Swami Vishnudevanda

This is an excerpt of an email I received from the Sivananda organisation, that I found inspiring in the way it reminded me of the essence of yoga in a simple, natural way.I hope you are also inspired -  Suzanne

You can make a difference …  

Many years ago, an Indian monk landed in America. The year was 1957. He was 30 years old, did not speak much English, and had never traveled outside India in his life. Yet, in a space of three and a half decades, until his passing way in 1993, he had created a possibility for millions of human beings on the planet. A possibility for good health, for well being, and for peace and brotherhood.

His name is Swami Vishnudevananda, who established the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and Ashrams all over the world. In a span of half a century, he has created a worldwide movement for yoga, through a simple yet timeless philosophy - “ Health is wealth. Peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way.”

Swami Vishnudevananda believed that each one of us can make a difference – first to ourselves, and then to our family and to the wider communities in which we live. He said that yoga has the power to transform our physical, mental, spiritual and social health, and by practicing yoga and teaching it to others, we can create a peaceful and harmonious world around us.

He designed a teacher training program set on the fundamental principles of proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet and positive thinking and meditation.

Over 20 000 people have taken the course since its inception 40 years ago. In our Ashrams, situated natural environments, thousands of people have once again connected with fresh air and water, a pure and nourishing diet, the wonderful company of like-minded souls, and a discipline and education to live life powerfully. A connection, as it was, with our own inner nature, our divine Selves.

Only if we are well, can we think of helping others. Only if we are inspired can we inspire others. Only if we are clear, can we remove the confusion that often surrounds others. Only if we have found a way can we show it to the generations that follow.

we invite you to consider doing the TTC in Madurai (South India) in March (reduced donation) or October, or in Uttarkashi (Himalayas) in June. The details of the courses can be had from our website http://www.sivananda.org/india/upcomingcoursedates.html. We will be happy to have you grace a course with your presence. 

As Swami Vishnudevananda always said - each one of us can make a difference. Yoga shows the way.

Om Namah Sivaya