Choose a Plan that Works for You
Join us month by month on the ashram and choose the virtual plan which suits your life, level of interest and schedule.
Sunflower
$25/mo
Limited Access to The Sundaram Ashram Virtual Library
+ 1 Foundations in Self Knowledge Course Replay
+ Yoga Class Replays
+ Upasana Replays
+ Ishta Mala Sequence Replays
Lotus
$49/mo
+ Weekly LIVE online classes with Rachel and John via ZOOM (includes all classes listed on the Ashram)
+ Community Slack Channel with access to Rachel and John for support and questions
+ Unlimited access to The Sundaram Ashram Virtual Library including:
+ Foundations in Self Knowledge Course Replays
+ Yoga Class Replays
+ Upasana Replays
+ Ishta Mala Sequence Replays
+ Advanced Pranayama Replays
+ Monthly Mantra, Mudra, Meditation Intention Setting Practice Replays
+ Q and A Replays
+ Kirtan and Special Events Replays
WHAT YOU WILL SEE INSIDE THE VIRTUAL LIBRARY
Sundaram Ashram Library
Kick back and enjoy your unlimited access to all our courses and classes.
Weekly replay content will be uploaded here.
Yoga Classes with Rachel
This is where you will find all my yoga classes in one place.
Self Knowledge foundation course replays
This is where you will find all of replays for John’s current and previous foundation courses
4 Elements Yoga Series with Rachel
Enjoy an 8 class yoga series with Rachel on the 4 elements.
Advanced Pranayama
This is where you will find all the replays for Johns Monthly Advanced Pranayama classes during our 6 months together.
Lectures on the Chakras and the Gunas with Rachel
Join Rachel for these recorded talks about the Chakras and the Gunas during the Ishta System Teacher Training in 2016
Ishta Mala Replays
This is where you will find all the replays for our signture Ishta Mala Sequence with Rachel and John teaching.
Upasana meditation with John
This is where you will find all of the Upasana meditations.
Self Knowledge advanced course replays
This is where you will find the replays for all our self knowledge courses for advanced students
Monthly Mantra, Mudra and Meditation replays
This where you will find the replays for our monthly intention setting classes with Rachel
Q and A
This is where you will find all the replays for our Question and Answer sessions with John and Rachel during our 6 months together
Special Course and Events Replays
Check out special courses, interviews and guest events and more here. Learn about the Sutras and create a gratitude yantra.
Kirtan Replays
This is where you will find all the replays for our Kirtans with Rachel and John. No yoga experience is required to join us and sing in community
OUR OFFERINGS
Weekly livestream classes
All level Yoga with Rachel
Practice grounding and energising yoga postures, breathing and meditation to calm the nervous system and enliven the body. No matter what your level of experience you will feel nourished and supported in this class
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Weekly Yoga with Rachel
Classes are on Tuesdays at 8 am SAST and Wednesdays 5 pm SAST starting October 26, 2021. Go here to convert to your time zone.
You can drop in on a donation basis or have unlimited access to classes and replays by joining our membership program
Drop in Class
Join our membership program
Upasana with John
Learn the Upasana meditation technique, a practical daily meditation. Bringing in abstract concepts such as space and silence, John shows us how we experience Self wherever we are.
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Weekly Upasana Meditation with John
Classes are on Tuesdays at 5 pm SAST and Thursdays 8 am SAST and Sundays 8.30 am SAST starting October 26, 2021 Go here to convert to your time zone.
You can drop in on a donation basis or have unlimited access to classes and replays by joining our membership program
Drop in Class
Join our membership program
Foundations in Self Knowledge
Prepare to have your mind blown! In this dynamic series of lectures, John takes us on a journey of revelation and understanding to the pure Self. Building on knowledge revealed in each previous session, through depersonalisation, false notions of Self are let go, to reveal the timeless understanding of who we are and beauty of life’s original purpose.
Find Out More
Our next course beginning October 24 runs over 8-14 weeks on Sundays at 9 am SAST and at 4 pm SAST for USA students. Go here to convert to your time zone.
As each of us is different, so each course varies according to its participants, who are encouraged to communicate their process with the teacher privately through homework tasks. Culminating in a final interactive session of dedicated Q&A where students can clarify any questions they may still have.
Please note: Experience has shown, those who are present for all the ‘live’ classes and engage via the homework tasks and commit to participating until the end of the course, benefit the most from the lectures. Recordings are intended only as a way to review the class and not as a suitable substitute.
Book an individual course
Join our membership program
Advanced Self Knowledge course
Following on from our foundations course John takes a specific text and deconstructs it to reveal the ultimate reveller, Your Self. This class is a weekly commitment over a period of 6 months. Sessions will be recorded. However to gain the most out of the course live attendance is preferred.
