Cottage 31 was the setting for an inspired workshop this January. Radhika, SRSG Ashram’s sacred art teacher, guided guests and ashramites in the practice of dharana through painting the geometrical forms associated with each chakra.

The Utopian environment found in cottage 31 was no doubt reflective of Radhika’s blissful presence combined with the powerful vibrations of the sacred art itself. The space elicited great feelings of internal joy upon entrance and there was an energizing calmness continuously shared among everyone practicing in the space. The concentrated sattvic atmosphere was very much in groove with the ashram atmosphere and resonated as a pulsating globe of color and sound throughout the campus.

Radhaka guided the participants through study of the Sanskrit alphabet, some Sanskrit mantras, the theoretical and experiential study of sound vibrations within the body, the use of mudras and the study of tantric painting. Tantric painting involves examining and creating visual representations (mandalas) of chakra points while simultaneously humming the associated sounds to activate that energy in the body.

Radhika is the founder of the Institute of Sacred Art, Udaipur, Rajasthan. Her sacred icons illustrate many books in India and Europe. The AHYMSIN office is blessed with several of her original paintings.  Radhika will conduct a Sacred Art Workshop in Hungary, 1st – 8th August, 2009, and continue a systematic teaching program at SRSG in November 2009. Please visit www.mandalaportal.hu

All artistic images in this article subject to copyright © Saraswati Academy, Ibu Radhika

“All of the body is in the mind, but not all of mind is in the body.” – H.H. Sri Swami Rama
“Body is cured by the body.” – Rg-Veda
“Let not body conditions become mind conditions.” – Swami Veda Bharati

Final preparations are underway for The international Meditation and Pain Management Conference  to be held 24th – 28th February 2009 at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama. The Conference program will give those attending new understandings and tools in managing their own pain as well as those of their patients and others.

We have included a tentative schedule of the Conference in this newsletter in order for you to get a glimpse of the broad-spectrum program.

Highlights include:

Swami Veda Bharati leading guided meditations and speaking from his own experiences with meditation and with pain management;

Yoga practices, such as meditation, relaxation, breathing, biofeedback, mudras, Yoga Nidra, 61 points, and hatha asana, that are useful in controlling pain and reducing stress;

A full day at the Himalayan Hospital Institute Trust with lectures by the faculty of HIHT, the Combined Therapy Program, the Pancha Karma Center and a visit to the Swami Rama Center;

Lectures at Seema Dental College, including a lecture on dental pain management;

A lecture on integrative therapy in clinical psychology;

A panel discussion on the views of eastern and western philosophy on the nature of pain and its management;

A scientific research poster session;

Evening entertainment with traditional Indian dance and music;

Small group discussions; and

Publication of conference proceedings.

Meeting Schedule:

Day 1- Tuesday, February 24, 2009:

Location: Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama 100
12:00 – 4:00pm	Arrival and Registration
1:00 – 2:00	Lunch
4:00 – 4:30	Afternoon tea break
4:30 -5:00	Welcome to Sadhaka Grama, Orientation to the facilities and area-Mr. Nijhawan and Sylvia Baratta Welcome to meeting and overview of meeting- Susan Gould Fogerite, PhD Introduction of Karan Singh, PhD – Veena Maitra
5:00 – 6:00	Inaugural Address
6:00 – 7:00	Conference theme address: Combined Therapy approach to managing chronic stress and pain – John Clarke, MD
7:00 – 8:00	Dinner
8:00 – 9:00	Guided Meditation and Keynote address:  The nature of pain and pleasure – Sri Mahamandeleshwara Swami Veda Bharati

Day 2- Wednesday, February 25, 2009:

