Yogani And Advanced Yoga Practices – My 14-Year Journey Of Meditation And Self-Discovery

Fourteen Years of Stillness: My Journey with Yogani’s Teachings

If someone had told me 14 years ago that a simple, open source meditation system would become the anchor in my life, I would have raised an eyebrow. But that’s exactly what happened after I stumbled across Yogani’s Advanced Yoga Practices (AYP). This review isn’t just my honest take on his books and teachings—it’s also a heartfelt thank you to the man behind it all. My adventure with AYP’s Deep Meditation, Spinal Breathing, and Samyama has taken me from restless curiosity to a much steadier peace. If you’ve ever wanted a yoga path that’s both practical and grounded, Yogani books are seriously worth checking out.

Before I really got into it: A friend casually mentioned Yogani’s website to me back in 2012. At the time, I was overwhelmed by endless traditions and teachers, each claiming their way was best. Yogani’s style—quiet, straightforward, and refreshingly modern—was like a breath of fresh air. His Deep Meditation method quickly became my mainstay. Over the years, these teachings switched my view on yoga from something mystical and distant to something practical that fits daily life.

To complement my written review, here’s a video where I discuss how AYP has influenced my life and give practical tips for beginners. I hope you find it helpful!

This is my full Yogani books review—both a practical guide and a way to pay forward some of the gratitude I feel for the sense of stillness and clarity these books brought to my practice. Along the way, I’ll also take a closer look at some common questions and concerns people have about starting a daily routine, so you can get a clear sense of what it’s like to use AYP methods in real life.

Who Is Yogani and What Is Advanced Yoga Practices?

Yogani, the author behind AYP, is a bit of a legend in modern yoga circles, and yet almost nobody knows his identity. He stayed anonymous for decades, and that’s intentional. Yogani wanted the focus to stay on practice. There’s no guru worship, hidden costs, initiation, or secret handshake. It’s just a set of tested techniques and a big open invitation to try them and see what works for you.

The AYP system is sometimes called “integrated yoga,” but that makes it sound fancier than it is. At its core, AYP combines all eight limbs of yoga into a single, practical roadmap—no need to hunt for ten different teachers or lineages. There’s meditation (using a mantra, not breath attention), pranayama (breathwork, mainly Spinal Breathing), physical yoga postures, energy practices, self-inquiry, tantra, and guidance on how to weave these all together safely.

What set AYP apart for me is its commitment to results. Yogani never promises you’ll float off to a magical state. He just sticks with tools that actually build inner silence, energy balance, and real peace in everyday life. The method is fully open source, which means you can access much of it for free through the AYP website before ever touching a book.

Whether you’re a total beginner or you’ve worn out a stack of yoga books, AYP lowers the barrier. The vibe is very much “try this at home” rather than “kiss the feet of the guru.” It’s been a game changer for folks who want the depth of classical yoga—but filtered through modern, accessible language.

Deep Meditation – The Heart of Yogani’s Teaching

Out of all the practices in the AYP toolbox, Deep Meditation is the cornerstone. Yogani says this is always the starting point for his system, and after years of trial and error, I agree. This isn’t mindfulness or breath watching; it’s a unique method anchored in the silent repetition of the “I AM” mantra. The principle is simple. Whenever you notice you’re off the mantra, you gently and effortlessly go back.

What struck me early on was the phrase “effortless favoring.” You don’t force the mantra. You let it be as fuzzy, distorted, or faint as it wants, without tweaking or controlling. This is way less stressful than practices where you’re supposed to wrestle your mind into a blank state. Over time, this approach creates a kind of inner silence—a background calm that carries through the rest of your day, even when you’re not meditating.

I’ve had my share of ups and downs with meditation over the years. In the beginning, I just wanted a break from nonstop thinking. After sticking with Deep Meditation twice a day for several months, I started noticing my reactions soften. I became less impulsive and more patient—with myself and with others. It wasn’t dramatic, but looking back, the switch is undeniable. I even found myself steering through stressful days with a lot more ease. There were days I skipped practice, and on those days, I felt it. The difference is real.

