Our Philosophy
The Dance of Shiva and Shakti is a form of hatha yoga. The phrase ‘hatha yoga’ is a combination of three words: ‘ha’ meaning the sun, ‘tha’ meaning the moon, and yoga meaning yoke or union. Thus, the practice of hatha yoga refers to the union of the sun and moon. The sun is the symbol of Shiva who represents conscious awareness and resides in Sahasrara Chakra in the crown of the head. The moon is the symbol of Shakti who represents divine or Kundalini energy and resides in Muladhara Chakra. Kundalini is depicted as a snake coiled three times at the base of the spine. Hatha Yoga can mean the joining together of Shiva, conscious energy, and Shakti, divine energy.
Our intention is to encourage Shakti, the moon, to rise up to the embrace of Shiva, the sun. The metaphor of a lovers’ dance invokes the idea of a creative interplay between conscious awareness and divine energy. It reminds us to take a joyous, graceful, playful approach to achieving the state of union that is the ultimate goal of yoga.
Peter Clifford, Shiva
Peter is the senior yoga teacher for Shiva and Shakti Yoga, founder and director of Anahata Yoga (E-RYT 500) and teacher of the Five Element Form. Peter has studied and practiced yoga for 60 years.
He has had the honour of studying with many wise and knowledgeable teachers in India including Swami Shankara, Swami Sarasvati, TKV Desikachar, AG Mohan, BKS Iyengar and Rishi Nityabhodananda. Combining his study of Anahata Yoga with a lifelong interest in learning about bio-mechanics, postural integration, anatomy and physiology, Peter has developed the unique, powerful and comprehensive Anahata Yoga philosophy, which manifests in asana as the Dance of Shiva and Shakti.
Peter’s teaching style reflects his experience as a household yogi and his training in Assam, India. He embodies the qualities of grace, humour, compassion and non-judgement, and provides his students with the tools to apply the philosophy of yoga to all aspects of daily life. His classes are joyous, opening and transformational.
Faye Maramara, Shakti
Faye Maramara has been practicing Yoga for over 20 years. She first discovered yoga when she was studying acting. It was during her movement classes that made her more curious about it and has been in love with it ever since. Diving deeper into the aspects of yoga she moved to Byron Bay and found her teacher Peter Clifford who has since inspired her to explore her true potential, leading her to be his apprentice and creating Shiva and Shakti Yoga.
Faye is an Anahata Yogini and follows the way of Bhakti Yoga. Complementing and emphasising the heart and cultivation of love and devotion. She finds deep joy and connection through chanting sacred mantras by playing on her Harmonium. She often holds Kirtan events at the shala.
Her lessons continue as she develops her practice through the guidance of both her teachers Peter Clifford and Rishi Diwali Saraswati.
Painting by Rishi Diwali Saraswati
At Shiva and Shakti Yoga, we believe that yoga is more than just a physical practice. It is a way of life that promotes mindfulness, self-awareness, and inner peace. Our goal is to help our students cultivate these qualities through the practice of yoga.