in 1927, Swami Vishnudevananda entered Swami Durgananda’s article provides wonderful inspiration the ashram of Swami Sivananda on how to reconnect with our divinity, while Swami at the age of 18. A world famous Sivadasananda’s article on the 12 basic asanas reminds us authority on Hatha and Raja Yoga, of the logic behind this powerful sequence. Swami Vishnudevananda founded the International Sivananda Yoga We also wanted to put emphasis on the power of the mind Vedanta Centres in 1957 and was in this issue – Dr Shastri is sharing his rich knowledge of the author of The Complete Illustrated vedic tradition in his article on improving memory and Book of Yoga, Meditation and concentration in the gurukula tradition. Mantras, Karma and Disease and a commentary on the Finally, we would like to acknowledge in this issue the great Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Swami Vishnudevananda entered Mahasamadhi spiritual work done by inspired souls in various parts of the on November 9th, 1993. world: the great work of Dr. Marilyn and Dr. John Rossner, both close disciples of Swami Vishnudevananda, in inter-religious The Executive Board and intercultural understanding for world peace; the wonderful The Executive Board of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres is comprised of work of Gopala and a whole team of karma yogis in Spain and senior disciples of Swami Vishnudevananda, personally chosen and trained by him South America with the translation of the books of Swami to direct the organisation after his departure. Each of them has had many years’ Sivananda into Spanish, and last but not least, we would like experience in teaching all aspects of yoga. They are renowned for their devotion to pay a special tribute to Swami Neeladevananda, who left to Swami Vishnu-devananda and Swami Sivananda and for their profound her body last year at age 89. Her total devotion to her teacher, knowledge and inspirational teaching and guidance, wisdom imparted to many Swami Vishnudevananda, will remain a source of great thousands of students throughout the world. inspiration for many generations of spiritual seekers to come. Swami Mahadevananda Swami Durgananda Swami Swaroopananda Swami Sivadasananda We hope you enjoy this issue. Srinivasan Swami Kailasananda Om Shanti, HEADQUARTERS The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta SIVANANDA ASHRAM YOGA CAMP 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 Cover Photo: means of achieving physical, mental and spiritual well-being and Swami Vishnudevananda gives Self-realisation. out books and uniforms during a Teachers’ Training Course inauguration

YOGALife I Summer 2009 5 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 Tel. 030/ 85 99 97 98 Schmiljanstr. 24 (U9 Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz) • 12161 Berlin Fax: 030/ 85 99 97 98 · E-Mail: [email protected] www.sivananda.org/berlin

6 YOGALife I Summer 2009 Contents

SIVANANDA

Thought Power 8 "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’ 10 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. Teachings of Swami Vishnudevananda 16 Excerpts from the newly published book, Vishnudevananda Upadesha Prana as Electricity 18 An excerpt from the newly reprinted commentary on the Hatha Yoga Pradhipika by Swami Vishnudevananda 10 Connect to your Inner Divinity 22 Swami Durganananda talks about the fundamental problems of human life and the necessity of developing a spiritual orientation. Life and Teachings of Swami Vishnudevananda 25 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. 18 A Tribute to Ruby Blue – Swami Neeladevananda 26 We remember one of Swami Vishnudevananda’s dearest and closest disciples. The Living Evolution 27 An Interview with Ruby Blue, Swami Neeladevananda. The logic behind the sequence of the 32 12 Basic Postures Swami Sivadasananda takes an in-depth look at the benefits of the 12 Basic Postures. ’Swamiji’ 38 Dr Marilyn Rossner talks about Swami Vishnudevananda. The Training of Memory and Concentration 42 in the Gurukula Tradition By Dr H V Satyanarayana Sastry. Being Staff 44 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 48 “I still remember the first time I met Swami Vishnudevananda in 1974. I remember above all his first smile.” Gopala remembers Swami Vishnudevananda. 51 Elephant Ride A tribute to the humility, compassion and wisdom of Elephants. 32 Sivananda Ashram and Centre News 52 Updates on new developments in Ashrams and Centres around the world. Kumbha Mela 54 The background behind this most auspicious and sacred festival. New Trivandrum Centre Opens 56 The inauguration of the new Sivananda Yoga Centre in Trivandrum Kerala, 51 South India, by the Maharaja of Travancore. Prison Project News 57 Swami Padmapadananda updates us on the latest Prison Project news. Sivananda Ashram and Centre Addresses 58 A listing of Sivananda Ashrams, Centres and teachers worldwide. Inter-Religious and Inter-Cultural Understanding 60 Father John Rossner, founder of the International Institute of Integral Human Sciences, talks about its aims and objectives.

YOGALife I Summer 2009 7 “Flood the brain with healthy thoughts, ideas and ideals.” – Swami Sivananda

8 YOGALife I Summer 2009 Thought Power Thought Power and the conditions for a New Civilisation an extract from Thought Power by Swami Sivananda

Thought makes man. Man makes The man who commits murder, civilisation. There is a powerful the man who steals your purse, thought-force behind every great the man who cheats you – the law event in life and in the history punishes him. But this crime is of the world. insignificant to the crime Behind all discoveries and committed by the wicked inventions, behind all religions and intellectual who instills a wicked philosophies, behind all life-saving idea into the mind of youth. and life-destroying devices is thought. The new civilisation will give Thought is expressed in words every encouragement to those who and executed in deeds. Word is the wish to study philosophy, religion handmaid of thought, and deed and spiritual thought. It will make is the end result. Hence, the saying, their study compulsory in schools ‘As you think, so you become.’ and colleges. It will award scholar- How to build a new civilisation? ships to students of philosophy. By generating a new thought-force. It will confer prizes and titles on those who conduct How to build a civilisation that will ensure the researches in religion and philosophy. The deepest urge peace of mankind, the prosperity of society, the salvation in man, the spiritual urge, will be given the fullest scope of the individual? to realize its goal. By generating a thought-force that will invariably The fruits of the New Civilisation are well worth all result in man enjoying a peace of mind, that will instill that everybody can do towards building it up. In the New in his heart the divine virtues of compassion, of service Civilisation man will want to lead a righteous life, he will to his fellow-men, love of God, and of an intense desire be eager to serve his fellow-beings and share with them to realize Him. what he has; he will love all, realising that his own Self If but a fraction of the wealth and the time spent dwells in all; he will be devoted to the welfare of all on wasteful pursuits and destructive activities is devoted beings. to the creation of a Good Thought, there will be a new What an ideal society it will be, where people share civilisation right now. with others all that they possess, and will serve Atomic and hydrogen bombs, I.C.B.M. and a host of everybody! Where will be the need for taxes and duties other inventions drive mankind inevitably to destruction. in such a society in which everyone will voluntarily work They waste your wealth; they destroy your neighbours; for all? Where is the need for police and the army when they pollute the atmosphere of the whole world, and people are devoted to virtue? generate fear, hatred, and suspicion in your heart; the This then is the ideal. Towards this end, let everyone mind is unbalanced and the body is subject to diseases. strive to generate a Thought-force. Stop this trend. Promote research in spirituality, in religion, in all the May God bless you all! 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.

YOGALife I Summer 2009 9 H EAC E R S ’ T T G A R O A Y I N I A N D G N A C N O A U R V I S S E

1 9 9 6 9 - 2 0 0 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 Archive photos of Swami Vishnudevananda during the first Sivananda Teachers’ Training Course conducting the Teachers’ Training Course

10 YOGALife I Summer 2010

EACHE R S ’ T T G A R O A Y I N I A N D G N A C Celebrating 40 Years of Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses N O A U V R I S S E

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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 Swami Sivananda founded an institute of education Sivananda Yoga Retreat on Paradise Island, Swami within his ashram in Rishikesh, India, named the Vedanta Vishnudevananda had a vision that was to have a Forest Academy. Swami Vishnudevananda was one of the profound effect on his life. He saw people rushing to tear principal professors of the academy and as an extension down the walls and borders that exist between nations, of this educational programme, the Sivananda Teacher's in a bid to escape a wall of fire and destruction. Training Course was developed. 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 The early training: Swami Sivananda (centre) with disciples. this way he hoped to achieve the aims of the T.W.O. He Swami Vishnudevananda stands next to him with arms folded. asked the question: “What type of leaders should lead us in the future? Leaders who have disciplined themselves The course is based on the training that Swami and have control over their minds and emotions through Vishnudevananda himself received under his Master, the development of spiritual and psychic senses instead Swami Sivananda, over a period of 10 years, the essence of ordinary intellect to see and solve problems. This is of the training being condensed into a four week period. achieved by the yogic method of physical and mental The course is designed to be intensive, immersing the exercises and meditation combined with other modern students in a balanced programme of yogic theory and techniques which will hasten mental and spiritual develop- practice for all-round physical, mental, emotional and ment. Without these it is very difficult to control one’s spiritual development. emotions and become selfless in thought and action. Since the first course in 1969, over 23,000 graduates If even a glimpse of peace and happiness, which true have received the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training yogis enjoy, can be brought to leaders, their attitudes certification. Swami Vishnudevananda’s visionary and sense of values in leadership will be improved.” approach to the dissemination of yoga and yoga training has equipped thousands of aspirants with the necessary The Gurukula System of Education discipline and yogic skills to enrich their own lives and The Teachers’ Training Course is modelled on the to help spread these teachings to others. traditional Indian system of education, ‘Gurukula’, Swami Vishnudevananda said that yoga teachers in which the students live harmoniously together in a should also be yogic practitioners – “teachers and not spiritual community under the guidance of their teachers. just preachers”. With this positive attitude, each of us With this unique approach, it is not just an academic can help to carry on Swamiji’s legacy to create a new teaching of techniques – the teachings are transmitted True World Order where each individual becomes a and practiced in daily life. messenger of peace and a potential future world leader!

12 YOGALife I Summer 2009 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 The TTC is an intense and wonderful experience that changes my life but also an enormous relief at finally finding a way your life. of living that was in tune with my real Self. All the different Before doing the TTC myself, I read in the Yoga Life aspects that we were exposed to and taught during the TTC, magazine the opinion of many people who have done the met all the different aspects of my personality that I couldn’t TTC. It was a surprise to read that so many people said that seem to combine before. I was a dancer for years and the TTC had changed their lives. I thought to myself “what an yoga asanas combined with breathing and relaxation fullfilled exaggeration!”. But today I think that these people were my need to be in touch with my soul through my body. right. It is an experience that changes the consciousness I studied psychology and philosophy at university and the indeed; the course is demanding, wonderful and intense… study of Vedanta answered my questions even more a true gift of God. satisfactorily. The practice of daily meditation gave The expectations that we have when we begin the course me real, pragmatic tools for personal growth by helping are very little compared to the knowledge we obtain from it. me to understand my mind and control my thoughts. They become true and we receive even more than expected. I had sung in a chorus for many years and missed singing The end of the TTC it is only the very beginning of the path. with others, and since I was in India (Neyyar Dam) for my TTC We realize that we didn’t come here only to teach asanas and with 250 students, I had the pleasure of experiencing very pranayama, but to integrate yoga into our lives, and finally we full satsangs with Indian musicians every day and realize that we don’t really teach anything, but only pass on reconnecting with the joy of singing through Kirtan. this precious knowledge that the Masters gave us. This is the But most of all, I had always been a ‘counter-cultural mission, to pass on these teachings from one to another, like activist’, deeply aware that our Western culture was passing a flame or a candle until you can transform yourself 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 “We realize that we don’t really teach community level, and conventional psychotherapeutic methods on the personal level. And having grown up in a anything, but only pass on this precious small village in Switzerland, spending hours and hours in the knowledge that the Masters gave us.” 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. and the people around you and fill the world with peace and So the chance the TTC offered to dig deeper inside to joy and love, the greatest ideals of yoga! create a solid well of inner peace from which I could draw at The main question my friends and family asked me and will, and to spread this knowledge to others by becoming a probably are going to ask you also was: Is it possible to yoga teacher was an absolute blessing. become a yoga teacher within four weeks? Obviously not. I have since had the opportunity to teach regularly at the You’ll be able to give a basic class, but from there until you Sivananda Center in Paris, where I receive as much as I give, become a teacher, there is such a long way! When does one if not more, and which has made me understand fully how become a yoga teacher? When through your personal practice much selfless service is a true source of joy. of yamas, niyamas, asanas, pranayama, karma yoga, In addition, I have had the priviledge of being the French swadyaya, meditation, and with the grace of the guru and translator at the TTCs in Vrindavan,India for the last few years, God you have removed all the obstacles to experience God an experience that I cherish for the renewed opportunity inside, when you become an example for others and not just of reliving the ‘TTC adventure’ of people coming from all an entertainer, when you become a “peace ambassador” over the world to learn and grow together, and of witnessing (to quote Swami Vishnudevananda), when you can go to the the perpetual miracle of all of us struggling through our level of your students and bring them up, when you’re “light”, differences and personal challenges to arrive at a final shared when “yoga” and “life” become identical… So not today, not sense of true Oneness during the graduation ceremony. tomorrow, and not at the end of the TTC. I am so grateful that the TTC exists and continues to draw May you enjoy each moment of your TTC and remember so many students. As time passes my commitment to it grows that the Masters always teach through you! deeper and deeper. It has given me and continues to give me hope for Amba a future dedicated to a more peaceful and loving world.

