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The Bihar School of Yoga is a yoga institution established by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in Munger, Bihar, India, in the mid‑1960s. Conceived as both an ashram and an educational center, it was created to present yoga as a complete way of life rather than a set of isolated techniques. Rooted in the classical tradition and the Satyananda Yoga lineage, it integrates multiple streams of practice into a single, coherent path. In this sense, it stands as a bridge between traditional ashram culture and the needs of contemporary seekers.
At the heart of the institution is an integral approach that brings together Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga. These are not treated as separate disciplines but as complementary dimensions of one inner journey, addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual facets of the practitioner. Practices such as asana, pranayama, meditation, and Yoga Nidra are framed within a broader lifestyle of self-discipline, selfless service, and inner inquiry. The school thus encourages a transformation that touches daily conduct as much as formal practice.
The Bihar School of Yoga also functions as a center for systematic teaching and research in yoga. Its programs include comprehensive training courses, opportunities for traditional ashram living, and structured study for both renunciants and householders. A distinctive feature is the effort to relate yogic methods to modern understanding, using observation and research to explore their physiological and psychological effects. Through publications and educational activities, it seeks to articulate ancient wisdom in a form that is accessible yet faithful to its roots.
Over time, the institution has become a source of inspiration for many practitioners and teachers beyond its immediate location. Residential programs at the Munger ashram offer immersion in a yogic lifestyle under the guidance of those trained in the lineage of Swami Satyananda Saraswati. From this base, its teachings have influenced centers and practitioners in various parts of the world, while retaining the ethos of disciplined practice, service, and inner refinement. In this way, the Bihar School of Yoga embodies a living tradition that continues to shape the understanding and practice of yoga for many spiritual aspirants.