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.