Kaivalya TTC November 2002, Neyyar Dam, India

YOGALife I Summer 2009 13 EACHE R S ’ T T G A R O A Y I N I A N D G N A C Celebrating 40 Years of Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses N O A U V R I S S E

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Personal experiences of the Teachers’ Training Course

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

14 YOGALife I Summer 2009 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; Swami Vishnu’s Teaching Style i.e., proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper His teaching style was diet, positive thinking and meditation, the true self inevitably one of somehow emerges. Throughout the programme we were invited to compelling the student analyse rather than paralyse. Judgment and firmly held into the orbit of his opinions can and do lead to paralysis. Constantly, we were told personal magnetism. to inquire within from a place of detachment and objectivity. With his eyes, his Having lived in over 11 different countries in less than gestures, his powerful 25 years, thankfully, I’ve learned to let go of any preconceived voice and gut laughter, notions about the way things should be. This is how I’ve he created an aura of managed to shape shift my way through Jamaica, North powerful force into America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa AND the ashram which the student was experience. My unwillingness to blindly conform to the accepted absorbed willy-nilly. One characteristic devise he ‘status quo’ of (Western) society has in some instances, come constantly used was the at a great cost: the illusion of ‘alone-ness.’ At times I felt immense unfinished sentence, repeated with compelling insistence compassion for some of my ‘ashram-mates’ who were visibly until one or all would fill in the blank. ‘What everyone struggling with newly acquired information that was contrary really wants is……?’, ‘What everyone really wants is……?’ to what they had been brought up to believe their entire lives. – Sleeping at one of Swamiji’s lectures was well-nigh One such example that springs to mind is that of a impossible! 19-year old African-American from the Bronx whom I ‘adopted.’ As I bore witness to her struggles – being one of Father Dan O’Hanlan three ‘people of colour’ in this ashram setting – I shared with A Jesuit priest who took the Teachers’ Training Course her my various experiences vis-à-vis race. Having spent my twenties in New York, roaming the streets of Harlem, listening A Steep Learning Curve to Coltrane, reading about Malcolm X, the Black Panthers, During my TTC I had a relatively hard time, being quite Miriam Makeba and the like, I understood her struggle and a novice yogi. To my surprise, I began to miss everything empathized with her anger. However in this supposedly about it as soon as I left the ashram. Without satsang, asana sacred spiritual setting, I invited her to release her anger classes, karma yoga and the group energy of all those – to let go of the deeply entrenched notion that the ‘big bad wonderful yogis from all over the world, I suddenly felt like (White) world’ was out to get her. Painstakingly I explained a bird thrown out of its nest. that as much as she was being confronted that perhaps our Upon my return to Paris, I therefore headed to the local ‘friends’ were equally if not more so confronted by our Sivananda Centre and begged to be allowed to clean toilets presence. While our presence is undoubtedly increasing or cut veggies, just so I could be back in that uplifting within the yoga world, still the percentages are small. atmosphere and feel part of the team. I received a friendly I often ponder whether it truly matters how many people welcome. After a few weeks, reception duties were added of colour are choosing to adopt a yogic approach toward life. to my repertoire, and I also started translating lectures for Yoga in its true form represents freedom so categorizing it non-French-speaking staff members. according to race, gender, ethnicity and the like only aids to Since then, a year has gone by, and it’s been a steep learning detract from its divine intention and purpose. curve. Every time I was entrusted with a new task, I thought Given that the essence of yoga is ‘Oneness’ and “How on Earth am I going to do this?”, yet somehow you rise inclusiveness of all sentient beings I recognized that my/our up to the occasion, and there is always someone around to help presence in this setting was to enlighten others as we if need be. I went on a couple of great teachers’ retreats at the illuminated our paths. During the final week of the ashram in Neuville aux Bois, Orleans, and took as many courses programme, we were invited to volunteer to spend periods in Paris as I could. Nowadays I teach all sorts of classes and from one month to one year at the ashram. I was pleasantly courses, I help with maintaining the www.Sivananda.eu surprised and deeply moved when she came to tell me that website… and I still get to clean toilets sometimes. More and she was seriously considering spending the next year at the more of my free time is spent at the Centre. ashram. Clearly something within her had shifted. Serve, Love, Some of the students I’ve taught have just graduated Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise; indeed these yogic hallmarks from TTC in Vrindavan. We went on the magnificent are the gateway to living a life of freedom and peace. Himalayan Pilgrimage together. I hope that being Om Namo Narayaanaya. a Sivananda teacher proves to be as fulfilling and exciting to them as it has been to me. Nadine McNeil TTC Neyyar Dam, India, January 2009 Susmita TTC Neyyar Dam, India, November 2007

YOGALife I Summer 2009 15 Vishnudevananda Upadesha Teachings of

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

16 YOGALife I Summer 2009 Swami Vishnudevananda Excerpt from the newly printed book, Vishnudevananda Upadesha

Do not forget your discipline, what you do it yourself. Always remember this. have learned. Keep it up. Society will pull Just mind your own business and carry you down. Now it is your duty to keep on. Only then will your mind be peaceful fighting against the part of your nature when you meditate. 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 Do not think that because you practise children now growing. Most of us will be this or that you’ll be able to conquer dead and gone. In a very short time, this Maya. You need lots of God’s grace remember. In forty, fifty, sixty years, you and discipline. The grace of God will won’t be here on this planet Earth. You will come only when you work within your have to leave your children, your home, capacity. You cannot just say, ‘Oh, God your wife or husband, your loved ones; you will do everything for me, I don’t care’. will have to leave everything here, including God cannot help you unless you this physical body you are now nourishing. help yourself. Even the body has to leave: earth to earth and ashes to ashes. There is nothing here that you can The spiritual path is not one continuous climb to the top take with you. Except two things: the good and bad that of the mountain, like climbing Mount Everest. Even you have done. This, in the form of happiness or climbing Mount Everest is not one straight climb. There unhappiness, will go with you wherever you go. Whether are many ups and downs, valleys and finding camps, you are still in a body, or without a body, these two coming back again, going to a second camp, third camp, things stay with you. So let us brush up our life, let us and fourth camp, falling down, and breaking down, and create a positive atmosphere, let us evolve and seek climbing up. Slowly, slowly, after several ups and downs, peace, let us encourage and help human beings and going back and forth, you reach the top. stop waging war with the animal kingdom. Spiritual aspirants think ‘I am doing pranayama, asanas, Do not believe only what you see and hear. Your mind so how come there is no kundalini awakening?’ It is not can only cover a limited wavelength. Your reason is also that easy. There will be failures. Without failure there will limited. Do not blame God, saying he created an be no success. You must understand that point very well. imperfect world. This imperfection is due to your own Nobody achieves the highest state immediately. Even imperfection. If you wear red glasses, you will see Buddha. Buddha, in that particular incarnation became everything red. God created perfection: That thou art. Buddha. But in how many lives did he fail, how many Look inside and you will see. ups and downs, how many times did he move on? Only in that one last life he could, with all the training and Don’t worry about what others do, whether others discipline he had. For one thousand lives he failed, and practise or not. Your progress depends only upon your in that one life he became Buddha. own effort. If you say that you will stay at this ashram only if everyone else is doing their Sadhana, this is Special Thanks foolish because nowhere will you find a perfect place. With special thanks to Kamala Devi, a close disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, Everywhere there is duality. There is no perfection who devoted many hours of selfless work in editing the many transcripts in this world. of Swami Vishnudevananda’s lectures and helping to make this beautiful book a reality. email: [email protected] You have to do whatever you can for your own growth. Do not worry about your neighbours, your friends, other Vishnudevananda Upadesha swamis, even your teacher. It doesn’t matter what the By The Sivananda Yoga Centre teacher does. It is immaterial to you. You practise and Vishnudevananda Upadesha contains extracts that are taken from talks you eat. If you eat, you can satisfy your hunger. No one by Swami Vishnudevananda on a variety of topics that encompass the else can eat for you, or enjoy for you. If you want to be teachings of the vast science of yoga. The words he speaks offer solace, healthy, you have to eat healthily and live a proper life. 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 To think ‘if everyone is healthy, then I will be healthy Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre or Ashram. automatically’ is not possible. To be healthy you have to

YOGALife I Summer 2009 17 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, under- ground, 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 If you understand the electrical from one source to another. In yoga, exists merely because of its physio- nature of our bodies, you will we call this energy ‘prana’. The chemical nature; to them it is understand the purpose of problem is that there is no English basically electrical in nature. When pranayama. I will try to explain equivalent for this word, so it gets the electrical connection from the in modern terms, as some of the translated as ‘air’. Even Indian yogis astral to the physical is severed (like ancient terms are very difficult make this mistake when they don't a battery disconnected from an to grasp. know how to translate it from engine) it doesn't matter how It is said that you can block the the Sanskrit. powerful the engine is, it cannot air in the Sushumna, in the throat I like to explain these ideas using start. The impulses of prana travel region, in the stomach region, in the analogies with electronic terms. Most through the astral to the physical back region, in the ear region, in the of you are familiar with such gadgets through an astral umbilical cord eye region. Actually, how can you as radios, cameras, and computers. at our solar plexus. When this cord block the air in these places when There are three basic components is severed, no more prana can the air which you inhale does not common to all of them. Similar come to the physical body. go into these places at all? What things exist in your body, but please If the prana comes in very small does this mean? don't take what I said literally; it is amounts then the body will Actually, it is not a physical only to help you to understand how be comatose (unconscious). blockage; it is the diversion of energy such things as locks work in the

18 YOGALife I Summer 2010 Prana as Electricity

body mechanism. When you do Resistors: Another concept in and your astral nerve; they are pranayama, it will help you a great electronics that we should under- counterparts. The difference is that deal if you understand this. Three stand is that of resistance. We can one is visible and the other is not. things should be understood: increase or decrease the resistance In our bodies, the impulse 1. Transformers, 2. Condensers to the flow of energy. Most coming from the brain through the and 3. Resistors. impurities will reduce the electrical vagus nerve which controls the heart Transformers: In electronic com- flow. An example is the ordinary and lungs are all impulses called ponents there is always a source garden hose through which water prana. Previously it was thought that of power, usually a battery or flows at a specific velocity unless the heart was not susceptible to household current. A small tape constricted by squeezing. The pump voluntary control, that you could recorder cannot handle the 110 volt continues to try to force 16 gallons not control the heartbeat by current as it enters the house, so it of water per minute through the concentration. Yogis can demon- must be stepped down to a lower hose, but when its capacity is strate that the heartbeat can be voltage by a transformer, otherwise reduced by constriction, the pressure slowed down with concentration or the components will burn up. (There goes up, and the water comes out by such practices as Jalandhara are step-down transformers and step- more forcefully. bandha. They shut down the flow up transformers for decreasing and In our body, something similar of prana. We are not talking about increasing the voltage.) to a condenser exists. Prana is like physical prana, but psychic prana. electricity but very subtle. All elec- Thought can change your Condensers (also called Capacitors) tricity flows through wires, and in breathing rhythm as well as your are storehouses of electricity. our body it flows through nadis (or heartbeat. Two important An example is the electronic flash meridians in the Chinese system). components of your body are in your camera. The electricity for The problem here is when I say together called the cardiovascular the flash may come from a six volt nerve, many people understand only system because they are inter- battery, but that voltage cannot give the visible type of nerve. The nadi dependent. When the body needs enough light to take a photograph. is equivalent to the nerve in the extra oxygen, the heart rate goes up. What is needed are several thousand physical body, but it may be called In order to make the lungs pump volts to create an intense light, so an astral nerve tube, as it exists not faster you have to stimulate the the energy coming from this small in the physical, but in the astral muscles of the diaphragm and battery is stored up (it is not stepped body. I will not be able to completely intercostal muscles. That is done up or stepped down) like a reservoir communicate this subject in elec- by the brain. In an emergency, say and accumulated till it can create tronic terms, but there does exist a you are running because a tiger is a powerful flash for a brief moment. similarity between a physical nerve chasing you and you are close to

YOGALife I Summer 2010 19 Prana as Electricity

exhaustion, the adrenal gland will, you are breathing (normally through adrenaline, give the heart we breathe 16 times per minute). an extra boost so that the lungs can 2. The pulse rate (normally about breathe a bit faster for a short time. 75 or 80 per minute). That's equivalent to the capacitor 3. Galvanic skin response. Under our in electronic gadgets which I men- sweat glands there are nerves which tioned. Nature has given us the carry sensory impulses. ability to escape from dangerous Because the galvanic skin situations. This extra stimulation response (GSR), measured as coming activates the adrenal gland which from the sweat gland, will change pumps adrenaline into the blood according to your thought, it is one stream so that the heart gets a fast of the three basic components in a kick for a short time so that it can polygraph. When you check for GSR pump more oxygen to the muscles. by putting small electrodes on the Let us try to understand the tip of the finger (for example), you cardiovascular system, to see how can take this current coming out the heart rate and the breathing and amplify it so that you can see are interconnected. its pattern. That is also under the There is a gadget called the autonomous nervous system. polygraph or lie detector. Just The polygraph technician also as EEG test the brain waves, the connects an elastic type of material polygraph measures the three basic from your chest to the polygraph components mostly connected so that you can see the number to the autonomous nervous system, of times you are breathing, or what a system which is basically not under your breathing pattern is: shallow, Map of the Nadis our control. Generally speaking, long or disturbed. With normal Many ancient manuscripts show pictures of the breathing we inhale about 1500 cc energy patterns within the Astral, or subtle body. the autonomous nervous system These are the nadis, the astral tubes that carry is beyond our control, but yogis can of air and exhale out the same the prana or vital energy. In acupuncture, they control it. In the polygraph, the three amount very gently. However, when are referred to as meridians. basic components are; 1. To demon- you are breathing deeply, you can strate and measure your breathing take in and out about 2000 cc. pattern, how many cycles per second At that time the impulse will be very

20 YOGALife I Summer 2009 strong. When you are mentally In most people, the transformers disturbed the breathing pattern in their upper chakras are not The Chakras will also change. completely opened up; maybe for This is where the energy is stored When all these components are highly advanced students they are up like a condenser, altered like connected to the polygraph, we partially opened. Or if there is a a transformer and acted upon observe three different waves: tremendous amount of impurity, by resistors breathing pattern, blood pressure, it acts as a resistor. These variable and galvanic skin resistance. After resistors are automatically controlled two or three minutes there is a by your thought as well as your diet. normal reading. If suddenly the Everything is controlled by thought. polygraph changes, it is an indi- According to the nature of your cation that the person has lied. thought, your impurities will increase Sahasrara Chakra An emotional upset will cause the and decrease. For each of these three breathing pattern to change from gadgets in your system: condenser, say sixteen times per minute to transformer, resistor, all are twenty-five or thirty times per controlled by your mind. minute. This can go up or down. So yogis go directly to the mind In extreme cases the breathing or to change the pattern. According Ajna Chakra the heart may even stop, as in the to the nature of the pattern of your case of shock or some bad news. thought, the voltage will be Also with good news: something increased or reduced. If the voltage very exciting – say you won five increases, then the energy goes million dollars in a lottery – that to a higher chakra. If you reduce the could stop the heart also. voltage (make your thought very In such cases, you are over- gross with only sensual and sexual loading the capacitor. Within thoughts), then the energy goes only Vishuddha Chakra a brief time, everything is short to the lower chakras because the circuited. The voltage coming voltage is not sufficient to lift to the through the nerves becomes so higher chakras. powerful that it just short circuits Remember that neither thought everything: the heart and/or lungs nor prana are in the physical body. stop and there is collapse. So you They are in the astral body and see that your body is not different according to the nature of your from an electronic mechanism. thought, the prana flows in the The electronic impulse in our physical body. When your thoughts Anahata Chakra body is the prana. This prana comes are very gross, the prana or electrons to the nervous system when it is coming to the physical body will stored by condensers and trans- be lessened since there is too much formed by transformers. There are resistance. Also, a physical nerve five basic types of prana: prana, cannot take a high, powerful apana, udana, samana, and vyana, thought, so there may be a shut- as well as some minor pranas; the down of the prana to a certain difference between major and minor extent. The nervous system which pranas lying in the voltage. Even in is impure cannot transmit high Manipura Chakra electronic gadgets, some things need voltage. Sometimes a sudden shock higher voltage so there are different to the mind will even shut off this types of transformers. In the body we flow of prana. Sometimes this call these transformers chakras. current is slowed down to such Various nerves come and go through an extent that you are like a living the chakras. They are not physical corpse, in a state of coma. nerves, but astral. The ultimate purpose of Hatha In the physical body, the places Yoga is to escape from the lower Swadhistana Chakra where these nerves gather at the voltage and move to a higher voltage. 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, Hatha Yoga Pradipika altered like a transformer and acted This article is an excerpt from the Hatha Yoga upon by resistors. All these things Pradipika the classic guide for the advanced practice of Hatha Yoga (Kundalini Yoga) with Muladhara Chakra take place in the same area. commentary by Swami Vishnudevananda.

