Re: Sivananda Yoga Ranch- Have you heard of it?
Date: May 24, 2010 12:59AM
I occasionally take yoga classes at the Sivananda yoga centre in my city. There are some odd folks around the school who seem really, really into their yogic lifestyle. The word "cult" crossed my mind before I'd ever come to this forum. There's a culty "vibe", to be sure. But, after five years of going there off and on, I can't honestly say anyone has ever been the slightest bit pushy about getting me to go to ashrams or retreats or anything, or pushing a certain way of thinking. There's a stack of brochures about the various ashrams, you can take one if you want, but that's about it as far as promotion goes. It's possible that I'm not the type they are looking for ;) but my sense is that Sivananda isn't truly a cult. They're just not pushy enough, they're not pushy at all.
So that's my two cents on the question of whether it's a cult.
As for the health of working for housing at an ashram... that kind of thing is not at all uncommon at ashrams around the world, and other religious centres. It could be OK or dodgy as hell. Are visitors allowed? If so, go and check it out for yourself. Do post updates because I'd be interested to know what you experience.