The Practice of Yoga Sámkhya
Yoga Sámkhya is an ancient tradition that integrates the different dimensions of the Human Being into a complete and harmonious practice, through the experience of the 14 Technical Disciplines of Yoga in each class.
What is Yoga Sámkhya?
Āshrama Tavira belongs to the Portuguese Yoga Confederation, a school of Traditional Yoga from India, under the guidance of the Master. It is through this direct relationship between Master and disciple that knowledge is transmitted, preserving an oral tradition of transmission that has passed through generations.
Sámkhya — Wisdom
Sámkhya is Wisdom, an essentially Cosmogonic and Anthropogenic Philosophy. It is naturalistic and technical, and the word means number, or reason.
Sámkhya is not speculative; it is descriptive. It describes cosmogony, from before the beginning of the universe to its post-“end”, in its cycles — Shesha.
Yoga — the Practical Dimension
Yoga, in turn, means To Join, from the root Yuj — yoke (or to bind).
It teaches Man, in the light of these Formidable “Secrets”, to develop and assume himself as being made in the image and likeness of the Great Creative Potential, composed of all the cosmic strata.
At its root, Yoga and Sámkhya were one and the same Philosophical System; therefore, these two philosophies are called philosophies that are eternally one (Sanátana Dve).
Yoga and Sámkhya are therefore, respectively, the practical and theoretical aspects of the same philosophy.
Approximately 2,300 years ago, the Great Master rshi Patañjali (Hindu physician) wrote the Yoga Sútra, stating in this book that he would speak of Sámkhya by extracting from it its practical aspect, Yoga.
Tara Michael, in her book Yoga, also tells us that:
Although Sámkhya defines itself as a complete, self-sufficient system that enables human beings to attain the ultimate purpose of existence, it finds its natural application in the methods of Yoga, and the entire effort of the yogi is incomprehensible unless we take into account the fundamental principles established by Sámkhya.
A Complete Practice
It is upon this integrated vision that the practice of Yoga Sámkhya at Āshrama Tavira is based.
In each class, the 14 Technical Disciplines of Yoga are experienced, working with the different dimensions of the Human Being through techniques of meditation, breathing, relaxation, etc.
Thus, Yoga Sámkhya is not reduced to physical practice. It is a path of integral development that harmonises body, energy, emotions and mind through a systematic and continuous practice.
The 14 Technical Disciplines of Yoga
Each of these disciplines plays a specific role in the path of human development, and it is their integration that gives the practice of Yoga Sámkhya its complete character.
1. Samyama — Dhyána/Samádhi: Meditation / Enlightenment, through control of the frequency of mental waves;
2. Pránáyáma: Breathing exercises of energetic and neurovegetative influence;
3. Ásana: Psychobiophysical positions;
4. Yoganidrá: Techniques of physical, emotional and mental relaxation;
5. Kriyá: Organical tonification and cleansing;
6. Mantra: Mastery of sounds, vibration and Harmony / Kírtanam: Extroverting sounds;
7. Jápa Tala: Cadenced, concentrative sounds;
8. Jápa Shesha: Continuous, elevating sounds;
9. Bandha: Muscular and neuroendocrine dynamisations;
10. Yantra: Concentrative symbols with psychosomatic effect;
11. Pújá: Energetic reciprocations;
12. Mudrá: Reflexological and energetic gestures made with the hands;
13. Nyása: Energetic touch and psychic Projection (Káma Mana/Vijñána — from the source Hiranya Garbha);
14. Mánasika: Mentalisation, strengthening of the will, and expansion of consciousness.
Benefits of Yoga Practice
Regular Yoga practice has been widely studied by science and is associated with a range of benefits.
-Works with the different dimensions of the Human Being
– Physical, energetic, emotional and mental
– Promoting integral and harmonious development;
– Develops concentration and mastery of attention;
– Contributes to physical, emotional and mental strengthening;
– Reduces anxiety;
– Increases the energy available in our organism for its optimal functioning;
– Improves posture through the development of body awareness.
Discover these benefits through the practice of Yoga Sámkhya at Āshrama Tavira.
What Are Classes Like at Āshrama Tavira?
Classes at Āshrama take place in an environment conducive to introspection.
The Yoga practitioner is invited to turn inward and to delve deeply into themselves. They are invited to pause and experience each of the 14 Technical Disciplines of Yoga Sámkhya.
Each class is a different experience.
At Āshrama Tavira, classes are prepared to welcome both beginners and more advanced practitioners, respecting each person’s pace, needs and particularities.
Individual attention is part of the way we accompany each practitioner on their path.
Classes take place in a group, but each practitioner’s attention should be turned towards themselves, seeking a deep knowledge of themselves and an expansion of consciousness.
Discover Our Class Schedule
Come and discover our class schedule from Monday to Saturday and find the right time for you to begin your practice.