OM – Hatha Yoga Ipswich

What is the meaning of the Mantra OM ?

August 2, 2025premaria

This is a legitimate question I do get asked often. Maybe some of you wonder about this as well, but do not want to ask the question for what ever reason. Here an answer for everyone.

The mantra OM (also spelled AUM) is one of the most sacred and foundational sounds in the Yogic Traditions. Its meaning and significance are both spiritual and symbolic.

🌟 Meaning and Symbolism of OM

1. Primordial Sound of the Universe:

OM is believed to be the first sound from which the universe emanated.
It represents the vibration or frequency of the entire cosmos.

2. Threefold Nature (A-U-M):
OM consists of three syllabic sounds:

A (ah) – represents creation (the waking state, Brahma)
U (oo) – represents preservation (the dream state, Vishnu)
M (mm) – represents dissolution or transformation (deep sleep, Shiva)

Together, they reflect the entire cycle of existence: birth, life, and death, and beyond.

3. The Fourth State – Turiya:

Beyond A, U, and M is silence — the stillness after the sound, representing the state of pure consciousness or enlightenment (called Turiya).
This is the transcendent reality beyond time and space.

🙏 Spiritual and Practical Uses

Meditation: Chanting OM calms the mind and prepares it for deeper states of awareness.
Yoga Practice: Often used at the beginning and end of sessions to set intention and seal the practice.
Mantra Practice: OM is frequently part of longer mantras (like OM Namah Shivaya or OM Mani Padme Hum).

🕉️ OM Symbol

The visual symbol “🕉️” represents the syllables A-U-M and the silence.
Each part of the symbol has deep significance linked to consciousness and the self.

Summary

OM is the sacred sound that symbolizes the essence of ultimate reality, consciousness, and the universe. It is both a sound and a spiritual concept — powerful, transformative, and timeless.

When we chant the Mantra OM with sound, it’s also helpful as a breathing exercise, opening the lungs and vocal cords. On an energetic level, this stimulates the heart Chakra (anahata chakra). Read my blogpost abou the Chakra ….

CHAKRA Introduction

May 2025 YOGA classes

May 5, 2025May 14, 2025premaria

All our Yoga classes at almost usual times and locations. At the Scout halls or online on Zoom, please let me know if you need the Zoom link. If there is a slight change, I’ll inform those of you affected directly. Otherwise scroll down for locations, days & times. Hatha Yoga and Senior’s Yoga classes:

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Tuesday 9:00am – 10:30am (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)

Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval 4304

Tuesday 6:00pm–7:30pm (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)
Wednesday 5:00pm–6:30pm (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Wednesday 9:00am – 10:00am Seniors Yoga class
Thursday 10:00am – 11:00am Seniors yoga class

The next Meditation class at our home in Silkstone is on Friday 23rd of May at 5pm – 6:30pm. You need to book and confirm for this session. Thank You!!

Maria, May 2007, find and keep the balance.

YOGA Classes 2025

January 6, 2025premaria

Happy New Year 2025, our Yoga classes resume on Tuesday 14th January 2025.

Weekly Hatha-Yoga & Senior’s Yoga classes. https://hathayogaipswich.com.au/
Monthly Meditation, usually on a Friday evening. https://hathayogaipswich.com.au/satsang/
Weekend Retreat 29 – 31 August 2025. https://hathayogaipswich.com.au/retreat/

YOGA 2025, all details below…… Contact Maria for any questions.

Current Yoga class schedule

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Tuesdays, 9:00am – 10:30am (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)

Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval 4304 (this hall has air-con.)

Tuesdays, 6:00pm–7:30pm (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)
Wednesdays, 5:00pm–6:30pm (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Wednesdays, 9:00am – 10:00am Seniors Yoga class
Thursdays, 10:00am – 11:00am Seniors yoga class

Our first Meditation for the year is already coming up, on Friday 17th January 2025 at 5pm – 6:30pm. You need to book for this session. Thank you, call or text Maria on 0423 477 725.

Satsang Meditation

Letting go of the Winter blues during an inspiring, motivating, & uplifting Yoga & Meditation weekend.

We’ll be surrounded by beautiful, peaceful nature. While being nourished with delicious, vegetarian meals.

This and more awaits you the Yoga & Meditation Weekend Retreat, Friday 29 – Sunday 31 of August 2025.

The Retreat is taking place a the Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge.

Yoga Retreat September 2026

Yoga classes & meditation until Christmas 2024

November 18, 2024premaria

From Tuesday 19th November onwards until Friday 13th December 2024, we have the following weekly yoga classes (our well known schedule). I hope to see you in some of these classes before the end of this year.

