From our Sangha Series
This course was originally shared live with our Ashram Sangha members in June 2022. It explores the third and fourth spinal energy centres through a range of yogic practices, including asana, pranayama, and meditation, helping to harmonise two forces that can seem opposed at first glance.
Manipura is the centre of personal energy, direction, self-empowerment, and self-image. When it is well balanced, we feel grounded, steady, and able to meet life’s challenges with clarity and resolve.
If this centre becomes overactive, it may show up as pushing too hard, striving, or becoming overly competitive. This can place strain on the adrenals, digestion, respiration, and other body systems. When it is underactive, it may be experienced as lack of purpose, self-doubt, difficulty making decisions, lethargy, or depression.
Anahata is the heart centre, the seat of love, care, kindness, compassion, generosity, gratitude, surrender, devotion, connection, kinship, and forgiveness. In balance, it supports healthy and nourishing relationships. When out of balance, we may feel jealous, lonely, defensive, afraid of intimacy, or struggle to trust others.
When Manipura is balanced, it offers a stable foundation for Anahata, allowing the heart to remain open yet strong, expansive yet grounded. Together, these centres support a way of caring for ourselves and others that feels nourishing, steady, and supportive for all.
Swami Krishnapremananda has lived, practiced, served, and taught in the ashram since 1997. He is a senior resident teacher and the director of the Ashram's Teacher Training Course. Over the years, his yogic understanding has deepened through contact with inspiring teachers, alongside long-term, devoted practice.
"The course was excellent and the environment inspiring. I had a wonderful visit - powerful, joyful and profound." - Ciara
"A special place overflowing with peace and harmony. I appreciated the depth of the course and feel that with continued practice it will get even deeper." - Calum
"Exactly what my soul needed! It was all so nourishing and supporting. I feel back to life and in my power once again." - Nichole
With more than two decades of life in the ashram, Swami Krishnapremananda brings a deep sense of continuity, discipline, and lived wisdom to his teaching. Since 1997, he has been devoted to practicing, serving, and teaching within the ashram community, where his experience has steadily deepened through long-term dedication and guidance from inspiring teachers. As a senior resident teacher and the...
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