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The organisation
The community
The teacher

The organisation

YogaLiving was established by Derek Thorne in 2001.  Its aim is to make accessible and available the teachings of Atma Vichara as outlined by Sri Ramana Maharshi and to provide fellowship and support to those drawn to the practice.  YogaLiving is continuously working to evolve this innovative model of a community ashram and to fully realise the ashram's aims.

The community

Members of the ashram manage themselves, accessing the opportunities for teaching and support at their own discretion and pace, alongside offering friendship and making contact with others in a similar self managed way. There is no obligation; no set of rules, there is merely opportunity, dynamism and connection.

By both supporting and encouraging ordinary life in the ordinary world the ashram context is the breadth and richness of the ordinary day. This brings with it some difficulties and challenges but by taking this approach the everyday moment of work, family, environment and society is embraced and not denied. This is a very significant thing to do, it is the yoga of engagement and it strengthens the integrity and value of the practice.

Community members are all in it together and supportive of one another, either stepping back or diving further in as they determine, yet continuously connected by a common framework of mutual relationship, and dynamic guidance. The teaching is clear; opportunities to access it are clear, guidance on how to apply it is clear, the teacher is available and the support system is both reliable and in place. Its application and implementation however remains in the hands and minds of each individual. This is an essential and mature element of any authentic and real spiritual exploration.

The teacher

Derek Thorne is an exceptional and visionary teacher who has been following a deep spiritual calling since childhood. This has resulted in more than 40 years of dedicated exploration, encounter  and practice.

Following an incident in 1997, the profound influence of  Sri Ramana Maharshi and the living practice of Atma Vichara states itself as the dynamic power of his  teaching. YogaLiving  is dedicated to progressing the implementation of this practice into ordinary everyday life and making its teaching accessible and available, for those who choose to seek it.

Alongside his teaching and the work of the ashram Derek maintains an ordinary family and full time professional life. This footprint in the world is an important part of his contribution giving him a particular relevance for many yoga people who are themselves living and working in the busy world and fulfilling practical responsibilities.