Emma Balnaves - Naths of Nepal & Components of Complete Yoga Practice

Feb 24, 2025

Emma Balnaves, a respected Hatha Yoga teacher since 1995, shares her deep insights into the world of yoga, enriched by her experiences with Nath yogis in Nepal. She discusses Nepal's pivotal role in Hatha yoga's evolution, focusing on its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The concept of Nrita, or 'pure dance,' is explored as a powerful tool for spiritual connection and personal transformation. Emma also emphasizes the importance of grounding practices like body rubdowns and self-massage in enhancing the overall yoga experience.

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INSIGHT

Nepal's Yoga Influence

Nepal significantly influenced Hatha Yoga, originating from the Pashupata lineage.
Goraknath, a disciple of Matsendranath, spread Hatha Yoga to all, regardless of caste or gender.

ANECDOTE

Wandering Yogi

Shiva Puri Baba, a Hatha yogi from Kerala, wandered the world sharing his wisdom.
He lived in Nepal's forests until his death at 137, never establishing an ashram.

INSIGHT

Nrtta and Transformation

Nrtta, or pure dance, uses rhythm and karana to shift mindsets and remove impurities.
Shiva's dance of 108 karanas, depicted at Chidambaram Temple, transforms and connects one to their individual soul.

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Emma Balnaves is an internationally respected teacher of the traditional forms and philosophies of Hatha Yoga. She has been teaching yoga since 1995.

Emma was introduced to yoga in her early teens when she became intrigued by the mystery of the practices and the feelings they evoked inside her. After studying visual communication, majoring in photography at university, and working in the creative arts in Sydney, New York, and London, Emma committed herself to a life of teaching yoga. Her early training began with a three-year apprenticeship at the Hatha Yoga Shala in Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia.

After decades of in-depth study and research in yoga, Ayurveda, and other internal arts, Emma began incorporating the full spectrum of the yogic process in her teaching.

In 2019 she completed her first film Agniyogana, which she was inspired to create as a way to share the essence of these teachings and bring a better understanding of all aspects of the practice.

IN THIS EPISODE:

— Emma sheds light on Nepal’s influence and contribution to yoga, particularly with respect the Hatha Yoga

— The teachings of Nrtta (“pure dance) and how it has informed the teachings of Shadow Yoga

— Explore nrtta, karana, and the forms relating to Lord Shiva that have arisen through and are associated with Chidambaram Temple in Southern India

— Teachings of the charana-s

— Emma’s suggestions and wisdom around the essential components that comprise complete practice and sadhana

WEBSITE: https://shadowyoga.com/about

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shadow_yoga/ & https://www.instagram.com/agniyoganafilm/

RESOURCES: https://shadowyoga.com/resources

ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com//

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/