namaskar jan 2010

namaskarA VOICE FOR THE YOGA COMMUNITY OF ASIA JANUARY 2010

Pratyahara

Mixed Up

Healing Anger

3

Special FeaturesA School for Life, 16 Peter tells usabout a school in Bali uses yoga to helpchildren find inner strenght.

Forget not your Diet, 19 Bobsyexplains how our food choices are affectingour environment.

Softening, 21 Softening in times ofintensity on and off the mat has helpedTanya.

Authenticity, 23 Alex asked whatdoes it mean to be authentic.

Mixed up Monsters, 27 Why it’sbetter to stick to one school of yoga,explains James.

Spiritual on the Road, 31 Leah isreminded that the world is big, and we aresmall.

InsideJANUARY 2010

Dristi Pratyahara

BBBBBe an Insidere an Insidere an Insidere an Insidere an Insider, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10Kim teaches us how to look inward.

FFFFFrrrrrom Prom Prom Prom Prom Pranaanaanaanaanayyyyyama tama tama tama tama toooooPrPrPrPrPratatatatatyyyyyaharaharaharaharahara, 11a, 11a, 11a, 11a, 11Paul explains what pratyahara is.

On Contentment, 12On Contentment, 12On Contentment, 12On Contentment, 12On Contentment, 12Joanna’s blindfold experience helps openher eyes.

ManManManManMantrtrtrtrtra, 13a, 13a, 13a, 13a, 13Sankirtana uses mantra to move inwards.

Mind instruments, 14Mind instruments, 14Mind instruments, 14Mind instruments, 14Mind instruments, 14Hersha show us how to find our Eden.

About NamaskarAbout NamaskarAbout NamaskarAbout NamaskarAbout NamaskarNamaskar provides a voice for the yogacommunity around Asia. The publication is avehicle for practitioners on a yogic path to sharetheir own knowledge, learnings and experienceswith others.

Namaskar, is published quarterly in January,April, July and October.

We welcome unsolicited submissions, thereforethe opinions expressed within these pages arenot necessarily those of Namaskar or its staff.

Namaskar is distributed at no charge throughyoga studios, fitness centres, retail outlets, food& beverage outlets and other yoga-friendlylocations throughout Hong Kong and elsewhere.

For more information, to contribute or to orderNamaskar, please contact::Carol, News Editor & [email protected]

Wai-Ling, News Editor & Copy [email protected]

Joanna, Copy Editor & [email protected]

Frances, [email protected] /+ 852 9460 1967

Deadline for April 2010 issue:March 15, 2010

Regular ContributionsNEWS, WORKSHOPS, RETREATS & TEACHERTRAININGS, 5POEM, 16TEACHER’S VOICE, 26HATHI YOGI, 26TEACHER TRAINING REVIEW, 33 & 39WORKSHOP REVIEW, 35 & 37 & 41DIET, 42RECIPE, 43BOOK REVIEW, 44CROSSWORD, 45TEACHER & STUDIO LISTINGS, 46

Janet in Baddha Trikonasana variation

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namaskar

SOMETHING TO SHARE?If you have something to share with the yoga community in ASIA and elsewhere (wedistribute around the World), please email [email protected]

My dear friend Yogiuday lives alone half the year in a remote area of British Columbia,Canada and the other half in an ashram in Rishikesh, India. He is vegan and eats only foodhe prepares himself (some he even grows), he rises everyday before sunrise for two hoursof meditation, pranayama, chanting and asana. He spends most his days studying,gardening, walking, exploring and, when in India volunteering at an orphanage.

Surely he’s closer to pratyahara (withdrawing from the sense) than me with family, living in abig city, squeezing in my practice where I can, scrambling just to get through each day.

I was eager to learn how he’s doing with this. While the critic in me could discount hisfeedback, “his life’s nothing like mine, how can anything he’s learned help me?” My openmind acknowledges there’s enough similarity in the human state of mind to seriouslyconsider the lessons he has been exploring for years.

Five other yogis, Kim, Paul, Joanna, Sankirtana and Hersha, who have also made changesin their lives so they have time to study about these things, generously share theirobservations on this very challenge. I hope they will be of help to you.

In fact much of this issue is filled with articles about personal observations and opinions.Thank you to Tanya, Leah, Alex and James. There are also more workshop and teachertraining reviews, courtesy of Val, Rani, Daphne and Christina, than ever before.Undoubtedly another indication that yoga continues to grow.

Fortunately it’s not just commercial growth, as you will learn when you read Peter’s articleabout a school in Bali.

Food features more than usual, with Bobsy’s update on the relationship between eatingmeat and our environment, Paul’s article on the importance of food in our spiritualgrowth and Moosa’s comforting winter recipe.

Thanks to all the other contributors and to Janet, on the cover, for representingphotographically the challenge we city dwellers face pratyaharically-speaking

Namaskar has long wanted to move to recycled paper. However the price of doing thiswould mean we could not pay to distribute 4,500 copies of the magazine. If we were toincrease our advertising rates enough to pay for this, lots of smaller studios which are soimportant to the spirit of yoga would not be able to advertise with us. If you have a long-term supply of 80 gsm recycled paper at less than market price, which you would be willingto spare, please email me on [email protected]

We’d also like to make our past issues available online as pdf documents and ask any readerinterested in donating web hosting services to also please contact me.

Finally, I hope the year has started well for you and I look forward to receiving anysuggestions you have for improving Namaskar.

FRANCES GAIRNSEditor

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NEWS

BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER,

HONG KONGZobha Yoga and FitnessApparel sponsored the secondAnnual Breast CancerFundraiser at Pure Yoga Centralin Hong Kong last October.The charity class, Karma Yoga:Vinyasa Flow was led byWendy Wyvill, a Zobha Circleof Grace Member.With 104 participants, the Classraised HK$ 40,273 to benefitthe Hong Kong Breast CancerFoundation. Zobha donated aClassic Tank for eachparticipant.

This year in addition to thepractice, there was a talk and aself-care demonstration byBreast Cancer Survivor andYogi Amy Tadalis. Shegraciously shared her experienceand the importance of early

detection and self -examination. Below, Wendyshares her experience of leadingthe class and what it has meantto her.

“I have taught thousands of

yoga classes over the years. Allgive me such inspiration andempathy for our bodies andour souls. As I watch studentsgo through their own processon the mat, wringing outtoxins, emotions and physicalburdens, I always reflect on theact of community. We cometogether, purge together and atthe end of class hopefully wefeel a little bit lighter in themind, more open in the heartand more inspired in ourspirits. This act of a healing practicecame to light during the karmaclass I taught last month forBreast Cancer Awareness. Itwas the second annual class Ihave led at Centrium PureYoga. The class was donationonly and 104 generously-supporting yogis came to theirmat to support such a cause. This class was inspired byZobha, and I have the honorto be apart of its Circle ofGrace. Other Circle of GraceMembers/Yoga Teachers ledsimilar classes around the globeduring the month of October.What a cool feeling to be doingsomething so positivelyproactive while knowing othersare doing the same on theother side of the world. May we continue to become

aware of the things that serveand inspire us, and may wealways hold a light for those inneed.”

IYENGAR YOGA ASSOCIATION OF

SOUTH EAST & EAST ASIA

(IYASEEA)With the blessing and approvalof Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar,the Iyengar Yoga Associationof South East & East Asia(IYASEEA) was officiallyformed. In his letter, Sri B.K.S.Iyengar wrote “I am happy toassociate my name for thisAssociation, as lots of peopleare sincerely and devotedlypracticing my method andpropagating it since years.”

The purpose of IYASEEA isto propagate the art, science andphilosophy of yoga in SouthEast and East Asia according tothe teachings of Sri B.K.S.Iyengar. Furthermore, theIYASEEA aims to support thecommunity of yoga teachersand students living in Asia andstudying the yoga teachings ofSri B.K.S. Iyengar.

IYASEEA is also responsiblefor maintaining the standardsof teaching of Iyengar yoga inAsia. The association will co-ordinate regular assessmentsand manage the certificationprocess of those wishing toteach. The assessment andcertification processes enableteachers to remain up-to-dateand help maintain the validityof their teaching certificate.Countries and cities included inIYASEEA are Brunei,Cambodia, Hong Kong,Indonesia, Laos, Macau,Malaysia, Myanmar,Philippines, Singapore,Thailand and Vietnam.

IYASEEA will also arrange anannual Iyengar YogaConvention which will be heldin a different member countryeach year. The first IYASSEAconvention will be held inYoga teacher Wendy Wyvill (far right) at an Annual Breast Cancer

Fundraiser

FAREWELL TO SWAMI

SATYANANDA SARASWATI

1923-2009At midnight (Indian time) on5 December 2009, SwamiSatyananda left his body whiledoing Japa (mantrameditation) with a smile onhis face. Swami Satyananda wasthe founder of the famousBihar School of Yoga in India.

Swami Satyananda imparted an immense amount of light, peace,health, wisdom and compassion in all his disciples, all the teachershe trained, all the students who ever took a class, learned a practice,or picked up one of his books. He authored over 80 best-sellersand classical texts on yoga and spiritual life. The practices that hebrought to life have been tremendously instrumental in ourunderstanding of yoga and while he will be missed, he will live onin the minds and hearts of those who he touched.

Swami Satyananda was born in Almora, Uttar Pradesh and met hisGuru Swami Sivananda in 1943 in Rishikesh and stayed with hisGuru and was initiated by him into the Dashnami order. Heserved his Guru’s mission for 12 years in many capacities andcompleted several international and national tours to promote theteaching of yoga. In July 1963 after his Guru passed away, SwamiSatyananda established the headquarters of his mission in theMunger city of Bihar. In the subsequent years, he set up the BiharSchool of Yoga, International Yoga Fellowship Movement,Sivananda Math and the Yoga Research Foundation. He renouncedteaching in 1988 to take up the lifestyle of a Paramahamsasannyasin (enlightened renunciate) and after settling in the smallvillage of Rikhia, he led a life of meditative seclusion.

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Singapore 24 - 25 April 2010.

For more information visitwww.iyengaryoga.asia oremail Ganesh Krishnan [email protected]

LMYC CELEBRATES 11 YEARS IN

HONG KONGTo celebrate it’s 11th year, LifeManagement Yoga Center(LMYC), a non-profit classicalyoga centre affiliated to TheYoga Institute Mumbai, islaunching its Kids Special classon Wednesday 13 January 2010at 5.15 pm, and the new basiccourse on 15 (9:30 am and7pm), 16 (3:30 pm) and 18January 2010 (7:00pm). Freetrial class on first visit. Kidsclass is HK$480 per quarter orHK$1,100 for 3 quarters.Basic course is HK$50 perclass, HK$1,200 for 24 classesor HK$3,333 annual fee.

For more information visitLMYC, 35 Kimberly Road,11/F Kimberly House, TST,Hong Kong ww.yoga.org.hkor call +852 2191 9651English/ 6349 0639 Chinese

PURE YOGA PARTNERS WITH

YOGA CLASSICS INPUT PROJECT10 December 2009 marked thebeginning of a partnershipbetween Pure Yoga and theYoga Classics Input Project(YCIP). YCIP is a division ofthe Asian Classic Input Project,a non-profit organisationlaunched in the US in the late80’s, and has successfully savedthousands of ancient yogabooks. Their mission is toensure that the esoteric textsand teachings of the ancientyoga scriptures are physicallyrecorded and preserved. Withthe partnership, Pure Yoga willillustrate its support for YCIPand the origins of yoga,broaden awareness of YCIP,and expose interested parties toYCIP’s donation mechanismsfor financial support.

To kick off the partnership, anevent was held at Pure Yogawith their teachers, and JohnBrady and Geshe MichaelRoach, the Executive Directorsof YCIP. They elaborated onthe details of the partnership,and showed a video on theconnection between the ancientyogic texts and how they haveshaped modern-day yoga.Teachers gained insight into thepurpose, history and yogalineage of this partnership, aswell as details on donationmethods and the forthcomingworkshop and class series to beheld in May 2010.

For more information aboutYCIP www.yogaclassics.org

YOGA RETURNS TO FLEX IN

JANUARY 2010In celebration of its fifthanniversary and afterrenovation of the studio, Flexis offering yoga again. “Yogahas always been at the spiritualheart of the studio, and wehave missed the presence ofyoga classes since spaceconstraints forced us to cutback on group classes. The re-configuration of the studioallows us to once again offer abroad range of group classes,including yoga for adults andchildren,” says Flex DirectorHeather Thomas Shalabi.

The studio welcomes backsome familiar instructorsincluding Helena Chiu andLaura Walsh, and introducingtwo new teachers, Gro Butcherand Tara Chellaram. Togetherthey offer a selection of yogaclasses on Tuesdays, Thursdaysand Fridays. The schedulebalances different styles of yogato cater for a diverse clienteleincluding the Fusion classwhich is a blend of pilates andyoga, pre-natal yoga, children’syoga, Iyengar style Hatha yogaand Ashtanga inspired PowerFlow.

Adult yoga classes are 75

minutes with a maximum of 8participants at a drop-in priceof HK$250. Packages for 5 and10 classes are available.Children’s yoga classes are 60minutes, with a maximum of10 participants. Classes are soldin packages of 8 for HK$1,850and drop-in price of HK$240.

For more information call+852 2813 2212 or [email protected]

YOGA CENTRAL WELCOMES

CHARLES TSECharles Tse, aka Carlos, is aYoga Alliance registered teacherwho started practising yoga 12years ago. He has recentlyreceived training in one of thebest yoga lineage institutes inChennai, India(Krishnamacharya YogaMandiram). He also has overtwo decades of alternativehealth practice experience,including Tai Chi, Chi Gong,Transcendental Meditation andZen Meditation. He teachesprivate and group classes.

For more information visitwww.midoyoga.com.

BI-LINGUAL YOGA CLASSES AT

YOGA CENTRAL, HONG KONGCharles and Karen will conductbi-lingual yoga classes startingfrom January 2010.

