Introduction
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres were Founded in 1959 by Swami Vishnudevananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda. These centres form a global network dedicated to teaching traditional yoga and meditation practices. They emphasize a holistic approach to yoga, integrating physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), relaxation, proper diet, positive thinking, and meditation.
The organization operates numerous ashrams and city centres worldwide, offering various programs including yoga vacations, teacher training courses, and workshops on yogic studies such as Raja Yoga and Vedanta. These centres aim to preserve the purity and tradition of yoga, making its ancient teachings accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres operate a comprehensive network of ashrams and city centres worldwide, dedicated to promoting the teachings of classical yoga. Below is an overview of their locations outside India:
North America
- Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, Val-Morin, Quebec, Canada
- Established in 1959 by Swami Vishnudevananda, this ashram serves as the organization’s headquarters. Nestled in the Laurentian Mountains, it offers year-round programs including yoga vacations, teacher training courses, and advanced yoga studies.
- Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch, Woodbourne, New York, USA
- Located in the Catskill Mountains, this ashram provides a serene environment for spiritual practice. It offers various programs such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and workshops on health and wellness.
- Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm, Grass Valley, California, USA
- Situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this ashram combines the practice of yoga with principles of sustainable living. Programs include yoga teacher training, permaculture courses, and Ayurveda retreats.
- Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Paradise Island, Bahamas
- This beachfront ashram offers a unique blend of traditional yoga teachings and a tropical island experience. It hosts year-round programs, including yoga vacations, teacher training courses, and symposiums on topics like health, spirituality, and environmental awareness.
Europe
- Sivananda Yoga Retreat House, Reith near Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria
- Located in the Austrian Alps, this retreat house provides an ideal setting for yoga practice and study. It offers yoga vacations, teacher training courses, and special programs focusing on health and wellness.
- Ashram de Yoga Sivananda, Neuville-aux-Bois, Loire Valley, France
- Set in the serene countryside of the Loire Valley, this ashram offers a peaceful environment for spiritual growth. Programs include yoga vacations, teacher training courses, and various workshops on yoga and meditation.
Asia
- Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Resort and Training Center, Dalat, Vietnam
- Located in the central highlands of Vietnam, this center offers a tranquil setting for yoga practice. It provides yoga vacations, teacher training courses, and retreats focusing on health and inner peace.
City Centres
In addition to these ashrams, the organization operates numerous city centres worldwide, offering regular yoga classes, workshops, and courses to make the teachings of yoga accessible to urban populations. Some of these centres include:
- London, England: Provides a range of yoga classes, workshops, and teacher training programs in the heart of the UK.
- Paris, France: Offers yoga sessions, meditation courses, and specialized workshops in the French capital.
- Berlin and Munich, Germany: Both centres provide comprehensive yoga programs, including classes for all levels, workshops, and community events.
- Vienna, Austria: Hosts regular yoga classes, courses, and special events focusing on various aspects of yoga and wellness.
- Geneva, Switzerland: Offers a variety of yoga classes, workshops, and seminars to promote physical and mental well-being.
- Madrid, Spain: Provides yoga instruction, meditation sessions, and workshops tailored to the Spanish-speaking community.
- Tokyo, Japan: Caters to the local community with yoga classes, workshops, and events promoting the benefits of yoga.
- Toronto and Montreal, Canada: Both centres offer a wide range of yoga programs, including classes, workshops, and teacher training courses.
- New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, USA: These centres provide yoga classes, workshops, and community events in major American cities.