Vishnudevananda Swami.

Born Kuttan Nair in Kerala, India, Vishnudevananda Saraswati (1927–1993) became a prominent yoga guru and disciple of Sivananda Saraswati. He founded the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres (ISYVC) and is credited with establishing early yoga teacher training programs in the West. His teachings, named Sivananda Yoga, synthesized classical yoga principles into five points: proper exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and meditation. He authored influential books like 'The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga' and 'Meditation and Mantras', establishing his authority in Hatha and Raja yoga.

Vishnudevananda was also known for his peace activism, undertaking 'peace flights' over conflict zones and famously flying over the Berlin Wall. He introduced yoga to Western audiences, including The Beatles, and established numerous ashrams and centres globally. However, in 2019, his former assistant, Julie Salter, publicly accused him of sexual abuse, allegations supported by several other women. These claims led to controversy within the ISYVC and prompted investigations, though the process faced challenges and criticism.

Vishnudevananda Saraswati arrived in the United States in 1957, beginning his mission to teach yoga. He established the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, with the first in Montreal, Canada, in 1959. His approach, named Sivananda Yoga after his guru, integrated classical yoga teachings into five core principles: proper exercise (asanas), proper breathing (pranayama), proper relaxation, proper diet (vegetarian), and meditation with positive thinking. He is recognized as an innovator in presenting yoga postures (asanas) within a comprehensive system that also included purification practices (shatkarmas) and breath control. This holistic method was designed to be accessible to a Western audience, moving beyond yoga as mere physical exercise.

Vishnudevananda's teachings emphasized a balanced approach to yoga, incorporating physical postures, breathing techniques, and mental discipline. His book, 'The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga' (1960), became a seminal work, offering detailed instructions and illustrations of yoga poses, and was translated into numerous languages, achieving significant sales. 'Meditation and Mantras' (1978) further solidified his reputation as an expert in Raja yoga and meditative practices. He was instrumental in developing structured yoga teacher training, possibly the first of its kind in the West, ensuring the propagation of his teachings and the Sivananda lineage.

Beyond his role as a yoga guru, Vishnudevananda was deeply involved in peace initiatives. He undertook several highly publicized 'peace flights' over areas of international conflict, earning him the moniker 'The Flying Swami.' Notable missions included flights over the Berlin Wall prior to German reunification and over the Suez Canal during a period of tension. He also engaged in interfaith dialogue and organized events aimed at promoting yoga and spiritual understanding globally. The organization he founded, the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and Ashrams, expanded significantly, establishing ashrams and centres across continents.

In 2019, allegations of sexual abuse against Vishnudevananda emerged publicly, initiated by his long-term assistant, Julie Salter. Salter detailed experiences of abuse spanning several years. Her testimony prompted other women to come forward with similar accusations. The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres (ISYVC) initially expressed dismay and later apologized for not addressing earlier complaints more effectively. An independent investigation was commissioned, but its progress and findings faced scrutiny and were ultimately suspended, leading to criticism regarding the organization's handling of the allegations and a subsequent division with its Indian branch.