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 “Oh, I found a flat now. I didn’t know where to live. and death. It is difficult to accept that these are part All my fears are gone.” To have a home, to have food, of everybody’s life and of our own life as well. to have clothing, to have some friends, these basic And still another suffering comes in the form needs of mankind have not changed since prehistoric of unfulfilled desires, if things do not come the way times. Despite accumulation of knowledge, universities we want. In order to solve these fundamental problems and education, hospitals and democracy, man has not of human life some kind of spiritual orientation really evolved. Why? is absolutely necessary. The reason is that man has ignored the spiritual In the 21st century we are flying higher than aspect. The inner path has to be cultivated. Instead the birds and dive deeper than the fishes. We have what is being cultivated is the materialistic view. conquered space and we are trying to conquer time. The untrained mind thinks that food and clothing, We have an advanced system of universities, libraries employment and housing, medical aid and education and colleges. But still the human society lives in the is everything. same basic fear of survival. How different are we really In this situation yoga has a different, a positive from the people who lived in caves and went out message: The Indian seers knew by experience that to hunt? Their fear was “do I have anything to eat?” body and mind are not the real nature of man. When disease came “to whom do I go?” or “what do They saw that not only the body changes constantly I do?” The same problems are still present in the but also the mind. Something which is constantly modern society. changing cannot give us peace of mind. Just compare Recently I met a lady who moved to the city from this with today’s thoughts of uncertainty in the overseas and is trying to get established. She said financial world crisis.

22 YOGALife I Summer 2009 Connect to your Inner Divinity

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 “The Indian seers knew by experience imply the same: total eternal ways to achieve this. Most that body and mind are not the real and infinite perfection. This religions like Christianity and is what OM represents. If you Buddhism have a founder, nature of man.” 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 Connect to your Inner Divinity

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 important. Sometimes beginner practitioners are very and drop the world from your mind strict about their time – “oh, leave me alone, I cannot do this now, I have to do my asanas. If God sent people to There is complete emphasis on the body only. For this meet you, this is your asana at the moment. You serve reason, teaching asanas for money is considered them; you share your time with them. So do not be selfish acceptable and very common everywhere. I just met a and say “this is my time, I have to do my yoga”. What is former staff member and asked him “Do you have a job?” the yoga really good for if you do not have time for your He replied “Yes, I teach yoga”. Then I said, “Well, that fellow men? Karma Yoga is there to remind you that you is not a job.” If you consider teaching asanas as a job, also have to make others happy. To serve selflessly can be it is a materialistic outlook and will not bring inner peace the essence of our life. That is actually the basis of yoga. 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 Swami Durgananda is Yoga Acharya (spiritual director) of the Sivananda Yoga different. None of the teachers are paid, whatever is left Vedanta Centres in Europe. after paying the bills is invested in expanding and e-mail: [email protected]

24 YOGALife I Summer 2009 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 •The three Bodies •Postural Alignment Commentaries on Scriptures •The three Gunas •Relaxation and Meditation •Bhagavad Gita •Three States of Consciousness •Mobilisation of Joints •Raja Yoga Sutras •Kundalini •Diet and Muscle development •Srimad Bhagavatam •Life after Death •Stress Management •Yoga and Ayurveda •Benefits of Asanas Symposia and Peace Missions •True World Order Convention Yoga Lectures •Brain and Swara Yoga •Effects of Yoga on Children •Bhakti Yoga and Chanting •God, Man and Psychic Discovery •Ashtanga – the eight steps of Yoga Satsang topics •Festival of Inner Light – Siva and Shakti •Mission of Yoga in world Yoga and Health •Pleasure, Pain and Bliss •Global Village Peace Festival •Meditative States •Yoga Experience vs Drug Experience •Life is pre-planned •Facing the Future •Karma and Reincarnation •Exercise Physiology •Who am I? •All India Tour •Power of Thought •Proper breathing •Sannyasa - renunciation •Delhi and Bombay press conferences •Vedanta Philosophy •Yoga and Disease Prevention

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] if you would like to participate. by selecting, for each 10-minutes of the •Receive an internet link to download one demon- •You will receive by email a recording for evaluation. recording, 5 – 10 keywords from an online stration mp3 – lecture file and submit your details •Listen to the recording, and define the content 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

YOGALife I Summer 2009 25 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 leftleft heherr body at age 89: Ruby Bluelue or Swami Neeladevananda. She inspired generations of seekers with her total faith in her teacher, Swami Vishnudevananda andand her extraordinary dedicationion iin passing on his teachings. We would like to pay a special tribute to her in this issue of Yoga Life. 

 Ruby Blue: An inspiration classes until she moved back to Washington in 1991. – from Dianne Beal, daughter in law of Ruby At age 81, she took a job teaching yoga at Gold’s Gym, a short walk from her apartment. For those lucky enough to be aware in her presence, Ruby Swami Vishnudevanada was more than a guru Blue was an inspiration and guide to the powers of love to Ruby. He was a world leader of humanitarianism. and intuition in our lives. Her constant reminders of what For four decades, Ruby continued her spiritual pilgrimage a blessing we were to her made us realize our own powers by teaching students (and anyone else in her path), the of self-realization and what a blessing she was to us. lessons of Swami Vishnudevananda. Each summer, she As her daughter-in-law, we shared a special relationship spent 40 days at the yoga camp. Daily meditation and and what I consider a privileged introduction to Sivananda asanas kept her sane and flexible. yoga and the spiritual path. My first breathing lessons with Her last years of intense sadhana were the most Ruby taught me to focus on my breath in a totally new glorious. She was initiated as Swami Neeladevananda way and to concentrate on “a bright, white shining light” at the ashram in Orleans, France in 2005 and became after which several years of practice, opened my mind, the oldest person to become a swami in the Sivananda my heart and my life. For that, I will be ever grateful. Yoga Vedanta movement. The joy radiating from that ceremony was sanctification and acknowledgement of her years of study and devotion. “Swami Vishnudevananda was more than a guru to Ruby. He was a world leader  Loving Devotion of humanitarianism.” Srinivasan, Yoga Acharya for the East Coast centres in the USA, remembers Ruby Blue Ruby lived a purely spiritual life as a yoga teacher and I knew and loved Ruby as an inspiration not only as a guru to those around for her nearly forty years. She met teacher but for her devotion for Swamiji. I have never Swami Vishnudevananda in 1967 when she made her heard anyone speak so clearly about Swamiji, about his first visit to the yoga camp in the Laurentian Mountains energy and vision than Ruby. Ruby spoke the best about and continued teaching yoga well into her 80’s. Swamiji. When she taught an asana class it was as if Born Ruth Thaler in Mielec, Poland, to Jewish parents Swamiji himself shone through her with all his prana, love in 1918, she immigrated with her family to the United and humor. When I was at the Camp she would council States as a child. In 1931, she moved to Washington, DC me and many of the senior staff like a mother. Her heart and became active in the school’s celebrated chorus. Her was always behind Swamiji and saw the Organization voice continued to guide her and was one of the miracles as Swamiji's baby to nurture. Whenever she would guide of her yoga classes. After raising a family of three, she the staff in their individual problems it was always and her husband, Harry Blue, moved to Palm Beach, with the clarity of Swamiji's love and the importance Florida in 1975 where she continued to teach yoga of his mission.

26 YOGALife I Summer 2009 The Living Evolution An interview with Ruby Blue at the Château du Yoga, France, summer 2005

Swami Vishnudevananda was a living evolution. master and enjoy it. I’ve watched the growth in myself I don’t think about Swami Vishnudevananda as having and others. And there is nothing more exiting than a particular age. He was a highly dedicated and an watching someone sceptical, nervous, unacquainted exquisite human being. I had the honor of knowing with the system become fulfilled as a result of it. Nothing more wonderful. him for a very long time, so I could watch his program evolve. He was sent by the master with a few rupees, The here-and-now-guy some blessings and turned around the whole world. Swami Vishnudevananda was a here-and-now-guy. It wasn’t a sudden thing. In the beginning, in the very There is one thing I have finally figured out: Swami beginning, Swamiji understood the West and turned Vishnudevananda was teaching by example, even us westerners to the physical aspect of yoga, to asanas, though he planned, even though his whole life was to flexibility, showing us methods of health and dedicated to retrieving the loss in our civilization that makes us human. This was his master’s energy and his 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.

“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 “If you really find a yoga master who lays looking for. But smokers and I had when you find it, thought that Swamiji the thing on you with his soul and with if you really find would scold them his heart, with his truth, with his talent, a yoga master who and tell them they lays the thing on are crazy and doing then you know that it is the right thing.” 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 under- beginning 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 right thing the door and said “Come on in everybody!” nobody felt Swami Vishnudevananda did never ever fear. The only they were not worthy, and it was not meant to change possible disturbance – I don’t even want to use this word, you in any way. It was just that the master sent him: I don’t know how to say it – the only thing that may “Tell the truth! We’ve got something; let us share it with have caused him some doubt was the doubt of his ability the rest of the world! The West is hungry, the West to perform that with which his master entrusted him. is waiting!” Vishnudevananda did the job. That’s all. That’s the only thing, because his humility was enormous – but not a false phoney humility like “I’m nothing’”. Swamiji’s good-bye to Ruby The only thing he wanted to do was give that what he The last word I ever heard from Swamiji was in Val Morin, was sent to give. He would often say: “Don’t bleat like a when I got him to his car, when he was leaving for India lamb, roar like a lion!” The meaning of life is very simple. to leave his body. I was hiding behind a tree. Swamiji Some people are confused – they try to make it bizarre sent somebody out for me to go and sit in his car with and mystic and cause more confusion. The power of him. I knew he would be at master’s statue. I didn’t know Swamiji, above everything, was his simplicity and the what to do. The physicality was gone but the prana was simplicity of his adoration for his master. I am ever alive and there was a sense of God-like power. I saw 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 of us feel - and I’ve talked to thousands - that we are physicality and I said “Swamiji, on behalf of the whole in the right place at the right time with the right people. humanity: Thank you! You changed the world, you have You can’t beat that. That is how I felt this morning at absolutely changed the world!” Swamiji laughed and breakfast, and I asked the people at the table “do you said “Thank you for thanking me!” And that was the last feel this way with your magnificent children or grandma conversation I had with my master. My Guru. My life. 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 and repair’ functions of the parasympathetic circulatory system: nervous system. At the same time, it prevents the over-stimulation (‘fight or flight’ reaction) of the Fitness workout programmes today strongly sympathetic nervous system. emphasize a balanced cardiac workout. Yoga Asanas include this aspect very specifically: Deep relaxation with • Inverted poses and abdominal breathing auto-suggestion: increase the venous return to the heart, thus stimulating a stronger heart beat. Impulses transmitted by motor and sensory nerves • The massage action of specific pressure are regulated or registered in two adjacent areas on internal organs increases the local blood of the cerebrum. In the wave of relaxation which circulation ensuring a rich supply of oxygen begins in the feet and ends in the head, and nutrients to all cells of the body. 'visualisation’ (motor) and ‘feeling of relaxation’ (sensory) impulses are barely distinguishable. Yoga for the back: That is no surprise, seeing the proximity of the respective area of the brain dedicated to sensory Kyphosis (exaggerated upper back curve), and motor activity. The short period of relaxation lordosis (exaggerated lower back curve) and between the asanas is essential to harmonise scoliosis (lateral deviation) are three common motor and sensory impulses. spinal problems. The asana sequence systematically improves these three postural Nadis (meridians): habits and can often relieve the pain associated with them. The classical yoga texts speak of 72,000 subtle nerve channels through which prana (vital Balancing muscle length energy) flows in and around (aura) the body. and muscle strength: Pranic blockages at junctions of nadis can lead to a lack (and, conversely, an excess) of energy Yoga exercises develop both strength and in different parts of the body. The 12 basic flexibility, yet the body of a proficient practitioner poses exert pressure on these points in a way will not show any extreme tendencies such as that balances the prana, much like acupressure. overdeveloped biceps muscles or permanent hyper- That’s one of the reasons why you feel flexibility of the hip joints. This is because the rejuvenated after a yoga class. practice of the twelve basic asanas develops flexibility and strength in equal measure. Hatha Yoga, the union of Sun Hormonal balance: and Moon: Prana (upwards moving energy, supporting The inverted poses increase the blood supply respiration) is denoted by the Sun (Ha). to the brain. This improves neuronal control of the Apana (downwards moving energy, supporting pituitary gland (hypophysis), whose hormones elimination) is called Moon (Tha). In the asana regulate such important endocrine glands such sequence these two vital energies merge as the thyroid gland (involved in cell metabolism) in the solar plexus, creating a unique sensation and the adrenal glands (emotional balance). of well-being. Specific asanas work like a massage, enhancing cellular functions in each gland. Effects on the chakras: Internal organs: The seven energy centres correspond to subtle elements and spiritual planes of consciousness. From the gastrointestinal tract to the liver and Advanced pranayama exercises, mantra repetition pancreas right through to the bladder – the and meditation on the elements can awaken the pressure exerted by various asanas detoxifies these cosmic Kundalini energy in the chakras. When tissues and increases the supply of blood to them. the nerve plexuses in the physical body which Autonomic nervous system: correspond to the chakras in the astral body are stimulated through the asanas, the yoga The stretching and relaxing in the first half of the practitioner may become aware for the first time asana sequence, as well as the contraction and that these energy centres really exist. relaxing in the second half, encourages the ‘rest

YOGALife I Summer 2009 33 The 12 Basic Asanas

The Benefits of the Postures

Sirshasana – The Headstand The increased venous flow of blood back to the heart strengthens the heart beat and An increased supply of blood to the brain relieves varicose veins; contraindication: helps regulate the autonomic nervous system chronic high blood pressure. Working the arm muscles and relaxing the Contraindication: neck injuries legs improves one’s sense of balance

Strengthens the muscles of the Greater pranic flow to the head area shoulder region

Improves the function of the pituitary The inverted pose channels apana into the gland (hypophysis) solar plexus.

