Sivananda Saraswati was born on January 8, 1879, in Palem, a small village in the Pudur district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
He was the son of a Brahmin family and was trained in the traditional Hindu scriptures and philosophy from a young age.
In 1896, he traveled to the United States and Canada to study yoga and Vedanta, where he met Swami Vivekananda and was influenced by his teachings.
He returned to India in 1902 and became a prominent figure in the Raja Yoga movement, which emphasized the practice of yoga as a means of achieving spiritual growth and self-realization.
Teachings
The Five Points of Yoga: proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, and positive thinking.
The importance of selfless service and self-sacrifice for the benefit of others.
The need for spiritual growth and self-realization through the practice of yoga and meditation.
Achievements
Founded the Divine Life Society, a global network of yoga ashrams and centers.
Published numerous books on yoga and spirituality, including "The Complete Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" and "The Bhagavad Gita".
Traveled extensively throughout the world, teaching yoga and Vedanta to people of all ages and backgrounds.