Sivananda yoga refers to the practice of yoga as it was taught by the great master Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. Swami acquired a great many followers around the world, but he never actually had the intention to invent a new kind of yoga. Many of his followers became Sivananda yoga masters and taught Sivananda practices all around the world.

Sivananda yoga as formed by the master, recognizes the importance of combining all four of the yoga paths in practice sessions. These paths are Jnana, Bhakti, Raja and Karma. At that time most practices focused only in techniques of one or two of the four different paths. Swami Sivananda made some bold contributions in his time. He helped introduce yoga to the world and he made English in his ashram the official language. He also wrote more than 200 books.

This type of practice can be thought of as your typical yoga class, consisting of 12 postures, two breathing exercises and the final relaxation process. The focus of Sivananda yoga also includes the use of mantras or prayer at the beginning and end of each class. Postures are held for longer periods and pranayamas are included at either the beginning or end. This method also concentrates on an overall awareness, breathing techniques and pranic dimensions.

Sivananda yoga is also an organization. Swami Vish-devananda named his organization, out of respect, after Swami Sivananda. His organization is named ‘Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers’ or SYVC. This is one of the most influential groups relating to the great master. There are now various organizations that are related to this method. One of the most important is the Divine Life Society. The Divine Life Society had many branches all over the world and their website offers many of the books written by Swami, which you can download for free. Some of the other organizations are the Integral Yoga Institute, Yoga Vidya and the Bihar School of Yoga.