Message Book for Rev. Nalanieji

With much sadness we heard of the passing of Shanky Chellaram - the husband of our dear Nalanieji. Shanky passed away on the 23rd of December at 8.40 pm peacefully, surrounded
by his family.

Many of you may want to send a message of love and support to Nalanie at this time, but also not want to disturb her - so we have set up this on-line Message Book for you.

Simply click on the "Comments" button under this and write your message and your name - Nalanieji will then be able to read them all at her leisure when she is ready to.

"For the soul there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain." Bhagavad Gita II, 20

Ever with you at His Beloved Lotus Feet
your loving servant
Rev. padma priya

Christmas Message

Jesus, the Light of the World

Jesus, the Light of the World, as we celebrate your birth may we begin to see the world in the light of the understanding you give us.

As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship you in meekness of heart.

May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving and those who are lonely and sad.

Thank you, God for the wonderful gift of your son, Jesus. As we celebrate His birthday, help us to remember Him as we give and receive gifts, taking time to pray for each person and for those who have nothing.

Help us, Lord, to fill this Christmas with your love, peace and joy.

Dear Lord, may we be like the Wise Men who were guided to you by a star. Give us the wisdom to seek You, the light to guide us to You, the courage to search until we find You, the graciousness to worship You and the generosity to lay our gifts before You.

May the Christ Consciousness Light our Hearts

This Christmas And Always
Amen

To All Our Integral Yoga Family

Loving Wishes for Happy Holy Days
and a Peaceful New Year

May there be Peace on the Earth
May there be Peace in the Heavens
May there be Peace upon all the Waters
And may there be Peace in every Heart

Om Shanthi Om Shanthi Om Shanthi

Go Veg - Save the Planet!

Om Shanthi.

Here are some important facts encouraging us to follow Sri Gurudev's teachings on diet, to share with students, friends and family -

Some Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet:

• Save Your Life …
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Reduce Type 2 diabetes
• Prevent stroke conditions
• Reverse atherosclerosis
• Reduce heart disease risk 50%
• Reduce heart surgery risk 80%
• Prevent many forms of cancer
• Stronger immune system
• Increase life expectancy up to 15 years
• Higher IQ

Save Our Planet …

Conserve up to 70% clean water

Save over 70% of the Amazonian rainforest from clearance for animal grazing

A solution for world hunger:

Free up 3,433 million hectares of land annually

Free up 760 million tons of grain every year (half the world’s grain supply)

Consume 2/3 less fossil fuels than those used for meat production

Reduce pollution from untreated animal waste

Maintain cleaner air

Save 4.5 tons of emissions per US household per year

Stop 80% of global warming

• Share this message …
  

SAVE OUR PLANET, SAVE YOUR LIFE -

GO VEG! BE GREEN!

SOURCES:
UN Food and Agriculture Organization
American Dietetic Association
Stockholm International Water Institute
Smithsonian Institution
Carnegie Mellon University
Supreme Master TV

All Faiths Day around the World

Om Namo Bhagavate Satchidnandaya!

On 1st November, All Faiths Day ,the Light in us all was celebrated around Europe and at the Ashram in USA

with the ecumenical service given to us by Sri Gurudev.

Here are some of the reports from around the world.

First from the Rev. Lakshmi Barsel at the Ashram ...

Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, VA-USA.

At 12 noon on November 1st, approximately sixty people gathered in the All Faith's Hall of the Light of Truth Universal Shrine (L.O.T.U.S.) to join in the Integral Yoga Global All Faith's Day celebration.

The people assembled were from a diverse group of guests, teacher trainees, program participants, staff and community members. Twelve members of our "Living Yoga Training" program had volunteered to assume the roles of the representatives of the different faiths. Swami Jyothirmayanandaji provided us with the music of the different faiths and our beloved Mataji (Swami Gurucharananandaji) gave us the readings from prayers of all of the world religions.

The Interfaith Worship service began after the sounding of the bells. Classical music was played as the twelve representatives, each carrying a lit candle, processed to a central candle, jointly lit it and then took their seats around the circular base of a sculpturededicated to global unity. Signaled by the sacred music of each of the worlds faiths, one by one, each representative moved to the central light and recited a prayer asking for universal blessings for all of humankind and mother earth.

After the last representative completed his prayer, the audience was asked to join in with their individual prayers. People asked for peace in troubled areas of the world, world leadership, an end to the global financial crisis, an end to suffering and then many began to express their gratitude for life, the human spirit, and all of the blessings that are constantly showered down upon us.

The service ended with all of the representative relighting their candles from the central candle and processing out. All who were present felt a great wave of hope, inspiration, love and connectedness with our worldwide spiritual community. Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi.

And from Ramakrishna in Belgium, who was the Divine Instrument who inspired this event ...

Hari OM dearest Padma, The All Faiths Day in Belgium was beautifull. It was a small group of people but the quality of this group was great.

