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THE SIVANANDA LINEAGE BRIEF ASHRAM HISTORY
The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas follows an unbroken lineage of
teachers who practice the classical yoga wisdom of Swami Sivananda, which
was introduced to the West by his disciple Swami Vishnudevananda. We are
part of an ever-growing international organization of Sivananda ashrams
and centers (sivananda.org), with the mission to share peace, health, and joy
through yoga.
Swami Sivananda (1887–1963)
A venerated saint of modern times, Swami Sivananda is the
inspiration behind the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Centres. Following a brilliant career as a medical doctor,
Swami Sivananda renounced worldly life and established the
Sivananda Ashram and Divine Life Society in Rishikesh, India.
He became one of the most prolific yoga teachers who has
ever lived, authoring more than 300 books. Although he rarely left Rishikesh,
Swami Sivananda’s teachings spread quickly worldwide, continuing to deeply
touch and transform the lives of many to this day.
Swami Vishnudevananda (1927–1993)
Swami Vishnudevananda trained under Swami Sivananda in
all aspects of yoga for 10 years, becoming a world authority
on yoga. In 1957, Swami Sivananda sent Swami
Vishnudevananda to the West to spread the teachings of
yoga. He went on to found and direct the International
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and created the first Yoga
Teacher Training Course. A tireless campaigner for world peace, a master of
Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga, he authored the now classic books The Complete
Illustrated Book of Yoga and Meditation and Mantras.
Swami Swaroopananda (Ashram Director)
A senior disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, Swami
Swaroopananda has dedicated his life from a very young age
to the practice and teaching of yoga. He is Director of the
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Acharya (spiritual director)
for the Sivananda centers and ashrams in the Bahamas and
the Middle East, and a member of the Board of Directors of
the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres.
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1957 On the instructions of his guru, Swami Vishnudevananda brings the
foundations of Sivananda Yoga to the West, with a goal to help heal the
physical body and the mind and cure suffering.
1959 Swami Vishnudevananda’s first book, The Complete Illustrated Book
of Yoga (CIBY), is published and serves as the most important reference for
Western yogis for decades to come.
1965 In February, while in the Bahamas to give teachings on yoga, Swami
Vishnudevananda meets the Beatles and gives them each a copy of his book.
1968 In January, due to a generous gift of land, Swami Vishnudevananda opens
his second ashram in the West, the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the
Bahamas.
1969 In response to a life-altering vision in the Bahamas, Swami
Vishnudevananda begins his peace mission, calling it the True World Order; his
first act is to create the first yoga teacher training course in the West.
1971-1983 Driven by his vision, Swami Vishnudevananda learns to fly and
embarks on peace missions to troubled areas throughout the world, earning
himself the name “The Flying Swami.”
1975 A first-ever International Yoga Teachers Congress is convened at the
Bahamas ashram, bringing together political, spiritual, and yoga leaders, as
well as musicians and artists.
1993 Swami Vishnudevananda leaves his body, leaving behind a legacy that
has impacted millions around the world and continues to grow.
2018 The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas celebrates its 50th
anniversary with three special events, bringing together students of Swami
Vishnudevananda, senior teachers in the Sivananda lineage, and special guests
and performers.
Beyond the Bahamas Today, the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
organization has nine ashrams and more than 30 centers around the world.
More than 42,000 people have become certified teachers through the
Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course (TTC).
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