Honouring the Architects of Yoga
(Rishis & Siddhars)
The Ancient Lineage: The Original Masters of Wellness
At SaiYog Mandala, our practices are built upon the sacred wisdom deciphered by the great Rishis and Siddhars—the original explorers of consciousness and human potential. We strive to develop unique Yogic guidelines that unfold the secrets of a happy life by deciphering their ancient teachings.
The Rishis: Vedic Sages and Seers
The term Rishi literally means "seer." These were the enlightened sages of the Vedic era who, through profound meditation and deep self-inquiry, "saw" the fundamental truths of existence.
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Custodians of the Vedas: The Rishis are credited with documenting the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, which contain the spiritual foundation for Yoga.
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Harnessing Universal Laws: They explored the concept of the interconnectedness of all life ("All Life is Life") and understood the "inter dependable elemental workings" of the body system, a concept central to our practice.
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The Blueprint for Life: Their teachings provided the philosophical and ethical blueprint for a joyful, balanced life, forming the basis of the Yogic path toward self-realisation.
The Siddhars: Masters of Practical, Holistic Science
The Siddhars were a distinct group of practitioners and scientists, predominantly from South India, who focused on developing practical sciences for immortality, health, and holistic medicine.
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Pioneers of Varma and Ayurveda: They were masters of Siddha Medicine and the Varmam system—the knowledge of vital energy points. Our Varma Oil Therapy is directly linked to this ancient tradition.
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Body as the Temple: Siddhars viewed the physical body as a sacred vessel to be perfected through rigorous practices (like Hatha Yoga) and natural formulations. This aligns with our focus on Physical Wellness.
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Elemental Connection: Their wisdom heavily emphasizes the harmony between the body and the five elements (Pancha Bhoota), which is reflected in our therapeutic focus on realigning electrical energy and reconnecting to Mother Earth (Gaia).
The Science of Samadhi: Patanjali's Gift
No discussion of the Yogic lineage is complete without honouring Sage Patanjali, who is universally regarded as the compiler and systematiser of the classical Yogic tradition.
The Yoga Sutras: The Definitive Guide
Patanjali did not invent Yoga, but approximately 2,000 years ago, he codified the existing oral traditions into a concise, logical framework: the Yoga Sutras.
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The Definition of Yoga: The first and most famous Sutra, Yogas chitta vritti nirodha (Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind-stuff), provides the foundational definition of the practice.
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The Aims of Our Practice: Our philosophy of achieving "mind-body synchronisation" and overcoming "deep-rooted fears, waves of anger" is directly drawn from Patanjali's framework for purifying the consciousness (chitta).
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Mastery: Master Mandira's expertise is deeply rooted here, holding an A+ Grade certification in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra, covering all four Padas (chapters)
The Eight Limbs (Ashtanga Yoga)
The core of Patanjali's contribution is the Ashtanga (Eight-Limbed) system, which provides a comprehensive, sequential path to self-realisation, ensuring a balanced approach to ethical, physical, mental, and spiritual development:
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Yama (Ethical restraints)
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Niyama (Self-discipline)
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Asana (Physical postures)
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Pranayama (Breath control)
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Pratyahara (Sense withdrawal)
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Dharana (Concentration)
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Dhyana (Meditation)
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Samadhi (Absorption/Enlightenment)
Our comprehensive offerings, from physical wellness and breathing practices to astrology and mindfulness, reflect our commitment to guiding learners through this complete, holistic path.