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.
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.
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
Published by the Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar, India:
Contributed to the book:
Edited the following books (Bihar School of Yoga):
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My absolute trust in Big Shakti’s team derives from all the benefits I’ve enjoyed since I started practicing their beautiful methods. What I like most is that they provide knowledge and experience in a structured way, with care, love, and, yes, empathy. It is like having a trusted friend that helps you when needed.
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The classes provided a unique, deep dive into esoteric Eastern and Western philosophies with accompanying practices for self-actualization.
The structured teaching on the workings of the mind gave me the tools to move beyond my personal limitations.
Highly recommended.
It’s an absolute pleasure to learn from experts who know their subject deeply and profoundly.
Even after studying yoga and meditation for over two decades, there is still so much more to discover with Big Shakti.
Very grateful for the teaching.
Excellent study to help build one’s yogic spiritual practices.
These classes are a great opportunity for both beginners and advanced students to really understand and experience the value of yoga-tantra and deepen meditation and ritual experience. They provide great inspiration for yoga teachers feeling a bit stuck in their creativity and purpose for teaching.
Big Shakti’s teachings communicate and flow with clarity and wisdom, and so often build bridges of insight into my life and inner world. Through the study of their education programs, deeper layers of understanding and joy have come into being in my life. This knowledge helps bring to life and living, the spirit of yoga and tantra.
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Big Shakti’s study programs provide a path to enlightenment and a practical yet highly spiritual means of attaining a more aware state wherever you are in your own development. Both Swami Shankardev and Jayne support your growth and learning in a safe, loving environment where questions are seen as part of the learning. The structure of the theory has given me the basis on which to build. It has helped me to understand so much about my life and the lives of those around me. I feel supported and held.
Dr. Swami Shankardev is both a dynamic Yogi and a brilliant intellectual who embodies a mix of health practitioner and psychotherapist, as well as a sense of humor, which is common only to stand-up artists and team coaches all blended into one; quite an authentic and modern Yogi indeed.
He gave a meticulous, yet informal speech and conveyed a unique sense of what the Yogic lifestyle is really all about with so much energy, enthusiasm, impeccable serenity, and laser-like attention. He dared people to give meditation a chance, at least a try! That was long ago and I have since practiced many of Big Shakti’s meditations and believe they are the most authentic meditations available today and are perfect for aspiring yoga practitioners.
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