Dr Swami Shankardev Saraswati
Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati is a western medical doctor, Yoga Acharya (authority), Yoga Therapist, psychotherapist, author, teacher, and Jyotish astrologer.
Medical and psychotherapy practice
He uses western mind-body medicine, including the use of medicine, herbs, and supplements, combined with Eastern systems of healing and self-development.
Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati's psychological practice combines Western and Eastern methods of psychotherapy, including yoga philosophy, meditation, and other methods of awakening consciousness.
The primary aims of therapy are to become more self-aware, autonomous, resilient, empathic, capable of intimacy, and able to journey into the deeper self to discover the hidden strengths, skills and abilities dormant in the unconscious (psyche).
He supports patients to develop a strong, stable identity (ego) that is resilient, powerful and better able to handle the slaps and blows of life. This creates a stable center from which to explore the deeper Self. The journey to the Self is informed by both Eastern systems of philosophy and Jungian depth psychology.
Co-founder and director of Big Shakti with Jayne Stevenson.
Big Shakti is an online resource for yoga and meditation.
Guided meditations and courses provide the theory and practices to empower physical and psychological health and wellbeing. The meditations and courses have a strong focus on cultivating self-awareness and self-regulation as the foundation for self-mastery, spiritual growth, and awakening.
Many of the guided meditations and courses on Big Shakti are derived from techniques that Swami Shankardev has developed over 40 years of live teaching and running a yoga therapy medical practice.
He provides direct support to students through group webinars and private consultations.
Medical consultations are available face to face, online, and via telephone. For more information about his medical practice and to book a consultation please read more here.
Journey
After attaining his medical degree in 1976, he travelled to India to study at the Bihar School of Yoga, where he remained for 10 years. During this time he wrote several books on yoga and yoga therapy that are still in print (see below).
He returned to Australia in 1985 to research the physiology of yoga at the University of New South Wales, completing a Master of Science degree in 1990.
Over the last 40 years, he has travelled widely through many countries, learning and teaching esoteric Eastern traditions. He has been privileged to meet and study with many wonderful gurus, teachers and mentors. As a result, he has had a broad range of both inner and outer experiences, and many wonderful synchronicities.
These experiences have convinced him of the validity of yoga and meditation as incredibly potent ways of rejuvenating ourselves, of uplifting our minds and hearts, and awakening greater insight into the nature of life and the world we live in.
Workshops & Consultations
For more information and to book a consultation, read more here.
To request a live workshop, seminar, or keynote speaking engagement with Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati, please contact us.
Qualifications
1976 - MB, BS (Medical Doctor) Sydney University (MD equivalent)
1981 - Yoga Acharya (Master of Yoga) IYFM, Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar
1990 - MSc (Master of Science) University of NSW
1991 - Cert Ayurvedic Studies, The Ayurvedic Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
2003 - Diploma of Medical Hypnosis, College of Medical Hypnosis
2010 - Cert Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Australia
In-print books
Published by the Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar, India:
- Yogic Management of Asthma and Diabetes
- The Effects of Yoga on Hypertension
- The Practice of Yoga for the Digestive System
Contributed to the book:
- Kundalini Tantra (Bihar School of Yoga)
Edited the following books (Bihar School of Yoga):
- Surya Namaskara: a technique of solar vitalization
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- Moola Bandha: the master key
- Prana and Pranayama
- Sure Ways to Self-Realization