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Most devotees of yoga speak glowingly of its physical and mental benefits, and with celebs endorsing it, its popularity is greater than ever.

Now local yogis have the chance to meet and learn from internationally renowned Yogini Kaliji, the founder of TriYoga. She has been invited by Shaun and Bindu Lovell, the couple who brought TriYoga to Africa and who trained with Kaliji in the United States.

“We started teaching TriYoga here in KwaZulu-Natal six years ago, privately and in gyms,” explains Shaun. “Its benefit is that it is a complete form of hatha (physical yoga) but also incorporates meditation, breathing and nada yoga (music and sound).”

Student Janet Hancock, who has scoliosis, a back complaint, says TriYoga changed her life.

“It has helped in terms of pain management, I have learned breathing techniques and it is an all-round form of exercise,” she says.

TriYoga combines dynamic, sustained postures with breath and focus and the sequences are characterised by wavelike spinal movements.

Kaliji’s visit has engendered much excitement among yogis because of her high profile.

Travelling extensively, she has taught TriYoga daily for over 30 years.

Integrating Eastern thought and Western tradition, she has presented 38 keynote addresses at yoga conferences and other venues worldwide, and has been featured widely in the media.

She was featured in the book Secrets of the World’s Inspirational Women, with photos of the women in the prestigious National Portrait Gallery in London.

In the tradition of ancient yoga, TriYoga is guided by kriyavati siddhi (kundalini-inspired yoga) as it flows through Kaliji. She has systematised asana (posture), pranayama (breathing practices), and dharana (concentration techniques) up to Level 7, and more than 1 000 hasta mudras (hand gestures) have been expressed through her. This yoga, which includes the full range of practices, is taught in 38 countries and 34 centres have been established, including in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, India, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United States.

Kaliji is co-founder of Chant Club, a music ensemble presenting Sanskrit chants in call-and-response style, as well as a vocalist and harmonium player. Inspired by her love of animals, Kaliji has practised the vegan plant-based lifestyle for more than 30 years.

She was given the title “Yogini” by HH Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji of Mysore, India.

* A TriYoga workshop with Yogini Kaliji will be held at Eagle View, Winston Park, from tomorrow to Sunday. The cost is R1 500 for the weekend (including dinner) or Friday (R500) and Saturday or Sunday (R700 each). Dinner is R50. To book or for more information, contact Bindu on 071 522 4502 or email triyogaafrica@blissmonkie.com