Divine Life Society

Divine Life Society, crest

The Divine Life Society is a spiritual organization and Hindu religious movement founded by Swami Sivananda in 1936. The society is headquartered in Rishikesh, India, and is dedicated to the dissemination of spiritual knowledge and the practice of yoga and Vedanta.

History[edit | edit source]

The Divine Life Society was established by Swami Sivananda, a renowned spiritual teacher and proponent of yoga and Vedanta. Swami Sivananda was a medical doctor before he renounced worldly life and took up the path of spirituality. He founded the society with the aim of promoting spiritual growth and well-being through the teachings of Hinduism.

Philosophy[edit | edit source]

The philosophy of the Divine Life Society is based on the principles of yoga, Vedanta, and Bhakti. The society emphasizes the importance of leading a life of dharma (righteousness), seva (selfless service), and sadhana (spiritual practice). The teachings of Swami Sivananda focus on the unity of all religions and the importance of living a life of purity, compassion, and self-discipline.

Activities[edit | edit source]

The Divine Life Society engages in a variety of activities aimed at promoting spiritual growth and well-being. These activities include:

Conducting yoga and meditation classes
Organizing spiritual retreats and workshops
Publishing books and periodicals on spiritual topics
Providing free medical services and educational support to the underprivileged
Running ashrams and centers for spiritual practice

Publications[edit | edit source]

The society publishes a wide range of books, magazines, and newsletters on topics related to yoga, Vedanta, and spiritual living. Some of the notable publications include:

The Divine Life magazine
Sivananda Daily Readings
Essence of Yoga

Centers and Ashrams[edit | edit source]

The Divine Life Society has established numerous centers and ashrams around the world to facilitate the practice of yoga and meditation. The headquarters of the society, known as the Sivananda Ashram, is located in Rishikesh, India. Other notable centers include:

Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers worldwide

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Swami Sivananda's teachings have had a profound impact on the global spiritual community. His disciples, including Swami Chidananda and Swami Krishnananda, have continued to spread his message and teachings through the Divine Life Society. The society remains a prominent institution in the field of spiritual education and practice.