Yoga Tantra Advanced Masterclass – Philosophy

I depend on Big Shakti ongoing to provide information enhanced by meditations to take us further into new realms of experience and knowledge. The Awaken Your Third Eye of Intuition program was an eye-opening experience for me (pun intended). Having studied and practiced a wide variety of classical yoga techniques for over 24 years, it was truly thrilling for me to advance my theoretical knowledge and yoga practice.

Meticulously presented material from yoga-tantra and new information and meditations to advance into intuitive thinking provided fresh insights, which improved my relationships and communication style. This course has been a wondrous expansion of knowledge and experience. I recommend it highly to students of all levels.

After practicing Awaken Your Third Eye Of Intuition techniques I feel powerful energy at my eyebrow center. I feel so connected and happy.  I don’t know how to express in words how thankful I am for these wonderful techniques that connected me to the universe. From early childhood, I have been a loner but from this study; I learned how the real secret of being with self is being with the universe. Thank you, Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati and Jayne Stevenson for giving me the techniques, knowledge, and mostly, this inner wisdom.

I learned so much about what intuition actually is from the 3rd eye course, and exactly how to activate it. No vague descriptions from Big Shakti. The bonus was seeing how I had previously allowed a sloppy meditation practice to creep in. Fixing that, and having the structure of the course has proven inspirational and effective.

The Awaken Your Third Eye Of Intuition study made the understanding of intuition concrete for me. I felt a big shift in my consciousness and development from a clear experience of intuition, not only during the program but afterward. It is a permanent shift for me. I feel grateful to study with Dr. Shankardev and Jayne Stevenson. Learning about higher consciousness with Big Shakti is grounding, enlightening, and profound.

Wonderful classes.

I feel blessed to have found authentic and deeply knowledgeable teachers and teachings. I felt supported; that you have a genuine interest in our welfare.

I love how you inspire us to apply the knowledge and experience of our inner world in the outer world. I now practice regularly, with deeper understanding, and greater personal stability.

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.

Everything was of the very best: the presentation, the didactics and methodology, the possibility to review classes and download the mediations, and the way you work together. All so very authentic.

As a Bihar School of Yoga teacher (25 years), I could refresh and build up on what I know and get valuable knowledge for my students. I appreciate your clear and pronunciation of mantras and language! Thankful for your service iin authentic knowledge!

We were all impacted by COVID and an extremely odd 2020, to say the least. But with support from these excellent teachers in this awesome community and tradition, I could make the most out of these difficulties and turn them into opportunities for growth.

In fact, this was one of my greatest years of practice (Sadhana wise) of practice, from the time I took up Yoga-Tantra long ago. I have polished my practice and my outlook.

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.

The Yoga Tantra Advanced Study provided me with the tools required to understand the question of ‘why?’ which is really important when delving deeper into meditation practice.

The expert design of scaffolded learning; building upon prior classes – leads to clear path of how theory is linked to practice. I look forward to continuing my studies with Big Shakti in 2021.

The program was fantastic and would recommend it to any spiritual aspirant. Swami Shankardev and Jayne are so inspiring with their deep knowledge and ability to convey the information so clearly. My awareness and knowledge deepened and the meditations really put things into perspective, especially given the challenges and anxieties of the current world upheaval.

I really loved these classes. Swami and Jayne are super down to earth and extremely knowledgeable. One of the best programs I have ever taken in yoga and meditation. My mind is much more focused and yet, simultaneously, more relaxed. Money so well spent.

Big Shakti’s study programs offer a multidimensional learning experience delivered with the highest standards. Dr Swami Shankardev and Jayne Stevenson are master educators and also exceptional communicators. They provide rich and authentic access to decades of knowledge and practical application. I am thankful to have my lifelong learning path facilitated by awakened albeit genuine and approachable facilitators!

My desire to inspire others through healing and personal growth is a passion that I didn’t fully acknowledge or respect. The very practical approach of the Find Life Purpose course has helped me work out what I need to do to fulfill my purpose and how to remain patient and peaceful as I work towards it.

