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Yasodhara Ashram is a spiritual retreat center located near Kootenay Bay, [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]]. It was founded by [[Swami Sivananda Radha]] in 1963 and is directed by her successor Swami Radhananda.
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[[Image:Yasodharaashramtemple3.jpg|frame|The Temple of Divine Light]]

==Founder and History==

Yasodhara Ashram was founded by [[Swami Sivananda Radha]]. She started teaching [[yoga]] in [[Montréal]], [[Quebec]], [[Canada]] in 1956 upon her return from [[India]] where she was initiated into [[Sanyas]] by [[Swami Sivananda Saraswati]] of [[Rishikesh]]. In 1959 she moved to the West coast of Canada and established an [[ashram]] in Burnaby, [[British Columbia]]. She instructed people in [[Indian dance]], [[hatha yoga]], [[mantra]], and [[meditation]]. Within a few years [[Swami Sivananda Radha]] began looking for land outside of the city. In 1962 she found land that had been registered as "Yasodhara Estates" since the 1880's. <ref>[http://www.yasodhara.org/lightwaves/?p=453 "Radha's Life of Service Part VII"]. Retrieved on 2008-4-11.</ref> Swami Radha was encouraged by the name [[Yasodhara]], for this is the name of the wife of [[Buddah]] (Siddhārtha Gautama). In addition to the namesake, the property also met the description of her ashram foretold by her guru [[Swami Sivananda Saraswati]]: "there will be mountains behind, water in front, and trees all around."<ref>[http://www.yasodhara.org/lightwaves/?p=340 "Radha's Life of Service Part V"]. Retrieved on 2008-4-11.</ref> The property was purchased for $15,000 in 1963, making Yasodhara one of the oldest ashram's in North America.<ref>Gregoire, Lisa. "Om Free" Canadian Geographic Travel, Winter 2007-2008, p,72</ref>

[[Swami Sivananda Radha]] was under instructions from [[Swami Sivananda Saraswati]] to "update the teachings for the west." <ref>[http://www.yasodhara.org/about_us_swamiradha.html Her Guru's Instructions]. Retrieved on 2008-4-11</ref> This was reflected not only in the courses offered but in her style of teaching. [[Swami Sivananda Radha]] was still committed to the style of teaching in the East which encourages students make discoveries for themselves. In a 1988 interview with Hinduism Today she described her mission, "The
main thing I try to do is have my students bring quality into their lives. To me, people are not spiritual if this quality is not there in their lives-even if they meditate six hours a day. By quality I mean that which comes from deep inside and shows up
in their actions, their treatment of others and the way they do their jobs."<ref>[http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1988/01/1988-01-01.shtml Canadian-Based Teacher/Author Brings Sivananda's Mission to Western Shores]. Retrieved on 2008-4-11.</ref>

[[Swami Sivananda Radha]] continued to develop the courses taught at the ashram and oversee expansion of her work until she passed on the role of President to Mary-Ann McDougall<ref>Gordon, Daphne. ''I aim to be more than metrospiritual'' The Toronto Star. 31-12-2005, p, M4</ref>, who was initiated into sanyas in 1994 and was given the name Swami Radhananda. Under the direction of Swami Radhananda, Yasodhara Ashram has expanded to offer more than 40 courses a year in yoga and self-development. She writes a regular column in ascent magazine, oversees the direction of Yasodhara Ashram and Radha Yoga Centres, and travels during the year offering workshops.

Yasodhara Ashram has its own organic garden and orchard and is committed to becoming [[carbon neutral]] by 2012<ref>[http://www.yasodhara.org/lightwaves/?p=349 Sustaining Ourselves - Sustaining the Earth]. Retrieved on 2008-6-7</ref>. Yasodhara Ashram has been designated as the top yoga retreat centre in Canada by Readers Digest magazine<ref>''Best of Canada'' Reader's Digest. June 2008, p, 46</ref> and was featured in the Winter edition of Canadian Geographic Travel magazine<ref>Gregoire, Lisa. ''Om Free'' Canadian Geographic Travel, Winter 2007-2008, p,72</ref>.

Yasodhara Ashram is a [[celibate]] community<ref>[http://www.yasodhara.org/faq.html Yasodhara Ashram frequently asked questions]. Retrieved on 12-04-2008</ref> and the use of alcohol and drugs is not allowed<ref>[http://www.yasodhara.org/karma_yoga_youthprintapp.html Youth Application Guidelines]. Retrieved on 12-04-2008</ref>.

