Sivananda Yoga Guide
Having read so much about the Sivananda Yoga Ranch, I was determined to test the whole matter by visiting and personally discovering what this famous New York retreat in the Catskill Mountains was all about. I was about to embark on a classical yoga lifestyle as I packed my bags and went on a diving yoga vacation in Woodbourne and expected everything I read about it. It was a world of great peace and strict routine, and it was exactly what I found. It is my own story of how I experienced the yogic life at Sivananda Yoga Ranch, a place that has been serving the visitors since 1974.
The Five Points of Yoga: blueprint of a Yogic Life.
The whole experience in the Sivananda Yoga Ranch is constructed on a very simple yet significant system, known as the Five Points of Yoga, which was created by the founder of the center, Swami Vishnudevananda. This is not merely a theory, but a practical foundation of each and every day. I learned that the philosophy of the ranch would be imminent based on knowing these five points.
Right Practice (Asanas): The Hatha Yoga sessions at this place are not a play. They are conducted twice a day, and aim at improving the pliability of the joints, muscles, and ligaments, particularly in maintaining the spine strong and youthful. I understood that it is not about a sweaty and hot workout but a conscious exercise, which trains the body to meditate.
Proper Breathing (Pranayama): I was not so attentive to my breath before I was at the visit. That was changed at the Sivanada Yoga Ranch. Pranayama sessions taught me that with the help of particular breathing methods, it is possible to unite the body with a source of inner energy and deal with stress and depression. The conscious breathing proved to be powerful indeed.
Proper Relaxation (Savasana): I tend to scroll my phone at home when I am supposedly in a relaxation posture. The real art of Savasana was taught to me here. This profound relaxation is also meant to eliminate any stress symptoms such as muscle tension which over time develop resistance to external stress factors. Those afternoon lapses of relaxation proved to be a miracle to my over-nerved brain.
Proper Diet (Vegetarian): The Ranch offers two tasty buffet style vegetarian meals daily. I was surprised to find that most of the food is organic and local with some even being grown in the on-site garden of the ashram. The consumption of sattvic (pure and balanced) food had the effect of cleaning my body both inside and outside.
Positive Thinking and Meditation (Vedanta and Dhyana): It is the cement of it all. The hardest component to me at first, but most rewarding in the end, was the twice-daily Satsangs, which consist of meditation, chanting, and a lecture on philosophy. It is this high-thinking process that makes the mind calm down and reconnects you with yourself.
The following is a brief review of how the following five points are incorporated into day to day life in the ashram:
The Five Points of Yoga The Practice at the Sivanada Yoga Ranch.
Good Exercise (Asanas) Two classes of Hatha Yoga a day, with special attention to spinal health and flexibility.
Breathing (Pranayama) Breath exercises that are taught to arouse vitality and fight stress.
Correct Relaxation (Savasana) Scheduled deep meditation and committed silence in the afternoons.
Proper Diet (Vegetarian) Two locally-sourced, organic vegetarian/ vegan meals daily.
Positive Thinking & Meditation Twice-daily Satsangs with group meditation, chanting and lecturers on philosophy.
Another day in the life at Sivananda Ashram.
The hierarchy is uncompromising, and it starts at an early age. The sound of the wake up bell is heard at 5:30 AM marking the beginning of day of yogic discipline. Initially the 5:30 AM wake-up call was harsh, but I quickly came to understand that there is some magic serenity that befalls the Catskills at that time.
6:00 AM – Morning Satsang: This day really starts in the meditation hall. The Satsang is the time of a group meditation, chanting and a brief lecture. To a first-time attendee, it was difficult to sit in silence that long, yet the group energy of the place was felt and surprisingly, encouraging.
10:00 AM – Hatha Yoga Class: This two hour long class is an in-depth exploration of the traditional Sivanada asana sequence. It is slow and controlled and you can concentrate on right alignment and holding poses in order to develop inner strength and flexibility.
10:00 AM – Vegetarian Brunch: The brunch at 10 was like a treat after the morning work. The cuisine is basic, nutritious and beyond delicious. It was a relief that the Ranch can fit dietary preferences such as vegan or gluten-free.
1:00 PM – Yoga Workshop: It is typical that the afternoon would have a special workshop. It was a session of exploring more about the philosophy of yoga or sharpening us in specific techniques when I stayed there.
4:00 PM – Focused Relaxation Time: This is not a free for all. The timetable makes it very clear that there is some time to rest. I took this time to have fun in the Russian Banya (wood burning sauna), a great way of aching muscle and getting into deep relaxation.
6:00 PM – Vegetarian Dinner: One more yummy and healthy meal that is going to be consumed in a neighborhood.
7:30 PM – Evening Satsang: It is now the end of the day, and another round of meditation and chantings occurs. The evening session was a bit more relaxed, and less energetic, more meditative, and an ideal way to relax .
