Integral Yoga Center of Richmond

Founded by Shanti Norris and Prahaladan Mandelkorn -senior disciples of Swami Satchidananda- the IYC was one of the first yoga centers in Richmond. Nora Vimala Pozzi, E-RYT500, PRYT, has served as its director from 1992 to date.

In 1999 it offered its first Teacher Training Program in Richmond. It is an affiliate of Yogaville, Satchidananda Ashram, Buckingham, Va, the headquarters for Integral Yoga® International. (For information on Yogaville programs: www.yogaville.org or call (800) 858-YOGA [9642]

One of the main goals of Richmond IYC has been not just to teach yoga classes or train yoga teachers, but to bring awareness and educate the general public about the benefits of yoga -physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, as well as the yoga philosophy and ethics that are the essence of this science.

It also strives to bring awareness to the healing power of yoga as a yoga therapy modality, both preventive and therapeutic. The most important aspect has been to learn how to apply the yoga teachings to daily life in order to reduce stress and experience more peace.

What is Integral Yoga? by Sri Swami Satchidananda

“The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every individual, is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum health and strength, senses under total control, a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as a crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy.” ~HH Sri Swami Satchidananda

Swami Satchidananda describes each of the Six (6) Branches of Yoga as follows:

Hatha Yoga Focuses on the physical aspects through asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), mudras, kriyas (cleansing practices), yogic diet, and deep relaxation.

Raja Yoga Balance and control of the mind through ethical practices, concentration and meditation.

Bhakti Yoga The path of devotion, by constant love, thought, and service of the Divine. Bhakti Yoga can be practiced by everyone. All that is needed is faith and constant remembrance of God.

Karma Yoga The path of action and selfless service. Serving without attachment to the fruits (or results) of the action.

Jnana Yoga The intellectual approach. Through the knowledge of what really exists, that is, what is not changeable, one who engages in the Path of Wisdom realizes Oneness with the entire Universe.

Japa Yoga Japa means repetition of a mantram – a sound structure of one or more syllables which represents a particular aspect of the Divine Vibration.