Yogani has shared in more recent years that, if he could do it again, he would have put even more focus on Deep Meditation as the single most transformative piece. I feel that. No matter how many “advanced” techniques sound tempting, the basic twice daily meditation keeps on delivering the most reliable progress.

Spinal Breathing, Samyama, and the Supporting Practices

While Deep Meditation is the anchor, AYP really shines in how it connects meditation to other practices that help the nervous system handle more energy and awareness. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key supporting methods, and how I’ve personally brought them into my life.

Spinal Breathing Pranayama – Waking Up the Spine

Spinal Breathing Pranayama is exactly what it sounds like: you gently trace your attention up and down the spinal nerve (from the root to the brow) in sync with your breath. No complicated locks or advanced breathing tricks. Just ten minutes, right before Deep Meditation. Over the years, I’ve found that when I skip Spinal Breathing, my meditation feels more jumpy and distracted. When I stick to it, the whole process becomes smooth and almost magnetic. This practice works quietly in the background, gradually opening up energetic pathways. Instead of chasing wild experiences, Spinal Breathing made me feel grounded, present, and more awake—sometimes even in those mundane moments like waiting in line at the grocery store.

Samyama – Turning Stillness into Everyday Wisdom

Samyama is where things get fun. Traditionally, it’s the union of concentration, meditation, and absorption, but Yogani offers a simple approach. After meditation (when the mind is most still), you gently introduce a word or phrase—called a “sutra”—and release it into the silence. The process is about letting go, not focusing harder. For me, the core gain has been carrying clarity and calm out of meditation and into the rest of my life. Words like “Love” or “Health” used as sutras have subtly shaped the way I respond to stress and how I relate to others. I practice Samyama for 10-15 minutes after Deep Meditation. It’s had a really big impact on dissolving old emotional patterns and bringing a sense of lightness, which still surprises me from time to time.

Self-Inquiry – Looking Directly at Awareness

Self-inquiry is the classic “Who am I?” approach, inspired by masters like Ramana Maharshi. In the AYP system, Yogani treats it as an optional but powerful addon, best approached after you’ve got some inner silence from meditation. I started experimenting with self-inquiry after several years of consistent practice. It’s become the bridge between structured methods and those moments of pure, present awareness throughout the day. Whenever something pulls me off center, I’ll sometimes pause and gently ask, “Who is noticing this?” or “What is here beneath the thoughts?” These simple questions help me not get totally lost in old patterns. Eventually, it’s less about the words and more about settling into awareness itself.

Tantra and Energy Practices – Balancing Desire and Awareness

AYP offers a refreshingly open and non-dogmatic approach to sexual energy and tantra. Instead of denying or obsessing over sexuality, Yogani gives practical methods for syncing it up with meditation. There’s no weird ritual or secrecy, just simple tools for redirecting energy in healthy ways. I’ve only lightly explored the tantra side, but it’s helpful to have honest, practical guidance, especially in a world where this topic often feels off limits in spiritual circles. For couples or anyone curious about bringing more awareness to relationships, the approach is clear and down to earth.

These days, my regular practice looks like this: a few minutes of Spinal Breathing, 20 minutes of Deep Meditation, followed by 10 minutes of Samyama. I keep things minimal, and I find that’s plenty to keep life balanced and steady.

Yogani’s Key Books – Reviews and Impressions

Yogani has published several books across print and Kindle, and while they overlap in some places, each serves a unique purpose. Here’s my quick take on the core titles I’ve read, who each is best for, and what you’re likely to get out of them.

Deep Meditation – Pathway to Personal Freedom

This is the starter kit, plain and simple. Yogani breaks down Deep Meditation in about as straightforward a way as you’ll find anywhere. The instructions on using the “I AM” mantra are clear, free of jargon, and immediately practical. There’s plenty of troubleshooting advice—so if you run into restlessness, distractions, or random thoughts, you’ll find a path through. When friends ask how to get going with AYP, this is the book I recommend first. I still revisit parts of it when my practice feels bumpy or dull. Here it is on Amazon.

