Tara Yoga Centre

Yoga · London · Oxford · Manchester

Esoteric Integral Yoga

New Yoga courses begin in London on Tuesdays at 6:30pm with Atmananda & Bogdan, the week commencing Monday 21 September 2026. Be the first to know when they open by signing up to our newsletter.

What is Yoga?

More than just a normal yoga class, this course is a thorough and deep exploration of the roots of what Yoga truly is. It is an invitation to realise the true essence of who you are — the transformation that happens on discovering all the gifts and qualities that usually lie hidden beyond our awareness.

Yoga is a wealth of knowledge and techniques that can become a way of living — bringing harmony and peace on every level of your being: the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The course provides shifts in perspective on yourself and on the universe around you, inspiring you not only to discover but to live your highest potential.

The Yoga course teaches many things, such as:

  • How to direct your inner resources wisely and efficiently. A yogi is able to consciously choose which qualities to energise, such as mental focus, creativity or love, and to use them for achieving higher goals.
  • To ask the fundamental questions of life such as, ‘Where do I come from?’, ‘What is the purpose of my life?’ and, ‘Who am I?’, to gain a higher perspective on life, and to live with meaning.
  • To become aware of your true nature, and understand the lessons that life offers in every moment.
  • To nurture your own inner sanctuary that always remains, regardless of outer circumstances.
  • To discover the mechanisms behind all phenomena of the universe.
Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the Self.

This course is suitable for adults and teenagers over the age of 18.

Why ‘Esoteric’?

The word ‘esoteric’ comes from the Greek esoterikos, meaning ‘within’. It underlines the discovery of the inner reality and the contemplation of the true nature of the Self. The techniques offered point to a transformation from the inside, and to a direct, experiential way of knowing — while avoiding dogmatic explanations.

Why ‘Integral’?

‘Integral’ refers to two things. Firstly, the course is extremely comprehensive, including different forms of yoga such as Raja, Bhakti and Hatha yoga. Secondly, ‘integral’ refers to yoga as a tool for integrating all aspects of the being. At Tara we go in-depth into the authentic teachings of Yoga — both theory and practice.

What makes our Integral Esoteric Yoga course special?

In each class you will receive practical and esoteric knowledge and techniques that you can also practise at home. You will also receive handouts at the end of each class, so you are not limited to practising only in class. The course is structured so that each class builds upon the last, taking you gradually deeper into your practice with a strong foundational understanding.

Where possible, the teachings are explored from a scientific perspective. Research and findings from biology, psychology, neuroscience, physics and quantum physics are included as examples of scientific analysis of results in Yoga.

Rather than asking students to have blind faith in the teachings, we encourage everyone to practise with openness and attention, and see for themselves. Some effects are immediately obvious, while others take time. All the notions presented in the course can be verified through practice and your direct experience.

Tara is not affiliated with any religion. We focus on the underlying spiritual principles common to all traditions. Students who already have a faith often find that the tools and knowledge taught here help them go deeper into their own practice — whether you believe in ‘something’ or not.

With a deeper understanding of the way the universe works, we become aware of how we ourselves work as part of it, and how to live in harmony with its underlying principles.

When we are open to perceive, and take the time to become meditative in a yoga posture or technique, the effects can be felt far beyond the physical body — so that the emotions, thoughts and energies become harmonious.

Yoga is a system that takes all aspects of life into account, so the effects of the practice can be vast. With enthusiasm, openness and dedication, the transformations can be life-changing.

Who is it for?

People who want to overcome the challenges in their life in order to realise their full potential — and to learn the techniques revealed by ancient lineages, experiencing how they benefit every aspect of life.
People who are keen to put into practice what they learn. You will be fully guided in your practice, and by enthusiastically applying the teachings you can gain long-lasting, life-transforming effects.
People who wish to find their inner balance and peace to thrive in life — physical harmony, health and wellbeing, relief from stress, and more happiness and fulfilment.

What you will learn

  • Subtle anatomy and principles — mapping the human energetic system: the five bodies and chakra system.
  • Asanas, mudras and bandhas — Hatha Yoga practice; details about each asana including benefits, counter-indications and effects on subtle structures.
  • Purification techniques and diet — kriyas and other purification techniques; the benefits of vegetarian and vegan diets.
  • Yogic morality and ethics.
  • Meditation and mental hygiene — Laya Yoga, Shambavi Mudra, Yoga Nidra, overcoming obstacles in meditation.
  • More advanced asanas — Hatha Yoga practice with details on each technique.
  • Yoga philosophy — the Gunas and how to work with them.
  • Mahavidya yoga — introduction to Mahavidya yoga and the Great Cosmic Power Kali.
  • Pranayama — physical and subtle details about full yogic breathing.
  • Subtle colours — study of the subtle colours and how to work with them.

