Swami Adhyatmanandaji’s yoga classes

By Ravi R Ponangi

Atlanta, GA: Yoga classes and spiritual discourses from July 26 to 30 conducted by Swami Adhyatmanandaji drew the attention of many. Swami Adhyatmanandaji conducted yoga classes in the mornings and gave discourses on a variety of topics in the evenings in Global Mall. The way Swamiji delivered discourses and the way Swamiji taught yoga asanas, Pranayam and meditation to participants was so impressive. Young, old and children from all walks of life participated in these 5 day classes enthusiastically. People from diverse nations and cultures attended these classes in big numbers. Five days of Yoga teaching by Swamiji was of great enthusiasm to Yoga enthusiasts as they all enjoyed very systematic and scientific yoga learning. Swami Adhyatmanandaji taught essential but light flexibility exercises, yogic poses and Pranayam to benefit all and particularly to those who are in sitting positions for long hours in front of Computers. Simple variation of Fish Pose, Cobra, Locust, Camel, Half Bow and Full Bow, Sun Salute (Surya namaskar)  and more. Also main stream of the posture; head stand, Shoulder stand, Fish, plow were taught with detailed explanation of Science of breathing and art of relaxation. 



Pujya Swamiji’s five days program in Atlanta was well received. In the mornings, Swamji conducted Yoga workshop. About seventy people attended the morning session. In the evening, Swamiji gave a series of discourses on a number of topics. The topics included were happy living, spiritual practice (sadhana), stress management, learning from Bhagavata. Swamiji also spoke on learning from Ramayana in Hindu temple of Atlanta, Riverdale on Sunday, July 29. Swamiji was received with all temple honors with purna Kumbha Swagatham at Hindu temple of Atlanta. Swamiji while delivering his lectures on Bhagavata and Ramayana explained applicability of those two epics in our daily life. He said attractive stories are a means employed by the Hindu Rishis and sages for teaching morality, philosophy and religion. The author of the Bhagavata has taken recourse to this method. The stories and anecdotes goad and lure the mind to the truths of religion. They are like sugar-coated tablets. A study of Bhagavata inspires devotion, instills knowledge and Vairagya. Swamiji said the noblest lesson embodied in the Ramayana is the supreme importance of righteousness in the life of every human being. Righteousness is the spiritual spark of life. Cultivation of righteousness is the process of unfoldment of the latent divinity in man. The glorious incarnation of the Supreme Being in the form of Lord Rama has exemplified the path of righteousness. Let mankind follow His footsteps and practice the ideals cherished by Him, for it is only thus that there can be everlasting peace, prosperity and welfare in this world. Ramayana exercises a great molding power on the life of man. It contains object lessons for husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, friends and enemies.
 

Swamiji receiving a memento from RI District Governor Cheryl Greenway

Swamiji was invited to the lunch organized in honor of Vayalar Ravi, cabinet minister of foreign affairs of the Government of India, which was hosted by Mr. Ajit Kumar, the consulate general of India in Atlanta. Swamiji’s 5 days stay in Atlanta was hectic with attending programs, visiting institutions and devotees houses. Swami inaugurated Anita Bhagavathula arangetram of a kuchipudi dance by lighting a traditional lamp, visited Sri Swaminarayan (BAPS) temple in Lilburn and had Satsang with BAPS Swamijis, addressed Rotarians of Druid Hills Rotary club where he exchanged views with Rotary International District 6900 Governor Cheryl Greenway and other Rotary club officials and also visited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. historical site in down town and paid rich homage to life size statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Swamiji explained couple of incidents in the life of Mahatma Gandhi to young black students who gathered around the statue. Then Swamiji seen the exhibits in the visitor’s center, visited Kings Crypts, Gandhi room and freedom hall. Swamiji has also given a TV interview for a local TV channel.
Simple formula for Blissful Living, in His Words, “Be Good, Do Good, Be kind, Be compassionate, serve, love, be generous, be kind and be pure and be regular in your prayer and selfless service are the only principle keys to live and lead the blissful life.” was the theme of Pujya Swamiji's talk at Atlanta. Swami Adhyatmanandaji while addressing the participants also said that yoga is not a religious thing. Even while explaining the benefits of chanting OM, Swamiji said that chanting of OM would benefit to calm and energize the mind. In this, no religion is involved. No doubt it has come from ancient Rishis of India. Swamiji said that it is only through Yoga that one can attain mental and physical balance.
 

Swamiji being received in HTA with temple tradition of Purna Kumbham

Swami Adhyatmananda, spiritual head and president of Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad belongs to lineage of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. He is a communicator par excellence. It is a treat always to listen to Swami Adhyatmananda. Words flow when he speaks. Swamiji is a dynamic yogi having a multifaceted, magnetic and versatile personality. Swamiji has conducted more than 800 yoga, Pranayama and meditation camps all over the world including Japan, Mauritius, Germany, Netherlands, Britain, America and Canada. He is a frequent visitor and speaker in many institutions of international repute. Swami Adhyatmananda is not new to America. Swamiji has conducted many yoga classes and delivered discourses over the years in many cities across USA. Swamiji is currently on a 2 month tour to Germany, USA and Canada christened “Divya tour 2012”. Swamiji kicked off his tour in America with a Yoga camp in Chicago on June 28.

Many participants told this writer that Swamiji’s teaching of Yoga and discourses are filled with many useful tips and enjoyed the way he took classes with anecdotes. It’s a wonderful experience and we are fortunate to get this opportunity, they said.