Yoga and Ayurveda are two deeply interconnected sciences, guiding us toward balance, vitality, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Ayurveda, often called the sister science of Yoga, provides the framework for living in alignment with our unique constitution, while Yoga offers the practices to refine the body, mind, and consciousness. Together, they create a holistic approach to well-being that extends beyond physical health into the realm of true self-awareness.

As we begin the journey of yoga teacher training at Bhav, we anchor ourselves in the wisdom of the Moon. In yogic philosophy, the Moon represents the mind—fluid, ever-changing, yet deeply influential. Before exploring the vast energy of Prana and beyond, we first cultivate steadiness and clarity within.

Tantra is the path of transformation—one that dissolves the illusion of separation between the sacred and the mundane. Every Tantric practice is designed to awaken us to the inherent power and sacredness within all of life. In doing so, we come to recognise that this same power—the Fire—is our own true essence. If we seek to experience a luminous reality, we must first become luminous ourselves. Practice is the alchemical process that makes this possible.

Prana is derived from Pr (primary, permeating all things) and Ana (movement, animation). It is the universal life force, the power behind all action—whether constructive or destructive. Understanding how to harness and direct Prana determines the direction of our lives. The more Prana we access and refine, the more empowered we become.

The modern idea that yoga is about flexibility is a recent misunderstanding. Flexibility alone will only take us so far. True yoga begins when we slow down, cultivate stability, and face the aspects of our mind we often avoid. In that stillness, we catch a glimpse of who we are beyond thought, time, and space.

This journey diverges from the path of Vinyasa Krama, which emphasises navigating the pairs of opposites and cultivating a practical, skillful dualism. With Advaita, the aim is to progressively detach from the world of Prakriti—beyond mind, time, matter, and energy—and to rest in the non-dual awareness that transcends these aspects of existence. Once we have developed a foundation in practices like Fire Practice, engaging in 40-day sadhanas with an Advaita focus (such as Mantra Laya) can be valuable. These practices allow us to experience moments of transcendent stillness and non-attachment, preparing us to move beyond the mind’s constant chatter.

This journey diverges from the path of Vinyasa Krama, which emphasises navigating the pairs of opposites and cultivating a practical, skillful dualism. With Advaita, the aim is to progressively detach from the world of Prakriti—beyond mind, time, matter, and energy—and to rest in the non-dual awareness that transcends these aspects of existence. Once we have developed a foundation in practices like Fire Practice, engaging in 40-day sadhanas with an Advaita focus (such as Mantra Laya) can be valuable. These practices allow us to experience moments of transcendent stillness and non-attachment, preparing us to move beyond the mind’s constant chatter.

In the yogic tradition, the Sushumna is regarded as the central channel through which spiritual awakening and higher consciousness are realised. Often referred to as the “sacred stream,” Sushumna represents the pathway of transcendence, guiding us from the limitations of the material world to the expansive truth of our being.

Rudrani is the Tantric “technical” name for the awakened Kundalini (Prana Shakti) at the navel centre, also known as Bhuta Agni—the fire that consumes the ghosts of the past. It is a force of profound transformation, and once activated, it holds the power to dissolve the limitations that keep us bound to old patterns and conditioned behaviours.

Learning to gather and direct energy (Prana) is the foundation of an effective practice, whether the goal is spiritual growth or material success. Prana Dharana awakens the potential within a practice and transforms visualisation into direct experience. Activating a field of Prana unlocks deeper layers of our practices, revealing insights that cannot be accessed through surface-level effort.

Viveka Shakti, the highest expression of spiritual discernment, is the awakened power of Buddhi (intellect) operating at its highest level. In some Tantric traditions, it is regarded as a Siddhi, or spiritual superpower. Imagine seeing the truth in every situation—free from projection, delusion, or confusion about yourself and your capacity. Such clarity would profoundly transform your life.

In yogic philosophy, our perception of reality and the world is called Santati—our worldview. How we view the world shapes our ability to align with higher truths and live with clarity and purpose.

In the ancient wisdom of yoga, ether—known as Akasha in Sanskrit—is the most subtle and expansive of the five elements. Ether represents pure space, the container in which all other elements exist. It is intangible, infinite, and deeply connected to the vibrational energy of sound. On a subtle level, ether can be understood as the energetic field that holds everything together—much like the electromagnetic field that unifies and conducts energy in our physical world.

The element of air is a bridge between the tangible and intangible, connecting the physical body to the subtle realm of thoughts, emotions, and spirit. Representing movement, freedom, and expansion, air governs our breath and is intrinsically linked to the heart chakra, or Anahata. 

The fire element, or Agni, symbolises transformation, energy, and vitality. It governs digestion and metabolism on both physical and mental levels, burning away what no longer serves us and forming clarity, purpose, and growth. Fire’s characteristics include heat, tapas, and intensity, making it a powerful force for change and illumination.

The elements, as we know them, are the physical manifestations of deeper energetic forces operating beneath the surface of reality. Among them, water represents fluidity, adaptability, and connection. It is less dense than earth yet more tangible than fire, bridging stability and transformation.

The element of Earth represents the foundation of stability, strength, and grounding in both yoga and life. As the densest of the five great elements (Pancha Mahabhutas), Earth forms the base upon which all other elements build, symbolising structure, endurance, and a deep connection to our core essence.

Sattva is one of the three Gunas—Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva—that define the qualities of nature and the mind. Sattva brings clarity, peace, purity, and ease, and it is often seen as the quality most conducive to spiritual growth. However, it’s essential to understand that while Sattva brings us closer to truth and awareness, it is not the final destination.

This week, we focus on Rajas—a force defined by energy, restlessness, and constant movement. Rajas embodies change and transition and can lead us toward Sattva, the state of purity and balance, or Tamas, the realm of darkness and inertia. Rajas has a dual nature, manifesting as both positive and negative forces in our lives. In today’s fast-paced world, Rajas often appears as restlessness, agitation, quick anger, and overstimulation. It drives us to seek constant stimulation, often through coffee, endless scrolling, and nonstop activity, eventually leading to overwhelm and burnout.

In yogic philosophy, the Gunas offer a deep insight into the fundamental energies shaping our consciousness and lives. Tamas, one of these three qualities, represents the grounded, stable aspects of existence that can also become stagnant or resistant to change.