As the course continues you will explore the remaining Great Cosmic Powers, advanced yogic principles and techniques, ancient Tibetan initiations, Svara Yoga, Esoteric Astrology, Meridian Yoga and more.

A Tara yoga class

What a class looks like

  1. 1

    Introduction

    Settling in and opening the class.

  2. 2

    Theory

    A presentation on the week’s topic, followed by Q&A.

  3. 3

    Yoga practice

    Initial awareness and warm-up exercises, practice of asanas (yoga postures), the deep yogic relaxation, and music or mantra meditation.

  4. 4

    Q&A and homework

    Your chance to test out what you’ve learnt in class, and see the results in your life.

Forms of Yoga taught on the course

This course integrates many traditional forms of Yoga into a unique coherence. By studying techniques and principles from each path, we are equipped with a wide variety of tools and perspectives for every challenge and opportunity life brings.

Raja yoga

Raja yoga

Tantra yoga

Tantra yoga

Kundalini yoga

Kundalini yoga

Laya yoga

Laya yoga

Mantra yoga

Mantra yoga

Yantra yoga

Yantra yoga

Karma yoga

Karma yoga

Bhakti yoga

Bhakti yoga

Jnana yoga

Jnana yoga

Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga

Key information

Structured lessons with course notes given after each class.

Teachers with 7+ years of personal practice, available for questions and support.

Each year of study consists of 46 structured lessons.

Ongoing course — continue for as long as you choose.

What our students say

Here is evidence of a fast and efficient way to achieve spiritual growth… I kept feeling calm, energetic and in love for no reason. With the support of the teachings and the community at Tara I have no problems that cannot be solved, past, present or future.
VJRYoga Course Student
If you follow the course, you will transform your life like magic… this yoga class transformed my life: becoming, instead of thinking. I became the love I aspire to offer. I am so grateful for this course.
AlanAlanYoga Course Student
The Yoga Course taught at Tara is truly life transforming. It teaches asanas, meditation, purifying techniques, mudras and yogic principles, and really instils a sense of peace, calm and togetherness. I would highly recommend it.
CosminCosminYoga Course Student
The yoga course has opened my eyes to the vast mysteries and wonders of the universe — both within and without. In my heart I feel more love and compassion; in my mind, more lucidity and peace; in my body, more vitality and radiance.
RhiannonRhiannonMarketing Coordinator
Everything that happens in this school is like a wave that takes you ever closer to the goal of liberation. I’ve had experiences I didn’t know were humanly possible and reached a state of deeper fulfilment and connection to God.
FionaFionaYoga Course Student
What is unique about this course is that one learns not only how to perform a given posture, but also its effects on the physical and subtle structures of the being. At the end of each session I feel energised and in a sublime state — I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend the course.
SasanSasanSoftware Engineer

Your teachers

Edrisa Mayova

Edrisa began her spiritual journey in 2016, following an intuition that there is much more to life. After a year of intense daily practice, she felt a strong desire to help others discover their own spiritual revelations, organising spiritual theatre groups and women’s circles focused on awakening femininity and the art of initiatic dance. She is fascinated by the potential each of us holds within, and keen to help others find spiritual meaning in their life.

Sorin Negrea

Sorin is an enthusiastic yoga practitioner of over 30 years with teaching experience. He seeks to combine the teachings and practice of yoga with everyday life, believing that accumulated spiritual knowledge has no value if it is not reflected in real life — both his own and in sharing it with others who are open. He also explores ways to evolve through art and dance.

Join the course

This course is part of the Try Tara Pass — unlimited access to all our courses for four consecutive weeks. If you’d like to continue afterwards, the course is £60 per month.

Single Class

  • Pay just for one session to try it out
  • Can be used for any year 1 Yoga class (booking required)
  • Maximum of four single classes can be bought per person
Book a single class

Try Tara Pass

  • Unlimited access to all our courses for four consecutive weeks
  • Try out as many classes as you wish with no strings attached
  • Includes Tantra, Yoga, Kashmir Shaivism, Vira & Shakti groups
  • All membership benefits included for the four weeks
  • Newcomers only — can only be bought once
Get the Try Tara Pass

Monthly membership

  • Access to all year 1 Yoga classes
  • Members’ discounts and members-only events
  • Access to our spiritual library and book borrowing
  • Rolling contract that can be cancelled at any time
  • Access to Vira/Shakti group (at an additional cost)
Enquire about membership

Booking and payment are handled by bsport. Classes run in London, Oxford, Manchester and other locations — see all options on the Try Tara Pass page.