Namaskar january 2015

namaskarA VOICE FOR THE YOGA COMMUNITY OF ASIA January 2015

TAKING RELIGION OUT OF YOGA

Make yoga culturally & religiously sensitive to

keep it in schools ................................ ..........p26

BACK IN THE RING

Ashtanga yoga & community service part of the

road to recovery from drug abuse....................p18

YOGA & MUSIC

Six views on the controversial subject of playing

music in yoga class.........................................p28

Photo courtesy of Heather Bonker photography

2 NAMASKAR

January 2015 3

NAMASKAR - JANUARY 2015

ABOUT NAMASKAR

ADMINISTRATION Carol Adams, [email protected]

NEWS EDITOR Wai-Ling Tse, [email protected]

CIRCULATION Angela Sun, [email protected]

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Frances Gairns, [email protected]

Namaskar provides a voice for the yoga community in Asia andaround the world. The publication is an opportunity forpractitioners on a yogic path to selflessly offer their knowledge,learnings and experiences with others.

We welcome unsolicited submissions, therefore the opinionsexpressed within these pages are not necessarily those of Namaskar orits volunteers.

Articles and photographs in Namaskar are contributed at nocharge. Advertising income covers production, distribution,administrative costs and discretionary contributions to selectedcharities and causes.

Namaskar, is published quarterly in January, April, July and October.About 5,000 copies are printed and distributed for free to yogastudios, teachers, fitness centres, retail outlets, cafes and yoga-friendly outlets. Mostly distributed in Hong Kong, with 1,500 copiesmailed to readers in 32 other countries.

LETTER FROMTHE EDITORAs this marks the start of 13years as editor, here’s at littleNamaskar history.

In This Issue

DRISTI - YOGA & MUSIC

COMING HOME 28

Music in yoga, you can feel it in your bones

MUSIC IN YOGA CLASS 31

Several teachers tell why not

TRANSFORMATION 32

Music can heal

NO MUSIC IN IYENGAR 33

Why this style of yoga avoids music

KIRTAN 34

The many levels of singing

ESSENCE OF YOGA 35

To align to the music is to align to life

SPECIAL FEATURES

BACK IN THE RING 18

Yoga & service helps recovering drug users

STICKING WITH YOUR EXERCISE 20

10 tips for new year’s fitness resolution

WORKPLACE YOGA 23

Get your daily yoga, even at the office

THE BEAUTY OF CEREMONY 24

Setting intentions for the new year

NEO-HINDUISM 26

Taking the religion out of yoga

YOGIC TEXTS 42

Explaining an excerpt from the Book of

Liberation

REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS

KULA UPDATES, WORKSHOPS,RETREATS, TEACHER TRAININGS 6PHOTO ESSAY 14

I HEARD OFF THE MAT 17MUDRAS IN BRIEF 38MYTHOLOGY 38

BOOK REVIEW 45RECIPE 51DIRECTORY 53

On the cover - photo provided by Heather Bonker,

photographer and freelance yoga teacher based at

Radiantly Alive, Bali (www.heatherbonker.com)

Namaskar started life in October 1999 asthe newsletter of the Yoga Society ofHong Kong .

The Society had been formed by Linda Shevloff, Martha Collard, Vivian Eakin and Kathy Cook

to promote yoga in general and, through membership fees, bring international teachers to

Hong Kong.

The newsletter was called Salutations until January 2001, when it was renamed Namaskar.

There was only one yoga studio in Hong Kong at that time - Yoga Central. And the 10 or so

teachers in Hong Kong taught privately. Over the next five years, yoga in Hong Kong grew

tremendously. With numerous yoga studios established, there were fewer practitioners

paying to join the Society and in 2006 it ceased to operate.

By then, Namaskar was the only tangible product of the Society. So together with friend and

fellow yoga teacher Jennifer Rockowitz, we registered Namaskar officially as a business and

tried to keep the magazine going. Thanks to the support of advertisers, Namaskar is able to

continue. Everyone is a volunteer, so all writers, photographers, circulation and

administration contribute their efforts at no cost. Namaskar is run on a break-even basis,

with annual discretionary donations to charities and social causes.

