Divine Life Society

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Divine Life Society was founded by Swami Sivananda Saraswati at Rishikesh, India in 1936. Its aim is to disseminate spiritual knowledge in the following ways:

  • through publication of books, pamphlets and magazines on the subjects of Yoga and Vedanta
  • holding and arranging spiritual conferences and discourses (Satsang)
  • establishing training centers for the practice of Yoga
  • enabling aspirants to develop their spiritual lives via systematic training in yoga and philosophy
  • establishing charitable organizations
  • through the preservation of the ancient traditions and cultural practices of India


Contents

[edit] History

In 1936, after returning from a pilgrimage, Swami Sivananda took residence in an old kutir on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Upon establishing his residence there, other disciples seeking to live in his company also took up residences in the surrounding area, often in less than ideal conditions. In order to better serve the growing tide of disciples, he founded The Divine Life Society Trust. A grant of land from the ruler of Tehri-Garhwal eventually helped to provide space for new buildings and the continuing growth of the new Ashram.[1] The current president of the Divine Life Society is Swami Chidananda.

[edit] Departments

  • Sivananda Ashram is the headquarters of the Divine Life Society.
  • Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy trains seekers in the practice of yoga as a general discipline for personal integration as well as for human welfare.
  • Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy Press prints the cultural and spiritual books as well as the journals and other literature of the Divine Life Society.
  • Sivananda Publication League is the publishing arm of the Divine Life Society.
  • The Free Literature Section freely distributes books and other literature to seekers and aspirants worldwide.
  • Sivananda Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Works manufactures and distributes Ayurvedic medicines to the general public.
  • Sivananda Charitable Hospital renders free medical service to the public and conducts periodical medical relief camps freely.

[edit] Publications

A majority of Divine Life Society publications are available for purchase and download online.

[edit] Related Links

See also Survey of Hindu organisations