For more information visitwww.yogacentral.com or call+852 2982 4308

YOGA FOR PRE-MENSTRUAL

SYNDROMEmYoga teacher, Shirley Tse led aworkshop using yoga toalleviate the symptons of PMSrecently as part of mYoga’sWomen’s Health Specials. Theworkshop was held at theirstudio in Causeway Bay.For more information onfuture workshops, call +8522576 9990

NEW ROLFING CLASS AT COMO Yoga Central’s Charles Tse

Laura Walsh is back at Flex

Helena Chiu returns to Flex

Gro Butcher joins Flex’s yoga

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SHAMBHALASingaporeRolfing is a form of bodyworkthat fine tunes the body via asystem of structural integrationthrough fascial restoration. It isa holistic recovery and re-balancing form of bodyworkespecially useful for those whoare in stationary postures andpositions for extended periodsof time like cubicle workers andconstant jet-setters. It is alsobeneficial for those sufferingfrom constant joint pain orother stress-related conditions.Personalised 60 to 90 minutesessions with qualified Rolferadministers are offered.

For more information call+65 6735 2163 or [email protected]

YOGA YOGA OPENS NEW TSUEN

WAN STUDIOThe new Yoga Yoga TsuenWan studio opens in January2010 and is located on 8/F, CityLandmark 1, 68 Chung OnStreet, Tsuen Wan. This studiooffers yoga and dance classes aswell hot yoga and saunafacilities.

For more information call+852 2866 8169

IYENGAR LEVEL 3 CLASSES WITH

PETER SCOTTYoga Central, Hong Kong28 January and 4 February 20107 - 9 pm


NEW YOGA SANCTUARY OPENS IN

COSTA RICAWhen it opens on 31 January,Blue Osa will offer yogastudents and spa goers theopportunity to practice, restand recharge in one of theworld’s most beautiful andsecluded jungle beaches.Located on Costa Rica’s OsaPeninsula, Blue Osa will openwith 11 rooms, sleeping up to26 people.

The yoga studio sits above theresort and offers panoramicviews of the ocean andmainland beyond. It canaccommodate 40 students. Aswell as a dedicated yoga studio,Blue Osa has a spa, pool and

pool pavilion, gym, restaurant,private beach, and privategarden. The retreat center isopen to all people, though themain target is the gay market.

For more information [email protected]

INTRODUCTION TO SHAMATHA

SITTING MEDITATIONOriental Spa, LandmarkMandarin Oriental Hotel,Hong KongSundays 7, 14, 21 and 28February 2010 from 6:15-7:15pmShamatha, in Sanskrit, meanspeace. The practice ofshamatha meditation is asimple method using thebreath and awareness in orderto focus the mind. The practiceof sitting meditation is thefoundation of the Buddhistteachings. It is also a powerfultool for calming the mind, andneed not necessarily be practicedwithin a religious context.

There will be an explanation ofbasic techniques, guidedmeditation, and a period ofsilence, in order for participantsto experience the effects of thepractice. There will bediscussion time at the end.

For registration and moreinformation email [email protected] call +852 2132 0011

AYURVEDIC COOKING COURSE –

HEALING, PREVENTION AND

HEALTH CAREAyurvedic style of cooking is amethod of personalizing foodfor the healing process forindividuals, and a rational wayto prepare food according tothe dietary need of anindividual based on differentbody types. In AyurvedicCooking Course I (ACCI)participants will learn thefundamental theory ofayurvedic principles of cooking,lifestyle, eating and simple

dishes. Ayurvedic CookingCourse II (ACCII) will be anindepth study and practice ofcourse I, with more advancedimmersion of theory andmethods. Students will alsolearn how to deal with healthproblems through diet, preparea diet plan according to bodyconstitution, and learn aboutsubstitutes for refinedproducts, recipes and homeremedies. Personal counsellingwill also be provided. Course Dates/Times: ACCI 6 -11 March 2010 and ACCII 13-18 March 2010 2:00-4:30pm or7:00-9:30pmCourse fees: Early bird (on orbefore 10 February 2010): ACCIHK$1,500/ACCII HK$2,000/ ACCI+ACII $3,200On or after 11 February 2010:ACCI HK$1,900/ACCIIHK$2,400 / ACCI+ACIIHK$3,800.

For more information visitwww.artofliving.org.hk orcall Sylvia Luk on +852 61032227.

THIRD BALISPIRIT FESTIVALUbud, Bali31 March to 4 April 2010

Held over 5 days and 4 nights,the BaliSpirit Festival combinesover 95 yoga, dance and musicworkshops with inspiringnightly world music concerts.This annual celebration bringsto Bali a wealth of talented andrespected creative masters fromaround the world. As well asmerging the indigenouscultures of Indonesia in thespirit of learning, collaborating,and celebrating its creative andspiritual diversity.

For tickets and moreinformation visitwww.balispirtfestival.com

Learning to embrace PMS at mYoga’s Women’s Health workshop

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WORKING TOWARDS YOUR

BACKBEND - MIND & BODY

PROGRESSIONYoga Central, Hong Kong29 January - 1 February 201010:30 am – 1:30 pm & 3 – 6pm

Peter Scott is back to conductintensives on backbends.


BEYOND ASANA: TRAINING THE

MIND WITH ASHTANGA YOGAOriental Spa, LandmarkMandarin Oriental Hotel,Hong KongSaturdays 6, 13, 20 and 27February 201010:30 am - 1:30 pm

Workshops led by KimRoberts using the foundationtechnique of Shamatha sittingmeditation, and teaching howthe asana practice of Ashtangayoga can serve as a tool todevelop and stabilizemeditation practice. Awarenesswill be developed in both thetraditional seated meditationposture, as well as duringmovement into yoga postures.Students will be shownmethods for addressingvarious issues that can arise atdifferent stages of the practice.In conjunction with theSaturday classes, participants areinvited to a Sunday eveningmeditation which includes basicinstruction and discussion.

For registration and moreinformation email [email protected] call +852 2132 0011

IYENGAR YOGA WORKSHOP WITH

BIRJOO MEHTAIyengar Yoga Centre of HongKong, Hong Kong24-28 February 2010Birjoo Mehta is an advancedsenior practitioner of Iyengaryoga from Mumbai, India. He

has studied with Mr. B.K.S.Iyengar throughout his life andused to give asanademonstrations for Mr.Iyengar. He has taughtworkshops in the UK, Israel,South Africa, Hong Kong andCanada. Three hour classes costHK$700, two and a half hourclasses are HK$600. Register forthe whole workshop to get10% discount off the totalprice.

For more information visitwww.iyengaryogahongkong.com

PILATES WORKSHOP AT THE YOGA

ROOMHong Kong28 February 20103:30 - 6 pm

Learn how to improve yourposture and strengthen yourcore with Pat England, certifiedpilates polestar instructor.

For registration and moreinformation call +852 25448398 or visitwww.yogaroomhk.com

MEDITATION IN MOTION WITH

GOVINDA KAI

SPACE YOGA, TAIPEI5 - 7 March 2010

Experience a thoroughlyengaging exploration intomeditation and yogaphilosophy in a way that youhave never experienced beforewith Govinda, a certifiedAshtanga teacher.

For more information visitwww.withinspace.com

SPANDA YOGA MUSIC WORKSHOP

WITH JACK HARRISONSPACE Yoga, Taipei21 March 2010

Align with spanda, the creativepulse of the universe, in thisyoga music workshop with JackHarrison, an experiencedAnusara-inspired and Ashtangateacher. You will learn to usesound and music as ameditative technique.Combined with yoga posturesand breathing, it becomes apowerful tool to get in touchwith our real selves.


ACTIVE ISOLATED STRETCHING

AND YOGA WORKSHOP

SPACE YOGA, TAIPEI10 - 11 April 2010

Adarsh Williams will lead aunique workshop thatincorporates the therapeuticmethod of Active IsolatedStretching in the asana practice.You will learn how to workwith the body’s naturalintelligence to safely isolate,stretch and strengthen allmuscles, making postureseasier and more refined.


WORKSHOPS

EVOLUTION - 4TH ASIA YOGA

CONFERENCEHong Kong, China14 - 17 May 2010This is Asia’s largest annualyoga event and includescomplimentary events andmore than 120 classes andstyles for practitioners of alllevels. Classes taught by worldrenowned masters including:Dharma Mittra, Ana Forrest,Seane Corn, Ganesh Mohan,Carlos Pomeda and manymore.

Teachers from Asia includePatrick Creelman, MichelBesnard, Govinda Kai, YogiVishveketu, Paul Dallaghanand Sudhakar Dheenan. It willalso house Asia’s largestexhibition of yoga products.

For more information visitwww.asiayogaconference.com

SEEKING PRIVATE YOGA

INSTRUCTORS IN HONG KONGYoga company looking forinstructors for private classes inHong Kong and Kowloon.

Send your CV [email protected]

HONG KONG STUDIO AVAILABLE

FOR HIRELarge and small dance studiosare available for hire fromFebruary 2010. Suitable for yogaor meditation, long or shortterm are welcome. Studio onAustin Road, Kowloon.

For more information callJudy on +852 9142 4063.

Yoga teacher, sound engineerand musician, Jack Harrison

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TEACHER TRAININGS RETREATS

CHANGE YOUR MIND -

YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREATS

WITH KIM ROBERTS IN BHUTANZhiwa Ling Hotel, Bhutan23 - 27 April 2010, 7 - 11 May2010, 21 - 25 May 2010

Inspired by the natural beautyand spiritual heritage ofBhutan, this retreat teacheshow training the mind to bepresent is not a chore orsomething that requiressuperhuman discipline - it issimply to appreciate what isright in front of us. Yogaserves as a tool to stabilizemeditation practice, whichhelps us to develop the abilityto be fully present and peaceful.

Daily programme includes yogaand meditation sessions,outings to significantlandmarks in Bhutan, as well asvegetarian meals and spatreatments. Morning practicewill be more invigorating, while

100-HOUR TRAINING WITH MICHEL

BESNARDShenzhenm China20 January - 4 February 2010

Yoga Alliance certified 100-hourAshtanga Yoga training withMichel in U Yoga, Shenzhen,China.

For more information visitwww.uyoga.com.cn orwww.yogasana.com.hk

ADVANCED HATHA YOGA TRAINING

AT ANAHATA YOGAHong Kong30 January - 7 March 2010

This intensive training withYogananth Andiappan takesteaching yoga postures to newlimits and let students set newheights in the advanced HathaYoga practice.

For more information visitwww.anahatayoga.com.hk orcall +852 2905 1822

200-HOUR VINYASA YOGA

TRAINING WITH MICHEL BESNARDKoh Samui, Thailand1 - 29 March 2010

With over 30 years of practiceand teaching experience, Michel(E-RYT 500) stands out as oneof Asia’s most experienced andknowledgeable voices. Hecombines the power ofAshtanga and alignment ofIyengar to deliver a solidfoundation for aspiringteachers.

For more information visitwww.teachvinyasayoga.comor www.yogasana.com.hk [email protected]

evening practice will consist ofrestorative poses and seatedmeditation.

During the day, variousexcursions to local cultural andreligious sites will be arranged.Optional 3-day excursion toGangtey is available during 21-25 May 2010.

For more information onZhiwa Ling Hotel inBhutan’s peaceful Parovalley visitwww.zhiwaling.com Formore information on theretreat visitwww.papayayoga.com/zhiwalingretreats or [email protected]

YOGA RETREATS WITH CLAYTON

HORTON16 - 23 October 2010, YogaThailand, Koh Samui,Thailand, www.yoga-thailand.com6 - 13 November 2010, LaoLiang Island, Thailand,www.leelatravel.com20 - 27 November 2010,Somatheeram, Kovalam, India,www.leelatravel.com

200-HOUR TRAININGS WITH

CLAYTON HORTON1 - 30 May 2010, BoracayIsland, Philippines18 July - 15 August 2010, SanFrancisco, California, USA

For more information visitwww.greenpathyoga.org

200-HOUR PART-TIME TRAINING

AT ANAHATA YOGAHong KongThis course is accredited by theprestigious M.S. University inIndia and Yoga Alliance.This part-time course issuitable for dedicated studentswho require a flexible classschedule. The course starts on 3May 2010 and lasts for 10weeks.

For more information visitwww.anahatayoga.com.hk orcall +852 2905 1822

KIDZYOGA IN SCHOOLS TRAININGHong Kong, China17 - 20 May 2010

This KidzYoga 4-day intensiveexperiential training will equipanyone who wants to bringyoga to students of all ages inschools. With educational-based yoga tools andtechniques, participants willlearn how to seamlesslyintegrate yoga in the classroom,PE, and start a Yoga Club, thatwill foster beautiful minds,healthy bodies andcompassionate students. Thistraining is perfect for parents,school teachers, yoga teachers,nurses, OTs, PTs, and otherchild-focused individuals.Tuition cost is HK$7,500 forearly bird and HK$8,500regular.

For registration and moreinformation visitwww.kidzyoga-asia.com orcall +852 9861 6227

Clayton offers several retreats,workshops and teachertrainings this year

Kim invites you to join her inBhutan

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Dristi Pratyahara

RECENTLY I WAS INVITED TO GOon an all expense paid vacation to a tropicalbeach in Mexico. Of course, I accepted.Then I started having nightmares. I noticedmy breathing get shallow when I thoughtabout it, I noticed my thoughts makingexcuses for the disruption it would cause inmy schedule and the commitments thatwould have to be broken.

I realised I didn’t want to go. I don’tparticularly like (or dislike) Mexico, I wasattracted just because of the glittering carrotof a free holiday and because everyone issupposed to like tropical vacations. It turnsout I would rather spend that timepracticing with my teacher in India. But toget to that point of admitting it to myself,much less to others, who will no doubtnot understand my choice, it took severalweeks of internal chaos. I was trying toconvince myself I wanted to go.

It is quite easy to go through life guided byouter signs. Our family guides us towardour station in life, peers urge us to conformor rebel in certain ways, some of us look tofashion magazines to know what to wear,the evening news advises us whether or notto bring our umbrella tomorrow.

Only a man who knows

how to unlock the

treasures of the inner

world, can dare to

renounce the

outer one.Lama Govinda

It creates fewer waves to go through lifedoing what others expect of us. Some ofus are so good at it we have convincedourselves that what we should do isactually what we want to do. We lookaround to see what everyone else is doingto make our own decisions about how toproceed along this path called life.

Even spirituality these days has fallen preyto peer pressure. We look outside to findclues to stay on a path that will lead us

inward. How does my practice look? Is it asgood as my neighbor’s? Am I followingthe rules of how and when to practice? Theonly problem with this is if you arelooking outward at the path that ispointing inward, then it is arguably nolonger a spiritual path.

So we have to learn to look inward. TheTibetan word for Buddhist is nangpa, whichtranslates as “insider.” It doesn’t mean aninsider in the sense of hanging with thecool crowd. It means one who has turnedher attention inward; one whose allegiancehas shifted from outer to inner referencepoints.

