Letter to a disciple
I want my disciples to be like myself in applying themselves in an all-round manner to the propagation of the message of the Lord. I want them to develop the divine qualities in themselves and inculcate them in others. Wherever you go, give, distribute, disseminate your ideas, mottos, ideals. Broadcast your spiritual feelings and share with others. Always give, give, give. Give all and ask nothing.
My mission is a divinely ordained path, whose final destination is the transformation of human society and civilization into a divine one. This is my sadhana, which I shall keep on practising till the end of my life.
—Swami Sivananda SaraswatiSaints take birth to uphold the culture of a nation. This has been our tradition for countless ages. However, now there is friction between nation and nation, there is turmoil in the mind of man, his outer and inner life are at war with each other and there is no harmony. In our country there is chaos and a sense of frustration. It looks as if the ancient tradition of saintly souls keeping alive all that is good in our culture is no longer there.
We are going to establish, once more, that ancient tradition. Politicians cannot revive it, nor can economists or reformers, for all of them fail to fulfil the one essential condition for its operation which only saints do – you cannot reform others unless first of all you reform yourself, you cannot purify others unless first of all you purify yourself. Saints only can fulfil this condition. In the surrounding darkness, they bring the bright flame of yoga as their answer for the ills of the modern world.Swami Satyananda Saraswati
On the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the Jamalpur Railway Workshop, Swami Gyanbhikshu conducted a program at the stadium of the workshop. The topic was ‘Yoga, Theory and Practice'. Swami Gyanbhikshu spoke on the traditional, holistic and scientific nature of Satyananda Yoga. The program was attended by 150 participants.
This year's first yoga camp was organized by Barauni Refinery Yoga Dhyan Kendra from 5th to 12th February. About 80 adults and 70 children from three schools participated. The camp concluded with Mahamrityunjaya havan followed by bhoj. The camp was conducted by Swami Atmabhishek and assisted by Gautam and Rahul of Yuva Yoga Mitra Mandal.
Rishi Arundhati from Canada was invited by the Munger branch of SEWA, Self-Employed Women's Association, to conduct yoga classes in Munger and in the surrounding rural area.
On 14th March, a program was organized for women producing leaf plates in Jalsakra village of the Khadakpur division, as well as for women engaged in incense rolling in Fulkia village near Bariarpur. The program was attended by 15 women. The ladies were taught pawanmuktasana, anti-rheumatic exercises, simple nadi shodhana and yoga nidra.
On 15th March, a program was held in Maydariapur, near Jamalpur.
On 30th March, another program was organized in Jalsakra village. This time 25 women attended. Since it was Navaratri the yoga session was concluded with a joyful kirtan dedicated to Devi. Rishi Arundhati was accompanied by sannyasa trainees Mantrapriya and Gyanshakti.
On 29th April, Swami Atmabhishek and Swami Nirmalananda attended the final function of a month long health awareness program in Bhagalpur.
Swami Atmabhishek conveyed the good wishes of Swami Niranjanananda for the success of the program. He said that the role of yoga and yogic lifestyle in promoting health, as well as in preventing and managing diseases, should be highlighted and taught to school children.
People who visited the yoga stall were guided on how to reap health benefits from yoga.
From 20th to 27th May, a program was conducted by Swami Gorakhnath at the IOC Refinery, Barauni, Bihar. The morning and evening classes were attended by 150 participants and 50 children. Swami Gorakhnath was assisted by Gautam and Rahul of the YYMM.
On 26th May, Swami Gyanbhikshu attended the ‘Dr Arpita Roy Award Ceremony for Rural Cancer Doctors in Bihar' at the Central Institute, Eastern Railway, Jamalpur. The function was attended by 200 participants. Swami Gyanbhikshu spoke on the holistic approach of yoga for the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of patients.
On 4th August, a Sangrampur Yoga Shivir was organized by Sannyasi Satyapragyanand of the local Yoga Mitra Mandal. Teachers of the Shivir were Sannyasis Satyapragyananda and Chittapushpam who were assisted by Niket Ranjan and Prerana Suman of the Bal Yoga Mitra Mandal. Over 100 participants attended the program. Swami Gyanbhikshu conducted the concluding session with satsang and kirtan.
On 5th September, Swami Gyanbhikshu attended the Manavata Diwas program convened by Sadbhavana Pustakalaya in Jamalpur. The function was attended by 500 people. Swami Gyanbhikshu spoke on the meaning of seva, its philosophy and application as propounded by the tradition of Bihar School of Yoga.