At the Scout halls or online on Zoom, please let me know if you need the Zoom link:

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Tuesday 9:00am – 10:30am (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)

Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval 4304 (this hall has air-con.)

Wednesday 6:00pm–7:30pm (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)
Wednesday 5:00pm–6:30pm (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Wednesday 9:00am – 10:00am Seniors Yoga class
Thursday 10:00am – 11:00am Seniors yoga class

Two Meditation classes on a Friday evening at our home in Silkstone. You need to book and confirm for the meditation. Thank You:

Friday 22nd November 5pm – 6:30pm
Friday 13th December 5pm – 6:30pm

Equinox Break

March 3, 2024March 3, 2024premaria

Please note, that I’m taking a short late summer break.

No Yoga classes in the week from Monday 18th March to Saturday 23rd March 2024.

All the classes in the week before and after the Easter Weekend, as well as during the school holidays, are on as normal.

Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast, February 2024.

2024 YOGA classes resume on Tuesday 16th January.

January 5, 2024January 4, 2024premaria

A happy, healthy and content New Year to you.

I look forward to welcome you back on the yoga mat soon. Classes as follows at the Scout Halls, or you can join online on Zoom. For Zoom please contact me to receive the login details. Thanks.

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Tuesdays, 9:00am – 10:30am (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)

Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval 4304

Tuesdays, 6:00pm–7:30pm (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)
Wednesdays, 5:00pm–6:30pm (90 minutes Hatha Yoga class)

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Wednesdays, 9:00am – 10:00am Seniors Yoga class
Thursdays, 10:00am – 11:00am Seniors yoga class

Cost

first trial class: free
single class $18.00
5-class pass (valid for 2 months) $75.00
10-class pass (valid for 4 months) $140.00

Cost for Senior Classes (Wednesday 9am + Thursday 10am)

first class: free
single class $12.00
5-class-pass $55.00
10-class-pass $100.00

If possible please book for your first yoga class, but it’s is perfectly fine if you just show up at the Hall about 10 minutes before the class begins. Thank you !!

Start the year on a positive note, January 2024.

Dharana & Dhyana – concentration & meditation

January 11, 2019premaria

Based on the “Five Points of Yoga” as outlined by Swami Vishnu-Devananda-ji.+

5. Meditation (Dhyana) and positive thinking

Here is the most important point of all, we become what we think. Thus we should exert to entertain positive and creative thoughts as these will contribute to vibrant health and a peaceful, joyful mind. A positive outlook on life can be developed by learning and practising the teachings of the philosophy of Vedanta. The mind will be brought under perfect control by regular practice of meditation.

Meditation is a natural state of consciousness that isn’t learned, any more that you learn to sleep. It just happens. When the mind becomes one-pointed and steady, it will naturally go beyond the normal mundane awareness into the state referred to as meditation.

Before meditation, practice concentration, one – pointed thinking. Then this practice will lead to a meditative state of the mind. Train the mind in a variety of ways in concentration in the beginning. Sit in a quiet place, or in nature focus on your breath. Inhale – Exhale …… mentally repeating a Mantra “OM” or “Soham”. Concentrate on any concrete image: a flower, a candle, the blue sky. Concentrate within on one of the Chakras.

In meditation do not strain the eyes. Do not strain the brain. Do not struggle or wrestle with the mind. Relax. Observe the thoughts like a cloud passing by. Gently allow the divine thoughts flow.

Meditation practice – Concentration on a flower.

Through regular meditation, the mind becomes clear and the motives pure. The subconscious mind release hidden knowledge that allows a better understanding of oneself and our relationship to the world. the limited personality slowly dissolves into an expanded consciousness. Ultimately, the super-conscious or intuitive forces are released, leading to a life of wisdom and peace.
Swami Vishnu-Devananda

Sunrise Meditation in nature – yoga weekend retreat September 2018.

Yoga class in Haigslea, QLD

April 9, 2018premaria

Since two months Ken teaches a weekly yoga class in Haigslea at the Chuch Hall on a Tuesday evening 5pm – 6:30pm

Last year Ken completed the Yoga teachers training course and studies at VIMI Yoga with Celia Roberts.

Svadharma Yoga

YOGA (In the Viniyoga tradition)

Where ?: Haigslea Uniting Church Hall, 765 Thagoona-Haigslea Road, Haigslea Qld 4306 (opposite Haigslea State Primary School)

When ?: Tuesday evenings – 5pm to 6:30pm – Commencing 6/2/18

How much does it cost ?: Attendance is by donation (you contribute what it’s worth to you to participate) There is no set fee.

