• About Us

Ashram de Yoga Sivananda

Leading a Yogic Lifestyle

Leading a Yogic Lifestyle | Ashram de Yoga Sivananda | Yoga | France

Ashram de Yoga Sivananda was founded in 2003 as the first Sivananda Ashram in Europe. Its natural setting is very conducive to contemplation and rejuvenation: vast open spaces, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and century old forests populated with countless species of birds.

We are a monastic congregation recognized by the French government. Our members are fully committed to leading a yogic life style (blending the practice of postures, meditation, mantra chanting and service).

Here people of all demographics from around the world find a holistic (yogic) lifestyle in harmony with nature. People visit on their own, with friends, and as families. The Ashram teaches techniques that aim to contribute to physical, emotional and spiritual health. The practice of yoga enables us to face daily life with more serenity and positivity, and ultimately leads to Self-realisation.

Sivananda Lineage

International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers is a not-for-profit organization named after Swami Sivananda – one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century. It was established in 1957 by Swami Vishnudevananda, a close disciple of Swami Sivananda, to practice and teach the ancient yogic knowledge for health, peace, unity in diversity and Self-realization.

Swami Sivananda

(1887-1963)

Swami Sivananda is one of greatest sages of modern India. After a successful career as a doctor he renounced the world, practised intense meditation and attained self-realization. As a prodigious author he published more than 200 books and pamphlets, thus spreading all aspects of Yoga and philosophy in simple yet profound words. In his ashram, the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh, Himalayas he trained many outstanding disciples. In 1957 he sent one such disciple, Swami Vishnudevananda, to teach Yoga in the West.

Swami Sivananda | Ashram de Yoga Sivananda | Yoga | France

Swami Vishnudevananda | Ashram de Yoga Sivananda | Yoga | France

Swami Vishnudevananda

(1927-1993)

Swami Vishnudevananda lived with his master Swami Sivananda for 12 years. In 1957 he traveled to America, and in the early 70´s came to Europe, founding international Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in many cities. He was a dynamic Hatha and Raja Yoga master bringing the classical teachings of Yoga and Vedanta in its purest form to the West. He was also a tireless campaigner for world peace bringing the message of peace to many troubled spots all over the world. Thousands of students have been personally trained by Swami Vishnudevananda as yoga teachers and many more have been inspired by his books “The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga”, “Meditation and Mantras” and “Sivananda Companion to Yoga”.

  • "The experience: "I am universal Space; I was never bound by this body and mind..."

    This is Yoga."


    – Swami Vishnudevananda

Our Vision

A Letter From The Ashram Director

What people need now is practical guidelines on how to make changes in their lives. It is becoming very clear that for this world to overcome the huge challenge it is facing, the changes must come from individuals. This is exactly what yoga can give: guidance on how to live a meaningful and successful life. We need a new definition of success.

Leading a meaningful life

The philosophy behind the vision

Om shanti,
Swami Kailasananda
Directrice et Yoga Acharya

Swami Kailasananda | Our Vision | A Letter from the Ashram Director | Ashram de Yoga Sivananda | Yoga | France

Our Team

Spiritual Leaders & Dedicated Staff

Our mission at the Ashram de Yoga Sivananda is to spread peace, health and joy through yoga. All are welcome to come to our ashram to learn not only about how yoga can help maintain a healthy body but also how Yogic philosophy, applied in daily life, can help maintain a peaceful mind and spirit. The goal of yoga is inner and outer peace and the realization of unity in diversity.

Yoga-Acharyas of Sivananda Europe

Yoga Acharyas of Sivananda Europe | Ashram de Yoga Sivananda | Yoga | France

Dedicated Staff of the Ashram de Yoga


Our Teachings

The Five Points of Yoga

After closely observing the lifestyles and needs of people in the West, Swami Vishnudevananda, the founder of Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, noted that the ancient wisdom of Yoga can be synthesized into five basic principles, which can easily be incorporated into our own lifestyles to provide the foundation for healthy living. It is around these five principles that the activities at the Ashram De Yoga Sivananda are based.


Proper Exercise Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of Yoga(Asanas)

Enhances the flexibility of the joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments and stimulates circulation. Flexibility and strength of the spine keep the body youthful.

 

Proper Breathing Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of Yoga(Pranayama)

Connects the body to its battery, the solar plexus, which is an storehouse of energy. Stress and depression can be overcome by breathing more deeply with increased awareness.

 

Proper Relaxation Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of Yoga(Savasana)

Relieves the body of existing stress symptoms (including muscle tension and breathlessness) and also helps develop resistance against external stress factors. Once body and mind are freed from constant overload they are at ease and perform more efficiently.

Ashram de Yoga Sivananda | Meditation | Our Learning Center

Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of YogaProper Diet (Vegetarian)

Promotes health and has a positive effect on body and mind. It is natural, simple to prepare, easy to digest and absorb. It is based on proper food choices and causes the least harm to other living beings and the environment.

 

Sivananda Yoga | 5 Points of YogaPositive Thinking and Meditation (Vedanta and Dhyana)

Eliminates negative thought patterns and provides an experience of inner peace by controlling the mind through meditation. This is the key to peace of mind.

  • “You can have calmness of mind at all times by the practice of yoga. You can have restful sleep. You can have increased energy, vigour, vitality, longevity, and a high standard of health. You can turn out efficient work within a short space of time. You can have success in every walk of life.”

    – Swami Sivananda

Our Teachings

The Four Paths of Yoga

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Karma Yoga

(Path of Selfless Service)

<div style="color: #373737; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; font-family: catamaran">Bhakti Yoga</div>

Bhakti Yoga

(Path of Devotion)

<div style="color: #373737; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; font-family: catamaran">Raja Yoga / Hatha Yoga</div>

Raja Yoga / Hatha Yoga

(Path of Mind Control / Yoga Postures)

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Jnana Yoga

(Path of Knowledge)

Our Teachings | Ashram de Yoga Sivananda

Our Learning Centre

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