Integral Yoga

"Truth is one, paths are many."

                                    - Sri Swami Satchidananda

Integral Yoga draws upon a range of traditional Yoga teachings - Hatha, Raja, Bhakti, Karma, Jnana and Japa - blending them into a comprehensive, holistic approach, supporting personal development on every level. Integral Yoga also promotes interfaith understanding and the belief that there are fundamental principles common to all religions and belief systems, adopting the universally recognised symbol of light to epitomise this concept of interconnectedness. Integral Yogis, therefore, honour the unity in diversity as a central tenet of their practice, applying the six classical teachings in a way that focuses on empowering the individual to regain and/or maintain health and wellbeing through self-mastery techniques. This can often lead to personal transformation and enduring changes in lifestyle. 

Integral Yoga was introduced to the Western World in 1966 by its founder Sri Swami Satchidananda who pioneered the concept of disease as "dis-ease", whereby illness is not the root cause in itself, but merely a symptom: that is, the outward manifestation of an inner disturbance. This revolutionised the Western approach to medicine in a number of areas and has left a lasting legacy.

The Six Traditional Teachings of Integral Yoga explained:

Hatha Yoga - concerned primarily with the physical body: concentrates on elements such as posture, breathing, guided deep relaxation, and diet.

Raja Yoga - the mind and spirit: cultivates self-discipline and spiritual growth through meditation and focus. 

Bhakti Yoga - love and devotion: chanting, prayers and divine remembrance are practised in order to transcend the illusion that we are separate from each other and that which surrounds us.

Karma Yoga - selflessness: learning to act for the good of all, without consideration for personal benefit, in accordance with our true nature.

Jnana Yoga - the path of wisdom: teaches self-analysis from an objective viewpoint, encouraging the release of the ego so that we may tune into our internal guidance systems.

Japa Yoga - mantra repetition: a simple and effective method of connecting with the energy of the universe.