August 2025 | Dwesha/Aversion

Om Namah Sivaya

Blessed Self,

The world is in turmoil now, including the conflict zone of the Middle East where Swamiji had once put extensive efforts to deliver a message of peace. We have many students from that region, both Jewish and Arab. When they come to our ashrams they get along like brothers and sisters, but some get caught in this political situation and it is very painful to observe. Swamiji taught us to pray for all who are suffering and to repeat the mantra Om Namo Narayanaya. We continue to practice this in all our locations with the sincere hope that peace may prevail. We offer prayers as well for Russia and Ukraine, for peace, so we can live in harmony.

On the positive front this month’s bhandara (feeding of sadhus in the Himalayas) conducted on July 14, Master Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi day, was a great success. It was held at Swami Vishnudevanandaji’s beloved Guha (cave) in Gangotri. The cave and its surroundings have turned out to be a place of worship and true sadhana. Our humble efforts to restore the cave are sure to bring more positive and peaceful vibrations, not only to the organisation but to the entire world. The sadhu bhandara was attended by around 80 sadhus from Gangotri and altogether 200 people were fed and received dakshina at the cave. Many of Swami Vishnudevanandaji’s disciples, as well as the Director and staff of our Netala Ashram ensured that everything was done properly in the spirit of Master and Swamiji. We are grateful to one of our teachers, Uma Natarajan from Chennai, who graciously sponsored the event.

By the grace of Master and Swamiji our busy season in the Netala ashram is flourishing with lots of positive energy, TTCs and Yoga Vacation running, and with lots of improvements at the ashram. Even though it is the off season in South India, the Neyyar Dam Ashram is busy with Ayurveda treatments, the Madurai Ashram is hosting a group of Power Grid Corporation employees and their families, while our Gudur Ashram is receiving a good number of both local and foreign students for its Yoga Vacation, while preparing for a special Teachers’ Training Course in August.

We thank you all for your continued support.

May Master and Swamiji’s blessings be with you always.

Pranams,

Prahlada
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams & Centres, India

Why do we develop an aversion to certain foods and tastes? Humans, as well as animals can rapidly develop an aversion to foods associated with unpleasant sensations, such as illness or nausea and can persist for quite a long time after the event. Read more here:

Taste, Sickness, and Learning
https://www.americanscientist.org/article/taste-sickness-and-learning

Conditioned Taste Aversions
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6051479/

A Risk Factor for the Elderly?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10336144/

Aug 5 – Ekadasi
Aug 9 – Full Moon
Aug 19 – Ekadasi
Aug 23 – Full Moon
Aug 27 – Ganesha Chathurthi

Aug 17 to Sep 13, 2025
Gudur, Andhra Pradesh

Sep 14 to Oct 11, 2025
Uttar Kashi, Himalayas

Oct 5 to Nov 2, 2025
Chiang Rai, Thailand

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October 16-29, 2025

Uttarkashi, Himalayas
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Aug 18 to 28, 2025,
Uttarkashi, Himalaya – Bhaja Govindam

Sept 2 to 12, 2025,
Uttar Kashi, Himalayas – Tattva Bodha

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Aug 15 to 30, 2025,
Madurai, Tamilnadu

Oct 1 to 15, 2025,
Madurai, Tamilnadu

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Hormones define everything about a woman, her health, appearance, thoughts, behaviour, and how she looks and feels! Women’s hormonal health has become a global health concern in the last few years with one out of every four women complaining of symptoms of imbalance including menstrual disorders, PMS, fibroids, PCOD, irregular periods, difficulty losing weight, feeling emotionally off, tiredness, bloating, anxiety, acne, hair loss, ovarian cysts, irritability, mood swings, bulging belly, skin breakouts, aging skin, hot flashes, insomnia, migraine, sagging skin, and a loss of youthfulness. While many women may seek medical assistance for their symptoms, those arising out of hormonal imbalance can only be healed by creating balance in the endocrine and nervous systems.

Yoga for hormonal balance is a preventive approach to practicing yoga and avoiding health conditions caused by the low hormone levels, such as osteoporosis and heart conditions.

Hormonal yoga works on reactivating the glands to function more efficiently. The practice involves asana practice combined with pranayama to fuel hormonal health at a deeper level.

