Introduction
Swami Sivananda (1887–1963) was a renowned yoga master and founder of the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh. He popularized practical yoga, service, and disciplined living for seekers worldwide.
Life Journey
1887
Birth
Born in South India
1910s
Medical service
Served as a doctor with compassion
1924
Renunciation
Took sannyasa and settled in Rishikesh
1936
Divine Life Society
Founded organization for yoga and service
1963
Mahasamadhi
Passed away in Rishikesh
Core Teachings
- Service is worship
- Purity, discipline, and devotion support realization
- Balance of Bhakti, Karma, Raja, and Jnana Yoga
- A spiritual life is built through daily habits
How to Follow / Practices
- Daily meditation and japa
- Simple diet and self-discipline
- Asanas and pranayama
- Seva (service) and charity
- Study of scriptures
Famous Works & Speeches
Practice of Yoga
Bliss Divine
Hundreds of spiritual booklets and letters
Relevance for Modern Life
His “routine-based spirituality” is perfect for busy people: small daily practices compound into big inner change.
He also gives a strong model for stress reduction through pranayama and disciplined living.
Inspiring Quotes
"An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory."
"Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize."
Associated Places & Ashrams
Ashram/Monastery
Divine Life Society
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Place Visited
Rishikesh (Ganga ghats)
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Festivals & Remembrance
Jayanti (Birth Anniversary): September 8 (commonly observed)