Our sense perceptions keep us connectedwith the outer environment: we taste withthe tongue, see through the eyes, hear withthe ears, smell through the nose, feel thebody. But the mind is also a sense faculty -we perceive thoughts through the facultyof the mind. In fact, without the mind totranslate our experience of the other fivesenses, we might not be so caught up inthe external world. Birdsong would just bean experience of sound, without the labeland mental image of a bird with itsassociated memories.

Ego is that mechanism that reacts to andembellishes these experiences, which weattribute to outer circumstances. We prefercertain sensations to others, which createsdesire and aversion. We form our self-image based on how our environmentreflects itself back to us. People praise orblame us, events make us happy or sad,our efforts bring fame or anonymity, webecome rich or poor.

Most of us spend our lives striving for thepositive side of these dualistic perceptions.But why not strive to understand that thisvery ambition is what leads us to suffering?Wealth can turn to poverty overnight, ourcomfortable situation can dissolve instantly,as for praise, fame and good reputation,one wrong word out of your (or someoneelse’s) mouth and your good name is gone.

How do we loosen the grip of thesepressures to conform to an acceptedstandard of living? We may practice yogaand meditation for years and years, but ifwe are still looking outside for answers,then what is the point of practicing? Aren’twe practicing to develop self-awareness, orSelf-awareness, which is ultimately egoless?

Be an InsiderBe an InsiderBe an InsiderBe an InsiderBe an InsiderKim Roberts

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Equanimity, or total acceptance, is the basisof egolessness. When we draw the sensoryawareness inward, we stop giving so muchimportance to whatever it is that the sensesconvey to us. Its not that we stop hearingor seeing or feeling, its simply that we nolonger come to a screeching halt in order tocreate a story out of those bits ofinformation. Our allegiance shifts to thebackground beyond the display of thephenomenal world. Then we can listen toourselves.

This process of shifting allegiance takestime. In my Mexico dilemma, I neededoutside help to see what was happeninginternally. I asked one of my teachers foradvice. While we are still learning to listen,sometimes our internal truth is moreobvious to those who know us well. Thisis why we have teachers and sangha, ourfellow practitioners, to help show us theway to listen to our hearts. But ultimately,the source of deep wisdom is only to befound inside. Be an insider. Listen toyourself.

It is not wisdom to be only wiseAnd on the inner vision close the eyesBut it is wisdom to believe the heart.Santayana

Kim Roberts leads yogaand meditation retreats inBhutan. Papayayoga.com

From Pranayama to PratyaharaPaul Dallaghan

PRATYAHARA IS TAUGHT AND DISCUSSED IN MANY TEXTS ON YOGA ANDrelated philosophies. In this article, I attempt to offer a simple and workableunderstanding of it.

The most popular reference to pratyahara is as one of the eight limbs (ashta – angas) aspresented by Patanjali. He describes it as the fifth limb and later refers to these five limbs aspart of external yoga (bahiranga yoga):sva-vishayasam-pra-yoge chittasya sva-rupanukara ivendriyanam pratyaharahYS II. 54

When the senses cease their contact with the objects in their realm, they become assimilatedwith mind-field’s nature, a withdrawal, known as pratyahara.

Pratyahara is not so much something you do, but

something that happens, primarily an outcome of

pranayama and mindfulness practices.

As it is related to objects of the outside world it is an external limb of yoga, yet it is thebridge to the final three internal limbs of dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

In a nutshell, when the energy of life, prana, has been managed skillfully throughpranayama, energy is concentrated within and does not travel to, or leak out of, the senseorgans. Even though the organs remain as part of the body, the force behind it whichcauses the contact with the outside object, is withdrawn. You no longer waste energyoutward. This is a process cultivated over time until it becomes a true nirodha, or control ofchitta vrittis, all the subtle activity, and one is moved to a deep internal state.

At the beginning of the Yoga Sutras Patanjali uses nirodha to explain how yoga is achieved.This nirodha is a channeling or controlling and the means to do this are given under abhyasa,repeated practice, and vairagya, non-dependence or non-attachment. A high level of vairagyawould be similar to a perfected pratyahara. This comes from your continuous effort towork on yourself. To watch your thoughts and behavior, treatment of others and yourself,manage, ideally skillfully, the energies of the body and breath, will, in time, refine theinternal energetic process of life and lead to a greater control over the senses.

For Patanjali pranayama brings about the state of pratyahara which, when perfected,culminates and concentrates the energy at the base of the spine, without any furtheroutward stimulation through the peripheral nerves or sense organs. The practitioner has adeep internal experience he calls dharana. In tantra and hatha it is called the experience ofkundalini, stimulating our true potential energy thereby raising consciousness.

Your world consists of the things you come in contact with. How much you are pulled bythem will cause you to feel free or trapped, joy or misery. Your experience of the world isdirectly based on your contact with it. This is why two people in similar circumstances canhave very different experiences. You can try to understand the other’s plight, and yourhigher sense will appeal to their circumstance and feel compassion, but ultimately you areonly experiencing all you come in direct contact with. When you go into a true deep sleepwhere does this world go? It does not cease. Only your contact with it does. At the pointof pratyahara one has mastered the ability to indulge in the world, via the senses and mindactivity, or withdraw and gain, as it were, an inner growth.

12

As pratyahara refines, the practitioner goes from a mini experience of it in concentratedmoments to a heightened awareness and mindfulness at all times throughout the day. Insuch a case the outer object is noticed, the sensation within is observed, the capacity towithdraw is present and integrity is preserved. Early on, an effort to withdraw is requiredbut over time there is an automatic internal centering and the possibility of distraction ortemptation is minimal. This does not mean you become boring but rather a championover your desires and sensual pulls. You can still enjoy the activity of the senses as need bein life. You eat chocolate, enjoy it! But are you pulled strongly to eat it every time you see itor think about it?

Pratyahara is really a practice of awareness, mindfulness and self-discipline. For this tooccur, you need support and grounded strength. This is the guidance and advice from thefirst four limbs; how you live and how you manage the energies of life. If you are makingan effort to live peacefully, honestly and respectfully, and practice a daily routine oftechniques that are based on a sound tradition, the result will be an increased level ofawareness. From there the advanced techniques of pranayama will bring about a morecomplete pratyahara.

The heightened awareness of the mind’s functions and the continual practice ofobservance on it, as is taught in various vipassana traditions, will lead to the activity of themind, the energy or prana, being inwardly concentrated. The flow out of the senses isreduced and in the moment of deep experience it is temporarily stopped, or withdrawn sothe senses receive no output. As a result, the mind does not make contact with the externalobject. When this happens, the energy within will cause such concentration that the onlyoutcome would be dharana, an awakening of the potential energy.

Life functions through the senses and wants to pull us out all the time. The yoga processsays, “oh man, turn within”. Upon living clean, honorably mastering the practice, especiallythe flow of the breath, such a shift in the flow of internal energy can occur that it is notautomatically pulled outward but managed within.

As the practitioner continues to refine this, a tremendous sense of inner strength, as wellas calm and peace, arises. It is not a state of leaving the world but rather a capacity to betterhandle the world and ultimately be of more help to others. However, the only way isthrough a form of self-practice. It does not magically appear it is earned. Love, care andattention can ensure that. Patience, enthusiasm and perseverance bring it about over time.

Perform your daily practice with a sense of connection and feeling, andthroughout the day try to observe your thoughts, words, actions anddesires. Don’t suppress them but build the awareness. This is why youneed care and patience. Be happy!

Paul is director of Centered Yoga and Yoga Thailand on Koh Samui.yoga-thailand.com / centeredyoga.com

Pratyahara is really a

practice of awareness,

mindfulness and

self-discipline.

HAVE YOU WORN A BLINDFOLD?One of my friends gave me a wonderfultreat for the senses when she put ablindfold across my eyes. She fed medelicious foods such as banana andmandarin segments. The texture of thefruits tickled my lips before juicing up mytaste-buds. She whispered uplifting phrasesinto my ears and played sweet music in thebackground. My nose experienceddelightful aromas as she held bottles offragrance below my nostrils. She massagedmy hands with essential oils and I melted

into the plethora of sensory experience.

In this modern world we are all too easilyled by sight, arguably our most powerfulsense. We are bombarded with bright neonlights of the city and visual advertisingbrands. Our eyes are so powerful that whenwe try to close them for meditation wecan’t help but open them now and then fora quick glimpse of our surroundings or theperson in front of us. We are so attached toour sense of sight we find it difficult toignite the remaining four. In yoga, we often

Awaken your SensesJoanna Pearce

13

Dristi Pratyahara

talk about reaching a balanced state. Shouldwe not apply this balance to each of ourfive senses as well?

Pratyahara is often described as ‘withdrawalof the senses’ but perhaps we should firstexplore what exactly we are withdrawingfrom? By choosing to turn down thevolume on the most dominant sense, weturn up the volume on the remaining ones.Playing with a blindfold is just oneexample of how we can have fun withawakening our senses. Another exercise you

can try is the silent disco! At a music festivalin England there was a tent housing asilent disco. People could choose to eitherwear wireless headphones to hear themusic, or wear no headphones and danceto their own inner beat in a silent room.Try it at your next party!

There is so much pleasure to be had whenwe awaken our senses. It is part of ourexperience with the human body to betouched by another, to smell a sweetflower, to taste delicious food, to listen to

good music and to open our eyes tobeautiful smiling faces. I encourage you toblindfold a friend today and give them thegift of sensory experience!

Joanna is a freelanceyoga teacher based inHong Kong. You canfollow her blog atwww.englishroseyoga.wordpress.com.She is also a volunteerwriter and copy editor forNamaskar.

IMAGINE YOU ARE FLOATING IN Aliquid the temperature of your own body.You are not aware of light, odour, taste ornoise. You are without external sensualperception, though you are left withenough oxygen to breathe comfortably.

You are alone with all the experiencesgathered in your mind from your lifetime.How would you perceive this situation?In the 1970’s, stimulus reduction devicescalled “Samadhi Tanks” were created. Suchtanks provide conditions similar to whatyogis achieve when they close the doors ofthe senses, diverting their energy from theexternal to the internal. They then realisetheir identity is not the body or the mind,but eternal conscious beings.

This process is technically called pratyaharathe fifth limb of the eight limbs of theAstanga Yoga system.

Pratyahara is derived from prati, “just theopposite”, and ahara, “acquiring”. Presently,our senses are engaged in acquiring worldlybeauty. “Just the opposite” meansretracting the senses from outward beautyto see internal beauty. Seeing can also betaken as hearing, specifically the Omkarasound from within. For this purpose allthe other senses are withdrawn fromexternal activity. The mind will becomesituated in trance, or samadhi, fortified byconviction and already purified throughpranayama (the fourth limb).

Whenever there is contact with the senses,the mind is involved and thereforepratyahara has much to do with mind andconsciousness. Once the modifications ofthe mind are set right, it is not necessary tomake any extra effort to control the senses.

An analogy given in the yoga sutra by SrilaVyasadeva is of the queen bee (our mind).When she flies, all the bees fly (our senses)and when she sits, all the bees sit aroundher. Hence, proper mindset is crucial.

The mind, like a sponge, absorbseverything it comes in touch with. In theBhagavad Purana, one of the four saintlyKumaras tells King Pritu: “When one’smind and senses are attracted to senseobjects for enjoyment, the mind becomesagitated. As a result of continually thinkingof sense objects, one’s real consciousnessalmost becomes lost, like the water in a lakethat is gradually sucked up by the big grassstraws on its bank” (Srimad-Bhagavatam4.22.30).

The example is very appropriate. If a lakeis surrounded by long grass, the waters dryup. Similarly, when material desires increase,the clear water of consciousness dries upand one’s original state of consciousnessvanishes.

I find the experience with mantra essentialfor pratyahara. The word man-tra means toextract (tra) from the mind (man) thosethings that are unnecessary. In the early

PrPrPrPrPratatatatatyyyyyaharaharaharaharahara thra thra thra thra through Manough Manough Manough Manough MantrtrtrtrtraaaaaSankirtana dasa

Pratyahara is derived

from prati, “just the

opposite”, and ahara,

“acquiring.”

14

Dristi Pratyahara

morning when it is still quiet and after agood rest, one can chant and listen carefullyto the sound of the mantra.

The consciousness is

usually alert to the

sound and pays no

attention to any other

sensual perceptions.One enters a state of full absorption, notof the external reality, but rather of apersonal eternal relationship with the“Param-Brahman” or the Absolute Truthfrom which everything is generated(Bhagavad Gita 10.12). This daily practiceequips one to handle all kinds of challengeslife inevitably offers, without falling prey tounwise actions in mind, words and deeds.

The extreme opposite of pratyahara isatyahara. Ati simply means “too much” ofahara (collecting or acquiring). In otherwords, it means too much sensual life. Theentire world is in a crisis because ofatyahara. What is a healthy balance? In thismodern age can we find a balance betweenwithdrawing (pratyahara) and worldly lifeand still be progressive in yoga? Is there agolden middle to advance towards samadhiand also live in the here and now?

The Yogi interacts with the phenomenalworld like a steward carrying out his jobwithout any undue sense of ownership orany sense of separate selfish enjoyment.They understand everything belongs to theoriginal source, including their own self.

This form of pratyahara is technicallyknown as “Yukta Vairagya” or the practicalrenunciation through karma yoga. Karmayoga brings about the attainment ofpurified consciousness and ultimatelyresults in complete freedom from dualities.

Through karma yoga one acts according toone’s natural position and thus is inharmony with the universal laws, therebysafeguarding the eco-system of this planet.

From my own practice I suggest the fourfollowing steps for pratyahara:1) Rest early to rise early, ideally one and ahalf hour before sunrise.

2) Use the early morning hours for mantrameditation which equips you with purityand strength of mind.

3) Read the yoga scriptures daily to learn tosee things in relation the Absolute.4) Make an honest living and give liberallyto a worthy cause to counteract the atyaharatendency.

These steps work for me and they will foryou too. Personally I also get muchguidance from reading the Bhagavad-Gita.And fate willing, we can share morethrough Namaskar. Om Tat Sat.