From 23rd to 30th September, Swami Nirmalananda conducted a yoga camp at Barauni Oil Refinery Township. Three daily sessions were held for men, women and children in the Central School, as well as an open evening session for all. The classes were attended by around 40 participants.
Both teachers and doctors of the township expressed the need to integrate yoga into the education and health system, and are looking forward to cooperation with Bihar School of Yoga.
Nishant (Jignasu Satyakripa) and Arvind of the Yuva Yoga Mitra Mandal assisted all activities: demonstrating the asanas, decorating the pooja and havan area, and leading the kirtan. They were well appreciated by the participants.
From 27th October to 5th November, Swami Atmabhishek conducted a yoga camp which was organized by the Sri Arvind Society, Dehri-on-Sone, Rohtas, on their premises on the banks of the river Sone. The three daily sessions were attended by 55 participants. Gautam of the Yuva Yoga Mitra Mandal assisted in all activities.
On 31st October and 1st November, Swami Yogatirtha and sannyasa trainee Devi went, on the invitation of Notre Dame School, Jamalpur, to help prepare a short yoga presentation for their annual sports day. 200 children participated.
Throughout the year 2012, Swami Sheelvratananda and the Jnana Darshan Yogashram, Bhilai, conducted 22 shivirs in schools, clubs and temples to inform people of next year's World Yoga Convention and to invite them to participate. The shivirs were attended by 837 interested yoga practitioners.
From 30th September to 7th October, Swami Tejomayananda conducted a shivir in Raigarh. The programs were attended by over 220 asults and 350 school children.
From 3rd to 11th November, Swami Gorakhnath conducted a shivir on health and stress management for 70 officers and emplyees of the South Eastern Coalfields in Korba.
From 20th to 27th November, 60 officers and employees of the South Eastern Coalfields, Bishrampur, attended a shivir. Swami Gorakhnath spoke on lifestyle, the tradition and luminaries of Satyananda Yoga.
Swami Kaivalyananda conducted the following programs in Bangalore:
Swami Gorakhnath conducted the following yoga programs:
Satna: from 9th to 13th March – An advanced yoga sadhana shivir was held at the Shivananda Darshan Yoga Ashram. 100 participants attended the morning classes. The afternoon classes were for women only. The evening session included bhajan, kirtan, satsang and yoga nidra.
Katni: from 14th to 20th March – A yoga sadhana shivir took place at the Satyananda Yoga Kendra, Vedansh Vatika, attended by 80 participants.
Evening classes were held at the Messers S Caldries Club. 50 officers and workers of the organization attended the classes.
On 17th March, Mahamrityunjaya havan was conducted
On 19th March, the children of the Rasakala Sangeet Mahavidyalaya presented a beautiful song and dance program. Swami Gorakhnath spoke about the activities conducted at Rikhiapeeth for the all-round development of children.
On 14th March, a one-hour yoga program was conducted for the students of the DAV school.
From 14th to 16th March, a three-day advanced yoga sadhana shivir was held for 40 ladies at the Sindhu Bhavan, Madhavnagar.
On 17th March, a program was organized for students, parents and teachers of the First Step Academy, Nai Basti.
On 18th March, a program was held at the Gahoi Vaishya Dharmashala.
Indore: from 21st to 29th March – From 22nd to 24th March, an advanced yoga sadhana shivir was held at Lokmanya Nagar, attended by 250 participants.
From 22nd to 23rd March, an advanced yoga sadhana shivir was organized at Divyayan, Malharganj, for 125 ladies.
From 26th to 28th March, a camp was conducted at the Durga Mata Mandir, Pardeshipura, for 70 participants.
On 24th March, an address was delivered to 1,200 girls at the Umiya Girls College on ‘Personality Development'.
From 24th to 26th of March, an evening shivir was organized at the Pragat Praudyogiki Sansthan for 125 scientists.
On 27th March, 125 students at Chauthram Nursing College attended an address on the importance of yoga in medical science.
On 28th March, Swami Gorakhnath spoke to 65 elders at an old age home on how to conduct one's life in adverse circumstances, citing the example from Rikhiapeeth.
On 29th March, a regular morning class was conducted by Satyananda Yoga Kendra at Residency Club, Radio Colony.
Swami Kaivalyananda conducted the following yoga programs:
Jabalpur: from 16th to 20th March – Evening classes were held at the Satpura Club, Railway Station Road, attended by 100 participants.
Two morning classes were organized at the Gujarat Mandal Civic Centre, attended by 220 participants.
