Svāmī Višnu Dēvānanda
Founder of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, Swami Vishnu-devananda, was a world authority on Hatha and Raja Yoga. Swamiji was also known as the "Flying Swami" for the different peace missions he accomplished around the world.
Swamiji As A World Teacher
Swamiji's limitless energy and profound inspiration lead him to found and direct the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers which now numbers more than 20 Yoga centers and 7 Ashrams + many Affiliated centers and teachers. Swami created the first Yoga Teachers Training Course which to date has trained more than 8,000 certified teachers in the field of Yoga and spirituality. One of his brilliant touches was to summarize these ancient and vast teachings into five principles of Yoga which are easy to understant and convenient to incorporate in one's daily practice.
The Flying Swami & The Peace Missions
Throuhout his whole life, Swamiji was deeply concerned about the well being of the world and the constant disaster of wars. This lead him to learn to fly and then personally pilot a small plane over several troubled areas of the world. Not only did he create discussion and awareness in the news media, but he also "bombarded" these war torn areas with flowers and peace pamphlets while repeating the peace Mantra; Om Namo Narayanaya.
