The Shiva Ashram was the home of Shiva Yoga, which was founded in 1991 by the director, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shankarananda (Swamiji), and co-director Ma Devi Saraswati. Shiva Yoga traces its lineage to the Indian saints, Bhagawan Nityananda and Swami Muktananda.

The Shiva Ashram is a residential meditation and spiritual centre[1] in Mount Eliza, on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, about one hour outside of Melbourne. The ashram was established in its present location in 1996.

Swami Shankarananda was the teacher in residence.[2] There were 40 permanent residents, and many people came for short and long term visits from Melbourne, interstate and overseas to attend courses, retreats and teacher training programs.[3]

In March 2015, Yoga Australia suspended accreditation to the Shiva Ashram following allegations of sexual abuse.[4][5] Since then, the Ashram has gone into liquidation.[6][7]

Shiva Ashram Grounds

The grounds of the Shiva Ashram have several feature gardens,[8] principal among them an interfaith garden in which each of the world’s major religions is honoured. The ashram has participated in the Australian Open Gardens scheme for the past 2 years [9]

References

  1. ^ "The Training of a Western Guru", by Peggy Hailstone, Australian Yoga Life, page 46, Issue 42, March–May 2014
  2. ^ A 'Down Under' Moment in Interfaith Relations, National Catholic Review - Blog:In All Things, Mar 31 2014
  3. ^ Shiva Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Archived 2013-05-14 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ "Mt Eliza ashram members to decide on future in wake of abuse allegations", Eddie Morton, Herald Sun, 24 April, 2015. Retrieved 18 June, 2015.
  5. ^ "Yoga Australia Position on The Age article titled - Police investigate sex abuse claims at Shiva School of Meditation and Yoga", 25 March, 2015. Retrieved 18 June, 2015. Archived 2015-06-18 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "Yoga school to be wound up", Keith Platt, Mornington Peninsula News, 27 April, 2015. Retrieved 18 June, 2015.
  7. ^ "Ashram could wind up amid sex abuse allegations", Jane Lee, The Age, 28 March, 2015. Retrieved 18 June, 2015.
  8. ^ Green To The Soul - Australian Yoga Journal
  9. ^ Victorian Government Contact Centre - Shiva Ashram Open Garden Archived 2014-03-31 at the Wayback Machine
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