Sankirtana holds adegree as yogateacher from theVrindavan Institute forHigher Education. Heworks with a travelagency in Bejingtaking Chinesestudents to Rishikesh,Bodhgaya and otherholy places in [email protected]

Senses: TheSenses: TheSenses: TheSenses: TheSenses: The

Instruments ofInstruments ofInstruments ofInstruments ofInstruments of

the Mindthe Mindthe Mindthe Mindthe MindHersha Chellaram

OUR WHOLE LIFE IS BASED ONexperiences - success and failure, pleasureand pain, love and loss. They becomerelevant and understood via the mind’s fivekey instruments - the senses. Through oursenses, we are able to experience a variety ofsights, sounds, smells, tastes andtextures. Our world is like a beautifulGarden of Eden, given to us to enjoy.

The only problem is many of us do notview our world as Eden. The nature of ourminds encourages us to be fearful,possessive and overindulgent. This stemsfrom a legitimate intention to find securityand happiness, but without the rightunderstanding, we are misguided andventure away from our peace. The practiceof Pratyahara - controlling the senses orwithdrawing the senses - is a tool to helpretrain the mind to enjoy life to its fullest.

The story of Genesis symbolically parallelsthis concept. Adam and Eve were given theentire Garden of Eden to enjoy. However,they were tempted to eat the fruit from theTree of Knowledge of Good andEvil. Although they were given thisknowledge to see life’s dualities, thisknowledge ‘banished’ them from seeingthe beauty of Eden.

Symbolically speaking, they were no longerable to experience the cosmic consciousnessbehind the entire creation. This storysimply illustrates one of our basic humantraits - when temptation comes in, we lackself-control on many levels. This lack ofcontrol leads us astray from finding ourtrue happiness. The practice of yoga’s eightlimbs (Ashtanga Yoga) provides a meansto reunite our individual consciousnesswith the cosmic consciousness, andexperience our Garden of Eden oncemore. Pratyahara, the fifth limb, is a practiceto help us along the way, but involves strictdiscipline and self control.

Most of us are not even aware of our

15

senses, except when they become the vehicles of fulfilling our desires. We all have a greatlove for some object - a taste, a smell, a feeling - and have a constant desire to experiencethis over and over again. We do not even need to have the object physically in front of usto desire it. Just a thought is enough to create an impression in the mind and the desire toexperience it once more. For many practicing yogis, the notion of discipline and controlseems quite contrary to the goal of yoga, which is liberation. The discipline is necessary.

Sri Swami Satchidananda explained this concept simply: “The mind is a chariot and oursenses are like the five horses. If we do not control the reins, the horses will be allowed torun all over the place, making the chariot a very hazardous place to be. By taking a firm holdof the reins and disciplining these horses, we are able to direct the chariot to a designateddestination.”

Withdrawing the senses is a practice that leads us inward to understand the workings ofour minds. All types of yoga practices lead us toward meditative states. Throughmeditation we can then understand and control our own minds. Sit down quietly for a fewminutes and observe how much the mind bounces from one thought to the next.

Controlling the mind is not easy or straightforward. With time and dedicated practice, wecan develop the ability to observe our thoughts. We can clearly see how our thoughts reflectthe current situations in our lives. The next stage is to let go of the thoughts that do notbring us closer to our inner peace. We can start by controlling the external influences,creating boundaries in which the mind can run. The same way a trainer allows a wild horserun around in an enclosure before putting on a saddle and reins. Like a wild horse, themind will protest and try to escape or throw off the disciplinarian, but eventually it calmsdown. Working to control the senses is an indirect way to steady the mind.

There are many practices that help withdraw the senses from the external world, bringingconsciousness inward. The Hindu temples of India are a good example of how Pratyaharais practically applied. Walking into a temple, the sounds are of chanting and bells ringing;the smells are of incense and flowers; the sights are of incredible architecture and ornatedeities; the worship service involves offering many different items to the deities that youtouch; and finally the offering is usually something to eat. All the senses are engaged in theritual of worship.

In our modern, urban society, the practice of observing fasts brings discipline to ourdiets. The food we eat is a major causative factor of today’s diseases. Screening and limitingwhat we watch on television, read on the internet, or hear on the radio, helps to steady ourminds. How we decorate our homes influence our minds as well. One of the best practicesis silence, known as Mouna. Many times, we speak before we think and can cause harm toothers and even ourselves. Not only does Mouna help us control what we say, it turns usinward completely to observe our minds.

All practices of Pratyahara are meant to bring the mind inward. No spiritual practiceshould cause harm to anyone. Pratyahara is one of the most misunderstood limbs ofyoga. Many practicing yogis take their discipline to the extreme, where they deny many oftheir fundamental needs for the sake of spiritual practice. I have witnessed many yogiswithdraw from the world completely, denying themselves of any possible pleasure theymight experience. The true practice of sense withdrawal is to bring us inward and at peace,while joyfully living in the world; being a full member of this existence; and embracing ourhumanity. Yoga practices of all kinds boil down to one key theme: having an easeful body,a peaceful mind, and a useful life. Like a trained horse, our minds are free to wander about

the Garden of Eden, to places that bring us closer to understanding ourtrue nature - total peace and supreme joy.

Hersha has studied yoga under Sri Swami Satchidananda since she was achild. She is certified in Integral Yoga’s Basic and Intermediate Hatha,Raja Yoga, Prenatal Yoga and Cardiac Yoga. She offers a programmecalled Corporate Karma, designed to bring ethics to the workplace. Shehas recently become a full-time mom and is experimenting with mom andbaby yoga. www.hershayoga.com www.corporate-karma.com

The practice of

Pratyahara is a tool to

help retrain the mind

to enjoy life to its

fullest.

16

Karma Yoga

SSSSSatatatatatyyyyyagragragragragraha, a Saha, a Saha, a Saha, a Saha, a Schoolchoolchoolchoolchool

fffffor Lifor Lifor Lifor Lifor LifeeeeePeter Lloyd

NESTLED WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF UBUD IN BALI,Indonesia lies a remarkable school and living experimentpromoting a yogic lifestyle. You would hardly tell you were so closeto the busy village, surrounded by beautiful trees, bamboo, runningriver, a cooling breeze and a stillness far away from the touristtraffic.

The name of the school Satyagraha – the same name Ghandi gaveto his movement – meaning ‘Truth Force’ (Living a life in truth) inSanskrit, has been set up to live and embody yogic values.

Currently the project consists of an organic garden, herbal garden, aschool for yogic philosophy and physical asana (posture) practiceand a beautiful Wantilan Structure (Balinese style house).

All through the project are deeper meanings revealing living yogicprinciples. The garden for instance is not just a source of organicnourishment, a healing herbal apothecary but also is a plot given forfree to villagers for flowers to be grown for temple offerings. In theold days woman were able to go into the fields to pick the flowersthemselves, now they have to go to the markets and buy them.

Food is seen as a medicine so children learn about not just thehealing properties of the plants but also the very act of how weharvest them and whether that can be done with love and care.

Everything in the project is free for the local villagers, and they areasked to contribute back to the project in a ‘receive 10 hours give 5hours’ ratio. As all land sales for foreigners in Indonesia areleaseholds the project will return to the village for them to carry onlooking after the land and taking care of it in the future. Everyone

The Satyagraha school’s main building made of bamboo intraditional Wantilan style

Inside Looking OutInside Looking OutInside Looking OutInside Looking OutInside Looking Out

Wendell John A. Frando

I wish that I could seemore of that ethereal face of yours,

not only when light strikes its surface,but even in the midst of darkness.

I wish that I could hearthat symphony that you are playingbeyond its broken notes and rests,

beyond the capacity of my limited hearing.

If I could only touch this,this moment of play that you do

and hold it in my hands for a while -(If only I had that ability)

For I am a limited beholder of beauty,and my senses can only take me as far.

and because, there is more to you than this,an outward manifestation, an interpretation.

But I can be here, inside looking out;beyond the colors and sounds everywhere,

beyond the limitations of my senses,and embrace you from where I am found.

for in this seat of clarity and understanding,even the blind can see, and the deaf can hear.

that even in the midst of darkness and silence,there is truth in every touch of reality that I hold.

A poem for Malyn. Wendell is from the Philippines,but is currently working in Hong Kong as a dancer.

Dristi Pratyahara

17

who works there is encouraged to practice yoga at least 3 times aweek so that it becomes a living place of practicing the philosophyof yoga. The food is all vegetarian with soya milk.

The school for yogic philosophy and studies allows village kids anextra curricular deepening into the Hindu religion. In addition toAsana practice, studies include working on the land, showing how alife based on yoga can work and teaching life skills ‘giving them acentre into their authentic selves’.

The Wantilan traditional bamboo structure, Indonesia’s largest andtallest Balinese bamboo house made was with a mixture ofbamboo, palm leaves, ylang ylang roofs, and river stones. All theflooring, steps and structures are made from bamboo. It’s astunning building, full of beautiful artwork, large river stones andlots of bamboo in various functions as well as luxurious pieces ofBalinese wood craftsmanship.

The inspirations for the house are again multifold; to demonstratesustainability in all of its building materials and that it be rentedout to guests when the founder is away which will then pay for the

running of the school. There is no Air Conditioning, it’s all slidingdoors like a tree house in capturing the breeze, offering the sense ofliving in flow with nature which the organic feel of the wood andstone also bring out deeply.

The whole project has been blessed by the Hindu High Priest ofBali, Ida Pedanda Gede Made Gunung, and he also helped inplacing all the deities, shrines, buildings and a healing garden.

One of the gardens at the Satyagraha school

Healing through YogaOn June 29th 2008 Therese was intentionally hit by a car in SriLanka, a result of the convoluted politics of the country. She hasused her yogic techniques to help heal her body and in particular herhand which very damaged and is now documenting her recovery toshow scientifically the efficacy of yoga as a healing modality.

The centre is set up by the Breath of Hope Foundation, a non-for-profit educational oragnisation. Therese Poulsen the founder ofBreath of Hope, says of the charity’s vision that “it is really servingthe understanding that life is our practice. And within the practice,we have an opportunity to look in the mirror and takeresponsibility and act accordingly.”

Having taught children in the US, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia formany years she learnt that yoga can strengthen children emotionally,physically, giving them a greater sense of control, direction andconcentration over their lives. “The future of our world depends onour children. Here we can make the greatest change.”

In 2004 after the Tsunami in Sri Lanka the foundation went toserve those most traumatised by the disaster. “Through the practiceof asthanga yoga, the children were able to find an inner strengthand find spiritual nourishment that will never desert them”. Sheadded “We work in orphanages, abused young woman refuges,deaf schools; where we trained children and teachers to guide thechildren through the breathing, poses and meditation as well as thepsycho-social system that comprises the practice. In such gentleactivity, the children experience the comfort of their own being –many for the first time – and awakened possibilities beyond theircurrent suffering. As strength of body and spirit are rekindled in thechild, pervasive anxiety and hopelessness give way to a growingsense of well-being.”

Currently Breath of Hope trains teachers to bring the practices intothe classroom has worked with over 13,000 children and hunderestof teachers in Sri Lanka teaching them the 21 month course(interspersed with a 3 month break in the middle for integration)and there are schools in Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai inThailand, Bali and one year ago they started to work in Germany.

For more information, [email protected] orwww.breathofhopefoundation.org

Peter is an Interfaith Minister, Findhorn Fellow, andeditor of Holistic Asia and Positive Newsmagazines. His asana practice has disappearedthese days but he does like singing kirtan, thoughthose next to him would prefer him not to. e:[email protected]

19

Yoga Off the Mat

FIFTY ONE PERCENT OF ALL THEworld’s green house gas emissions comefrom our diet! Insane, mad, unbelievable,scary? Hell yeah!

Would you ever cook 20 plates of pasta, eatone and chuck the other 19 into the bin?How about emptying 25,000 litres of cleandrinking water down the drain beforedrinking 1 litre of water? Of course youwould not!

Wrong! This is what eating 1 kilo of meatdoes in today’s world, and it is a fairlyconservative estimate. The alarming list ofstatistics, facts and figures goes on and on.

I run out of words to describe this insanitygoing on right under our noses (literally)day in, day out. Our natural resources, oureco-system, our planetary stability, ourhealth and our right to a sustainable futureare under severe attack. This is what we aredoing collectively as a global species everyday to provide cheap meat, dairy andseafood to our insatiable appetites.

This alarming trend is increasing notdecreasing as China and the rest of Asiawant to eat more of these foods as a signof development and civilisation. We are thescript writers and the audience alike.

Last March we officially launched ourcampaign “Save The Human!” It was basedon a 2006 report from the United NationsFood and Agriculture Organisation called“Livestock’s Long Shadow”. The reportstated that 18% of all green house gasemissions are from the production of meatand dairy. This statistic was scary enoughfor us to launch a campaign in the midst ofour busy lives here in Hong Kong.However, that percentage was tooconservative.

According to the most recent report, called“Livestock and Climate Change”,published by Robert Goodland and JeffAnhang for the World Watch Institute,livestock industries are responsible for 51%of all the world’s green house gases and thefigures are rising.

The fact our diet, something so intimate

and personal to us, is the number onecause of pollution, torture, misery,suffering and injustice is hard to swallow. Itis not “they” who are responsible. It is notthe “big nasty corporations and industries”or the “governments”. It is us. You, meand our loved ones are the root cause ofthis and it is hard to accept.

I understand this clearly and always makean effort to state it in my talks and schoolvisits. Don’t take my word for it. Do yourown research, scratch the surface and findout for yourselves. The information is outthere. Use your judgement.

The United Nations climate conferencetook place in December 2009 inCopenhagen, or as we like to call it“Hopenhagen”. This was an unprecedentedeffort to combat climate change by theworld community and arguably a lastchance to reverse the inevitable collapse ofour civilization as we know it.

As yogis and yoginis we are closer to thetruth and we access deeper levels ofawareness. This is what our yoga teaches usand this is what we aspire to be in our dailylives. We need to apply our yoga and actaccordingly. We need to share this truthwith our community and our students increative ways if we are to see the change weneed to see in the world today. We areblessed with the power to make adifference. This is most effective when wechoose to benefit the entire planet and allher beings.

For more information visit “Save TheHuman!” on Facebook and Youtube.

Bobsy is a socialentrepreneur andenvironmental crusader.He owns Bookworm Café,Life Café and is directorof Positive News.

Oh YOh YOh YOh YOh Yogin fogin fogin fogin fogin forororororgegegegeget not not not not not yt yt yt yt your dieour dieour dieour dieour diet!t!t!t!t!Bobsy

livestock industries are

responsible for 51% of

all the world’s green

house gases

21

Perspective

Steve Merkley

Soften into IntensityTanya Boulton

YOGA CHANGES US INDIVIDUALLYand collectively. It may not be right away,but it is a practice of self reflection,discovery and growth that brings us closerto who we are.

