About Shivoham Institute
Learn more about our philosophy
About – what is yoga
The Shivoham Institute
Since humans developed self awareness, there has only been one question that we have sought to discover, even with the complexities of modern life this singular question remains, Who am I?
We’ve developed many perspectives to try and answer this question; religious, psychological, biological, anthropological, etc but the problems with all intellectualisations is that they create their own pitfalls which leave the questioner ultimately unsatisfied.
The Shivoham Institute was created to help guide people to answer this ethereal question for themselves. Relying on a combination of ancient tantric and yogic knowledge, alongside modern scientific discoveries, we help prepare our students for experiences of the true self. This is not something that can be directly taught, as that to would too fall to trap of inventing words to
describe experiences which often leads to confusion – something very apparent even in the yogic world.
From this new foundation of understanding of the self, we guide our students on how to move back into the world. This is the importance of tantra, we do not preach asceticism or hiding away from the world. The world needs good people but if you do not understand who you are, how do you know what you want or how should you direct yourself? Simply striving to be create more
clarity, harmony and unlocking energy path ways is useful but can be rendered redundant if directed to the wrong place.
You may wonder why we should rely on ancient teachings as logically understanding should improve with time. Originally, all was simply one and even in times of early man life moved through us and there was no need for questions as we all lived according to our life`s journey.
Now, we have infinite labels to describe things in which we all define differently. Take the word love for example, such an important part of our lives yet you’d struggle to find a definition everyone can agree on.
The first tantrics and yogis, only being later categorised as such were born into the perfect point in history where the balance of self awareness and simplicity enabled deep discoveries into the nature of our existence. This is not to say that we discount science, in fact we happily employ the scientific method as we only ask you to experiment to discover the answers for yourself and
never force what is right or wrong. As you progress you will see how meaningless these words are.
Ultimately, what we are trying to achieve with The Shivoham Institute is a continuation of the ripple effect that life has brought into our lives. We can see the compounding effect of helping people re-discover themselves and enter into world as they go on to help others. Eventually, we see a revolution of ideals that has already begun as life rebalances itself to allow us to enjoy the best of both modern and ancient forms of living.
What is Tantra?
Originally, tantra and yoga were not divided and before this there was not even a name for such practitioners but it has come to be something distinct. The key difference is that instead of ideals of many yogis who remove themselves from the world only to remain in ashrams or high up the Himalayas, where understanding is sought through abstinence; tantrics seek to understand through experience.
Desires are a part of life and not something we need hide away from. However, there is a difference between experiencing it with full awareness and mindless intoxicating oneself and thus we need to learn to liberate ourselves from the mind and body and return as pure consciousness.
This does require periods of withdrawal as it is much easier to be fully aware when life is simple – which is why yogis choose this life but there’s no need to remain here.
This falls back to our aims of helping people re-enter the world through a new understanding of themselves and life around it. Tantra is not only about being fully present but also about understanding the underlying energy structures at play so you can create and adjust them to your needs. There are degrees of depth to these practices but you only need go as far as you need at this particular place in your life journey.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a great example of a word that had an original meaning but has taken on many others in people’s minds. If it kept its original meaning we would not need to complicate things further than simply using this word which means to unite. That is to unite the two sides of life; Shiva and Shakti, consciousness and energy, static and dynamic, feminine and masculine.
This two sided reality displays itself in many ways through all dimensions of life, particularly the 3 dimensions (physical, mental and spiritual) or 5 koshas (layers of self).
The reality is that the further you go from the material world, the more the lines get blurred and you come to understand that yogic teachings are just perspectives to help you understand things are your current place.
Systemisation is useful though so many have tried to break down yoga in to various forms (hatha, raja, karma, jnana etc) but this can also lead to confusion. Particularly in the west where the majority of people think of it as a fitness practice.
