Austin, Texas
Lila Lolling
Class Description - Hatha Yoga in the Tradition of Swami Sivananda
Sivananda Hatha Yoga, respectfully named after Master Sri Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, India (1887-1963), is a traditional and meditative style whose basis is enhancing awareness towards the discovery of our true nature, or what's known in Yoga as 'Self Realization'. Through incorporation of the Four Paths of Yoga, you will learn to control the mind by first controlling your body and vital life force, or prana. With this in mind, pranayama (breathing exercises), Sun Salutations and twelve basic asanas are the essence of this meditative and challenging yoga which is designed to facilitate your journey towards Self Realization.
The class is always open to beginners or experienced yogis, as this tradition believes in experiencing yoga for your Self. Meaning, that you will be guided into your own asana variations, specifically designed to optimize your progress; physically, mentally and spiritually. Achieve inner peace and wellness by joining us at class today!
The Ancient Lineage
The foundation of this Hatha Yoga is Advaita Vedanta, a philosophy based on the Vedas that teaches the non-duality of the individual consciousness and the universal consciousness; as expressed by its foremost exponent, Shankaracharya.
The Advaita Vedanta classical lineage begins here, with Shankaracharya. He was integral in sharing the teachings of Advaita Vedanta between 788-820 CE. Then in the early 1900's when these ancient teachings were introduced to Swami Sivananda, a medical doctor turned Yoga Master, he began educating humanity of this ancient philosophy. With writing over 200 books on various spiritual topics, Swami Sivananda's teachings reached the hands of a soon-to-be disciple, Swami Vishnu-devananda. In 1957, Master Sivananda instructed Swami Vishnu-devananda to bring yoga to the West. Upon Swami Vishnu's arrival, Yoga and its traditions began to pour into Canada and the United States. During Swami Vishnu's life, he was able to establish seven world-wide ashrams and 22 yoga centers. Swami Vishnu was also integral in establishing one of the very first Teacher Training Courses. It is this intensive one-month course that each instructor has experienced.
Now the knowledge that was brought to the West is shared with you through Swami Atma and Lila. See you in class soon!