There were many different religions in the group.

Frank and Martine are very interested in the Sufi tradition. Patrick is a Buddhist attracted to the Gyalwang Karmapa. Marleen who studied the Kabala for many years.

Ludo who was going from atheism to study all the great Western philosophers to the study of Yoga with Rama Saenen. Gina who is a Reiki therapist. Allice who is a student of Rama Saenen and Catholic - this woman is special because she is deaf, but she could follow all the talks and just is saying what she has to say. I wish that every body had the same quality as her.

And then we had also Daya and her friend Michel. Daya is a pearl who is going very deep in the practice of yoga. She will follow the TT course in Quinta de Calma.

The group was meditating together, lighting the candle, there was singing and every body was making a prayer for the world and offering flower petals to the Light. The prayers came out of their heart. There was a very big Light coming out of the group and the Love was spread to all.

Thank you for all you have done, the support and the courage you have given me. I will always serve you all with unconditional Love, Namaste,Ramakrishna

And from Brahmani in Mojacar, Spain ...

Hari Om Dear Yoga Mum
Here are a few photos of our humble little celebration, just a few of
us. Thank you so much for inspiring it with your letter. There was
such a beautiful energy and l wish l could have photographed
Kaivalya . He sat beside me and when l asked the children to put
their hand on their hearts ,close their eyes and imagine the light in
there, I looked at him and the expression on his face was so
beautiful. (l can't put it into words) It seemed like everything was
there for that moment.
Love and light, Your yogi daughter, Brahmani

Spotlight on ... Integral Yoga Germany

Highkey has been leading and nurturing the Integral Yoga sangha in Germany for many years from her IYC in Augsburg. She has trained many teachers who are now able to teach Integral Yoga in German. She has taught at the Ashram in the US, in Gibraltar and in Portugal and she has written the book "Partner Yoga" which is now available also in Spanish. She is an inspiration to us all. Jai High Key! Jai Gurudev!

Highkey leitet und nährt die Integral Yoga Sangha (Gemeinschaft) in Deutschland seit vielen
Jahren von ihrem Integral Yoga Zentrum im Süden von Augsburg. Sie hat schon einige Integral Yoga Lehrer ausgebildet, die nun Integral Yoga auch in Deutsch unterrichten können. Sie lehrte im Ashram in den USA, in Gibraltar, in Portugal und sie hat das Buch „Partner Yoga“ geschrieben, das jetzt auch in spanisch erhältlich ist. Sie ist eine Inspiration für uns alle.

Jai High Key! Jai Gurudev!

Here is the latest list of Integral Yoga events and courses in Germany. Please contact High Key direct for details of how to book (highkey@gmx.de).

Yoga Week Sunday 16th November - Friday 21st November, 2008 in the exclusive Wellness Hotel Alpenrose in Austria (http://www.alpenrose.at/ ) For beginners and advanced.

2009 Basic Teacher Training (split) in German


April 5th - April 19th 2009 at Quinta da Calma, Portugal (http://www.quintadacalma.com/)

August. 24th - Sept. 8th 2009 in Immenstadt, Germany (http://www.integral-yoga-zentrum.de/)

Yoga Congress 29th May - 1st June 2009 in Potsdam, Berlin, Germany.
Swami Asokananda will give two talks (High Key will be translating into German)

• Saturday, 30th of May 11.30 am - 13.00 pm - Spirituelle Dimensionen des
  Hatha Yoga (Spiritual dimensions of Hatha Yoga) Swami Asokananda


• Monday, 1st of June 11.30 am - 13.00 pm - Meditation statt
  Frustration (Meditation instead of Frustration) Swami Asokananda
  (http://www.prana-yogaschule.de/)

Sri Gurudev's All Faiths Day Message

"More people have died in the name of God and religion than in all the wars and natural calamities. But, the real purpose of any religion is to educate us about our spiritual unity. It is time for us to recognize that there is one truth and many approaches. The basic cause for all the world problems is the lack of understanding of our spiritual unity. The need of the hour is to know, respect, love one another and to live as one global family. Our humble aim in building the LOTUS is to spread this message."

—H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda, founder of LOTUS

These were Sri Gurudev’s words at the dedication of the L.O.T.U.S. Temple in America in 1986.

Here is some of Sri Gurudev’s advice and guidelines for Integral Yoga Ministers and Swamis. We try to follow these guidelines for the All Faiths Day event.

Behaviour Your behaviour is the key not only to setting a good example, but for your personal growth as well. Especially when in the public eye, maintain dignity and act with grace and ease. Needless to say, courtesy and consideration for others are of prime importance.
There should be a softness and gentleness in everything you do. Consider how you enter a room, answer the phone, how you sit, talk, how you close a door, etc..

Treatment of Guests “Athiti devo bhava” – the guest is God.

