The Teachings of Integral Yoga
What is Integral Yoga?
by Sri Swami Satchidananda
“The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every individual, is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum health and strength, senses under total control, a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as a crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy.”
– HH SRI SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient science developed over 5,000 years ago in India. Its purpose is to calm the mind so we can abide in our peaceful nature. All the practices performed lead to this end. The practices of Yoga can be done by anyone from any background, and are available to everyone. Integral Yoga, as formulated by Sri Swami Satchidananda, combines the various methods of Yoga so that we may have a healthy body, peaceful mind and useful life.
How do Integral Hatha Yoga classes
differ from other forms of Yoga?Integral Yoga Hatha classes are spiritual in nature.
They guide the student to go gently inward and experience the effects of the posture. The classes are never competitive. Silence, acceptance, and awareness are used to relax the body and calm the mind.
Classes begin with a short chant, followed by 45 minutes of yoga postures (asanas), a deep relaxation, breathing practices (pranayama), and a short silent meditation. The total class time is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Can anyone do the asanas?
The Hatha Yoga class can be done by most everyone.
Our Beginner I classes are designed to teach the basic Yoga postures to anyone who is relatively healthy. It doesn’t matter how stiff you are or if you’ve never done Hatha Yoga before.
If you have concerns, or are limited in movement due to a physical condition, we suggest our Gentle Yoga class or chair yoga.
Please check with your doctor if you have any special needs or limitations, and then inform the teacher before class.
The word “Yoga” means union or yoke in the ancient Sanskrit language. It is a perfect description of the science and philosophy of Integral Yoga. Integral Yoga® synthesizes the various branches of Yoga into a comprehensive life style system. The aim is to promote harmonious development of every aspect of the individual . The six branches of Integral Yoga® are each powerful tools to gain self-mastery. When combined to effect the whole being the results are at once subtle, profound and measurable. Some basic descriptions of each of the six branches are listed here:
Hatha Yoga
Focuses on the physical aspects through asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), mudras, kriyas, yogic diet, and deep relaxation.
Raja Yoga
Balance and control of the mind through ethical practices, concentration and meditation.
Bhakti Yoga
The path of devotion, by constant love, thought, and service of the Divine. Bhakti Yoga can be practiced by everyone. All that is needed is faith and constant remembrance of God.
Karma Yoga
The path of action and selfless service. Serving without attachment to the fruits (or results) of the action.
Jnana Yoga
The intellectual approach. Through the knowledge of what really exists, that is, what is not changeable, one who engages in the Path of Wisdom realizes Oneness with the entire Universe.
Japa Yoga
Japa means repetition of a mantram – a sound structure of one or more syllables which represents a particular aspect of the Divine Vibration.
Integral Yoga Almeria 