Euro Council Meeting

Euro Council Meeting

Portugal

13 - 15 November 2009

The Integral Yoga European Council will meet at Quinta da Calma in Portugal on the above dates to find the best ways to support our European Sangha and its development and make plans for the future and future events.

If you have any items, issues or concerns you would like discussed at the Council Meeting or any messages you would like to send, please contact either your country's Euro Rep or Rev. Padma Priya, the Euro Co-ordinator, on revpadma@gmail.com

Upcoming Retreat with Swami Asokananda

Silent Retreat

with Swami Asokananda

at Quinta da Calma, Portugal

16th & 17th November 2009

Open to everyone

Cost only 150 euros

Swamiji's clear light and gentle wisdom, combined with his practical and down-to-earth teaching, have endeared him to so many of us in Europe.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share a peaceful retreat with him in our beautiful spiritual home at Quinta da Calma.

If you would like any more information, please contact groups@quintadacalma.com.

Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi

One Light Ceremony

Some photos of the beautiful One Light Ceremony on All Saints Day 1st November 2009 at Cleeve House in the U.K.

An Ashram for Europe

Hari Om!

The Grace of Sri Gurudev has inspired many hearts to come together to build a new Ashram for Europe.

Following his guidelines for a Heaven on Earth, the new Ashram will be a spiritual home for all of us.

To stay up to date and to share all the inspiration and joy of this project, click on this link:

http://ashramforeurope.blogspot.com/

or copy and paste it into your web browser.

See you there!

Om Shanthi

Italy Earthquake - News from Our IYC's

Om Shanthi

All hearts and prayers have been with the people of Italy as we have watched pictures of the terrible earthquake there on our television screens.

Here are 3 messages from each of our centres in Italy giving us the latest information on their situation and how they are coping.

From Parvathi in Milan:

Ciao Padma,

Hari Om!

Thanks for the concern, here in Milan no problem. We were not been affected at all, but in Abruzzo Region yes a lot, especially Aquila city. We don't have teachers there, but Uma lives pretty close, on the other side of the Gran Sasso Mountain and they have been all affected. Fortunately no people lost, but lots of fear and there are continuous movements of the earth.

A lot of the people left the city and went to the sea side which is very close. Some buildings are now under control and can't be used. Uma's home and center are ok. They are all pretty stressed. Last week I informed the Ashram and all are giving support.

Regarding Aquila city we had around 300 dead people and the city is distroyed. If anyone want to give help the best way they said is to send money. I am now in touch with a friend whose family live there to understand the best organization to send the money to. If you want I can keep you informed about it.

Om Shanti
Paola / Parvathi
IYC Milan

From Uma in Abruzzo:

Dearest Padma Priya,
With much joy I read your careful message, and I thank you for offering such loving support.
The terrible earthquake upset my region, Abruzzo. The main beautiful town was destroyed, which is about 30 km from my town, and many lives were lost.
We are all ok, just a lot of fear and damaged buildings.
The yoga centre kept on offering classes, in spite of the spread of anxiousness from continuous shakes during practice.
Then we closed for a two-day Easter holiday break.
A healing break we teachers needed, so we could re-center, overcome our own fears, and be inspired on the best practices to lead our students with.
So today we resume our classes again. Shaking is still going on, and we hope to learn how to be trusty.

I pray for the people who left their bodies, I pray for the survivors, for them to nurture the enthusiasm to start again. I pray for the mountain to calm down her anger, I pray for all of us so we can grow through this experience and become a better land and a better community.
I would like to share this prayer with you all.

Thank you for your support.
Om Shanti, Uma
IYC, Abruzzo

From Usha in Marche:

Dearest Padma Priya,

As for Vincenzo and me, we are safe. The Marche has
experienced some little shakes (some people say), but we have not noticed
anything, sleeping quietly in our beds at night.

It is a terrible situation to go through, but as in all adversities, through the suffering comes also something good. Often times people live in old homes, without the modern bathrooms etc. In this way, when they start to reconstruct, these people
will have new homes, and hopefully more solid. It does not console the
people who have lost their beloved family, friends, neighbours, as can well
be understood. But like with everything else, time will heal.

