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Swami Sivananda
(1887 – 1963)
The spiritual strength behind the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres,
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 Vishnu-devananda, whom
he sent to spread the practice of yoga in the West. |
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Swami Vishnu-devananda
(1927 – 1993)
Disciple of Swami Sivananda, founder of the International Sivananda
Vedanta Centres, world renowned authority on hatha and raja
yoga and author of the bestseller The Complete Illustrated Book
of Yoga and other books.
"Health is Wealth. Peace
of Mind is Happiness. |
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"Serve,
Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise" – Swami Sivananda
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Yoga
Shows the Way" – Swami Vishnu-devananda
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The
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre was founded
by renowned authority on Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga, Swami Vishnu-devananda
in 1957. He was sent to the west by his Master, Swami Sivananda
to spread the ideals of yoga and vedanta with the words ‘people
are waiting’.
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Swami
Vishnu-devananda’s Five Points of Yoga
By closely observing the
lifestyles and needs of people in the west Swami Vishnu-devananda
synthesised the ancient wisdom of yoga into five basic principles
that could easily be incorporated into one’s own lifestyle
to provide the foundation for healthy living. It is around these
five principles that the activities at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Centre are based.
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Five Points
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Proper
Exercise (Asanas)
acts as a lubricating
routine for the joints and muscles and other parts of the
body by increasing circulation and flexibility. The asanas
not only produce physical benefits, but are also mental exercises
in concentration and meditation, promoting optimum good 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)
is a vital part of
keeping the body and mind healthy. Yoga teaches three levels
of relaxation – physical, mental and spiritual.
Proper
Diet (Vegetarian)
is eating with awareness.
A yogi takes food which has the most positive effect on the
body and mind and the least negative effect on the environment.
Positive
Thinking and Meditation (Vedanta and Dhyana)
relieves stress and
replenishes energy. Meditation is well-known to improve concentration
and to bring peace of mind and spiritual strength. Meditation
is beneficial for everyone, especially those with a hectic,
stressful life. |
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Teaching in London for Over 30 Years
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Centre has been teaching yoga in London since 1972 and the present
Centre has been in Felsham Road Putney SW15 since 1991.
It is ideally situated in a quiet residential area located just
off Putney High Street within short walking distance of Putney
Bridge and East Putney tube. Putney main line station is also
nearby.
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre is a non-profit organisation
run by voluntary staff and dedicated to the aim of disseminating
the knowledge of yoga.
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Activities
at the Centre Include:
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• Daily drop-in
Yoga Classes
• Free Trial Class – a ‘taster’ yoga
class for beginners
• Open House – a free introduction
to yoga
• Advanced Yoga Class
• Pensioners
Yoga Class
• Pregnancy Yoga Class
• Children’s
Yoga Class
• Beginners’ Yoga Courses (Yoga 1)
• Intermediate Yoga Courses (Yoga 2 and Yoga 3)
•
Advanced Yoga Courses
• Meditation and Yoga Philosophy
Courses
• Satsang – group meditation, chanting and
talk on the philosophy of yoga.
• Saturday Workshops
– including Positive Thinking, Prana the Vital Energy, Finding
Purpose in Life, Mantra and Kirtan (chanting) plus others.
• Special Programmes with guest speakers
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Cooking Workshops
• Ayurveda Workshops
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Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses
• Advanced Yoga Teacher’
Training Courses
• Yoga Vacations
• Yoga
Retreats
• Yoga Shop |
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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 Vishnu-devananda
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Voluntary Service
The activities of all the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres take
place through the practice of karma yoga (voluntary service).
All talents are welcomed. If you have some time and energy to
spare, please let us know.
Donations
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre is a registered charity. We
try to keep prices to a minimum.
Donations of all kind are appreciated and are tax exempt.
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