It is a journey of great

courage, and it

requires softening,

strengthening and

letting go.

We step onto the mat with everything weare; past, present, future, the to-do lists,anxieties and insecurities. On top of allthat, we morph our bodies into these crazyshapes. There are lots of layers to unraveland discover.

We start to create a union with ourselves,looking in rather than out. We start askingnew questions, feeling new parts of ourbodies, and touching parts of our souls wenever even knew existed.

So how do we work with, rather thanagainst, the shift taking place? How do youtreat the person you face day in and dayout? The relationship we have withourselves is the most important, and is themost difficult. While we may love to pointfingers at partners, colleagues, friends, andfamily, the truth is we must look deepwithin our own hearts at the relationshipwe have with ourselves.

For many years my practice with filled withintense struggle. Why can’t I do this or thatpose? Before I knew it, my jaw clenched,my breath was short and I was strugglingat the edge of every posture.

Looking back, these were elements ofinternal struggle, too much effort and notenough letting go. I finally took the adviceof some amazing teachers to workcompassionately and patiently with myself.

This was the first time I actually felt what itis to soften into the intensity. I became myown ally in the practice; and pretty soon myjaw relaxed, my breath deepened and mypractice became somewhat struggle-free andmore enjoyable.

I’m not saying it’s easy, and I’m stillconstantly challenged. But creating a spaceto allow the intensity to flow, and createsoftness around it, rather than hardening iswhat helped me become present to theexperience taking place.

Life is about staying open to theexperiences we like and dislike. I never quiterealised this until I had to deal with deathon a personal level. The overwhelmingemotions of losing someone close to youshine some of life’s most valuable lessons.

It was the loss of my father two years agothat taught me this; my first reaction wasseclusion, shutting down, and ignoring theexperience. Not until much later did Irealise to live and heal, I would have tosoften into the intensity of this experience.For me, it was a matter of softening intointense grief and sorrow, holding the spaceand breathing into it, allowing the feelingsto flow rather than shutting down. Onlythen did I move towards healing and life.

Being present just

takes stopping for a

moment and taking the

time and space to feel.

Many yoga teachers talk about experienceson the mat being parallel to those off themat. This is true if we are willing to feel inour practice and daily life, workcompassionately with ourselves and moveour focus inside. This takes a consciousrelaxation and letting go. We really can’trealise the parallels on and off the mat ifwe aren’t conscious and present to what isgoing on. If we are jumping from thoughtto thought, working unconsciously in daily

life or on the mat, it’s difficult to see what’sreally taking place before us and within us.

Conscious relaxation and letting go can beone of life’s most challenging experiences.But the experience is worth the challenge.

When we are focused on looking inside -be still, quiet, and relax into the presentmoment of a pose or life challenge - wemay not like what we see or feel.

Nevertheless the focus is about beingpresent to exactly what is in front of us andinside of us. If we soften into life’s intensemoments whether joy, sorrow, worry, orlaughter, then we can workcompassionately with ourselves andultimately with others.

Tanya is a freelance andprivate yoga instructor inHong Kong and islaunching her own yoga/casual clothing [email protected]

23

What is Authentic?What is Authentic?What is Authentic?What is Authentic?What is Authentic?Aerin Alex O’Malley

I’VE BEEN BOMBARDED BY THE WORD AUTHENTIClately, both in advertising for Yoga schools and the disseminationof wisdom, idiomatic sayings: “Learn to teach Authentic Yoga.”“Open yourself to personal well being authentically”. “If yourintention is authentic, we can change the world with love”.

This is akin to saying the world we’ve created is not real orauthentic. In the context of yoga teacher trainings, behaviour, orstyle of yoga, there is an inherent judgement required by thespeaker putting down style and process choices. It’s exclusionary. Itcreates a “better than” situation where none need exist and seemsthe antithesis of the spirit of yoga. I am reminded of a yoga teacher who said “If you are not avegetarian, you are not a true yogi”. I read this to be, “you are notauthentic”. It’s insulting and says unless I follow your path, I amnot on the good one myself. There are many terrific reasons to be avegetarian. But it’s egotistical when applied as definitive, authenticdefinition of yoga.

I know Hindus, who are vegetarians and who eat chicken. Are thevegetarian Hindus more authentic than those who eat meat?Do all of these folks using the word authentic in their advertisingand teachings have a direct line to the beginning of yoga? What

makes one more authentic than the other?

By using the word authentic in this context, are you covering upyour lack of study, of truth, of expertise, and at the same time,insulting the competition and clientele by underestimating theirneed and right to make informed and educated choices? I recognisethere is a need to distinguish oneself in such a saturated industryand I am hopeful that Yogis will continue to grow and positivelyaffect the energetic body of human kind with out insulting ourgrowing community. I propose a challenge to the Yoga Community. Let’s define theword as it pertains to us. Let’s reach beyond the smallness ofourselves and get past judging being “better” than the other. Yogain its most broad definition (in English) is Union, the yoking ofbreath to body, of soul to the universe.

We, particularly in the West, would do ourselves a favour todemand more transparency in consumerism. To those of youbrave enough to take on the label of “teacher” or “master”, I issuethe challenge to be clear and transparent about your teachings, your

practice, your offerings to all of us. Those whoresonate authentically with individuals willprevail.

Alex splits her time between India and SanFrancisco, running teacher trainings, workshops,private, studio and corporate [email protected]

Perspective

26

WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING ASANA

AND WHY?Savasana – Corpse pose. During my practiceof over 12 years I have only trulyexperienced savasana a few times. After everypractice, it’s good to do savasana for 5-10minutes to regain our energy balance. Thefeeling after savasana is not the same everytime, it depends upon the state of themind. Our mind is constantly thinkingabout the external and it’s unable to relax.We may be physically stable but mentallyunstable. Stabilizing the mind is not easy.

What I gained from savasana is not justrelaxation, it’s the feeling of emptinessbeyond relaxation. The conscious mind,but without thought, completely detachedfrom physical awareness.

The first time I did savasana for about 45minutes (Yoganidra), I just slept! Doingsavasana for more than 20 minutes is not aseasy as we think. One day I experienced thefeeling of emptiness in savasana. It issomething I have only experienced very fewtimes, but it’s hard to describe. There is noawareness of my physical body and nothoughts in my mind to disturb that state.It’s similar to when we go to sleep, wedon’t know when we will reach the state ofdeep sleep, the dreamless state. Because thenature of our mind is whenever it achievessomething or becomes comfortable, itnever remains there. Whenever I amcomfortable in savasana it’s always achallenge for me to go beyond the physicalboundaries to get to that dreamless state.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THIS ASANA?A lot! I used to think savasana was just arelaxation pose so I created a barrier in mymind that stopped me from going deeper.

My awareness remained only at the level ofrelaxation and not beyond. When I finallygained a deeper level of experience, Irealised I was my own barrier. After that Iwas much more mindful when doing otherasanas. It’s like when you hear a proverb orwords of saints, you grasp its meaning

according to your own maturity, experienceand level of understanding of life. Onceyour level of understanding grows, thesame words will have different and deepermeaning than before. So when we makethe judgement that savasana is justrelaxation, we create our own boundary.Once we cross these borders and detachfrom such limitations, we can experiencesomething more profound plus the joy ofthe pose.

You cannot judge an asana from itsexternal look, savasana looks easy but toreally experience it is very difficult. Thisapplies in our practical life as well. We can’tjudge someone as good or bad only byseeing them. But often we determinesomeone on first impression and later werealise we were wrong. This applies tomyself too. I learned not to overestimateor under estimate any posture, person orsituation. I also learned each and every poseis limitless. I now try to apply theexperience I gained through the practiceinto my practical life. After many years, Ihave learned that living in this world is thepractice, not just doing the postures.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF

YOUR PRACTICE?Keeping up a regular practice. I was moreregular in my practice when I was a yogastudent, mainly because I am lazy.

Regular for me means to practice at thesame time every single day. Some days thetime varies and some days I skip mypractice. Once I became aware of this andcorrected myself to avoid making the samemistake again. Luckily I became a yogateacher and through teaching I amconstantly in touch with this thought. Ialso realise yoga is not just about an hourof practice but it’s a way of life.It’s anongoing process, that’s never-ending. Itgives new meaning in my life and enablesme to handle daily situations easier. Still,doing my personal practice regularly is quitechallenging but that challenge helps keepme motivated.

Teacher’s Voice

Marksim is a certified yoga teacher fromthe Sivananda tradition and taught in Indiafor over 7 years. He is currently teachingat True Yoga (True Fitness) in KualaLumpur, Malaysia. He continues to learnand teach yoga with enjoyment and withoutjudgement.

Marksim Karki

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Practice

THERE IS A SAYING THAT “LIQUORbefore beers has no fear. Beer before liquornever sicker”.

This little saying tells you if you’re going tobe out partying, drink the stronger stufffirst and then move to the less hard alcoholso as not be completely hung over in themorning. In other words, don’t mix yourdrinks. I wish there was a similar saying forthe practice of yoga.

Maybe “method before practice all canhappen, practice before method deadlyhazard” I don’t know something like that.You can tell I’m no poet.

The point is don’t mix

your yoga.

In the last four years I have met at least twodozen students who just go from yogaclass to yoga class and teacher to teacher,never really understanding what they are

doing. Students ask me for advice on their practice and then argue that’s not what they weretold by another teacher from a completely different method of yoga.

I have also met teachers practicing and teaching sometimes more than five types of yoga.One student/teacher I met some years ago told me she had been teaching for two years. Iasked what kind of yoga she was studying. She said hatha yoga, yoga therapy, vinyasa flow,prenatal yoga and she had taken a hot yoga teacher training. I’m not kidding!

I understand when yoga crosses cultures things are bound to change because beliefs aredifferent, society is different and people think differently. But there is something to be saidfor the traditional method of learning and sticking with one teacher for a period of time.

Let me put it this way. If you wanted to study martial arts first, you would think aboutwhat kind of martial art you want to learn. Then you would go to class and try it out, ifyou felt some kind of connection with it you would stay and learn more.

If not, you might go and try another one. However you would most likely not go to twoor three different martial art classes at three different locations and then say to the teacherof Kung Fu “that’s not the way I learned in Karate class”. Why? It’s because they aredifferent! Both different, but with the same basic goal. Such is yoga! Many paths, one goal.

In most yoga texts you will find two bits of advice:1) Find a teacher because yoga can not be learned from books or DVDs.2) Practise uninterrupted for a long time because yoga is experiential not intellectual.

Following a method with a teacher is the only way to gain understanding of what you aredoing. Find the method that feels right for you. Try it out for three four months and thensee how you feel and if you want to try another, it’s okay.

Then there are those who teach two or more different styles of yoga and like I said beforethere are very few teachers in the world who know and understand enough about yoga todo such a thing. Even such a teacher has had a teacher who has guided them to that point.

It’s true through yoga anyone can develop a greater sense of self awareness. However, ittakes discipline. The same discipline that takes, to become accomplished in any walk of life.It also takes a mentor or teacher, one who has been travelling down the same path you areon. There may come a time when we outgrow our teacher, but that only means yourteacher has done a good job of guiding you.

I once sat in on a teacher training course as an observer. I listened to a soon-to-be yogateacher trying to explain Trikonasana. When he finished, the host asked me for comments.

So I asked him two things:1. what method was he using?2. what did he want the student to understand?

As he scanned his notes for an answer, I told him the answer wasn’t to be found there. Ifyou had no method to follow and no teacher to learn from, then you are just handing outinformation without understanding.

The host then asked me if I would like to address the group, almost as if she wanted meto make a point she had been trying to make herself. “OK!” I said, “If you don’t mind.”(She didn’t have to twist my arm too hard) “Pick a style, find a teacher and have a dailypractice in the method” was what I told them.

TTTTThe Mixhe Mixhe Mixhe Mixhe Mixed Up Monsed Up Monsed Up Monsed Up Monsed Up MonstttttererererersssssJames Figueria

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If you had taken away anything from thisarticle, let it be this. Yoga is best learnedfrom a teacher of a particular method. Theaim in yoga is to bring one’s thoughtsunder control, to be able to develop mentalclarity. Each method of yoga goes aboutthis in a slightly different manner. Eachmethod is a branch on a tree feeding fromthe same roots. Find a teacher of anymethod you like, one is not better than theother. There is no better, there is only effortbut that’s another article.

Stop mixing methods. One style, oneteacher. Learn it well. Discover all there is,then, grow from there. If you have noteacher near you, find one. There are anumber of qualified teachers living andworking in Asia now. Teachers who haveput years into learning a particular methodof yoga and is still learning. Finding ateacher and develop a working relationshipwith them can only be helpful.

A few tips if you are looking for a teacher:First: Find a teacher who has a regular

practice in the method they are teaching.Like I said… there are teachers out thereteaching one thing and doing another.Next, it’s best to go to a yoga school notgyms or clubs that offer classes often, (butit’s not always so, don’t have a cow if youteach in a gym) they are taught by peoplewith no practice of their own.

To start at a place that offers many kinds ofyoga is fine, but once you find yourselfinterested in a particular style, seek out aproper school, a place that specialises in aparticular style. That way you can be 98%sure correct method is being followed.

Find a teacher you feel safe with, someoneyou think is looking out for your bestinterest even if they are not the mostseasoned teacher. There are many teacherswho want to prove they are good teachersby throwing out tons of information andshowing how beautiful their practice is. Agood teacher cares about the progress of astudent only. Remember yoga is aboutyour own experience.

Lastly! You might have to travel a bit tofind your teachers, I had to go halfwayaround the world to find mine, but whenyou do, it’s worth it!

If you want to run a marathon you learn torun steadily, so you don’t do sprint drills.If you want to learn ball room dancing,you stay out of hip-hop classes.If you want to learn Kung Fu then Judoclass would be a mistake.If you want to learn yoga then the newKung Fu-vinyasa-flow, hot-pole classmay not be a good idea.

James is Director &Principle Teacher of TheYoga Shala, Singapore.He is an authorisedteacher from AshtangaYoga ResearchInstitute(AYRI)Mysore,India. He has over 25years of teachingexperience behind him..www.theyogashala.com.sg

31

THERE ARE FEW EXPERIENCES INlife more inspiring and invigorating to methan travel, especially when to a differentpart of the planet. I’m in the air en route toSydney. This is my first time venturingsouth of the Equator, and I feel like a childon Christmas Eve.

