TEACHER TRAINING HANDOUT Smai Tawi & The Foundations of Afrikan Yoga 1. Smawi: The Ancient Symbol of Afrikan Yoga Represents one of the earliest proofs of an African yogic philosophy. Central column symbolizes the spine, trachea, lungs, and the Djed pillar (stability). 2. Meaning of Tamare One of the oldest names for Africa. Ta = earth, MA = water, Ra = solar fire. Means “beloved land” or “loving earth.” 3. Smai: Science of Breath & Union Ancient Kemetic term meaning breath, union, and integration. Predates the Sanskrit word yoga. Linked to Medu Neter, a language ~10,000 years old. 4. Symbolic Anatomy Smai glyph mirrors: Spine Windpipe Lungs Pelvis Shows breath, structure, and stability as core principles. 5. Hapi: Androgynous Balance Depicted with both masculine and feminine features. Symbolizes wholeness, balance, and dual nature unified. 6. Haru & Set: Inner Duality Haru = higher nature, consciousness. Set = lower nature, ego. Their tension represents the internal work of self‑mastery. 7. Tawi: The Two Lands Upper & Lower Egypt; lotus (north) and papyrus (south). Also symbolizes inner dualities: Self / ego Spiritual / physical Masculine / feminine Smai Tawi = unifying these states. 8. African View of Duality No “good vs. evil” framework. Awareness = virtue. Ignorance = imbalance. Opposing forces are complementary, not enemies.