Sākṣī refers to “The Ever Present Witness” – the aspect within ourselves that allows us to be the observer of our experiences. Michael Singer states that once we become more interested in being aware of our thoughts, rather than in the thoughts themselves, we find our liberation. The ancient teachings of Yoga share this very same wisdom – understanding that to truly attain inner freedom we must learn to be the witness to our problems, rather than becoming lost in the problems themselves.

The cultivation of witness consciousness is known as Sākṣī Bhava. The Bhagavad Gita, 9:18, refers to Sākṣī not only as the witness, but also as the place within each of us offering refuge – a place where we may rest in the abode of consciousness and truth. It is in this space that our self-judgement falls away and is replaced with a deep inner knowing of who we truly are, and not what we would believe ourselves to be. We no longer have a fervent desire to make sense of it all, and relinquish our need to control everything and everyone in order to feel safe. Once the inner observer is awakened, our perspective shifts forever.

“You are one thing only. You are a Divine Being. An all-powerful Creator. You are a Deity in jeans and a t-shirt, and within you dwells the infinite wisdom of the ages and the sacred creative force of All that is, will be and ever was.” – Anthon St Maarten

In this Yoga Intensive we will connect with the ancient practices of Yoga to begin the journey of awakening our inner Sākṣī. Through the great paradox of Asana and movement we will discover the abode of stillness, while the practices of Pranayama and Pratyahara guide us inwards to the dwelling place of Sākṣī. In a carefully crafted Vinyasa Krama of Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Dhyana (meditation), Prarthana (prayer), Mantra (chanting) and Svadhyaya (self-enquiry), we will delve into the philosophy of Sākṣī, experience the watcher’s infinite point of view and surrender into the space of pure awareness that awaits as The Ever Present Witness awakens.