Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Ganesha trying to get some rest!

Depression is at the top of the WHO's list of stuff most likely to negatively affect your health.   And let's face it, this is a tough time of year for many people financially, and emotionally.

If you're still shopping for Christmas gifts, you might like to check out this article.  It could be the inspiration for a caring gift for someone on your list, or a practice for yourself.

Last Minute Gifts for People Who Need to De-Stress

Chant for World Peace: Om Namo Narayanaya

Swami Vishnudevananda chanting Om Namo Narayanaya

Peter Max and the Peace Plane

Swami Vishnudevananda was well known for flying a psychedelic Cessna into war-torn and disputed border territories in an effort to unite people and demonstrate the absurdity of violence in the name of man-made borders.

That beautiful plane, now housed at the Sivananda Ashram in Val Morin was painted by Peter Max.

Peter Max Paints the Peace Plane

Peace and Music Festival 1970

Yoga Kirtan with Swami Vishnudevananda

Wow!  I had no idea this recording existed until today!

Well worth a listen... ummm well, except maybe the first four minutes or so.... but thanks to the wonders of technology you can just skip ahead!

Yoga Kirtan with Swami Vishnudevananda Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Swami Vishnudevananda: In the Name of Peace

Swami Vishnudevananda on the wing of his Peace Plane

Today, November 9, is the anniversary of the Mahasamadhi of Swami Vishnudevananda.

Swami Vishnudevananda has been an inspiration to millions of yogis and yoginis around the world, breaking man-made boundaries and encouraging "Unity in Diversity".

He taught that a daily yoga practice including proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet, proper relaxation and positive thinking is the way to inner peace and world peace.

It seems particularly timely today to share this movie about his life and mission:

 In the Name of Peace

In this video my teacher Swami Swaroopananda talks about his Guru, Swami Vishnudevananda:

You can also read here about Swami Swaroopananda's first lesson from Swami Vishnudevananda.

Finally, check out this BBC report about Swamiji flying over the Berlin Wall.  His comments are as meaningful  today as ever:

Om Bolo, Swami Vishnudevananda Maharaj Ki - Jai!!!