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 yoga more fully into daily life.

Satsang (wisdom talks) sits at the heart of each session, 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 who want to explore bhakti and lineage more deeply

• 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 create a 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 bhakti.

You’ll learn how these elements are honoured through puja, what they symbolise, and how working consciously with them can support greater 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 (RECORDED from April 1)

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

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

Surya Namaskara is taught with mantra and movement woven together to support greater light, clarity, and the softening of karmic patterns.

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

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

In this session, we’ll look at how wisdom is passed down through the parampara, and how lineage can offer support, protection and deeper guidance on the yogic path.

You’ll also be introduced to the parampara mantra, which helps strengthen your alignment with the Dru lineage.

We’ll also explore the meaning of a kul deva or kul devi (lineage or family guardian), 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 understood as something lived in practice, not simply held as an idea.

This session explores the four core pillars — seva (offering your skills), sadhana (daily spiritual practice), satsang (wisdom sharing), and sangha (spiritual community) — and how they work together to support the 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 your deeper purpose.

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

This session explores how to recognise the right spiritual teacher, and how having a teacher does not mean giving your power away, but gradually letting go of ego and limitation.

We’ll look at how authentic guidance can be recognised, how the relationship develops over time, and how knowledge and shakti are passed on through the teacher–student relationship.

We’ll also explore the karmic principle of reciprocity and the importance of mutual respect as a foundation for growth on the path.

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

An introduction to key yogic gods and goddesses, and to how mantra and puja can support daily life in practical ways.

We’ll explore devotional practices to support clearer communication, release subconscious blocks, clarify purpose, support health and healing, and cultivate more harmonious relationships.

Discover deity archetypes that can help you let go of habits and patterns that no longer serve your growth, and guide your choices in a more conscious direction.

Optional Q&A sessions

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

These provide space for reflection, clarification, and discussion. Attendance is encouraged where possible, but not essential — each main session also stands on its own.

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.

Q&A sessions are live only and will not be recorded.

Further connection & continuity

While Level 1 is complete in itself, there may be opportunities for deeper connection through optional live online or in-person gatherings as the community naturally develops. These could include streamed yogic celebrations or in-person events connected to future retreats for those who feel called to continue more deeply. If not during the Level 1 timeframe, these 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, with the emphasis on presence and connection rather than 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 book the full Academy for continuity, value, and a deeper six-month journey.