Sivananda Yoga Sivananda Yoga is based on the holistic tradition of Yoga Vidya. Its original ideas are shaped by the teachings of the Indian yoga master Swami Sivananda. He drew on the traditional paths of yoga and developed a practical approach based on exercises that can be easily integrated into everyday life. The master placed great importance on ensuring that even the most seemingly complex spiritual principles are easily understood by everyone. For this reason, he wrote numerous books that explain his yoga synthesis in simple and understandable terms.
The spiritual master Swami Sivananda
Sivananda came from a Brahmin family and studied medicine as a young man. From early childhood, his attitude and view of humanity were characterized by charity and justice. People of the so-called lower castes received his special protection and attention.
Sivananda spent a long time on pilgrimage through India as a simple wandering monk. He subsequently lived an ascetic life in a religious order. In the context of his many pilgrimages, he founded an increasingly well-known ashram in 1936, had numerous students, and continued to teach and practice as a physician.
Teaching and training
Sivananda Yoga is still known and valued today for its holistic training concept. The teachings and associated yoga teacher training are based on a spiritual perspective. Yoga serves people as an inner and outer path to a healthy life combined with inner peace. This personal lifestyle and fundamental attitude form the basis for making peace and peacefulness visible in the world as well.
The teachings of Sivananda Yoga are presented in the form of five simple basic principles and four paths of yoga, based on this fundamental understanding. Essential are a clear and transparent understanding of the teachings and their easy integration into one's personal life and everyday routine.
The five basic principles
The major training institutes and international centers where Sivananda Yoga is taught and imparted to this day are all based on the five central principles of yoga .
1.) Asanas – The right physical exercises
The exercises are the heart of yoga. They serve to activate the cardiovascular system and keep the body as a whole fit and supple. Furthermore, they form the foundation for meditative experiences and concentration on essentials.
2.) Pranayama – Proper breathing
To be stable and full of energy, both internally and externally, a connection with the solar plexus is necessary. Proper breathing techniques enable this connection. The stored energy is released through special techniques, ensuring mental and physical regeneration.
3.) Savasana – The right relaxation
Health and well-being require periods of rest to remain stable over time. Relaxation on a physical, mental, and spiritual level ensures the appropriate experience.
4.) Vegetarianism – The right diet
A healthy diet isn't just about your own body, but also about the environment and all living creatures living within it. A conscious diet includes only those products that have a positive effect on your mind and body. Avoiding animal products means respecting other creatures.
5.) Dhyana and Vedanta – Meditation and Positive Thinking
To stay mentally and physically healthy, a focused attitude and a positive outlook on life are helpful. Meditation helps to regain strength and energy and supports a peaceful and spiritual attitude.
The four paths
In Sivananda Yoga, the focus is on the yoga of synthesis, also known as the four paths of yoga. Each path encompasses specific techniques that must be practiced.
1.) Karma Yoga
The path of action is selfless and is not measured by actions.
2.) Bhakti Yoga
The path of devotion is a personal, loving and spiritual path.
3.) Raja Yoga
The path of mental control is considered the supreme discipline with the goal of controlling one's own mind.
4.) Jnana Yoga
The path of wisdom is a path of striving for insight and knowledge.
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