May I first wish you all a very happy and peaceful new year. I know that 2008 was a very difficult year for the centre and I would like to thank everyone for their help, devotion and love in getting us through that difficult time. In particular, I would like to thank both Swamiji’s family and my fellow trustee’s for working so hard and giving their time so freely to the centre.
Now it’s 2009 and time to move forward. We have a new bank account and all the legal issues of 2008 have been resolved. During the past year, because of the closure of our bank account, many of our friends have been unable to make regular donations to the centre using standing orders; I am pleased to say that now the new bank account is fully operational we are in a position to accept regular donations again. Please contact Jenny Newman for all the necessary information.
You will also be pleased to know that the centre is back in a stable financial position and the trustee’s are actively developing the legacy entrusted to us by Swamiji. The Patanjali Centre for Classical Yoga is dedicated to offering a full programme of classical yoga teaching, and, as inspired by Swamiji, holds Havan Yajna (The Fire Ceremony) once a month to help to purify the mind.
I know that as we enter 2009 the world appears to be going through difficult times with both the credit crunch and the impact of global warming. If we listen to the media it is all doom and gloom with apparently little we can do to make things better. Not true! Each of us through the practise of yoga can make a significant difference to ourselves, the planet and mankind. Through the practise of yoga we develop a fit body, clear still mind and a free spirit. When we can see the true nature of this wonderful world, free from all illusions, we can help lift the spirit of all mankind.
As I write I am sitting on a plane flying to Saudi Arabia. From the window I look down on mother earth, where the sky is blue and below are snow capped mountains. It is still a beautiful place.
Devote time everyday to your yoga practise and during your meditation spend a moment to send love, peace and happiness to all mankind.
Regular practice of yoga is absolutely necessary to individual progress. I know as well as anyone how difficult it can be, with the demands of family, work and travel, to find the time to do your yoga. Swamiji always recommended rising early to do your yoga practises before the household was awake. I remember our first residential retreat in an old school house in Dereham Norfolk and being amazed to see him arise a 3:30am to complete his exercises before the day began for us at 5am (believe me that early was a shock for many as well).
As many of you will know I regularly travel to the Middle East, where the faithful are called to pray 5 times a day. At each prayer time the shops close and in the workplaces the faithful wash then pray. How can a country manage, in the modern world, to thrive with so many interruptions? Very well. If necessary important meetings and key tasks continue even during prayer time and at a later prayer time they catch up on the sessions they have missed. This has taught me an important lesson, travelling as I do it is not possible always to undertake my morning session, if I am flying out from the airport at 6am, so I too catch up later in the day.
Practice yoga daily and both you and the world will change for the better.
Brian Down
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