November/December 2008

Welcome to the November/December, 2008 issue of Himalayan Dawn, the newsletter of Hym-La, Himalayan Yoga Meditation Society of Los Angeles. 

As Autumn deepens and Winter approaches, this issue brings articles that you can read while relaxing beside your fireplace in the cool evenings.  First, Swami Veda Bharati explains the original purpose of yoga therapy and much more.  Then, Tejaswini Chandaria writes about the differences between the mental pleasantness of an advanced practitioner of meditation and the pleasantness occasionally created by dementia.  Randall Krause relates a personal story of the goal and experience of practicing silence, and Swami Nityamuktananda offers an essay about beauty and its place in yoga. 

You'll also find information about upcoming seminars in Los Angeles and India.

We invite you to visit our redisigned website at www.hymla.com, for readings, inspiration, and a calendar of classes and events in Los Angeles and the surrounding area.

Enjoy!

Returning to Your Essential Nature by Practicing Silence

by Randall Krause The practice of silence is one of the Five Pillars of Sadhana (spiritual practice) prescribed by the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition.  In 2003, Randall Krause undertook an extended silence practice in India and here is an account of his experiences. Read the Article Randall Krause, Hym-La's Director, is a registered Yoga Teacher, and a member of the Faculty of the Himalayan Yoga Teachers Training program.

Nature and Beauty

The Beauty Outside Is The Beauty Inside by Swami Nityamuktananda Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati (Dr. Christa-Maria Herrmann), reaffirmed her Swami vows with Swami Veda Bharati early in 2007, and is a regular, highly prized member of Swami Veda's network of teachers. In this article, Swami Nityamuktananda relates beauty to the body of the goddess. Read the Article More information on Swami Nityamuktananda

Yoga Therapy
An Interview with Swami Veda Bharati by Felicia Tomasko, R.N. (from L.A. Yoga Magazine) Swami Veda Bharati, Hym-La's Spiritual Guide, is a disciple of the great yoga master Swami Rama Bharati of the Himalayas.  He has been teaching the ancient Indian traditions continuously for more than 60 years. In this interview, Swami Veda talks about the original purpose of Yoga Therapy. Read the Article

Meditation vs. Dementia
by Tejaswini (Shobna Chandaria)  Tejaswini is a disciple of Swami Veda Bharati and has been working very closely with him for many years. In this brief essay, Tejas asks questions and provides some answers to the difference between a mind affected by dementia and the mind of an advanced meditator. Read the essay

Returning to Your Essential Nature by Practicing Silence

by Randall Krause The practice of silence is one of the Five Pillars of Sadhana (spiritual practice) prescribed by the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition.  In 2003, Randall Krause undertook an extended silence practice in India and here is an account of his experiences. Read the Article Randall Krause, Hym-La's Director, is a registered Yoga Teacher, and a member of the Faculty of the Himalayan Yoga Teachers Training program.

Nature and Beauty

The Beauty Outside Is The Beauty Inside by Swami Nityamuktananda Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati (Dr. Christa-Maria Herrmann), reaffirmed her Swami vows with Swami Veda Bharati early in 2007, and is a regular, highly prized member of Swami Veda's network of teachers. In this article, Swami Nityamuktananda relates beauty to the body of the goddess. Read the Article More information on Swami Nityamuktananda

Upcoming Events at Hym-la

Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, 1:00-4:00 PM Workshop:  Tending Psyche's Garden:  Finding, Seeing and Re-Visioning Your Personal Stories With Tatiyana Bastet Fee:  $25 advance, $35 at door Stories are the stuff of our subconscious minds and can empower or block the flow of our lives.  In ancient cultures, myths served as templates for people's stories to lead their lives to full blossoming.  This workshop teaches how to tend our garden of stories.  Come, dream, discover, and enjoy. Click Here for more information/registration _____________________________________________ Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM Seminar:  Vedic Astrology:  Taking Charge of Your Destiny With Author Linda Johnsen Fee:  $25 advance, $35 door. Learn how astrology is used in the Yoga tradition Discover how your Vedic horoscope reveals your karma Learn the methods the yoga masters use to change fate and redirect destiny Redesign your future Come, be amazed, change your life. Click Here for more information/registration

Pain Management Through Meditation Practices
A Seminar, at our Ashram in India, with Swami Veda Bharati. February 24-29, 2009   Learn how meditative practices can help manage pain.  Stay in our beautiful spiritual center in the Holy City of Rishikesh, in India.  Click Here for further information

Full-Moon World Group Meditation
The next Full-Moon Meditations with Swami Veda Bharati are at 7 PM Pacific Time on Thursdays, November 13 and December 11, 2008. Read about the Full-moon meditations Join Randall Krause and others for a gentle yoga class and then sit together for the Full-Moon meditation. 6:00 PM Hatha class, 7:00-8:00 PM Meditation 4949 Genesta Ave. #415, Encino, CA 91316.  (By Donation).