Atma Jnana Yoga

ALL YOU NEED WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. YOU ARE THE LIGHT

ATMA JNANA YOGA

Jnana in Hinduism is "knowledge" in the deeper sense of a complete experience. Atma jnana is "self-realization", the spiritual goal that all beings must strive for. While we can see the material world with our two eyes, atma jnana helps us see beyond into the true nature of reality.

In Hindu mythology, the concept of atma jnana is represented by Shiva’s "third eye". In a well-known legend, Shiva, distracted from his meditation, opens this eye, the fire that emanates from it burns the hapless Kama, god of desire, to ashes. The principle of this tale is that desire can only be destroyed through jnana. Desire confuses and distracts the mind, making it chase after illusory forms of happiness. Hindus worship Shiva, seeking his blessings for the third eye of jnana - in other words, for spiritual progress.

All forms of yoga have a single goal, the union of body, mind and soul, that allows for a fruitful existence on earth and spiritual liberation after death. The follower of jnana yoga seeks to attain this goal through knowledge, by developing various mental strengths.

By cultivating viveka or the power of discrimination, the jnana yogi learns to differentiate between the real and the ephemeral. In Hindu mythology, this ability is symbolized by the swan which has the power to separate water mixed with milk. A spiritually evolved being is known as Paramahamsa ("Great Swan"), the inference being that like the swan that lives in water, yet never gets wet, so too an enlightened being is of this world, yet remains free of attachment to it.

While the jnana yogi must practice dispassion, he must also yearn intensely for liberation from temporal existence. Finally, he must excel in the six virtues of Shad sampat - controlling the mind and the senses, withdrawing from non-essential activities, nurturing faith and developing powers of deep concentration and endurance.

HATHA YOGA

Hatha yoga is the form of yoga that helps harmonize and purify the body. It helps you become more flexible and understand the importance of knowing your body, how to breath, move and allow mind to relax. Hatha yoga is the first step for those who want to deepen the yogic practice since a body and a mind that is healthy is necessary.

Some believe that hatha yoga is only for beginners but that is not true. Hatha yoga is part of raja yoga and is the form that contains: asana (body position), pranayama (control of vital energy and breath), yama and niyama (personal and social ethical principles), pratyahara (inner focus and detachment from external stimulation), dharana (concentration), dyana (meditation), samadhi (salvation), mudras (hand gestures), bundhas (energy locks) and shatkarmas (physical and mental detox techniques).

Hatha yoga can be very challenging if your body and mind are ready. Some asana demand physical strength as well as mental strength. Our goal is to be able get into asana remaining calm, steady and comfortable.

Our belief is that all asanas performed in all styles of yoga is  part  of Hatha Yoga. All yoga styles have the same goal, unity! The way that asanas are performed is different but it is up to everyone to find which branch unlocks the inner potential and inspires us the most to discover our inner light.

In Atma jnana yoga you first you learn about yourself and then about yoga. The first step is to know yourself, what you can and you cannot do, what you like and do not like. Then you start with a fresh mind to discover what you can improve on and how. After understanding or better, remembering about yourself you can start practicing yoga.

BALANCE BALL YOGA

Balance ball yoga is a new unique form of yoga that improves posture, coordination, strength and is extremely fun.

You will feel the difference after your first class and after a week of training your will notice how the muscles are toned and your posture is improved.

Everyone that wants to keep a healthy and strong body will be amazed with the results. The advantages of balance ball yoga is recognised and practiced by professional such as: athletes, massage therapists, dancers, yoga teachers etc.

How does yoga come in to the equation?
You are going to empty your mind from everything else while you practice. As your balance becomes better you will be able to move with complete awareness and focus. The practice itself will inspire you to clear your mind and just be in the here and now. Your body posture will improve and become stronger. You will tone and use muscles that you never used before. You will also burn calories while practicing the most amusing and addictive form of yoga ever.

Akis speaks about balance ball yoga:
I’ve never seen anything so effective and addictive like balance ball yoga. What makes it special is the fact that it is open to everyone and you can practice anywhere. Kids love it, younger people find it very challenging and the rest enjoy the exercise and the benefits that a balanced posture offers.

Learn how to use your body. Improve your posture, balance and coordination.

BALANCE BALL YOGA WORKSHOPS

Be the first in your country to offer this unique system. Balance ball yoga will be your new passion!

Balance ball yoga is a new exciting and very effective way to get fit. Balance ball yoga improves flexibility, posture, tones muscle and helps burn fat.

We organize beginners and advanced workshops that can be completed in 5 hours for beginners and 10 hours for advanced students. Students will receive a certificate. Advanced students can continue on to balance ball yoga instructor training. We also offer fitness and weight loss programs with balance ball and weights for 5 days, 10 days or 15 days.

Three things are necessary for the workshops:
1) Space. You need about 4sqm per student.
2) Soft floor. The floor should be covered with a material softer than a yoga mat. Especially for advanced or instructor training.
3) Balance balls.

Contact us for more information.

HATHA YOGA WORKSHOPS

These workshops will be part of our studio in Samui. Workshops will be provided by yoga teachers with different styles and experience. You will find information about it on our website in time.