This earth is not an eternal home, although we have a deep desire it might be.
Let me give you a wonderful hug and thank you for asking and sending your loving
energy. Usha

Message from Swami Priyaananda Ma

Dear Sister,

How kind of you to remember all of us at the Ashram at this Holy

Easter time.

May the great love and light of Lord Jesus strengthen and guide all

our sanga.

In His Loving service,

Priyaananda

HAPPY EASTER!

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY EASTER!

In Greece at Easter time, family members greet each other with the joyful words "Christos Anesti!" Christ has risen!

In that same joyful spirit, we ask that Christ Consciousness arise in us.

May the true Spirit of Christ arise in all Hearts.

May His example of Living Love inspire all our actions and may the Peace that passes

all understanding manifest in the world.

Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi

Euro Headers for You

Hari Om!

Here are 2 headers for you to use which were very kindly designed for us by Raghavan in the UK.

It's another way of coming together and sharing - we can all have the same "look" for our fliers and stationery. It's not compulsory of course, just there if you would like to use it.

If you would like any part of it translated into your own language, just send the translation you would like to revpadma @gmail.com and we'll email you your very own header.

If you're unable to download or copy the image from this page, just send me an email (as above)and I'll send it to you direct.

May the silent rain of Divine Grace flood our Souls

and overflow out into the World

Om Shanthi

Correction - Inviting Swami Asokananda

Hari Om!

We have been asked to wait a little while before inviting Swami Asokananda.

Stay tuned to this space...

Om Shanthi

Vow of Non-Violence

Hari Om!

We begin to see the Age of Aquarius in action - over 17,000 people so far have taken a vow of non-violence in thought, speech and action - living in the spirit of Ahimsa.

If you want to learn more, go to www.itakethevow.com.

How to Support Quinta da Calma!

Hari Om Dear Ones,

Here is a membership drive letter from our beloved Divyajyothi telling you exactly how you can help to ensure that Quinta da Calma continues to offer its healing presence to the world.

Beloved Sisters and Brothers,

"We all need at least two homes: one physical home....but also one
spiritual home that is in our hearts that provides sustenance for our soul".

These words, spoken by Edgar Cayce(1877-1945) are as true, and maybe even
more so, today, as then.

For many persons who have done programs, trainings, workshops, and classes
here, Quinta da Calma is just that: their spiritual home.

It is almost 30 years ago that Al and I opened the doors to Quinta da Calma
with Integral Yoga as its foundation. A dedicated team of highly qualified
therapists, Yoga teachers, and other spiritual teachers and presenters have
helped, comforted, given treatments, classes, guidance and love to thousands
of people.

Now it is the Quinta that needs help.

The American stock market crash has had a severe impact on my personal
ability to continue to subsidize the Quinta. Therefore, for the first time
in our long history, I must ask for help. Although we have reduced our
staff and thereby our costs, we still need financial aid in order to allow
the Quinta to continue to provide and maintain the facilities to the
standard that our students and guests have come to expect from us.

For this reason, we have put together and are launching a new membership
structure, details of which follow. We are humbly asking as many of you as
possible to take out a membership in The School of Life at Quinta da Calma.

This great support will help ensure that we can continue to be here for you,
and to continue to be able to share the teachings of our beloved Gurudev,
who blessed us with His presence and wisdom in 1989.

Equally, if you don´t wish to be a member, donations of any amount would be
very welcome and gratefully received and, of course, personally
acknowledged.

Thank you for your support in the past, and on behalf of the team at Quinta
da Calma, thank you for your help now.
Om Shanti.
With Love and Peace, Divyajyoti
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------please copy & paste this form and print it out and mail to Quinta da Calma at the address below, or send it by email to groups@quintadacalma.com---------------------------------------------------------
The School of Life at Quinta da Calma Membership Subscription
One year subscription: 35 euro
Two year subscription: 50 euro
Three year subscription: 75 euro
Five year subscription: 100 euro
A subscription carries with it several benefits for the members such as a
discount on therapies, a discount on accommodation bookings for member and
family, and more. Each member will be sent a membership card with the list
of benefits they will receive.
What we would like to know about you:
Name:-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address:-----------------------------------------------------------------------
e-mail:-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tel.--------------------------------Fax:---------------------------------------
International payments are best made by bank transfer to the following:
School of Life Association
N.I.B: 0018 0000 21639784001 80
IBAN: PT50001800002163978400180
BIC/SWIFT: TOTOPTPL

Postal Address: School of Life, Quinta da Calma, Apartado 3053, 8135 Almancil, Algarve, Portugal

To see all the wonderful events on offer at Quinta da Calma click on this link to their website:

http://www.quintadacalma.com/.

