Sivananda Yoga

Sivananda Yoga is named after Swami Sivananda, of Rishikesh, India, a medical doctor and an author of some 200 books. His teachings date back to 1936. Unlike other forms of Yoga this type of yoga has managed to remain intact and has not been watered down or merged with other forms. His mission in life was to ‘serve humanity’ and his service was ‘Love in Expression’.  A great sage of the 20^th century, he died on the 14^th July 1963.

One of his most prominent disciples was Swami Vishnu-Devananda, who journeyed to the West in 1957, firstly to America and then on to Europe, where he spread and further developed these particular life enhancing Yogic teachings to the Western World, a world which was hungrily awaiting a combined physical and meditative form of exercise and self-realisation.

He is the author of “The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga”, which was first published in 1960, and is still considered to be one of the best introductory books to Yoga.

There are more than 80 Sivananda Centres and nine ashram retreats in operation around the world making it one of the largest Yoga schools on a global basis.

Sivananda Yoga is practiced globally in a set format, it has both a traditional and holistic approach to Hatha Yoga, which in itself stretches, tones and integrates the entire body.

In essence his teachings summarized the philosophy of Yoga into 5 principles, which are:

• Proper Exercise – to enable a strong, flexible and healthy body in comparison to the modern day sedentary lifestyle which is accompanied by a myriad of various and sometimes serious health problems
• Proper Breathing ( Pranayama) – to breathe consciously is a fine art and reduces stress levels considerably
• Proper Relaxation (Savasana) – prohibits burnout and overload, rejuvenates the entire nervous system
• Proper Diet – the body requires quality nourishment in order function at a optimal level, the yogic diet is based on fresh, simple and natural foods, mostly vegetarian by nature
• Positive thinking (Vedanta) & Meditation – promotes general well-being and peace of mind, helpful in the managing of depression

The other underlying tenets of this particular form of practice are:

• Serve
• Love
• Give
• Purify
• Meditate
• Realisation

Sivananda Yoga consists mainly of a lovely sequence of Classical Hatha Yoga i.e., opening and closing mantras, breathing techniques, sun salutations and the 12 fundamental asanas. These are performed in a knowledgeable manner which also respects the flow of energy in the Chakra System (energy centres).  Short rests are allowed between postures and time for relaxation is to be found and relished at the end of each practice.

With only 12 postures Sivananda Yoga allows the student ample time to practice and explore each one them, affording a way to perfect them to the best of their ability.

The basic goal of the class is to hold each pose in a calm mental state, which assists the student or practitioner into the attainment or control of prana (control of the mind).