Advanced Yoga Practices – Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living

This is the all-in-one manual—the full AYP course in book form. You get all the step by step instructions for meditation, pranayama, Samyama, energy practices, asanas, tantra, and self-inquiry. Each chapter is short, focused, and builds logically. Many people work their way through the free online lessons, but this book organizes everything and makes it easy to see the whole progression (plus it’s great for making notes in the margins). I read it fast the first time, then spent months rereading and implementing one new practice at a time. Find it on Amazon.

Spinal Breathing Pranayama – Journey to Inner Space

If you like the technical side of breathwork or want to make sure you’re doing Spinal Breathing correctly, this book delivers clear, no nonsense instruction. Yogani digs into the science, symbolism, and step by step mechanics—including common mistakes and ways to progress safely. When I got curious about just how much I could give a boost to my energy without getting into complex techniques, this book set the right boundary. Keep it simple, keep it daily, and respect your limits. Check out the book on Amazon.

Self-Inquiry – Dawn of the Witness and the End of Suffering

This title is for those who want to move from structured practice to a more direct experience of awareness. Yogani gives you a practical bridge from meditation and Samyama into everyday presence. I found his approach makes self-inquiry less intimidating and more actionable than many classic nonduality texts. If you’ve gotten steady with meditation and want to explore presence beyond the mat, this book shines. Available on Amazon.

Asanas, Mudras & Bandhas – Awakening Ecstatic Kundalini

If you like integrating yoga postures or are curious about subtle physical techniques, this is the guide I would suggest. Yogani brings the same practical voice to postures, basic mudras, and energy seals. There’s no pressure to master fancy poses—just encouragement to build gentle flexibility and awareness into physical practice. This book helped me bring a more meditative focus to gentle stretches and postures, rather than treating them as a race to be the most flexible in class. You can find it on Amazon.

Samyama – Cultivating Stillness in Action, Siddhis and Miracles

Samyama is probably Yogani’s most unique contribution and this book is the best way to understand and apply it. Yogani walks you step by step through the practice, how to choose sutras, how to blend Samyama after meditation, and what to expect. He also clears up the talk about miraculous powers (siddhis), suggesting that daily life becomes the true “miracle” when practiced sincerely. This book helped me trust the process of releasing intentions into stillness, and understand the practical value of Samyama even beyond spiritual goals. Check it out on Amazon.

Tantra – Discovering the Power of Preorgasmic Sex

Of all Yogani’s books, this is the one I was the most skeptical about. But I came away with practical ways to integrate energy and awareness into relationships, without guilt or confusion. Yogani tackles sexual energy head on, offering techniques for redirecting this force to support meditation and daily joy. I don’t use all the practices here, but the message is clear: sexuality isn’t something to avoid or suppress. This has helped me relate to desire in a much more relaxed, healthy way. Here’s the Amazon link.

I’d also tip my hat to Yogani’s smaller books and guided audios, especially for newcomers who want compact, actionable resources. But the titles above hold the real blueprint for the full AYP system.

Integration – The Real Power of AYP

It’s easy in the modern yoga world to focus on a single method or hack. Maybe you meditate daily but ignore energy work, or focus only on breathwork without a way to calm the mind. The AYP philosophy is that real transformation comes not from chasing peak experiences, but from bringing a handful of time-tested practices together in a balanced way. I’ve seen a lot of folks (myself included) run in circles trying different techniques every week. Over time, I realized that the power of AYP was in its simplicity and synergy—each part supports the others.

Deep Meditation brings the inner silence; Spinal Breathing builds the smooth flow of energy; Samyama blends that stillness into daily living; gentle asanas or mudras help the body adapt. If you try to jump ahead or swap out advanced techniques before you’re ready, things can get rocky. The design here is about steady, sustainable growth. For me, the habit of doing a little, regularly, has brought way more growth than chasing after “advanced” yoga tricks in isolation.