Spotlight on Belgium

Hari Om!

This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and what is happening in all the corners of Integral Yoga in Europe.

This month we go to Belgium to visit with Ramakrishna, a humble and devoted Soul who lives to serve. I asked him a few questions -and you will see his answers in his own heartfelt form of words.

This photo is of Ramakrishna singing "Salve Regina" during the puja at the last Euro Re-union in Portugal- all who were there will remember how moving it was and his beautiful voice.

pp: Would you give us an outline of your spiritual biography?

RK : I don´t know wher to begin. I startet to study the sciptures long ago when i was a teenager. Some times i forgot the importance of this and then it came back in to my live.

So when i was 33 i made a tour trough the Nord of India. It was ther that my live turned for good. When i came back i meet my wife who was study yoga and she let my in to the spirituale world.

I thit not study yoga on that time, but was intrestet in the sciptures of the Theosofic Society. It was after that i was devorced that i came very cloos to the study of the Theosofic Society.

The first to works that i was study wher " The Divine Plan" from the author G. Barborka and " The Yoga Sutras from Patanjali." from the author Dr.I.K.Taimni.

It hit my all so much that i hat to withdraw myself . I went on a pelgrimage to Santiago de Compostella. I spent three and a half month to go ther and i can tell you it wher the most intensely hapy months of that time. But i thit not came home, i am still a pelgrim, thil i came in contact whit yoga three years later.

pp: How did you first come into contact with the teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda?

RK: It was when i came in the house of a friend of my wher i first lookt to a picture of Swami Satchidananda. I found it very intressting but thit not go deeper in to that.

A year later i came to Spain to baby sit on a spiritual center for three months. The first yoga lesson in that place was given by Padma Prya. The lesson was going verry deep in to my soul. Ther was a littel altar and on that altar ther he was again and i felt myself attract to Him. It was from that moment that i followt the lessons from Swami Satchidananda through the soul of Padma Prya.

pp: Can you tell us a little about your Integral Yoga Centre near Antwerp in Belgium?

RK: Well after finisht the first half of the TT cource that i followt in Spain with Padma, i went back to Belgium and just startet to give lesson.

First the lessons wher given in a house in Turnhout. It wher the longest lessons that i have given. The people wher verry entousiast about it. They got three hours yoga for the price of 5 euros. It was fun to do.

Later the group growt and we mouved to a hall above a cafe. We hat to clean up the room and moving the tables and chairs to have a place to do yoga. When the lesson was finisht we hat to put every thing back on the same place becouse the next morning people having ther breakfirst ther. I think they not only eat ther breakfirst but wher showert whit the energy that was still in that room.

The group growt and we went to a public hall. On that moment i startert a second class in Wiekevorst. I was searching for a good hall and lookt every wher but could not find one.

One day a friend of me calt me up and said to my that ther was a hall in my street. It was just acrosse my door. We opent that second class and the first slowly deserted. It was a time from ups and downs but we did not stopt.

On the moment now we have five yoga classes in diferent places. It is fun to see how they all grow and have ther own nature. This is all whit the help of our beloved Gurudev. He is doing every thing and has great fun here.

pp: You have been translating the Living Gita and are now working on the Yoga Sutras. Can you tell us something about that work?

RK: Well the translation from the Living Gita was a long work that much time confiscate. It was verry intens and I felt the help of Swamiji all the way through. Some times it was gowing like a train and on other moments it was verry hard work. Why? becouse i was going through my own process. On this moment we are setting every thing in correct Dutch. The Yoga Sutras is the next work that we are going to do. The first two sutras are translatet and in the free time that i have i am doing this whit all the pleasure. It is in fact not working at all. Hahaha

pp: Do you have any Yoga events coming up in Belgium this year?