This has truly been a life-changing and healing process for me. Sickness had forced me to sell my healing centre business. The Find Liife Purpose course brought me much-needed closure and guided me to get clarity around my Sankalpa (intention), which created calmness, direction, and new opportunities. I continue to use this beautiful tool to keep my life on track and on “Purpose”. Friends and family say this is the best they have seen me in years.

I’ve completed four courses with Big Shakti. I was drawn to them in the hope that they would take what I had learned in yoga over the years to a new level of refinement. And this is what they have done, though in a very down-to-earth way. Classes are easy to follow and relaxed. Jayne and Dr. Swami Shankardev are always unpretentious and friendly. They’ve added most generously to my knowledge and practice from their own deep storehouses of wisdom and experience.

Where I wanted a better grasp of the philosophies and theory underpinning my practice, they took the complex and difficult material and drew out the essence to make it accessible. Where I was looking for more powerful practices, they helped to ease me into them. That, in my view, is good teaching. 

In “Facing the Shadow”, by its nature, a personally challenging course, participants were supported and loved, and I for one was so much braver as a result.

Each time, I enjoyed the classes, found the Q&A sessions illuminating. The guided meditations have become a vital part of my daily life.

When I reached Lesson 8. of the Find Life Purpose course I found my resolve (sankalpa). I realized that I had so many directions and interests and that the thing holding me back was my manipura chakra, my lack of power.

I made my sankalpa; “I am becoming self-disciplined, confident, and courageous”. Soon after, I joined the local Labour Party and have since been appointed Vice President. This has given me a venue to express my creative ideas, one of which is to put a track out to the end of South East Cape of Tasmania, the most southern point of Australia.

My vision to help shape a future for this region has been well received and taken up by others. I have also moved towards developing a berry farm and enrolled in a berry production course, something I have toyed with doing for a very long time. In all aspects of my life, I feel the power to move forward… so THANK YOU!

During the 9-week Find Life Purpose course, I learned a great deal about myself and my life’s path. What kept surprising me was how my desires are ever-changing. I realized this in the deep meditation we practiced. In discovering how my desires show up according to the four aims and four stages of life, and through the chakras, I am now able to visualize what lies ahead, before it happens! With this understanding, I am learning how to choose which desires will benefit me in my life, and which ones will block me from moving towards my purpose.

I continue to use the course material ongoing as a tool and a guide on my life path. It is keeping me awake and conscious of where I’m heading and the choices I am making. The course resonates beyond the study and continues to bring me back to my Heart’s Desire each time I stray. I look forward to sharing some of the insights I’ve gained on my journey with my own yoga/meditation students so that they may awaken to their own consciousness.

Many thanks to you, Jayne, and Dr. Swami Shankardev for sharing this wonderfully insightful course with all those who seek to find their Heart’s Desire.

The relaxation meditation course gave me excellent skills to pinpoint and release stress from my body and mind, and superb coping strategies for high-stress situations. I loved the interactivity – creating/uploading my Sankalpa (resolve) and monitoring my stress (and relaxation) levels throughout the course. My growing awareness and ability to let go of stress at will is a godsend. Having direct contact with teachers, Dr Swami Shankardev and Jayne Stevenson throughout the course was a blessing.

The Healing the Mind Course through Big Shakti was incredible! Not only was it in-depth and detailed theoretically, but it gave me practical tools to deepen and extend my meditation practice. The information and techniques taught have really transformed both my meditation practice and my daily life. I’ve watched myself become clearer in my thinking and less reactive emotionally.  It has given me an easy to access tool to help with stressful moments in day-to-day life. I would highly recommend this course to anyone – whether they be a beginner or a practitioner with meditation experience.

The course was great! Many thanks for the very clever and effective use of technology and communication in teaching yoga and meditation.

Jayne Stevenson and Swami Shankardev have the unique ability to present and explain what can be complex esoteric topics in a simple ways that are relevant to everyday life. Their education programs are thoroughly transformative.