Counteracts gastroptosis (downward displacement of stomach). Energises Ajna Chakra (‘the third eye’) The Headstand Contraindication: menstruation

Sarvangasana – The Shoulderstand The increased venous flow of blood back to the heart strengthens the heart beat and Stretching relieves stress-related tension relieves varicose veins. Contraindication: in the neck and shoulder region chronic high blood pressure Stretches the neck and upper back and Removes energy blockages in the neck area strengthens the lower back

Has a balancing effect on the thyroid and Both the inverted pose and the chin lock parathyroid glands direct prana and apana into the solar plexus.

Stimulates Vishuddha Chakra in the Contraindication: menstruation throat region. The Shoulderstand

Halasana – The Plough

Combats lordosis (exaggerated lowerback The long stretch stimulates the curve) parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation)

Stretches the whole posterior side Removes energy blockages in the neck of the body from the toes to the neck and back

Gives a gentle massage to the Massages the solar plexus, promoting the abdominal organs union of prana and apana

The Plough Matsyasana – The Fish Combats kyphosis (exaggerated upper The fish is a counter-pose to the shoulder- back curve) stand and the plough. It has a balancing and relaxing effect on the entire back. Strengthens the arms and stretches the Removes energy blockages in the throat and thoracic muscles neck region

Has a balancing effect on the thyroid and Stretching the abdomen enhances the union parathyroid glands, and puts gentle pressure of prana and apana in the solar plexus on the thymus gland (immune system)

Relieves chronic bronchitis and asthma Stimulates Anahata Chakra (heart chakra)

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

34 YOGALife I Summer 2010 Paschimottanasana – The Forward Bend

Combats lordosis (exaggerated lower The body experiences a natural, deep back curve) relaxation following this asana

Stretches the whole posterior side of the Releases energies in the main nadis along body from the toes to the upper back the spine

Gives a natural massage to the pancreas Intensifies the union of prana and apana (helping to prevent diabetes) 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 Relieves menstrual problems system

Combats kyphosis (exaggerated upper Intensive tension/relaxation improves the back curve) body’s resistance to stress

Strengthens the neck and upper back, Short and powerful contraction releases stretches the thoracic muscles energy in the neck region

Pressure on the solar plexus channels the Massages the female sex glands (ovaries) 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 Intensive tension/relaxation improves the protecting it in cases of lordosis body’s resistance to stress (exaggerated lower back curve) Pressure on the solar plexus channels the Strengthens the lower back united Ha – Tha (Sun – Moon) energy back into the rest of the body

The Locust Dhanurasana – The Bow

Dynamic exercise stimulates the Gives an intense massage to all circulatory system abdominal organs

Combats kyphosis (exaggerated upper Conscious contraction/relaxation improves back curve) the body’s resistance to stress

Stretches the thoracic muscles and Pressure on the solar plexus channels the strengthens the thighs 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

YOGALife I Summer 2010 35 The 12 Basic Asanas

The Benefits of the Postures

Ardha-Matsyendrasana – The Half Spinal Twist Reduces pressure on the roots of the spinal Combats scoliosis (lateral curvature) nerves, which in turn enhances the function of the peripheral nervous system

Stretches the hip abductors and strengthens Harmonises the left and right hemispheres the back muscles of the nadis

Massages the colon and relieves constipation

The Half Spinal Twist

Mayurasana – The Peacock

Dynamic exercise stimulates the circulatory Optimal massage of all abdominal organs system

Combats kyphosis (exaggerated upper Strong contraction/relaxation improves the back curve) body’s resistance to stress Pressure on the solar plexus channels the Strengthens many muscles throughout united Ha–Tha (Sun–Moon) energy back into the body 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 Gives a gentle massage to the abdominal head; may also be practised by people with organs chronic high blood pressure Combats lordosis (exaggerated lower Parasympathetic stimulation (relaxation) back curve) through a complete stretch

Stretches the whole posterior side of the Releases energies in the main nadis along body from the toes up to the neck 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 Building strength in the lateral muscles of the back has a very relaxing effect on the inner hip muscles (Iliopsoas) entire back Increases the supply of blood to the Harmonises the left and right hemispheres adrenal glands 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]

36 YOGALife I Summer 2010 Savasana – Final Relaxation

Lowers blood pressure The relaxation improves digestion Energies are stored for the future

The effects of gravity combat both The activation of the parasympathetic kyphosis (exaggerated upper back United prana–apana energies flow up nervous system intensifies the ‘rest to the head and expand the aura curve) and lordosis (exaggerated lower and digest’ process back curve) This one-of-a-kind asana enables the By focussing on Ajna Chakra (‘the third Deep relaxation of the muscles complete relaxation of all voluntary eye’) the practitioner can enter a state of muscles consciousness beyond body awareness. 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.

YOGALife I Summer 2009 37 Our Most Beloved Swamiji

38 YOGALife I Summer 2010 Forty eight years ago... I met our most beloved

S “He taught all of us the importance of honoring, respecting and acknowledging every tradition, every religion, Dr. Marilyn Rossner speaks every path, every culture about Swami Vishnudevananda and every person.”

I would like to share with you some of my most memorable person had come to me in another vision and told me that and blessed experiences with our wonderful and loving I needed to become a vegetarian. From that day on, I was master teacher, Swami Vishnuji, who gave his life for never able to eat any kind of animal products. I remained humanity. It was in February 1961 that I first met him. From an extremely pure vegetarian from that very day. I have childhood I had given my life to following a path that was never taken any alcohol, beer or wine, in my life. I began shown to me when I was just a very young child. But a very to realize from that day what the yogic path was through significant part of my life began when I first met Swami Swamiji. Swamiji was, of course, very very kind. He started Vishnu. I then had the great blessing of being able to spend telling me about yoga. Swamiji started explaining what many of my own young adult life years with Swamiji and yoga is and of course he invited me to start doing yoga. later many of my adult years with him. I did. What I am trying to do is to share what Swamiji was, Now as I look back I realize more and more everyday who he is, what his life is like. You know I was very young who Swami Vishnu really was and what his role has been, and no one knew what yoga was. People thought yoga not only in my life, but also in the life of all humanity. meant walking on broken glass or on fire. They did not When I was quite young I heard that there was know what yoga was. Here was Swamiji, obviously he a “great master” who had come to Canada, I was invited spoke some English but he did not know the western ways to visit a "Yoga Center. You have to understand that at all. He also did not have the language skills that most 46 years ago I had no idea what a yoga center"was and people would have. Yet he was determined to explain and I must say most of the people that I had met had no idea teach about yoga. what a “yoga center” was either. 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 “Swamiji spoke about the importance hospital, and he offered to do a free class there, over 300 people came. Then another time when he was teaching of living a yogic life and he was deter- yoga in the beginning at the YMCA, people were lined mined to teach people about how up all the way around the corner of the street to be able to live a healthy life." 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 Well I was invited to go; I can still see and experience a yogic life and he was determined to teach people about the whole event that happened. I was quite young at the how to live a healthy life. So Swamiji would teach, do the time. I went upstairs of the place on St. Laurent Boulevard cooking himself, help with the cleaning, etc. etc. I was which is still our Montreal Sivananda Yoga Center. There a very young school teacher at the time. After school, was a person who was quite young. It was Swami Swamiji would take me to the Yoga Camp. At the Vishnudevananda. He was wearing red shorts and an beginning it was only one little place at the ashram. There orange T-shirt. He was very thin and he was teaching a were 11 people there, and for the weekend sometimes we “yoga class". I was excited to see him because on the wall, would have 12, sometimes 14. I went every single weekend over him, there was a large picture of a face of an older to be with this great master. I knew Swamiji very well. Indian Guru. I interrupted the class and I said, “Pardon me, I saw him so much; it was like I lived with him. When I say who is that?” Swami Vishnu said “Shhh" we are doing lived with him I mean I saw how he lived. Swamiji lived yoga. Anyway, I kept on asking. I asked Swami Vishnu, and exactly the way he taught. He always followed the path told him that that man had appeared to me many times that he brought to all of us. He never did anything that he since I was a child. When Swami asked me “What does he did not teach. He was always very, very humble. He never say to you?” I answered that he says “Om Namah Sivaya”. wanted anybody to touch his feet. In fact, I remember I told him that when I was 4 and a half year old, the same 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 Who is that? 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 know- It 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 every person. Everybody just up the Teachers’ Training Program.” 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 I remember the nuns came, the and the results were absolutely not live for himself. He really owned priests came. People came from all marvelous. I brought yoga into nothing. He had his couple of dothis the different religions. The educated schools and hospitals, into the group and a couple of sweaters. He really came, the uneducated came, the homes, into agencies, I have done had nothing and everything he had young came, the old came. Then, 33 objective studies using yoga as an was just to give. People would give of course, his dream was to have adjunctive therapy to psychotherapy him something and he would just an ashram. So when the ashram with children and youth. give it away. He showed us what real opened, it was a very special event. Swamiji started organizing peace love is. He showed us what real spirit I remember 163 people came. conferences. No one was doing is. He showed us what it is to be able There was a doctor who came and anything like that. Swamiji was the to give of one self. He showed us what was talking about what a blessing first to organize peace conferences. it is to love everyone. He showed it was. Some people were doing the He brought people together from us what it is to have purpose in life. cooking. We were doing the cleaning the different traditions. He started He showed us what it is to serve. and we were trying to let people inviting some of the known sages 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. following what Swamiji asked us to we made sure to take care of them. Swamiji was very very strict about do. Because we saw that in Swamiji, He was the first to have teachers’ the teachings of yoga. He also would there was the teaching. In Swamiji training courses for yoga. The first not compromise. He never compromised there was a way of life. In Swamiji course was held in the ashram anything in life. He wanted yoga there was a love. In Swamiji there was in Quebec. to be very pure. He would get very a diamond. In Swamiji was a being In 1972, we had the first yoga concerned if he found that people that we knew had come on this earth program for children with special were using the word of yoga in a way to bring a great truth. needs. I had the great privilege of that was not honorable. Yoga was so When Swamiji first organized organizing it. That was, again, through special for him. So if people misused peace missions, when he first talked a vision I had had. It was a vision it or tried to make light of what yoga about a planet earth passport, I had where Master Sivananda had come is, he always stood up to that. He been given the task of selling these to me and had asked me to do that. wanted yoga to remain pure and passports for $5. So there was a It was March 1972, I was with

40 YOGALife I Summer 2009 remain what it was supposed to be. Swamiji talked about. to have had him as a mentor, an We all know the stories of Swamiji’s Vegetarianism then was almost inspirer, a master of masters has been peace missions and where he went. unknown. Now when we look around, my gift of gifts. I remember when I was with him vegetarianism is popular. Holistic Swamiji has made his Mahasamadhi in Boston when he took off on that health is a popular interest. Yoga 15 years ago. I really can say I do not airplane that Peter Max had painted is also very popular. But much of this, feel that he is gone. I feel his presence for him. I remember him sitting on in Canada and throughout the world, more and more each day. I feel his the wings of the airplane, he prayed was started by this one saintly being, presence more and more as I go from and talked. He always said for all of Swami Vishnudevananda Maharaj. place to place and continue to share us to take care of everybody. He was Swamiji was a scientist. He was an the truth of yoga. I feel his presence absolutely fearless. Every moment educator. He was a teacher. He was a with every Sadhana I do. No matter with Swamiji was momentous. therapist. He was a counselor. He was where I go I try to encourage people I had the privilege of being in really all of these wrapped up in this to do a little bit of what he asked us India with him many times. One time one person. And yet, he did not have all to do. But every day I realize more there was a group of us who went the formal education for all that. But and more who Swamiji really was. with Swamiji. He wanted so much for he had it! He was that! No matter All I can say is Thank You Lord the fighting to stop between groups. what a person needed, he was always for Swamiji. I pray to continue He went to the great leaders and he there to do it. to bring Swamiji's message of truth, tried very hard to bring the people I remember in one of our first of oneness, of light, wherever I go together. He wanted them to talk. children's groups, one of the children and in whatever I am asked to do. I remember he asked them to come had difficulty sleeping, Swamiji had a out because one of them was technique for that. One child thought In the Service of the Lord. in a different place. There was a con- he was a frog, Swamiji had a technique At the feet of the Master, troversy between them. Swamiji said for dealing with that. One child was Marilyn Rossner that he will go out and somebody making certain sounds, Swamiji had mentioned that if we go out, a technique for that. One child used Dr Marilyn Rossner Ph.D. someone will shoot us, Swamiji to run away, Swamiji had a technique is a children’s behaviour therapist, replied: “No. People are willing to die for that. Some people had different a clairvoyant, medium, and expert in the name of war, I’m willing to die allergies, Swamiji had a technique for in the field of parapsychology. in the name of peace.” But the point that. To one he would give a mantra. is that this is how he lived. He was To another he would say “Hold your absolutely positively fearless. mala”. To one he would give a specific All the things we are seeing pranayama technique. To one he happening on the earth now were would give a certain asana. really prophesied by Swamiji. He And so as I review the talked about what would happen by last 46 years of my own the year 2000. He talked about what life on earth I can say with would happen if the drug culture absolute assurance that continued. He talked about what the Almighty has blessed would happen if the family life was me in a special way. not serious. He talked about what To have known Swamiji would happen if people were not as he walked this earth, living a clean, moral, ethical life. to have sat at his blessed He talked about what would happen feet, to have heard him to nature. Everything we see happen- speak, teach, to have had ing now, absolutely everything, him as a yoga teacher,

Photo Archive: Swami Vishnudevananda with some of his early yoga students YOGALife I Summer 2009 41 The Gurukula Tradition

The Training of Memory and Concentration GurukulaTraditionIn the 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 know- ledge 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 and discipline. If the moral precepts should not isolate or totally are not in place all the freedom, withdraw from people, but has Ekagrata or a spearheaded-mind humanitarian and spiritual goals to avail the benefits of solitude. helps to prolong the grasp while lead to confusion. learning. Learning requires the unity Moderation of our will and the intellect. Our The Guru Being moderate always has good mind is basically like a switchboard Faith in a Guru and trusting his results. Being hopeful, keeping operator; it links one of our senses – always-available navigation system cheerful, finding joy in everything, at a time – with their subjects. Our is indispensable. Even on roads we good humour and a helpful nature intellect (the plant) doesn’t get the install a satellite navigation system are all the qualities of an enlightened mind's supply unless the mind wills in our car! Similarly, an ordained life soul. Such a person is a product of to connect. Scriptures claim that we ensures good mileage. The Guru well-balanced contemplation and easily concentrate on what our mind helps prioritise what is appropriate meditation. In general, “avoid likes. Hence creating interest is the to the seeker and acts as a guide extremity in anything”. fundamental requisite. If the mind in his or her spiritual growth. wants to atop a hill, even while limping you will climb. Vedic Strength in Solitude Memory education emphasizes the following Scriptures say that too much Memory is the companion, the asset for a pointed mind: Holistic Vision socialising is an impediment for of the early age of everybody. and following the footsteps of the concentration as well as meditation. Perhaps when we grow up, we invest Vedas. The entire Indian tradition Excessive extroversion leads to that capital upon too many non- emphasises the practice of ethics dissipation of one’s energies. One essential things.

