Teachers
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Classes are taught by Robert and Mandy, centre directors and founders of the Hatha Yoga Method (HYM). They have decades experience as yoga practitioners and teachers, and teach and share heart centred, practical and uplifting classes of yoga and meditation.
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Biographies
about Robert's classes |
Robert BeckerRobert spent many years practising yoga intensively living in ashrams and travelling in India before settling into family life.
In the 1990s Robert built the Kookbaurra Creek Yoga Centre in honour of his Guru which he co-directs with Mandy, with whom he shares the spiritual journey. The centre has been blessed by some great souls (Mahatmas) over fifteen years. Sri Swami Ramakrishna of the Amritanandamayi Mission has visited a number of times, Sri Somanatha Maharishi of Hyderabad introduced the centre to Mano Yoga. More recently Sri Swami Satyanarayana Chillapa initiated Robert as a preceptor in the path of Pranahuti meditation which is now practiced daily and with a group of devotees on a weekly basis. Robert has been practising and teaching yoga for over 36 years in South Africa, Mauritius, India and Australia. Robert was initiated into yoga and meditation at the age of 20 by his Diksha Guru HH Sri Swami Venkatesanandaji Maharaj of the Sivananda tradition, Rishikesh and was given the spiritual name Narayan. Robert teaches a dynamic style of Integral Hatha Yoga based on the tradition of Patanjali's Raja Yoga. Asanas and Pranayama are used to guide aspirants seeking a deeper experience of meditation. Robert has a Masters degree in Psychiatric Social Work and is a skillful life coach and group facilitator. He works professionally in the field and strives to integrate a working life in the world with a love of yoga and meditation and the responsibilities of being a householder, husband and father. This is the challenge many face today, spiritualising day to day life. |
about Mandy's classes |
Mandy BeckerKnoxMandy has been studying and practicing yoga since 1990 when she was twenty years old in both India and Australia. She has taught yoga for over twenty years in Perth, India, and on international retreats.
Over this time she has had the great privilege of travelling to India many times for extended periods studying directly with teachers and masters of yoga including current mentors AG and Indra Mohan of the Svastha Yoga and Ayurveda Academy, Chennai, and teachers within the Sivananda (Divine Life Society) tradition. Mandy has been a resident in the ashrams and spiritual centres in India, and these experiences have helped shape her spiritually focussed approach to yoga. Mandy has also studied towards a diploma in Ayurveda at the Australian Institute of Holistic Medicine. She is certified in Hatha Yoga (by Svastha Yoga & Ayurveda) and Yin Yoga (Jo Phee). Mandy is currently advancing her knowledge through her continuing studies with AG Mohan and Indra Mohan. Mandy considers being still in nature to be the greatest of all spiritual teachers. Mandy’s yoga journey has been an integration of these teachings over time and deep personal experience. Her teaching style is practical, relevant and spiritual - with an emphasis on a safe and meaningful practice which leads students towards health of the body and peace of mind. Mandy has developed comprehensive courses, programs and manuals for all levels of students and is particularly focussed on absolute beginners - ensuring people new to yoga receive a comprehensive introduction to the often misrepresented teachings of traditional yoga. Mandy focuses on teaching and sharing yoga as a holistic and comprehensive model of self care and self development. There is a strong focus on yogic diet and lifestyle in retreats and courses. Professionally, Mandy has a BA in English, is a qualified graphic designer and continues to work as a consultant editor, designer and publishing specialist after a recent career as Chief Executive Officer of a not-for-profit health organisation. She is an inspiring leader and brings together her creativity, love of organising, and passion for yoga to create and deliver Kookaburra's yoga and retreat program. Mandy’s personal practice and the integration of the wisdom teachings of yoga inform every aspect of her life, and have been a guiding influence through the challenges and joys of raising a family and professional life. |