Foremost is to make guests feel that you really are concerned over their welfare and comfort. It’s always appropriate to ask if they are warm enough, have had enough to eat, etc.. A little forethought and care in setting up the space can also greatly enhance the feeling of welcome. You can set up candles, incense, flowers, extra cushions, etc..

Public Events & Ceremonies

It is important to always be aware that in performing any public function, we are simply acting as channels of Sri Gurudev’s grace. Open your mind and heart through constant loving remembrance of His presence within. Remember that in any situation when you wish to invoke God’s blessings, your personal mantra is always the most important and direct manifestation of Sri Gurudev’s energy which is readily available to you.

Presenting Integral Yoga to the Public Since it is likely that you will be conducting the All Faiths ceremony in situations where many might be unfamiliar with Integral Yoga, it is important to present a clear picture.

Here are some suggestions as to how you could present Integral Yoga clearly and simply.
The essential teachings of Yoga are the same as the fundamentals of all religions.

Yoga recognizes oneness in all faiths while honouring the differences.

All paths are respected as valid.
When asked about the difference between Integral Yoga and other paths, it is often best to emphasise the points upon which the paths agree, rather than the differences.

It’s alright to admit that you are not an expert on all paths! Just simply explain the Integral Yoga point of view as best you can. Integral Yoga is not something new. As Sri Gurudev has said, “Integral Yoga is just old wine in new bottles”.

Here are 4 principle ideas that Sri Gurudev has used in defining yoga:

The restraint of the modifications of the mindstuff is yoga – Patanjali.
Equanimity of mind is yoga – Bhagavad Gita
Yoga is perfection in action – Bhagavad Gita
The goal of yoga is to have an easeful body, a peaceful mind and a useful life – Sri Gurudev

The following 3 points form the basis common to all religions and therefore are the basis of yoga:
1. By nature we are divine or images of God.
2. To experience our true nature we need to purify the heart. “Blessed are the Pure in Heart for they shall see God”.
3. To achieve that purity of heart we should renounce our selfishness and learn to lead a dedicated life of service. Yoga brings the much needed purity of heart to experience God within ourselves.

Do not disturb another’s faith. Integral Yoga practices do not conflict with any religion or spiritual path.

Be sensitive to the person and the situation. Find the common ground. Yoga is not just eastern or from India. It recognizes the universal experience of life anywhere. Wherever there is dedication, sacrifice, concentration and worship of God, there is yoga – regardless of its labels. In that sense there have always been yogis by other names in every walk of life and everywhere in the world.

The teachings of Integral Yoga should be given only when asked. It is not that you should withold the teachings, but it is important not to overwhelm the person when they may have been asking only a casual question. Give them the opportunity to show their sincerity and eagerness.

Altar set-up If at all possible the altar should face south or west. Flowers are appropriate to use wherever suitable. Use of the 12 symbols to represent all religions is recommended. Arrange the symbols around the altar in order of historical appearance – Hinduism, Judaism, Shintoism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, African religions, Native American religions, all other faiths known and all faiths unknown.

Images of various deities are acceptable, however Sri Gurudev and Master Sivananda should have the prominent places. All pictures should be properly framed and laid on a clean cloth. Photos and images of Sri Gurudev, Master Sivananda and any other saint should be treated with the utmost respect at all times.

Altar Etiquette You should always feel that God is present on the altar and act accordingly with great respect and reverence. Always bow to the altar upon entering a temple, church, etc. Acknowledge God’s presence first before anything else.

Altar Lay Out The Yantra should be central at the back of the altar. The single white candle should be in front of the Yantra and central to the altar. Picture of Sri Gurudev should be on the left of the Yantra and Master Sivanandaji to the right.
Any puja utensils can be kept together on a tray near the altar with a bowl of flower petals and incense holder and incense.

May the All Faiths Day celebration unite the entire world in peace and universal love.

Jai Sri Satguru Maharajki!

JAI!

Scientific evidence of God

"The scientific evidence of the existence of God is already here... so what are you doing about it?"


— Amit Goswami, Ph.D.

You may remember Dr. Goswami from the movie What The Bleep Do We Know where he gave a wonderful and insightful explanation of the joining of science and consciousness and how we can utilize this understanding in our everyday lives.

He has a new movie coming out called The Quantum Acitivist - you can see a preview by clicking a link below - I think Gurudev would have loved it!

Amit Goswami, Ph. D. is Professor Emeritus in the Theoretical Physics Department of the University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon where he has served since 1968. He is a pioneer of the new paradigm of science called “science within consciousness”.

Prof. Goswami is the author of the highly successful textbook Quantum Mechanics that is used in Universities throughout the world. His two volume textbook for non-scientists, The Physicist’s View of Nature traces the decline and rediscovery of the concept of God within science.

He has also written many popular books based on his research on quantum physics and consciousness - The Self-Aware Universe, The Visionary Window, Physics of the Soul, Quantum Creativity and The Quantum Doctor which integrates conventional and alternative medicine.