42 YOGALife I Summer 2009 The Sanskrit term for memory tration for several decades. Their Daily Routine is Smriti. Memory is twofold. Firstly, school was so welcoming and Their routine diary commenced with committing to memory (memorising) friendly they didn’t prefer going back a quick bath and early morning and remembering the memorised. home. As in Ayurveda as well as physical exercise briskly done It is, if you like, picking up an old yoga, every treatment is tailored for followed by the yoga exercises paper or file from the cabinet. the person. Hospitality, honesty, or Surya Namaskar. Wearing certain Secondly, to channel the reservoir service and responsibility were marks on the forehead helps of memory. In the era before books, entrusted upon all. Gurukulas concentration for the wearer as well the oral tradition was the hallmark resemble any ideal community living. as giving the onlookers a sense of the Gurukulas. Repetition became Natural Setting of freshness. Gazing at the sun the chief mode of memorising and (while not very hot) and moon helps memorising the chief mode of The learning centres were far from in freshening up of mind and leads learning. Memorising the Mantras the maddening crowds of the cities. to single-minded focus. During their became the main pastime of the In that escape full of Prana, tigers prayer, in both twilights, the students students. That was fun, but that and elephants would visit and would do Japa, normally with the is not the goal, which is a deeper children would play with deer and Gayatri mantra, which helps concen- understanding of the Vedas. rabbits. The fresh air free from any tration of mind and stimulates memory. pollutants around the forest Home – The Foundation The practice of asanas would also optimised the learning environment. help them for concentration. for Early Learning The sounds of the birds and flowing Today a private tuition at home is to water accentuate the silence. Food Students have the opportunity back up the school curriculum; but Good food and good exercise is the to learn from and interact with in the ancient India it was the reverse. master key for good health. The basic nature at all times. In any household with children was needs were supplied for free. The run a parallel school. Mothers taught food, drinks and medicines served in a lot of rhymes, folksongs, and the Gurukulas were of a satvic nature. traditional epics – all memorised and “Hospitality, honesty, Though not a specific medicine for spread in this ‘cultural centre’. With a service and responsibility loss of memory or concentration, child on their lap, they also sang the moderate amounts of ghee were mathematical tables in melodious were entrusted upon all.” served to these pupils to stimulate tunes! In the same way, children their mental work, as recommended were taught the names of the week, Dress Code by Ayurveda. Dairy products, honey, months, zodiacs, constellations, ginger, lime and neem were used to prayers to numerous divinities, hymns The uniforms for the Gurukula were tone up their mind. Abhyanga (oil for meals and for going to bed, etc. simple, comfortable and natural. bath) and refraining from alcohol or The dress, given in the Upanayana tobacco helped their concentration. The Gurukula (initiation) ceremony, is neither very Certain herbal tonics like Amalaka, A Gurukula is like a retreat for loose nor very tight and is helpful Chyavana-prasha or Kooshmanada 16 years given at a receptive age. for concentration for a long time. (Pumpkin) were also used to aid The formal ceremony (prevalent Bachelors, married men and women memory and concentration. even today) to mark the beseeching all wore distinct garments. of the traditional learning is called The Tradition Continues Chanting Mantras Upanayana wherein the powerful The gurukula tradition continues Gayathri mantra is taught. One of The majority of the population in nowadays. I recently visited an all the purposes of this ceremony is to those monasteries were male and female Gurukula, Panini Kanya Maha pre-empt and prepare the student youngsters. They were easily Vidyalaya, in Benares. More than to enrol into Gurukula. recognisable because wherever they eighty girls are studying scriptures of Every Gurukula was essentially went, they would incessantly utter their choice in that residential school. for all castes and was open amidst the Mantras such as the Gayatri, They mainly learn Panini’s Grammar, the woods as a free residential holding their sacred thread as a Yoga, and priest-craft. school. Men and women of all age Japamala, a physical support for groups were there to offer specific concentration, they walked, keeping services. In the safe custody of their thoughts focused at all times. Dr H V Satyanarayana Acharyas and Maharshis their People joked about them as the bees Sastry, is a freelance children were protected, tutored or the flowers, before whose sight Sanskrit teacher, and is the and groomed with personal atten- you came across their buzzing sound former academic director tion. Although a normal tutelage of or their fragrance. Their chanting of the Bharatiya Vidya every child lasted for 16 years, some filled the narrow lanes and footpaths Bhavan in London, UK. youths stayed beyond. They carried tread by their tiny footprints. This on with their unceasing concen- was their walking yoga.

YOGALife I Summer 2009 43 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 The year 2007 was a transition period for me where I had to apply as a full-time staff, which interestingly enough, quit my job and had applied to some graduate education happened on the symbolical “Fête du Travail” or Labor Day programmes with the hope to find a new direction in my in France. 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 help for me during these uncertain times. I had no clear The move from the historical Paris Centre of Réaumur agenda in the summer and decided it was the right time Sebastopol (since 1977) to the new Centre was challenging to take the Teacher's Training Course. on many different levels, to say the least. Many things were The programme far ex- to be done each day over ceeded my expectations on a period of roughly two all aspects: I was particularly “After a couple months, I realized that months. Many karma yogis thrilled by the depth but also were helping us to renovate the practicality of the yoga I was allocating almost all of my free the new Centre, carry and philosophy. Here were some time to the yoga center but that I felt unload the boxes, etc. Many teachings that appealed to the inner urge to be even more involved.” administrative matters had so many people from so many to be thought of and dealt different countries and walks with and organising of life and that were being applied in everyday life with everything was quite challenging. Finally, we managed tangible results, particularly in terms of well-being and to get it done. Not everything was perfect and we were all peace of mind. exhausted but the bulk of it was there. Student numbers When the TTC ended, in order to keep the momentum immediately picked up when we came to the new Centre, going, I decided to move in close to the Paris Yoga Centre although the summer time is usually the quietest of the and to teach as soon as I could, to do some karma yoga year and although we had done no advertising yet. It’s as and to attend the evening Satsangs. After a couple of if the universe was telling us that all these efforts had not months, I realised that I was allocating almost all of my been done in vain. free time to the Yoga Centre but that I felt the inner urge to be even more involved. So I decided to sub-let my flat The most challenging aspects of being and live in the Centre as a resident, keeping all options a staff member open, as although I had given it some serious thinking, The daily schedule can be quite intense sometimes, but it I could never be 100% sure as to how I would react and is also this intensity that gives training for the mind and for cope with this new life experience. the body in order to evolve and improve. Also, it's always The first days, weeks and months were quite interesting possible to slow down and rest from an intense rhythm but also challenging with so many new concrete things to when necessary but finding a challenge when nothing learn and to think about. It was like the TTC, but even more substantial is happening is much harder to do. As for the “real”. After five months as resident, my interest in my balance between free time and working hours, you come graduate studies fell from low to an airy nothing, as I was to understand that it's for a large part artificial, when you learning so much more important things in day to day life think about it. When you really like what you do and feel at the Centre and with the many beautiful spiritual books concerned about it, you don't count your hours and a little

44 YOGALife I Summer 2009 Being Sivananda Staff

time off is enough to give the mind and body a rest. there to guide you, to inspire you, to share and to relate Another issue which is no doubt very tricky and with you, the spiritual books are there and the “real life” challenging is the relationship evolution with friends and situations are there. You have the opportunity to interact relatives. Some of them approve this choice of lifestyle and with teachers, students, and other staff members of all even admire it, some disapprove it stongly and don’t under- backgrounds, nationalities and age groups, who all share stand it, with all nuances in between including a few a common interest in yoga. Day to day operations also people who are indifferent. In any case, less time and confront you with businesspeople and government officials, energy is spent directly with them, and it can be quite which is useful in order to stay aware of their tough at first for the mind and for the emotions to cope preoccupations, priorities and ways of thinking. with this reality, which can’t really be changed. One should Furthermore, the Sivananda Yoga Organisation remember that whatever choice you make in life, some is present in many countries around the globe and staff close people will always approve it while others disapprove. members can be placed in situations where they move Friends and relationships evolve anyway throughout to different places and cultures, thereby learning many everyone’s life, whether we like it or not: we lose some old interesting things, such as developing new adaptation and relationships which are not in line with our lifestyle language skills. anymore and also make many new ones which share the A second fundamental difference with other same interest for yoga. Ultimately, the real question is organisations (for profit or non profit) is that all the whether you feel happy with what you are doing and with employees are each day consciously putting forth an effort the direction you are going in life. If that’s the case, the of self-analysis in terms of behavior, thought patterns, experience turns into a way of finding out who, even emotions, and energy level, because they are all going if their own life philosophy is different in many aspects, through a Sadhana, or spiritual path. This creates a whole recognises that this choice suits you and approves it different working atmosphere, much more positive and because it makes you happy. energetic. It also gives a deeper meaning to ordinary tasks and projects, which become opportunities to learn The best things about being a staff member so many things about yourself and about others. That One could summarize it bluntly as an ideal way to lead a process is something so useful and so precious whatever spiritual path. The daily schedule is there to help you keep you end up doing in life. the discipline, the swamis and other staff members are

YOGALife I Summer 2009 45 The Gurukula Tradition

The Training of Memory and Concentration GurukulaTraditionIn the 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 know- ledge 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 and discipline. If the moral precepts should not isolate or totally are not in place all the freedom, withdraw from people, but has Ekagrata or a spearheaded-mind humanitarian and spiritual goals to avail the benefits of solitude. helps to prolong the grasp while lead to confusion. learning. Learning requires the unity Moderation of our will and the intellect. Our The Guru Being moderate always has good mind is basically like a switchboard Faith in a Guru and trusting his results. Being hopeful, keeping operator; it links one of our senses – always-available navigation system cheerful, finding joy in everything, at a time – with their subjects. Our is indispensable. Even on roads we good humour and a helpful nature intellect (the plant) doesn’t get the install a satellite navigation system are all the qualities of an enlightened mind's supply unless the mind wills in our car! Similarly, an ordained life soul. Such a person is a product of to connect. Scriptures claim that we ensures good mileage. The Guru well-balanced contemplation and easily concentrate on what our mind helps prioritise what is appropriate meditation. In general, “avoid likes. Hence creating interest is the to the seeker and acts as a guide extremity in anything”. fundamental requisite. If the mind in his or her spiritual growth. wants to atop a hill, even while limping you will climb. Vedic Strength in Solitude Memory education emphasizes the following Scriptures say that too much Memory is the companion, the asset for a pointed mind: Holistic Vision socialising is an impediment for of the early age of everybody. and following the footsteps of the concentration as well as meditation. Perhaps when we grow up, we invest Vedas. The entire Indian tradition Excessive extroversion leads to that capital upon too many non- emphasises the practice of ethics dissipation of one’s energies. One essential things.

42 YOGALife I Summer 2009 The Sanskrit term for memory tration for several decades. Their Daily Routine is Smriti. Memory is twofold. Firstly, school was so welcoming and Their routine diary commenced with committing to memory (memorising) friendly they didn’t prefer going back a quick bath and early morning and remembering the memorised. home. As in Ayurveda as well as physical exercise briskly done It is, if you like, picking up an old yoga, every treatment is tailored for followed by the yoga exercises paper or file from the cabinet. the person. Hospitality, honesty, or Surya Namaskar. Wearing certain Secondly, to channel the reservoir service and responsibility were marks on the forehead helps of memory. In the era before books, entrusted upon all. Gurukulas concentration for the wearer as well the oral tradition was the hallmark resemble any ideal community living. as giving the onlookers a sense of the Gurukulas. Repetition became Natural Setting of freshness. Gazing at the sun the chief mode of memorising and (while not very hot) and moon helps memorising the chief mode of The learning centres were far from in freshening up of mind and leads learning. Memorising the Mantras the maddening crowds of the cities. to single-minded focus. During their became the main pastime of the In that escape full of Prana, tigers prayer, in both twilights, the students students. That was fun, but that and elephants would visit and would do Japa, normally with the is not the goal, which is a deeper children would play with deer and Gayatri mantra, which helps concen- understanding of the Vedas. rabbits. The fresh air free from any tration of mind and stimulates memory. pollutants around the forest Home – The Foundation The practice of asanas would also optimised the learning environment. help them for concentration. for Early Learning The sounds of the birds and flowing Today a private tuition at home is to water accentuate the silence. Food Students have the opportunity back up the school curriculum; but Good food and good exercise is the to learn from and interact with in the ancient India it was the reverse. master key for good health. The basic nature at all times. In any household with children was needs were supplied for free. The run a parallel school. Mothers taught food, drinks and medicines served in a lot of rhymes, folksongs, and the Gurukulas were of a satvic nature. traditional epics – all memorised and “Hospitality, honesty, Though not a specific medicine for spread in this ‘cultural centre’. With a service and responsibility loss of memory or concentration, child on their lap, they also sang the moderate amounts of ghee were mathematical tables in melodious were entrusted upon all.” served to these pupils to stimulate tunes! In the same way, children their mental work, as recommended were taught the names of the week, Dress Code by Ayurveda. Dairy products, honey, months, zodiacs, constellations, ginger, lime and neem were used to prayers to numerous divinities, hymns The uniforms for the Gurukula were tone up their mind. Abhyanga (oil for meals and for going to bed, etc. simple, comfortable and natural. bath) and refraining from alcohol or The dress, given in the Upanayana tobacco helped their concentration. The Gurukula (initiation) ceremony, is neither very Certain herbal tonics like Amalaka, A Gurukula is like a retreat for loose nor very tight and is helpful Chyavana-prasha or Kooshmanada 16 years given at a receptive age. for concentration for a long time. (Pumpkin) were also used to aid The formal ceremony (prevalent Bachelors, married men and women memory and concentration. even today) to mark the beseeching all wore distinct garments. of the traditional learning is called The Tradition Continues Chanting Mantras Upanayana wherein the powerful The gurukula tradition continues Gayathri mantra is taught. One of The majority of the population in nowadays. I recently visited an all the purposes of this ceremony is to those monasteries were male and female Gurukula, Panini Kanya Maha pre-empt and prepare the student youngsters. They were easily Vidyalaya, in Benares. More than to enrol into Gurukula. recognisable because wherever they eighty girls are studying scriptures of Every Gurukula was essentially went, they would incessantly utter their choice in that residential school. for all castes and was open amidst the Mantras such as the Gayatri, They mainly learn Panini’s Grammar, the woods as a free residential holding their sacred thread as a Yoga, and priest-craft. school. Men and women of all age Japamala, a physical support for groups were there to offer specific concentration, they walked, keeping services. In the safe custody of their thoughts focused at all times. Dr H V Satyanarayana Acharyas and Maharshis their People joked about them as the bees Sastry, is a freelance children were protected, tutored or the flowers, before whose sight Sanskrit teacher, and is the and groomed with personal atten- you came across their buzzing sound former academic director tion. Although a normal tutelage of or their fragrance. Their chanting of the Bharatiya Vidya every child lasted for 16 years, some filled the narrow lanes and footpaths Bhavan in London, UK. youths stayed beyond. They carried tread by their tiny footprints. This on with their unceasing concen- was their walking yoga.

