May All Beings Be Happy

Detail of Illustration by Mayumi Oda

Never mind what the calendar says, May is the real beginning of spring in Alberta. 

Birds return, the grass turns green, buds start coming out on the trees.  Our gaze shifts from inside to out, and our mood lifts. 

We marvel at nature, the miracle of rebirth and new growth.  We think about planting, how we affect our surroundings and the beings with whom we share them.

The mantra Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu seems especially fitting at this time. 

It says, "May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering; may my actions contribute to the happiness and wellbeing of all."

You can read more about this mantra and its word by word translation in this article by Sharon Gannon of Jivamukti Yoga.

More about its meaning in this article by Amma, also known as the Hugging Mother.

And even more in these previous posts on Kali's Kitchen.

This is my wish and my focus this month,  "May" all beings be happy!

Raja Yoga Summer Camp, 2014!

Summer is nearly upon us!  Get ready for 2014 Raja Yoga Summer Camp!

Last year we enjoyed kirtan, study nights, field trips and more!

This year we're getting even bigger, brighter and bolder than before, with temple tours, puja ceremonies, crafts, cooking demos, ayurveda, outdoor classes, karma yoga opportunities, free talks, weekend retreats, and even a nine-night yoga intensive!

Note*  Many of these events are by invitation only.  If you would like to be on the evite list, send me an email at:  tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca

Have a suggestion for an event, karma yoga project, field trip or topic of study?

Join us for the Raja Yoga Summer Camp Reunion and 2014 Planning Meeting on Wednesday May 7, 7 pm at Lingsa, in Sherwood Park, AB.

Schedule of events coming soon!

Heart Pilgrim, Brahmachari Shankar's New Blog

Shankar teaching the Bhagavad Gita

I'm so excited to introduce you to Heart Pilgrim, the new website and blog of Brahmachari Shankar!

Many of you have heard me refer to Shankar as "my favorite monk".  As a senior staff member of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas, he is my friend and fellow student, my revered mentor and my most beloved Sanskrit tutor.

We have shared many hours studying and chanting, serving the ashram, our teachers and guests, even updating and editing the Philosophy section of the Sivananda Yoga Teachers Training manual. 

Shankar's teachings reflect his intelligence, his devotion, and his sense of humor.  I enthusiastically encourage you to check out all he has to share!

Farewell Yoga for Today

Vibhuti or Sacred Ash, the holy remains of a Fire Puja

After 15 years of teaching classes, workshops and teacher training at Yoga for Today in Sherwood Park, its time for me to move on!

Warm hugs and heartfelt thanks to all of the yogis and yoginis I've met, shared with, and learned from over the years!  You are an ongoing inspiration to me, and I'm so grateful for your support, encouragement, and companionship on the Path.

I look forward to connecting with you at other events and locations!  Om Shanti!  Namaste!

Akshaya Tritiya: Start Something New Today!

Today is Akshaya Tritiya, a holy day for Hindus and Jains.  It is the third lunar day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakha.

This day is believed to bring good luck and success.  It is an auspicious day to begin new ventures, purchase valuables, make offerings and do charitable works.

It is said to be the day that:

- Adi Shankaracharya recited the Kanaka Dhara Stotr.

-  Veda Vyas and Lord Ganesha began writing the Mahabharata.

- The river Ganga, descended to the earth.

- The Goddess Annapoorna was born.

If you would like to know more about Vedic Astrology (Jyotish) visit the website of my teacher, Krishna Darshan.  

And for more about what this month has in store, check out the 3HO Tantric Numerology reading for May 2014 titled:  Timing is Everything

What new adventure will you begin today?