About
Meet Swami Muktibodhananda
Gabrielle Grace, born in Melbourne, Australia, had an early calling to yoga at the age of 12. At 17, she left for India to spend 10 years at the feet of her Mentor and Guru, Paramahansa Swami Satyananda Saraswati – a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. Gabrielle was initiated into the dasnami order of sannyasa, dedicating her life to the teaching and practice of all aspects of yoga. Since 1977 she is known as Swami Muktibodhananda Saraswati. Swamiji was given the title Yogacharya, yoga authority, from Paramahansa Swami Niranjanananda in 1993.
Swami Muktibodhananda was inspired to distill the yogic knowledge and experiences she gained in India into three extraordinary books. Her first book, Swara Yoga: The Tantric Science of Brain Breathing is a suitable text for advanced yoga practitioners and yoga teachers. The theory behind swara yoga – an ancient science of pranic energy body rhythms – is discussed. It explores controlling prana energy through the breath, traditionally a closely guarded secret that was taught only through direct transmission from guru to disciple. The last section of the book contains the original Sanskrit text of the Shiva Swarodaya with English translation.
Her second publication, Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Light on Hatha Yoga, consists of a thorough commentary on each Sanskrit verse with English translation. The original 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika, written by Yogi Swatmarama, is like a yoga ‘bible’ of this science. Most modern day yoga practices are based on it. Hatha yoga is considered the foundation of all higher yoga practices.
These writings elucidate the entire science of hatha yoga as it was conceived and practiced at the time, not for health and fitness only, but for awakening of prana, chakras and kundalini shakti. This translation and commentary by Swami Muktibodhananda is complete with drawings and diagrams. The text points out that hatha yoga is not just a physical practice but a process of cellular transmutation from gross to subtle to divine. The teachings of her Guru are the thread supporting these publications.
Swamiji's third book, Energy: The Spark of Life & Universal Goddess is an eminently practical guide to the sometimes mystifying and esoteric practices of yoga. She filters them through her down-to-earth Western eye, making them accessible and useful for all. It is a book about yoga and personal growth for men and women who live in the “real world.” It aims to fulfill your needs as a yoga aspirant whether you are a novice or an experienced practitioner. Explained clearly and concisely are the principles of yoga and techniques that harness your mental and physical energies. Practices not previously elaborated are revealed to assist you in the exploration of your deeper self. This book is essential to initiate you into the path of self discovery and to deepen your inner experience and knowledge.