Bhakti Academy LEVEL 1

Bhakti Academy (Level 1)

The Bhakti Academy is a six-month online journey into devotion, lineage, and living practice.

Drawing on sacred ritual, mantra, satsang, and Dru Yoga taught with a mantra-based spiritual focus, each session offers practical ways to deepen your practice and bring the heart of yoga into daily life.

Satsang (Wisdom talks) forms the heart of each gathering, supported by practice and reflection woven through the series.

Facilitated by the Dru teaching team: Astoria Barr, Deb Ryan, and Julie Beynon

Who this workshop series is for:

• Those drawn to devotion as a living, practical path

• Yoga practitioners and teachers interested in lineage and bhakti

• Anyone wishing to deepen their relationship with practice, purpose, and service

No prior experience with ritual or mantra is required.

The Six Sessions

Each session can be attended on its own, while together they form a coherent six-month journey.

Session 1 — Bhakti and 5-Element Puja (RECORDED from March 4)

Explore the five elements — earth, water, fire, air, and space — and what each symbolically represents within the bhakti traditions.

You’ll learn how these elements are honoured through puja, what they symbolise and how working consciously with them supports balance and freedom on the spiritual path.

The session includes guidance on offering puja to a form of the divine meaningful to you — from yogic gods and goddesses, to world peace, the Earth, or a faith tradition you already hold.

Session 2 — Navgraha & Surya Namaskar (7pm AEDT/9am BST April 1)

The Navgraha are understood as expressions of karma that shape the patterns and timing of our lives.

This session explores how planetary movement brings karmic themes into focus, and how awareness allows these patterns to soften and change.

Surya Namaskar is taught with mantra and movement unified to support greater light, clarity, and the softening of karmic patterns.

Session 3 — Dru Parampara & Lineage (7pm AEST/10am BST May 6)

An exploration of the history of the Dru parampara and what it means to step into the current of a living lineage.

This session looks at how wisdom is transmitted and refined over time, and how lineage offers both support and protection on the yogic path.

Learn about the parampara mantra that supports deeper alignment with the Dru lineage.

You’ll also discover what a kul deva or kul devi (lineage or family guardian) is, and how particular guardians work uniquely with each lineage.

Session 4 — Enlightenment in Our Lineage (7pm AEST/10am BST June 3)

In the Dru lineage, enlightenment is supported through lived principles rather than abstract ideals.

This session explores the four core pillars — seva (contributing your skills), sadhana (daily spiritual practice), satsang (wisdom sharing), and sangha (finding your tribe) — and how they work together to shape a path to moksha (liberation).

You’ll be guided through Sankalpa Kriya Sadhana, a practice designed to help you create a new future by aligning intention, heart, and action with enlightened purpose.

Session 5 — The Spiritual Teacher or Guru–Disciple Relationship (7pm AEST/10am BST July 1)

This session explores how to find the right spiritual teacher, and how having a teacher does not mean giving your power away, but involves the gradual surrender of ego and limitation.

We’ll look at how authentic guidance is recognised, how the relationship develops over time, and the transmission of knowledge and shakti through shared presence.

The karmic principle of reciprocity and the importance of mutual respect— is also explored as a foundation for growth on the path.

Session 6 — Yogic Gods & Goddesses (7pm ASDT/10am BST 5 August)

An introduction to key yogic gods and goddesses, and how mantra and puja can be used as practical supports in daily life.

We’ll explore devotional practices for improving communication, releasing subconscious blocks, clarifying purpose, supporting health and healing, and cultivating more harmonious relationships.

Discover deity archetypes that help you let go of habits and patterns that no longer serve your growth, and guide your choices toward alignment with a higher consciousness.

Optional Q&A sessions

Optional live Q&A sessions (30 minutes) are offered approximately two weeks after each main session.

These provide space for reflection, clarification, and shared enquiry. Attendance is encouraged where possible, but not essential — the main sessions stand complete on their own.

Proposed Q&A dates (7pm AEST/10am BST Wednesdays):

18 March, 15 April, 20 May, 17 June, 15 July, 19 August 2026 (Dates may be adjusted if needed).

Recordings

• All main Bhakti Academy sessions will be recorded and made available to participants.

• Recording of Q&A sessions is to be confirmed, and will depend on group consent and facilitation considerations.

Further connection & continuity

 While Level 1 stands complete in itself, there may be opportunities for deeper connection through optional live online or in-person gatherings as the community naturally forms.

These could include streamed yogic celebrations, or in-person events connected to future retreats — such as the 2026 Bali Spirituality & Yoga Retreat — for those who feel called to go deeper. If not within the Level 1 timeframe, such opportunities may unfold as part of Level 2 or future offerings.

Any additional gatherings will be optional and offered only where appropriate.

Note: Sessions are hosted live online from the tutors’ homes rather than filmed in a studio, prioritising presence and connection over production polish.

Booking options & pricing

• Single session (includes optional live Q&A): $45

• Full Academy Pass — 6 sessions for the price of 5: $225

You’re welcome to attend individual sessions, or to book the full academy for continuity and a deeper journey across the six months.