The word “Yoga” comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and means union or yoke. Integral Yoga® brings together the various branches of Yoga into a simple coherent system to support the holistic and harmonious development of every individual. The six branches of Integral Yoga® aid us on our journey of self discovery toward self-mastery.

Swami Satchidananda was one of the first Yoga masters to bring the classical Yoga tradition to the West over 50 years when he shared his teachings, which promote an easeful body, a peaceful mind, and a useful life. Fondly known as Gurudev, Sri Swami Satchidananda promoted selfless service and acceptance of all faiths as key to realising true peace in the world.

Swami Satchidananda was born in India in 1914. As a young man he worked in various technical industries, but at the age of 28 began his fulltime spiritual quest. He travelled, lived and studied with many saints and sages until he finally met his chosen spiritual Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, who initiated him into the Order of Sannyas (monkhood) on the holy Guru Poornima Day in 1949.

Swami Satchidananda moved to Sri Lanka (Ceylon) as head of Satchidananda Tapovanam (Ashram), also serving and organising Yoga centres in India and throughout East Asia. In 1966, at the invitation of an American seeker, Sri Gurudev came to the United States for a short visit. In response to the sincere requests of many eager American students, he extended his stay and ultimately became a U.S. citizen. Read more about Swami Satchidananda here.

Swami Satchidananda taught that all faiths share essential universal principles and he encouraged Integral Yogis to respect and honour the unity in diversity.

Today, there are over 30 Integral Yoga Institutes and Centres on six continents, with international headquarters at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville® in Virginia, USA.