Our Mission
Sivananda Yoga Ranch - Est 1974
Our mission is to preserve and share the ancient wisdom of yoga for health, peace, and Self-realization. We welcome all to our ashram to experience how physical practice and yogic philosophy cultivate a resilient body, a peaceful mind, and a deep appreciation for unity in diversity, which brings balance to daily life.
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
Throughout his life, Swami Vishnudevananda was deeply concerned about the well-being of the world and the constant danger of wars. This led him to learn to fly and 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 
(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.