==Practices==
===Kundalini Yoga===
The [[Kundalini]] System presented by [[Swami Sivananda Radha]], is a road map to higher consciousness, providing the aspirant with the tools to develop a firm foundation based on character building, developing personal awareness and courage.

"The process of waking up from ignorance and delusion, of becoming free from as many limitations as possible, and eventually of reaching the goal of Cosmic Consciousness-this is the purpose of the path of Kundalini, the path that leads to freedom."<ref> Radha, Swami Sivananda. Kundalini Yoga for the West. p,28</ref>

Swami Radh’a approach to Kundalini Yoga is distilled from years of self study which she used to write her premier text: ''Kundalini Yoga for the West''.

===Karma Yoga===
Yasodhara Ashram is a [[Karma Yoga]] [[ashram]]. The essence of Karma Yoga as it is explored in the Hindu text the [[Bhagavad Gita]], is working without attachment to the fruits of one's actions. [[Swami Sivananda Radha]]’s guru, [[Swami Sivananda Saraswati]] emphasized to her: "Selfless service will make you divine."<ref>Radha, Swami Sivananda. Radha Diary of a Woman's Search. p, 202.</ref> The principals of karma yoga and what it promises form a foundation for all that happens at Yasodhara Ashram. Hundreds of people a year come to Yasodhara to practice Karma Yoga and learn how integrate their reflections and insights into their lives at home. The practice of Karma Yoga is part of each course at the ashram.

===Hidden Language Hatha Yoga===
While training in India with [[Swami Sivananda Saraswati]], [[Swami Sivananda Radha]] was asked to penetrate the deeper levels of the hatha [[asanas]]. While practicing the headstand, [[Swami Sivananda Saraswati]] asked her if she could symbolically apply the physical act of seeing things upside down to the rest of her life.<ref>Radha, Swami Sivananda. Radha Diary of a Woman's Search. pp, 141-142</ref> Upon returning to Canada, [[Swami Sivananda Radha]] began to translate her deeper understanding of the asanas into questions that formed the foundation for her book ''Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language''. All ashram guests take part in a morning class led by resident teachers.

[[Swami Sivananda Radha]]'s hatha yoga, or "Hidden Language Hatha", aims to bring awareness to the mind, body, and emotions through investigating the [[symbolic]] messages of the [[asanas]] for oneself: "What you find out for yourself becomes an enormous source of energy and inspires you to keep on expanding beyond your limitations, to find out more, to understand more." <ref>Radha, Swami Sivananda. Kundalini Yoga for the West. p,36</ref> Long-time students of ""Hidden Language Hatha" have gone on to offer classes for youth-at-risk<ref>Pearson, Kyla. "Youths-at-risk get bent out of shape to stay out of trouble", Centretown News, Ottawa, 2007-10-26, p.24.</ref> as well as classes focused on relaxation and personal healing for those with a variety of ailments.<ref>Radhakrishnananda, Swami. "Healing and Relaxation" The Inlander: Best of the Inland Northwest, March 2006, p,12</ref>

===Dream Yoga===
[[Swami Sivananda Radha]] began to consider the potential for spiritual development through the investigation of dreams after meeting with Hugh Lynn Cayce, the son of [[Edgar Cayce]]. After many years of study she formalized her approach in a book called "Realities of the Dreaming Mind". Weekly dream yoga classes are offered as well as more specialized workshops and retreats.

This summary is taken from Chapter 1.
{{cquote|Are we living in one world—the world in which we walk with our feet? Or do we live in another world—a world of thought and dream? Which is real? When does life become a reality and when is it just another dream? Who are you? Why are you here? Where do you come from? Where do you think you will go?

By reflecting and working intensively on your dreams you will find answers to these questions, and you will see how much more there is to discover. The objective of the yogic approach to dreams is to contact the Divine within—what the Eastern teachings call the guru (spiritual teacher) within or the Higher Self, and what Jesus calls the kingdom of God within or your own soul.<ref> Radha, Swami Sivananda. Realities of the Dreaming Mind, p. 23 </ref> }}

===Mantra Yoga===
Chanting mantras, ancient words of power, creates a special vibration, stills the mind and leads to deeper meditation. Mantra is practiced nightly in a group at satsang. At Yasodhara Ashram there are also private prayer rooms where people may develop their own mantra practice.

