Yoga · London · Oxford · Plymouth
Esoteric Integral Yoga
Starts
New courses begin the week commencing Monday 21 September 2026.
When & where
London: Tuesdays. Oxford: Wednesdays. Both 6:30-8:30pm. Plymouth to be announced.
Price
Try four weeks of unlimited classes for £40 with the Try Tara Pass; from £55/month after.
The course
Weekly two-hour classes of theory and practice, 46 lessons a year, course notes to take home. Ongoing: continue for as long as you choose.
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, and 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.
Why ‘Integral Esoteric’ Yoga?
Esoteric
The word ‘esoteric’ comes from the Greek esoterikos, meaning ‘within’. Esotericism underlines the discovery of the inner reality and the contemplation of the true nature of the Self. The techniques offered in this course point to a transformation from the inside, which ultimately helps in living life from a spiritual perspective. The esoteric path points to the connection between all that exists, and to a direct and experiential way of knowing, while avoiding dogmatic or discursive explanations.
Integral
‘Integral’ refers to two things. Firstly, the course is extremely comprehensive, including different forms of yoga such as Raja, Bhakti and Hatha yoga, as each form is a vast source of wisdom from which we can grow. Secondly, ‘integral’ refers to yoga as a tool for integrating all aspects of the being. Yoga in the West usually focuses mostly on the physical body, but the full value of yoga is lost when it is reduced to only this. At Tara we go in-depth into the authentic teachings of Yoga, in both theory and practice.
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.”
What you will learn
Year 1
- Subtle anatomy and principles
- Mapping the human energetic system: the five bodies and the chakra system; the principles of Resonance and Polarity.
- Asanas, mudras and bandhas
- Hatha Yoga practice, with details about each asana and technique: health benefits, counter-indications and effects on the subtle structures.
- Purification techniques and diet
- Kriyas and other purification techniques; the benefits of vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Yogic morality and ethics
- The Yamas and Niyamas, and a healthy lifestyle.
- Meditation and mental hygiene
- Laya Yoga, Shambavi Mudra, Yoga Nidra, and overcoming obstacles in meditation.
Year 2
- More advanced asanas
- Hatha Yoga practice, with details about each technique: health benefits, counter-indications and effects on the subtle structures.
- Yoga philosophy
- The Gunas and how to work with them.
- Mahavidya yoga
- An introduction to Mahavidya yoga and the Great Cosmic Power Kali.
- Pranayama
- Prana, and the physical and subtle details of full yogic breathing.
- Purification techniques
- For both the physical body and the subtle structures.
- Subtle colours
- A study of the subtle colours and how to work with them.
Advanced levels
As the Integral Esoteric Yoga course continues, you will:
- Continue exploring Mahavidya yoga with the remaining Great Cosmic Powers
- Study yogic principles and laws, such as the law of suggestion, the laws of consciousness and the law of perfect realisation
- Learn many advanced techniques: the five volitive actions, the inner glance, advanced asanas and pranayama, methods for revealing past lives, astral projection, techniques to awaken clairvoyance and intuition, and bija mantras for the chakras
- Explore ancient initiations from the Tibetan traditions, such as Kalachakra, Phowa and the Five Dhyani Buddhas
- Take a deep dive into Svara Yoga: the unfolding of creation, the cyclic nature of life, and how to harmonise your life with those natural cycles
- Be given insights into Esoteric Astrology, through which we can understand the nature of the soul
- Learn Meridian Yoga, using asanas, acupressure points and other methods for wellbeing, healing and spiritual effects
- Study the Angelic hierarchies and techniques for healing, guidance and communion with angels
What a class looks like
- 1
Introduction
Settling in and opening the class.
- 2
Theory
A presentation on the week’s topic, followed by Q&A.
- 3
Yoga practice
Initial awareness and warm-up exercises, practice of asanas (yoga postures), the deep yogic relaxation, and music or mantra meditation.
- 4
Q&A and homework
Your chance to test out what you’ve learnt in class, and see the results in your life.
What makes this course special?
This course has one goal: your personal transformation through authentic Yoga.
Designed for long-term spiritual development
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.
Supported by science
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.
Learning through direct experience
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.
Practised by people of all beliefs and backgrounds
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.
In-depth study of universal laws and principles
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.
Emphasis on effects beyond the physical
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.
Continual and expansive transformation
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.
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Who is it for?
People interested in the deeper side of yoga
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.
