What is Traditional Yoga ?
The discipline and science of Yoga was born thousands of years ago, during a time when wellbeing and inner harmony represented important stages on the way to the ultimate goal of life.
Traditional Yoga is based on the same ancient principles and uses the same tools, all while taking into consideration modern times and the complexities that come along with the challenges of today’s life.
The tools with which we work are simple: our body, our breath, our power of concentration. Physical health has a positive impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. A balanced state of mind and emotional equilibrium facilitate access to our inner Self, that is harmony, joy and lasting happiness which is not subject to the usual emotional ups and downs.
Thus, Traditional Yoga is much more than specific body postures. It is a holistic approach involving our entire being on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level.
In Traditional Yoga we take into consideration possible health issues and restrictions of the practitioner by adapting the practice.
The teaching of Traditional Yoga of Sri Krishnamacharya, Sri T.K. Sribhashyam
Sri Krishnamacharya (1889-1989) was a descendant of a family of important philosophical background dating back to the 9th century. He was well known all over India as one of the greatest philosophers of his time. Sri Krishnamacharya learned to master yoga in the Himalayas and Burma (part of India at the time). He knew 3000 Asana. He studied Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, in Cashmere.
Sri T.K. Sribhashyam, Sri Krishnamacharya’s third son, settled down in France in the 1970’s and founded Yogakshemam school in France, Switzerland and other European countries. He faithfully and authentically transmitted all over Europe the teaching and in-depth knowledge he had received from his father since the age of 5. Sri Sribhashyam left this world in 2017. In 1999 Sri Sribhashyam was awarded the title of Acharya by the «Mysore Sanskrit College». It is the highest acknowledgement of thorough and deep knowledge of the texts of the philosophical traditions, but also of the ability of the Teacher to guide and keep the student on the path to inner peace and harmony.
Both, father and son, showed utmost respect towards the fact that not all of their students were of Hindu religion. Therefore certain aspects of Yoga pertaining specifically to Hinduism were not taught to students of other convictions. Their wish was to let everyone progress spiritually whatever his or her conviction is.
Following books are helpful in the understanding of Yoga, its philosophy and psychology and can be obtained from https://www.yogakshemam.net
Emergence of Yoga, Origin and development of the teaching of Yoga, by T.K. Sribhashyam
La psychologie indienne Manovijñana, by Sri T. K. Sribhashyam, Cristina C. Blanchelande (English edition is under preparation)
Saranagati Yoga, from Devotion to Total Surrender, by T.K. Sribhashyam, Alamelu Sheshadri (Daughter of Sri Krishnamacharya)
Bhakti, Blissful Experience, by T.K. Sribhashyam, Alamelu Sheshadri
Moksa-Marga, Way to Liberation, an Itinerary in Indian Philosophy, by T.K. Sribhashyam, Alamelu Sheshadri
WHO AM I ?
It was due to a health problem that I discovered Yoga in 1998. Within a short time the health issue was settled and I had developed a profound curiosity concerning the practice of yoga that gave me so much more than only stable health. I enrolled for a 4 year teachers training with Yogakshemam school, directed by Sri T.K. Sribhashyam. In 2002 I received the diploma of Yogakshemam school, as well as the diploma of the Swiss Yoga Federation, recognized in turn by the European Yoga Union.
I continued my studies under the guidance of Sri Sribhashyam until his death in 2017. In 2006 I received a special pedagogic diploma of Yogakshemam school. Between 2012 and 2017, upon the request of Sri Sribhashyam, I translated from English to German his seminars in Heidelberg and held workshops with his regular group of students in Athens, Greece. I also assisted in a weeklong workshop in England.
The immense gratitude I feel for all that I have learnt and received from my Respected Teacher expresses itself in the wish to share it, pass it on and let others benefit from it.
I am a Swiss national and grew up in the area of Berne. While working with the Swiss diplomatic service in Pakistan in the 80s, I met my husband. We have two sons and our life is shared between the two countries and cultures, an overall enriching experience. My mother tongue is German, I also speak fluent English and French.
Yoga courses
Yoga is for everyone… young, old, supple or not, in perfect health or not.
Traditional Yoga is NOT gymnastics, as the work includes body, breath, concentration and meditation. The yoga practice is adapted according to the circumstances of the student. It is understood that the progress and benefits will emerge only with a regular participation and practice.
Yoga courses can be taken on an individual basis or in a group. I also offer a package of 10 yoga courses in English to companies and their employees.
Please contact me to find out more about prices and availabilities: WhatsApp +41 76 370 41 91, Brigitte KHAN