===Divine Light Invocation===
A daily practice at Yasodhara, the Divine Light Invocation is a powerful standing meditation and visualization practice that was taught to [[Swami Sivananda Radha]] during her studies in India.<ref>Radha, Swami Sivananda. The Divine Light Invocation. pp, 6-9 </ref> Using the body in conjunction with breathing and visualization, one concentrates and directs their imagination by filling themselves with Light and extending its healing energy to others.
{{cquote|Peace and unity can only be attained by identification with the higher, spiritual dimensions of human nature. In discovering Inner Light we find the wholeness, the oneness and Light that we share with every other being in the cosmos.<ref>Radha, Swami Sivananda. The Divine Light Invocation. p, i</ref>}}

===Satsang===
[[Satsang]] is a [[sanskrit]] term that literally means "in the company of the wise". The ashram community gathers nightly in the Temple of Divine Light to chant a [[mantra]] and hear an inspirational talk that often includes audio and/or video from [[Swami Sivananda Radha]]'s digital archives. The Hindu ritual [[aarti]] begins the night as a way to purify the mind and senses. Devotional songs, or [[bhajans]], are sung as a form of [[Bhakti Yoga]], fostering loving devotion to the most high.

===Sacred Dance===
"In his first letter inviting me to the ashram, Sivananda offered to give me an opportunity to study [[Bharata Natyam]] dancing. Only afterwards did I admit that I was really a professional dancer."<ref>Radha, Swami Sivananda. Radha Diary of a Woman's Search. p, 46</ref> During her course of study she began to discover the symbolism in the [[mudras]] and the myths.<ref>Radha, Swami Sivananda. Radha Diary of a Woman's Search. p, 167</ref> Indian dance is practiced as a refined yoga, a way to express devotion by using the body as a spiritual tool.<ref>[http://www.yasodhara.org/about_us_our_practices.html A description at yasodhara.org] Retrieved on 2008-4-11.</ref>

==Youth Program==
Yasodhara Ashram invites people ages 18-30 the opportunity to become part of the ashram community. This experience includes reflection classes, hatha yoga, satsang, and karma yoga. Karma Yoga, learning how to approach work as a vehicle for spiritual evolution, is a tool [[Swami Sivananda Radha]] believed to be essential for the realization of one's full potential.<ref>[http://www.yasodhara.org/karma_yoga.html A description at yasodhara.org]. Retrieved on 2008-4-06.</ref>

Participants of the youth program have gone on to create a non-profit Yoga for Youth At-Risk organization that offers [[hatha]] classes through urban outreach agencies.<ref>Pearson, Kyla. "Youths-at-risk get bent out of shape to stay out of trouble", Centretown News, Ottawa, 2007-10-26, p.24.</ref>

[[Image:Viewofkootenaylake.jpg|frame|A view of Kootenay lake, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_British_Columbia third largest lake] in [[British Columbia]]]]
==Buildings==
After purchasing Yasodhara Estates and with the help of a few dedicated men, Swami Sivananda Radha began renovating the buildings on the property in time to offer the first classes during the Summer of 1963. The first building dedicated to housing guests, Saraswati Lodge, was completed in the mid-1970s. Since then, other buildings have been added to accompany the growing number of students. Yasodhara Ashram currently has accommodations for up to 120 people.

==Sustainability==
In an effort to reduce their [[carbon footprint]] Yasodhara Ashram has begun to invest in such initiatives as geothermal heating, low flow toilets, energy efficient light-bulbs, composting paper towels, tube ceiling lights, low-e windows and [[solar energy]]. "The Barn", completed in 2006, is a 3,800 square foot, residence whose energy efficient building methods save approximately $5,000 CDN in annual energy costs.<ref> Edmonds, Charlie. "Ashram Builds On", The Main Street, June 2006, p.6.</ref> Mandala House, the building that holds the kitchen, dining room, bookstore, offices and class rooms was outfitted with geothermal heating in January of 2008.

