Yoga Traralgon

Satyananda Yoga

About Satyananda Yoga

Satyananda Yoga is an integrated system of yoga developed by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. It is derived from traditional teachings – adapted to meet modern needs without compromising authenticity and integrity. The aim of an integral approach to yoga is to develop and balance all aspects of a person’s being – body, mind, emotions and psyche – leading towards a more harmonious state of being.

Satyananda Yoga is referred to as yoga of the head, heart and hands, the integration of which supports the development of human potential. The head represents intellect, the heart represents compassion and the hands represent action. Yoga is achieved when these three aspects of self are balanced.

Satayanda Yoga is achievable, gentle and non-competitive. It is a systematic, step-by-step approach that is based on safety and common sense. In classes you are encouraged to go at the pace that is right for you, whether it be adopting a modification or an extension of practice to suit your current health and wellbeing needs. The focus is not on achieving the perfect physical posture but rather on developing the ability to witness the activity of the mind, and one pointed concentration.

Anyone, regardless of ability, fitness level or age can practice Satyananda Yoga; it does not conflict with people’s social background or religious beliefs. The range of yoga practices and philosophies offered in the classes can also extend into daily life, providing useful “yogic tools” that can easily be integrated in the day (and night).

The body’s self-healing powers can be developed through the practice of Satyananda Yoga, assisting the person to better manage any physical, mental and/or emotional health challenges. Satyananda Yoga helps stabilise emotions and calms the mind in order to bring perspective to a person, in turn giving them inner strength, peace and freedom.

Lineage

Swami Satyananda Saraswati has been a spiritual guide to tens of thousands and the founder of the Satyananda Yoga tradition; the International Yoga Fellowship Movement; and the Bihar School of Yoga. He travelled widely teaching yoga until choosing to live in seclusion at the ashram, Rikhiapeeth, where he continued to inspire people to support the local community. He authored over 80 books on Yoga, Tantra and Spirituality.

Beyond the Yoga Class

In order to develop a more balanced, harmonious nature, it is important to practise different forms of yoga in daily life. In order to experience what it means to live a yogic life, consider spending some time at one of the retreat centres in Australia or India. You could start with a weekend program or maybe a week long course. As well as attending yoga classes, you will have the chance to experience other forms of yoga that are practiced within the Satyananda Yoga tradition, such as karma yoga, haven, kirtan, mantra yoga, satsang and mouna.

There are two Satyananda Yoga retreat centres in Australia:

• Rocklyn Ashram, Rocklyn, VIC
• Mangrove Yoga Ashram, NSW

To find out more about the Bihar School of Yoga. 

To read about Swami Satyananda’s teachings.

Tags: satyananda yoga, swami satyananda saraswati, yoga philosophy