What is it about travel that is so enrichingand simultaneously unravelling? For me, itisn’t sightseeing or the usual touristactivities. In this day of Google Earth andtravel shows, it’s so easy to visit variousworld landmarks virtually. I’m notinterested in seeing the generic or thegenerically-deemed sacred. I’m interested invisiting the sacred within myself. Just asdifferent people bring out different aspectsof us, different places serve as reflections touncover inner truths that otherwise mightnot have been coaxed into awareness.

In this way, travelling is a deeply spiritualexperience for me. Sure, it’s fun andinteresting, and often delicious, but somuch more important than all of that isthe opportunity to get to know myselfbetter. To me, that’s what it means to be‘spiritual’…having a relationship withyourself. Making a conscious effort tounderstand all your layers, to own andembrace every part of you that is ‘good’and ‘bad’, and to then earnestly serve theworld from this place of truth and clarity.

As I gaze out of the plane window at themagnificent sky, the sun shining its ever-present light on the layers and layers ofclouds, I am filled with awe for thisbreathtakingly beautiful place we are blessedto call our home, our Mother Earth. I am

reminded of how small I am in the contextof the planet…not small in a self-deprecating way, but in a way thatoverwhelms me with respect, reverence andgratitude that I get to be a part of thisamazing project of Life.

I am also reminded of a notepad I had as achild. This notepad had a cartoon withpersonified potatoes on it, and the captionread “In the big scheme of things, we’re alljust small potatoes.”

When I bought that notepad, I had noidea what that saying meant. I’ve neverbeen particularly good with Americanclichés, as we didn’t use them in my family.So I assumed it was nonsense, like thenonsensical sayings you often find onAsian stationery (e.g. purple bloom’s fancyin the morning bear). But now Iunderstand what seemed to be gibberishwas a rather poignant and layered lesson.

We are all small potatoes rooted in ourshared earth and supported by MotherNature, with the not-so-small purpose tocontribute to the flourishing of all formsof Life. And all of our seeminglyenormous yet ephemeral problemsthemselves are small potatoes whenconsidered in the context of all things, inthe big scheme of unconditional love andlife so abundant.

Leah is a nativeCalifornian yogini livingand loving in Hong Kong.She loves exploring theplanet, connecting to theBig Mind, breathing in andout. www.beyoga.org

Musings of a Spiritual TravellerLeah Kim

Perspective

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Yoga Business

33

Teacher Training Review

AAAAAdvdvdvdvdvancancancancanced Hatha Ted Hatha Ted Hatha Ted Hatha Ted Hatha Trrrrrainingainingainingainingainingfrom the Heartfrom the Heartfrom the Heartfrom the Heartfrom the HeartT.T.Ho

AS I WAS CHECKING OUT WEBSITESfor a part time Teacher Training, I cameacross the Advanced Hatha Yoga TeacherTraining at Anahata Yoga in Hong Kong.So inspired had I been by YogananthAndiappan, since his coffee table book,“Yoga from the Heart”, I registered for thetraining without haste. I am glad I did!

We were an intimate group of 10 students,who had Yogananth’s undivided attentionover the six-week, 200-hour course. Heselflessly shared his experience with us,giving us a good understanding of theasana, alignment, benefits,contraindications as well as modificationsand hands-on assists. Also introducedduring the course were pranayama, kriyasand mudras.

Anyone who has looked through

Yogananth’s extraordinary book of 400asana, will immediately know he is a masterof poses. Despite this, in person he is verydown-to-earth and does not show off.Quite the contrary he makes all studentsfeel at ease trying the poses.

We learned a variety of advanced posescategorised into several series which wepractised during the training. Each wassystematic with a warm up sequence leadinginto each series. Physically and mentally,Yoganaath ensured we were all wellprepared to take on the challenge – never bescared to try and experience. Yogananthalways suggested modifications as well asadvanced variations for each asana.

This training was definitely not forbeginners. Most of the poses were verychallenging, and certain poses wereimpossible for some practitioners. Inaddition to the class practices, we had selfpractice and take other classes, so we wouldlearn about different styles of yoga andteaching methods.

TT enjoys some assistance in “Ouchasana”

Through this training we came tounderstand how little we knew, and that inturn drove us to deepen our knowledgeand maintain a consistent practice. I alsolearned yoga is not confined to the practicein the studio, but encompasses what isbeyond the mat – attitude, thoughts,behaviour and lifestyle.

As one of my fellow trainees said that “thistraining definitely broadened myunderstanding of yoga practice and itsphilosophy. I become calmer and lessemotional. I truly experienced what itmeans by “yoga as a way of living”. Theregular practice of yoga reduces my physicaland emotional stress, and also makes me abetter person.”

TT was introduced to yoga in 2003,initially focusing on hot yoga but has sincepractised Acroyoga, Anusara, Ashtanga,Hatha, Power Vinyasa, Yin Yang, underdifferent masters. Apart from this training,he recently completed the teacher trainingcertification course by MS University inIndia. Currently, he is pursuing a Masterdegree in Yoga. [email protected]

35

Workshop Review

ALEX MEDIN REMAINS A POPULARteacher here, although he left Hong Kongfor his native Norway last year. He returnedto Yoga Mala to lead a well attendedworkshop, which I sat in on. In this article,my aim is to record Alex’s words as he led ashortened Ashtanga practice.

After thanking Yoga Mala, Alex remindedus of the breath in the Ashtanga Primarysequence: Focus on the exhale.

The workshop began with a chant, a seriesof Pranayama exercises, and a reminder that“Yoga doesn’t want you to become Hindu:yoga is unity in diversity. It makes us seehow the patterns of our minds work.” Inthe shortened Ashtanga 1 practice, he brokedown the Sun Salutation sequence in toparts, reminding everyone to focus on thebreath, and “Sun Salutations are the mostfundamental thing about the practice.”Reminding students not to add in-betweenbreathes during the practice, he observed toachieve this “might take 10 years, orwhatever, but it doesn’t matter.” Theachievement was still worth it, despite thelength of time it took.

As a seated observer, I was surprised whenthe humidity and heat of the room rosesignificantly on the third Sun Salutation A,as though the students were collectivelyemitting energy as they warmed up. Again,Alex reminded students of their breath,“learn how to exhale properly and theinhale will come by itself.” As the studentsprogressed to Sun Salutations B, heexplained “unfortunately, the progression[of the sequence] means students forgetabout the beginning. The more you cantake time over Sun Salutations: the betteryour practice will be. Rushing ahead willnot help,” and “slow and steady is better.”

In Down-dog he reminded everyone “notso much effort, just feel the breath,”adding “yoga is about skill, steadiness, andactivity, but it is also about development,the right receptivity: to breath a little betterwith what is. Relax.”

Alex mimicked not stretching properly as awobbly student, reminding the studentsnot to “try too hard to be good because

then you will fail.”

I particularly liked his next commentsabout being in the moment, “release theeffort. There is nowhere else to go but in,just trust that. Yoga is to be explored, righthere, right now,” and: “Sometimes there ismore to be gained by taking it slow. Thatbrings us closer to yoga than intensiveambition for physical perfection.”

As the practice progressed Alex repeatedseveral of the phrases for which he is well

known: Keep it steady, calm; Explore thegentle receptively in the midst of thechallenge; Feel the elevation from within;Take a step back from all your ideas andambitions of how you would like to be,just be your deeper self, free from anyidentity of name and form.

As I copy these words from my notes, Ican hear Alex’s voice. His guidance forWarrior 1 was interesting and helpful “bestrong like a tank from the hip down; fromthe waist: be like a flower.”

TTTTThe Language ohe Language ohe Language ohe Language ohe Language of a Tf a Tf a Tf a Tf a TeeeeeacheracheracheracheracherDr Valerie Wilson Trower

Alex helps a student feel the lightness in Sirasana

36

I also loved this “it is easier to relax thearms, than all of the ambitions that driveus. Believe me, to work in a non-ambitiousmanner will certainly bring you much closerto yoga than just jumping around.”

And I remember having hearing this often“We can just relax in to the simplicity ofbeing. Just relax in to the here and now.”

Part way through the sequence, as therepeated vinyasa began to tire somestudents, Alex empathised “these vinyasas:they are a real challenge and can be a realpain. It”s tiring and difficult, but take it as achallenge to find a new the strength fromwithin. The vinyasa creates more energy inyour system.”

Alex led the twisting asanas (postures) withmore oft repeated observations, which hisstudents will know and recognise: “to takeMari D in one inhalation is difficult, but itis possible with practice,” or “inhale: andcreate length and expansion from within,”and “just empty the breath, and nowexhale a little further.”

Alex suggests spending 20 to 30 breathesin each pose in the finishing sequence.Whilst many of us practice that in theheadstand, it had not occurred to me to trythis in the other poses.

Alex also gave good advice for those whopractice before hurrying to work “takeproper time in the finishing postures toallow the practice to sink in,” andsuggested “if you are tired after work, letyourself unwind with a few finishingpostures.” Again, we were reminded ofsome of the suggestions for practice, whichAlex uses often. I hope readers can “hear”Alex leading the practice through theclosing asanas: “relax the intensity and theeffort,” and “create greater expansion to thebreath, ” and “now, just relax and let thebody be,” and finally “allow the spine tofind a natural lengthening from within.”

And as students relaxed in to savasana, theCorpse pose, at the end of the practice “letthe body and mind be, explore that steadyfocus from within that does not changeand is not subject to decay.” “That

sweetness is sweeter than sugar.”

Alex finished the morning session with alovely explanation, I have copied the firstpart and the last sentence in full: As welearn to centre the energy of the breath, itbecomes easier to centre the mind. What isleft when you are able to still thefluctuations of the mind; is the purity ofSpirit. The purity of consciousness, thatsees that observes and sees all theimpressions and sensations in our mindyet is eternally indifferent to them. So now,just let your body and mind go, rest back inthe indestructible and feel the supportfrom all around.

Dr V holds a doctorate inHistorial and CriticalStudies from the LondonCollege of Fashion, TheUniversity of the Arts,London. She practicesAshtanga yoga, Mysorestyle and leads Hatha

yoga stretches for the Siddha MeditationPath.

37

WHY DOES DUNCAN WONG SEEMto have unlimited energy? Because he is notself-serving! This selflessness is exactlywhat this master demonstrated in his

recent series of workshops in Hong Kong,6 - 8 October 2009.

Madonna, Sting, Demi Moore, Bjork andother high-flyers with brains and hearts inthe right place (and, more importantly, let’snot forget: wallet!) can’t be wrong, andguess what? They are all Master Wong’spast students. Take a deep breath andprepare to be transformed.

Back at Dickson Yoga, in the heart of thefunkiest area in Tsim Sha Tsui’s shoppingmecca, we waited with bated breath for theMaster to appear. Straight from whatyogic-biographers have called his (by reasonof VIP client requests) “extreme jet-setting” lifestyle, yet fresh from a retreat inthe mountains of Japan, Duncan comesbounding into the room. He is glowingwith health and with the face and body thatseem to come from good intentions of

Workshop Review

MasMasMasMasMasttttter Duncer Duncer Duncer Duncer Duncan Wan Wan Wan Wan Wong: Bong: Bong: Bong: Bong: Belieelieelieelieelievvvvve the Hypee the Hypee the Hypee the Hypee the HypeChristina Morrison Heaven and Earth last

and last. Why do they

last so long?

Because they are not

Self-Serving!Lao Tzu 6000 BC

Far from the high-energy image he isassociated with, this photo of Duncan isfrom http://thewitcontinuum.wordpress.com

38

cosmic love and light, covered in a mix of ancient-style tattoos andhip retro body art images, Master Wong’s energy is infectious.

His enthusiasm literally lights up the room as he gets the musicpumping with his state-of-the-art sound system and block-rockin’beats! Think Snoop Doggy-Dogg meets Enya and you are on theright track musically. Put simply, yoga with Duncan is never boring,that’s for sure. The well-lit, beautifully decorated studio vibrateswith the atmosphere of adrenaline-filled ether as a team ofstrangers take to their mats and mysteriously, with those tentativefirst smiles at each other across the crowded room, become One.

The power of positivity oozes from every pore of Master Wong’stime-defyingly toned physique as he takes the students through arange of moves that combines a mix of traditional yoga withaspects of martial arts and even some funky moves that seem tocome from the heartbeat of New York City’s hottest dance colleges.

This is just part of the experience that is a Duncan Wongworkshop; be prepared to learn aspects of Thai therapeuticmassage and little-known esoteric tips which benefit not only yogateachers but regular students alike. “Remember that every adult isreally just a baby, that has grown up a little,” says Master Wong ashe gently yet firmly lifts my ribcage into a soothing yet powerfully-stretching position. “So when you approach your students to helpthem into an asana,” he continues, “sometimes you can imagineyou are helping a small baby to get comfortable, you know, liftingthe baby up and then placing it down gently so it can settle downfor a nap, and such.”

The students gather around to watch as Master Wongdemonstrates on various students the way to reach the deepestpoints of any asana, while safely and effectively massaging themand adjusting them into states of almost chiropractic and definitelyPatanjalic bliss of a grounded, safe and calming nature.

The workshop comprises three days with a selection of intensity-levels and class-content. Choose from a rigorous flow-style mix forextra sweat-value or Thai-massage inspired technique-perfectingsessions to suit everyone from semi-experienced to seasonedstudents and yoga teachers. Know that whichever workshop youchoose, life will never be the same again as Master Wong remindsus to keep a “Kind mind, with a Smart Heart.”

While Master Wong’s style may seem confronting, challenging andthe same time exhilarating and encouraging, one may wonder ifone is ‘ready’ to take the challenge of a Master Wong workshop.However as we leave the workshop, with a feeling of totalinspiration, it’s good to remember that as they say, “When thestudent is ready, the teacher appears.”

Christina is a Hong Kong-based writer andteacher. She first studied with Master Wong inShanghai.

39

Teacher Training Review

TTTTTheory & Prheory & Prheory & Prheory & Prheory & Practicacticacticacticactice oe oe oe oe of Yf Yf Yf Yf YinininininRani Kamaruddin

IF NOT FOR PAUL AND SUZEEGrilley, it is unlikely we would not have theYin Yoga classes that are so popular today.

