Swami Vishnu-devananda & The Sivananda Organization

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers founded by Swami Vishnu-devananda make up a worldwide organization dedicated to bringing peace to the world by empowering individuals through the ancient techniques of yoga and meditation. The San Francisco Center has shared these teachings to the Bay Area residents for 17 years.

Swami Vishnu-devananda was one of the early pioneers of yoga in the West. Born in South India, in his early adulthood he became a disciple of the renowned sage Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. After studying with the master for about twelve years, Swami Vishnu was directed to travel to America in 1957 with the words of Sivananda, "People are waiting for you."

Arriving in the U.S almost penniless, Swami Vishnu began teaching individual students, sometimes on the floor of the humble room where he was staying. Gradually, more people were drawn to the dynamic young yoga teacher. Yoga Centers were opened in cities across North America, and Ashrams or country retreats were developed. Some of these Centers have operated continuously for more than four decades, sharing the priceless yoga teachings with millions of students.

In 1969 Swami Vishnudevananda initiated the first Yoga Teachers Training Course ever taught in North America. At that time he personally taught all of the aspects of the course, from the physical exercises of Hatha Yoga, to the devotional or Bhakti Yoga practices and all of the theory and philosophy underlying the teachings. Karma Yoga, or the practice of doing actions without attachment to results or rewards was always a major component of the curriculum.

Swami Vishnu authored several books including the classic works, The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, and Meditation and Mantras. These books were on bestseller lists for years and were translated into dozens of languages around the world.

Swamiji organized the concepts of yoga into Five Points for Health and Peace of Mind. These included Proper Exercise, Breathing, Relaxation, and Diet. The fifth point is Positive Thinking and Meditation. Through these principles, Swamiji believed that individuals could attain inner peace, which would radiate outwards to the entire world.

Many students of Swami Vishnu chose to join the organization as staff, often leaving lucrative professions that could not offer happiness or fulfillment, and accepted a life of rigorous discipline, hard work and the barest of material comforts. The more dedicated students took vows of sannyas or renunciation of career, family, and worldly attachments. Many of these devoted people became the directors of the Sivananda Centers as the organization grew.

In recent years, yoga has become mainstream, being taught in schools and workplaces. The Sivananda system has remained true to the deeper aspects of the yogic teachings which recognize the person as a union of body, mind, and spirit. The benefits of Yoga are not limited to the physical.

Since Swamiji's passing in 1993, his organization has continued to help people to realize their highest potential and find peace. New Centers and Ashrams have sprung up worldwide. To date, more than 18,000 yoga teachers have been trained. Through the books and teachings of Swami Vishnu-devananda, millions have of people have been given a new vision of health and happiness. The staff, and teachers of the San Francisco Center feel blessed to continue this legacy.