RK: Yes in March 7 and 8 we have a first a great fair in Leuven. On this fair we give a Hatha Yoga Class and a Partner Yoga Class. I am also giving a talk about Mantra Yoga and Raja Yoga. You can find all the information about this fair on http://www.eco-therapeutica.be/.

The next Sunday the 15 of March we giving a Open Yoga day in Veltem Bijsem in a place cald La Riposa. The day start at 10am whit a Hatha Yogaclass. After this class we have lunch. At 13.00 we start again whit a partner yoga class. We end the day whit chanting mantras. The price of this day is 10 euro for the holl day.You can find all the information on the site http://www.lariposa.be/.

The weekend of 20,21 and 22 of March we have a Yoga Retraite in the Ardennen in a small place called Heyd. We are going to celebrate the spring inversion together. Whit a lot of yoga, meditation, singing, walking and laughting. This weekend costs 150 euro. You can see the location on the site http://users.skynet.be/boda.

The weekend from 19, 20 and 21 of June we are going on a Camping Yoga Weekend in Wechelterzande. This is a special weekend becouse we are staying in two teepee tents - in the biggest we can sleep 15 people and in the other we will sleep 7 persons. We will celebrate summer solstice whit a big campfire, singing and dance , stillness and meditation. The cost will be the same as the other weekend.

Every first Saterday of the month ther is a mantra recitation in the Theosofic Society of Antwerp. It is starting at 14.00uur and ends at 17.00uur. Ther ar no costs for this.

pp: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

RK: Yes it is beautifull to be an instrument of Gurudev in this times. Ther is so much to do, and it is don with all the love that is. We should never think on the losts or profit in this world. Ther is always the benifit of all that commes first and if that mean that we have to melt in to God we have to do it whit all the joy that is. May be this is all we have to do. Thank you for all the Love and Joy. Always Your Ramakrishna.

Quinta da Calma needs our help

Hari Om!


As we all know, the financial situation in the world has changed dramatically over the past few months.


Sadly, one of those hit by financial disaster was Quinta da Calma and its owner, our very own beloved Divyajyothi (Sylta). Almost everything was lost and the future of Quinta da Calma is now in our hands.



Quinta da Calma is our main European residential centre and centre for teacher training programmes. For many of us, it is our yoga home. If you haven't yet been there, go! It is a haven of peace in a hectic world, a place to experience real living yoga and to marvel at the beautiful living example of selfless service that Divyajyothi offers to us all. If you would like to have a glimpse of this beautiful place and see what happens there (courtesy of the internet) just go to http://www.quintadacalma.com/.





There are several ways for us to help Quinta da Calma survive financially. One is to use it! Book your own programmes there, book up to go and take the programmes and trainings on offer, go for a weekend or a week for a private retreat - you'll love it.





The second way, for those of us with good financial resources, is to give a donation. You can contact Divyajyothi directly by email on groups@quintadacalma.com or write to Rev. Padma Priya on revpadma@gmail.com.





The third way we have come up with is for a Membership drive. This way, for a reasonable amount, we can all become members of Quinta da Calma and receive their newsletter - but most importantly of all, we will know that we are helping this beautiful place of serenity, of healing and teaching to continue.





As someone wrote to me recently - "the thought that Quinta da Calma may not be there in the future is absolutely horrendous". We'll be sending out a Membership Letter from Quinta da Calma very soon ... stay tuned to this station!





God bless. Om Shanthi.

New connections in Europe!

Hari Om!

Integral Europe is growing and flourishing - hooray! Jai Gurudev!

We have several new member countries joining the European Council - so we are very happy and delighted to welcome the following new countries and their representatives - thank you all so very much.

We are also delighted to say that new avenues of communication are opening up between the European Sangha and the Ashram in America.

The Ashram has been undergoing a complete review and reorganisation which has been overseen and designed by an outside consultant, and it is now almost in place.

