Namaste, welcome and thank you for your interest in what we offer.

My name is Shanti Gowans, and I am the CEO of Shanti Yoga Health Institute Australasia.
I was born and educated in India, and now live with my husband on the Gold Coast in Australia, where I am still learning my Australian way.



Shanti Gowans, founder of Shanti Yoga
Shanti Gowans
Shanti Yoga Founder
Yoga Teacher Trainer

Shanti Gowans Profile

Since beginning my Australian journey in 1972, I have wholeheartedly dedicated myself to exploring and sharing the principles of holistic, classical yoga in a way that is accessible to everyone. My decades of committed practice, study, education, and travels have enriched me with extensive knowledge of Yoga and Ayurveda, which I joyfully integrate into my daily teachings during this fulfilling time, where I feel privileged to give back.

This reciprocal success owes much to the wonderful teachers, students, clients, and support staff who have been part of my life over the years. I am deeply grateful for their presence and now eagerly anticipate supporting you on your own path.

My core philosophy revolves around living peace and natural wellness, deeply rooted in the powerful synergy of Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda. These timeless practices share a fundamental understanding: that disharmony between the mind and heart is the root of imbalance. It is truly inspiring to witness the growing recognition of Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda within the broader health and wellness landscape.

Each day, I embrace new aspirations, finding immense joy and honour in guiding and assisting others holistically through diverse traditional healing and self discovery modalities, in both private and group settings. This includes the spiritual arts of Yoga and Meditation, the health science of Ayurveda, and the expressive arts of Indian Music and Dance. My work beautifully intertwines my cultural heritage and personal experiences, providing a strong foundation for our healing work and fuelling my vision to serve in the best possible way.

I have been incredibly fortunate to learn from exceptional teachers and across diverse disciplines, beginning with my cherished Indian family, with whom I shared so much life, laughter, and love. My extended family, the Ramakrishna Order of monks and nuns, initiated me into Advaita Vedanta, a gift for which my gratitude is boundless. These profound Vedic teachings, along with the practices and perspectives of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Theravada Buddhism, have guided my lifelong exploration of the 'yoga of life.' This approach integrates nature's remedies, mindful lifestyle choices encompassing diet and exercise, and deep principles for spiritual and psychological transformation. Over many decades, I have developed an internationally recognised and nationally accredited organisation encompassing yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, culture, and dance.

The transmission of wisdom from teacher to student can manifest in many ways. What distinguishes Shanti Yoga™ is its emphasis on direct transmission—a profound connection where teacher and student meet in a shared, present moment, through experiences of body, voice, or mind. This potent transmission allows students to directly discover their own true nature. If you feel drawn to experiencing this direct transmission, I warmly invite you to attend my classes and embrace the role of a student. In this context, 'Guru' signifies a master, and 'Yoga' signifies the inherent understanding of one's own authentic, infinite state—the essential condition of the guru, where nothing needs to be altered. This is achieved by harmonising dedicated study and practice, a cornerstone of Shanti Yoga™.

Within the Shanti Yoga™ tradition, you will engage with profound and fundamental teachings and a carefully designed series of practices, accessible to all levels. These include our Healthy Body, Healthy Back, and Healthy Joints series; explorations of Breath and the Subtle Energy Body; as well as Chair Yoga, Children's Yoga, and practices for understanding, taming, training, and transcending the Mind. These are all pathways to a direct experience of consciousness and the foundational dimensions of emptiness that give rise to clarity. Through various stages, this path leads to ultimate happiness and liberation, guiding aspirants through three key perspectives: understanding the nature of suffering, engaging in methods for freedom, and recognising the fully enlightened state of omniscient awakening. The unique teachings from extraordinary seers encompass the entire Vedic and Buddhist path, from initial spiritual engagement to the attainment of complete enlightenment, guiding aspirants step-by-step toward ultimate peace in a clear and simple manner.

At Shanti Yoga Health Institute Australasia and Nirvana Wellbeing Sanctuary, you will find a nurturing and connected space to nourish your body, mind, and spirit and access your inherent gifts. Our unwavering commitment to supporting your work-life balance and spiritual growth is reflected in our comprehensive range of programs, services, and products, representing unparalleled expertise and knowledge.

We are fortunate to be part of and foster a wonderful community, which adds a special dimension to our offerings and allows for greater adaptability. Our dedicated facilitators, practitioners, therapists, and teachers embody their teachings with genuine passion and a willingness to share. We are deeply committed to the well-being of every student and all individuals. My gratitude is immense.

Your support and trust in our vision and work are the foundation of our endeavours. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all who help keep the wisdom and compassion traditions of the past alive for the future and for making these past five decades possible. We hope you will continue on this journey with us. Moving forward, we remain dedicated to our mission: to make the wisdom teachings of Vedanta, Yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhism, and Meditation accessible to all who seek them, with a steadfast commitment to inclusion, relevance, integrity, wisdom, and compassion.