In his latest book, "God Is Not Dead", he explores what quantum physics tell us about our origins and how we could live.

In his private life, Prof. Goswami is a practitioner of spirituality and transformation. He calls himself a quantum activist. He appeared in the film “What the Bleep Do We Know“, “The Dalai Lama Renaissance“, and the upcoming documentary “The Quantum Activist“.

To see a trailer of this movie, click the link below

The Quantum Activist : Amit Goswami - Movie TrailerClick link to watch

Raja TT in Portugal

Raja Yoga Teacher Training
with Nalanie Chelleram & Guest Speakers
Thursday 7th - Saturday 23rd May 2009

Curriculum:

This Raja T.T. course consists of a basic study of the Sutras of Sri Patanjali, also called Ashtanga Yoga. Through the philosophy of Yoga one acquires tools to live a more easeful peaceful and useful life and in so doing attunes to one's higher-nature. In other words to be "in" the world but not "of" the world.

This course will cover the main Sutras and compare them with the Gita, the Bible and other religious texts. The application of this science brings about the understanding of the nature of suffering, leading one to the state of freedom!

Costs for Residential: This includes food, lodging and covering trainers costs.
None of the teachers are charging for their time over the course but any donations would be divided up between the trainers.
Shared Accommodation 950€
Single Accommodation: 1050€

Non Residential
For teachers living locally can attend without staying in residence, but must attend the entire Raja Training Program, times to be announced closer to the time.
Cost of non -residential program: 300€ including certification plus meals.

Bookings:
• Please contact Quinta da Calma for bookings: groups@quintadacalma.com or Tel: +351 289 393741 Fax +351 289 393 346.
· Please confirm latest by the end of March 2009 with 50% deposit
· Cheques made payable to Sylta M Kalmbach.

Lastminute Bookings for TT in Portugal!

Hari Om!

There are still a few places available on the basic Teacher Training course at Quinta da Calma in Portugal this November - but you need to book up fast!

Pass this info on to anyone you know who is wanting to take Integral Yoga teacher training.

Here are all the details ...

Integral Yoga® Hatha I Teacher TrainingSplit Training:

9 - 23 November 2008

& 4 - 18 June 2009

Residential Course in English & Portuguese with Satya & Sadasivam Greenstone.

Integral Yoga Hatha Teacher Training is a comprehensive, month-long program that teaches you the skills necessary to instruct Integral Yoga Hatha Beginners I, the basic class taught to thousands of students at Integral Yoga Institutes around the world.

The Beginners I class consists of asanas (Yoga poses), deep relaxation, pranayama (breathing practices), chanting, and meditation. You will receive training on teaching all the aspects of this class.

Curriculum: * In-depth study and practice of Hatha Yoga. * A thorough grounding in the fundamentals of all branches of Yoga. * The underlying philosophy, psychology, and practices of Integral Yoga. * Workshops to deepen your personal practices. * Classes in diet, nutrition, anatomy and physiology. * An introductory course in Raja Yoga, the science of mind. * Instruction in meditation, breathing practices and chanting. * Guidance on teaching for persons with special needs and in a variety of settings. * The basics of setting up and publicising your classes.

Prerequisite: Students need to have been practicing Hatha Yoga for a minimum of six months prior to taking the program and be familiar with the Integral Yoga method of Hatha Yoga.

Recommended books by Swami Satchidananda.
The Sutras of Patanjali & The Living Gita are available at Quinta da Calma.
Please order in advance.

InvestmentTraining: 1300€ Incl. certification -
650€ part 1 / 650€ part 2

Type of Lodging including all meals:(Please note; these prices below are per part.)
Buganvilia sharing - 530€ Buganvilia single - 570€ Jacaranda sharing - 555€
Jacaranda single - 610€ Rondette sharing - 610€ Rondette single - 755€

To veiw types of rooms please go to www.quintadacalma.com.

A 50% deposit is requested on booking for the first part of the course.
Cheques made payable to Sylta M. Kalmbach and sent to Quinta da Calma, Apartado 3053, 8135-952 Almancil, Algarve, Portugal.
Bank transfers to: Name of Account: Sylta Maria Kalmbach
Bank: Banco Santander Totta, S.A.
Bank Address: Quinta do Lago, 8153-952 Almancil, Algarve, Portugal.
NIB: 0018 0000 5303 6493020 12
IBAN: PT50 0018 0000 53036493020 12
Swift: TOTAPTPL

Divali, the Festival of Lights, is the most popular of all the festivals from South Asia, and is also the occasion for celebrations by Jains and Sikhs as well as Hindus.

One of the biggest festivals in India, it is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and happiness for five continuous days, with the third day (28th October this year) being celebrated as the main Diwali or 'Festival of Lights'.

