We think that our life depends upon oxygen. Oxygen in the air supports and helps the maintenance of the gross physical body, but it is the prana coming from the astral body to the physical body which makes this body alive.
What is the difference between a live body and a dead body? A live body contains prana. Chanting, worship, meditation, pranayama and asanas recharge prana. Negative thought depletes prana. Before you go to sleep, increase your vibration level with a little pranayama, meditation and japa, or repetition of mantra. Don't drop off directly into bed without lifting your vibration level. When you get up, you will see that you have been fully recharged. Otherwise, your body is under tension and, like a tap dripping water, it will drip prana unnecessarily so that when you wake up, you won't even have the energy to get up.
In 1991, I went on a pilgrimage to India to spend some time with my Guru, Swami Vishnu-devananda. From Delhi, we travelled to Dehradun where we met up with the rest of the small group and Swamiji.
As well as travelling to the Southern temples, Swamiji was most fond of pilgrimage to the Ganges and Himalayas. We travelled in 2 cars from Dehradun to our first stop at the Divine Life Ashram of Master, Swami Sivananda, in Rishikesh. Here, with Swamiji, we paid our respects at Master's Samadhi shrine.
From Rishikesh, it's a long day's journey up the winding mountain roads to Gangotri, where Swamiji has his Guha(cave) by the River Ganges.
It was getting dark and the drivers were understandably anxious about driving in the dark on those narrow steep roads, so they urged Swamiji to stop. I don't know how Swamiji did this, but he told them exactly where to pullover. It was the most perfect spot for us. A short climb up the side of the mountain, there was a small plateau, just enough to put up a couple of tents, and a stream down the side of the mountain. We camped there t under the Himalayan night sky, which was the most amazing memorable experience. The stars were magical. Swami Mahadev taught me the correct, Indian way to eat a mango! You squeeze and gently roll it in your hands till its soft, bite a little hole, then drink the delicious juice.
Swamiji was always on the move, and I don't know if he slept at all. I was just getting comfortable in the tent, just about to nod off, when we were woken up and told Swamiji was getting ready to go. There was barely a chink of light!
So we continued our journey and on the way we stopped at Ganganani, natural hot springs where we all had a wonderful hot bath.
Gangotri is in the Ganges valley, about 12,000ft, 3,700m elevation. The temple is by the banks of the Ganges.
Swamiji's Guha(cave) is a short trek up the road, along the Ganges. The mighty Ganges, although it is not vast in breadth, is very noisy as she tumbles down the valley from Gomukh, the Glacier, source of the Ganges.
There is a beautiful tale of how the Goddess Ganga was brought down from heaven through the tapas(penance) of Sage Bhagiratha, to absolve the sins of his predecessors. And because of her might and power, Lord Shiva caught her in his coils as she tumbled down from heaven, thus slowing her down.
Swamiji prostrated to Mother Ganga. We set up camp for the night in front of Swamiji's cave. In this Guha, cave, Swamiji used to practise his sadhana(spiritual practice). The energy at Gangotri is immense. To be honest, I freaked out initially, it was too much for me! I was given a very special karma yoga, service to perform. I was asked to make sweet rice for Swamiji. Swamiji's cave was a big slab of rock. There was a small section next to it where Pandiji would cook for Swamiji and look after him whenever he came to stay at the cave. Pandiji was an old Indian man from the local area who was a beautiful humble spirit. I remember going into the cook hut and wondering how I was going to make sweet rice over the little fire without cardamom and cashew nuts, very different from the kind of kitchen I'm used to! I don't know how it tasted but I did my best. The food is normally very simple, usually kitchari or rice, dhal and a vegetable sabji if you're lucky. Fresh food supplies are only available when brought up the mountain. I slept in my tent that night listening to the terrific roar of the divine Ganga. The next day Swamiji set off for pilgrimage. He instructed me, Chandra and Swami Mahadev to stay behind. We stayed at Swamiji's Guha, by the ganges for one week.
My memory after all this time, is a little hazy, but I do remember
practising asanas, reflecting on life and studying some spiritual books I had with me. Initally, Swami Mahadev and Chandra both had a stinking cold, so I was left to do my own sadhana(spiritual practice).
