Our Story & Inspiration
A journey rooted in ancient wisdom, guided by the timeless teachings of Swami Sivananda
Our Heart: Swami Sivananda's Legacy
Swami Sivananda of Varanasi stands as a beacon of yogic wisdom and longevity, embodying the very essence of what it means to live a truly yogic life. Born in the sacred city of Varanasi, he has dedicated his entire existence to the practice and teaching of yoga, becoming a living testament to the transformative power of ancient wisdom.
In 2022, his lifelong dedication to yoga and service to humanity was recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor. This recognition not only celebrates his individual achievements but also honors the timeless tradition of yoga that he represents.
What makes Swami Sivananda truly extraordinary is not just his mastery of yoga, but his embodiment of its principles. His life exemplifies "simple living and high thinking" - a philosophy that has guided him through decades of practice, teaching, and service to others.
Why We Chose His Name
Naming our school "Shivananda Yoga" is our humble tribute to a living master whose life embodies the very principles we aspire to teach and practice.
Seva (Service)
Selfless service to humanity, following his example of dedicating life to others' wellbeing
Bhakti (Devotion)
Pure devotion to the divine and the practice, inspiring our music-centered approach
Sadhana (Practice)
Consistent, disciplined practice that transforms life, as demonstrated through his longevity
Compassion
Universal love and compassion for all beings, creating inclusive and healing spaces
Swami Sivananda's Principles for Wellbeing
These timeless principles, lived and embodied by Swami Sivananda, form the foundation of our teaching methodology and daily practice.
Simple Living, High Thinking
Living with minimal material needs while cultivating elevated thoughts and spiritual awareness. This principle guides our ashram-style living and focus on inner development over external accumulation.
Holistic Health Approach
Integration of physical asanas, breathing practices, meditation, proper diet, and positive thinking. His longevity demonstrates the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach to wellbeing.
Continuous Learning & Teaching
The belief that we are all eternal students and teachers. His dedication to sharing knowledge while remaining humble and open to learning inspires our teaching methodology.
The Living Example
"Swami Sivananda's life is not just a teaching—it is a living demonstration that yoga is not merely a practice, but a way of being that can sustain and nourish us throughout our entire lifetime."
Our Mission & Vision
Inspired by Swami Sivananda's example, we envision a world where yoga's transformative power is accessible to all, creating communities of healing, growth, and service.
Our Mission
To honor Swami Sivananda's legacy by providing authentic, transformative yoga education that integrates traditional teachings with modern understanding, fostering personal growth, community connection, and service to humanity.
- Train compassionate, knowledgeable yoga teachers
- Create healing spaces for personal transformation
- Integrate music and devotion into yoga practice
Our Vision (3-5 Years)
To become a globally recognized center for traditional yoga education and community service, following Swami Sivananda's model of combining spiritual practice with social responsibility.
- Establish local community projects (food drives, free clinics)
- Host international musicians in residence programs
- Become a center for traditional Ayurveda education
Our Journey & Founders
Founded by practitioners deeply inspired by Swami Sivananda's teachings, our school emerged from a vision to create a space where traditional yoga meets modern accessibility.
Musical Background
Our founders bring a rich musical heritage to yoga teaching, understanding that sound and vibration are fundamental to transformation. This unique combination creates an atmosphere where asana practice naturally flows with devotional music and chanting.
Emphasis on Bhakti
Following Swami Sivananda's devotional approach, we integrate bhakti yoga as a central element of our teaching. Daily kirtans, sacred chanting, and devotional practices create a heart-centered learning environment that goes beyond physical postures.
Community-Centered Approach
Inspired by Swami Sivananda's service-oriented life, we believe yoga education should extend beyond personal practice to community service and social responsibility, creating ripples of positive change in the world.
Rishikesh - Our Sacred Home
Where the Ganges flows and ancient wisdom lives
Our Ethics & Values
Guided by Swami Sivananda's example of ethical living, we commit to creating a safe, inclusive, and transformative environment for all who join our community.
Sustainability
Environmental consciousness in all our practices, honoring the earth as our sacred home
Inclusivity
Welcoming all beings regardless of background, creating unity in diversity
Trauma-Informed Teaching
Creating safe spaces for healing and growth, honoring each person's journey
Integrity
Authentic teaching rooted in personal practice and continuous learning
Community Service
Following Swami Sivananda's example of selfless service to all beings
Anti-Discrimination
Zero tolerance for discrimination, creating equal opportunities for all
Join Our Living Legacy
Step into a tradition that honors the past while embracing the future. Experience yoga as Swami Sivananda envisioned it - a complete way of life that transforms not just the individual, but the entire community.