They have helped me to make sense of my life by awakening dormant skills and greater awareness of who I am and who I want to be. Their use of meditation and spiritual awareness techniques from both Eastern and Western systems is so effective that I have moved from a fragmented state, to a centred, focused state. This brings hope, trust and great purpose to my life.

I have participated in most of the online offerings by Big Shakti.  I feel blessed to receive continued guidance and support from both Dr Swami Shankardev and Jayne.  It has been over 12 years since I first met Swami Shankardev, and he has remained one of my primary teachers on the yogic path. He has an extraordinary ability to transmit deep spiritual truths in a gentle yet rigorous manner.  He combines wisdom and a profound knowledge of the “shastra” with a genuine desire to help and heal. The online programs are meticulously designed to promote inner strength, greater connection and deep, authentic knowledge.

I am deeply grateful to both Dr Swami Shankardev and Jayne Stevenson

The life purpose course gave me deeper insight into my most important desires. It shook me up about my relationship to my resolve, my sankalpa. When I studied the lesson on desires, something shifted in me forever more. The course created new inner tools and put Yoga Nidra into a whole new, more empowering context.

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.

Participating in your course was a great experience. The content was of the typically high quality that I’ve come to expect from Big Shakti. I was also really impressed with the delivery system. I dearly wish the Australian National University had shown the same level of sophistication with their learning systems when I studied there in recent years.

I believe what you are presenting is a very fascinating science that deserves full attention. I hope your courses are propagated and available to many people from many walks of life, and that they receive the noteworthy response they absolutely deserve!

Swami Shankardev radiates the light and knowledge of his lineage along with a great sense of humour and a certain simplicity and lightness of being. Not a small feat! Big Shakti is a valuable site for all aspiring to yoga, laymen and advanced practitioners alike. Thankyou for the great work!

Yoga is such an ancient practice, at times seemingly too complex to understand, let alone master, because of its depth and its roots in antiquity.  Yet, Big Shakti makes it so modern and available to all of us, regardless of whether one is a beginner or a teacher. Big Shakti takes yoga, with its many facets – philosophy, postures, breath, psychology, health and lifestyle, and puts it in a down-to-earth, user-friendly format.  As a counselor, I have really appreciated deepening my understanding of both yoga and Western psychology, and I have seen the value this brings that to my clients.  In addition, what makes Big Shakti really valuable is the integrity, sincerity, knowledge, skill and warmth of Swami Shankardev and Jayne Stevenson.  I can ask them anything and know I will get accuracy, experience, expert knowledge and wisdom. I have made a pledge to myself to attend every course Big Shakti offers.

I was very doubtful about doing meditation and yoga online when Big Shakti first offered their courses, but I since had to eat my words! Big Shakti is creating very important transformative work in times that demand this learning. Despite the concerns. I had about participating such learning online, Swami Shankardev and Jayne have managed to keep a great feeling of connection and intimacy with the group. I feel lucky to be able to hook into so much wisdom at home as I live a long way from the city. Thanks again for sharing the depth of knowledge and wisdom and I look forward to many more courses. Peace to you both.

I first met Dr. Swami Shankardev in the early 2000’s just at the beginning of my yoga teacher career. I was struck by his wealth of knowledge and his ability to translate it in a most relevant, down-to-earth manner. His breadth of knowledge is not only for teachers, but for anyone in search of greater self-awareness, and for ways to deepen their yoga and meditation practice, and enjoy life more. In recent years, I am impressed by how he, Jayne Stevenson, and their support team have created a learning platform that can create a similar environment for profound learning, online.

The courses do not only provide more knowledge for a teaching repertoire but offer practical tools for engaging in life with greater skill and happiness.  As Dr. Shankardev has said, “Yoga is the penetration of consciousness into your day-to-day life.” In my experience, the courses offered through Big Shakti are an effective, powerful, gratifying way to get there.

What I enjoy about Big Shakti online courses and meditations is their combination of wisdom and practice. They have helped to clarify my understanding of certain yogic terms in the light of modern Western psychology, and thus allowed my practice to become alive, useful and meaningful

As a teacher, I am better able to explain the science behind the techniques, which my very Western students appreciate. There is an urgent need for yogic mind management in today’s society. Once known these techniques can be practiced by everybody no matter what challenge they may be facing from depression to the constant mind chatter. Big Shakti’s courses offer a bridge that Westerners can cross trustingly.

