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SIVANANDA HATHA YOGA PRACTICE OTHER ASHRAM ACTIVITIES

Sivananda ashrams offer 2-hour asana and pranayama classes twice a day, Karma Yoga is selfless service and the first path taught to all staff and trainees.
at 8:00am and 4:00pm. Structured around a core practice, classes include You are also very welcome to contribute to the community by offering your
pranayama, warm-ups (including sun salutations), 12 basic asanas, and deep own selfless service. If you would like delve deeper into the ashram experience,
relaxation. Internal focus and proper breathing are emphasized, inviting not we invite you to give some of your time each day (45 minutes or so) to help
only physical flexibility, strength, and vitality but also focus and calm in the with after meal clean-up or volunteer in our kitchen for meal preparation.
mind. Please see Reception or the Kitchen to find out how you can help.

The 12 Foundational Asanas Gita Parayana (chanting of the Bhagavad Gita)
Asana is one of the eight limbs of classical yoga. The 12 foundational The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most commonly studied yogic scriptures on
postures taught in the Sivananda lineage follow an order specific order that is the art of living. Unique to this ashram is the opportunity to practice chanting
designed to open the energy channels, while increasing flexibility of the spine, in Sanskrit each evening at 7:00pm. The group meets in the main temple and
strengthening bones, and stimulating the circulatory and immune systems, is led by a senior staff. Copies of the Bhagavad Gita are provided with the
thus providing a daily source of alignment and tuning to the physical and transliteration of the verses from the Sanskrit. This is an excellent exercise
energy bodies. Along with proper breathing, asanas calm the mind and reduce in concentration as well as a devotional practice. The format is the chanting
stress. With regular practice, they help to ensure overall physical and mental of one chapter and then a short study interpreting specifically one verse. This
health. usually lasts for 30 minutes or less. All are welcome.

1. Headstand (Sirsasana) The Temples and Pujas
2. Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) There are 3 temples on the ashram grounds: main temple, the Bala Krishna
(Baby Krishna temple to the west of the main temple), and Vana Durga temple
3. Plough (Halasana)
(forest temple to the Divine Mother).
4. Fish (Matsyasana)
The energy of the temples are maintained through the devotional ceremony
5. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimothanasana) called a puja led by the ashram priest or member of the senior staff. You are
6. Cobra (Bhujangasana) welcome to observe and participate in a puja during your stay. The priest will
chant mantras in Sanskrit, offer light, fruits and flowers, etc. A puja is a practice
7. Locust (Shalabhasana)
in opening the heart to the Divine through ceremony and beauty. If this aspect
8. Bow (Dhanurasana) of yoga is a new to you, please attend one puja to have the experience.
9. Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
• Main Temple Puja: 5:00 am
10. Crow (Kakasana) or Peacock (Mayurasana) • Bala Krishna Puja: 8:15 am
11. Standing Forward Bend (Pada Hasthasana) • Vana Durga Puja: 11:30 am
12. Triangle (Trikonasana)
Pease note: Picture taking is allowed in the temples.
The Sivananda asana and pranayama practice that you learn at the ashram
provides a foundation for your ongoing practice at home.

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