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THE SIVANANDA LINEAGE BRIEF ASHRAM HISTORY

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

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