When they were well, we trekked the 18km to Gomukh, source of the ganges and one of the holiest sites for Hindus(out of 4). The trek is gently climbing in altitude. Most of the way, we passed cedar trees, amazing fresh mountain springs, little wild flowers and even some cows. I remember it being very green. The streams were the most pure water I have ever drunk. It is an arduous trek and not easy if you suffer from fear of heights. The path is sometimes very narrow or non-existent if its been washed away by a landslide, which happens often in those parts. The last 5 km, the landscape changed quite dramatically. it made me think of a lunar landscape, barren and rocky.It's an incredible experience when you finally arrive at Gomukh(Cow's Mouth).
Swami Vishnu-devananda was born in kerala, South India and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram is located in Neyyar Dam, close to Trivandrum. After establishing ashrams worldwide, Swamiji always travelled to India on pilgrimage. He visited many temples and shrines.
One of his beloved shrines is the Shri Mookambika Temple which attracts millions of devotees. Shri Mookambika is a manifestation of Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The Great Sage Adi Shankaracharya installed the murthi of the Goddess at Kollur. I've included a couple of videos, the first has sanskrit chanting of Mookambika Stotram.
The second is a clip from a tamil movie about Adi Shankaracharya. He says he is not frightened by her fearsome form of Kali, he knows she is the universal mother and will not harm him, but he asks her if she will transform into her peaceful form and give him her blessing. He chants praising her greatness.
Adi Shankaracharya was born in Kaladi, Kerala. He became a scholar at a very young age. At twelve, he was ordained as a sannyasin(renunciate) by Sage Govind Bhagavadpada. Three years later, he proceeded to travel the length and breadth of India spreading the teachings of Advaita Vedanta(non-duality, Oneness), reviving the study of the Vedas and Upanishads. He established 4 mathas(monasteries) and organised 10 orders of sannayasins, renunciates. We refer to him as the Advaita Guru. He is also known as the Jagad Guru which normally refers to Lord Krishna.
My Guru, Swami Vishnu-devananda and his Guru, Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, are from the Saraswati Order of Shankaracharya.
The Great Sage Adi Shankaracharya wrote commentaries on the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita, and many other publications, including verses such as Bhaja Govindam, some of which are available at http://www.yogastall.com/
A selection of titles are also available for the Kindle.
This is a brief introduction to my Guru and organisation that profoundly influenced my life. The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and Ashrams were founded by Swami Vishnu-devananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda, the Great Sage from Rishikesh, Himalayas. Swami Vishnu-devananda was born in 1927 in kerala, South India and named Swamy Kuttan Nair. He first met Swami Sivananda in 1945. He joined the ashram two years later and in 1949, he was initiated into Sannyas(an order of monks in the lineage of Adi Shankaracharya) by Swami Sivananda and given the name Swami Vishnu-devananda. He was appointed as the Hatha Yoga Professor and also Swami Sivananda's personal assistant. In 1957, Swami Sivananda gave him 10rupees and instructed him to go to the west and teach hatha yoga, saying "people are waiting". Thus, began a long journey which took him across the globe teaching yoga classes and giving lectures. He established the first yoga center in Montreal, Canada and published "Complete illustrated book of yoga" in 1960. He started the first ashram at Val Morin, Quebec in 1962 and this Yoga Camp is still the main ashram today. You can see the full list of centres and ashrams on the link http://www.sivananda.org/
At the yoga camp, you can see Swamiji's Peace Plane in the Peace Museum, painted colourfully 60's style by Peter Max. Swamiji flew the plane over Belfast, Northern Ireland with Peter Sellers, dropping leaflets of peace. He flew over the Suez Canal and was very nearly shot down by Israeli pilots, and in 1983, he flew over the Berlin Wall in an ultralight aircraft. There is a beautiful DVD called "In the Name of Peace" where you can learn more on this, and it can be purchased through the Sivananda Centres, available in english, spanish, french and german.
The Yogi: Portraits of Swami Vishnu-devananda, Gopala krishna
Books written by Swami Vishnu-devananda;
Complete illustrated book of yoga
Meditation and Mantras
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
The image of Swami Sivananda is from "Glorious Vision. A Pictorial Guide to Swami Sivananda" by the Divine Life Society http://www.sivanandaonline.org/
I became more involved with the Sivananda Yoga Centre in London, and moved in with a fellow yogi in april 1988. In July I travelled to the Yoga Camp in Val morin to take the Sivananda Yoga Teachers Training Course, and it is here that I first met with Swami Vishnu-devananda. He had been in mouna(silence) for one year. He had a powerful prescence and I would see him sitting in meditation as I made my way to my lectures in the hall. He was present in our satsangs(meditation, chanting and discourse). Towards the end of our one month course, Swamiji came out of mounam, and gave us some lectures. On July 29th Swamiji conducted the GuruPoornima puja(ritual worship). This is a day which is celebrated every year, saluting all our Gurus. On this day, I was given mantra initiation by Swamiji. It's also the day I married Chandra. Swamiji gave us the marriage blessing immediately after all the initiations(though it's not up to Swamiji to make it work!).