AKIS

Akis (Evangelos Vournazos) is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 500 E-RYT 200). He has completed three teacher training courses in different schools in India (Nashik Yoga Vidya Gurukul and Sivananda Yoga Ashram in Vrindavan) and has attained the title of yoga acharya (master of yoga). He is thankful to have received teachings from masters like Steve Petteau, Karina Arenas Bonansea, Swami Atmaramananda, Yogacharya Vishwas Mandlik (Rishi Dharmajyoti), Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda and more.

He is a balance ball yoga instructor and owns only the second school that teaches it in Thailand. He was trained by Hironori Ikeda, the creator of the system.

He is also a Thai massage advanced practitioner and teacher. He is a graduate of ITM international school of Thai massage.

He has studied hypnosis, regression therapy in Indian Hypnosis Academy, Reiki and is a Lama Fera Master, student of Acharya Arunanad. Since 2006 has teached in Greece, Malaysia, India and Thailand. He has also been organizing workshops and retreats around the world. His studies in Thai massage gave him a better understanding of the human body and the effects of yoga on it. From beginners to advanced, his classes are an inspiration to become aware and deepen your knowledge into the benefits of hatha yoga.

Akis has had a background in sports, martial arts (3rd place in Hellenic Box Savate National Championship) and fitness from a young age. An amateur soccer player, windsurfer and assistant coach to the Greek Olympic gold medallist board sailor champion Nikolas Kaklamanakis. He also served in the Hellenic special forces. All this gave him the tools to create programs that provide great results in fitness and weight loss (when following his nutritional advice)  as well as the ability to understand when and how to encourage students to go a step further with their practice.

Akis gained experience from teaching in yoga studios, detox and rehab centres, 5 star resorts and private classes, teaching to all levels of students from all walks of life and learning something new from all the people that he met along the way.

Akis’s philosophy:
For me yoga is a work in progress, it gives you the tools to ask your own questions, the answers will come in time, until then enjoy the ride and take the best out of everything. Patience and faith will be all you need. If there is something that someone has to do in this life it is to try and be happy. Being happy will make everyone around you happy.
Be happy and bring happiness.

COMING TO CLASS

Arriving on time or early can help you settle in and prepare yourself for your practice.

You will be more comfortable if you refrain from eating 1 to 2 hours before class.

Wearing comfortable clothing allows for a full range of motion. You will find comfortable clothes you can buy in our studio.

Mats are free but we strongly recommend that students bring their own.

Please, no cell phones in the yoga room.

Please refrain from wearing strong perfumes during class.

COMING TO CLASS

Arriving on time or early can help you settle in and prepare yourself for your practice.

You will be more comfortable if you refrain from eating 1 to 2 hours before class.

Wearing comfortable clothing allows for a full range of motion. You will find comfortable clothes you can buy in our studio.

Mats are free but we strongly recommend that students bring their own.

Please, no cell phones in the yoga room.

Please refrain from wearing strong perfumes during class.

ATMA JNANA SCHEDULE

Lesson	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
B.B.Y posture improvement	09.00 - 10.00	09.00 - 10.00	09.00 - 10.00	09.00 - 10.00	Closed	10.00 - 11.00
Hatha Yoga Beginners	10.30 - 11.45	10.30 - 11.45	10.30 - 11.45	10.30 - 11.45	Closed	11.30 - 12.45
Hatha Yoga Dynamic	17.00 - 18.00		18.00 - 19.00	17.00 - 18.00	Closed	15.00 - 16.00	11.00 - 12.00
B.B.Y muscle toning	18.15 - 19.00	18.00 - 18.45		18.15 - 19.00	Closed	16.15 - 17.00	10.00 - 11.00

Hatha Yoga For Beginners: Lot of stretching and many asanas for a short duration. The aim is to improve flexibility. At the end of the class there will be a 10 - 15 minute guided relaxation (Yoga Nidra).

Balance Ball Yoga (B.B.Y) for posture improvement: Slow pace aiming at improving overall balance and posture. The posture is shown and you will be given time to find your balance. Until your balance is improved you will not be able to perform all postures. However your muscles will became stronger day by day and your coordination will get better class after class.

Hatha Yoga Dynamic: Less asanas for a longer duration. The aim is to improve control over your muscles and achieve a steady and comfortable posture. This demands a stronger body and mind. Depending on the group level we will try different variations and work on more flexibility. Relaxation is shorter at the end since the body and mind are more connected, allowing for more control.

Balance Ball Yoga for muscle toning: This class requires balance and strength combinations. If your balance is not good yet you might find this class challenging. When ready yoga asanas are performed on the balance ball. Maximum balance, focus and coordination are the aim in these classes.

OUR HOTEL PARTNERS

Atma Jnana Yoga has partnered with the following Samui hotels providing in-house hatha yoga and balance ball yoga classes. For more information email us or contact your hotel reception directly.

	Nora Beach Resort & Spa The resort enjoys a spectacular hillside setting, overlooking a secluded bay just north of the world-famous Chaweng Beach. Although only few minutes from the island’s boutique airport and a short drive from central Chaweng, Nora is secluded and private, a little village within lush gardens. Nora Beach Resort & Spa >>
	New Leaf Detox Resort A comfortable garden bungalow style resort with a very successful detox fasting program. Minutes away from the white sand of Lamai beach which is located on one of the world's most breath taking islands, Koh Samui Thailand. New Leaf Detox Resort >>