Within the original plan, once everything in the US was set up, there was a timescale for an outreach to the international Sangha and new channels of communication to be set up.

The reorganisation may take up to a year to complete and both the Ashram and IY Europe think that is too long to wait, so I am speaking with Euro Reps and will be meeting with two senior swamis in the next few weeks to discuss the best way for us to have clear and easeful communication.

So in case you've been wondering what's going on, don't worry! Your Euro Co-ordinator is busy working together with you and with the Ashram. Watch this space for more news!

So here are our New Members:

Austria (Narayani Bianca Westreicher), Czech Republic (Chinmayi Niegsch), Denmark (Jessica Gorre-Borja), Finland (Prasanna Paula Jooga), Greece (Linda Vincent), Holland (Chandra van Altveer), Iceland (Martha Ernstsdottir), Norway (Hillevi Larsson) and Switzerland (Jaya Palma).

And the existing members of the Council are:

Belgium (Ramakrishna de Meester), France (Ambika Berthias), Germany (Highkey Meyer), Gibraltar (Nalanie Chellaram), Italy (Parvathi Faini), Portugal (Divyajyothi Kalmbach), Spain (Kirana Lee Stover), U.K. (Lalitha Williams) and the European Co-ordinator is Rev. Padma Priya.

The newly increased and enhanced European Council will be meeting later this year in November in Portugal. So if you have any concerns or news to share that you would like your Euro Representative to take to the meeting, just let them know as soon as possible so that it can be added to the Agenda.

If you don't have an email address for your Euro Rep, please contact Rev. Padma on revpadma@gmail.com and she will put you in touch.

Thank you all for your Light and Love and your beautiful service in sharing the teachings of our beloved Sri Gurudev. Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi.

New words for IY Chants

Hari Om!

There has been a review of the wording in the English translations of our Sanskrit chants and prayers so that there is no longer a gender preference - that means, no more "He" or "His"!

So you may like to take a copy of the new form from this information (below) kindly sent to us by Swami Karunanadaji and for teachers to share it with your students.

It is not a big difference in terms of learning a new set of words, but perhaps our students will appreciate it if we change over to this more Universal way.

NEW CHANT TRANSLATIONS

MORNING MEDITATION

OM OM OM

Omkaaram Bindu Samyuktam
Nityam Dhyaayanti Yoginaha
Kaamadam Mokshadam Chaiva
Omkaaraaya Namo Namaha

OM united with the Source,
On which the yogis ever dwell,
Grants desires and liberation,
Salutations to the Omkaram.

Invocation: "May I invoke the blessings of my Gurudev. May He be with me to protect me from all the obstacles during my saadhanaa and guide me on my path."

Guru Slokas (Prayers to the Guru): One of the following prayers is selected each day.

Gurur Brahmaa Gurur Vishnu
Gurur Devo Maheswaraha
Guruh Saakshaat Param Brahma
Tasmai Sree Gurave Namaha

The Guru creates. The Guru preserves.
The Guru dissolves the universe.
The Guru, in fact, is the Absolute.
Salutations to the Sadguru.


Brahmaanandam Parama Sugatam
Kevalam Jñaana Moortim
Dwandwaateetam Gagana Sadrusam
Tattwamasyaadi Lakshyam
Ekam Nityam Vimalam Achalam
Sarvadhee Saakshi Bhootam
Bhaavaateetam Triguna Rahitam
Sadgurum Tam Namaami

The greatest bliss, the highest joy,
Embodiment of Wisdom Absolute,
Non-dual, boundless like the sky,
You are the goal of "Thou art That."
One, eternal, pure, and still,
Witness of the whole universe,
Beyond mind's grasp, of gunas free,
To You, O Guru, may my worship be.


OM Namah Sivaaya Gurave
Satchidaananda Moortaye
Nishprapañjaaya Saantaaya
Niraalambaaya Tejase

The Guru is auspiciousness,
Embodiment of Truth, Knowledge, Bliss,
Salutations to the One who is beyond the worlds,
Peaceful, independent, and radiant.


