Dr Swami Shankardev Saraswati
(MB,BS (Syd), M.Sc (UNSW), Dip Medical Hypnosis, Grad Cert Mental health, Yoga Acharya)
Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati is a Western medical doctor, Yoga Acharya (authority), Yoga Therapist, Psychotherapist, Author, Teacher, and Jyotish Astrologer.
Swami Shankardev is a modern mystic with one foot rooted in the sacred soil of ancient yogic and tantric traditions and the other stepping boldly into digital space.
He has the soul of a sage, the heart of a healer, and the mind of a strategist. Whether dissecting Jungian archetypes, crafting meditation bundles, guiding seekers toward wholeness, or sharpening his brand message with laser precision — he does it all with clarity, depth, and a fierce love for truth.
Swami Shankardev is deeply devoted to his spiritual mission, his partner Jayne Stevenson, his patients and students, and his legacy. Together with Jayne, he is building something that bridges inner awakening and outer transformation. Big Shakti isn’t a brand; it’s dharma in motion.
Swami Shankardev is here to awaken, guide, and serve — and he is doing it with power and grace.
Accreditations
Big Shakti’s courses are recognized by the Yoga Alliance (USA) as Continuing Education (contact hours), Yoga Australia, Satyananda Yoga Academy, and SYTA (Satyananda Yoga Teachers Association) for Continuing Professional Development.
I believe in health education as a means to empower people to take more conscious control of their lives.
Journey
After attaining his medical degree in 1976, he traveled to India to study at the Bihar School of Yoga, where he remained for ten 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, where he completed a Master of Science degree in 1990.
Over the last 40 years, he has traveled widely to many countries, learning and teaching esoteric Eastern traditions. He has been privileged to meet and study with many wonderful gurus, teachers, and mentors, which has resulted in a wide range of inner and outer experiences and many amazing synchronicities.
These experiences convinced him of the validity of yoga and meditation as incredibly potent ways to rejuvenate ourselves, uplift our minds and hearts, and awaken greater insight into the nature of life and our world.
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
Featured Speaking Engagements
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
Speaker
Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati offers a unique blend of authoritative knowledge and accessible warmth, seamlessly integrating Western medical science with Eastern holistic practices.
His presentations draw upon his extensive background in yoga, psychotherapy, and Jyotish astrology, making them deeply informative and transformative, aimed at fostering greater self-awareness, resilience, and spiritual growth.
Workshop topics
- Yoga of Mental Health
- Yoga Psychology
- Yoga Psychotherapy – the application of yoga psychology
- The Chakras –gateways into the psycho-spiritual dimensions of being
- Meditation – Theory and Practice
- Healing the Mind (the application of Ajapa Japa to heal, strengthen and enlighten the mind)
- Core Strength, Calm Mind – How to face life with grounding, resilience and higher awareness
- Prāna and Prānic Healing
- Ayurveda – Self-healing and self-empowerment
Yoga Psychotherapy Practice
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).
Consultations are available face-to-face, online, and via telephone.
Medical Practice
Swami Shankardev combines Western mind-body medicine, including medicine, herbs, and supplements, with the profound wisdom of Eastern systems of healing and self-development, offering a unique and practical approach.
He empowers patients to develop a robust and 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, giving them a sense of control and empowerment.
His medical and yoga psychotherapy practice supports people in journeying back to the Self, forming a stable center from which to observe their mind and better meet life's challenges. Eastern philosophy systems, such as yoga-tantra and Jungian depth psychology, inform this journey.
Enquiries
Enquiries
For more information about consultations, trainings, or to request a live workshop, seminar, or keynote speaking engagement with Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati, please contact us.
For more information about consultations, trainings, or to request a live workshop, seminar, or keynote speaking engagement with Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati, please contact us.