About the Center - Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Los Angeles

*About the Center...*

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center has been in LA for over 35 years. It was founded by Swami Vishnu-devananda. We teach authentic Classical Yoga. The teachings are based on the five points for 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 * 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 Swami Sivananda. These teachings are a synthesis of all the formal doctrines of Yoga. He authored more than 300 books on Yoga and Vedanta Philosophy. He trained many exceptinoal disciples in Yoga and Vedanta - among them Swami Vishnu-devananda. In 1957 Swami Sivananda sent Swami Vishnu-devananda to spread the practice of Yoga in the West. Swami Sivananda summarized his teachings in the following words: "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize"

	The Centers were founded in 1959 by Swami Vishnu-devananda as a non-profit organization whose purpose is to propagate the teachings of Yoga and Vedanta as a means of achieving physical, mental and spiritual well-being and Self-Realization. Swami Vishnu-devananda was a World renowned authority on Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga. He was the author of the bestseller "The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga", "Meditation and Mantras" and other books.

	The Los Angeles Staff - As with all Sivananda Yoga Centers, the Los Angeles Center is run entirely by volunteers. Vidya Chaitanya is the Spiritual Director of the LA Center. Originally from Australia, Vidya moved to the UK as a newly qualified doctor 36 years ago where she worked as a psychiatrist. Eighteen years later, she became involved in yoga, gave up paid work and moved to live in an ashram, taking her TTC in Kerala in March 2004. She is passionate about community, networking, Vedanta, Vedic astrology, permaculture and helping people to develop spiritually.

	Karma Yoga (selfless service) - All of the Centers are run entirely by volunteer full-time staff as well as outside teachers and helpers. You are welcome to give us a hand in many areas such as: poster runs, errands, reception, cleaning, fixing, decorating and computer work etc. Any time that you can spare is warmly appreciated.