YOGA
is the ancient spiritual practice adopted to keep the body & Soul
in harmony with each other. Now this spiritual-mental practice is
widely accepted by the world community to avoid stress & strain
from their life.
Like Ayurveda, Kerala is the best natural place to practice Yoga. We
present here the Best Yoga ashram in India for practicing yoga, which
is located very close to the capital city of Kerala-Trivandrum.
India Destination Tours is happy to offer all help & assistance to
undertake yoga in Sivananda Ashram at Neyyar dam in Kerala.
Based on your requirements you can decide the no of Days to practice
yoga in this ashram and we can arrange your Accommodation and transfer
facilities at your convenience.
For all help & assistance you can contact us at info@indiadestinationtours.com
Pl.find below a well detailed description about Sivananda Ashram which will guide you better.
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram
Sivananda Ashram is set in 12 acres of tropical splendor in the quiet
foothills of Kerala's Western Ghats. The natural beauty of Neyyar Dam
itself, the peaceful forested surroundings, the cool green coconut tree
groves and colorful flower-filled views, all offer an ideal atmosphere
for the practice of yoga and meditation.
The Ashram's program of classical yoga techniques, taught in a warm and
friendly environment, helps to instill in guests a deep awareness of
the spiritual essence of life.
The Ashram welcomes seekers of peace and happiness from all over the
world irrespective of caste, creed, sex, religion or nationality. To
immerse yourself fully in the Ashram life and partake of the yogic
discipline and practices we request guests to remain within the Ashram
premises as much as possible. The ashram has all necessary facilities.
The Ashram
The
Ashram was originally a "Vaidyasala" - an ayurvedic clinic, built by
the late Sri Gopala Vaidyar, locally known as Pooni Vaidyar. He was a
well known ayurveda & siddha (two very ancient Indian healing
systems) doctor of very high repute. He built all of the Ashram's older
buildings and the Rajarajeswari temple.
Swamiji
came in contact with Sri Gopala Vaidyar and visited him in Neyyar Dam
in 1977. Swamiji bought the land and buildings and, on Sivaratri Day,
1978, inaugurated the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, where
yoga & Vedanta are taught according to Swamiji's wish.
The Sivananda Institute of Health was inaugurated in November 1999. It
serves to promote the theory and practise of Ayurveda. "Dhanwantari"
appears in the name of the Ashram referring to the Lord of Ayurveda,
which serves as a reminder of the origins and ongoing tradition of the
Ashram - the classical Indian god of medicine, Dhanwantari is the
physician of the gods, the promulgator of the Ayurveda.
Dhanwantari
arose at the time of the churning of the ocean of milk, holding the cup
of Amrita, the life giving elixir, he is also sometimes shown carrying
the Jalooka (leech, used by Ayurvedic practitioners for blood letting)
and the Vaishnava symbols Srichakra and Sank. To some he is really an
incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Dhanwantari was also born a King of
Benares, who brought medical science to the world. In
Indian historical tradition, around 400 BCE many great scientific
developments occurred, and in the field of medicine (Ayurveda), sage
Divodasa Dhanwantari (named for the god of Medicine) is considered a
great surgeon who taught Ayurvedic surgery to Susrutha, the father of
Ayurvedic survery. Here at the Ashram we offer the ancient
complementary sciences of yoga and ayurveda as effective remedies to
heal the problems of modern day life.
Supporting the Local Community
In
the nearby village, there is a free nursery school for the children
which has been run by the Ashram since its inception in 1979.
Temples
Apart
from the worship of the Divine Mother Sri Rajarajeswari, Sage Agasthya
(in the form of the Yogadanda), Sri Dakshinamurti and Sri Hanuman are
worshipped near the main building area.
The openair temple for Lord Krishna was built in memory of the
Mahasamadhi of Swami Sivasaranananda Mathaji - the Poorvashram mother
of Swami Vishnu-devananda. The
ceiling in the Krishna Temple has an impressive mural of Krishna's
'vishwarupa' (cosmic form). Dakshinamurti and Hanuman Temples were
installed in February 2001. The temples situated near the lakeside
include Subramanya, Ayyappa, Ganesa, Sivalinga and Vanadurga.
ASHRAM ACCOMMODATION
The
Ashram has a peaceful relaxing environment in which to practise yoga
and interact with other spiritual seekers. Simply styled accommodation
to suit all requirements is provided. Located among green lawns and
colorful flowerbeds, each building stands separately, connected by
garden paths, allowing guests to enjoy a feeling of spaciousness and
calm.
ASHRAM RULES
The Ashram welcomes all seekers of peace irrespective of caste, creed, sex, religion or nationality
To maintain the pure atmosphere smoking, alcohol, non-prescription
drugs, meat, fish, eggs, garlic or onion are forbidden in the Ashram. The
Ashram sustains a certain level of energy supported by the staff and
guests. To maintain the flow of this energy for all, we ask that all
guests and residents follow the schedule of events of our daily
program. Attendance of all satsangs, asana classes, and lectures, is
mandatory. Feel free to talk to any of the Yoga teachers or the
resident Swamis to understand the philosophy and principles behind the
practice. Please note that guests will be asked to leave the Ashram in
case of repeated violation of the Ashram rules. Apart
from the weekly 'day off' guests are requested to remain in the ashram
to assimilate the ashram lifestyle. Guests are expected to return for
evening satsang on the 'day off'.