The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance, although the actual legends that go with the festival are different in different parts of India

Fireworks and lights are always associated with this festival. The day is celebrated with people lighting diyas, candles all around their house. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek the divine blessings of the Goddess of Wealth. Diwali gifts are exchanged among all near and dear ones. Because of the lights, fireworks, and sweets involved, it's a great favourite with children. The festival is also a time for thoroughly spring-cleaning the home and for wearing new clothes and decorating buildings with fancy lights.

For all, regardless of faith, Divali stands for a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill and a religious celebration of the simple joys of life.


Two Goddesses in particular are celebrated at Diwali: Lakshmi and Kali.

For many Indians the festival honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
People start the new business year at Diwali, and some Hindus will say prayers to the goddess for a successful year.

Some people build a small altar to the goddess and decorate it with money and with pictures of the rewards of wealth, such as cars and houses.
Hindus will leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can come in.

Rangoli are drawn on the floors - rangoli are patterns and the most popular subject is the lotus flower. This because images of Lakshmi traditionally show her either holding a lotus or sitting on one.

There is much feasting and celebration, and the Diwali lamps are regarded as making it easy for Lakshmi to find her way to favoured houses.

The goddess Kali is celebrated at Diwali in the Bengali and Oriya areas of India.

The night is black

Kindle the lamp of love

With thy life and devotion.

Happy Diwali!

Intermediate Teacher Training in Portugal

Hari Om!

All the details and booking forms are now available for the long-awaited Intermediate Teacher Training in Europe with Swami Asokananda at Quinta da Calma in January next year.

Don't delay - if you're interested, book now.

Please contact Rev. Padma Priya on revpadma@gmail.com for your own copy by email.

Om Shanthi

Peace to All

Integral Yoga All Faiths Ceremony

Hari Om!

This is how the Interfaith Ceremony is done at the Ashram:

There is a round table on the stage or in the center of the room with
a big candle at the center and seats for the different
representatives of all the faiths.

At Yogaville, we usually have
representatives for Native American faiths, Native African faiths,
Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, Shinto, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism,
and other known faiths. It is not necessary to have all these faiths
represented. You can even add an additional one like Native
Australian faiths, or Native Pacific Islander faiths.

Processional music is played and the representative walk in in the
religious clothes of the faith they are representing carrying a lit
candle with a wax catcher at the base (usually just a circular piece
of paper to catch the hot wax from dripping on the hand). As they
approach the table, the line separates as one person goes to the
left, the next to the right, and so on until they are all standing
before their seats.

In unison they lift the candles and light the central candle. The
representatives then put out their candles with a spoon that is on
the table and lay them down. They all take their seats. The
processional music ends and the first representative stands up. We
play music from their tradition (about 2 minutes). Their music ends
and then the representatives reads or recites a prayer from their
tradition on a particular theme (e.g., oneness, faith, peace, etc.).

There is a basket of flower petals. The representative take a few
petals, circles them over the central light, brings them to his or
her heart and then tosses them at the base of the central. One by one
each representative stands, their music plays, they read the prayer,
throw the petals and then sit down. When all are done, the all stand
in unison, take their candles and in unison light their candles from
the central light. Then they process out to the processional music.

If you have any questions, just let me know.

May we all join together in Divine Grace during the ceremony on 1st November and always.

Om Shanthi.

Hari Om Beloved Ones,

Om Namoh Bhagavate Satchidanandaya!

Wonderful news.

The first Intermediate Teacher Training (ITT) in Europe
with Swami Asokanandaji will take place at Quinta da Calma in Portugal
from 9th January 2009 to 28th January 2009

The cost will be from 1600 euros to 1800 euros depending on the type of accommodation you would like.

So all you enthusiastic teachers who have told us you are bursting to take your teaching to another level and serve your students more fully - let me know by return if you would like to receive the full information on the ITT together with a booking form! Just email me at revpadma@gmail.com.

Waiting to hear from You

Heart's Love,
Om and Prem
Rev. padma priya

p.s. if you know anyone who is interested in taking ITT, please forward this message to them. Thank you.

Face to Face with the Dalai Lama

This is an abridged version of an article, written by Lakshmi, which appeared in the Gibraltar Integral Yoga Newsletter

Travelling to Lisbon in Portugal last September, to listen to the Dalai Lama, was more exciting than we had anticipated - after bad weather and getting lost, we discovered that somehow we had booked into the same hotel as the Dalai Lama himself!

Nalanie and I befriended a couple of the security officers hanging around the lifts and asked them what was happening and what the schedule was for the Dalai Lama, when he would be leaving the hotel for the talks and so on. Poor men, they stood no chance as we weren't about to take no for an answer. We managed to let others know how we would try and see the Dalai Lama before he left for the talks in the morning.

The next morning, the security personnel told us we would never make it in time to the talk if we waited to see His Holiness, but patience paid off. We managed to see His Holiness quite close and we bowed and waved as he left the hotel to the hall where the talks were organised. Then we had to run for it if we were to arrive before him! Although out of breath, we made it - not just the first day but every day and still managed to sit at the front - it was as if the floor places were reserved for us.