As Paul explained at a workshop at TrueYoga in Singapore last September, YinYoga is not a brand of yoga. The name“Yin Yoga” was adopted to identify thisstyle of practice and to distinguish thispractice from the mainstream yang style ofpractices (e.g. power yoga, ashtanga yoga).

Where yang yoga practices are associatedwith the lengthening and strengthening ofmuscles; Yin Yoga focuses on stressing andlengthening connective tissues, i.e. theligaments, tendons, bones, fascia and evenjoints of the body that are not exercised tothe same degree of intensity in a moreactive yang style of practice. Yin Yoga is nota separately invented yoga system; it is inessence a hatha yoga practice.

The sensations of feeling the difference ofworking with muscles (Yang) or connectivetissues (Yin) is best explained by thefollowing experiment. First, contract themuscles of your right index finger (a yang-like movement), now pull the right indexfinger with your left hand. The range ofmotion in the joint is limited because themuscles are doing their job to protect thebones – there won’t be any movementwhen you pull that finger. Now, relax thefinger and shake it out a bit. Then pull theright index without contracting the musclesand notice an indentation near the knuckle.

Without the muscle engagement the stressis on the ligaments binding the joint. Inthis position the ligaments are beingstressed; a yin-like practice. In a yin practicewe are searching for a sensation underneaththe muscles. With time one will acquire theskills to differentiate the sensation in themuscles from the sensation in theconnective tissues.

Stressing the connective tissues is necessaryto ensure it stays healthy and preventstissue degeneration (under use), which aswe age can lead to osteoporosis (low bonemass). Another aspect to maintaining thehealth of our connective tissues and jointsis the hydration thereof. Stressingconnective tissues stimulates fibroblasts

(which reside in connective tissue and holdcollagen to support the tissues whichinevitably diminishes with age) to producemore hyaluronic acid; the biggestcontributor to hydration. It is rare to find ayang pose that will stress the lumbar spinelike a five-minute yin seal pose. That said,“nothing is absolute”, one is not betterthan the other, but a healthy balance of thetwo will lead to strengthening the muscleswhile maintaining the health of ourconnective tissues/joints.

As much as there is no prescription forhow a pose should look like or, as Paulhumorously teased us, “look around, soyou can compare yourself with others,don’t feel your body, just try your best tolook like the guy next to you”, there is nota prescription for how Yin Yoga should bepracticed or sequenced or how manyminutes in a pose makes an effective yinpractice – the connective tissues respondbetter to long stresses or holds, but there is“nothing magic about holding a pose for 5minutes”.

Every body is unique in its range ofmotion. It depends on what effect you aretrying to get from a pose. For example, ifthe effect is targeted at the groin area,dragonfly (straddle forward fold) gives thegroin as much stress as frog. Yin yoga canbe incorporated into any yoga practice orsequenced in a way suitable for its purpose.There are no absolutes, yin and yangsupplement each other.

This has been a minor scratch in what wascovered in our 5-day Yin Yoga TeacherTraining in Singapore last September. Thepractice of Yin Yoga is many layers deeperthan I could have covered in this article.“Yin Yoga – Outline of a quiet practice” byPaul Grilley is available in Hong Kongmajor bookstores. There is a wealth ofinformation on Paul and Suzee’s website(http://www.paulgrilley.com) where youwill also find information on teachertrainings, cool bone photos, informativewritings and DVDs.

Rani is forever thankful tothe teachers whointroduced her to yoga.This article was co-authored by one of herfirst teachers, DawnetteHidley, who also attendedthe [email protected] The Terrific Trio of Yin Yoga, Paul & Suzee

Grilley and Stanley the Skeleton

Stressing connective

tissues is necessary to

ensure it stays healthy

and prevents tissue

degeneration

40

Children and teens that practice yogahave improved focus, strength andcoordination experts say…

Yoga teaches life skills that children of allages, culture and abilities can learn andbenefit from, including children withspecial needs.

Parents and teachers in schools aroundthe world are finally realizing that childrenand teens are under a tremendousamount of stress from school work,separation anxieties, performancepressures, poor nutrition, peer pressure,home life, exposure to negative imagesfrom the media and injuries related tosports and that kids yoga is a fun, healthyand non- competitive way of dealing withall of these sources of stress.

Grace Hetherington, the ProgramDirector and Head Teacher of KidzYogain Schools! and the teacher trainer forYogakids International in Asia, says thereis much more interest today in kid’s yogaclasses and kids yoga teacher trainingworkshops in Hong Kong and aroundAsia compared to 2 years ago whenyoga was just for most Moms who wantto have healthy bodies and enjoy theirpeace when their children are in schooland their husbands are at work.

Nowadays, many schools incorporateyoga into their classrooms and physicaleducation classes. Grace trains schoolteachers and child focused individualshere and abroad, “Breathing Life intoLearning” from Kindergarten to Year 12,as part of their Professional Day wherethey can integrate yoga into their corecurriculum. KidzYoga in Schools alsoruns Yoga for Kids classes as an afterschool activity.

Grace believes that actively providinginstruction and education to students (aspart of their daily classroom/schoolroutine) about their bodies and theirhealth in an invigorating, FUN andparticipative way through yoga willencourage healthy lifestyle choices.

Yoga for kids is very dynamic! Animal andnature sounds, music, lots of laughterand movement, and an emphasis onimaginative play set yoga for kids wellapart from grown up yoga.

Children to teens learn and benefit morephysically and mentally when the stressis low and self-esteem is high! They getfit inside and out plus they learn anatomyand physiology, ecology, geography,math, character education, physicaleducation, arts and much more while theyare practicing, more than what adultslearn in their own yoga classes!

41

A Journey into SelfDaphne Symeonides

FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS LAST OCTOBERand November, a group of 10 explorers met with a youthful andcourageous guide to delve deeper into yoga. This article is anattempt to describe that journey.

First of all are the facts which are easiest to tell. The workshop‘Yoga - Many Paths to One Truth’ led by L. Shyam Narayanan wasorganised into 12 sections of roughly three hours each. Eachsession comprised of mantra chanting, philosophical lecture,discussion and practice. From these ten students were the recentlyretired to a youthful secondary student who ranged the wholespectrum of experience.

Because we were such an intimate group, we engaged in deepdiscussion and each explored the issues at our own level and fromour own perspective. And that’s when the journey got interesting.

We shared all sorts of ideas and beliefs and mostly we sharedourselves. Within the first day, what was a group of relativestrangers suddenly began to change. We began to grow togetherboth in understanding and friendship. We went from ten separatebeings working on solitary understandings to an empathetic bandof souls thinking and working in unison. We began to embodyShyam’s teachings.

In a very short time, we forged a close bond. We were eager tocome to class knowing that we’d find a room full of souls on ajourney of self-exploration, each at our own point in that journeybut excited to be sharing it with like-minded travellers. Here is avignette to illustrate one part of our journey – we would get topractice eventually each session.

At first we all focused on ourselves – ‘can I get this pose right?’ Asthere were only 10 it was easy for Shyam to swoop in to help,nudge or challenge us to push our own boundaries. But we stillheld on to our selves and sense of ‘how am I doing?’ As thesessions progressed, I began to feel a change, we began to loosenup and not only try new things as individuals but take delight inhow others in the group developed. In every practice there wouldbe a pose that challenged or scared at least one of us. Shyam wouldinsist that the person try to push through the ‘fear factor’ and therest of us would watch, not in criticism or relief that it wasn’t ourturn but in true loving support. And then came the applause! Welearned to nurture and encourage each other and it was the greatestfeeling to be in a class like that.

It was Shyam’s skillful and inspiring story-telling, gentle coaxingand persistent challenging that brought us all to a more thoughtfuland caring place in ourselves. As one of my fellow voyagers put it,“Shyam gave each of us an option for the way of reflecting on hiswords. He wanted to make sure every one of us could understandhis words, so everyone could make their own workableinterpretation to start reflection.” He showed us the path andallowed us to walk it the way we needed to.

What we did in those three weekends was not just learn how to doa handstand or understand passages from the sacred texts. Whatwe did, what Shyam led us to do, was become a community, awarm, understanding circle of strength and compassion. Webecame One, not ten, which is what the teaching was all about.

Daphne has been practicing yoga for over 7 years and when she isnot trying to breathe through double pigeon, travels where evershe can and occasionally manages to find time to teach.

Shyam (centre back) with the writer, Daphne (second from left atfront), and other yoga explorers

Workshop Review

42

FOOD HAS A GREAT EFFECT ONyour body and mind. It can make or breakyour inner development. If you watchwhat goes in the mouth (eating) and whatcomes out of the mouth (talking) that’s80% of yogic practice and living.

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika constantlyemphasises two points to practitioners:your own will power and control over thetongue.

Gandhi once said remarked that “truehappiness is impossible without truehealth and true health is impossiblewithout rigid control of the palate. All theother senses will automatically come underour control when the palate has beenbrought under control. And he who hasconquered his senses has really conqueredthe whole world. “

The physical body is the combined effect ofthe food you eat and the oxygen breathedin. There is truth in the statement “you arewhat you eat”, at least as far as the physicalbody is concerned. Yet the yoga teachingsreveal, and experience will show, that foodcreates thought.

Some foods (sattvic) willencourage a calm and

clear state of mind.Others can

throw the

system andmind into anagitated (rajasic) or dull (tamasic)state. For example, the effects from alcohol,stimulating food, or heavy, stale and dullfood.

Swami Sivananda taught that “Food makesthinking possible. Therefore the right foodis of paramount importance. You must eatwhen you are in a cheerful mood. Do notoverload the stomach. By the purity offood, follows the purification of the innernature.”

Food is a source of habit and upbringingso you should not force a particular way ofeating or certain food types on yourself. It

A PA PA PA PA Pererererersssssonal Appronal Appronal Appronal Appronal Approooooach tach tach tach tach to Fo Fo Fo Fo Food and Yood and Yood and Yood and Yood and YogaogaogaogaogaPaul Dallaghan

Diet

is important to find the right approach toeating. The bad habits formed over theyears need to be addressed, if health andmental wellbeing are to be prolonged andcultivated.

You do not have to be a vegetarian topractice yoga though you might graduallymove to it over time.

The opening statement of the Yoga Sutrasuses the word “anushaasanam”. This impliesgrowth must arise within you, not forcedupon you, though discipline is required.Yoga and meditative practices lead to asubtle development and an innerlightening. From this, a desire for a cleaner,vegetarian diet may arise. Eating a balanceddiet will also help one purify, strengthenand grow.

According to another smart guy, AlbertEinstein, “nothing will benefit human

health and increase the chances forsurvival of life on Earth as much as

the evolution to a vegetarian diet.”

Food shouldsupport yourpersonalpractice andhow you live. Itshould beenjoyable and

tasty. It can healour “avidya”,

delusion andignorance, and can

help to overcome the illof “samsara”, conditioned

existence. Food is part of our yoga practice.

We take food not just as a preventativemedicine to aid the physical body but as atool in itself to aid in the growth ofconsciousness. As Hippocrates advised “letthy food be thy medicine.”

Paul is director of YogaThailand on Koh Samui.Samahita Wellness is apart of Yoga Thailand,providing a combinedapproach to yoga andwellness. www.yoga-thailand.com

43

Recipe

1 1/2 cup organic short grainbrown rice1/2 lbs cherry tomatoes1/2 lbs asparagus, peeled andcut into 1 inch sticks4 cups home made or storebought vegetable stock1 cup white wine1/2 cup chopped pistachios1/4 lbs French soft goat cheese1/4 cup finely chopped carrot1/4 finely chopped celery1/4 finely chopped onion1 clove garlic crushed1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped1 Lemon, juice and zestFresh ground black pepperSea salt

1. Shell and chop thepistachio nuts. Reserve.

2. Heat a medium saucepanto medium high heat. Add 2tablespoons of olive oil andthe carrot, celery, onion andgarlic. Cook for 3 minutes.

3. Combine the lemon zest,rice and the vegetable mixture.Add the white wine andcontinue to cook and stir tillthe liquid is absorbed. Addtwo cups of stock and whenthe mixture begins to boil,lower the heat to low and cover

and cook for thirty minutes.The goal is to bring the rice to apoint where it is slightlyundercooked.

4. Uncover the rice and raisethe heat to a medium low heat.Begin to add the stock one halfcup at a time and continue tostir the rice mixture till thestock is absorbed. Repeat thisprocess, and on the lastaddition of stock, cook themixture until it is a very soupyporridge texture. The grains ofrice should still have a slightbite but be fully cooked.Reserve.

5. Heat a frying pan tomedium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and theasparagus, season with sea saltand black pepper and aftercooking for 3 minutes add twotablespoons of lemon juice,the tomatoes and thyme andcontinue to cook for 3 minutes.

6. Mix the vegetables into therice and then crumble the goatcheese and carefully fold it intothe risotto.

7. Portion the risotto intofour warm bowls and add the

Healthy Comfort FoodMoosa Alissa

IT IS COATS-TO-WORK AND SOCKS-TO-BEDweather again and I can’t imagine cookingor eating anything that’s notwarm, rich and comforting. Ithink a perfect day of eatingduring this season would beporridge for breakfast, soup forlunch, stew for dinner and teabefore bed. Risotto is basically a ricestew, so it is incredibly important touse a good quality stock, and ingredientsthat are contrasting in color and texture butharmonious in taste. With the help of somesimple techniques and timing the humble workhorse rice gets elevated to a center stage sophisticateddish. This is risotto and I hope you love it!

ORGANIC BROWN RICE RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS, CHERRY

TOMATOES, GOAT CHEESE AND PISTACHIO

pistachios on top

8. Serve immediately.

Moosa ismanagingdirector andexecutivechef of LifeCafé, HongKong’soriginal eco-friendly

organic whole food restaurant.www.lifecafe.com.hk, +8522810 9777, 10 Shelley Street,Soho, Hong Kong

Crossword SolutionACROSS1. Matsya, 7 & 14 ACROSS.Raja Kapotaasana, 8.Dhanuraasana, 11 & 13ACROSS. Setu Bandha, 13. See11 ACROSS, 14. See 7ACROSS, 16. Bhujanga, 18.Shalabha, 19. VaalakhilyaDOWN2, 5, 10 & 8 ACROSS. Eka PadaUrdhva Dhanuraasana, 3.Dandaasana, 4. LaghuVajraasana, 5. See 2 DOWN, 6& 17 DOWN Supta Bheka, 9.Makara, 10 & 8 ACROSS.Urdhva Dhanuraasana, 12.Ushtra, 15. Chakra, 16.See 6 DOWN

44

HEALING ANGER IS A COMMENTARYby His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama onthe sixth chapter of Shantideva’s Guide toThe Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, on patience.