YOGALife I Summer 2009 43 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 The year 2007 was a transition period for me where I had to apply as a full-time staff, which interestingly enough, quit my job and had applied to some graduate education happened on the symbolical “Fête du Travail” or Labor Day programmes with the hope to find a new direction in my in France. 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 help for me during these uncertain times. I had no clear The move from the historical Paris Centre of Réaumur agenda in the summer and decided it was the right time Sebastopol (since 1977) to the new Centre was challenging to take the Teacher's Training Course. on many different levels, to say the least. Many things were The programme far ex- to be done each day over ceeded my expectations on a period of roughly two all aspects: I was particularly “After a couple months, I realized that months. Many karma yogis thrilled by the depth but also were helping us to renovate the practicality of the yoga I was allocating almost all of my free the new Centre, carry and philosophy. Here were some time to the yoga center but that I felt unload the boxes, etc. Many teachings that appealed to the inner urge to be even more involved.” administrative matters had so many people from so many to be thought of and dealt different countries and walks with and organising of life and that were being applied in everyday life with everything was quite challenging. Finally, we managed tangible results, particularly in terms of well-being and to get it done. Not everything was perfect and we were all peace of mind. exhausted but the bulk of it was there. Student numbers When the TTC ended, in order to keep the momentum immediately picked up when we came to the new Centre, going, I decided to move in close to the Paris Yoga Centre although the summer time is usually the quietest of the and to teach as soon as I could, to do some karma yoga year and although we had done no advertising yet. It’s as and to attend the evening Satsangs. After a couple of if the universe was telling us that all these efforts had not months, I realised that I was allocating almost all of my been done in vain. free time to the Yoga Centre but that I felt the inner urge to be even more involved. So I decided to sub-let my flat The most challenging aspects of being and live in the Centre as a resident, keeping all options a staff member open, as although I had given it some serious thinking, The daily schedule can be quite intense sometimes, but it I could never be 100% sure as to how I would react and is also this intensity that gives training for the mind and for cope with this new life experience. the body in order to evolve and improve. Also, it's always The first days, weeks and months were quite interesting possible to slow down and rest from an intense rhythm but also challenging with so many new concrete things to when necessary but finding a challenge when nothing learn and to think about. It was like the TTC, but even more substantial is happening is much harder to do. As for the “real”. After five months as resident, my interest in my balance between free time and working hours, you come graduate studies fell from low to an airy nothing, as I was to understand that it's for a large part artificial, when you learning so much more important things in day to day life think about it. When you really like what you do and feel at the Centre and with the many beautiful spiritual books concerned about it, you don't count your hours and a little

44 YOGALife I Summer 2009 Being Sivananda Staff

time off is enough to give the mind and body a rest. there to guide you, to inspire you, to share and to relate Another issue which is no doubt very tricky and with you, the spiritual books are there and the “real life” challenging is the relationship evolution with friends and situations are there. You have the opportunity to interact relatives. Some of them approve this choice of lifestyle and with teachers, students, and other staff members of all even admire it, some disapprove it stongly and don’t under- backgrounds, nationalities and age groups, who all share stand it, with all nuances in between including a few a common interest in yoga. Day to day operations also people who are indifferent. In any case, less time and confront you with businesspeople and government officials, energy is spent directly with them, and it can be quite which is useful in order to stay aware of their tough at first for the mind and for the emotions to cope preoccupations, priorities and ways of thinking. with this reality, which can’t really be changed. One should Furthermore, the Sivananda Yoga Organisation remember that whatever choice you make in life, some is present in many countries around the globe and staff close people will always approve it while others disapprove. members can be placed in situations where they move Friends and relationships evolve anyway throughout to different places and cultures, thereby learning many everyone’s life, whether we like it or not: we lose some old interesting things, such as developing new adaptation and relationships which are not in line with our lifestyle language skills. anymore and also make many new ones which share the A second fundamental difference with other same interest for yoga. Ultimately, the real question is organisations (for profit or non profit) is that all the whether you feel happy with what you are doing and with employees are each day consciously putting forth an effort the direction you are going in life. If that’s the case, the of self-analysis in terms of behavior, thought patterns, experience turns into a way of finding out who, even emotions, and energy level, because they are all going if their own life philosophy is different in many aspects, through a Sadhana, or spiritual path. This creates a whole recognises that this choice suits you and approves it different working atmosphere, much more positive and because it makes you happy. energetic. It also gives a deeper meaning to ordinary tasks and projects, which become opportunities to learn The best things about being a staff member so many things about yourself and about others. That One could summarize it bluntly as an ideal way to lead a process is something so useful and so precious whatever spiritual path. The daily schedule is there to help you keep you end up doing in life. the discipline, the swamis and other staff members are

YOGALife I Summer 2009 45

YOGALife I Summer 2009 47 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 Vishnu- devananda’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,

48 YOGALife I Summer 2009 The Power of a Smile

of a because it Smilewas a genuine smile, absolutely pure and of life, following the principles of yoga, is found in selfless. All that was necessary was to receive it with service. The more energy we put into inspiring and an open heart, so that this inspiration would last for serving others through the teaching of yoga, the more many years to come. will flow back to us in the form of divine energy. To serve From this smile, and from those words and first instruct- is the essence of yoga. ions, arose the project, involving constant and delib- I have seen many people come through the Madrid erate work, which today enables close to 700 students Centre, great masters and swamis, who each have left to come through the doors on Eraso Street every week, their own mark in the growth of the centre. I have seen where the Sivananda Yoga Centre of Madrid is located. teachers with admirable dedication, and hundreds of All is done in His name, the same way He did students of every possible background, each with diverse everything in the name of his teacher, following the and vibrant talents, all coming to experience yoga. I have Gurukula tradition. In the West, we are still surprised seen numerous yogis who have dedicated themselves when we come into contact with somebody from India entirely to selfless service, cooking, sweeping, tidying and who asks us: “Who is your Master? With whom did you teaching, greeting the students, doing the accounts – our learn?” We are so used to speaking about ourselves income is ever insufficient but always well invested! – as the centre of the universe. Working every day translating, preparing herbal tea and baking cookies, in the service of others, leaving behind our identity washing up of pots and pans. Many people have come is something very important in our Sadhana. and gone, they have continued on their path and I am Swami Vishnudevananda always acted in the sure they are carrying deep in themselves the teachings name of his Master. He was already a well known and of our masters and the smile of Swami Vishnudevananda, respected Master himself when many people came the teachings of the universal knowledge of Vedanta: to see him in the European cities during the seventies. adapt, adjust, accommodate. This is the essence of yoga. However, when I met him in 1974, he spoke only of Sivananda, of his Master, to whom he dedicated each The valuable experience of the teacher of his actions. His boundless energy and creativity to training course: a reality bring yoga in Spain has today turned into a solid project One of the examples of the effect of this smile was the that has been progressing steadily. “Stay in one place establishment of the Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) and be faithful to one spiritual master, to one system of in Spain. The first TTC that Swami Vishnudevananda led yoga”, Swamiji would say. “Have patience, a strong will in Europe took place in Galicia, this green and beautiful and tireless perseverance”, Swami Sivananda would say. land in the northwest of Spain. Swamiji always liked this This first smile is now a Yoga Centre which land, as the greenness reminded him of Canada. The first is growing slowly and steadily. Teachers’ Training Course in Spain took place 1985. There have now been eleven teachers’ training courses held in The service as staff, as a karma yogi Spain. The course is held between the months of August Through selfless service your heart is purified. “Egoism, and September, in the heat and the colours of summer. hate, jealousy and above all the feeling of superiority, So far the course was held in Mojacar and Turre disappear”, said Swami Sivananda. The true meaning in Almeria, Santillana in Madrid, Barajas de Melo in

YOGALife I Summer 2009 49 The Power of a Smile

Cuenca, and Aluenda in Zaragoza. These places are available in many bookshops, and of course at the Yoga converted into a travelling ashram with the combined Centres of Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Madrid. efforts of many people. After a month of group practice Apart from the translation of the work of Swami of asanas, pranayama and meditation at dawn and dusk, Sivananda in recent years we have also worked with they become magical and sacred places which attract us various periodical publications, in particular the Spanish year after year. edition of the magazine Yoga Journal in which we publish a section called “living yoga each month”, with practical The literary work of Swami Sivananda inspirations from the teachings of Swami Sivananda. in Spanish Translating is a great service and it is worthwhile Another of the powerful manifestations of the thought of to dedicate oneself to it for a period of time every day, Swami Vishnudevananda was to put us in touch with the even if only for a few minutes. It is a form of meditation, immense and enriching literary work of his Master Swami allowing us to stay in touch with knowledge. Sivananda. Thousands of people have been touched by *** his close to three hundred books, written and translated As I contemplate the work of many yogis at the Madrid into most Indian languages and the main European Centre, the development of the Teachers’ Training languages. His literary work is very extensive and deep, Courses in Spain, and the expansion of Swami Sivananda and at the same time deliberately simple to reach people influence through his books, I realise that this first smile of various intellectual capacity. of Swami Vishnudevananda didn’t even belong to him, Despite the efforts of many selfless yogis in the and that it was the strength of his Master Swami recent years and, amongst others, of the Sivananda Yoga Sivananda which was shining in his face. Centres in Montevideo, Uruguay and in Madrid, Spain, It has been almost 35 years since I experienced this not all books of Swami Sivananda have been translated first smile and I cannot feel anything but an immense from English into Spanish. gratitude towards him, his teachings, and the way in Many Spanish speaking people do not have sufficient which he, in so many ways, brought us the knowledge knowledge of the English language to be able to read the of Swami Sivananda, the universal knowledge of the work of the Great Master in English, and we find it a very great masters. An eternal knowledge, invigorating worthy purpose to make this work available to them in us with ever renewed energy. their native language. To achieve this end, we have put Behind this smile of Swami Vishnudevananda, together a group of people to translate the books of I can now feel the smile of Swami Sivananda. Swami Sivananda. This effort is dedicated to Swami Vishnudevananda. This small group reviews, on both sides Gopala has been Swami Vishnudevananda’s disciple since of the Atlantic, the books already translated and focuses 1975 and is General Manager on translating others. This is a great and most inspiring in the Spanish General Council work, undertaken with patience and great hope. A good for the Judiciary. number of translations have already been produced e-mail: [email protected]" through this effort. Books of Swami Sivananda are now

AH istoricR eception SPANISHN EWS 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 Pictured: The Indian President and her husband (seated centre), the Yoga Vedanta Centres were acknowledged by the Ambass- Indian Ambassador seated far right, and Gopala and his wife Dolly ador as “Indians in spirit and at heart because their (standing second and third from left), representatives of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres at the official reception. friendship for India is deep and all encompassing”.

50 YOGALife I Summer 2009 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 Twenty dollars a day for food and water might not seem or a grain of rice? Have you seen an elephant move logs much in Western terms but it is lot in India where a labourer of wood with which even a machine would struggle? We earns on average one hundred dollars a month. India has were blessed to be able to ride bareback on fifteen such 3,500 domesticated elephants with approximately 600 magnificent beasts. Organised by the Elephant Welfare Trust in Kerala. Most of them are used for commercial purposes. of India (EWTI), these majestic animals were transported The EWTI, composed of concerned persons and veterinary from neighbouring areas especially for this ride. How surgeons, have taken up the cause of these gentle giants. beautiful they were, how elegant and precise in their They plan to buy land which will serve as a rehabilitation movements, how sweet and gentle when we boarded them, centre for diseased, aged and abandoned elephants. Other how noble and proud as we paraded the streets of Palakkad issues include the screening and treatment of infectious in south India. A sight to behold. An experience imprinted diseases such as TB, maintaining minimum standards of deep into the souls of all those who came to pay tribute. comfort for elephants during festivals, setting up a mobile Elephants are known to live as long as humans. No major veterinary clinic, simplifying insurance for captive elephants, festival or procession is complete without at least one training and welfare of mahouts (elephant handlers), elephant leading the way. These cousins of Lord Ganesha cultivation and supply of balanced feeds for captive have become an integral part of Kerala culture. Besides their elephants and mass education on elephants. ceremonial role they are hard workers in the forest industry. Their working life generally extends to forty years. Thereafter If you wish to help contact Dr Joju Davis, telephone: they are often abandoned due to high maintenance costs. + 91 9447417100, email: [email protected]

YOGALife I Summer 2009 51 Sivananda Ashram and Centre News

Ashram & Centre News

VAL MORIN, CANADA MONTREAL, CANADA Sivananda Yoga Ashram HQ Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre The Camp will see the opening of The Ayurveda The year 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of Centre, a clinic that will start operating during the founding of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta the summer months of 2009. The Centre is Centre in Montreal. Swami Vishnudevananda housed in a building that has been custom built established the Centre in 1959 and using it as to accommodate two massage rooms, with his base, spread the teachings of yoga through- living accommodation for the therapists and out the world. We would like to thank all the including a consultation room for our ayurvedic staff, teachers and students who have come doctor. The design, by Zev Daniels, has been during these 50 years and who have, through created on vastu principles. their interest and enthusiasm contributed Original massage tables, made of mahogany, to the growth and expansion of the Centre have been brought in from Kerala and many and the organisation. May the Centre flourish of the oils and herbs used will be shipped with the grace and guidance of Swami directly from India. Consultations will be given Vishnudevananda and his master Swami on a residential and non-residential basis, with Sivananda, and continue to bring the glorious extended panchakarma and rejuvenation teachings of yoga to many future generations. programmes held in July and August. The building is winterised and the programme will be extended over the coming seasons. PARIS, FRANCE Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre

NETALA, INDIA Sivananda Kutir The Paris centre has moved to a new location, which allows teaching large classes without a 10 minutes away from the previous one. Its loca- microphone. A ventilation system has just been With the grace of the Gurus we have tion is perfect for us: it is 2 minutes from the installed. The meditation room already has purchased a new Ashram across the River the East train station, with direct trains to Munich, a wonderful vibration, with two newly installed Ganges in close proximity to our existing 10 minutes from the North train station, with Krishna and Ganesha Murtis. Ashram in Netala. The buildings are nestled direct trains to London and 20 minutes from Our students love their new centre and the staff against the bank of the Mother Ganga and the Austerlitz train station, with direct trains feel very uplifted to be able to pass on the situated opposite Swami Vishnu’s Samadhi to the Ashram in Neuville aux bois. teachings of the Masters in this very rock, the place where Swamiji’s body entered The new centre is on the ground floor in a yard. representative place. If you come to Paris, the Ganges in 1993. Its 550 m2 include a spacious entrance and please stop by the centre! We look forward It lies at the gateway to the holy pilgrimage reception area with a lovely boutique. The main to welcoming you soon. centre of Gangotri, where Swami Vishnudevananda asana room is very large, and can accommodate Address: 140 rue du Fg St Martin 75010 Paris. spent many months in the Sivananda cave 80 students. The accoustics are very good 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 MUNICH, GERMANY Netala Ashram. 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.

