Aberdeen Yoga Centre

Situated in the heart of Aberdeen, in a quiet square surrounded by substantial granite buildings, lies a yoga centre that has been serving as a sanctuary for individuals seeking tranquility and physical well-being since the early 1970s. Established by the revered yoga teacher, Ian Scorgie, in 1960, the Aberdeen Yoga Centre continues to thrive under the tutelage of teachers trained by him in Aberdeen and the Northeast. Ian Scorgie was an influential figure in Northern Scottish yoga, having been a devoted practitioner and teacher for several decades until his passing in 2004. Under his guidance, the Aberdeen Yoga Centre became a beacon of yoga philosophy and practice in Scotland.

Today, the Aberdeen Yoga Centre extends a warm invitation to people of all ages and abilities to join any of our classes and experience the holistic benefits of yoga - body, mind, and spirit. Our dedicated teachers offer support and guidance tailored to individual needs and capabilities, fostering a nurturing environment for growth and self-discovery.

The Origin and Philosophy of Yoga

The term 'yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root-verb 'yuj', which means to join or to yoke together. Yoga as a practice is an endeavor to bring about union, primarily in the case of Hatha Yoga - a harmonious union of the Mind and Body.

Yoga can trace its roots back to the beginnings of Indian history, some 5000 years ago, when the Indus Valley was inhabited by the Harappa Civilization. Around 2000 BC, tribes of Aryans migrated from Persia and parts of southern Russia to Northern India and the Indus Valley. The fusion of these civilizations brought about the Indian Philosophy as we know it today. In its initial stages, Yoga was a clandestine practice, passed down orally from teacher to pupil. However, between the third and fourth centuries BC, a doctor, philosopher, and grammarian called Patanjali compiled the ancient teachings in written form, known as the 'Yoga Sutras'. These Sutras form the foundation of Yoga Philosophy as it is taught today, with techniques that remain as effective now as they were in their inception.

Yoga encompasses many paths, some of which include Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. Hatha Yoga, as taught by many of the teachers at the Aberdeen Yoga Centre, focuses on gentle movements and proper breathing, aiming to stimulate the glands and muscles into normal functioning. Through consistent practice, this leads to a fitter and healthier body, subsequently cultivating a heightened understanding of the intricate workings of one's mind and body.