After a few years, I even simplified my routine. I trimmed the extras and stayed with Deep Meditation, light Spinal Breathing, and Samyama. That’s it. The effects have been much more stable. Staying consistent and integrated, not complicated, turned out to be the winning approach. It’s become clear to me that less can truly be more when you focus on what works.

What I’ve Learned After 14 Years of Practice

One thing AYP has shown me is that depth comes from simple things done well and done consistently. Inner silence isn’t only for when I’m sitting with eyes closed—it gradually soaks into how I act, work, and relate. The more I trust the process, the less I try to “make” anything happen, the deeper the peace gets.

There were times I got restless and wanted faster results. I’d read about wild experiences or energetic “kriyas” and get a bit jealous. But over the years I found that the most reliable changes—kindness, resilience in stress, less reactivity—were not eye catching at all. They were the fruit of steady, trustworthy practices. On tough days, the habit of meditating twice a day became a lifeline, not a burden.

Discipline and consistency truly made all the difference. I had my fair share of frustration—times when practice felt flat, or I felt bored, or life got in the way. But returning to the basics always paid off. If I missed a session, I tried not to beat myself up. Instead, I just picked up again the next day. Progress is rarely a straight line.

If there’s a single principle AYP has driven home for me, it’s this. Peace and fulfillment are real and available to anyone who makes these small, regular efforts. Stillness is already here. We just learn to notice it, little by little.

And after so many years, I’ve seen AYP’s impact not just in my own life, but also in friends and students who have started their own routines based on Yogani’s methods. It’s encouraging to see how these simple steps have given a boost to so many others. It really emphasizes the power of community, accountability, and personal sharing in keeping a spiritual practice alive.

Where to Begin with Yogani’s Teachings

If you’re intrigued and want to experience the impact of AYP first hand, here’s a practical order for beginners that I’ve seen work for a lot of folks (myself included):

• Start with Deep Meditation – Pathway to Personal Freedom. Read the book, learn the method, and stick with it for at least a few weeks before adding anything else.
• Add Spinal Breathing Pranayama when your twice daily meditation feels fairly stable. Even 5-10 minutes before each meditation is enough.
• After a couple of months, begin exploring Samyama, once you start to notice some inner silence from regular meditation. That stillness is the foundation for releasing sutras effectively and feeling their quiet influence in daily life.
• If you want the whole big map, grab Advanced Yoga Practices – Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living. This can be your ongoing reference and troubleshooting manual.

Keep things simple at first. If you get overwhelmed or restless, scale back and focus on the basics. Most important: keep going. Even five minutes has value, especially over months and years. If you have concerns or doubts, reach out to AYP forums or connect with others practicing the system—you’ll find plenty of support.

Here are all the core AYP books for easy reference:

• Deep Meditation – Pathway to Personal Freedom
• Advanced Yoga Practices – Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living
• Spinal Breathing Pranayama – Journey to Inner Space
• Tantra – Discovering the Power of Preorgasmic Sex
• Samyama – Cultivating Stillness in Action
• Self-Inquiry – Dawn of the Witness and the End of Suffering
• Asanas, Mudras & Bandhas – Awakening Ecstatic Kundalini

If you’re into Kindle or audiobooks, most of these are available in your preferred format on Amazon. And if you’d like a full free introduction, Yogani’s website (AYPsite.org) is packed with free lessons and community support. You’ll find plenty of forums, Q&A’s, and user stories—it really helps make things stick when you’re starting out.

Frequently Asked Questions about Yogani and Advanced Yoga Practices (AYP)

1. Do I need to be flexible or have yoga experience to start AYP?
Not at all. AYP isn’t about bending your body into advanced postures — it’s about building inner silence and stability through meditation. Anyone can begin, no matter their background. The physical side of AYP is gentle and optional. What matters most is consistency, not flexibility.