Big Shakti has applied the ancient wisdom of Yoga in accessible practical ways for our current age.  It is freeing, yet challenging, and it’s evolving study. I have found myself more at peace, confident, grounded; improvement in relationships, and my smile is more regularly warm.  I am thankful to Jayne and Swami Shankardev for the courses they offer online and recommend this as a good means for learning and expanding one’s knowledge of self.

I highly recommend Big Shakti’s courses to anyone considering them. They are great value and easily accessible. The courses are in-depth, insightful and are delivered with an obvious care for participants and a passion to share their unique knowledge and experience. The materials provided with the courses such as meditations, activities and notes are an added bonus!

Big Shakti’s online courses are exceptional because of the wisdom they share, the teachers who teach it and the way the courses are presented. The credible Eastern and Western perspectives allow the topic to be understood more easily. The valuable homework reflections, teamed with thorough Q&A opportunities as well as specific breath work and meditation practices bring the knowledge into daily life. Access to technical and personal support throughout the study is priceless. All facets of the online learning are integrated to form an excellent resource, which provides an opportunity for change.

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.

After doing your online relaxation meditation course relaxation is becoming more natural in my daily activities such as riding my bike to work; sitting at my desk; in meetings; talking to colleagues; riding home in the rain. It’s great to have learned the importance of relaxation, as I had never experienced meditation from that perspective before. It was simply explained too! I love that!

I’m not brave enough to join a meditation class so Big Shakti’s online courses are an excellent option.

Thank you so much for your wonderful courses. As the carer of an autistic child, I face massive challenges 24/7/365! It has been difficult for me to connect with teachers. If I make it out the door at all some days it’s a miracle. I definitely think that your online courses have so much to offer the disabled and their carers (who are generally a stressed out and depressed bunch).

I really love the way you combine meditation, psychology and spiritual concepts in such a user-friendly, manageable format. I am calmer, less reactive, more creative and productive despite life constantly hurling bombs at me. I am grateful for your guidance. Not many Yoga teachers have the experience to guide me in this way. I feel connected and trusting of you because you have shown me how to trust and connect with myself in a most real and wonderful way.

Heartfelt gratitude to both of you, I have been longing for this deep connection to teachings that can only be transmitted by the Teacher. I understand that there are many subtle levels of communication you are conveying to us through your expertly crafted courses. The meditations are helping me stay centered and present. My sense of self-awareness is heightened and I am able to witness my thoughts, actions and emotions throughout the day.

I really appreciate the format of the Find Life Purpose course. It is easy to follow and I feel I can go at my own speed. This makes it possible for me to truly embody the principles I am learning. I have gained deep insight into what I really want and moved away from patterns that don’t serve me, I am much more aware of my own genuine truths. I will continue to use this course as a tool in my life. Thank you!

Big Shakti provides worldwide access to the kind of knowledge, which is historically only available in a personal relationship with a master teacher. The programs are deeply enriching, and the energy generated by going “live” with Dr Swami Shankardev Saraswati, Jayne Stevenson and an international group of seekers is amazing. At the same time, it always feels personal, and Big Shakti is quick to respond to any question or concern. The study programs have been of immense value in my practice.

Big Shakti’s online programs are planned with extreme care and knowledge and they are valuable tools for self-study. They are easy to follow, and they always make me feel as if the teacher is in my mind, knowing my needs, and what I want to explore. Either it is a meditation, a Yoga Nidra or a program about facing our shadow, or discovering our life’s purpose, their quality and power is unique.

My absolute trust for Big Shakti’s team, that derives from all the benefits I’ve enjoyed since I started practicing its beautiful methods. It is very comforting to have the possibility of choosing a grounding meditation when feeling agitated, or the facing the shadow meditation when having the need of looking deep in my soul. What I like most about Big Shakti’s work, 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.

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.