Be Good. Do Good. Be Kind. Be Compassionate.
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center has been in Los Angeles for over 45 years. It was founded by Swami Vishnudevananda. We teach authentic Classical Yoga. The teachings are based on the five points for Yoga Life and perfect health:
* Proper Exercise (Asanas)
* Proper Breathing (Pranayama)
* Proper Relaxation (Savasan)
* Proper Diet (Vegetarian)
* Positive Thinking and Meditation (Vedanta Philosophy)
In addition to the five points, the teachings of the Center are based upon the four paths of Yoga:
* Karma Yoga - The Yoga of Action/Selfless Service
* Bhakti Yoga - The Path of Devotion or Divine Love
* Jnana Yoga - The Yoga of Knowledge or Wisdom
* Raja Yoga - The Science of Physical and Mental Control
The spiritual strength behind the Center are the teachings of the revered Swami Sivananda. Swami Sivananda summarized his teachings in the following words:
"Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize." He authored more than 300 books on Yoga and Vedanta Philosophy. He trained many exceptional disciples in Yoga and Vedanta - among them was Swami Vishnu-devananda.
Swami Vishnu-devananda would later become known as a world renowned authority on Hatha and Raja Yoga. In 1983 he flew an ultralight aircraft over the Berlin wall, armed with two bouquets of marigolds, to make a statement for World Peace. He was the author of the bestseller "The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga", "Meditation and Mantras" and other books.
In 1957 Swami Sivananda sent Swami Vishnu-devananda to spread the practice of Yoga in the West. Swami Vishnu-devananda had founded the first of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers by 1959.
To propagate the teachings of Yoga and Vedanta as a means of achieving physical, mental and spiritual well-being and Self-Realization.