Shantideva, a realized Indian eighth centurymonk from the celebrated NalandaUniversity (the Harvard of medieval Indiawhose ruins are now a Buddhist pilgrimagespot) penned, in about a thousand versesin beautiful, poetic Sanskrit, a detailed,practical, logical and sometimes cheekilydebated guide to an incredibly noble way oflife. Thirteen hundred years later, in thesetimes of rampant confusion andunhappiness, Shantideva’s thoughts andwords are relevant even to non-Buddhists.Shantideva’s message is universal andimmortal because it comes from a realm ofthe mind beyond the coarse, everydaythinking mind that lands us in so muchtrouble. Shantideva’s words resonate withtruth, the wisdom of the sages.

Among Tibetan Buddhists, Shantideva’sGuide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life isdear to followers of all lineages andtraditions. A Bodhisattva is a person whohas vowed to rid his own mind of allnegativity and delusion, as many lifetimesas it may take, so that he can be ofmaximum benefit to others in relievingthem from all unhappiness. In short,Bodhisattvas work towards their ownenlightenment so that they can lead othersto enlightenment. A ripe Bodhisattva,having mastered his or her mind, becomesa servant of all, including animals andclasses of beings that are invisible.

Walking the path of the Bodhisattva canlead to an expansion of the mind beyondits usual concerns of ‘I, me and mine’ toinclude all sentient life forms. This isaltruism in it highest sense. When freed offetters that confine it to a limited worldviewarising from a wrong idea of who one isand what life is about, one’s mind soars,making a happy, meaningful life possiblefor oneself and others.

Patience is considered the highest austeritythat a Bodhisattva can practice. Patience islooked upon as an antidote to anger.Shantideva defines patience as the ability to

maintain one’s equilibrium and not getshaken or disturbed when faced withdifficulties of various kinds.

Shantideva’s chapter on Patience beginswith the verse:Whatever wholesome deed,Such as venerating the Buddhas and practicinggenerosity,That have been amassed over a thousand eons,Will all be destroyed in one moment of anger.

Shantideva goes on to cite unhappiness asthe cause of all anger:Getting what I do not want,And all that hinders my desire –There my mind finds fuel for misery;Anger springs from it, oppressing me.

Shantideva stresses the need to developtrue causes of happiness. He examinesvarious situations in our daily lives thatprovoke anger, such as when people hurtor irritate us, when those we dislike succeedor are praised, or when people createobstacles to our spiritual practice.

Shantideva cites the law of karma to fosterpatience and dissolve anger:Why did I previously commit those actionsBecause of which others now cause me harm?Since everything is related to my actionsWhy should I bear malice towards those(enemies)?

Because of them, and through the exercise ofpatience,My many sins are cleansed and purified.But they will be the ones who, thanks to me,Will have the long-drawn agonies of hell.

Therefore I am their tormentor!Therefore it is they who bring me benefit!Thus with what perversity, pernicious mind,Will you be angry with your enemies?

The Dalai Lama is the epitome of an open,caring heart and a brilliant, clear mind. Hisbook, Healing Anger contains ancientwisdom made relevant for modern times.There is no danger here of getting lost inphilosophy. Healing Anger is indispensableto all who have ever felt a twinge of anger,hatred, hostility, jealousy, impatience orirritation. So, is this book is for you?

Book Review

Healing Anger, The Power of Patience from a Buddhist Perspectiveby The Dalai LamaReviewed by Tia Sinha

A student of Buddhistphilosophy and practice atthe Library of TibetanWorks and Archives,Dharamshala, Tia teachesyoga to the nuns ofDongyu Gatsal Ling, thenunnery founded byJetsunma Tenzin Palmo.

45

ACROSS1.Jumble ‘May sat’ to give theFish. (6)7 & 14 ACROSS. King ofPigeons pose. (4, 11)8. Bow pose. (12)11 & 13 ACROSS. Bridge. (4, 6)13. See 11 ACROSS.14. See 7 ACROSS.16. Cobra. (8)18. Locust. (8)19. Jumble ‘hail yak lava’ togive thumb-sized heavenlyspirits that have inspired a deepback bend. (11)

DOWN2, 5, 10 & 8 ACROSS. Raise aleg in this upward bow pose.(3, 5, 6, 12)3. Eka Paada Viparita ………,the picturesque single leginverted staff pose. (10)4. Small or beautifulthunderbolt. (5, 10)5. See 2 DOWN.6 & 17 DOWN. Supine Frog.(5, 5)9. Crocodile. (6)10 & 8 ACROSS. Upward Bowpose. (6, 12)12. Camel. (6)15. Wheel. (6)16. See 6 DOWN.

Tia’s Crossword

Perhaps the easiest crossword from Tia in years! Each clue of thiscrossword points to a certain exhilarating backbending asana. Youmay need to bend backwards to solve this crossword! In case youneed a hint, the solution is on page 43.

A BA BA BA BA Backackackackackwwwwwararararard Bd Bd Bd Bd Bending Crending Crending Crending Crending Crooooosssssssssswwwwworororororddddd

46

Yoga Teachers & Studios

WWWWWananananant yt yt yt yt your deour deour deour deour detttttailsailsailsailsailslisted here inlisted here inlisted here inlisted here inlisted here in2010?2010?2010?2010?2010?It’s HK$500 per teacher andHK$1,000 per studio for theCalendar year. Please mail usyour cheque now to continueyour listing or start a newlisting. [email protected]

Anahata Villa and SpaResortBr. Umah Ayar Pejeng Kaja,Tampak Siring, Gianyar, Ubud,Bali, Indonesiat: (62) 361 7453267f: (62) 361 970093e: [email protected]: www.anahataresort.com

Michel BesnardYogasanas: Ashtangal: Englisht: (852)2511 8892 / 9527 6691e: [email protected]

Tanya BoultonPrivatess: vinyasa, corel: Englisht: (852) 6448 7310w: www.tanya-b.com

Kathy CookRetreats, workshops, privatesd: Hong Kong, Bal &Thailands: Iyengar (Junior Intermediate)l: Englisht: (852) 6292 5440 / (62) 811387781e: [email protected]: www.yogawithkathy.com

FLEX1/F Woodleigh House, 80Stanley Village Road, Stanley,Hong Kongs: Iyengar, Ashtanga, HathaVinyasat: (852) 2813 2212f: (852) 2813 2281e: [email protected]: www.flexhk.com

IYENGAR YOGACENTRE INDONESIARuko Simprug GalleryJl. Teuku Nyak Arif No 10WJakarta 12220, Indonesias: Iyengart:(6221)739 6904 & (6281)1107880e:[email protected]: www.iyengaryogaindonesia.com

IYENGAR YOGACENTRE OF HONGKONGRoom 406 NewVictory House, 93- 103 Wing

Lok St., Sheung Wan, HongKongs: Iyengart: (852) 2541 0401e: [email protected]: www.iyengaryogahongkong.com

IYENGAR YOGACENTRE SINGAPORE149B Neil RoadSingapore 088875s: Iyengart:(65) 9052 3102 & 6220 4048e:[email protected]: iyengaryogasingapore.com

Hari Amrit Kaur (Kaldora)Privates, workshopsd: Central, Discovery Bays: Kundalini Yoga, Radiant ChildYogal: English, Cantoneset: (852) 6428 5168e: [email protected]: http://kaldora.wordpress.com

Ming LeePrivates, workshopss: Iyengar Certified teacherl: English, Cantonese,Putonghuat: (852) 9188 1277e: [email protected]

LIFE MANAGEMENTYOGA CENTRENon-profit Classical Yoga Schoold: Tsim Sha Tsuis: Patanjali yoga, Kids yoga,Seniors yoga, Corporatesl: English, Cantoneset: (852) 2191 9651t: 6349 0639 (Chinese)e: [email protected]: www.yoga.org.hk

Ursula MoserThe Iyengar Yoga Centre ofHong Kong, Yoga Central, LRCd: Centrals: Iyengar Certifiedl: English, Germant: (852) 2918 1798 / 9456 2149e: [email protected]

Anna NgPrivatesd: Hong Kongs: Hatha yogal: Cantoneset: (852) 9483 1167e: [email protected]

PURE YOGA16/F The Centrium, 60Wyndham Street, Central, HongKongt: (852) 2971 0055

25/F Soundwill Plaza, 38 RussellStreet, Causeway Bay, HongKongt: (852) 2970 2299

14/F The Peninsula OfficeTower, 18 Middle Road, TsimSha Tsui, Kowloon, HongKongt: (852) 8129 8800

9/F Langham Place OfficeTower, 8 Argyle Street,Kowloon, Hong Kongt: (852) 3691 3691

4/F Lincoln House, TaiKooPlace, 979 King’s Road, QuarryBay, Hong Kongt: (852) 8129 1188

391A Orchard Road, #18-00Ngee Ann City Tower A,Singaporet: (65) 6733 8863

30 Raffles Place, 04-00 ChevronHouse, Singaporet: (65) 6304 2257

151 Chung Hsiao East Road, Sec4, Taipei, Taiwant: (886) 02 8161 7888s: Hot, Power, Hatha, Yin,Ashtanga, Dance, Kidsl: English, Cantonesee: [email protected]

REAL YOGA545 Orchard Road #08-01Far East Shopping CentreSingapores: Hatha Yoga, Power Yoga,Ashtanga Yoga and GentleYogal: Englisht: (65) 6734 2853e: [email protected]

Linda ShevloffThe Iyengar Yoga Centre ofHong Kongd: Sheung Wans: Iyengar Certified (SeniorIntermediate I)t: (852) 2541 0401e: [email protected]

SPACE YOGA26 F, No. 27, An-Ho Road,Section 1, Taipei 106, Taiwans: Hatha, Ashtanga, AnusaraInspired, Flow, Yin, Restorative,Power, Hot, Meditation,Pranayama, Virya Sadhana, andYoga Dancel: English and Mandarint: +886 2 2773.8108e: [email protected]: www.withinspace.com

THE YOGA ROOM3/F Xiu Ping Building, 104Jervois Street, Sheung Wan,Hong Kongs:Hatha, Ashtanga, Kids yoga,Meditationt: (852) 2544 8398e: [email protected]: www.yogaroomhk.com

YOGA CENTRAL4/F Kai Kwong House, 13Wyndham Street, Central, HongKongs: Iyengar, Hatha Vinyasa,Acroyoga, Mat-based Pilates,Privates, Corporate and Studiorental available.t: (852) 2982 4308e: [email protected]: www.yogacentral.com.hk

47

2010 MASTER TEACHER SERIES

www.withinspace.com

Need help with travel and accommodations in Taipei? SPACE would be happy to assist you.

email [email protected] or visit www.withinspace.com

*This event could be taken as part of SPACE’s 300/500 teacher training or as a stand alone immersion.

SPACE YOGA in Taipei has established a reputation as the premier studio for presenting Yoga in its deep

and authentic form. We continue to host top teachers from around the globe who share our vision and are

honored to serve as their home base for training events in Asia.

Taiwan’s Premier Yoga Studio

Transformation through Meditation in Motion Mar. 5 - 7, 2010Experience stillness in movement with certified Ashtanga teacher, Govinda, in this weekend workshop

and learn to minimize mental fluctuations to allow the primal power of the practice to fully manifest.

The workshop also includes a thoroughly engaging exploration into Yoga Philosophy in a way that you

have never experienced before.

Govinda Kai www.lunaticmonk.com

Discover your intuitive sense of alignment in yoga with the therapeutic method of Active Isolated

Stretching. In this unique workshop, you will learn how to work with the body's natural intelligence to

safely isolate, stretch and strengthen all muscles, making postures easier and more refined.

Apr. 10 - 11, 2010 Active Isolated Stretching & Yoga Workshop

Adarsh Williams www.smartstretch.com & www.ashtangapaloalto.com

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to join the founder of Anusara Yoga on his 2010 world tour. The tour will

be the most energetically transformative tour ever with an emphasis of accessing the deepest essence of

the Anusara method through its most fundamental principle. This is John’s only stop in Greater China and

Southeast Asia.

Melt Your Heart, Blow Your Mind Anusara WorkshopApr. 23 - 25, 2010

John Friend www.anusara.com

May 27 - 31, 2010 The Bridge*Propel your practice forward with this level 2, 40-hour Teacher Training. You’ll step up from the

foundation developed in your 200-hour training with more advancement and stability in asana and a

greater understanding of the practice from an energetic level. The course also includes special advanced

sessions on pranayama and Sanskrit.

Stephen Thomas www.stephenthomasyoga.com

Aug. 6 - 15, 2010 Workshop and Immersion / Teacher Training* Imparting 42 years of yogic wisdom in his first teacher training outside of US, Richard will weave the

explanation of the practice with philosophical texts to give us an enlivening practice and enlightening

learning. Come and enjoy Richard’s whimsical charm and metamorphic teaching style for yourself.

Richard Freeman www.yogaworkshop.com

48

Baron Baptiste Dylan Bernstein Ganesh MohanClayton Horton Jules Febre Wendy Wyvill Maya Fiennes

And many more! Please visit www.pure-yoga.com

Upcoming HighlightsJanuary–April 2010

30 & 31 JanuaryWelcoming Baron Baptiste for his premier immersion in AsiaJourney into Power Basic Training Programme

11-14 AprilJivamukti Class and Weekend Workshops with Jules Febre

2-9 AprilBarberyn Ayurveda Yoga Retreat with Wendy Wyvill

9-18 AprilThe Mantras of Kundalini Yoga by Maya Fiennes,Pure Yoga Asia Tour

15-18 AprilCambodia Karma Yoga Retreat with Michelle Ann Ricaille

1 February – 3 MarchAshtanga-Based Teacher Training with Clayton Horton and Dylan Bernstein200-hr Yoga Alliance Certified Programme

25 February – 7 MarchRevitalise Yourself – 10-Day Detox Programme with Michelle Ann Ricaille

6-28 MarchSvastha Yoga of Krishnamacharya: Teacher Training with Ganesh Mohan200-hr Yoga Alliance Certified Programme

Michelle Ann Ricaille

Guest Teacher Workshops,Teacher Trainings,

Programmes,and Retreats

namaskar jan 2010

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