Raja Yoga: An Ancestral Practice in the Heart of Aix-en-Provence
Nestled in the heart of Aix-en-Provence’s historic center, in a lush and peaceful setting, Villa Amara welcomes those in search of serenity, meaning, and inner alignment. In this calm and light-filled space, Amara Yoga offers a rare and profound practice: Raja Yoga, a complete path of traditional yoga that combines postures, breathwork, meditation, and inner exploration.
Raja Yoga: The Royal Path to Inner Peace
Raja Yoga is one of the most comprehensive and refined branches of traditional Indian yoga. It is rooted in the Yoga Sūtras of Patanjali, a foundational text of yoga philosophy, and aims to still the fluctuations of the mind in order to reconnect with one’s natural state of peace and clarity.
This royal path is composed of eight progressive stages (Ashtanga Yoga):
- Yamas (ethical principles)
- Niyamas (personal disciplines)
- Asanas (postures)
- Pranayama (breath control)
- Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
- Dharana (concentration)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (state of unity or absorption)
Unlike more dynamic or purely physical approaches, Raja Yoga seeks a full transformation of the being, beginning with the body to elevate consciousness.
A Rooted Practice in an Exceptional Space in Aix-en-Provence
It is within the tranquil and green oasis of Villa Amara, just a few steps from the center of Aix-en-Provence, that this ancestral teaching is shared. Everything here is designed to foster inner calm, focus, and balance:
- A bright, welcoming practice room
- Small group or private classes for individual attention
- A shaded, Zen garden perfect for introspection
A passionate teacher with a holistic approach to yoga
All classes and workshops are led by Lilli Engle.
A certified E-RYT 500 instructor with Yoga Alliance, in partnership with the Chopra Center for Health and Wellbeing, she brings a wealth of experience and wisdom.
Trained in India, California, and New Zealand, Lilli has been teaching Raja Yoga, Mindfulness Meditation, and Yoga Nidra since 2009. Her teachings are deeply inspired by Deepak Chopra and Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
With compassion and sensitivity, Lilli guides each student through the discovery or deepening of these ancient yet beautifully modern practices.
The Benefits of Practicing Raja Yoga at Amara Yoga
By joining a class or workshop at Villa Amara, you will discover how to:
- Calm the fluctuations of the mind through meditation and breathwork
- Unlock the intelligence of the body through mindful movement
- Practice at your own rhythm, with respect for your body’s needs
- Manage stress more effectively, sleep more peacefully, and gain clarity
- Replenish your energy in a soft, sustainable way
Raja Yoga Classes and Thematic Workshops
Weekly Classes
- Multiple sessions offered each week in small group settings
- Open to all levels, including beginners
À la Carte Classes and Private Sessions
- Flexibility according to your schedule
- Private sessions by appointment, tailored to your individual needs
Thematic Workshops
- In-depth exploration of specific themes: emotional balance, energy alignment, body awareness…
- 2 to 3-hour immersive sessions in a nurturing atmosphere
To practice yoga in Aix-en-Provence is to embrace a way of life that honors nature, presence, and your own inner wisdom. At Amara Yoga, Lilli Engle shares a living tradition—one that is accessible to all, deeply rooted in authentic teachings, and resolutely contemporary.