As with all things, the solution falls in the middle and thus whilst we do teach a very systematic form of yoga, we also actively encourage self discovery and guide you based on your specific circumstances. For many, total renunciation is not needed in this life time but finding methods to understand oneself and overlooking obstacles (physical, mental and spiritual) are necessary.
This two sided reality displays itself in many ways through all dimensions of life, particularly the 3 dimensions (physical, mental and spiritual) or 5 koshas (layers of self).
The reality is that the further you go from the material world, the more the lines get blurred and you come to understand that yogic teachings are just perspectives to help you understand things are your current place.
Systemisation is useful though so many have tried to break down yoga in to various forms (hatha, raja, karma, jnana etc) but this can also lead to confusion. Particularly in the west where the majority of people think of it as a fitness practice.
As with all things, the solution falls in the middle and thus whilst we do teach a very systematic form of yoga, we also actively encourage self discovery and guide you based on your specific circumstances. For many, total renunciation is not needed in this life time but finding methods to understand oneself and overlooking obstacles (physical, mental and spiritual) are necessary.
Meet the Founders
Sri Vijay Anand
Tantric Master and Spiritual Guide
Born into a traditional Vedic family in India, Anand first started yoga at the age of 5. Inspired by tales of mastering the body and living a long life, he studied at ashram where he was introduced to the teachings of Shiva which answered all his burning questions about life. Having learnt the secrets of tantric and yogic practices, he was encouraged to attend university to find a scientific explanation to make it easier for others to comprehend. Here he gained two Masters and a PhD in Philosophy of Science.
He is a rare example of a Yogi who has sought to gain advanced levels of knowledge in both yoga and modern scientific understanding before travelling to Europe, where he has spent the last few decades sharing this knowledge through workshops, retreats, teacher training courses and speaking arrangements. He has even trained Jeremy Irons (Actor) and Vásáry Tamás (world-famous pianist and conductor).
Whilst Anand’s knowledge stretches far beyond what most would need in a lifetime, his focus is on integrating Shiva`s teachings into our lives through Kundalini Tantra Yoga and Sanjeevani Kriya, as this is a practical solution for the challenges of modern life. Most people are used to their environments, so taking back control of yourself is the first step to influencing the world.
Ildiko Bakos
Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master and Ayurvedic Massage Therapist
My first encounter with yoga began in India, in 2000. After completing a one-month yoga course in Auroville (Southern India), I became so inspired to continue with Yoga, that I returned to India to complete my Yoga Teaching Training Course. Since then, Yoga has become an integral part of myself and I strive to learn continuously. I teach only from the heart and personal experience. It is an honour to share this ancient science and art with others.
As I began to study and practice yoga, I felt how deeply the mind connects with the body. The various postures in yoga encourage awareness, healing and clarity for the mind, body, and soul.
As I understood this concept, it became clearer that the mind and body communicate in wonderful ways to bring us back into the present moment and realise who we are. Yoga allowed me to make a place for inner peace and understand the value of being in the present moment.
My personal experiences of yoga, teaching and training experience allow me to blend traditional Indian Yoga styles with contemporary approaches. My teaching style is spontaneous and light-hearted, and I aim to provide my students with a positive and uplifting experience. I seek to guide others to find their desire to connect with themselves. While I am deeply connected to the spiritual aspects of Yoga, I know the importance of the physical body.
What others tell about me:
Ildy is a wonderful person who has so many talents to share with her students. The yoga classes she teaches and the mantra chanting sessions she leads are both lovely. Her nonjudgmental approach promotes healing and helps her students find their passion. She has helped many people become the best version of themselves, and her guidance has been instrumental in their growth and strength. In addition to being nurturing and caring, her attention to detail ensures that each student receives the best instruction. Even with her many talents and accomplishments, Ildy remains humble and always encourages improvement in a compassionate and supportive way. Her presence is like Mother Nature’s, and her childlike energy is infectious. Ildy is a true friend for life, and we are grateful for all that she has done for us over the years.
