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.
“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
Please note: classes are being taught online. Book your classes by going to: Samana Yoga Center.
Online Vijñana Afternoon Practice
In this class we start with meditation and soft pranayama to digest the day and relax the mind. The chosen asanas bring stability and the inversions provide a way to calm the nervous system and improve your sleep.
Suitable for all levels
Every Monday
20:00 - 21:00
Currently online only
Roll & Release
Roll & Release is a way of self-massaging the connective tissue (fascia) by using balls and other props. In this class, we approach alleviating tensions in the body with soft, round movements.
Suitable for all levels
Last Sunday of the month
17:00 - 18:30
Currently online only
Restorative Tensegrity
This class is based on the principles of biotensegrity. The body is seen as an interconnected network of parts.
A series of exercises done lying down to stimulate the body to move easier, lighter and steadier from a basis of connectivity. Movements are less costly when learning to discover the more subtle powers in your body.
Suitable for all levels
Every Thursday
09:30 - 11:00
Currently online only
Online Restorative workshop
Various Restorative workshops.
Consult Samana Yoga Center’s online workshops page for the most up-to-date information.
Suitable for all levels
Various Fridays
09:30 - 11:30
Currently online only
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.
Yogaschool Noord (NDSM)
Plotterstraat 24, Amsterdam
By car To reach Yogaschool Noord 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 Yogaschool Noord is a 5-minute bike ride or a 12-minute walk from the NDSM ferry.