Stress management receives special attention in yoga as it is scientifically proven that stress is very harmful to the production of estrogen and progesterone, the two most important female hormones. Pranayama and deep relaxation practices like yoga nidra help combat stress most effectively.

Areas of focus for hormonal balance:

Parasympathetic Nervous System – Activating the parasympathetic response of the body allows all functions of the body to perform at peak capacity including the endocrine glands which naturally creates hormonal balance. This can be achieved by deep breathing and relaxation.

Brain, Pituitary Gland, and Nervous System – The brain, the master controller of the body, sends signals to the pituitary gland, the master gland of the hormonal system in the body. The nervous system communicates either balance or distress to the brain, and the brain directs the pituitary gland how to behave, and the cycle of balanced or imbalanced hormones begins. Balancing these three systems with pranayama, meditation, and yoga asanas that include inversions helps improve internal communication, which naturally improves the hormonal balance.

Endocrine system for hormonal balance of stress and sex hormones – Stress can negatively impact estrogen and progesterone. It is important to reduce stress levels in order to bring balance to the hormones. Practices like pranayama soothe the nervous system and it sends out calming signals to the brain.

Pelvic Floor – Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can support activation of pelvic floor muscles and improve blood supply to the pelvis and reproductive organs. This nourishes and strengthens the uterus, as well as the kidneys and helps improve the production and flow of hormones.

Kidneys and Adrenals – Both healthy kidneys and less taxed adrenal glands better support feminine health. Backward bends, pranayama practices, and meditation stimulate and detoxify the kidneys as well as supply blood to the adrenals to help flush out excess cortisol (stress hormone) from the blood. This helps reduce stress levels and strengthen the kidneys.

Benefits of yoga:

• Helps regulate monthly cycle
• Reduces the occurrence of PCOD, fibroids, and cysts
• Helps reduce fatigue, excess weight, and high blood sugar levels
• Improves reproductive health and fertility and delays menopause
• Improves metabolism and calms the nervous system
• Stimulates the production of endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, the feel-good hormones
• Leads to a rejuvenated, flexible body with firm, smooth skin
• Reduces PMS symptoms
• Provides relief from hot flashes, mood swings, sweating, and insomnia
• Drastically improves energy levels

Beyond the wind-swept roads of Bikaner, in the desert town of Deshnoke stands a temple unlike any other. It’s not the number of visitors that makes it extraordinary, nor its lavish marble, or silver doors. It’s the inhabitants who walk on four legs, not two.

At the Karni Mata Temple, thousands of rats–yes, rats–move freely across the marble floors, sipping milk from shallow bowls, climbing doorways, and often brushing against the feet of barefoot pilgrims, but no one recoils or flinches. These are not pests. They are called kābā, believed to be the reincarnated souls of Karni Mata’s devotees, protected by Shakti, the divine mother herself.

The temple that houses this story is a quiet marvel. Originally established in the 15th century and later renovated by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, it blends Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. With its marble façade, soft in colour and cool underfoot, this beautiful temple gleams in desert sun. Silver doors, donated by royal patrons, are engraved with scenes from Karni Mata’s life. Intricate jali work casts delicate shadows over pilgrims and rats alike. The sanctum sanctorum houses her idol, a serene, radiant, and eternal goddess draped in red, holding a trident, with an unwavering gaze.

Mata ji, born in the 14th century into the Charan community, was no ordinary woman. She lived the life of an ascetic, performed miracles, remained celibate, and later became the spiritual guide of the kings. Her blessings established royal dynasties including those of Bikaner and Jodhpur.

Still wondering about those rats? Well, the legend tells, when a child in her clan died, Karni Mata begged Yama (the god of death) to restore his life. When denied, she declared that none of her followers would ever again belong to Yama. Instead, they would take rebirth as rats under her protection until their next human incarnation.

Karni Mata is said to have lived for over 150 years, her body untouched by age. She ultimately vanished near Deshnoke in 1538, leaving no mortal remains, only a legend and love for her devotees. You can best experience the influence of her magical presence during Navratri, when her temple bursts into devotion, with pilgrims walking barefoot for miles to seek her blessings. Yet even in the quiet months, there’s something unforgettable here: a profound stillness, a sense that no being however small or big is without her grace.

In Karni Mata’s world, even death is not exile. All are held and return home in her grace.