The talk on the first day was very deep. The hall was packed to capacity with a good 800 people or more attending each day. We managed to sit in the first 3 rows, I ask you, need I say any more!!!! There were people from 28 different countries listening to the 2,600 year old teachings.

The talks were very much like Gurudev's and we saw the childlike, funny and lovable side of His Holiness too. As Gurudev always said, "Truth is One, Paths are Many". The Dalai Lama mentioned that religions were a bit like medicines. There are different types of medicines, although different in taste and ingredients, all medicines have the same purpose.

He mentioned that sometimes it is better to keep your own religion, as switching religions can change your fate and your traditions. But if you find it suitable and non-disturbing then it was okay to make the changes. He said that he did not consider himself a special human being. Only a human being by the name of Dalai Lama, just a title and that it was the teachings of a simple monk wanting to share Buddhism and the Dharma. His wish was for everyone to feel peace in whichever path they chose. The Dalai Lama then explained about Buddhism saying he was sharing the teachings without following any pattern. He spoke about the Four Noble Truths.

The talks continued for 3 days. He talked about happiness and pain, duality and creation and mentioned that he would live as long as others needed him. His Holiness also spoke about anger and how it disturbs our mental peace. How non-attachment would not harm others but that anger would. He went on to explain that anger eats up our immune system and can lead to illnesses and death.

The overall message was Compassion. Everyone deserves happiness. Compassion grows when we experience suffering. We should therefore be grateful to those who hurt us. (Not an easy concept to grasp.) He told us not to despair as this process takes time, reminding us of Patanjali's famous dictum, "effort towards steadiness of mind is practice".

Well I can tell you that we managed to see and get close enough to touch His Holiness. Nalanie asked if she could hug him and told him that she and all her group were disciples of Sri Swami Satchidananda. Well! You should have seen the smile that lit the Dalai Lama's face and the sigh, as he said, "Aaaaah Satchidananda" and bowed with his hands in prayer as he mentioned our Gurudev's name. Nalanie hugged His Holiness, drawing me towards him, and as he embraced her he held my hands at the same time. All the group managed to see and meet Him and every day we stood by the lift in line as he smiled and waved to us all. What a blessing!

I recalled the bad weather at the beginning of our trip and how it had rained so much. Well, now I see it as a sign of what was to come - the Shower of Blessings we received from His Holiness. The truth is universal, regardless of religion or creed. One should listen to the message and not become obsessive about the messenger, for they all say the same, "Truth is One, Paths are Many".

Om Shanthi.

International All Faiths Day

The wonderful idea of Ramakrishna in Belgium to all celebrate All Faiths Day on 1st November at 15.00 CET has now been taken up by:

Satchidananda Ashram, USA
Integral Yoga Centre Antwerp, Belgium
Integral Yoga Centre Gibraltar
Integral Yoga Almeria, Spain
Integral Yoga New Forest, UK

If you're also planning to join in - let me know and we can watch the list grow.

Om Shanthi

Great Honour for Nalanie

A life of dedicated service by our beloved Nalanieji has been acknowledged by HM the Queen when she was presented with the Gibraltar Award. The Investiture was presented by Governor Sir Robert Fulton on behalf of the Queen.

The citation reads "Nalanie Chellaram received her Gibraltar Award for meritorious service to Humanity. She runs the Integral Yoga Centre in Town Range. Nalanie has freely offered her time, knowledge and expertise in Yoga, relaxation and meditation in order to help individuals in Gibraltar who have otherwise received no comfort or support through conventional methods. She has also been an inspiration to others who have followed suit and together they have actively raised money for the underpriveleged in Nepal."

The Governor said, "Nalanie's untiring dedication to Yoga has been instrumental in creating many classes and she has trained many teachers to expand the Centre. In turn she has established programmes for those needing specialist help, including classes for those with heart conditions and for ladies who have suffered from breast cancer."

Jai Nalanieji! We love you so much! Thank you for the inspiration of your life, your service and your loving heart. Jai Sri Gurudev Jai!

You can have the opportunity of sharing Nalanie's inspiring teaching and Divine Love at her Retreat at Quinta da Calma from the 27th to the 30th of November. The title is "Just Being".

To book or get more info contact groups@quintadacalma.com.

Integral Yoga Events in Belgium

Events of the Belgian Sangha of the Integral Yoga Center Sattva, Antwerp

October 19 th 2008 at 11am
Talk with Ramakrishna on the Gayatri Mantra in the Theosophic Society of Antwerp, Millistraat nr 22 2050, Antwerp

November 1st, 2008 at 15.00 hours Belgium time the 2nd All Faiths Day.
Ramakrishna suggests that if you can't come to Belgium that you organise it in your own Sangha, whereever you are at this time so that we feel the energy over the whole of Europe and maybe over the whole world. November 1st is All Saints Day.