===Food Sustainability===
Representatives from Yasodhara Ashram attended one of the first regional food security conferences ever held in Canada on November 13th and 14th, 2007. With a growing number of people and businesses concerned about the dependence on oil for food transportation, the conference discussed ways of making the Kootenays' (a region in [[British Columbia]]) food production more self reliant.<ref>[http://globalpublicmedia.com/deconstructing_dinner_fof Recordings from the Future of Food in the Kootenays Conference, 2007]. Retrieved on 2008-4-03.</ref>

Inspired by the [[100 Mile Diet]], each summer Yasodhara Ashram serves a meal grown entirely from its own organic garden and orchard as a way of bringing attention to its eating-local initiatives.<ref>[http://www.yasodhara.org/lightwaves/?p=87 "The 36 metre Diet"]. Retrieved on 2008-3-29.</ref>

==Associated Organizations==
===[[ascent magazine]]===
''ascent'' magazine started as an in-house journal for Yasodhara Ashram in 1963. In 1999 the ascent editorial offices moved to [[Montréal]] and there was no longer a focus on the day-to-day activities of Yasodhara Ashram. The magazine continued to focus on the teachings of [[Swami Sivananda Radha]] but also showcased the spiritual experiences of many authors and artists from various traditions and fields of thought.

===timeless books===
Originally a publishing house for [[Swami Sivananda Radha]]'s material, '''timeless books''' started out in a small print shop at Yasodhara Ashram under the name [[Siva]] Press. Doing everything from editing to design to running the press, the timeless team printed pamphlets, books and the newsletter, ascent.

Since 1978, '''timeless books''' has been offering readers in-depth and inspired teachings on yoga. An independent Canadian micro-press, '''timeless''' publishes four titles a year.<ref>[http://timeless.org/about_us.html A description at timeless.org]</ref>

===Radha Centres===
Originally referred to as Shambala Houses<ref>[http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1988/01/1988-01-01.shtml Canadian-Based Teacher/Author Brings Sivananda's Mission to Western Shores]. Retrieved on 2008-4-11.</ref>, Radha Centres were created to bring the teachings of [[Swami Sivananda Radha]] to those living in urban centres. Radha Centres are currently located in Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Lethbridge, Alberta; Vancouver, British Columbia; Victoria, British Columbia; Cranbrook, British Columbia; Nanaimo, British Columbia; Kelowna, British Columbia; Spokane, Washington; Montreal, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario; London, England; Budapest, Hungary; and Wollongong, Australia.

===Radha Yoga and Eatery===
Located in downtown Vancouver, Radha Yoga and Eatery is a [[vegetarian]] restaurant that also offers classes is [[hatha yoga]], [[dream yoga]], and kundalini yoga. Satsang is held every Sunday night. It is also an artistic space, hosting weekly "Music and Dinner" events, art exhibits, cooking classes, and dancing.

===Association for the Development of Human Potential===
Swami Sivananda Radha taught extensively in the [[U.S.]] for many years. In [[1970]] she felt there should be an organization in the U.S. to support the teachings. She wanted to give something back to the American people who had supported the work so generously. The ADHP was then incorporated as a [[non-profit]] [[charitable organization]]. Its purpose is to present the tools of yoga in a way that can be applied to the daily lives of all those who are seeking greater awareness. This includes physical, mental/emotional and spiritual levels of awareness. In 1989 property was purchased for the Radha House in [[Spokane, Washington]]. A garage at another property owned by the ADHP was renovated in [[2000]] and became the studio for the Spokane Radha Yoga Center.

==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}

==References==

*{{cite book
|last = Radha
|first = Swami Sivananda
|authorlink =
|title = Realities of the Dreaming Mind
|publisher = Timeless Books
|date = 2004
|doi =
|isbn = 1-932018-00-X}}
*{{cite book
|last = Radha
|first = Swami Sivananda
|authorlink =
|title = Kundalini Yoga for the West
|publisher = Timeless Books
|date = 2004
|doi =
|isbn = 1-932018-04-2}}
*{{cite book
|last = Radha
|first = Swami Sivananda
|authorlink =
|title = Radha: Diary of a Woman's Search
|publisher = Timeless Books
|date = 1981
|doi =
|isbn = 0-931454-99-9}}
*{{cite book
|last = Radha
|first = Swami Sivananda
|authorlink =
|title = The Divine Light Invocation
|publisher = Timeless Books
|date = 1966
|doi =
|isbn = 0-931454-17-4}}

==External Links==
*[http://www.yasodhara.org Yasodhara Ashram's Official Homepage]
*[http://www.yasodhara.org/lightwaves Lightwaves - Yasodhara Ashram's Online Newsletter]
*[http://www.ascentmagazine.com ascent magazine]
*[http://www.timeless.org timeless books]
*[http://www.radha.org Radha Centres]
*[http://radhavancouver.org Radha Yoga and Eatery Vancouver]
*[http://radamontreal.com Rad'a Yoga Centre Montreal]

Revision as of 22:05, 7 June 2008

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