Integral Yoga® Teachings
“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 crystal; and a life filled with supreme peace and joy.” –Sri Swami Satchidananda
The Integral Yoga path, as taught by Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev), offers a synthesis of the branches of Yoga, fostering the harmonious development of every aspect of the individual. Integral Yoga sadhana (spiritual practice) is based on six branches of classical Yoga: Hatha, Raja, Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, and Japa. These elements work together as a complete system, guiding practitioners toward the ultimate goal of Integral Yoga. In this unique approach, Yoga becomes a journey of personal transformation culminating in the highest spiritual realization. As we progress toward the goal of Integral Yoga, we integrate the fruits of our sadhana into daily life, which becomes ever more easeful, peaceful, and useful.
In Integral Yoga, we honor our Guru, our lineage and the classical Yoga teaching, thus connecting with the principle of Guru-tattva and respecting the ancient tradition of Yoga. This principle points to the transmission of the teachings and practices coming through this Guru, lineage and tradition.
The Integral Yoga system was synthesized by Sri Swami Satchidananda from his spiritual roots in the Tamil Vedantic and Saiva Yoga tradition, the Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and the Poorna Yoga teachings of his Guru, Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati.
Students of Integral Yoga who receive mantra diksha (initiation) receive the mantra as a transmission by Sri Gurudev from an authorized disciple. Integral Yoga monastics are part of the Holy Order of Sannyas (Dasnami Sampradaya) founded by Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE). Sri Swami Satchidananda was initiated into the Saraswati branch of this Sampradaya by his Guru, Sri Swami Sivananda in 1949. The Integral Yoga Ministry was founded as a way to formalize the dedication of householders in sharing the Integral Yoga teachings and offering ministerial services.
Six Branches of Integral Yoga
Hatha Yoga
The path of
the physical practice of Yoga
Purifies, balances and relaxes the body, leading to increased flexibility and strength, which enhances the functioning of all body systems and brings an overall sense of peace and well-being. The asanas (postures), pranayama (breath regulation), bandhas (locks), mudras (seals), kriyas (cleansing practices), Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation), and a yogic diet help harmonize the dynamic energies within us, fostering physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional equilibrium. The Integral Yoga Hatha approach provides a solid foundation for delving deeper into the practice of other branches.
Raja Yoga
The path of
concentration and meditation
Offers profound insight into the mind and its mysteries through a time-tested and balanced set of spiritual practices grounded in ethical principles. This branch utilizes the eight limbs of Yoga outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and provides clear guidance for cultivating a consistent meditation practice. By diligently practicing these limbs, we can achieve self-mastery and the fruition of spiritual growth. Raja Yoga serves as a comprehensive roadmap for inner transformation, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and the realization of our highest potential.
Bhakti Yoga
The path of
love and devotion
Inspires the opening of the spiritual heart through devotional practices such as kirtan (chanting), puja (worship), and prayer, fostering an unwavering love, devotion, and dedication to the Divine. By transforming emotions into a vehicle for unconditional love, this branch of Yoga nurtures a deep, heartfelt relationship with the Divine. These practices cultivate a continuous remembrance and communion with the Divine, leading to a life imbued with love, compassion, and a profound awareness of the Divine in all.
Karma Yoga
The path of
selfless service
Cultivates the spirit of dedication and selfless service throughout the day so we can engage in our activities without attachment to the results. This branch of Yoga frees us from ego-driven desires, enabling us to be pure channels of love and service. By focusing on the action itself, we resolve past karmas without generating new ones, thus transforming karma into Karma Yoga. Our actions become an expression of sincere dedication to the Divine and humanity, enriching our lives with meaning and spiritual fulfillment.
Jnana Yoga
The path of
wisdom
Dispels the root cause of all our problems, which is ignorance of our True Nature. By engaging in study, inquiry, discernment, and contemplation on the nature of the Self, we remove the confusion caused by identifying with the ever-changing body, mind, and ego. Jnana Yoga helps us see through the illusion of separateness and realize that the Self (Atman) is identical with the Ultimate Reality (Brahman). Jnana Yoga culminates in the lived understanding that everyone and everything is essentially Brahman, fostering a profound sense of unity and spiritual awakening.
Japa Yoga
The practice of
mantra repetition
Utilizes the meditative internal repetition of sacred sound vibrations called mantras, which enables us to attune ourselves to a particular aspect of the Divine Vibration. Through consistent practice, both the body and mind are purified, revealing our True Nature of peace and joy. Japa Yoga calms and focuses the mind, making it an easy and effective meditation practice. As the main meditation technique in Integral Yoga, Japa Yoga offers a profound journey toward spiritual alignment and realization, fostering a deeper connection with the Divine and enriching our spiritual path.
Integral Yoga & Wellness
Swami Satchidananda’s approach to mind-body health was decades ahead of its time in the West. He defined disease essentially as a state of “dis-ease” that could be remedied (and prevented) by a vegetarian diet, stress reduction through the Yoga practices and philosophy, and living a useful life of selfless service.
This holistic approach sparked a revolution in evidence-based Yoga therapy treatment programs for cancer, heart disease, immune diseases, physical disabilities, PTSD, addictions, and more.
The beauty and bounty of nature inspire Integral Yoga practitioners to live with gratitude and reverence for our planet, to use natural organic products and be earth-friendly in all activities.
“Be easeful physically, be peaceful mentally, and then be useful in your life. It’s not that you are going to acquire ease and peace newly. It is there already. If you only could take good care of it and see that you do not disturb it, it remains. So in our lives, we should be always vigilant and see that we do not do anything that would disturb the ease and peace of the mind and body.” ~Swami Satchidananda
Integral Yoga & Interfaith Values
“My motto has always been, ‘Truth is One, Paths are Many.’ The great sages and saints have experienced the same truth but only expressed it in different ways. It does not matter what name you give to the nameless Spirit—you are free to call it whatever you like. The only way to eternal peace and joy is to realize that Spirit. But when we miss that point, we fight in the name of Spirit.” ~Swami Satchidananda
Built in Yogaville—Integral Yoga International® headquarters—the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS) is a unique temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths. Individual altars represent and honor the different world faiths and spiritual paths.
Yogaville: Integral Yoga & Community
From the earliest days of Integral Yoga, Swami Satchidananda spoke about the benefits of sangha (community). The importance of coming together with other spiritual seekers to provide support and inspiration on the path of Yoga is a hallmark of Swami Satchidananda’s Integral Yoga teachings.
In 1979, Swami Satchidananda founded Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Virginia, as an optimal environment in which to study and live the principles of Integral Yoga. This Yoga village in the rural countryside, bordered by the James River, serves as a residential Yoga community, a teaching center, a spiritual sanctuary, and as headquarters for the global Integral Yoga organization. Surrounding the Ashram is the thriving Yogaville community, spanning four generations, whose members purchased additional property to build their homes and raise their families.
Swami Satchidananda described his vision for Yogaville as a sample “heaven on earth,” where people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds come to together to live the teachings of Integral Yoga. Some 10,000 people visit Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville annually for guest visits and day trips, and to participate in workshops, teacher trainings, celebrations, interfaith gatherings, and silent retreats.
At Integral Yoga gatherings throughout the world, satsangs (spiritual discourses), free open group meditations, and other workshops and events reinforce the sense of community that unites people and is essential to building a more peaceful world.
Integral Yoga Global Network
