“Integral Yoga teaches a complete blueprint for life with simple practices that are profound,” said Jo Sgammato, who goes by the yoga name Chandra and has been with the organization since 1992. The institute, which shares the yoga philosophy imparted by Swami Satchidananda, has a straightforward calling. “We try to bring more peace and health to the world. It’s simpler than most people think.”
Integral’s beginnings trace back to the 1960s when German-American artist Peter Max was asked to be an artistic director in Paris for a film on influential spiritual leaders. It was there that he met Swami Satchidananda, and in the short week they spent together, Peter was deeply impacted by the swami’s yoga and meditation practices. To his surprise, he had found “a natural way to feel wonderful in body, mind, and spirit” without relying on recreational substances. He invited the swami to convey his philosophy to Peter’s gang of young artists and musicians in the U.S.
For months, the group gathered in Peter’s apartment to immerse themselves in the swami’s humble teachings. Upon the yoga master’s departure, they pooled their resources together to find a larger space and incorporate Integral Yoga Institute as a non-profit. The name was chosen to illustrate the organization’s focus on “all aspects of yoga and all aspects of life — service, meditation, nutrition, regular practice, and more.”
Those who spent the most time learning from Swami Satchidananda went on to become teachers themselves and offer classes “anywhere anyone would have them.” This culminated in a sold-out event at Carnegie Hall in 1969 that demonstrated yoga practices to the general public. That same summer, Swami Satchidananda was asked to give an opening address at the Woodstock fes-tival and became known as the Woodstock Guru. With this new exposure, “interest grew exponentially,” and people from across the country gravitated to Integral Yoga and their periodic retreats to gain more spiritual knowledge
Since then, Integral has been a pioneer in the field, bringing its programs to schools, businesses, and hospitals. Visitors can attend Integral’s classes in the large, open space on the upper floor of its 13th Street location and then venture downstairs to its shop brimming with everything one might need to do yoga or learn about the discipline. It stocks a vast collection of books, mats, candles, and clothing, with an entire section devoted to pregnant women. “We are dedicated to making yoga accessible for everyone, not an esoteric practice,” Chandra explained. Its teachers have developed specific therapeutic yoga practices for a variety of illnesses, including cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.
To Chandra, it is easy to understand the institute’s appeal. “Nothing makes you feel as good. Yoga revitalizes the body and calms the nervous system.” There is also a grander, more spiritual dimension to Integral’s teachings. “You go deep into yourself and discover that everything is perfect inside. Our true nature is peace, but we don’t know that because we allow the stresses of life to get in the way.” Tuning into this inner peace is meant to help people cope with their everyday troubles.