Find Out More
The course runs over an extended period beyond the 3 month membership and is for serious commited students who have completed at least one foundations in Self Knowledge course.
Saturdays at 8.30 am SAST and at 4 pm SAST for USA students. Go here to convert to your time zone.
As each of us is different, so each course varies according to its participants, who are encouraged to communicate their process with the teacher privately through homework tasks. Culminating in a final interactive session of dedicated Q&A where students can clarify any questions they may still have.
Please note: Experience has shown, those who are present for all the ‘live’ classes and engage via the homework tasks and commit to participating until the end of the course, benefit the most from the lectures. Recordings are intended only as a way to review the class and not as a suitable substitute.
This course is for members only
Join our membership program
Ongoing livestream classes
Meditation, Mudra and Mantra practice with Rachel
Learn traditional mudras and mantras accompanied by concentration practices to sooth the mind and emotions. Set an intention for the month and gain inspiration for your home practice.
Please note: There will be no physical postures in these classes.
Anybody at any level of experience can join
Find Out More
Monthly mudra, mantra and meditation class held on November 1, December 6, 2021, January 3, 2022
Mondays 8.00-9.00 am SAST
Mondays 5.00-6.00 pm SAST
Go here to convert to your time zone.
Once you have registered you will have access to a calendar which lists the dates for this event in each month with the ZOOM link
These special intention setting classes are for members only. Join our membership program
Advanced Pranayama with John
Calling all experienced yogis who want to learn Siddha meditation and develop their breathing expertise. These classes are designed to fuel your personal practice. We meet weekly to check in and advance the practice based on your own capabilities and skills and dedication.
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This weekly class with John is for serious students with a foundation in pranayama who are ready to expand their practice to reach the next level.
John will teach a guided practice with the responsibility on the student to practice at home until the next weekly meet up.
Classes are held every week excluding November 1, December 6, 2021, January 3 2021
Mondays 8.00-9.am SAST
If we have enough interest from students from the USA we will offer a morning session in your time zone TBA
Go here to convert to your time zone.
Once you have registered you will have access to a calendar which lists the dates for this event in each month with the ZOOM link
These classes are for members only
Join our membership program
Q&A with Rachel and John
Join us for a monthly discussion around Yoga, Self Knowledge and the practices we are exploring together. These sessions will come at the end of each month.
Find Out More
This is your opportunity to sit in Satsang ( meeting in truth) and ask Rachel and John questions about your personal yoga practice, Self Knowledge, Ayurveda, Pranayama or anything else that comes up as you deepen your practice.
The Q and A works best when members send their questions in advance and a monthly reminder email will go out to source your questions
Classes are held on November 12, December 10, 2021, January 14, 2022
Fridays 8.30- 9.30 am SAST
Fridays 5.00-6.00 pm SAST. Go here to convert to your time zone.
Once you have registered you will have access to a calendar which lists the dates for this event in each month with the ZOOM link
Q and A is for members only
Join our membership program
Group Mentoring with Rachel
Join Rachel for a monthly group mentoring session to deepen your skills as a teacher. We’ll discuss topics related to sequencing, adjusting, yoga for special populations, marketing and more.
Find Out More
This is your opportunity to ask Rachel anything about teaching yoga as well as brainstorming with a group of teachers. To find out more about what we will be exploring in these sessions. Visit Mentor with Rachel
Classes are held every 3rd Wednesday and Friday of the month, starting Nov 17, 2021
Wednesdays 8.30- 9.30 am SAST
Fridays 4.00-5.00 pm SAST. Go here to convert to your time zone.
Once you have registered you will have access to a calendar which lists the dates for this event in each month with the ZOOM link
Q and A is for members only
Join our membership program
On demand classes
4 Elements Virtual Yoga Course with Rachel
Join Rachel for an 8 class series exploring the 4 Elements of Earth, Water, Fire and Air. Learn in your own time at your convenience. These classes are for all levels
Find Out More
In this easily accessible series you can practice in your own time and at your own pace
Once you have registered as a member you will have access to a course library with a direct link to the course page.
If you’d like to purchase the course as a stand alone product go here
Self Knowledge Foundation Course with John
These are replays of recorded classes of the Foundations in Self knowledge course. Learn in your own time at your own pace.
Find Out More
Join John in a recorded version of the foundations in Self Knowledge course from our virtual ashram library.
If you choose to learn along with us in this format we highly recommend you watch the classes in order, send in your notes to John which comprise your understanding of the subject matter from each session and watch our LIVE Q and A session replays once a month or if your membership tier allows join us LIVE.
Once you have registered as a member you will have access to the course library with a direct link to the course page.
If you’d like to purchase the course as a stand alone product go here
On demand workshops and previous events with Rachel and John
Receive unlimited access to ongoing classes with Rachel and John. All classes will be stored in our virtual ashram library for you to access any time.
