What is Sivananda Yoga?

Swami Vishnudevananda originated the Sivananda Yoga system, a type of spiritual yoga that uses asanas (yoga postures) but is not focused specifically on them, unlike other methods that use yoga as exercise. In dignity of his guru, Sivananda, he gave both the system’s name and the institution that is in charge of attempting to spread its teachings—the international Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers—a mission statement reading: “Practice and teach the ancient yogic knowledge for health, peace, unity in diversity, and self-realization.”

Philosophy of Sivananda Yoga

The five guiding principles for spiritual development and ideal health that Vishnudevananda described create the foundation of the Sivananda method.

• Perfect exercise (Asana, focusing on twelve poses in particular).
• Correct inhalation (Pranayama).
• Adequate relaxation (Savasana).
• Correct diet (Vegetarian).
• Vedanta, or positive thought, and meditation (Dhyana).

12 Basic Postures Sivananda Yoga

Pranayama exercises start kicking off a class. After heating up with sun salutations, the focus moved to perfect the 12 basic postures of Sivananda yoga in the order listed below:

• Headstand Pose or Sirsasana
• Shoulder Stand Pose or Salamba Sarvangasana
• Plow Pose or Halasana
• Fish Pose or Matsyasana
• Seated Forward Bend Pose or Paschimottanasana
• Cobra Pose or Bhujangasana
• Locust Pose or Salabhasana
• Bow Pose or Dhanurasana
• Seated Spinal Twist Pose or Ardha Matsyendrasana
• Crow Pose or Bakasana / Peacock Pose or Mayurasana
• Standing Forward Bend Pose or Uttanasana
• Triangle Pose or Trikonasana

Benefits of Sivananda Yoga

The flexibility of the muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons is strengthened with Sivananda yoga. Additionally, it promotes circulation. It improves the spine’s flexibility and strength, which keeps the body younger. It strengthens and stretches the muscular system’s muscles.