On 16th March, a lecture on ‘Stress Management' was delivered at the office of the Divisional Railway Manager, attended by 100 participants, and a yoga class for 300 ladies of the Sindhu Mahila Samiti was conducted at the Hotel Samdariya.
On 17th March, a lecture was delivered on the topic of ‘Seva' at the Yogamani Institute of Nursing, attended by 100 participants. Later in the day, a lecture and question-answer session on stress management was organized for 50 doctors at the IMA Hall, Right Town.
On 18th March, a lecture and demonstration was organized for 130 participants at the Jabalpur Foundation, Golchha Baraat Ghar.
Reewa: from 22nd to 25th March – a yoga shivir was conducted at Manas Bhavan. There was morning class, a ladies' class, and an evening class consisting of bhajan, kirtan, satsang and yoga nidra. Over 100 participants attended the various programs.
Gwalior: from 29th March to 4th April – a morning class was organized at Phoolbagh Chauraha for 12 participants, and at the Ladies Park Chhatri Mandir where 25 participants attended yoga classes.
From 6th to 13th April, a Higher Yoga Sadhana Shivir was jointly conducted by Swamis Gorakhnath and Kaivalyanananda.
On 6th April, havan and satsang took place at the Yoga Mitra Mandal Piplani for 80 participants.
On 7th April, a yoga and sadhana shivir was organized at the CISF Campus Govindpura and attended by 100 participants. A satsang on ‘Bhakti and Yoga' was organized at the Yoga Sadhana Welfare Centre, Basant Kunj, attended by 50 participants.
The Mahamrityunjaya havan was performed at the Yoga Research Centre, Habibganj, BHEL, attended by 110 participants.
From 8th to 13th April, the Higher Yoga Sadhana Shivir was conducted at the Patanjali Yoga Kendra, Bharatnagar, attended by 400 participants.
From 8th to 12th April, the Higher Yoga Sadhana Shivir was conducted at:
On 11th April, a lecture was delivered in the Sagar Institute of Engineering, Ayodhya Bypass, on ‘Improving the Quality of Life through Yoga'. 1,100 participants attended the talk, and a satsang was held at the Mrityunjaya Yoga Kendra, Bharatnagar, for 80 participants.
On 12th April, 50 participants, doctors and staff of the Kasturba Hospital and BHEL Dispensaries attended a lecture on health management.
During May and June, a thirty-five-day training Shivir was organized by the MP Police in Indore. Sn Chaitanya Atma conducted classes on behalf of Satyananda Yoga Kendra, Indore. The participants benefited particularly from the practice of yoga nidra. The response was so positive that out of 500 police officers 280 have subscribed to Yoga Vidya magazine.
Mumbai: from 16th to 20th January, Swami Kaivalyananda conducted a five-day course in Mumbai. The theme was ‘Multiple Dimensions and Benefits of Yoga.' The program was attended by 70 participants. A one-day retreat was organized on the last day on the theme of japa yoga. Both events included asana, pranayama, mantra chanting and satsang. The participants left inspired and encouraged to incorporate some of the practices and teachings into daily life. Many of the course participants look back on a long and fruitful association with Bihar School of Yoga.
Gondia: Swami Gorakhnath conducted the following yoga program:
From 31st March to 6th April, morning classes were conducted on the premises of the Dhote Bandhu Science College for 125 men and 50 women.
A mid-morning class was held at the Saket Public School for 225 students and 20 teachers.
At the Sharada Vachanalaya, an afternoon class was organized for 45 ladies, and the evening session was attended by all participants. Swami Gorakhnath spoke on ‘How to Enjoy Life', and ‘Yoga for Life'.
Swami Kaivalyananda conducted various programs in Mumbai:
From 4th to 8th June, a workshop on head, heart and hands, at Wadia International Centre, attended by 70 participants.
He gave an inspiring two-hour therapy session on arthritis, back pain, hypertension and diabetes, attended by 42 participants. The Mahamrityunjaya havan was attended by 70 people.
A one-day retreat on japa yoga was attended by 62 participants.
At all programs Swami Kaivalyananda inspired people to practise yoga, and expressed his dedication to his guru and guru's mission.
From 3rd to 13th October, Swami Gorakhnath conducted a yoga camp in Shillong. The camp was organized by the Police Academy North East, Shillong, mainly for DSP from Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram and Shillong. A total of 117 participants attended the program. During the satsang Swami Gorakhnath spoke on ashram life, the guru-disciple relationship and the development of discipline and awareness.
From 2nd to 6th October, Swami Srimukhananda conducted a yoga training program at the Field Gun factory, Indian Ordnance Factories, in Kanpur. The program was attended by over 70 participants. Sannyasis Karunamurti and Mantradeva assisted in all activities.