Dhyaana Moolam Guror Moortim
Pooja Moolam Guror Paadam
Mantra Moolam Guror Vaakyam
Moksha Moolam Guror Krupaa

The root of meditation is the Guru's form;
The root of worhip, the Guru's feet;
The root of mantra, the Guru's word;
The root of freedom, the Guru's grace.


OM Gum Gurave Namah (27X)

Invocation: "May the sacred mantra develop the holy vibration in me to help me have the divine grace, wisdom, and prosperity and to retain my health, purity, and peace. May I dedicate the benefits of my attainments to the service of God and the entire creation."

Prayer to that aspect of the Divine to whom you feel a special devotion:

Twameva Maataa Cha Pitaa Twameva
Twameva Bandhus Cha Sakhaa Twameva
Twameva Vidyaa Dravinam Twameva
Twameva Sarvam Mama Devadeva

Thou art my mother, my father Thou art.
Thou art my family, my friend Thou art.
Thou art my knowledge, my wealth Thou art.
Thou art my all, O the Light of all Lights Thou art.


OM Tryambakam Yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam
Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaat
Mrityor Moksheeya Maamritaat

We worship You All-Seeing One;
Fragrant, You nourish bounteously.
From fear of death may You cut us free,
To realize immortality.

OM Saantih Saantih Saantih

Peace Prayers:

OM Sarveshaam Swastir Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Saantir Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Poornam Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Mangalam Bhavatu

Auspiciousness be unto all,
Perfect peace be unto all,
Fullness be unto all,
Prosperity be unto all.


Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaha
Sarva Santu Niraamayaah
Sarve Bhadraani Pasyantu
Maa Kaschid Duhkha Bhaag Bhavet

Happiness be unto all,
Perfect health be unto all,
May all see good ine veryone,
May all be free from suffering.


Asato Maa Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Maamritam Gamaya

Lead us from unreal to Real,
Lead us from darkness to the Light,
Lead us from the fear of death,
To knowledge of Immortality.


OM Poornam Adah Poornam Idam
Poornaat Poornam Udachyate
Poornasya Poonam Aadaaya
Poornam Evaavasishyate

That is full, this also is full.
This Fulluness came from that Fullness.
Though this Fullness came from that Fullness,
That Fullness remains forever full.
OM Saantih Saantih Saantih


OM Saha Naavavatu
Saha Nau Bhunaktu
Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai
Tejaswi Naavadheetam Astu
Maa Vidwishaavahai

May God protect us,
Grant us Wisdom's fruit,
May we gain energy to know the Truth,
May our intellects grow clear and bright,
May we cherish no ill feeling toward anyone.
OM Saantih Saantih Saantih


Kaayena Vaachaa Manasendriyair Vaa
Buddhyaatmanaa Vaa Prakriteh Swabhaavaat
Karomi Yad Yat Sakalam Parasmai
Guruvaraayeti Samarpayaami

Whatever actions I may perform
Impelled by the forces of Nature,
By body, word, mind, senses, intellect, soul,
I offer to the feet of my Sadgurudev.

Lokaah Samastaah Sukhino Bhavantu

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

(The Sanskrit/English order is reversed for the final affirmation)

Leader: May the Light of Truth overcome all darkness!

Group: Victory to that Light!

Leader: Jai Sree Sadguru Mahaaraaj Ki

Group: Jai!


GLORY TO LORD OF WORLD: “Who removes all devotees’ troubles.”


EVENING MEDITATION

Kara Charana Kritam Vaak
Kaayajam Karmajam Vaa
Sravana Nayenajam vaa
Maanasam vaa Aparaadham
Vihitam Avihitam vaa
Sarvam Edat Kshamashwa
Jaya Jaya Karunaapte
Sri Maha Deva Shambo.
Jaya Jaya Maha Deva Shambo.
Sri Maha Deva Shambo.

Please forgive me all my mistakes, Lord,
Made by my hands, feet, body, or karma,
By my speech, ears, eyes, or by my mind,
By intent or through neglect, Lord.
May all glory be unto Thee, Lord,
Sacred Ocean of Mercy.

White Light - Ashram in the Snow photos

Hari Om!

Sharing the beauty of the Ashram in the snow, here are some photos that have been sent to us by Swami Asokanandaji.