Over the years I have thought of stopping many times. At times, I have resented the work, felt

hurt by critics, worried if we could pay our printer, guilt-ridden about lost family time. But

mostly I’ve been thrilled by the generosity of contributors, loved the feedback of readers,

excited to learn and, thankful to practice patience with all whom I communicate with on behalf

of Namaskar.

Together with Wai-Ling, Carol and Angela, our mission is to provide a voice for practitioners

on a yogic path to selflessly offer their knowledge, learning and experience to others. Regular

readers will notice Namaskar seldom features asana articles. There are many excellent

resources for how to do adho mukasvanasana/Downward Facing Dog.

While many readers may be focused on asana , we hope by learning about the experiences of

fellow practitioners, you will be inspired to expand your practice beyond asana.

Namaskar also strives to facilitate a kula of sorts. Through these pages to introduce you to

fellow practitioners around the corner and around the world. How fun is it to bump into

someone at AYC, whose article you’d read here. So thank you to all our contributors,

advertisers and readers, may 2015 be filled with new connections!

4 NAMASKAR

CONTRIBUTORSANA FORREST

Medicine Woman, creatrix of

Forrest Yoga and author of Fierce

Medicine, Ana has been teaching

for nearly 40 years. She will be at

Asia Yoga Conference in Hong

Kong, June 2015.

www.forrestyoga.com

BARBARA PASSY

Barbara is a Chicago-based yoga

teacher and writer.

[email protected]

BRETT SCHULTZ

Brett lives and works in Hong

Kong. In his spare time he enjoys

reading Sanskrit and Pali texts.

[email protected]

GAELLE FOULON DAFFNER

Gaelle practices and teaches

Iyengar Yoga in Hong Kong.

[email protected]

HEATHER SHERIDAN

Heather teaches yoga for

relaxation and Teen Yoga at the

Club at The Repulse Bay in Hong

Kong.

[email protected]

INNA CONSTANTINI

Inna is a yoga teacher and freelance

writer based in London. With a

background in media and public

relations, she experimented with

various yoga paths before deciding

to trade her desk for a yoga mat.

[email protected]

JACK HARRISON

Jack has been a yoga teacher,

singer and folklorist for the past 30

years. He blends the three

together in his Yoga Music

Workshops. He is also a lecturer at

the University College Galway,

Ireland. www.jackharrison.com

JAMES BOAG

James teaches yoga philosophy,

Indian mythology, Kirtan and their

practical application around the

world, including in Mysore where

he continues to study Sanskrit.

www.jamesboag.com

KRISHNAA KINKARIDAS

Krishnaa lives in London. She

studied with B.K.S. Iyengar over

several years in Mumbai and Pune

and now runs classes in London

and teaches ‘Sanskrit and Mudras

for Yoga’ for Yoga Alliance and

British wheel of Yoga trainee

teachers. She is the author of nine

books on Bhakti Yoga.

[email protected]

LISA KAZMER

Lisa is a yoga teacher, birth doula

and writer. Originally from the US

she has recently relocated from

Hong Kong to Singapore and

specializes in teaching prenatal

yoga, beginners, and seniors.

www.lisadevi.com

LUCAS ROCKWOOD

Lucas is the founder of YogaBody

Naturals, YogaBody Fitness

Studios, and Absolute Yoga

Academy. www.YogaBody.com or

www.AbsoluteYogaAcademy.com

MOOSA AL-ISSA

Moosa is Executive Director of Life

January 2015 5

Café and Director of Just Green

Organic Convenience Stores in

HK. [email protected]

NATALIE MACAM

Natalie is a yoga teacher who leads

charity yoga treks to the Himalayas

in Nepal every year.

www.tigerwaveyoga.com

SAMRAT DASGUPTA

Samrat has been practicing yoga for

over 20 years. He teaches at Pure

Yoga in Hong Kong.

[email protected]

SHANNON FRANCES

Living in the jungles of Malaysia for

several years, Shannon balances

her dry, technical career with an

exuberant engagement in yoga.

Combining an experimental

approach to the multifaceted

techniques offered by yoga and a

voracious appetite for reading, she

has eagerly explored the

philosophy and practice of yoga.

She is the author of The Tiny

Hatha Yoga Philosophy.

[email protected]

SUE YEN WAN

Ying has been a freelance Yoga

instructor since 1998. Striving to

honour, the mind body and spirit

provoking self awareness to be in

the present moment.

