ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry

01/09/2026

Namaste and Pranam,
Warm greetings from the Gitananda Integrative Therapist Academy (GITA).
We are pleased to invite you to Secrets of Yoga Therapy 3.0, a five-day online series from 1–5 September 2026, exploring the role of Yoga Therapy across health, education, rehabilitation and everyday life.
Rooted in the Gitananda Yoga tradition, the series reflects an integrated approach to Yoga, bringing together body, breath, mind, lifestyle, awareness and therapeutic application. Rather than viewing Yoga Therapy as a collection of techniques, the tradition emphasizes understanding the whole person and the context of their health journey.
The Secrets of Yoga Therapy 3.0 edition takes the conversation further by moving beyond practices alone to explore application, relevance, interdisciplinary integration and person-centred care across different stages of life.

30/08/2026

Namaste

I am pleased to share the September 2026 issue of Yoga Life with you.

https://online.pubhtml5.com/urcbn/nqth

As this issue of Yoga Life reaches our readers, our beloved Param Pujya Ammaji approaches her 83rd Birthday on 13 September. We offer our heartfelt pranams in gratitude for her lifetime of dedicated service to Yoga, her unwavering guidance, and her boundless motherly love. We invite all our readers to seek her divine blessings and join us in praying for her continued health, happiness, strength, and long life, so that her wisdom and compassion may continue to inspire generations of sincere seekers.

The past month has been one of joyful celebrations, inspiring outreach, and significant milestones across the ICYER–Ananda Ashram family. A special highlight was the birthday of Yogacharini Anandhi, who received the divine blessings of Param Pujya Ammaji along with the sacred gift of a Kalpadharu, symbolising grace, growth, and spiritual fulfilment. Shaktimaa Devasenaji and Chinna Ammaji Dhivya Priya also lovingly felicitated Anandhi, making the occasion a memorable celebration of love, gratitude, and the enduring Guru–Shishya tradition.

The sacred Guru Purnima celebrations at Sri Kambaliswamy Madam were marked by deep devotion as Guruji Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani led the devotional musical offerings and the auspicious Jayanthi celebrations of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj.

Extending the message of Yoga beyond the Ashram, Guruji and Yogacharini Anandhi presented inspiring Sannidhi Yoga sessions in Madurai during the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Mahatma Gandhi Yoga Institute. Their contributions were warmly appreciated, and both were honoured by the Mahatma Gandhi Yoga Institute and TAPAS Yoga, organisers of the event in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, and West Bengal Chapters of the Indian Yoga Association.

Adding another dimension to holistic wellness, our beloved Dhivya Priya successfully completed the Sound Journey Facilitation Training conducted by Aurelio at SVARAM Sound Experience, Auroville, enriching the therapeutic offerings of the rapidly growing Gitananda Integrative Therapies Academy.

The Ashram also had the joy of honouring Yogacharya Srikant, Katya, and Karim Deva during the Sunday Puja at Sri Kambaliswamy Madam in appreciation of their dedicated seva and devotion. Their family visit to ICYER brought much happiness, and Param Pujya Ammaji delighted everyone with her radiant smile, affectionate presence, and joyful laughter.

May we always be worthy of the grace of the Guru Parampara.

With best wishes in Yoga.

28/08/2026

28/08/2026

Ahara Sadhana is a four-week experiential journey into the Yogic understanding of food, nourishment and conscious eating. It invites participants to move beyond simply asking “What should I eat?” and begin exploring deeper questions:

How do I eat? Why do I eat? In what state of mind do I prepare and receive food? And how does food influence my body, energy, mind and consciousness?

Rooted in the wisdom of Yoga and Indian Knowledge Systems, the course explores Āhāra as an integral aspect of Sādhana. Participants learn to understand food not merely through calories, nutrients or dietary labels, but through quality, season, individual suitability, preparation, quantity, awareness and relationship with food.

The program combines traditional teachings, practical cooking demonstrations, mindful eating practices, self-observation and reflective inquiry.

The intention is not to prescribe one rigid diet, but to help participants cultivate Viveka — discernment — so that food choices gradually become more appropriate, conscious and harmonious.

Lead Teacher: Guruji Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

28/08/2026

Guruji Dr Anandaji's recent Purnima Meditation was a beautiful journey into the wisdom of the Shat Chakras, exploring how the sacred Full Moon offers an ideal opportunity to quieten the mind and awaken higher awareness. Together, we reflected on the deeper meaning of the chakras, the flow of Ida, Pingala and Sushumna, the natural mantra of Soham, and the transformative power of the Chakra Gayatri Mantras before experiencing a deeply meditative 27-round Shat Chakra Pranayama/Dharana/Dhyanam.

A Full Moon Journey Through the Shat ChakrasThe Full Moon has always held a special place in the yogic tradition. Far more than a beautiful celestial event, Purnima is regarded as a time when the mind becomes especially receptive to higher awareness. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, o...

15/08/2026

Sundays are going to be funtime learning Yoga, Music and Dance at ICYER!

Join us from this Vijayadashami for a beautiful journey of health, culture, and self-discovery at ICYER Ananda Ashram!

🧘 Yoga, 💃 Bharatanatyam, Chanting & 🎶 Carnatic Music lessons – by Shaktimaa Yogacharini Devasenaji & Chinnammaji Dhivya Priya Bhavanani

📅 Starting Sunday, 25 October 2026
📍 ICYER Ananda Ashram, Kottakuppam
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Open to all. Children and youth are especially encouraged to join.

📞 Enquiries: 0413-2241561 | 94430 51616
💬 WhatsApp: +91 82201 47929 | 94427 84404 | 97518 24009

Nurturing body, mind, and culture through the timeless traditions of Yoga, Bharatanatyam, and Carnatic Music.

11/08/2026

Satsanga 999 | Yogic Psychology

Discover the wisdom of Yogic Psychology with Guruji Rishiputra Balayogi Dr. Anandaji.
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

09/08/2026

Yogaratna Eric Doornekamp’s life stands as one of the finest examples of how the silent, steady practice of Yoga can transform not only an individual but an entire nation. For more than half a century he served as a beacon of authentic Yoga in New Zealand, preserving and transmitting the timeless teachings of Rishiculture Ashtanga (Gitananda) Yoga with humility, integrity, and unwavering dedication. His passing on 25 July 2026 marked the completion of a remarkable journey of service, yet his legacy continues to inspire countless seekers whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, compassion, and example.

Eric Doornekamp did not merely teach Yoga—he lived it. A devoted disciple of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri, founder of the Lotus Yoga Centre, recipient of the Vishwa Yoga Ratna, mentor to generations of teachers, and lifelong ambassador of Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga, Eric's greatest legacy lies not in buildings or awards, but in the countless lives he transformed through humility, wisdom, and selfless service. His life remains a shining example of Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Hatha Yoga lived as one integrated whole.

01/08/2026

01/08/2026