The Yoga Centre East Redfern - An Iyengar Institute

The Yoga Centre East Redfern - An Iyengar Institute is a renowned sports club located in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1984 by Caroline Coggins, this institute aims to provide a space for learning, practise, retreats, and contemplative prayer. Situated beside giant granite rocks on the side of Yarrahapinni mountain on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, the Yoga Centre offers a simple and beautiful environment for individuals to engage in yoga.

As a school of learning, the Yoga Centre extends beyond its physical space and into the realm of online teaching, retreats, and intensives. It holds a special place in the hearts of those who train to become yoga teachers or train others and those who walk the yoga path together. The ancient granite rocks surrounding the centre, which were formed over 300 million years ago under immense pressure, serve as a reminder of the larger context of time and the continuous evolution of life. This knowledge inspires and challenges individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation through the study of yoga.

The Yoga Centre's evolution began with the visit of BKS Iyengar, a renowned yoga teacher, to Australia in the 1980s. His teachings ignited a fire within the hearts of practitioners and created a pathway for learning and personal growth. To further deepen their understanding, the Yoga Centre founder, Caroline Coggins, travelled to India to study with the Iyengar family for over thirty-five years. This commitment to practise and study laid the foundation for the centre's growth and involvement in the wider yoga community, including the training and certification of teachers.

The Yoga Centre offers a range of classes, including starting out classes, experienced practise classes, a Saturday taught class, and a regular Sunday yoga as philosophy class. Currently, all classes are held online. In addition to regular classes, the centre also organises retreats in locations such as Lennox Head, Yarrahapinni, and Bali (when possible). Bookings are currently open for the upcoming Nambucca retreat in February.

For those who prefer practising at their own pace, the Yoga Centre provides access to a library of videos. These videos can be rented or purchased, allowing individuals to practise in their own time or follow the days of an intensive.

The Yoga Centre believes that yoga is a lifelong practise that involves the body, mind, and heart. It is a path of continuous growth and self-discovery. Whether one is just starting out or has years of experience, the yoga journey never ends. It offers a new level of freedom, and with that freedom, individuals may choose to teach or seek deeper understanding through the mentoring programme.

Yoga is a collaborative effort between teacher and student, body and mind, and encompasses a wider community that supports one another.

The Yoga Centre offers a teacher training programme that goes beyond simply learning how to teach. It is a holistic approach to becoming a yogi, involving personal practise and self-work. Participants become familiar with the Iyengar methodology and gain a deep understanding of the art and science of yoga.

Joining the Yoga Centre means becoming part of a dedicated community focused on personal growth, physical well-being, and inner tranquilly. It is an opportunity to unravel the aches and pains of both body and heart, find joy, understanding, and a quieter heart. The centre encourages individuals to read widely, look closely, and embrace the path of yoga with an open heart.