[email protected]

www.sueyenwan.com

SWATI PANDEY

Swati is a teacher of Samkkya Yoga

living in Kuala Lumpur, Malayasia.

[email protected]

TIA SINHA

Tia, who spends most of her time

in retreat, teaches yoga asana,

philosophy and Tibetan Buddhist

techniques of meditation.

[email protected]

namaskar

on-line at:www.issuu.com/caroladams

April’s dristi:Tantric yoga

Some things to think about forthis dristi:• What is Tantric yoga• Which modern yoga stylesare most influenced by Tantra• A brief history of Tantra• Main teachings of Tantra• Why is Tantric yogaassociated with sex

If you would like to contributean article on this subject, orothers, to Namaskar, pleaseemail Frances [email protected] withyour thoughts first. That way wecan let you know if anothercontributor is already coveringthat angle. Final articles arewelcome before March 1.

WAI-LING TSE

Wai-Ling teaches and practices

yoga, mindfulness, therapy and is

News Editor of Namaskar. She

loves connecting with people in

everyday life through yoga, nature,

food and music.

[email protected]

YOSHI ANWAR

It is the natural world in all its

vibrant purity that breathes

through the artworks of the home-

grown Singaporean photographer,

Yoshi Anwar. A yogi himself, his

work has increasingly gestured at

something unparalleled and

ethereal, something beyond

physical. He has been featured in

international yoga publications and

campaigns. Instagram:

@yoshianwar

6 NAMASKAR

KULAUpdates

“Thank YouMother India”Global CampaignNon-profit Yoga Gives Back

(YGB) invites all the Yoga

communities to host just one

fundraiser class between now

to31 Januaryto help more

mothers and children in India.

This annual global campaign

raises the majority of the funds

for YGB’s programs in India,

which is now funding more than

500 mothers and children with

micro loans and education funds.

For more information

[email protected] /

yogagivesback.org/tymi

Charitabledonation as abirthday present?With the excesses of Christmas

now behind us, the question is

how to make the holiday season

less about overindulgence and

more about goodwill and

kindness to all. Charitable gifts

demonstrate to our younger

generation that real happiness

does not come from having

things, but from giving and

sharing. For your loved one’s

next birthday, anniversary or

next Christmas, why not make a

donation to Yogi Yum Yums (or

any worthwhile charity).


[email protected]

AUSTRALIA

Evolve YogaFestival17 January

Following the sellout Evolve

Festival in Melbourne on 23

November 2014, the next event

will next be held at Byron Bay.

Evolve Melbourne was held at

Abbotsford Convent with over

400 yogis coming together to

practise and connect for learning,

fun and Evolve-ment! The

program in January includes

numerous styles of asana classes

for all levels, wellness and healing

workshops, spiritual

development and philosophy

sessions, energizing kirtan plus

activities for kids and a vibrant

market place.


www.evolveyogafestival.com.au

HONG KONG

Free MindfulnessIntroduction12 & 13 January(7-8pm)

Sol Wellness, Central

If you are stressed and weary

then MBSR could be just what

you are looking for. This is an 8-

week course developed by Jon

Kabat-Zinn at the University of

Massachusetts in the 1970s.

MBSR uses a variety of practices

and has been proven clinically to

reduce stress and anxiety and

increase quality of life.

For more information (852) 2581

9699 / [email protected]/

www.sol-wellness.com

New in Southside- De-stress YogaAberdeen Boat Club

Join Chan Cudennec every

Thursday at 9am at the Harbour

Room.




Little Yogis’ OpenHouse18 January (2-5pm)

Little Yogis, Wang Chuk Hang

Explore Hong Kong’s first and

only dedicated Kids’ Yoga studio.

There will be Yoga and cooking

activities. Suitable for ages 18

months to 10 year olds.

For more information (852)

25623688 /

[email protected]

Raw Food classes@Sol Wellness20 January- LifeFood Breakfast

5 February- LifeFood Chinese

New Year Asian Fusion

10 March - LifeFood

Mediterranean Flavour

Vegan, raw and living food is a

lifestyle that is sustainable,

rejuvenating and revitalizing.

Learn how to make delicious and

healthy snacks and meals from

different parts of the world.




Superfood &Detox OpenHouse24 January (10:45am-12:45pm);

12 February (6:45-9:15pm)

I-Detox, Central

A crash course in self care.