The Sivananda Yoga Teachers Training Course(TTC) is an intensive one month residential experience. I would recommend it to every yogi, even if you have no interest in teaching. In my day, it was only available in a few ashrams, but now there are so many locations to choose from, and it is available almost all year round. In fact on this sunday, the very first TTC will take place in Vietnam. Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnu-devananda's mission to disseminate yoga and vedanta worldwide continues, making it available for everyone so we can utilise the tools of yoga in a down to earth practical manner according to our circumstances and ability. My life has been greatly enriched through having the blessings of these Gurus and their teachings. I have met many wonderful people along the way from all walks of life and numerous students from all backgrounds. I taught immediately when I came back to the Sivananda Yoga Centre in London and am now teaching all over London. Teaching Yoga gave me satisfaction, contentment and a sense of purpose. For me, its the best way to center myself, I always feel more energised, more relaxed and meditative after teaching a class. I have learnt a lot along the way, and am very aware of my weaknesses. I am aware when I lose connection due to worries and anxieties, but then the uplifting words of these great Gurus helps me to refocus my energies and keep things in balance.
Inspiring footage of Sri Ramana Maharshi, in tamil, with subtitles in many languages.
This great sage was born in the village of Tiruchuzhi, India on December 30th 1879 and was named Venkataraman. He attained Self Realization at the age of 16 and travelled to Tiruvannamalai where the sacred hill Arunachala is located. People from all over the world flocked to him for spiritual guidance and comfort.
You can read his biography in;
Sri Ramana Leela: A Biography of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
Timeless in Time: The Autobiographical writings of Sri Ramana Maharshi
Spiritual Guidance from;
Talks with Ramana Maharshi
The collected works of Ramana Maharshi
You can find these books in YogaStall http://www.yogastall.com/ I have selected these books to start with, but there are more books on the life and teachings of Ramana Maharshi. You can enter his name in the search box for other titles.
When I arrived in London 1986, I was keen to develop my spiritual practice. I wasn't comfortable checking out the Hindu temple as I didn't feel I belonged there, and wanted something more than an occasional visit to the temple.
I knew a christian church wasn't the right place for me either since the christian church didn't agree with my hindu beliefs of karma and reincarnation and they didn't understood that our multiple dieties are only diverse expressions of one divinity. Then it occurred to me to take up yoga.
On a visit to the Mysteries Shop in town, I was given the details of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre. I thought I'd check them out
I remember it was the 13th September 1987 when I went to the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre. At that time, they were at 50 Chepstow Villas, Notting Hill, a trendy upmarket part of London, just round the corner from portobello market. As soon as I walked in, I knew they were genuine, and I felt at home.
I had a trial open yoga class, taught by a german guy. I still remember in that first yoga class we did the peacock, mayurasana, one of my favourites. That day was an important landmark in my life, gave me a positive new direction. At that time, I was extremely insecure, no self esteem, no confidence, didn't have a clue about myself or what I should do, but I enjoyed going to the centre, taking the beginner's yoga course, then the yoga 2, the pranayama course and meditation course. I started going to their satsangs which include meditation, bhajans and a reading. I helped out with the washing up, making cakes, and I began to cook. Up until then I had survived mostly on cereal, toast and steamed veg!
Yoga was relatively new to most people, classes were generally packed out. Notting Hill attracted a mainly youngish crowd. There was a small community of people living at the centre who organised and took care of everything, and some residents who were there to be a part of the yoga life. The centre also actively encouraged people like myself to take part in Karma Yoga(selfless service). The whole organisation was and is still run by volunteers.
This is me around 14 years of age when I used to have long hair!
As you can see I was very happy at school.
I was brought up as a hindu, as far as my mum was able, though there weren't any hindu temples in yorkshire. We had a small prayer room and used to sing the sivapuranam in tamil and tamil thevarams(devotional songs). My dad bought a stack of Amar Chithra Katha Comic Books from India on all the great indian tales. I still have these. This is how I initially learnt all the inspiring hindu stories. The comics have beautiful illustrations.
