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knowledge from within

Vijnana means knowledge from within in Sanskrit. I love the simplicity and space for individual experience this form of Yoga offers. It is clear and down-to-earth.

Practicing Yoga is a means to better get to know ‘yourself’ and to be able to see more clearly. In turn, you develop a stable mind and a resilient body.

Vijnana yoga is a balanced discipline, Yin and Yang, passive and dynamic, relaxing and powerful. The mind and body are evenly scrutinized. Not just sitting, not just sweating. Finding the middle ground.

The classes start with meditation and con­scious breathing. The emphasis lies on the quiet and attention being built up. Practicing asanas is a chance to tune in mind and body. This dance is the dance of Yoga. You develop an attentive­ness that makes these move­ments precise and healing.

The seven base principles of Vijnana yoga are: relaxing the body, quieting the mind, intention, grounding, connecting, breathing, extending and expanding.

The founder of Vijnana yoga is Orit Sen-Gupta. However, this form of yoga is nothing new - it is based in the classic yoga tradi­tions of North-India. Orit Sen-Gupta herself apprenticed with Krishna­machary's students Patthabi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar. She also worked together with Dona Holleman for many years.

Marta with one hand on the floor and the other hand reaching towards the ceiling in a Vijnana yoga pose
Marta balances herself on her hands on the floor in a Vijnana yoga pose

“Put a fish on land and he will re­member the ocean until he dies. Put a bird in a cage, yet he will not forget the sky. Each remains homesick for his true home, the place where his nature has decreed that he should be...”

—  Master Han Shan (1546-1623)

yoga classes

I teach various yoga classes for all levels.

Interested? Consult Samana Yoga Center’s online workshops page for the most up-to-date information. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message.

locations

Samana Yoga Center

Droogbak 11, Amsterdam

By car To reach Samana Yoga Center by car, you need to park in the area. Use the address above on the City of Amster­dam’s website (in Dutch) to see where you can do so.

By public transport Samana Yoga Center is located parallel to the Haar­lemmerstraat, an 8-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.