52 YOGALife I Summer 2009 LONDON, ENGLAND Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre BERLIN, GERMANY Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Gateway to Eastern Europe

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 The London Centre has gone through a mira- the Sivananda Peace Garden in June 2008 Vishnudevananda to a much wider spectrum of culous transformation over the past 18 months with the planting of a magnificent cherry people. The first Sivananda Centre in Eastern with the addition of the newly acquired blossom tree. The garden beautifully integrates Europe is opening in October in Vilnius, property at 45 Felsham Road. After a 12 month the new property to the existing one and Lithuania. Swami Atmaramananda with the help period of construction and renovations, the new features a water fountain and a beautiful of close local Sivananda teachers found a suitable addition to the Centre was completed, inaugur- array of green shrubs and seasonal blooms. location. The Lithuanian Yogis are looking ated and lovingly named Swamiji’s Kutir. Students are enamoured with the new space forward very much to the opening of the new We now have a large, open shop space and we have already set our sights on future centre and are keen on helping to run it. as well as additional teaching space on the projects, all aimed at bringing the priceless basement and upper floors. The new addition teachings of Master and Swamiji to a gave birth to a lovely green space christened larger public.

REITH NEAR KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA Sivananda Yoga Retreat House The Sivananda Yoga Retreat House has in- Plans for some architectural improvements and creased it’s capacity with the addition of a further expansion are on the way. 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, NEYYAR DAM, INDIA as well as a spacious living room with a fire place and kitchen attached. There is also a Sivananda Yoga Vedanta small garden around the house with a wooden Dhanwantari Ashram asana platform. Kailash Kutir is ready to accomm- odate yoga guests, special guest speakers as Over two years well as visiting staff. It is also an ideal place for ago, a monu- special study courses and cooking workshops. mental statue of Lord Siva in the form of the Cosmic Dancer, Nataraja, was commissioned MILAN, ITALY Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre by the Neyyar Dam Ashram. Early this The Sivananda farmhouses, and beautiful vistas of the year on the Yoga Vedanta surrounding countryside. auspicious date of February 23 2009, the Centres in Italy Swami Rajeshwarananda has transferred from day of Sivaratri when Lord Siva is worshipped have had great Montreal to become director of the Centre continually for twenty four hours, the install- developments in in Rome and Swami Jnaneswariananda is ation of the murthi took place. the first months setting up a new Sivananda Centre in Milan. Over three hundred people chanted the mantra of 2009. The presence of the Executive Board members Om Namah Sivaya and bhajans extolling the Swami Vishnu- in Rome for the EBM meeting in March gave virtues and glory of Lord Siva, while Potti Swami devananda’s a boost of prana to the staff in Italy and accompanied by priests and aides performed The Complete the encouragement of the acharyas was the final rite of opening Lord Nataraja’s eyes. Illustrated Book of Yoga has been published in most appreciated. The statue was created by the renowned vastu Italian, with a modern layout and cover design architect and designer, Dr Ganapathi Stapathi. by one of the major publishers in Italy, Edizione  Work was executed by Radhakrishna Stapathi. Mediterrannee. This is well in time for the first The statue weighs 1500 kg and is made from Teachers' Training Course in Italy to be held in We were saddened to hear that Tara, an five metals: copper, bronze, lead, silver and gold. September 2009. The course will held at an affiliated teacher on the Isle of Elba, left her It stands in splendour in the Siva Hall of the agriturismo in Umbria, 2 hours north of Rome, body in March and we pray that Master and Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, which features a working farm providing Swamiji guide and comfort her husband, Neyyar Dam. organic produce, restored 19th century Ganapathi, and children Vrinda and Anjaneya.

YOGALife I Summer 2009 53 “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 Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), on the auspiciousness of the festival is in pilgrimage that takes place four times banks of the Shipra river. part attributable to this. every twelve years (approximately Nasik (Maharashtra), on the banks The major event of the festival is once every three years) at one of the of the Godavari river. to bathe at certain sacred spots of following four locations of India: the river on certain auspicious days. Kumbh Mela is attended by Other activities include religious Haridwar (Uttar Pradesh), which millions of people on a single day. litterally means the “Gateway to discussions, devotional singing, mass On January 15th 2007, the most feeding of holy men and women God”, where the river Ganga enters auspicious day of the Kumbha Mela the plains from the Himalayas. This and the poor, as well as religious in Allahabad, more than 5 million assemblies where doctrines are is where the next Kumbha Mela will participated. Over 45 days beginning take place in March & April 2010. debated and standardized. A large in January 2007, more than tented city is erected and pilgrims Prayag, also known as Allahabad, 70 million Hindu pilgrims took part stay at tents owned by Pandas in the state of Uttar Pradesh at the in the pilgrimage, making it by far the (religious and spiritual guides) and confluence of three holy rivers: Ganga largest peaceful gathering anywhere at various ashrams. Others will just (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati in the world. Thousands of holy men camp on the ground or turn up for where it will be held in 2013. and women (monks, saints and the actual bathing day. sadhus) also attend, and the

54 YOGALife I Summer 2010 Kumbha Mela

After visiting the Kumbh Mela Origins and History of the Kumbha Mela of 1895, Mark Twain wrote: “It is wonderful, The Kumbha Mela is celebrated according to Hindu Vedic Astrology the power of a when the planet of Brihaspati moves into the zodiac sign of Aquarius faith like that, or Kumbha. It finds mention in several Hindu sacred scriptures that can make including the Srimad Bhagavatam, Vishnu Purana, Mahabharata multitudes upon and Ramayana. multitudes of the The Gods had lost their strength, and to regain it, they thought of old and weak and churning the Ksheera Saghara (primordial ocean of milk) for amrit (the the young and nectar of immortality). This required them to make a temporary agreement frail enter without with their arch enemies, the demons or Asuras, to work together with hesitation or com- a promise of sharing the nectar equally thereafter. However, when the plaint upon such incredible journeys Kumbha (urn) containing the amrita appeared, a fight ensued. For twelve and endure the resultant miseries days and twelve nights (equivalent to twelve human years) the gods and without repining. It is done in love, demons fought in the sky for the pot of amrita. It is believed that during or it is done in fear; I do not know the battle, the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu, flew away with which it is. No matter what the the Kumbha of elixir and drops of amrita fell at four places on earth: impulse is, the act born of it is Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and beyond imagination, marvellous Nashik, and that is where the to our kind of people.” Kumbha (pitcher) Mela (gathering) is observed every twelve years.

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

YOGALife I Summer 2009 55 Sivananda Ashram and Centre News

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 Maharaja of Travancore is welcomed to the new Trivandrum Sivananda Yoga The Centre, situated on the busy main road Vedanta Centre by Swami Mahadevananda to the Airport, is an oasis of calm and and Sri Potti Swami serenity, built according to vastu principles.

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 during his visit to the Kowdiar Palace in1950, of the Maharaja, a man of acuity and grace. His as a guest of the then Maharaja of Travancore. way to the front door and the ceremonial ribbon The programme reflected the joy of Swami Vishnu- was lined by Kerala women bedecked in traditional devananda’s mission, to bring yoga to all people. dress, strewing rose and jasmine petals before the Formal speeches by the Maharaja and Swami royal figure. A quick snip of the scissors by Mahadevananda were followed by a bandhara H.H. Padmanabhadasa Uhtradam Thirunal feeding the five hundred present, followed by Marthanda Varma Maharaja, and the Centre was satsang with Swami Mahadevananda and closing formally declared open. The Maharaja graciously with a beautiful veena concert. The Centre is now donated an armchair used by Swami Sivananda operational with classes and satsang in full swing.

56 YOGALife I Summer 2010 “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 Mahadev, staff at the Yoga Ranch, has happily joined me in the operation of the from both the city ovens as Project. He is a great help, working enthusiastically in New York, and began resuming well as at the Ranch.” 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.

Dear Swami Padmapadananda, My Dearest Swami, Namaste, Prisoners I hope this finds you deeply immersed I thank you sincerely for the copy of Thank you for the Complete Illustrated in the joy of the Self and in good health. the Meditation and Mantras that you Book of Yoga. It is exactly what I have Letters Thank you very much for sending the sent me. I have begun to read it and been looking for. It has helped me Meditation and Mantras book. It is truly considering how much I enjoy increase my understanding a lot. an excellent book and I have studied it meditation, I am sure it will help lots I especially enjoy the information in the closely. Swami Vishnudevananda did a in guiding my path. I would like to take book about vegetarianism. This is new Letter from a prison chaplain tremendous job in covering the subject this opportunity to further thank you to me but it is also very important. I am Dear Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, of meditation in great depth and for all you've done for me and for your very devoted to my practice to include breadth, both theory and practice. kind words and attention. The books my diet, which is not as easy as you I wish to express our gratitude for the I am sure I will read it many more times that you so graciously provided me might think in prison. I would like to books you sent to our chapel. The books because I have benefited greatly and with gave me two most valuable request your help and guidance with have already been placed into our have incorporated some of his instruments: Yoga and Meditation. my spiritual practices. I am experiencing Chapel Resource Center for checkout. They provided me with a way to suggestions in my practice. I really liked difficulty with painful thoughts and The inmates' options in prison are quite channel some of the pent up energy the commentary on Patanjali's Yoga memories; any advice for this or diet or limited and it is through people/ and most of the frustrations and Sutras. Thanks again for your kindness anything to do with spiritual growth organizations like yours that help them stress that I had and will encounter in and generosity. This incarceration has would be greatly appreciated. to better themselves while in prison. life. I want you to know that you are truly become an extended spiritual It also helps to remind them that even appreciated. A prison is always filled CF retreat for me and you should know though they are in prison for whatever with lots of darkness and gloom. that I have benefited greatly from your they have done, not everyone is society Sometimes easily comparable to a advice and books in my sadhana. has given up on them. It reminds them cemetery where a person vegetates May the Lord keep you joyful and there are still compassionate people in before dying (on the inside). I've seen peaceful always. the world that are willing to give of it first hand in many people. On the other hand, it could also be compared themselves to help those who are less With great love and respect, D fortunate. Thank you very much, from to a seminary where a person can both the inmates and myself. study, look at life, and even analyze to see where it is that went wrong DS, SOU Chaplain (which is what I tried to do). Be well, LCR

