What Is Sivananda Yoga?

09/08/2010 /

Sivananda Yoga follows the teachings of Swami Sivananda, as brought to the west by his disciple Swami Vishnu-devananda. Vishnu-devananda came to the United States in 1957, making Sivananda an important part of yoga’s first wave of popularity outside India. There are now Sivananda yoga centers in major cities in the US and western Europe, as well as nine ashram retreats.

The Sivananda method is based upon five principles:

1. Proper exercise (Asana, focusing on twelve poses in particular)

2. Proper breathing (Pranayama)

3. Proper relaxation (Savasana)

4. Proper diet (Vegetarian)

5. Positive thinking (Vedanta) and meditation (Dhyana)