Serious spiritual seekers
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 thrive in all aspects of life
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.
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.
Karma yoga
The yoga of action and service: fusing with the universal harmony through any action done selflessly, offering all that is done towards the highest.
Bhakti yoga
The yoga of boundless love and devotion. Opening the heart in states of adoration and reverence brings a direct, emotional experience of union.
Jnana yoga
The yoga of study and introspection: connecting with the elevated states of the sacred texts' authors, and examining one's own mind to discover the true centre of who we are.
Hatha yoga
Physical yoga practice: postures and breathing exercises to harmonise and amplify the masculine, solar 'Ha' and feminine, lunar 'Tha' energies of the being.
Raja yoga
The 'royal' yoga of the mind: amplifying mental powers such as concentration and control over mental agitation, finally bringing about a perfect meditation.
Tantra yoga
The yoga of ritual and the sanctifying of all actions: awakening energy (Shakti, or Kundalini) and using it as 'rocket fuel' for spiritual transformation, guided by an equally awakened awareness.
Kundalini yoga
The yoga of awakening, dynamising and controlled ascension of the fundamental cosmic energy, Kundalini Shakti.
Laya yoga
The yoga of merging with the Absolute through meditation with subtle sounds.
Mantra yoga
The yoga of resonating with different subtle energies of the Universe, using sacred words or incantations.
Yantra yoga
The yoga of fusion with the energies, or power spheres, of the Universe through specific geometric drawings.
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What our students say
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I was very fortunate to find the Tara Yoga Centre to start my yoga journey. My working life is so busy, I really look forward to the day of my class - it breaks up the routine and recharges my energy. The teachers are very devoted. I love being with my classmates - we are like a family. And especially my teacher who has devoted her life to yoga, I love her!!
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.
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.
AlanYoga Course StudentThe 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.
CosminYoga Course StudentThe 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.
RhiannonMarketing CoordinatorEverything 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.
FionaYoga Course StudentWhat 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.
SasanSoftware EngineerPractical details
London
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Starts 22 September 2026
with
Export House, 25-31 Ironmonger Row, EC1V 3QWOxford
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Starts 23 September 2026
with
Marston Street, East Oxford, OX4 1JUJoin the course
The best way in is the Try Tara Pass: four consecutive weeks of unlimited Year 1 classes for £40, at every location.
Try Tara Pass
£40
- Unlimited Year 1 Yoga and Tantra classes for four consecutive weeks
- Try out as many classes as you wish with no strings attached
- All membership benefits included for the four weeks
- Newcomers only (can only be bought once)
Prefer to dip a toe in first? A single class is £18 in London and £17 in Oxford and Plymouth (up to four per person).
Prices after the Try Tara Pass finishes
When your four weeks end, the pass simply expires (nothing to cancel). If you'd like to continue, these are the options, by location:
| London | Oxford | Plymouth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly membership, one course | £60 | £55 | £55 |
| Monthly membership, two courses | £90 | £82.50 | – |
Memberships are rolling monthly subscriptions, cancellable at any time; two-course prices cover Yoga and Tantra combined.
Frequently asked questions
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Yes. Even though this is one of the most comprehensive Yoga courses you will find, it starts from the very beginning. No knowledge or experience is assumed, and given the esoteric nature of the teachings it is new for most people anyway. We often have beginners and experienced yogis together harmoniously in the same class.
Do I have to be flexible to do yoga?
No, this course is not designed with human pretzels in mind. All that is needed is your curiosity and an openness to learn. Beyond physical prowess, we place much more emphasis on awareness and state of mind while performing yoga postures; by focusing the mind, the effects of the practice are greatly amplified.
How long is the course?
We see personal evolution as a continuous process, so our courses continue for as long as you wish to keep learning. Some students continue for a few months, while many attend classes for years; ask a Tara student what year they're in and you might hear '2nd year', '4th year' or '7th year'. New lessons every week integrate your ever-expanding knowledge into daily life.
I can't attend from the very beginning. Can I join later?
It's best to start from the beginning so you have a solid foundation. However, the courses remain open to new students for the first months, so it is possible to join later: you can catch up by reading the course notes from previous classes and asking the teachers questions, and we run catch-up sessions from time to time.
Is this religious?
No. Tara is not affiliated with any religion and welcomes people of all beliefs and none. We focus on the underlying spiritual principles common to all traditions.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes. This course is suitable for adults aged 18 and over.
More questions? Read the full FAQ or contact us.
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