From 3rd to 4th October, Swami Srimukhananda conducted a yoga shivir at the Chintels School, Kanpur, for students of classes 9, 10 and 12. On 5th October a shivir was conducted for the teachers of the school.
The Tribeni Tissues Employees' Recreation Centre, ITC Co. Ltd., in Chandrahati, Hooghly, West Bengal, organized a yoga seminar from 23rd to 30th January. Swami Kaivalyananda gave a morning class for 15 officers and employees. In the afternoon, a class for 25 ladies was organized at the River Side Canteen Club.
From 25th to 27th January, ITC Co. organized yoga classes for the higher secondary school, Tribeni Tissues Vidyapeeth in Chandrahati. 60 class VIII students attended the classes.
Swami Satyadharma visited Japan and South Korea in May and June. In Japan, she conducted seminars on: ‘Swan Meditation', ‘Nada Yoga' and an ‘Introduction to Kriya Yoga', at a yoga retreat centre in Manazuru, a small town in the mountains, overlooking the ocean, two hours north of Tokyo. She also conducted seminars in the towns of Shizuoka and Yaizu on: ‘Mantra and Kirtan', ‘The Importance of Yoga in Modern Life', and ‘The Process of Meditation'. The Japanese people enjoy kirtan very much, so kirtan was an integral part of each seminar.
Another important aspect of each seminar in Manazuru was the prayer and offering, which was performed along with the Mahamrityunjaya mantra chanting, for the healing and rejuvenation of the land after the tsunami and nuclear devastation. During the first seminar each participant offered rice along with the mantra chanting, and in the final seminar flower havan was performed.
After Japan, Swami Satyadharma visited Jeju Island, which is at the southern tip of South Korea, about 300 kilometres from the mainland. She participated in an International Meditation Conference at the Jeju University and the Jeju International Meditation Centre. During this conference, there were four main presenters, each hailing from different Buddhist meditation traditions, along with the yogic meditation tradition, which she represented. Each presenter was a monk and a master in his particular tradition, so the conference provided a rare opportunity to receive direct training and practical instruction from authentic teachers of different meditation systems.
Swamis Omgyanam and Mudraroopa from Serbia conducted various programs in Lebanon:
From 1st to 3rd June, a weekend workshop was held on ‘Integral Satyananda Yoga', attended by 76 participants from Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Cyprus, Serbia, Canada, England, America, Germany and Denmark. This group of yoga practitioners also represented different faiths – Sunni and Shiite Muslims, Orthodox and Catholic Christians, and Druze. The seminar took place outside Beirut, in a mountain retreat.
On 5th, 6th and 8th June, a workshop on ‘An Introduction to Integral Satyananda Yoga' was held in Beirut which was attended by 34 participants.
On 7th June, a one-day workshop for yoga teachers was held in Beirut for six teachers from different yoga traditions. They were introduced to the history, lineage, contribution and the basic principles of Satyananda Yoga.
Swami Satyadharma visited the USA in August and September and conducted a coast-to-coast tour to connect the teachers and their students with the greater Satyananda community, and to give a comprehensive vision and experience of the higher teachings of yoga.
Her first stop was San Jose in the Bay Area in California, where she conducted a seminar on the ‘Relationship between Yoga and the Chakras'. Swami Niranjan had also lived and taught yoga in this town, during the early 1980's. Afterwards she travelled to Colorado and conducted seminars in Golden on ‘Yoga for the Heart', and in Steamboat on ‘Mind, Consciousness and Meditation'. From there she went to Austin, Texas, and conducted a seminar on ‘Yoga and Mind Management'. In Cleveland, Ohio, where the North American Yoga Academy is located, she conducted seminars on ‘Kundalini and the Chakras' and an ‘Introduction to Kriya Yoga'. The next stop was on the East Coast, where seminars were conducted in Baltimore, Maryland, on ‘Awakening Intuition' and in Flemington, New Jersey, on ‘Prana Vidya'.
Upon completion of the US tour, she also travelled to Bogotá, Colombia, to connect with and inspire the yoga teachers and students of the beautiful new Satyananda Yoga Academy of South America. Swami Satyananda frequently visited Colombia in the 1970's and started the first Satyananda School of Yoga there. Swami Niranjan lived and taught in this yoga school for several years when he was a young boy. Swami Satyadharma conducted seminars at the Yoga Academy on ‘Tattwa Shuddhi' and an ‘Introduction to Kriya Yoga'.