Our friends gave us a Children's Bible with pictures one christmas, and I remember particularly enjoying the old testament stories. In those days, schools in england had assemblies where we sang hymns, said the Lord's Prayer and had readings from the bible. Every year we had a carol service, and I still love carols. We went to the local Salvation Army Sunday school with the neighbour's kids. Eventually we had a picture of Jesus in our prayer room.
My dad learnt about Sai Baba from my aunt in Sri Lanka and we attended Sai Baba Bhajans in Bradford and Leeds where there were a lot of indian gujarati followers. This was the first time I met gujarati people, and I remember the bhajans were sung beautifully with accompaniment on tabla and harmonium. We had very tasty gujarati vegetarian food afterwards. We met one sri lankan tamil family through this and Aunty Manga taught us the chanting of sanskrit stotras and mantras.
My mum prayed regularly and still does, every morning without fail. My dad took an interest in reading and discussing religious books. He took us to a TM meditation course in sheffield and we used to go to some discussions in various people's houses. I remember reading "The Autobiography of a Yogi" in those days.
In the summer of 1978 we visited sri lanka for the first time since we left, saw all our relatives and toured parts of the country. We also went to south india for 2 weeks, my first visit to india. We flew into Trichy, was blessed by an elephant at the Ganapati Temple, went to Madurai Meenakshi Temple and had darshan of Sai Baba at Puttapatti.
It was around age 14, that I had a serious interest in yoga. I had no opportunity to go to any class but I had an old indian book on Yoga with black and white photographs. I remember going through it, getting up early as instructed, drinking hot milk with honey, and trying out some of the yoga poses. I was especially fond of sitting in the lotus and rocking in it.
Excerpt from "Vishnudevananda Upadesa. Teachings of Swami Vishnudevananda"
by The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
(p.187)
We increase our wavelength in different ways. Our physical wavelength will change through the practice of asanas, or postures. The asanas that you practise are not just physical exercises to develop your muscles. They bring your physical and astral systems into harmony. Both systems become full of energy without resistance from each other.
In acupuncture doctors use needles to stimulate different acupuncture points. So also in yoga, asanas stimulate different acupunture areas where the nerves are prominent so that the energy flows. More contact is made between the astral and the physical bodies. The more the contact, the more the physical body will shine.
The physical body is made up of food like ice cream, pizza and tomatoes. What makes it shine is the pranic energy coming into the physical body through asana and pranayama. You become a source of energy. When you practise your asanas, remember that you have to increase the vibration level by concentrating. If you have a mantra, repeat your mantra, or at least breathe properly and lift your mind to a higher level: don't just do your asanas like you do physical exercises at the YMCA. If you practise with the proper mental control, with concentration, your vibration level will go up. You can sit and meditate beautifully afterwards.
This is me, not long after arriving in england. I was born on the South eastern coast of Sri lanka. I have some vague memories of events the year we left.
Spent a brief period in Sutton in Ashfield prior to our move to a tiny old mining village called Thurnscoe in South Yorkshire, UK. The coal mine had closed and was derelict. Some folk worked in the mines nearby at Barnsley and Doncaster. My dad was a family Doctor and worked at a local GP surgery.
I didn't know any english when I arrived in england and I remember being very shy at school. At that time from 1971 onwards, we were the only non white and foreign family in Thurnscoe, except for one West Indian man who was married to a local. We didn't have any relatives in england and it must have been difficult for my mother coming from a coastal village where she is used to the extended family being around. It was hard for us too, being so isolated. Yorkshire people are very warm and friendly and I have fond memories of some very old friends of ours.
Intermediate Sivananda Yoga Course starting on saturday. Please enrol directly with the college.
The course is suitable for anyone with Hatha Yoga Experience. We will be following the Sivananda Yoga Tradition, covering Pranayama, Surya Namaskar and a sequence of twelve asanas with variations and advanced poses.
Jan 29th Saturday 11-12pm
Beginners Sivananda Yoga Course
The course is suitable for complete beginners or those who require a refresher/ gentle class.
We will learn the basic Sivananda Open Class involving breathing exercises, Hatha Yoga Postures and Deep Relaxation.
Please see the website link for more information and enrol directly with the College.