HOT NEWS: The Ashram at Yogaville has taken up Ramakrishna's invitation and is organising an All Faiths Day event on the same day at the same time. Let's all join in!

14th, 15th and 16 th November Yoga
Yoga Retreat in the Belgium Ardennes, near Durby in a place cold Les Hirondelles.There is space for 10 people. We have the honour to welcome the only Belgian Druid. 5 km from where we are stayng is a very big and little-known prehistoric cemetery, one of the biggest in Europe.

Events in Integral Yoga Germany

Basic TT (split) in German
April 5th - April 19th 2009 in Quinta da Calma, Portugal ( www.quintadacalma.com)
August. 24th - Sept. 8th 2009 in Immenstadt, Germany
Teachers: High Key Heike Mayer, Usha Pisicini, Swami Bhaktananda, Karuna Inge Wolff)
www.seminarzentrum-riederalp.de
(High Key's site www.integral-yoga-zentrum.de)

Yoga Congress in Berlin - Potsdam / Germany
29th of May - 1st of June 2009
Swami Asokananda will give two talks (High Key will be translating into German)
Saturday, 30th of May 11.30 am - 13.00 pm - Spirituelle Dimensionen des
Hatha Yoga (Spiritual dimensions of Hatha Yoga)
Monday, 1st of June 11.30 am - 13.00 pm - Meditation statt
Frustration (Meditation instead of Frustration)
(www.prana-yogaschule.de)

Yoga Week in the exclusive Wellness Hotel Alpenrose in Austria
Sunday 16th of Nov. - Friday 21st of Nov.2008
For beginners and advanced.
(www.alpenrose.at in the German language)

Mahasamadhi of Sri Swami Chidananda Maharaj

I just received this message from a devotee of Swami Chidananda who was a brother monk and deeply beloved by our own dear Sri Gurudev - I believe they felt so close to each other they would even sometimes call themselves the "twin brothers".

"Dear Friends,
Yesterday evening H.H. Swami Chidananda Maharaj, my Guru and the President of the Divine Life Society, attained Mahasamadhi (consciously left his body; great sages leave their body at will at the time of death). Early this morning his body was immersed in the Ganges as is the tradition amongst Hindu monks.

Swami Chidananda was considered a great Sage ‘an Enlightened Being’, who was a world teacher having taught all over the world spreading the teachings of Yoga and particularly the teachings of his Guru, H.H. Swami Sivanandaji.

All who met him were impressed by his immense compassion and unconditional love to one and all. His whole life was dedicated to the service of humanity. He used to say to his devotees don’t be sad once I pass away as I will then not be limited by this body I will be everywhere, just as his name connotes “one who is in the highest consciousness and bliss". Love and Light Sharon "

Rare sighting of Super Swami!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Brian in Ireland got this amazing shot of the rare and elusive Super Swami!

Special Event in London with Sivakami

Special Yoga Centre
First Floor The Tay Building
2a Wrentham Avenue
London NW10 3HA
www.specialyoga.org.uk
hello@specialyoga.org.uk
020 8968 1900

Join us Sat & Sun 20-21st September as we are delighted to welcome…

SIVAKAMI SONIA SUMAR devotee of Sri Gurudev

and founder of the Yoga for the Special Child Programme.

LLB to the SYC to host 2 workshops and a FREE satsang (circle of truth). You are welcome to join one, both or all 3 events with our honoured guest.

Please call us or email to pre book your space. 020 8968 1900

SIVAKAMI SONIA SUMAR Workshop 1
Workshop on how to combine asana, pranayama and mantra. Purpose: developing concentration and attention for reaching deep levels of meditation.
Dates: Sat 20/09/2008 Time: 10:00 - 14:30


SIVAKAMI SONIA SUMAR Satsang (FREE)
All are welcome to join Satsang with our honoured guest. A simple definition of satsang is sitting in company with an assembly of persons who listen to, talk about, and assimilate the truth.
Dates: Sat 20/09/2008 Time: 18:00 - 21:00

SIVAKAMI SONIA SUMAR Workshop 2
Continuation of Workshop on how to combine asana, pranayama and mantra. Purpose: developing concentration and attention for reaching deep levels of meditation.
Dates: Sun 21/09/2008 Time: 10:00 - 15:00


Costs: £60 per workshop, £100 for both - CONC. £50 each, £80 both)

Coming events in Portugal

Festival of Light - Friday 19 - Sunday 21 September - Quinta da Calma, Portugal

Inner Peace, Global Peace - this year's themes will be Peace and Environmental Awareness.

