The Wisdom of Yoga: Philosophy, Mantras & Music

The Wisdom of Yoga: Philosophy, Mantras & Music is a two-hour afternoon of yoga philosophy, open conversation and mantra chanting with live music, held at Sylw Studio in Prestatyn, North Wales. It is led by Yogi Madhav and Rhiannon, and it is open to everyone, whether you are new to yoga or have practised for years.

Most of us meet yoga as a set of postures. The tradition behind them is far older and wider: a way of understanding the mind, ourselves and the people around us. This gathering explores that side of yoga together, with a little teaching, plenty of conversation and an hour of chanting.

What to Expect

The session runs from 4pm to 6pm. It begins with the ideas underneath the practice: what yoga is actually for, how the classical texts describe the mind, and what self-awareness and inner steadiness look like in daily life. There is no fixed agenda. Bring your questions, simple or philosophical, along with your own experience, and the conversation goes where the room takes it.

The second part turns to sound. Together the group chants traditional mantras, among them Om, Om Namah Shivaya and the Gayatri Mantra, accompanied by guitar and traditional Indian instruments. You can sing along, listen quietly or simply sit with it.

Across the afternoon you can expect:

- An introduction to the philosophy behind yoga
- Open conversation and questions about yoga and everyday life
- Insights from the classical yogic texts
- Group mantra chanting with live music
- Time to meet others who share an interest in yoga

About Yogi Madhav

Yogi Madhav teaches traditional yoga as it is still taught in India: simply, calmly and with precise, clear instruction. Raised in a traditional Indian family, he has practised yoga since childhood, for more than twenty years. He is now based in the UK, where he leads the trainings, workshops and retreats of Avana Yoga.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Sanskrit and Hindi and a Master's degree in Yoga and Meditation, and has studied the Vedas, classical Indian philosophy, Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Pranic Healing. He has more than 500 hours of professional training, is a certified Science of Living coach, and won the Himalaya Yoga Olympiad in 2008. Since 2012 he has taught in yoga schools, ashrams, universities, institutes and NGOs, guiding thousands of international students through 200-hour and 300-hour teacher trainings.

Before You Go

No experience is needed. You do not need to know any mantras or have any singing experience, and beginners sit alongside long-time practitioners. Come with whatever questions you have about yoga and daily life, and expect an unhurried, conversational afternoon rather than a posture class.