I honour the Satyananda Yoga Tradition in my teachings as it is a great source of inspiration for me.

The following summary is from the Satyananda Yoga Teachers' Association Website:

​

​

What is the satyananda system of yoga

​

The Satyananda system of yoga emerged directly from thousands of years of yoga tradition in India. In the twentieth century the essence of this tradition was conveyed and adapted for the times through the life’s work of Swami Sivananda Saraswati and Swami Satyananda Saraswati along with that of other great yogis. 

​

What is the essence of this tradition?

​

The Satyananda System of Yoga is more than any practice. It is about cultivating self understanding that enables a more complete and creative way of living. It draws on the wisdom, teachings and classic texts of Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and others. Hundreds of books have been written in the tradition on various aspects of yoga, often as commentaries on the classic texts. Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, for example, is one of the most utilized textbooks in yoga teacher training across multiple yoga schools throughout the world.

Wherever you are in life, yoga is capable of playing a role. Whether you are recovering from illness, seeking health and wellbeing, looking to manage stress, looking to make a fresh start in the way you live, or seeking to go deep into exploring and understanding life’s deeper mysteries, including knowing yourself, the Satyananda System of Yoga is designed to support you as you take up the challenges and opportunities of this journey.

​

​

Core practices of Satyananda Yoga

​

Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is an effective and simple meditation practice which is performed lying down. This creates deep relaxation and allows the mind and body to release accumulated tension in a profound way.

​

Pawanmuktasana series 1, 2 and 3

These three series of asanas (postures), ranging from a systematic progression of joint movements through to dynamic energy practices, are at the heart of the Satyananda System of Yoga. They form a foundation based on increased awareness and understanding of the body, energy and mind, increased flexibility and strength and improved general health. They are accessible to most people and with time, the classic asanas also become more accessible.

​

Pranayama

Many yoga schools are hesitant in teaching pranayama, where the breath is utilized to regulate energy. The Satyananda System conveys these practices systematically, according to the needs of the individual, beginning with the simplest practices that, within a short time, create effects that can be felt in the body and mind. These practices include abdominal breathing, which can induce profound relaxation, full yogic breathing which utilizes the entire capacity of the breath, and Nadi Shodhana, known as alternate nostril breathing, which creates balance in body and mind. Pranayama is grounded in thousands of years of tradition and this is made systematically available through the Satyananda System of Yoga.

​

Meditation practices

There are a number of meditation practices that have been taken directly from the texts of the ancient yoga tradition and made accessible to the general population. These include Kaya Sthairyam, awareness of body stillness, Antar Mouna, (Inner Silence), a practice that works with the mind in order to understand and manage it and Ajapajapa, the constant repetition of mantra with breath awareness. 

​​

I first went to the ashram in India in the year 2000 to attend a special programme that was happening.  It was called a Yagna. I had no idea what a Yagna was or what to expect.

After receiving mantra initiation from Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati I realised how important the role of guru is in a spiritual seeker's life. A guru is a special person, an evolved soul, who has already walked the spiritual path we are all travelling and helps us navigate our evolutionary path when we make the effort. 

In the ashram yoga practices were built upon and extended into other forms like karma yoga, bhakti and jnana yoga. There was a yoga for every facet of human expression and I got to pick and choose which ones to implement whenever I needed to come back to centre and balance and ground myself.  Reaching this point was very empowering and elevated my enthusiasm towards committing further to the yogic process. 

I draw on the inspiration of my guru as a constant reminder of how to walk the path, to flow with life, to embrace the journey of yoga with sincerity and commitment. In this relationship I feel strengthened and motivated to continue daily sadhana.

​​