Modest Dress required, both sexes need to cover shoulders, knees and midriff at all times, including asana class. To
maintain continuity in the Ashram, three days' minimum stay is
required, paid in advance. Please note there is no refund for stays
less than three days. Classes are only available to those staying at the Ashram. Traditionally
no payment is enforced for Yogic teachings. The Ashram is run on a
charitable, nonprofit basis. The rates are minimum donations, to meet
the ashram expenses and allow some development. We attempt to
accommodate all sincere yoga aspirants. If you have financial hardship
and would like to participate in the programs please contact the
Director for special consideration. Donations
are per person and cover the cost of food, accommodation and classes.
Donations for the courses may change without notice. Guests are subject
to the donation rate in effect on the date of arrival. Visa,
Mastercard, traveler's cheques, foreign hard currency and Indian Rupees
(local currency) are accepted. No personal cheques are accepted. The
Ashram does not provide traveler's cheque exchange, foreign currency,
or cash advances on credit cards. A
travel agent will be available at the ashram weekly, providing a
limited service for encashing Traveler's cheques and exchanging foreign
currency. No
refunds can be given, credit notes will be issued instead and are valid
for one year, at any International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center or
Ashram. Students leaving the course before completion are required to return all their teaching materials and uniforms. Advance reservation is recommended for all the training courses. Please arrive on the day before the course starts, if possible. Guests
arriving a few days before a diploma course begins (TTC, ATTC, etc.)
are expected to attend all Yoga Vacation scheduled classes and
lectures, until their diploma course begins. Inclusive in the course
donations, students can stay the night before the course starts, but
additional nights accommodation are subject to the daily Yoga Vacation
donation rates for accommodation. Email
and phone facilities are available during free time - depending upon
the line conditions which is not under the Ashram's control. Your
patience for our best efforts, is requested. The
Ashram is a charitable, nonprofit organization completely supported by
dedicated volunteer Karma Yogis. Karma Yoga, service done with love and
without selfish expectations, is an essential part of Yoga practice.
Guests are invited to participate in karma yoga during their stay, for
the benefit of the ashram, and other guests
WHAT TO BRING
-
Light comfortable clothing
-
Rain gear - raincoat or umbrella especially May to September
-
Toiletries and personal items
-
Shawl for cool evenings
-
Yoga mat
-
Towel
-
Meditation cushion
-
Flashlight with some batteries
DAILY SCHEDULE
This is our basic daily schedule. Times and activities may vary during
special courses. Rituals and ceremonies, Indian dance and music
programs, and other cultural events are scheduled throughout the year.
Day trips to local temples and other points of interest are also
arranged throughout the year. Please note that attendance of satsangs and classes is mandatory.
5.30hrs Wake-up
6.00hrs Satsang (group meditation, chanting and talk)
7.30hrs Tea time
8.00hrs Asana class
(breathing exercises, postures and relaxation;separate classes for beginners and advanced)
10.00hrs Vegetarian meal (moderately spiced)
11.00hrs Lecture (talk on various aspects of yoga)
12.30hrs Karma Yoga (selfless service)
Karma Yoga, selfless service, is an essential part of yoga practice.
The Ashram is run mainly by selfless volunteers and the guests are
requested to do some service by helping out wherever it is needed.
13.30hrs Tea time
14.00hrs Coaching Class (optional)
16.00hrs Asana class
18.00hrs Vegetarian meal
20.00hrs Satsang (group meditation, chanting and talk)
22.30hrs Lights out
YOGA VACATION GENERAL INFORMATION (YV) Yoga
Vacation Programs start on the 1st and 15th of every month, and last
for two weeks although you are welcome to stay longer. The program
follows a structured format for the two weeks. Beginners
and advanced students are welcome. We teach a special asana program for
beginners, starting with simple asanas and giving full instructions on
all postures and breathing exercises, focusing on relaxation, posture
and breathing. For more experienced guests who have practised some yoga
before, even if not Sivananda style, an Intermediate/Advanced class is
available where more advanced postures, longer holding, or variations
are taught.
Five Points Yoga
These 5 principles constitute the essence of the teachings of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers.
To
clarify the science of Yoga and make it accessible to the majority of
seekers, Swami Vishnu-devananda extracted its essence and presented it
in these universal principles for physical and mental health as well as
spiritual growth.
1. Proper Exercise (Asanas)
Our
physical body is meant to move and exercise. If our lifestyle does not
provide natural motion of muscles and joints, then disease and great
discomfort will ensue with time. Proper exercise should be pleasant to
the practitioner while beneficial to the body, mind and spiritual life.
2. Proper Breathing (Pranayama)
Yoga
teaches us how to use the lungs to their maximum capacity and how to
control the breath. Proper breathing should be deep, slow and
rhythmical. This increases vitality and mental clarity.
3. Proper Relaxation (Savasana)
Long
before the invention of cars, planes, telephones, computers, freeways
and other modern triggers of stress, the Rishis (sages or seers) and
Yogis of yore devised very powerful techniques of deep relaxation. As a
matter of fact, many modern stress-management and relaxation methods
borrow heavily from this tradition. By relaxing deeply all the muscles
the Yogi can thoroughly rejuvenate his nervous system and attain a deep
sense of inner peace.
4. Proper Diet (Vegetarian)
Besides
being responsible for building our physical body, the foods we eat
profoundly affect our mind. For maximum body-mind efficiency and
complete spiritual awareness, Yoga advocates a lacto-vegetarian diet.
This is an integral part of the Yogic lifestyle.
5. Meditation (Dhyana)
Here
is the most important point of all, we become what we think. Thus we
should exert to entertain positive and creative thoughts as these will
contribute to vibrant health and a peaceful, joyful mind. A positive
outlook on life can be developed by learning and practicing the
teachings of the philosophy of Vedanta. The mind will be brought under
perfect control by regular practice of Dhyana.
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