The Sivananda Yoga Ranch
Est 1974
The Yoga Ranch was founded in 1974 by Swami Vishnudevananda to provide a peaceful retreat structured around a full immersion into Yogic living and nurtured with the natural beauty of the lush mountains.
The simple living close to nature quiets the mind and prepares it for meditation and the high thinking of the Vedanta philosophy. Asanas (yoga postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), vegetarian meals, chanting, and working together in Karma Yoga help complete the Yoga experience.
Sivananda Lineage
International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers
Swami Sivananda
(1887-1963)
One of the great saints of modern times, Swami Sivananda is the inspiration behind the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center. Born in India, he served for many years as a medical doctor before renouncing worldly life and establishing the Sivananda Ashram and Divine Life Society in Rishikesh. A prolific writer, he authored more than 300 books that offer knowledge and spiritual guidance to millions around the world. His mission can be summarized by his saying: “Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize.”
Swami Vishnudevananda
(1927-1993)
Recognized worldwide as an authority on Hatha and Raja yoga, Swami Vishnudevananda founded the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in 1959. After spending 10 years with his guru, Swami Sivananda, Swamiji was sent to the West to disseminate the teachings of Yoga and Vedanta. He was a visionary, dynamic leader for world peace, and he wrote the practical classics Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga and Meditation and Mantras.
The Flying Swami
Swamiji's Peace Missions




Swami Vishnudevananda and his many peace missions
Sivananda Yoga Teachings
The Five Points of Yoga
Proper Exercise
(Asanas)
Enhances the flexibility of the joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments and stimulates circulation. Flexibility and strength of the spine keep the body youthful.
Proper Breathing
(Pranayama)
Connects the body to its battery, the solar plexus, which is a storehouse of energy. Stress and depression can be overcome by breathing more deeply with increased awareness.
Proper Relaxation
(Savasana)
Relieves the body of existing stress symptoms (including muscle tension and breathlessness) and also helps develop resistance against external stress factors. Once body and mind are freed from constant overload they are at ease and perform more efficiently.
Proper Diet (Vegetarian)
Promotes health and has a positive effect on body and mind. It is natural, simple to prepare, easy to digest and absorb. It is based on proper food choices and causes the least harm to other living beings and the environment.
Positive Thinking and Meditation (Vedanta and Dhyana)
Eliminates negative thought patterns and provides an experience of inner peace by controlling the mind through meditation. This is the key to peace of mind.
Our Mission
Realization of Unity in Diversity
Our Mission is practicing and teaching the ancient yogic knowledge of health, peace, unity in diversity and Self-realization. All are welcome to come to our ashram to learn not only about how yoga can help maintain a healthy body but also how Yogic philosophy, applied in daily life, can help maintain a peaceful mind and spirit. The goal of yoga is inner and outer peace and the realization of unity in diversity.