• Our Lineage & Teachings

The Sivananda Yoga Ranch

Est 1974

Sivananda Lineage

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

The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center is a not-for-profit organization named after Swami Sivananda – one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century. It was established in 1957 by Swami Vishnudevananda, a close disciple of Swami Sivananda, to practice and teach the ancient yogic knowledge for health, peace, unity in diversity and Self-realization.

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 Sivananda - Our Lineage

Swami Vishnudevananda - Our Lineage

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

Throughout his life, Swami Vishnudevananda was deeply concerned about the well-being of the world and the constant disaster of wars. This led him to learn to fly and then personally pilot a small plane over several troubled areas of the world. Not only did he create discussion and awareness in the news media, but he also “bombarded” these war-torn areas with flowers and peace pamphlets while repeating the peace mantra ‘Om Namo Narayanaya.’

Swami Vishnudevananda and his many peace missions

Sivananda Yoga Teachings

The Five Points of Yoga

After closely observing the lifestyles and needs of people in the West, Swami Vishnudevananda, the founder of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, noted that the ancient wisdom of yoga can be synthesized into five basic principles, which can easily be incorporated into our own lifestyles to provide the foundation for healthy living. It is around these five principles that the activities at the Sivananda Yoga ashrams and centers are based.


Proper Exercise Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of Yoga(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 Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of Yoga(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 Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of Yoga(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.

Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of Yoga
Sri Swami Vishnudevananda,
founder of the worldwide organization:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of YogaProper 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.

 

Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of YogaPositive 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.

  • “You can have calmness of mind at all times by the practice of yoga. You can have restful sleep. You can have increased energy, vigour, vitality, longevity, and a high standard of health. You can turn out efficient work within a short space of time. You can have success in every walk of life.”

    – Swami Sivananda

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.

Our Learning Center

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