2. How long should I meditate each day with Yogani’s method?
Most practitioners start with two sessions of about 20 minutes each, once in the morning and once in the evening. That’s also what I’ve done for years. If that feels too much at first, start smaller and build up. The key is to make it a steady daily habit, not a heroic one-off effort.

3. Is Yogani’s Deep Meditation similar to mindfulness or breath awareness?
It’s different. Deep Meditation uses a simple sound (the “I AM” mantra) as a tool to quiet the mind and access inner silence. You don’t focus on the breath or try to stay mindful of sensations. You just repeat the mantra easily and gently return to it when you drift away. The effect is a gradual deepening of peace, rather than moment-by-moment observation.

4. Can I learn AYP from the website, or do I need to buy the books?
You can actually start for free. Yogani published the full system openly on AYPsite.org. The books organize that same material into step-by-step guides, which I find easier to follow over time. They’re worth owning if you prefer a structured path or want detailed explanations of specific practices.

5. Is it safe to mix AYP with other meditation styles?
That depends. AYP is designed as a complete system, so adding other techniques can sometimes cause imbalance or over-stimulation. My personal experience: it’s best to keep things simple — stick to AYP’s main structure first (Deep Meditation, Spinal Breathing, Samyama). Once your practice feels stable, you can experiment slowly and see how your body responds.

6. What kind of results can I expect from practicing AYP?
Realistically? More calm, clarity, emotional balance, and patience over time. It’s not about chasing flashy mystical experiences. The biggest changes tend to be subtle, like reacting less to stress, sleeping better, or feeling naturally more present. As practice deepens, two key developments often appear: a growing sense of the silent witness, which is the steady awareness behind all thoughts and emotions, and a gentle current of energy known as ecstatic conductivity. These arise gradually as the nervous system becomes more refined through Deep Meditation and Spinal Breathing.

7. Does AYP require following a specific religion or belief system?
No. That’s one of the best things about Yogani’s approach. There’s no doctrine, no new identity to adopt. The practices work regardless of your beliefs or background. Many people from different traditions — or none at all — use AYP simply as a daily path toward inner peace.

8. What if I get bored or restless during meditation?
It happens to everyone. The AYP approach is to notice, and then gently go back to the mantra. “Effortless favoring” means you don’t fight the restlessness — you just favor the mantra whenever you remember. Over time, the mind learns to settle naturally, without pressure.

9. How long does it take to notice benefits?
For most people, a few weeks of steady daily practice brings some noticeable calm or balance. But the deeper transformation unfolds over months and years. I began to see lasting changes after around three to six months of consistency — and they’ve continued to build ever since.

10. Where should I start if I want to follow your path?
Begin with the book Deep Meditation – Pathway to Personal Freedom. Read it slowly, try the method, and keep it simple. Once that feels natural, you can explore Spinal Breathing Pranayama and Samyama. There’s no rush. These teachings reward patience more than ambition.

Final Thoughts – Gratitude and Simplicity

Fourteen years in, I still feel grateful for bumping into Yogani’s books. These teachings have shown me that spiritual growth doesn’t have to be mysterious or tied to a particular culture or dogma. It can be simple, practical, and steady. If you’re looking for a system that values personal experience and daily living over big talk or tradition, the AYP approach is worth your time.

My sincere encouragement: grab “Deep Meditation – Pathway to Personal Freedom,” give it a real shot, and see what happens. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect or adding a dozen extra techniques. The basics, done consistently, do the heavy lifting. If you come back to your practice day after day, even imperfectly, the benefits will gradually spread through every corner of your life.

I’d love it if you shared your experience or questions in the comments. You can also check out my related articles on presence, self-inquiry, or mindfulness if you want to dig deeper. If you have doubts about starting your own practice, consider reaching out—sometimes just talking openly about worries or hurdles can be a huge help.

Thanks for letting me share my adventure. May your practice bring you the same sense of inner quiet and steady joy that these books brought to me, and may you find your own path to lasting peace, one day at a time.

If this post resonated with you, consider sharing it or bookmarking it for your own practice journey — the path deepens when shared.