Wednesday, January 13, 2010


Euro Council Meeting 2009



News of all that was achieved at the Meeting


Present

Germany High Key Meyer

Gibraltar Lakshmi & San (representing Nalanie Chellaram)

Holland Chandra van Altveer

Italy Parvathi Faini

Portugal Divyajyoti Kalmbach

Spain Kirana Stover & Brahmani Eaton

U.K. Lalitha Williams

Euro Co-ordinator Rev. Padma Priya

Integral Yoga International Swami Asokananda


Apologies For Absence


Austria Narayani Bianca Westreicher

Belgium Ramakrishna de Meester

Czech Republic Chinmayi Niegsch

Finland Prasanna Paula Jooga

France Ambhika Berthias

Greece Linda Vincent

Norway Hillevi Larsson

Switzerland Jaya Palma


Opening


Rev. Padma opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and sharing messages from those not able to be present. She gave a brief overview of the history of the European meetings since 2001. She read out the Integral Yoga Europe Vision Statement which was formulated on 25th May 2001 and it was agreed to keep this inspiring vision as it is shown below:

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“Integral Yoga International makes available the teachings of HH Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj to all those in need.

It serves as a dynamic force for individual and world peace, embracing all paths and presenting the highest and purest possible standards of yogic teaching by teachers of noble character and good reputation.

Thus it brings honour to Sri Gurudev, beneficence to the world and liberation to ourselves.

We do this through our very presence in a room, on the street and in the world, and by dedicating our lives to the peace and prosperity, health and happiness of all creation.”


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Main Projects for Europe to Take Forwards


A number of projects were put forward by the European Council which were voted on to give an order of priority.

  1. Euro website
  2. Translation of books and dvd’s
  3. Visiting teachers to have an official tour
  4. Key Ashram people to go to Europe
  5. Ongoing training for teachers

Euro Reunion


Euro Reunion will be in Italy in May or June 2011.

It is planned to be in Germany in 2013 and the UK have asked to be the hosts in 2015.

It was agreed there would be a Teachers Retreat every 2 years at QDC

And a Euro Council centre heads meeting every year.


Retirement and Election of Euro Co-ordinator


Padma confirmed her retirement as Euro Co-ordinator. Swamiji thanked her for her service in that role for the past 8 years.

It was decided to have at least two and preferably three new co-ordinators.

The names proposed and elected unanimously were Parvathi (Italy), Brahmani (Spain)and Raghavan (UK) with the following areas of responsibility: Parvathi to nurture good relations between the Ashram and Europe and oversee the projects above; Brahmani to co-ordinate information and communication; Raghavan to spearhead updating our technology and image and bringing in a Euro Distribution business and social networking site.

Swamiji suggested that there should be one main head out of the 3 people, which was agreed by most people, but it was not agreed who it would be.


Ashram Ambassador to Europe


The whole of the European Council made it known that everyone felt extremely grateful to Swami Asokanandaji for his help over the past few years and that his energy and enabling support had really helped Europe to move forwards together.


Swamiji spoke about different people who could fulfil that role.
Different Council members then expressed their belief that Swami Asokananda will be the right person to take us to the next level.

The European Council then voted on the appointment of the Ashram Ambassador to Europe. There was a unanimous vote for Swami Asokananda to take that role forwards and include Europe in his global vision for Integral Yoga.

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