Swami Sivananda (1887 – 1963)
A mountain of spiritual strength, Swami Sivananda’s teachings are a synthesis of all the formal doctrines of Yoga. He trained many exceptional disciples in yoga and Vedanta – among them, Swami Vishnudevananda. “Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise” – Swami Sivananda
Swami Vishnudevananda (1927 – 1993)
Disciple of Swami Sivananda and founder of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres. World renowned authority on Hatha and Raja Yoga. Author of The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga and other books.
“Health is Wealth. Peace of Mind is Happiness.
Yoga Shows the Way” – Swami Vishnudevananda
The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres is a non-profit organization founded by Swami Vishnudevananda. It’s purpose is to propagate the teachings of Yoga and Vedanta as a means of achieving physical, mental and spiritual well being and self-realisation. Swami Vishnudevananda was sent to the west by his Master, Swami Sivananda to spread the ideals of yoga and Vedanta with the words ‘people are waiting’.
Swami Vishnudevananda’s Five Points of Yoga
From observation of the western lifestyle and needs, Swami Vishnudevananda synthesized the ancient wisdom of yoga into five basic principles that could easily be incorporated into daily life to enable healthy living.
The Five Points of Yoga are:
Proper Exercise (Asanas)
not only keep the physical body in good health by maintaining circulation and flexibility. They are also mental exercises in concentration and meditation, promoting optimum health.
Proper Breathing (Pranayama)
connects the body to the solar plexus, where tremendous potential energy is stored. Through specific breathing techniques this energy is released for physical and mental rejuvenation.
Proper Relaxation (Savasan)
Savasan is relaxing physically, mentally and spiritually, a must for vitality
Proper Diet (Vegetarian)
is eating with awareness. A yogi takes food which is the most
positive for both body and mind, and least harmful for the environment.
Positive Thinking and Meditation (Vedanta and Dhyana)
relieves stress and replenishes energy in a hectic life style. Concentration improves and peace of mind and spiritual strength are gained.
Dwarka Centre: a description
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dwarka Centre has been functioning from April 2007. It is the 5th center in India . Located at sector 6, behind the DAV school playing field, you can approach the centre through two roads. One is the road between Kamakshi Apartments and Param Puneeth Apartments. Another is the road to the right side of the Vardhaman key plaza. There is enough parking for vehices.
The centre is located in a multi-level brownstone building with sign reading TWO (True World Order) for Unity in Diversity, representing Swami Vishnudevananda’s quest for world peace and understanding. The reception area is located on the ground floor, where students may remove their shoes and check in for class. Large photos, of Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda meet the visitor on entering, as well as garlanded statues of Lord Ganesh and Lord krishna. The reception is also a mini boutique with yoga books, yoga mats, some simple t-shirts and pyjamas, posters, malas and spiritual CDs on sale. Up the first and second sets of stairs are the Siva and Vishnu Halls used primarily for intermediate and advanced classes. On the next level up is the Annapurna Hall, a smaller space used for staff accommodation and kitchen. In the cool basement is the Durga Hall where we conduct beginners classes and daily meditation, bhajan and satsangs. The hall also houses the main altar on which appear pictures and statues of our Gurus and deities along with oil lamps and incense. Later a temple will be installed in the basement beginning with a moorthi of Sri Durga. The building has plant balconies at each level which will in time provide a beautiful scene of nature full of prana at each window.
Activities at the Centre :
Daily drop-in Yoga Classes Mon – Sat 6.30; Mon – Sun 10 am;
Mon – Sat 4 pm; Mon – Fri 6.30 pm (all 1 ½ hours each)
Free Trial Class – a ‘taster’ yoga class for beginners with an introductory talk 12.30 pm Sunday and 7 pm Wednesday
Open House – a free introduction to yoga
Beginners’ Yoga Courses are starting every week also on weekends
Special Yoga classes for the elderly, for pregnancy and for children are being introduced according to interest
Intermediate and Advanced Yoga Courses will be held as student numbers and their experience increases
Meditation Courses
Satsang – silent meditation, kirtan and talk on an aspect of yoga.
Lalitha Sahasranama Archana is held on Poornima and Ganesh Havan on Chaturthi. Other festivals are also celebrated.
Special Programmes are arranged with our senior swamis.
Meditation and kirtan is held daily at 5 am and 8.30 pm with arati
Voluntary Service
As non-profit organizations, the Centers are run by voluntary staff who are dedicated to the dissemination of the knowledge of yoga. All activities take place through the practice of karma yoga (voluntary service) by the permanent and temporary staff, students and devotees. All talents are welcomed. If you have some time and energy to spare, please let us know.
“Yoga balances, harmonises, purifies and strengthens the body, mind and soul
of the practitioner. It shows the way to perfect health, perfect mind control and
perfect peace with one’s Self, the world, nature and God.”
– Swami Vishnudevananda
Donations As a registered non-profit society, we try to keep prices to a minimum. Donations of all kind are appreciated and are tax exempt under section 80-G of the Income Tax Act 1961 of Govt. of India.
Contact : Kalyani Chaitanya – 4556 6015 / 6016
e-mail : peterkerala@gmail.com
www.sivananda.org