What do I bring ?: Essential items – yoga mat, yoga block and water bottle. Optional items – yoga strap, yoga bolster or firm cushion.

Who’s the teacher ?: Your teacher will be Ken Oldham. Ken studied with the Yoga and Integrative Medicine Institute and is a 350 hour, level 1 yoga teacher accredited through Yoga Australia.

What do I do next ?: Just turn up 10-15 minutes before the start time (no booking necessary).

FAQ
Question: I’m not very flexible, can I still do yoga?
Answer: Absolutely… flexibility comes with practice, and the asanas (yoga poses) can be adapted to suit your current body condition (asana modification is a fundamental concept of Viniyoga).

Question: Isn’t yoga just for girls?
Answer: No way! Yoga is for EVERYBODY… any age (8 to 80 and beyond), any physical shape, any fitness level, and definitely not gender specific. As a matter of fact some very elite, high level football teams practice yoga as part of their regular fitness programmes.

Yoga Shirt with OM logo

February 28, 2017March 4, 2017premaria

If you would like a yoga shirt with my logo. The OM symbol “Yoga with Maria”. 🕉

I take orders, $25 each.

Available in nine different colours: white, red, purple, pink, mulberry, aqua, black, gummetal (charcoal), navy.

Sizes: women 6 -22, men small – xxx large

If you are interested, please place your order when you come to the yoga class.

Thank You!!

Maria

Om shantih Om
Several colours to choose from.

Maria showing off 🕉yoga shirt.

Satsang Friday 4th November 2016

October 25, 2016premaria

Next week on Friday 4th November 2016 we have a Friday hatha yoga class and Satsang.

In a Satsang class we begin with silent meditation, then Kirtan Mantra chanting and a lecture on different yoga topics and philosophy.

It is a stress-releasing way to start the weekend, letting go of the week. Do something good for your soul, even if you feel tired at the end of the week. You will feel a big difference come Saturday morning!

Jacarandas in flower. — Jacarandas in flower at the Raceview Scout Hall.

Where: Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights

What: Hatha Yoga Class (breathing exercises, sun salutation, 12 basic postures)

Time: 5pm – 6:30pm

What: Satsang (silent meditation, uplifting Sanskrit chants, an inspiring reading)

Time: 6:45pm – 8:30pm

Cost: $15.00 or class pass (no first free trial class on this day).

The lecture for this month will be on the Mantra. The meaning of OM, why we meditate on OM, the benefits of chanting Mantras.

You are most welcome to join for just one of the classes. If you like an extra exercise session you come for 5pm.
If you like to learn/practice meditation and get deeper into the yoga philosophy or if you like the Sanskrit Chants (Kirtan) please come to the hall for 6:30pm.

In between the two sessions we have a cup of (herbal) tea and something sweet. I made a raw vegan chocolate cake, it’s setting in the freezer.

raw chocolate cake, vegan, gluten-free

You get most benefits if you join for the whole program from 5pm onward. But if this does not suit you, you are most welcome to come only for the yoga class or meditation/Kirtan (Satsang) only.

This is a legitimate question I do get asked often. Maybe some of you wonder about this as well, but do not want to ask the question for what ever reason. Here an answer for everyone.

The mantra OM (also spelled AUM) is one of the most sacred and foundational sounds in the Yogic Traditions. Its meaning and significance are both spiritual and symbolic.

🌟 Meaning and Symbolism of OM

🙏 Spiritual and Practical Uses

🕉️ OM Symbol

Summary

Share with your friends:

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval 4304

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

The next Meditation class at our home in Silkstone is on Friday 23rd of May at 5pm – 6:30pm. You need to book and confirm for this session. Thank You!!

Share with your friends:

Happy New Year 2025, our Yoga classes resume on Tuesday 14th January 2025.

Current Yoga class schedule

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval 4304 (this hall has air-con.)

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Share with your friends:

From Tuesday 19th November onwards until Friday 13th December 2024, we have the following weekly yoga classes (our well known schedule). I hope to see you in some of these classes before the end of this year.

At the Scout halls or online on Zoom, please let me know if you need the Zoom link:

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval 4304 (this hall has air-con.)

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Two Meditation classes on a Friday evening at our home in Silkstone. You need to book and confirm for the meditation. Thank You:

Share with your friends:

Please note, that I’m taking a short late summer break.

No Yoga classes in the week from Monday 18th March to Saturday 23rd March 2024.

All the classes in the week before and after the Easter Weekend, as well as during the school holidays, are on as normal.

Share with your friends:

A happy, healthy and content New Year to you.

I look forward to welcome you back on the yoga mat soon. Classes as follows at the Scout Halls, or you can join online on Zoom. For Zoom please contact me to receive the login details. Thanks.

