Our Philosophy
At White Swan, Yoga is a Way of Life
Located in Manchester’s quiet North End, White Swan Yoga is dedicated to classical Hatha Yoga in the tradition of the Himalayan International Institute.
Yoga is more than movement—it’s a holistic practice rooted in an ancient tradition, nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. At White Swan Yoga, we honor this timeless wisdom, offering small, attentive classes that guide students toward strength, tranquility, and lasting well-being.
Since opening in 2010, our studio has provided a welcoming space for yoga, meditation, and personal growth. Whether you seek physical vitality, inner peace, or community connection, we invite you to begin your journey with us.
A white swan is the vehicle of the Hindu goddess Saraswati, whose name in Sanskrit means "essence of one's self." Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, art, music, nature, and knowledge. Thus, Saraswati can be thought of as the goddess who inspires our creativity as a means to self expression and self knowledge.
Swans are said to be discriminating, so much so that they can separate and drink milk that has been mixed with water. The swan thus symbolizes the ability to distinguish between the good and bad, the true and false, and the permanent and impermanent. For us, there is further symbolism in the beauty and grace of the swan, including its ability to glide effortlessly and unruffled along the water amidst the activity that is occurring both above and beneath the water's surface. Just like Saraswati, we too can maneuver through the hustle and bustle of life with a white swan as our vehicle, with grace and ease on a journey of self-discovery.
Why a swan?