Satyananda Yoga?

Spirituality
#1

Hi,

I have the opportunity to attend courses in yoga with a teacher that is educated in the Satyananda school of yoga by a Swami that was a direct disciple of Satyananda. There is also a possibility to later, in the more advanced courses be taught diretly by the Swami / teacher that was a direct disciple of Satyananda during retreats etc.

Is the Satyananda School of yoga a good one? An inspiration of mine, Mr. Franz Bardon (a late european mystic of the 1900’s) admired the teachings of Swami Sivananda and the school of his disciple Satyananda and his books on the subject seem to have some real credit among seekers.

I’d categorize my experience with yoga as limited. I’ve participated in several courses of so-called “Kundalini Yoga” and I’ve experienced a (first) kundalini awakening some years ago now. But i’ve never actually got down to nail the basics of asana (sitting in a specific meditation posture for long periods of time: 3h). The last 8 months I basically gave up on yoga (at least asanas) partly because I felt I need to learn it in a more serious tradition that is all about the spiritual aim and not the body.

I’ve been practicing daily pranayama techniques and since I found this school that is nearby I’m probably going to give it a serious try and just wanted to check in here if anyone got any experience with the satyananda / bihar school of yoga?

God bless

#2

Looks like nobody here has that experience. I’m much interested indeed. I’ve read and practiced some books of them. IMO they’re excellent. Please report back your experience if you go there.

Good luck!

#3

The emphasis in Satyananda Yoga is much more on pranayama and meditation.

In my experience, classes are often just 40% hatha asanas and 60% pranayama and meditation.

Asanas are usually done quite slowly and rarely include any advanced poses. Teachers usually lead the class from a seated position and I’ve never known them to give any hands-on adjustments. Asanas don’t seem to be viewed as an end in themselves, just as a preparation for meditation.

Of course, each teacher is an individual, and may present the tradition in a somewhat different way and have a different interpersonal style with students, so it is difficult to describe the tradition definitively.

Give it a go and let us know how it went!

#4

[QUOTE=Swaroopa;84598]The emphasis in Satyananda Yoga is much more on pranayama and meditation.

In my experience, classes are often just 40% hatha asanas and 60% pranayama and meditation.

Asanas are usually done quite slowly and rarely include any advanced poses. Teachers usually lead the class from a seated position and I’ve never known them to give any hands-on adjustments. Asanas don’t seem to be viewed as an end in themselves, just as a preparation for meditation.

Of course, each teacher is an individual, and may present the tradition in a somewhat different way and have a different interpersonal style with students, so it is difficult to describe the tradition definitively.

Give it a go and let us know how it went![/QUOTE]

That sounds like the kind of yoga i’ve been looking for!

What is the difference between the kriya yoga of Satyananda and the kriya yoga of Yogananda?

#5

What’s the difference between a BMW and an Audi? - from one perspective, there are an almost infinite number of significant differences; from another perspective there is almost no significant difference.

Some might pore over the details and technical specifications; others might go with their intuition and gut feeling; some may be won over by a brilliant sales pitch; others might just be grateful for and accept whatever comes along first… etc.

The theoretical and basic structural differences can be gauged to some extent by studying the available texts that describe these methods.

You may find subjective reports of how others have reacted to these methods, but each individual can react in widely varying ways and have very different experiences.

Also, a lot depends upon the specific individual or teacher who is delivering the programme; their inner quality as a being, and their specific relation to you.

Give it a go and let us know the results of your inquiry.