Essence of Enlightenment
US$97.00
Witnessing and Mindfulness
Live Online Classes: 4 x 75 minutes | Talks | Guided Meditations | CPD Points: 6 hrs
US$97.00
See schedule options in the right-hand column, then select EITHER schedule A OR B from the drop-down above the ADD TO CART button.
Classes conducted via Zoom. Recordings are available after each class via our course platform.
“When the mind is silent and peaceful it becomes very powerful. It can become a receptor of bliss and wisdom enabling life to become a spontaneous flow and expression of joy and harmony. However, this inner silence cannot arise while there is a continual stream of disturbing thoughts and emotions. All this inner noise of thoughts and emotions has to be removed before one can truly experience the soundless sound of inner silence.” — Swami Satyananda
“The secret to overcoming worry, rumination, anxiety, emotional trauma, and depression is to develop a strong conscious sense of self that can remain stable while observing the mind. You need to disentangle yourself from your mental contents so that you no longer identify with anxious thoughts and re-identify with yourself as a conscious witness, whose nature is peace, silence, and bliss.” Swami Shankardev Saraswati
The classes are a step-by-step integrated path to self-awareness, witness consciousness, and mindfulness. It provides you with the knowledge and techniques that promote spiritual growth, and psychological and emotional maturity.
Purpose of the classes
Benefits of the classes
- Build self-awareness and authentic mindfulness.
- Know what to do when unwanted thoughts and emotions arise.
- Liberate energy trapped in neurotic mental loops.
- Channel that energy towards important, creative desires.
- Discover inner silence, stillness, and joy–the essence of your true nature.
- Meditate in a formal practice at home, and to carry the meditative state into your daily life, even when facing challenges and obstacles.
Who are the classes for?
The classes are for beginners to advanced students and for those interested in yoga psychology and depth psychology, which aims to bring the ego into relationship with the self.
It is especially good for anyone who suffers from anxiety, mild to moderate depression, confusion, overthinking, and emotional issues.
Expert guidance and training
Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati and Jayne Stevenson provide expert, safe guidance to purify, balance, and illuminate your mind.
Dr. Swami Shankardev is a master of yoga and meditation (Yoga Acharya), a medical doctor, and a psychotherapist.
Jayne Stevenson is a dream worker and a highly gifted, intuitive, spiritual counselor, trained in Daoist and yogic meditation and philosophy.
Class Schedule A
Times indicated in Sydney timezone.
Class 1. 6.00 pm, Sunday 4th October
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Class 2. 6.00 pm, Sunday 11th October
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Class 3. 6.00 pm, Sunday 18th October
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Class 4. 6.00 pm, Sunday 25th October
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Class Schedule B
Times indicated in Sydney timezone.
Class 1. 9.30 am, Monday 5th October
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Class 2. 9.30 am, Monday 12th October
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Class 3. 9.30 am, Monday 19th October
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Class 4. 9.30 am, Monday 26th October
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Class Components
4 x 75-minute classes
Talk
Guided Meditation
Q&A (Satsang)
Recordings
Continuing Professional Development
Earns CPD 6 contact hrs with Yoga Alliance USA, Yoga Australia, & SYTA
Publisher Info
Title: Essence of Enlightenment
Authors: Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati & Jayne Stevenson
Publisher: Big Shakti
Media: Online Classes and Recordings
Testimonials
Yoga is such an ancient practice, at times seemingly too complex to understand, let alone master, because of its depth and its roots in antiquity. Yet, Big Shakti makes it so modern and available to all of us, regardless of whether one is a beginner or a teacher. Big Shakti takes yoga, with its many facets – philosophy, postures, breath, psychology, health and lifestyle, and puts it in a down-to-earth, user-friendly format. As a counselor, I have really appreciated deepening my understanding of both yoga and Western psychology, and I have seen the value this brings that to my clients. In addition, what makes Big Shakti really valuable is the integrity, sincerity, knowledge, skill and warmth of Swami Shankardev and Jayne Stevenson. I can ask them anything and know I will get accuracy, experience, expert knowledge and wisdom. I have made a pledge to myself to attend every course Big Shakti offers.

Big Shakti’s study programs provide a path to enlightenment and a practical yet highly spiritual means of attaining a more aware state, wherever you are in your own development. Both Swami Shankardev and Jayne support your growth and learning in a safe, loving environment where questions are seen as part of the learning. The structure of the theory has given me the basis on which to build. It has helped me to understand so much about my life and the lives of those around me. I feel supported and held.

Big Shakti’s online programs are planned with extreme care and knowledge and they are valuable tools for self-study. They are easy to follow, and they always make me feel as if the teacher is in my mind, knowing my needs, and what I want to explore. Either it is a meditation, a Yoga Nidra or a program about facing our shadow, or discovering our life’s purpose, their quality and power is unique.
My absolute trust for Big Shakti’s team, that derives from all the benefits I’ve enjoyed since I started practicing its beautiful methods. It is very comforting to have the possibility of choosing a grounding meditation when feeling agitated, or the facing the shadow meditation when having the need of looking deep in my soul. What I like most about Big Shakti’s work, is that they provide knowledge and experience in a structured way, with care, love and, yes, empathy. It is like having a trusted friend that helps you when needed.
