Vajrasati Yoga

With Rosie Waters

Rolled yoga mats, one purple and one gray, secured with black straps.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice that unites mind, body, and breath, bringing balance, flexibility, and strength to both body and mind. Rooted in Indian philosophy, yoga combines physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation techniques to foster inner peace and well-being.

While many people first come to yoga for its physical benefits, the practice offers so much more, guiding us towards mindfulness, self-awareness, and mental clarity. Whether seeking stress relief, improved fitness, or a deeper spiritual connection, yoga provides a holistic approach to health and wellness, accessible to all ages and levels.

What is Vajrasati Yoga?

Vajrasati Yoga is a gentle, traditional yoga – suitable for everyone including beginners.

The name Vajrasati combines two ancient words: Vajra, meaning "thunderbolt" or "diamond" (Sanskrit), and Sati, meaning "awareness" (Pali). Generally understood as “unobstructed awareness,” the name reflects the principles of classical Indian yoga and carries associations with ha and tha—sun and moon—symbolising unity in Hatha yoga.

Founded in 2000 by Jim Tarran, who draws from Hatha and Iyengar traditions as well as Buddhist philosophy, Vajrasati Yoga synthesises these influences to reveal the essence of yoga. It aims to unlock our potential by connecting to intuitive intelligence (Ishvara Pranidhana), using tools such as asana (postures), pranayama (breath control), mantra, and meditation in a safe, precise way.

Recognisable by its clarity, alignment, and down-to-earth teaching, Vajrasati Yoga often takes the form of a traditional yoga class focused on bodywork, yet it is rooted in deeper teachings from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Through practice, we explore values like ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), and svadhyaya (self-inquiry), encouraging students to foster a deeper connection with their practice. This approach cultivates trust, a sense of letting go, and ultimately, a deeper union within oneself.

The Vajrasati teacher training programme, led by Jim, brings together practitioners in a supportive network where shared learning is a core focus. In classes, whether dynamic or gentle, with props or without, the guiding intention is to bring each student closer to a state of absorption in the present moment.

While deeply mindful, Vajrasati classes are also enjoyable, incorporating humour and lightness. Sessions range from fluid and playful to strength-focused and meditative, with each class underpinned by a connection to the breath. This breath-centred approach fosters a release, helping students leave each session grounded, more at ease in their bodies, and present in the moment.

"Yoga does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees"

Silhouette of a person standing with arms raised on a beach at sunset.
Group of people doing yoga outdoors.
Group of women practicing yoga on a wooden deck, performing stretches against a wall with ropes.
People doing yoga on mats in a studio with wood flooring.
Group of people doing standing yoga poses indoors with yoga mats.