How does one yoke the fire to obtain our wishes for ourselves and humanity? This question is the basis for filmmaker and yoga adept Emma Balnaves lifelong inquiry into Hatha Yoga. In this rich interview, Emma discusses the extensive traditional Hatha Yoga teachings, the differences between the Classical Patanjali System and her lineage. She was inspired to create her award winning film, AGNIYOGANA as a way to share the essence of these teachings and bring greater understanding to all aspects of the practice. Her film takes the viewer on a journey through time and space to rediscover the inner dimensions of Hatha Yoga and the true meaning of “yuj,”(yoga). 

AGNIYOGANA offers rarely seen glimpses of traditional Hatha Yoga practices as expressed by modern day yogins. The journey inward explores the key requirements of Hatha Yoga: Firmness of mind; the importance of faith; the necessity of a qualified teacher; skillful moderation; the methods to restrain the senses; and the practice of universal equanimity.

Emma Balnaves is the producer and director of AGNIYOGANA and an internationally respected teacher of the traditional forms and philosophies of Hatha Yoga. She has been teaching yoga since 1998. She is also the author of three publications, “Nataraja – the Lord of Multiple Forms,” “Yoga for Women,” and “Seasonal Mandala”, and co-founder and director of Shadow Yoga (a form of classical Hatha Yoga) and Nṛtta Sādhanā. Emma resides in Adelaide, Australia with her husband and teaching partner, Shandor Remete. shadowyoga.com