10:30 PM – Lights Out: At this time, my body and mind were already more than prepared to go to sleep. The orderliness of the schedule, I found, was its best blessing–it took away my responsibility in choosing what to do next and left me free to give myself to the experience to the fullest.
In addition to a Vacation: Deep Dive Programs at the Yoga Ranch.
Although the Sivanada Yoga Ranch is an excellent place to begin with a weekend of yoga vacation, its longer life-altering programs are possibly the best.
The Yoga Teacher Training Course (TTC): This is the mother of the courses. It is a four-week residential intensive that leads to a 200 hour certification globally by Yoga Alliance. I encountered some people there because of their TTC, and they unanimously mentioned that it was one of the most difficult and transformative experiences in their lives. This course is offered by the ranch several times throughout the year.
Karma Yoga Program: This was a very interesting part of the community. Karma Yoga is the selfless service and the Ranch provides a program that involves a one-month minimum stay. The subjects are integrated into the international community, where they do work around the ashram. It is believed to be the basis of the entire yoga practice, a life method towards something larger than yourself.
Residential Program: If you want to have a long term immersion without the formal structure of a program, the Residential Program also requires you to spend 30 days in the ashram so that you may become completely immersed in its daily rhythm and spiritual vibrations.
The Good, The challenging, and what you must know.
I was generally impressed. An air of peace and tranquility is filled throughout; one of the critics described it as though the sound of Om is merely humming at all corners of the ranch. Sustainability, including with solar power and an on-site garden is another element that also appealed to me greatly.
But it is only just to give a balanced picture. It is not the kind of lifestyle everybody can do and you should go in with realistic expectations.
A Strict Timetable: The day to day routine is very demanding. It is not the place to be when one is seeking a relaxed vacation where one can sleep. The working schedule is between 5:30 AM to 10. 30 PM and the downtime is very minimal.
A Spiritual, Not Just physical Practice: The Sivananda method is heavily based upon the Vedantic tradition and has such practices as chanting, prayer and prostration in front of an altar as part of the practice. This aspect might be a problem to you in case you are always after a pure physical yoga session and you do not feel at ease with any spiritual or religious themes.
Take into Account the Criticisms: In the name of a complete case study, it is worth mentioning that the Sivanada organization has some critical reviews. Former guests have alleged instances of a strict chain of command, absence of pastoral care towards the distressed and a bureaucratic indifference towards the welfare of the guests. Although these are not my personal experiences, these opinions are in the historical record and they deserve to be taken into consideration when conducting your research.
My Ultimate Conclusion and Advice on your Visit.
My visit to the Sivananda Yoga Ranch was an eye-opener. It provided an authentic and profound experience in classical yoga that is difficult to achieve through external means. It is where people get to forget about the clatter of the contemporary world and reunite with themselves on an essential level.
Visiting Isle Royale, I would recommend you:
Go With an Open Mind: You should be ready to adopt the calendar and the spiritual practice during your adventure, even when they are not part of your comfort zone.
Keep it Simple: You are not going to need a lot. Bring yoga and meditation clothes, and decent hiking shoes to the gorgeous hiking trails .
Book in Advance: This is very applicable to their long-term programs such as the TTC or Karma Yoga where they can be rapidly booked.
Be Ready to Unplug: They have WiFi but to truly enjoy it you must put your phone down and immerse yourself in the community and the practices.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is the Sivananda Yoga Ranch?
Sivanada Yoga Ranch is a traditional ashram and retreat center of yoga practiced in Woodbourne, New York, in the Catskill Mountains. Swami Vishnudevananda established it in 1974 to offer an atmosphere of an immersive yogic life as a peaceful retreat.
What is the routine of the Yoga Ranch?
The routine is very regimented. It starts with 5.30 AM and consists of two meditation sessions (Satsang), two Hatha yoga classes, two vegetarian meals, workshops and some time of dedicated relaxation. Lights are out at 10:30 PM.
What is a “Yoga Vacation”?
They call a personal retreat a Yoga Vacation, and you can select your own dates and pursue the Ranch daily routine of yoga, meditation and healthy eating without participating in an official course.
Is it required of me to be an experienced yogi in order to visit?
Not at all! The Ranch is open to anyone regardless of level of experience. The Hatha yoga lessons are not complicated and the instructors offer support to novices.
How are the accommodations and meals?
The accommodations are plain and ashram based which are a range of shared dormitory rooms to individual accommodations. The food is delicious, buffet, and vegetarian, and most of the ingredients are organic and locally-grown. They are vegan and gluten free friendly.
What is the Sivanada Yoga Teacher Training course (TTC)?
The TTC is a 200 hour, four-week residential course that gives a solid ground in classical yoga and enables a yoga teacher certification, internationally-recognized. It has been described as a life changing experience.
What is the address of Sivananda Yoga Ranch?
Ranch is on 500 Budd Rd, Woodbourne, NY 12788. It is two hours drive away in New York City and there is free on-site parking. It is also served by bus at the Port Authority station in NYC.