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval 4304

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

Cost

Cost for Senior Classes (Wednesday 9am + Thursday 10am)

If possible please book for your first yoga class, but it’s is perfectly fine if you just show up at the Hall about 10 minutes before the class begins. Thank you !!

Share with your friends:

5. Meditation (Dhyana) and positive thinking

Meditation is a natural state of consciousness that isn’t learned, any more that you learn to sleep. It just happens. When the mind becomes one-pointed and steady, it will naturally go beyond the normal mundane awareness into the state referred to as meditation.

In meditation do not strain the eyes. Do not strain the brain. Do not struggle or wrestle with the mind. Relax. Observe the thoughts like a cloud passing by. Gently allow the divine thoughts flow.

Share with your friends:

Since two months Ken teaches a weekly yoga class in Haigslea at the Chuch Hall on a Tuesday evening 5pm – 6:30pm

Last year Ken completed the Yoga teachers training course and studies at VIMI Yoga with Celia Roberts.

YOGA (In the Viniyoga tradition)

Where ?: Haigslea Uniting Church Hall, 765 Thagoona-Haigslea Road, Haigslea Qld 4306 (opposite Haigslea State Primary School)

When ?: Tuesday evenings – 5pm to 6:30pm – Commencing 6/2/18

How much does it cost ?: Attendance is by donation (you contribute what it’s worth to you to participate) There is no set fee.

What do I bring ?: Essential items – yoga mat, yoga block and water bottle. Optional items – yoga strap, yoga bolster or firm cushion.

Who’s the teacher ?: Your teacher will be Ken Oldham. Ken studied with the Yoga and Integrative Medicine Institute and is a 350 hour, level 1 yoga teacher accredited through Yoga Australia.

What do I do next ?: Just turn up 10-15 minutes before the start time (no booking necessary).

FAQ Question: I’m not very flexible, can I still do yoga? Answer: Absolutely… flexibility comes with practice, and the asanas (yoga poses) can be adapted to suit your current body condition (asana modification is a fundamental concept of Viniyoga).

Share with your friends:

If you would like a yoga shirt with my logo. The OM symbol “Yoga with Maria”. 🕉

I take orders, $25 each.

Available in nine different colours: white, red, purple, pink, mulberry, aqua, black, gummetal (charcoal), navy.

Sizes: women 6 -22, men small – xxx large

If you are interested, please place your order when you come to the yoga class.

Thank You!!

Maria

Om shantih OmSeveral colours to choose from.

Share with your friends:

Next week on Friday 4th November 2016 we have a Friday hatha yoga class and Satsang.

In a Satsang class we begin with silent meditation, then Kirtan Mantra chanting and a lecture on different yoga topics and philosophy.

It is a stress-releasing way to start the weekend, letting go of the week. Do something good for your soul, even if you feel tired at the end of the week. You will feel a big difference come Saturday morning!

Where: Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights What: Hatha Yoga Class (breathing exercises, sun salutation, 12 basic postures)

Time: 5pm – 6:30pm

What: Satsang (silent meditation, uplifting Sanskrit chants, an inspiring reading)

Time: 6:45pm – 8:30pm

Cost: $15.00 or class pass (no first free trial class on this day).

The lecture for this month will be on the Mantra. The meaning of OM, why we meditate on OM, the benefits of chanting Mantras.

You are most welcome to join for just one of the classes. If you like an extra exercise session you come for 5pm. If you like to learn/practice meditation and get deeper into the yoga philosophy or if you like the Sanskrit Chants (Kirtan) please come to the hall for 6:30pm.

In between the two sessions we have a cup of (herbal) tea and something sweet. I made a raw vegan chocolate cake, it’s setting in the freezer.

You get most benefits if you join for the whole program from 5pm onward. But if this does not suit you, you are most welcome to come only for the yoga class or meditation/Kirtan (Satsang) only.

Looking forward to seeing you soon. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Prema Maria

Share with your friends:

FAQ
Question: I’m not very flexible, can I still do yoga?
Answer: Absolutely… flexibility comes with practice, and the asanas (yoga poses) can be adapted to suit your current body condition (asana modification is a fundamental concept of Viniyoga).

Om shantih Om
Several colours to choose from.

Where: Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights

What: Hatha Yoga Class (breathing exercises, sun salutation, 12 basic postures)

You are most welcome to join for just one of the classes. If you like an extra exercise session you come for 5pm.
If you like to learn/practice meditation and get deeper into the yoga philosophy or if you like the Sanskrit Chants (Kirtan) please come to the hall for 6:30pm.