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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 worldwide organization founded
by Swami Vishnudevananda: the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Centres. A renowned authority on Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga, Swami
Vishnudevananda was sent to the West by his Master, Swami Sivananda, to
spread the ideals of Yoga and Vedanta with the words "people are
waiting."
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 Swami Sivananda
(1887-1963)
The spiritual strength behind the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres,
Swami Sivananda taught a synthesis of all the formal
doctrines of Yoga. He trained many exceptional disciples in Yoga and
Vedanta, among them, Swami Vishnudevananda, whom he sent to spread
the practice of Yoga in the West.
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 Swami
Vishnudevananda
(1927-1993)
Disciple of Swami Sivananda, founder of the International Sivananda
Yoga Vedanta Centres and world-renowned authority on Hatha and Raja Yoga and
author of the bestselling Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga and
other books.
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Teachings: Five Points of Yoga
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By closely observing the lifestyles and needs of people in the West,
Swami Vishnudevananda synthesized the ancient wisdom of Yoga into five
basic principles that can easily be incorporated into our own lifestyles
to provide the foundation for healthy living. It is around these five
principles that the activities at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center are
based.
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 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 also are 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 that has the most positive
effect on the body and mind and the least negative effect on the
environment. |
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 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
hectic, stressful lives.
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Center Aims and
Activities
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The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center is a non-profit organization run
by voluntary staff and dedicated to the aim of disseminating the
knowledge of Yoga. Activities at the center include the following:
- Daily drop-in Yoga classes
- First class free: a free introduction to the Center
- Advanced Yoga class
- Beginners' Yoga courses (Part 1, Part 2)
- Advanced Yoga courses
- Meditation and Yoga philosophy courses
- Satsang (Free): group meditation, chanting, and talk on the
philosophy of Yoga.
- Special programs with guest speakers
- Cooking workshops
- Yoga bookstore
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Voluntary Service (Karma
Yoga)
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The activities of all the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres 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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The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center is a non-profit organization.
Donations of all kinds are greatly appreciated. Donations are
tax-deductible and used to continue the teachings of Yoga and
Vedanta.
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