The Festival will offer

• mini-sessions from therapists;
• workshops and experiential presentations;
• Felix Maria Woschek and Friends will be performing Peace Chants from around the World;
• Stalls selling crafts and natural products;
• delicious vegetarian meals & snacks.
• Guest Speakers at the Festival will include :
• We are honoured to welcome Grandfather Tlakaelel, a Mexica-Tolteca Leader and Teacher, who will speak on Saturday morning and will also bring the Festival to a close on the afternoon of Sunday 21st with a traditional Four Colours Ceremony.
• Native American Robert Standing Bear, who will be sharing with us teachings from a people whose veneration and care of the earth forms the basis of their existence. On Sunday morning, Standing Bear will lead us in Ga-lone'-da Atonement this means a day of forgiveness and is a traditional annual Cherokee ceremony intended to re-integrate individuals with themselves, their families and community.
• Ganga lives on the West Coast of Portugal, where she works and holds regular Satsangs. She will be holding a Satsang at the Festival on Saturday 20 afternoon on Liberation.
• Click here to view program:
• http://www.quinta-dacalma.com/en/calendar/festival/festival-online.pdf

TEACHER TRAINING & ONGOING TRAINING:
All at Quinta da Calma, Integral Yoga Retreat Centre, Portugal.

Basic Yoga TT - Split Training: 9 - 23 November 2008 & 4 - 18 June 2009 with Satya & Sadasivam GreenstoneResidential Course in English & PortugueseFor details click on the link http://www.quinta-da-calma.com/en/calendar/yoga-tt.html

Upcoming for 2009

Raja TT with Nalanie Chelleram - 7-23 May 2009

Basic TT - Part 2 with Satya and Sadasiva - 4-18 June 2009

Silent Retreat with Satya and Sadasiva - 25 June - 4 July 2009

Gentle Yoga Teacher Training with Satya and Sadasiva - 10 - 18 July 2009

Yoga of the Heart Teacher Training with Nischala Joy Devi - 25 October - 5 November 2009

Welcome to Integral Yoga Europe News - What happened at the Euro Reunion 2008?

Om Namoh Bhagavate Satchidanandaya!

Hari Om!

After the wonderful European Reunion in Portugal in May this year we have all felt a new sense of energy and family and a reconnection to all our Integral Yoga sangha throughout Europe.



Everyone had so much fun and experienced a deep connection to each other and to the Divine as Swami Asokanandaji and Nalanieji and Rev. Padma led the retreat. If you'd like to see what it was like click on this link for photos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPOtopjUzbw.



At the final Satsang, there was only one question written down and this is what it said - "I have never experienced so much unconditional love, or had the ability to give and receive it myself. It has been a life-changing experience which I will always treasure. Thank you all so much. You are all in my heart forever." It summed it up beautifully for everyone! If you missed it, make sure you come to the next one.



It was decided to have a Euro Reunion retreat every three years - so that we can all come together, teachers and students, newcomers, as one big family. So make a date in your diary for 2011! The first one will be at Quinta da Calma in Portugal and then will move to all the different countries in Europe so that we all get the chance to see each others centres, homes, students, cultures and to bring everyone together in the beautiful teachings of our beloved Sri Gurudev.



There will also be a Teachers Retreat on alternate years - this would be similar to the one held at the Ashram in the US with many giving simultaneous workshops and classes on many different subjects so that we all share our knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. It was suggesgted that the first one would be held at Quinta da Calma in Portugal and then rotated to different countries.



Swami Asokananda suggested that it was time to form a European Council. It was decided to ask each country to nominate one representative to sit on the council. The council would meet once a year. Please send your nominations for your country representative to Rev. Padma Priya (European Co-ordinator) on revpadma@gmail.com. Where the annual meeting co-incides with the European Reunion or the Teachers Retreat, the Euro Rep meeting can be combined.



Some people expressed a great hunger for Intermediate Teacher Training within the European teachers that was not being fulfilled. To that end, Raghavan and Siva from the UK and Parvathi from Italy have just been to take training at the Ashram and are now accredited to be able to offer ITT courses in their home countries. This is a great step forward and a blessing for our teacher training in Europe.



It is also hoped at some point to be able to offer an ITT in Portugal with Swami Asokananda. If you are interested in this course, please contact Rev. Padma Priya as above. There will be an ITT in Guatemala next year with Swamiji (see http://www.yogaville.org/ for details).

Plans were also made to expand ongoing teacher training in Europe, including an Extra Gentle TT, Yoga for the Special Child, Yoga for the Heart, etc.. Details of all courses that are currently available can be found on http://www.quintadacalma.com/.

Many teachers said they had experienced problems in their home countries getting accredited by the regulating bodies or Government departments. The Ashram would like to support everyone in this and is willing to contact each relevant regulating body in support of our teachers. If you are an Integral Yoga teacher in Europe who has had this kind of problem or have overcome it, please could you send the details to Rev. Padma (as before) and, she will liaise with the Ashram to find the most suitable support. If we all work together, we can find a solution.

More news to follow ... all the up and coming events at our European Teaching Centre in Portugal at Quinta da Calma and more about the exploits of SUPER SWAMI !!

Lokah Samastah Sukhi No Bhavantu

May the entire Universe be filled with Peace and Joy, Love and Light

Jai Sri Satguru Maharajki! JAI!