Peri Ness DeFay, the founder of Synergy Yoga, was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the 4th of July, 1961. Peri’s yoga training began at a very young age, and in her early years she studied with hatha yoga master Mani Finger, and many others who were students of Bishnu Ghosh (brother of Paramahansa Yogananda) and of Swami Sivananda of India. Mani Finger received Kriya Yoga initiation directly from Paramahansa Yogananda. Peri Ness DeFay herself is a member of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), the society founded by Paramahansa Yogananda.

In 1973 Peri left South Africa to continue her studies in London. There and in the United States she studied various yoga traditions, but considers her primary influence to be that of the Bishnu Ghosh branch of hatha yoga.

Bishnu Ghosh learned his hatha yoga system from his guru and brother Paramahansa Yogananda at the guru’s Ranchi School for Boys in India. In the book entitled the Key to the Kingdom of Health Through Yoga, by Buddha Bose, Mr. Ghosh writes in the introduction: “Asana or correct posture is one of the first steps to God-consciousness because it tunes the body-radio to receive the high voltage of cosmic energy and divine enlightenment.” This quote outlines a key aspect of Synergy Yoga, its focus on strengthening the internal energy current for spiritual growth.

In conceiving Synergy Yoga Peri Ness DeFay, a yoga pioneer, synthesized the most powerful aspects from the varied systems she has studied. Synergy is a systematic and meditative approach to hatha yoga. It is a scientifically developed series of postures, carefully selected from the thousands of existing yoga asanas. Synergy stretches muscles in a naturally progressive sequence. It strengthens the internal energy current and prepares body and mind for the higher aspects of yoga. Hatha stimulates and strengthens all the major organs and systems of the body and detoxifies them. Synergy allows each student to work at their own level physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Synergy Yoga leads to the optimum evolution of body, mind, and soul.

It was in 1988 that Peri came to Encinitas to become a nun in the SRF order. But the senior monastics of SRF told her that she could better serve her guru in the world. Shortly afterwards she developed Synergy Yoga, drawing from her strong training in the Indian tradition of yoga. In 1992, Peri opened her small yoga studio in Encinitas, California. It has rapidly expanded and grown. The Synergy Yoga Center has taught more than 10,000 students, with international students numbering in the thousands. The Synergy Yoga Center is said to be one of the busiest yoga studios in southern California.

Since 1993, the Synergy Yoga Center has also focused on training teachers. The curriculum is based on the Eightfold Path of Patanjali. The school offers certificates in Synergy Yoga Instruction, from the basic to the advanced levels. The highest level is the three-year program of study that leads to a Synergy Yoga Advanced Certificate.

Using a clear, dynamic teaching style, Peri emphasizes warmth and compassion in communication. Her focus is healing and optimum health through the pathway of yoga.

Synergy Yoga’s purpose is to provide a unique and complete, authentic Indian Hatha Yoga (the true Astanga Yoga) to one seeking to develop spiritually according to the Eightfold Path of Patanjali: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pratyahara, Pranayama, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi — through the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.

Peri lives in Encinitas, California, with husband, yogi Charles DeFay; and also 600 miles north on Highway 101 in Point Arena, California, at his ranch. Charles has a Synergy Yoga studio there, Surf Therapy Yoga.

How Synergy Yoga Differs From Other Styles

Synergy Yoga is a systematic approach to Hatha Yoga suitable for all levels of ability from beginning to advanced. The Synergy Yoga Original flow is a series of 39 standing and floor asanas, taught in a heated room for approximately one-hour-and-thirty-minutes. The Synergy Yoga Gentle flow is designed for beginners and those with injuries. It is approximately one-hour-and-fifteen-minutes, and is taught in a non-heated room. Click here for more info on Synergy Yoga classes.

Founder Peri Ness DeFay carries on the tradition of Hatha Yoga as it was taught by Bishnu Ghosh at his renowned Ranchi school in India. Bishnu Ghosh is the brother of Paramahansa Yogananda (author of the most popular book on yoga, The Autobiography of a Yogi, and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship).

Peri has maintained the authenticity of the flow as it was taught to her. While other Yoga systems have been westernized to focus largely on the physical body and the ego, Synergy Yoga is taught as Yoga is meant to be taught; connecting body, mind and soul in a single integrated practice. It is like no other yoga system on the planet.
 

•  To receive maximum benefit, yoga should be practiced daily or on a regular basis with no long lapses between practices. A minimum of three times per week is recommended.

•  The room is heated for Synergy Original classes. The heat promotes flexibility and allows an optimum stretch for the muscles. It also facilitates deep detoxification and safety in practice.

•  Clothing should be non-restrictive and suitable for exercise.

•  Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or other strong scents to class.

•  Do not eat heavily before class. Wait at least two hours after a full meal before practicing yoga. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. This is much better than drinking water just before or during class.

•  Our classes start promptly. It is important that you arrive on time not only for your own benefit but also as a courtesy to your fellow students. Late students may NOT enter during the seated prayer and alternate nostril breathing. Please let the staff person behind the desk escort you in, or wait to be waved in by the instructor.

•  If there is a class in progress, please wait quietly outside for it to finish before entering.

•  A large towel is necessary for class. Please bring one. If you forget, a towel will be provided. (Available for a $2.00 rental fee.) If you find that you sweat heavily during class, please bring two towels.

•  For the heated classes, a mat is needed. Please purchase one for your practice. (Available for a $2.00 rental fee.)

•  You are expected to remain for the entire class, so as not to disrupt the class energy and meditation.

•  Please let the instructor know if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or have any injuries or problems that may affect your yoga practice.

•  Women should avoid practicing the bow-pulling posture on the floor, shoulder stand, and kapalabhati during the first few days of menstruation.

•  Feel free to discuss with the instructor, before or after class, any concerns about pain, discomfort, problems, feelings, suggestions, etc. In an emergency, the teacher is available. Remember: always honor your limit; learn where your edge is.

•  The Synergy Yoga Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We hold items for two months then we donate them to charity. Please take your towels and other belongings home with you each day.

•  Pre-paid class plans are NOT valid past expiration date.

•  Second class on the same day is complimentary.

•  It is customary to repeat “Namaste” after the teacher, at the end of class.

•  Our chant is “Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.” “Om” is the original sound of creation. “Shanti” means peace, and “Namaste” translates as “I bow to the light within you.”

•  At the end of class, make an effort to stay and meditate for five minutes to absorb the vibrations before getting up.

•  Synergy Yoga honors the Eightfold Path of Patanjali: Yama (moral conduct); Niyama (positive moral qualities); Asana (right posture); pranayama (life-force control); pratyahara (interiorization); Dharana (concentration); Dhyana (meditation); Samadhi (Bliss/God consciousness).

Please be kind to yourself in this practice. Yoga is a process of personal growth and requires attention, care, and patience. Do not hurry yourself. Allow time for changes to occur gradually. There is no competition in yoga, not even with yourself, honor your edge and not beyond. Let us know if there is any way we may further support you. Namaste.

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