Sivananda Yoga

Sivananda yoga is a form of Hatha yoga that was introduced by Swami Sivananda. It is taught in various yoga schools by trained instructors who have completed the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course. Sivananda yoga is quite different from other forms of yoga in that they are based on Ashtanga Vinayasa yoga, which is more athletic. This form of yoga emphasizes on relaxation and on deep breathing practices.

Principles of Sivananda Yoga

Sivananda yoga is based on five basic principles and these include the following:

Pranayama’ or proper breathing techniques

Asanas’ or exercise

Savasana’ or relaxation

Eating a healthy vegetarian diet that avoids ‘satvic and ‘rajasic’ foods that may cause misbalance in the body

Mediation and positive thinking

Most other forms of yoga only focus on the ‘asanas’ and ‘pranayama’ to facilitate the union between the mind and the body. The breathing techniques along with the postures exercise every part of the body, external as well as internal, and help keep it strong and fit. Sivananda yoga stresses on every principle and doesn’t merely involve performing ‘asanas’ and ‘pranayama’. Therefore, it also involves the way one thinks, eats, behaves and lives. It is only when the five principles are integrated that a student truly benefits from Sivananda yoga.

The emphasis on exercising and relaxing the mind is considered as important as that for the body. This gives the students a sense of calm and helps them deal with the external world in an effective manner

Sivananda Yoga Class

It is important that you consult with your doctor before you begin any form of exercise including yoga. A Sivananda yoga class begins with relaxation in the ‘savasana’ or the corpse position. Thereafter breathing exercises such as ‘kapalbharti’ and ‘anulom violom’ are done. ‘Surynamaskar’ or Sun Salutation comes next. These ‘asanas’ exercise every part of the body and get them ready for the next 12 ‘asanas’ that are performed. This is then followed by ‘dhyana’ or meditation.

Sivananda yoga places emphasis on every aspect of yoga and not just on exercise. It focuses on the fact that yoga is not just a routine but a way of living and only when it is allowed to impact every aspect of our lives does a student truly benefit. It is by calming the mind and body that this yoga gives you control over them. This in turn reduces the impact of stress and slows down the ageing process.

Traditionally Yoga is said to have four paths. These include the following:

• The yoga of knowledge or wisdom or ‘jnana yoga’.

• The yoga of self control or ‘raja yoga’

• The yoga of devotion or ‘bhakti yoga’

• The yoga of action or ‘karma yoga’

Sivananda yoga integrates all four paths to give students a discipline that covers every aspect of their lives. Therefore, Sivananda yoga truly goes beyond the classroom and becomes a part of the student’s life.