Location: Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
6:00 – 7:15am	Gentle hatha yoga class – Joints and glands- Ma Sewa
7:30 – 8:30	Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30	Guided Meditation – Swami Veda Bharati
9:30 – 10:30	Pleasure as antidote to pain – Swami Veda Bharati
10:30 – 11:00	Break
11:00 – 12:00	Mind body science: Stress, relaxation and the breath- Susan Gould Fogerite, PhD Practice: Complete breath, Diaphragmatic breathing, guided healing relaxation in makarasana pose
12:00 – 1:00	Meaning and use of mantra -Swami Ritavan Bharati, MA, ERYT 500 Practice: Sweeping breath relaxation and guided mantra meditation
1:00 -2:00	Lunch
2:00 – 3:00	Integrative therapy in clinical psychology practice – Steven Parker, PhD, ERYT 500 Practice: Nadi shodhanam and Guided autogenic relaxation
3:00 – 4:00	Western and Eastern philosophy on pain and suffering – Ma Radha Bharati, MA and Ma Sewa Bharati Practice: Contemplative walking meditation
4:00 – 4:30	Break
Location: Seema Dental School
4:30 – 5:15	“Cognitive Behavioural Modelling in Chronic Pain Management”- Tacson Fernandez, MBBS, FCARCSI, FIPP
5:15 – 6:00	Five Elements and emotional pain- Swami Nityamuktyananda, PhD, MA, M Ed, Dip.Ed. DAD, Dip Rfl, Dip HSEC
6:00 – 6:30	Panel discussion on nature of pain and pleasure from philosophical and psychological viewpoints-Questions and feedback from audience
6:30 – 7:00	Management of pain in dentistry – Seema Dental Faculty
Location: Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
7:00 – 8:00	Dinner
8:00 – 9:00	Ayervedic perspective on nature and sources of pain – D. Sharma, GAM, Ayurvedacharya

Day 3- Thursday, February 26, 2009:

Location: Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
6:00 – 7:15am	Progressive hatha yoga class – Maya Balog, RN, RYT 500
7:30 – 8:30	Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30	Guided Meditation – Swami Veda Bharati
9:30 – 10:30	Techniques for Pain Management – Swami Veda Bharati
10:30 – 11:00	Break
11:00 – 12:00	Title TBA (meditation and brain research)- Arnaud Delorme, PhD
12:00 – 1:00	Title TBA (meditation and brain research)- B. Rael Cahn, MD, PhD
1:00 -2:00	Lunch
2:00 – 3:00	‘Meditation and selective attention: possibilities for pain management’ -Shirley Telles, MBBS, PhD
3:00 – 4:00	Vipassana meditation and sleep-Dr. Ravindra
4:00 – 4:30	Meditation Research Panel Discussion: with questions and feedback from audience
4:30 – 5:00	Break
5:00 – 7:00	Lecture and Workshop: Use of Mudra for control of pain- Indu Arora, MD
7:00 – 8:00	Dinner
8:00 – 9:00	Classical dance performance-Jyoti and accompanying musicians

Day 4- Friday, February 27, 2009:

Location: Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
6:00 – 7:00am	Hatha yoga practice as therapy for osteoarthritis -Maya Balog, RN, CYT 500
7:00 – 8:00	Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00	Bus to Himalayan Institute Hospital at Jolly Grant, founded by Sri Swami Rama, and Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences
Location: HIHT & HIMS
Schedule of Speakers for Pain Management Workshop at HIHT Time Topic Faculty 9:00am Orientation to Schedule for the Day Dr. Kathy / Kusum Nursing Advisor, College of Nursing 9:15am Introduction to the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust and HIHT University Ms. B. Maithili, Registrar HIHT University & Director of Rural Development Institute  Session 1:  Integrative & Alternative Approaches to Pain Management 9:45am Use of Biofeedback for Pain Control and Stress Reduction Dr. Anil Singhal, Professor and Head Neurology and Mind / Body Medicine Jhooma Barthwal, Mind / Body Medicine 10:30am Stress, Pain, Heart Disease & Health Dr. Achala Singhal, Professor and Head Cardiology 11:00am Tea 11:30am An Ayurevedic Approach to Chronic Pain and Its Management Dr. Ravindra Kumar Mamgain Associate Professor, Ayurvedic Medicine 12:00pm Effect of Panchakarma in Management of Stress Related Problems in Women Dr. Pratibha Mamgain, Associate Professor, Ayurvedic Medicine 12:30pm 61 points Relaxation Practice in Healthy & Stressed Subjects Dr. Joyti Dvivedi, Assistant Professor, Physiology  1:00pm Round Table Discussion of Questions of Above Speakers Added to Round Table is Dr. Barbara Bova, Head of Homeopathy  1:30pm Lunch Session 2:  General Aspects of Pain Management for Selected Patient Populations  2:30pm Pathophysiology and Modulation of Pain Dr. Rrajeev Mohan Kaushik, Associate Professor, Medicine  3:00pm Management of Pain With Cancer Patients Dr. Sunil Saini, Professor, Surgical Oncology and the Oncology Team  4:00pm Care of the Dying Patient and Family Dr. P.K. Sachan, Professor and Head of Surgery;  Dr. Kathleen (Kusum) McKeehan, Nursing Advisor  4:45pm Vote of Thanks Dr. Vijendra Chauhan, Professor and Head of Orthopaedics, Member of Presidential Body of HIHT
Location: Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
7:00 – 8:00	Dinner
8:00 – 9:00	Kirtan- Traditional songs and chants- ashram residents and attendees

