Sivananda Yoga vedanta center, Chicago
Founders
Teachings
Aims and Activities
Volunteers
Donations

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center has been in continuous operation at its present location on West Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago since 1972. It is part of a world wide organization founded by Swami Vishnu-devananda, the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers. A renowned authority on Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga, Swami Vishnu-devananda was sent to the West by his Master, Swami Sivananda to spread the ideals of Yoga and Vedanta with the words 'people are waiting'.
The Founders

Swami Sivananda
(1887 - 1963)
The spiritual strength behind the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, 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.

Swami Vishnu-devananda
(1927 - 1993)
Disciple of Swami Sivananda, founder of the International Sivananda Vedanta Centers, world renowned authority on hatha and raja yoga and author of the bestseller The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga and other books.

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Teachings: 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 can easily be incorporated into our own lifestyle to provide the foundation for healthy living. It is around these five principles that the activities at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center are based.
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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Center Aims and Activities

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center is a non-profit organisation run by voluntary staff and dedicated to the aim of disseminating the knowledge of yoga. Activities at the center include:

  • Daily drop-in Yoga Classes
  • First Class Free - a free introduction to the Center
  • Advanced Yoga Class
  • Beginners' Yoga Courses (Yoga 1)
  • Intermediate Yoga Courses (Yoga 2 and Yoga 3)
  • Advanced Yoga Courses
  • Meditation and Yoga Philosophy Courses
  • Satsang (Free) - group meditation, chanting and talk on the philosophy of yoga.
  • Special Programmes with guest speakers
  • Cooking Workshops
  • Yoga Store

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Voluntary Service (Karma Yoga)

 

The activities of all the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers take place through the practice of karma yoga (voluntary service). The students of the Chicago Center have always generously given their energies to many projects and activities. Share your talents and skills, or learn new ones, by volunteering at the Center. Please call and talk to a staff member if you can offer some of your time to help.

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Donations

 

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center is a non-profit organization. Donations of all kinds are greatly appreciated. Donations are tax-deductible and are used to continue the teachings of Yoga and Vedanta.

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