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Satyananda Yoga: The Special Practice of Sri Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati One of the great yoga masters of recent times, Sri Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati, developed a special practice that combines various teachings. This system aims to achieve harmony between mind, emotion, and action so that people can live in greater harmony with themselves. Satyananda Yoga as a combination of several traditions Three ancient and equally well-known traditions form the foundation for Satyananda Yoga: yoga itself, supplemented by tantra and Vedenta. This practice is therefore often referred to as an "integral system," partly because it addresses the entire personality. This is achieved through an effective synthesis of diverse techniques, complemented by various classical branches of yoga. Since this offers a wide range of choices, individual adaptation of the system is also conceivable, allowing for a stronger focus on the desired and possible effect, as well as personal orientation. According to Sri Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati, the system is intended to offer a way to adapt to the individual personality of each person. A central message in Satyananda Yoga is repeated over and over again, similar to a mantra or motto: "Everyday life and yoga are one!" Consequently, the practice isn't necessarily limited to a specific yoga posture; instead, it's intended that people move more consciously through their daily lives and, among other things, become closer to themselves through mindfulness. Therefore, Satyananda Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and is by no means limited to a specific group. You, too, can benefit from the teachings of Sri Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati, or at least try them out for a while. Typical characteristics of Satyananda Yoga This yoga practice is considered extremely gentle and does not require strong muscles or high levels of fitness. While the teachings naturally include various asanas, there are also many alternatives that can be chosen according to one's own physical condition. Sri Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati never viewed yoga as a purely athletic exercise or teaching, but instead focused on health and physical well-being in its entirety. If you find some of the asanas typically used in Satyananda Yoga overwhelming, you can always substitute them with other, easier postures. Typical of the teachings of Sri Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati is, for example, the " Yoga Nidra " he developed, which loosely translates as "yoga sleep." It is intended to induce deep relaxation, whereby both the body, in its resting state, and the alert mind enter a meditative state. Today, Satyananda Yoga, in its multifaceted form, is practiced around the globe and has many followers who swear by the positive qualities and effects of this yoga teaching. There are various publications, yoga schools, and academies that focus specifically on Satyananda Yoga. Many of the published books have also been translated and published in German. About Sri Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati: According to tradition, the monk, born in India in 1923, was commissioned by his master to spread yoga throughout the world. He followed this call, among other things, with his own system and by founding the "Bihar School of Yoga." The additional designation "Paramahamsa" originates from an honorary title bestowed upon him by his spiritual followers. After embarking on a pilgrimage, he settled in Jharkhand (India) and received followers only once a year until his death in 2009. Image © belchonock / 123rf.com