Satsang Seva Journal

In celebration of International Day of Yoga (21 June 2024), volunteers of the Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) in Pune enlisted the expertise of Bharatiya Yogavidya Kendra (BVK) to host a yoga session at the serene Sri Krishna Dhyan Mandir on 29 June. The objective was to promote holistic well-being for the community, welcoming a diverse group of 8-10 participants ranging from Baby Boomers to Gen Alpha, all uniting on the mat. The skilled trainer, cognizant of age diversity, tailored the program to accommodate all ages and abilities. Starting off with gentle warm-up exercises, the participants flowed through a selection of asanas like Trikonasana and Surya Namaskar to release stiffness. A calming pranayama sequence followed, and led the participants to discover impregnable peace and relaxation within themselves. Many expressed a desire for more such sessions, recounting the depth of ease and rejuvenation they were able to access. Wish to see yoga permeate our culture? Volunteer with us. Wr...

Over 100 members from marginalized groups of society joined The Satsang Foundation's unique International Day of Yoga celebration on 21 June 2024 at Nagpur. Eager children sheltered at Shraddhanand Anathalaya (Abhyankar Nagar) and senior citizens residing in Soham Old Age Home (Sita Burdi) enjoyed personalized yoga sessions led by an adept facilitator. The Satsang Seva Mission (SSM) volunteers provided ample support, under the guidance of Bharat Yogavidya Kendra (BYK). The sessions provided a chance for relaxation, rejuvenation, and learning the benefits of yoga for their well-being in the long term. Participants appreciated the yoga mats provided during the practice, the ladoos and refreshments offered post-session, all courtesy of a thoughtful volunteer. The personalized approach made the day for some, with children feeling looked after and seniors feeling valued. Equally, the volunteers revelled in the warmth, renewed vitality, and sense of community induced by the event. To hel...

An air of excitement and anticipation filled the Byculla Women's District Jail as 25 inmates awaited the celebration of the International Day of Yoga. Regular participants in the yoga program facilitated by volunteers trained at the Bharat Yogavidya Kendra (BYK) of The Satsang Foundation (TSF) since mid-May 2024, the enthusiastic inmates expressed much gratitude as they received new TSF T-shirts to mark this special day.   An opening prayer and Sukshma Vyayama set the session rolling. Inmates and police officers alike practised guided asanas such as the Tadasana, Ushtrasana , and Vrikshasana followed by pranayama and a brief discussion of Ashtanga Yoga theory. An interactive feedback session with the participants unveiled the positive impact of the regular yoga sessions vis-à-vis anger management and motor control.  At the Arthur Road Jail, the TSF volunteers had trained 35 inmates over the course of four days for a smooth assimilation of the Surya Namaskara in the r...

Regular yoga abhyasa sessions recommenced for 35 sprightly young yoginis at Namme Mane with the celebration of International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2024. Retracing their steps of a set routine, the youngsters began with a prayer and warmed up with Sukshma vyayama . Testing their core strength with plank holds, they moved on with fluid ease into the Surya Namaskar , correcting their alignment with careful attention. Sitting asanas such as Malasana, Dandasana , and Ushtrasana paved the way for the challenging, supine series of Setubandhasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana , and Matsyasana . An extended Shavasana allowed the girls to slip effortlessly into pranayama , breathwork, meditation, and chanting with Sri M's Guru Mantra Chant.  A tranquil start to renewed vows of regular yoga abhyasa and infectious joy marked this special session. Help us empower our youth and support their wellbeing. Write to connect@satsang-foundation.org .

On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, 21st June 2023, Team SSM Hyderabad connected with 60 enthusiastic students of Grade 8 at the GBH School in Balamrai, Secunderabad under the aegis of the Bharat Yoga Vidya Kendra (BYVK) and The Satsang Foundation (TSF). The session began with an introduction to the benefits of yoga , followed by a demonstration of simple asanas by a trained volunteer. The students learned how to perform warming-up asanas to loosen the joints; tadasana ; padahastasana ; and ardha chakrasana . The teachers too joined their wards, seeking relief from stiff joints. Finally, the session culminated with a simple breathing technique. The students sincerely promised to practise yoga regularly even as the team members reassured them of a follow-up session. The celebration ended with an annadaanam seva for 220 students of Grades 6 to 10.  A filling lunch of bagara rice, bagara baingan, potato curry, rumali rotis, white rice, vegetable sambar, an d strawberry ic...