Day 5- Saturday, February 28, 2009:

Location: Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
6:00 – 7:15am	Hatha yoga as therapy for chronic low back pain – Peter Fabian, CYT, PT
7:30 – 8:30	Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30	Guided Meditation – Swami Veda Bharati
9:30 – 10:30	“Recovery of the True Self” and reading of spiritual poetry – Swami Veda Bharati
10:30 – 11:00	Break
11:00 – 11:30	Use of yoga practices in private and group settings- Gita Morar, BA (Arts), BA HnsSW, MA
11:30 – 12:00	Integrative approach to managing neurological disabilities-Moreno Toldo, MD
12:00 – 1:00	open
1:00 -2:00	Lunch
2:00 – 3:00	Biofeedback demo and ashram research –  Manu Fernandez
3:00 – 4:00	Use of Biofeedback to characterize effects of 61 points relaxation practice in healthy and stressed subjects- Jyoti Dvivedi, MD
4:00 – 4:30	Practice: Yoga Nidra-including 61 points-Linda Billau
4:30 – 5:00	Break
5:00 – 6:00	Small groups develop plans and set goals for putting the knowledge gained at this meeting into personal and professional practice
6:00 – 7:00	Whole group reconvenes: Reports and discussion on plans to put knowledge into practice and other plans or goals to disseminate and advance this knowledge for the greater good
7:00 – 8:00	Dinner
8:00 – 9:00	Meditation and Closing remarks – Swami Veda Bharati

One day after Lohry, the Makara Sankranti Festival is celebrated. When the sun moves from one zodiac to another zodiac, it is known as Sankranti. During the solar year the Sun passes through twelve zodiacs. When the Sun enters into Capricorn from Sagittarius it is called “Makar Sankranti.” This festival celebrates the end of darkness and the advent of light. Symbolically, darkness and ignorance is replaced by light and knowledge. For this reason, it is considered to be a significant day to perform activities of japa-tapa, sadhana and charity.

Bathing in the Deva-nadi (river of Gods) Ganga is of special significance on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. On this day, devotees gather in large crowds to bathe on the different banks and confluences of Ganges as well as on Ganga-Sagar (the place where Ganges meets the ocean).

The Makar Sankranti of the Sun has always stood to welcome joy, prosperity and life-spirit. For spiritual aspirants and sadhakas, this is a golden occasion and they wait for the arrival of this festival all througout the year.

Submitted by Adhikari Bhoi

The evening of January 13th found everyone at SRSG gathered around a roaring bonfire. It was the night of Lohri, a popular harvest festival celebrated especially in the Northern parts of India. The festival marks the end of winter when the Sun changes its course. It ushers in the New Year calendar for Hindus. In addition to being a harvest and cultural festival, it prompts people to be thankful for God’s provisions. The festival is especially important to newlyweds and newborns. Young and old, rich and poor, all join in the fun.

Legend has many stories connected with the festival beginning with tales of Dulla Bhattis. These stories reflect the triumph of good over the bad and the benefit of positive thinking over negative. Families and friends celebrate together by the lighting of a bonfire, singing, dancing and the enjoyment of traditional treats.

Swami Vachananda and Swami Ram Charit lit the sacred fire. Everyone then threw offerings of corn, peanuts, and sesame seeds into the fire. Drums were played and traditional songs sung. In addition, music played over the loudspeakers inspiring everyone to take up the beat. Some celebrants raised their arms in the performance of traditional dances called bhangras. Others linked hands and danced around the sacred bonfire. Everyone helped themselves to popcorn, peanuts, and candy made with sesame seeds and raw sugar. Indeed, the celebration was full of fervour and gaiety and enjoyed by all.

Article submitted by Mr. Nijhawan, SRSG General Manager

It is official – AHYMS-Asia has been formed into a regional organization! Representatives from several Asian countries, along with Swami Veda, met in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Malaysia) the first week of December 2008. Accomplishments were many including the election of officers, the development of priorities and goals, and the creation of an action plan. Participants were able to learn about each other, learn from each other, and learn ways to support each other.

Extensive discussions culminated in the drafting of four resolutions.

