'When head, heart and hands unite, an ordinary moment can become divine.' Swami Niranjananda Saraswati
Satyananda Yoga is a fusion of tried and tested
yogic and tantric techniques, the purpose of which is to bring about changes on a physical, mental, pranic and spiritual level in the practitioner. Satyananda Yoga classes are taught in a clear, systematic method. From simple physical yoga postures to esoteric meditation and energy practices, the Satyananda Yoga tradition has kept alive and passed on transformative techniques that have been practised and proven for thousands of years. When you go to a Satyananda Yoga class, you will experience not just practices that focus on the physical body, but also energy practices, relaxation and concentration or meditation practices. This holistic system recognises that we are made up of body, mind, emotions, energy and spirit, and all these aspects are considered when formulating a class plan. Unique to Satyananda Yoga are the physical pawanamuktasana series of movements which are particularly beneficial for those suffering from arthritic/rheumatic conditions and which can inspire both beginners and experienced students alike. They help improve digestion and stimulate the flow of pranic energy. Yoga Nidra deep relaxation is also a hallmark of Satyananda Yoga; it is derived from the ancient tantric system of nyasa and has been adapted by Swami Satyananda for the modern age. |
Yoga is ....
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In his lifetime Swami Satyananda inspired millions
of people worldwide to follow the yogic path in search of self-realisation and enlightenment. And although he consciously left his body and reached Maha Samadhi in December 2010, he still continues to inspire and enlighten by the profound teachings he has passed on to his followers. His path began at the age of 6 when he started to have spiritual experiences. These experiences were recognised and confirmed by sages and sadhus who passed through his village on pilgrimage to the Himalayas, and they in turn inspired in him an intense desire to reach the same spiritual heights. At 19 he left home and searched for and found his guru (spiritual master) Swami Sivananda in Rishikesh. For 12 years he devoted himself to Swami Sivananda and followed with faith his guru’s one command: ‘Work hard and you will be purified. You don’t have to bring the light; the light will unfold from within you.’ And this is what happened. He gained an enlightened understanding of the secrets of spiritual life and became a great authority on hatha yoga, tantra and kundalini. After these 12 years, he became a sadhu and travelled extensively through Afghanistan, Burma, Nepal and Ceylon meeting many saints and yogis. He spent a lot of time in seclusion when he formulated and perfected yogic techniques needed to alleviate human suffering. In 1963 he founded the International Yoga Fellowship Movement and settled in Munger, Bihar founding the Bihar School of Yoga. In 1968 he travelled the world imparting these ancient yogic techniques. That is how he became recognised worldwide as a leading exponent of yoga and tantra, guiding millions of spiritual seekers and inspiring many ashrams and centres throughout the world in his name. In 1984 he founded the Yoga Research Foundation and Sivananda Math to assist the underprivileged. Renouncing his mission in 1988, and handing over to his successor Swami Niranjananda, he retreated into his own intense sadhana (spiritual practice) in Rikhia, Bihar. Here he took on the Sankalpa (resolution) Peace, Plenty and Prosperity for his neighbours. This part of his mission was taken up by Swami Satyasangananda Saraswati who continues to run the charitable institutions of Sivananda Math, Sivananda Ashram and Rikhiapeeth. |
Declaration of Freedom
Whatever may seem to bind or limit you, declare yourself free from it now. There is nothing in the outer world, no person, no condition and no circumstance which can take away the freedom that is yours in spirit. Instead of wishing that you were free to live your life differently, accept the truth that right now you are free Free to change your thinking, free to change your outlook on life, free to be all that you long to be. Make this day a day of freedom, spiritual freedom. Declare yourself free from anxiety and fear, free from any belief in lack or limitation. Swami Satyananda Saraswati - - - - - - - - |
Swami Niranjananda Saraswati Swamiji was born in 1960 in central India and was recognised as a ‘balyogi’, a yogi from birth. At the age of 4, Swami Niranjan began his ashram training with Swami Satyananda and was initiated into Dashnami Sannyasa in 1970. From the age of 11, and for the next 11 years, he travelled extensively throughout the world where he helped to establish ashrams and yoga centres in Europe, Australia, and North and South America. He returned to India in 1983 to guide the activities of Bihar School of yoga, the charitable institution of Sivananda Math and the Yoga Research Foundation. In 1990 he was initiated as a Paramahamsa sannyasin - an honorific term given to great adepts, and in 1993 anointed spiritual preceptor in succession to Swami Satyananda. Dedicated to preserving and regenerating yoga as a science, he established Bihar Yoga Bharati in 1994 an institute for Advanced Studies in Yogic Sciences which has satellite academies throughout the world. He has written many classic books on yoga, tantra and other sacred scriptures and in 2000 founded Yoga Publications Trust. Now retired from ashram administration and national and international travel, he has entered a new stage of sadhana and service.
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Vision of Yoga
The Process of yoga begins by making us aware; it allows us to explore how we function in life and how we develop the dormant, hidden potential within ourselves. But this is not achieved by a collection of practices which one does for an hour a day. Real yoga is achieved not by what you practise but by how you live. Swami Niranjananda Saraswati Yoga is Union Yoga Stands for union. Union between the energies which are flowing in the body. Union between the lower mind and the higher mind; union between the lower self with the higher self .... with the practices of yoga you can achieve this. All the things that you are experiencing through the practices of yoga such as good health, peace of mind, clarity of mind, good perception - they are the side effects of yoga. But they are not the aim of yoga ... the aim of yoga is union. Swami Satyasangananda Saraswati |