YOGALife I Summer 2009 57 Sivananda Ashram and Centre Addresses

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center ASHRAMS CENTRES 3/655 Kaveri Nagar, Kuppam Road, Kottivakkam 243 West 24th Street Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp ARGENTINA Chennai 600 041, Tamil Nadu, INDIA New York, NY 10011, USA 673, 8th Avenue Val Morin Tel: +91.44.2451.1626 Tel: +1.212.255.4560 Quebec J0T 2R0, CANADA Centro Internaciónal de Yoga Sivananda or +91.44 2451.2546 Fax: +1.212.727.7392 Tel: +1.819.322.3226 Sánchez de Bustamante 2372 - (C.P. 1425) e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Capital Federal - Buenos Aires - Argentina Fax: +1.819.322.5876 Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Tel: +54.11.4804 7813 e-mail: [email protected] Plot # 101 (Old No 23), Dr Sathar Road Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center Fax: +54.11.4805 4270 Anna Nagar, Madurai 625 020 1200 Arguello Blvd e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch Tamil Nadu, INDIA San Francisco, CA 94122, USA P.O. Box 195, Budd Road Tel: +91.452-2521170 Tel: +1.415.681.2731 Woodbourne, NY 12788, U.S.A. AUSTRIA Fax: +91.4552-4393445 Fax: +1.415.681.5162 Tel: +1.845.436.6492 Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Fax: +1.845.434.1032 Prinz Eugen Strasse 18 Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center [email protected] A -1040 Vienna, AUSTRIA ISRAEL 13325 Beach Avenue Tel:: +43.1.586.3453 Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Marina del Rey, CA 90292, USA Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Fax: +43.1.587.1551 6 Lateris St Tel: +1.310.822.9642 P.O. Box N7550 Paradise Island, Nassau, e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] BAHAMAS Tel Aviv 64166, ISRAEL Tel: +1.242.363.2902 CANADA Tel: +972.3.691.6793 URUGUAY Fax: +1.242.363.3783 Fax: +972.3.696.3939 Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Asociación de Yoga Sivananda 5178 St Lawrence Blvd Acevedo Díaz 1523 Montreal, Quebec H2T 1R8, CANADA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta ITALY 11200 Montevideo, URUGUAY Tel: +1.514.279.3545 Dhanwantari Ashram Tel: +598.2.401.09.29 / 401.66.85 Fax: +1.514.279.3527 Centro Yoga Vedanta Sivananda Roma P.O.Neyyar Dam Fax: +598.2.400.73.88 e-mail: [email protected] via Oreste Tommasini, 7 Thiruvananthapuram Dt. 00162 Rome, ITALY [email protected] Kerala, 695 572, INDIA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre tel: +39 06 4549 6529 Tel: +91.471.227.3093 / 2703 77 Harbord Street fax: +39 06 9725 9356 +91.949.563. 0951 (mobile) Toronto, Ontario M5S 1G4, CANADA [email protected] AFFILIATED CENTRES Fax: +91.471.227.2093 Tel: +1.416.966.9642 Centro Yoga Vedanta Sivananda Milano e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] ARGENTINA Milan, ITALY Phone: +39 334 760 5376 Centro de Yoga Sivananda Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm FRANCE email: [email protected] Centro de Yoga Sivananda 14651 Ballantree Lane Centre Sivananda de Yoga Vedanta Carlos y Laura Chiarotto Grass Valley, CA 95949, U.S.A. 140 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin Alderete 97- Neuquén (8300), Tel: +1.530.272.9322 LITHUANIA F-75010 Paris, FRANCE ARGENTINA Fax: +1.530.477.6054 Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Tel: +33.1.40.26.77.49 Tel: +54.299.4331774/ 4484879 e-mail: [email protected] Opening in October 2009 Fax: +33.1.42.33.51.97 e-mail: [email protected] For information contact Swami Atmaramanda e-mail: [email protected] Sivananda Yoga Vedanta e-mail: [email protected] AUSTRALIA Meenakshi Ashram GERMANY Near Pavanna Vilakku Junction, SPAIN Sivananda Yoga Centre New Natham Road, Saramthangi Village Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum Kamala Devi, The ‘Shellin’ 40 Ninth Avenue Centro de Yoga Sivananda Vedanta Madurai Dist. 625 503 Steinheilstrasse 1 Katoomba 2700 N.S.W. AUSTRALIA Centro de Yoga Sivananda Vedanta Tamil Nadu, South INDIA D-80333 Munich, GERMANY Tel: (047) 82-32-45 Calle Eraso 4 Tel: +91.94421.90661 Tel: +49.89.700.9669.0 e-mail: [email protected] E-28028 Madrid, SPAIN e-mail: [email protected] Fax: +49.89.700.9669.69 Tel: +34.91.361.5150 e-mail: [email protected] BOLIVIA Fax: +34.91.361.5194 Sivananda Kutir Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum e-mail: [email protected] Centro de Yoga Sivananda Santa Cruz (Near Siror Bridge) Schmiljanstrasse 24 Calle Junin #271 P.O. Netala, Uttar Kashi Dt, D-12161 Berlin, GERMANY Santa Cruz de la Sierra, BOLIVIA Uttaranchal, Himalayas, 249 193, SWITZERLAND Tel: +49.30.8599.9798 Tel/Fax: +591.333.1508 North INDIA Centre Sivananda de Yoga Vedanta Fax: +49.30.8599.9797 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +91.1374.224.159 or +91 9411.330.495 Centre Sivananda de Yoga Vedanta e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] 1 Rue des Minoteries BRAZIL CH-1205 Geneva, SWITZERLAND Sivananda Yoga Retreat House INDIA Tel: +41.22.328.03.28 Centro Sivananda de Yoga Vedanta Bichlach 40 Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Nataraja Centre Fax: +41.22.328.03.59 Rua Santo Antonio, 374 A- 6370 Reith bei Kitzbühel, Tyrol, AUSTRIA A-41 Kailash Colony e-mail: [email protected] Porto Alegre 90220-010 -RS, BRAZIL Tel: +43.5356.67.404 New Delhi 110 048, INDIA Tel: +55.51.3024.7717 Fax: +43.5356.67.4044 Tel: +91.11. 292.40869 UNITED KINGDOM e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] or +91.11. 292 30962 www.sivanandayoga.com.br Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre e-mail: [email protected] 51 Felsham Road Centro Sivananda de Yoga Vedanta Château du Yoga Sivananda Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dwarka Centre London SW15 1AZ Rua das Palmeiras n/13 26 Impasse du Bignon PSP Pocket, Swami Sivananda Marg, UNITED KINGDOM Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro CEP 20270-070 45170 Neuville aux bois, FRANCE Sector - 6 (Behind DAV school) Tel: +44.20.8780.0160 BRAZIL Tel: +33.2.38.91.88.82 Dwarka, New Delhi, 110075 INDIA Fax: +44.20.8780.0128 Tel: +55.21.2266.4896 Fax: +33.2.38.91.18.09 Tel: +91 11 6456 8526 e-mail: [email protected] www.sivanandayoga.com.br e-mail: [email protected] Or +91.1145566016 e-mail: [email protected] UNITED STATES CANADA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre TC37/1927 (5), Airport Road, West Fort, 1246 West Bryn Mawr Avenue Sivaram & Sasi Thiruvananthapuram Kerala, INDIA Chicago, IL 60660, USA “Lakshmi”, 108 Des Berges Tel +91 0471 245 0942, +91 (0)9497008432 Tel: +1.773.878.7771 Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, J7V 9X2, CANADA Email: [email protected] Fax: +1.773.878.7527 Tel: +1.450 510 2656/+1.450 510 2657 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail [email protected]

58 YOGALife I Summer 2009 Yoga Sivananda de l'Outaouais Sivananda Yoga Centre JAMAICA UKRAINE Catherine Gillies (Kumari) #236,5th Cross, 3rd Block, 745 Chemin d'Aylmer H R B R Layout, Sivananda Yoga Centre Sivananda Yoga Centre Gatineau (secteur Aylmer) Bangalore , Karnataka, 560043, INDIA 17 Tremaine Road Valentina Nikitina Québec, J9H 0B8, CANADA Tel: +91 80 57637144, Kingston 6 Jamaica Sadovaya Str 60, Tel: +1.819 684-2084 Mobile: +91 9448464448 WEST INDIES 95050 Simferopol, Crimea, UKRAINE e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +1 876 381 1504 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] www.yoga-aylmer.com Arsha Yoga Gurukulam Victoria Rybachuk (Savitri) Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Vancouver Double Cutting JAPAN Street Baggovutivska 3/15, Flat 88, 280-2010 East 48th Calvarimount Post Kyiv 04107, UKRAINE Vancouver, B.C. V5P 1R8, CANADA Idukki (Dt), Kerala 680 681, INDIA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Japan Tel: +380 44 4833683 Tel: +1.604 321 9039 Tel: +91 480284 6080 Suite 1002 Yoyogi Cityhomes Mobile: +380 679925623 [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Sendagaya 5-26-5 E-mail: [email protected] www.arshayoga.org Shibuya, Tokyo COLUOMBIA Sivananda Yoga Centre, Gurgaon JAPAN UNITED STATES Tel +81.03 5969 8311 The Yoga Center Atma Yoga M13/23 DLF Phase II Gurgaon 122002 e-mail [email protected] Tara Durga Devi (Terry Crane) Antioquia, Medellín, COLOMBIA and Bhavani (Mary Keeney) www.atman-yoga.org Haryana, INDIA Tel: +91 0124 2581353 LEBANON 235 Dorris Place, [email protected] Stockton, CA 95204 e-mail:[email protected] Sivananda Yoga Centre Tel: (57 - 4) 311 11 32 Phone # 209-463-3330 Sivananda Yoga Centre Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Website: www.stocktonyoga.com 522 Couraud Street #3A FRANCE L-12, 26th Street e-mail: [email protected] Centre de Yoga Sruthi Annanagar East Gemayzeh, Beirut, LEBANON 18 rue Savorgnan de Brazza, Chennai , Tamil Nadu, 600102, INDIA Tel: +961-1-566-770 Vishnudevananda Yoga Vedanta Center 14000 Caen, FRANCE Tel: +91 44 26630978 e-mail: [email protected] 1034 Delaware Street Tel: 06 86 88 69 78 or 02 31 73 26 41 e-mail : [email protected] Berkeley, CA 94710, USA NEW ZEALAND Tel: +1.510.273.2447 GERMANY INDONESIA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre e-mail: [email protected] www.vishnuyoga.org International Sivananda Yoga Centre Bali Yoga and Wellness 145a Tukapa Street Kleiner Kielort 8 Beate McLatchie Westown, New Plymouth, NEW ZEALAND Yoga and Inner Peace 20144 Hamburg, GERMANY Jl Tunjung Mekar 58 Tel : +64(0)6 7538234 3964 Lake Worth Road Tel: +49.40.41.42.45.46 Br Peliatan, Kerobakan [email protected] Lake Worth FL33461-4054, USA e-mail: [email protected] Bali, INDONESIA www.sivanandayoga.co.nz Tel: +1.561.641.8888 www.artyoga.de Tel: +62 8123804046 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] POLAND Yoga Warehouse INDIA www.baliyogawellness.com Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centrum Shyam and Mohini Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre ul.Friedleina 20/6 508 SW Flagler Ave. # 79, 4th cross, 4th Block, 16th Main ISRAEL 30-009 Krakow, POLAND Fort Lauderdale Koramangala, Bangalore -560034 Sivananda Yoga Centre Tel: +48 12 634 43 83, +48 604 460 166 Florida 33301, USA Karnataka State, INDIA 3 Reuven Street e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +1 954 525-7726 Tel: +91.80.2563.4991 Jerusalem, ISRAEL www.yoga.krakow.pl e-mail [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +972.2.671.4854 www.yogawarehouse.org e-mail: [email protected] PORTUGAL Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Swami Sundarananda Sivananda Yoga Centre Centro de Yoga Sivananda Vedanta 'Laksmi Sadan' 8 Amnon and Tamar Street, Apt 1 de Lisboa College Road Herzelia, ISRAEL Rua Jose Carlos dos Santos Palakkad, Kerala 678 001, INDIA Tel: +972.9.9561004 No. 12 – 1 Andar Tel: +91.491.254.5117 / 254.4549 e-mail: [email protected] 1700-257 Lisbon, e-mail: [email protected] PORTUGAL Sivananda Yoga Center Tel: +351 217971431 Sivananda Yoga Centre 11a Einstein Street e-mail: [email protected] Ajitha Vijayaraghavan Haifa 34605, ISRAEL www.sivananda.pt E-94 Income Tax Quarters Tel: +972.4.8111921 Panampilly Nagar e-mail: [email protected] SINGAPORE Kochi, Kerala 682 036, INDIA Tel: +91.484.231.3418 ITALY Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre e.mail: [email protected] Affiliated Singapore Sivananda Yoga Firenze Harbour Front Centre Post Office T Raghavan Via de' Marsili 1 PO Box 026 Kripa, Kundanmur 50125 Firenze, ITALY Singapore 910930, SINGAPORE Maradu P.O. Tel +39 055 230 2250 Tel: +65 90679100 Kochi 682304, Kerala, INDIA In Sabina Yoga Centre [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Torri in Sabina Sivananda Yoga Centre Lazio, ITALY UNITED KINGDOM Sarath Kumar Tel: +39.340.387.6028 Universal Yoga Balan K. Nair Road, Asokapuram, e-mail: [email protected] (Chandrika) Redhill House, Kozhikode, Kerala 673 001, INDIA www.insabina.com Red Hill, Camerton, Bath, Tel: +91. 495 2771754/2770384 BA2 0NY, UK Mobile +91 944 6953652 Tel: 01761 470 658 e-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

YOGALife I Summer 2009 59 Inter-Religious and Inter-Cultural Understanding

The International Institute of Integral Human Sciences (IIIHS) Montreal, Canada. Founded in 1975 by Dr. John Rossner

This is an invitation to join It serves over 10,000 an exciting worldwide general members and family involved in the students from all walks exploration of: of life, with the objective •New sciences of con- of inter-religious and sciousness and healing inter-cultural under- •New paradigms for the standing for world peace. convergence of science, spirituality and more The Quest for humane values in the Universal Human global village. Values in the •New insights into the World's Religions 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 repre- membership 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, of inter-religious and inter-cultural Yogis, Spiritualists, New including a number of Religionists, Atheists, prominent medical doctors, understanding for world peace” Agnostics, and Free- psychiatrists, 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 spiritual and psychic sciences to their proper place By graduating from the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ alongside of the natural, physical and social sciences. Training Course or Diploma Courses offered at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, you can earn credits A Global Family, East & West for Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. university programmes. with a Noble Objective Today the IIIHS family has professional and general For further information, please contact: members or associates in many nations, East & West, and International Institute of Integral Human Sciences an affiliated network of Spiritual Science Fellowship 1974 de Maisonneuve West, Montreal, PQ, H3H 1K5, Canada, chapters and other cooperating groups in North America. www.iiihs.com

60 YOGALife I Summer 2009 International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres Teaching location: Vrindavan, North India

International Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Intensive Ayurvedic Nutrition Seminar Training Course (TTC) 17 March – 3 April 2010 10 October – 8 November 2009 With Ayurveda Acharyas from Pune, India. With Certificate. 6 March – 3 April 2010 North Indian Pilgrimage Advanced International Sivananda 30 October – 8 November 2009: Vrindavan Yoga Teachers’ Training Course (ATTC) 9 – 17 November 2009: Agra | Jaipur | Varanasi | Delhi 10 October – 8 November 2009 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

Swami Swami Reith / , Tyrol, Austria Sivananda Vishnudevananda

Mountains, rivers, lakes, fresh air – Just like the Himalayas

INTERNATIONAL YOGA AYURVEDA NUTRITION / SPECIAL PROGRAMS TEACHERS’ TRAINING COURSE COOKING COURSE (ANC) WITH YOGA ACHARYAS AND · With Internationally Recognised Certificate August 10 – 30, 2009 INTERNATIONAL GUEST SPEAKERS · Course in English language with simultaneous Certificate upon Completion translation into German; please ask for · YOGA PHILOSOPHY AND SATSANGS · With Ayurveda Acharya from India Spanish, French and Italian translation. Swami Durgananda, Yoga Acharya · Daily Cooking workshops with authentic recipies · Ayurveda Nutrition Science · ASANA SPECIAL WORKSHOPS May 23 – June 21, 2009 (German) · Yoga classes, Yoga lectures, Meditation Swami Sivadasananda, Yoga Acharya August 1 – August 29, 2009 · EASTERN WISDOM MELODIES September 5 – October 4, 2009 Sri Venugopal Goswami and Ensemble (reduced price) December 19 – January 17, 2010 · JYOTISHA - VEDIC ASTROLOGY July 2 – July 29, 2010 (German) Stephen Quong, California, USA August 1 – August 29, 2010 · HOLISTIC HEALTH WITH ENERGY MEDICINE December 18 – January 16, 2011 Dr. Fadel Behman, Montreal, Canada YEAR ROUND YOGA VACATION · AYURVEDA NUTRITION SPECIAL Free Choice of arrival and departure dates Dr. Shanti Kumar Kamlesh, North India WIDE CHOICE OF SEMINARS · MANTRAS ANS MYSTICISM OF YOGA Yoga Relaxation Days Sri Potty Swami, Kerala, South India Yoga and Hiking · YOGA AND MENTAL HEALTH Yoga Vitality Week Dr. Uma Krishnamurthi, Asana Practice Days Bangalore, India 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