1. To implement the two minute meditation, full moon meditation and the practice of silence. These practices are emphasized by Swami Veda and are part of what distinguishes AHYMSIN from other yoga organizations.
2. To hold one major AHYMSYN event in Asia every year. Importantly, the event will be designed so parents and children can attend the event together.
3. To translate works written by Swami Rama and Swami Veda into Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai.
4. To develop children’s activities and prepare materials for children so children are part of the programs held by the centers.  Centers will also coordinate to ensure the success of the 2011 Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat, “So that the grace and the practices and teachings of meditation in our lineage may continue into the next generations and meditation may become a family-centered experience.” (Swami Veda)

AHYMS-Asia is seeking representation from all Centers within the Asian region. It is requested each center appoint Director(s) to assist in maintaining and disseminating the knowledge and teachings of yoga meditation within the Tradition of Himalayan Masters. Please contact ahymsin@gmail.com with contact information.

Congratulations to the newly elected officers:
Datuk Hiew Thien Choi (Sabah), President
Jenny Li (Taiwan), Vice-President
Jean Tan (Kuala Lumpur), Secretary
and Yvonne Sall (Hong Kong), Treasurer.

In addition to the business meetings, there was a 3-day retreat organized by the Keningau Center, Sabah, on Yoga and Meditation for Pain Management. There were 60 participants from Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. Among the other teachers who taught on Yoga and Pain Management, Fuku Lida conducted several sessions to share many valuable techniques on Qi Massage and yoga manual therapeutics.

Many thanks to Rajah Indran, Ahymsin Senior Vice President for Regions, who organized and provided the vision for the conference. Rajah also attend the meeting of AHYMS-NA (North America) meeting summer 2008 held in Minnesota. Rajah noted that movement is afoot to form AHYMS-Europe as well. Regional Ahymsins create personal connections and offer mutual support for those who have much in common, much like one’s own family and  neighbourhood within a city.

Congratulations to all involved in the formation of AHYMS-Asia. We all hope to support their continuing success.

The Meditation Research Institute at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama was created by Swami Veda Bharati in 2005 to bring together the ancient wisdom of the Himalayan Tradition and contemporary science. Following in the footsteps of his Master, Swami Rama, Swami Veda has maintained a keen interest in the scientific, medical and therapeutic studies of yoga meditation. Using some of the most sophisticated equipment currently available, the lab was opened for the purpose of documenting the various meditative techniques of the Himalayan Tradition and to test their effectiveness with scientific tools and methods.

During the summer, the Lab moved to its new location in Cottage 2. Construction was completed by October and the Lab again opened its doors to guests, sadhakas, gurukulam students, staff, and visitors. All are welcomed by Manuel Fernandez, the Lab Director, and his two new assistants, Meena Bhatt and Sharada Panigrahi. Manuel, Meena and Sharada are now implementing the Lab’s programs of research, education, and community outreach and services.

All guests and visitors to SRSG are able to take advantage of the various types of testing offered at the MRI. Comprehensive tests measure the effects of meditation on one’s body and mind, how deeply one can relax, or check diaphragmatic breathing. Guests may also receive biofeedback training to learn how to lower blood pressure, breathe more effectively for meditation, reduce migraines, reduce muscle tension or manage stress. There is a nominal fee for testing and biofeedback training.

The MRI helps people work toward good health, enjoy an overall sense of well being, and live more efficiently and fully through clinically proven methods and the use of cutting edge technology. Manuel, Meena and Sharada await your visit.

For further reading about the scientific investigation of states of consciousness and experiments with Swami Veda, read ” Yogi in the Lab; Future Directions of Scientific Research in Meditation” by Swami Veda Bharati.

Swami Veda would like to gather all of the children in our community for a world wide “International Children’s/Youth Yoga Retreat.” Any of you who have children or youth in the family or among friends, please write to vedayouthcensus@gmail.com to send us your child’s contact information to receive further updates. The main event will take place in December 2011(around Christmas time) at the SRSG ashram in Rishikesh. We are taking bookings now.

“Save for it now, travel later. Make me feel flooded with children’s love.”
— SVB 

Namaste and Hola to Everyone,

The Teacher Training Program (TTP) retreat last August at Rancho La Puerta (RLP) was an amazing experience. The resort was transformed into an ashram for the month. In many ways it was as if we were in the ashram at Rishikesh. The presence of Swami Veda in the realm of Mt. Kuchumaa was truly a special sacred experience for everyone. The peace was felt by all.