Find Out More
Can’t make it to a class LIVE but keen to catch the replay. All our classes for each month will be stored on our virtual ashram library page.
Lotus and Lily members have unlimited access
Sunflower members have unlimited access to yoga class replays, selected Upasana replays plus 1 foundations in Self Knowledge course.
Free Classes for Everyone
Ishta Mala Sequence
Ishta Mala- a practice for life! A set sequence of poses designed to balance the doshas and prepare the body to be able to sit comfortably for the pranayama practices. Everyone is welcome to join.
Find Out More
Our First Ishta Mala class is October 22, 2021 and happens every 4th Friday at 8 am SAST Go here to convert to your time zone.
Everyone is welcome. There is no fee for this class and a link to the is posted here and on the course info page.
Access to our Monthly Ishta Mala Class at 9 am SAST
Kirtan
Chanting and singing the names of the divine is a wonderful way to let go, feel, express our devotion and join in community. All are welcome in this beautiful Bhakti practice. No singing experience required.
Find Out More
There is one Kirtan sessions during our 6 months together.
December 31, 2021
Friday at 10.30 am SAST
Go here to convert to your time zone.
Everyone is welcome. There is no fee for this class and a link to the kirtan will be posted here and on the course info page.
Access to our Kirtan at 10.30 am SAST
FAQ
WHEN ARE THE CLASSES?
Our classes are scheduled each day of the week and designed to suit people in all time zones. Some classes will only happen once a month. Check out our sample calendar to see our weekly schedule. If you cannot attend the classes LIVE there will be a replays available in our virtual ashram library
MORE INFO ABOUT EACH COURSE
We have extensive descriptions of each course on our course info page. You can also register there for individual courses
I WANT TO JOIN SOME CLASSES BUT NOT READY TO BE A MEMBER
You are welcome to book in for individual courses and classes.
Asana classes require a 4 class commitment, while our foundation course in Self Knowledge is an 8 week commitment.
You can sign up for indivdual courses via our course information page.
Please note: Some of our monthly events are for members only.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE CLASSES?
Membership entitles you to unlimited access to the course for the duration of your membership. If you are purchasing courses individually you will be able to purchase the replays on completion of the course for a small fee.
WHAT IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY MEMBERSHIP?
Membership to our online ashram is a 6 month non-refundable commitment.
If you are unsure about making a long term commitment you can choose to pay month by month.
You can cancel your month by month membership at any time however you will not be refunded for the month you have participated in and paid for.
If for some reason you have an unforeseen health issue or financial issue that prevents you from attending the 6 month membership. We may at our discretion refund some of your payment. Please get in touch with us to discuss your circumstances.
WHAT IF I WANT TO JOIN BUT CAN'T AFFORD IT
We want everyone to have access to these life changing teachings! For that reason we have a pay what you can afford option.
Please get in touch with us to discuss your circumstances or just go ahead and join
Why Choose Us
We have a combined knowledge of yoga of over 80 years
When John and Rachel met in 2005 they lived over 10,000 km’s away. Unsure they would ever physically meet both had been practicing yoga since their teens and both had a passion for sharing the depth of yoga with their students.
In 2011 after finally meeting in India they taught their first retreat together combining Yoga and Self Knowledge. They have been travelling and teaching together ever since.
Why is Self Knowledge a teaching like no other?
Light on Self -Who Are We Really?
There is nothing else like the human being. Because no other teaching points out our true immortal nature and reveals man’s eternal destination, seen as sacred, the teachings of Self-knowledge, ATMA VIDYA have always survived.
When the teaching threatened to disappear 2500 years ago, to prevent it from going extinct, India’s great sage and philosopher Adi Shankara (509–477 BCE) dedicated his life to its revival.
For everything else there is a choice and destination. But for happiness that is eternal, there is no choice. Being yourself there is no distance and no destination!
While most religious and spiritual traditions talk of an ultimate solution for humanity, an absolute destination yet to be reached, the teachings of vedanta/upanishads tear this idea apart.
Declaring that the goal is already permanently reached, and man’s eternal destination is already won just by being born human.
“That already all ‘the sons and daughters of immortality’ our immortality is pre-ordained by birth,”
Self-knowledge proclaims that being absolute by nature, no human being can ever escape being eternal. Truth being universal and eternal means, no one can ever get lost or left behind.
We just don’t know it.
Having stood the test of time, especially in times of deep upheaval and transition, in man’s darkest hour, Self-knowledge like the sun removes the burden of doubt and takes away the darkness of human suffering.
Revelling in and revealing the secret of being human, shining a huge spotlight on man’s eternal destination, Self being absolute, means once known, the search is over and nothing the universe can do can ever disturb your peace or take it away.
Having no equivalent and there being no better, more eloquent or intelligent solution, countless generations have benefited and been uplifted by it’s timeless wisdom.
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