The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in New Plymouth is the first affiliated Sivananda Centre in New Zealand. We are part of an International Yoga Organization that has ashrams and centres in many countries through out the world. Located in Westown, New Plymouth, the centre is light and spacious, an ideal peaceful setting for yoga practice. Our goal is to share the classical teachingsof yoga taught by our Gurus Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnu Devananda.
We offer classes and workshops in classical Hatha yoga, Meditation as well as regular Satsangs. Suitable for all levels of students, whether just beginning out or established in a more advanced practice, the centre provides the ideal non-competitive environment to nurture the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga.
The style of yoga taught was brought to the west by Swami Vishnu Devananda, who was sent by his guru Swami Sivananda on a mission to spread peace and awaken a growing consciousness in mankind, through the teachings of yoga.
Swami Vishnu founded the International Sivananda Vedanta organisation, establishing the first centre in Montreal in 1959. The Organisation is ever growing, there are ashrams and numerous centres world wide, now finding its way to New Zealand.
Our teachers are all graduates of the Sivananda Teachers Training and Advanced Teachers Training courses. To establish themselves firmly in the yogic way of life all have spent extended periods studying and living in ashrams and centres throughout the world.
Our classes focus on proper breathing through the pratcice of pranayama, proper exercise through the practice of asanas and proper guided relaxation (see five points of yoga).
It is a great privilege to teach, share and aid students on their own journey of self-discovery on this ancient path of yoga. Yoga can build strength while increasing physical and mental flexibility, it improves concentration and balance. It therefore offers an indispensable foundation for any activity from surfing, through to academic studies. People who practice yoga are less stressed and less likely to fall victim to the ailments that accompany stress.
The centre is also a place where one can study the full range of yogic teachings. Alongside our daily yoga classes, we feature special yoga programs and workshops. We welcome you to this community based centre, and hope you get as much out of your practice as we do ours.
Hari Om Tat Sat