We feel we were blessed to have Rancho La Puerta host us this year. We were grateful to the staff of RLP for their hospitality, wonderful food, accommodations, and impeccable service.
Our 2 week TTP was a total success with 14  students. Several CEU (Continuing Education) students joined us as well, making their way from Trinidad, Holland, UK, Canada ,USA , Mexico and Korea. Our senior teachers and other honored speakers came from around the world. They shared with us their decades of experience of studying and practice with Swami Veda and Swami Rama. Swami Ritavan, Maya Balog, Ahsutosh Sharma, Peter Fabian, Stoma (Dr. Stephen Parker), Jim Nelson, Ma Radha, Ma Nityamuktananda, Dr. Beugle, Ragani, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, and Salvatore Zambito kept the lectures stimulating throughout.

Below you will find the list of participants in the August 2008 TTP Level I retreat at RLP. After the retreat they are catapulted into the age of online homework. The “homework” is designed to be completed throughout year along with support from a mentor. After completing the retreat and homework requirements, students complete their program with exams and interviews.  Please join us in congratulations and support for their journey to becoming teachers in the Himalayan Tradition.

Sitting Front Row : Phyllis Newmark, Tejaswini, Swami Veda Bharati, Janie Vlahos, Donna Anderson, Miryang Key,
Sitting Back Row : Dr. Beugel, Adel Enderson, Lynda Sharp, Dr. Varsha Morar, Seval Askoy, Stephan Brown, Dr. Nazari, Maya Balog, Barb Bowie, Peter Fabian,
Standing Row : Stoma Parker, Ma Nityamuktanada Swamiji, Ragani, Michael James, Murray Kwachuk, Ashley Gandisch, Maryon Maass, Lisa Murray, Kelvin Ramprasad,

Pranams Everyone,

Hello! This is Maryon Maass writing to you from Rishikesh. It is my privilege to present you with my first HYT-TTP (Himalayan Yoga Tradition-Teacher Training Program) news report since becoming the TTP office manager in Rishikesh last August. I will do my best to follow in Pierre’s formidable footsteps. Pierre has now returned to the Gurukulm as both student and faculty. Thank you Pierre for the stellar job that you did.

Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama hosted a training session of the HYT-TTP October 5th -19th, 2008.  It was a lovely time of year and the ashram was busy with guests from all over the world.

Maya Balog, Ahsutosh Sharma, and Peter Fabian were present to lead the training. We also thank Gurukulum faculty Ma Radha and Ma Nityamuktananda for their invaluable contributions to our training.

Nine students, coming from six countries, received a certificate of participation in TTP Level 1. Please congratulate the new teachers-in-training and provide them with your support! They are:

Abha Dabral (India), Diane Teh (Malaysia), Dora Wong (Hong Kong), Giancarlo Colombo (Italy), Katherine Stueve (USA), Lenny Wong (Hong Kong), Madhavi Wessendorp (Italy), Dr. Sivanasen Sivananthan (Malaysia), and Yvonne Dekker (Holland).

Swami Veda Bharati in the center

Sitting : Katherine Stueve, Maryon Maass, Diane Teh, Madhavi Wessenndorp
Back row : Swami Ma Radha, Dr. Sivanasen Sivananthan, Prof. Jagadananda Das, Margo “Maya” Balog, Giancarlo Colombo, Yvonne Dekker , Dora Wong, Peter Fabian, Lenny Wong, Ashutosh Sharma, Abha Dabral, Swami Ma Nityamuktananda

The certificate ceremony for the students was inspiring as Swami Veda blessed us with a heartfelt lecture, leaving everyone understanding what a Himalayan Tradition Yoga Teacher is and is not. Thank you, Swamiji.

Yvonne Dekker’s husband, Adi, beautifully closed the ceremony with a lovely and sacred mantra chant. Saying goodbye was, and always is, a moving experience for us all.

March 1st-15th, 2009, we will be hosting a TTP Level 1 training at SRSG immediately after the Meditation and Pain Management Conference (24-28 February). We hope this will be a convenient date for those who are traveling great distances as it provides a unique opportunity to have two programs in a row. Swamiji will be in residence for the Conference, but not during the March TTP. Nonetheless, everyone present will experience Swamiji’s very strong spiritual energy throughout the training.

Please refer to the HYT-TTP website, www.himalayanyogatradition.com , for more information about our program and upcoming retreats.
You may also email me in the TTP office at hyt.ttp@gmail.com

Wishing you continuing success in your practice and in your sadhana.

Yours in Service,
Maryon Maass