Shanti Darshanam is a program of residential studies offered at the ashram in Magod. The program is complete, incorporating both mastery of yoga postures and understanding of the principles of sanatana dharma (eternal wisdom) that underlie yogic practice. Hatha yoga asanas, pranayama, Ayurveda, meditation, and chanting are among the practices covered. This is an opportunity to develop skills of self-inquiry and physical awareness that can be incorporated into daily life.
Through this study program, Shanti Darshanam expands the initiative begun by Swami Nityananda to preserve the cultural and scriptural wealth of India. The courses are facilitated by qualified teachers and are conducted while he is in residence at the ashram.
The Sanskrit word darshanam means to see -- not just with the physical eyes, but with subtle perception and insight. Shanti means peace, particularly steadfast inner peace.
Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, Level 1
Course 1
This course is for those wishing to tr ain as hatha yoga teacher s , who have some
knowledge of hatha yoga or are already teaching and are interested in deeper
study. Par ticipants will complete the 200 hour s required for cer t i fication as a
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through Yoga Alliance . Course 1 is also for those
seeking to share the gifts of this pr actice outside yoga studios and gyms, for the
benefit of people in ever y l i fe situation.
Morning sessions will focus on formal study and discussion of the philosophies
foundational to yoga, the var ious schools of yogic pr actice , methods of selfinquir
y, and ways to maintain a living practice within a contemporar y l i festyle .
The afternoon sessions will explore the theor y and practice of asanas (postures)
and pranayama (breathing), and assist individuals in building a per sonal pr actice .
The final week will cover the design and deliver y of hatha yoga instr uction, as
well as assessments for cer t i fication.
COURSE 2
Sadhana - the Living Path of Yoga
This cour se is for anyone drawn to the experience of yoga in its broad sense . It cover s the same
curriculum as Cour se 1 for the fi r st three weeks; in the four th week, par ticipants convene separately to
engage in a r ich progr am entitled Pr actical Wisdom.Taught by Janine Sager t and Lar r y Holmes, this unit
w i l l focus on skills for keeping the under standing of yoga alive and active at home, in the wor kplace , and
in the community. Par ticipants will engage in experiential activities, simulations, group discussions,
and self-examination. The aim of this cour se is to cultivate our ability to maintain a still mind in an active world.
Yoga for Young Adults
Course 3
Is for people aged 11 through 18 whose parents may be par ticipating in other cour ses or
staying in the ashram at Magod. It is especially tailored to meet the needs of young and evolving
minds and bodies. In addition to pr acticing asanas and pranayama, par ticipants will study ashtanga
yoga (the eight limbs of yoga). Emphasis will be on the relevance of this philosophical tr adition in
their lives today. The aim of this cour se is to encourage young adults to develop both selfawareness
and social awareness, using the skills and under standing gained through yoga practice .
Equipping them with these time-honored tools will help them be at their best and assist their transition into adulthood.
Course instructors
Keval Pezet
With his BA in Indian Arts, Keval studied yoga intensively since meeting Swami
Muktananda in 1974. Following his Guru’s instruction, Keval travelled widely,
teaching yoga philosophy, meditation, and the application of yoga strategies for
daily living. In 2005, Keval founded Shantarasa School of Yoga in South Australia
with his wife, Sadhana.
Sadhana Pezet
From a successful career in visual ar ts and dance performance, Sadhana began
training in yoga in 1977 under Swami Muktananda’s instruction in Ganeshpuri,
India. She has taught yoga philosophy and practice for more than 30 years and is
accredited in several schools of yoga, including the hatha, Iyengar, and Satyananda
systems. Sadhana is qualified in transpersonal psychology and has practiced both
as a therapist and trainer of therapists. She is a cofounder of the Shantarasa
School of Yoga.
Janine Sagert Ph.D.
Janine’s love of India began in 1969 when she studied at Deccan College in Pune,
India. While studying at the University of California at Berkeley in 1974, she met
Swami Muktananda, which changed the direction of her life and work. Since then
her career has been dedicated to translating the practical principles of yoga to
corporate executives in high-stress environments via seminars and coaching.
Larry Holmes
Larr y is an internationally respected corporate consultant, coach, and mentor to
leaders in business, government, education, spor ts, and the ar ts. He travelled the
world with Swami Muktananda, ser ving as his personal secretar y, and as director
of Intensives and public programs. He resides in Melbourne with his wife and two
teenage children, while directing his organization, Just Add Water.
Dr. Rakhee Thakar, M.D.
Dr. Rakhee graduated with distinction from Lady Hardinge Medical College, New
Delhi and completed an MD in pediatrics. After working as a pediatrician in
leading hospitals in Delhi, she joined Shanti Arogya Mandir, the charitable medical
ser vice funded by Shanti Mandir, which provides free aid to poor villagers. She has
a special interest in inspiring people to adopt the principles of Ayur veda and yoga.