This was posted on Youtube in March 2010. In case you didn't see it then, its well worth listening to now. It is a lecture given by Naomi Oreskes, c0-author of the book "Merchants of Doubt". The lecture is one hour long, then about 15minutes of Q&A. It is well presented and informative. Check it out. How a handful of powerful men deliberately use the method of 'doubt mongering' to challenge a scientific consensus, leading to uncertainty and therefore inaction.
Gopala is a Yogi in Brazil. We met a few times at the Sivananda Yoga Camp in Quebec, Canada. Check out his website and listen to his video. This is Nada Yoga, the Yoga of Sound. The photo includes a photo of Sri Hanuman, who, in the past, has given amazing Nada Yoga Chanting workshops which I was fortunate enough to attend.
I spent the summer at Amritapuri, Amma's Ashram in Kerala, South India. It was an amazing beautiful and intense experience for me. Amma was sweet, immensely loving and compassionate. I spent as much time as I could close to her during her programmes.
She would normally give two meditations per week, by the seaside. Amma would ask us a question, encouraging us to share our thoughts, then she would also give her response and commentary. Its a great way to learn.
On my last session of that summer, I had become upset in the morning due to difficult, awful memories and I had thought of writing a letter to Amma about it, but did not do so.
Later that day by the seaside, I was sitting only about 3 rows from Amma, directly in line with her, she asked;
(I cannot remember the exact wording)
"What do you do when painful memories come up?"
I could not believe it!!! Needless to say, Amma and her devotees who shared gave me the answer.
One woman said she has to keep herself busy when beset by difficult memories.
A few suggested offering and giving up the pain to Amma, their Guru, and at the feet of the Lord.
Amma said, difficult things happen in life. Face difficulties with courage. It is in the past. BE PRESENT.
When she said Be present, I really felt that was the answer. If we are truly Present, how could we upset ourselves about the past or even worry about the future? It was good for me to see this photo and to be reminded of that great lesson.
Prayer purifies the heart and restrains a man from evil ways. It is yearning from within the heart to be one with the Lord. It is an invocation for His blessings.
Prayer is not an asking. It is yearning of the Soul to commune with the Lord. It gives inner spiritual strength and solace.
May Lord Bless you, Sivananda
(The photo and letter are taken from "The Sivananda Upanishad" compiled by Swami Vishnu-devananda). I have omitted the name of the recipient, but I can tell you it was someone from London! This was my
reading today. Its the first tiem I've opened the book at this page.
Taught a sivananda yoga class to a tamil group at Southfields Community College on Merton Road, London SW18 5JU.
We would like more tamils to join in!
Its normal to ache a little bit when you first start, but this passes quickly. The class is very gentle and suitable for complete beginners.
Hatha Yoga has tremendous benefits for your whole being. It will improve your circulation, boost your energy and vitality, tone your muscles, strengthen your nerves and enable you to relax deeply, thereby relieving tension and stress.
Unfortunately, in the UK, South Asians particularly are prone to heart disease and diabetes. Yoga can help you take care of yourself. Give it a go. We plan to start up proper in a couple of weeks on Feb 6th, Sundays 3.30-5pm at the College.
Sant Venugopal and his musicians are here from Vrindavan, reciting the Bhagavata Saptaha every night until thursday. I attended his music concert on friday night. Check out this sample of what he does, filmed in May. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrlrhAteNqI
Check out this inspiring old footage of Swami Sivananda meeting Saints of India by the Banks of the Ganges. The chanting is Swami Sivananda singing bhajans.
After a bad day yesterday, I realised I'm finding fault in others, and this naturally leads to upset. Previously I hadn't thought of any new year resolutions, but I now I have a good one to work on.
Seeing only the good in others and appreciating everybody. I have come across this often in the writings of Swami Sivananda, a great Master and Self Realised Soul. Its time for me to consciously and intentionally practise it.
Hi, Took this on sunday at the British Museum. Behind me is a beautiful sculpture of Shiva and Shakti from South India.
I love history.
Right now, I am particularly interested in the ancient history of India. There are a few scholars who dare to challenge the given 'old english' version of indian history still being perpetuated within india itself. Just started reading "In Search of the Cradle of Civilization" by Georg Feuerstein, Subhash Kak & David Frawley. I have formerly read "From the river of Heavan" and "Gods, Sages and Kings" by David Frawley, the Director of the American Vedic Institute. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Vedic Civilization, check out http://www.vedanet.com/ and http://www.yogastall.com/