Topics covered include why

certain foods should be avoided

to support the body’s natural

detoxification. Upgrade your diet

with “Superfoods” and how to

avoid common weight loss traps.

For more information(852) 3904


www.i-detox.com/superfood-

open-house

Beyond YogaWorkout WearComes to FlexLoved by the Yoga community for

its ultra-soft fabrics, and sexy yet

functional styles, Beyond Yoga is

coming to Flex Studio this

January!


28132212 / [email protected]

The Art of DyingAwareness Talk31 January (7-8:30pm)

Life Management Yoga Centre,

Tsimshatsui

Conducted by renowned clinical

hypnotherapist Dr. Yuvraj

Kapadia. He will explore what

happens at death, understanding

the processes that take place at

the time of death and what we can

do for the souls that have

departed.


9238 7379/

[email protected]/

www.allaboutyoucentre.com

Byron Yoga’s John Ogilvie was a primary

teacher at Evolve Yoga Festival in

Melbourne.

January 2015 7

Raw & RichWomen’s TempleInitiation Day7 February

A new offering for women: the

monthly Women’s Temple Group

provides a counterpoint to Hong

Kong’s hectic and yang-oriented

lifestyle. It’s a space to connect

with the body, with the feminine

and with other women. There will

be an introduction afternoon

during which women can get a

taste of what this nourishing and

rejuvenating gathering is about.


www.rawandrich.com / (852)

9633 5573 /

[email protected]

“Portraits of aSoul” Exhibition26 February-31 March

LuxDiscret Lifestyle Studio

An unique opportunity to have

your own art photography - a

portrait of your true self

accompanied by a poem of your

soul.This unique collaborative

project is the brainchild of the

German face reader, Eric

Standop, and British portrait

photographer, Richard Pilnick.


www.luxdiscret.com /(852) 2898

0568 / [email protected] /

www.portraitsofasoul.com

Peace of Mind:Ajahn Brahm’sHong KongTeaching TourBorn in London and graduated

with First Class Honours in

Theoretical Physics from

Cambridge University, Ajahn

Brahm is currently the Abbot of

Bodhinyana Monastery in

Serpentine, Western Australia

and The Spiritual Director of the

Buddhist Society of Western

Australia (BSWA), among others.

Between March 3 - 11, he will be

giving various public and private

talks, offering full-day

workshops, participating in panel

discussion and leading a four-day

retreat.


www.bodhinyana.com

Yoga MantraKirtan Night27 March (7-8:30pm)

International Yoga Institute,

Tsimshatsui

A musical chanting experience to

open your heart and awaken your

soul. Free entry (HK$40/person

for light vegetarian dinner).

For more information Sitarani

(852) 2369 6696

Seeking Yoga/Pilates InstructorsYoga Privates is an exclusive

provider of private Yoga and

Pilates sessions across Asia since

2008. They are seeking

registered, experienced

instructors to join their team.


www.yoga-privates.com /

[email protected] / (852)

65044280

Evolution - AsiaYoga Conference11 - 14 June

Hong Kong

Headliners at this ninth

conference include Dharma

Mittra, Ana Forrest and David

Swenson, as well as many other

fantastic international and local

teachers.


www.asiayogaconference.com

Local Yogireleases yogacalendar“In Quest of the Infinite” is the

theme of Yogaraj C.P.’s 2015

calendar, which will be released

on 25 January. He plans to

present a copy of his calendar to

Indian PM Modi as a gesture of

thanks for proposing 21 June as

International Yoga Day.

INDONESIA

8thBaliSpiritFestival31 March-5 April

The annual BaliSpirit Festival

inspires and unifies the global

community through Yoga, dance,

Corrine Konrad starts up a women’s group,

Raw and Rich, in Hong Kong.

Buddhist teacher Ajahn Brahm gives

several lectures in Hong Kong.

Double scorpion - Yogaraj C.P. with his daughter Gia.

healing and the beat of world

music. In a synergy of global

cultural collaboration and non-

denominational spiritual

practice, the festival welcomes a

passionate and enthusiastic

global audience from over 50

countries to Bali each year.


www.balispiritfestival.com

THAILAND

Samahita LiveCapture the sounds of Samahita

with their new album recorded

during their pranayama and

music retreat with Sri.O.P

Tiwari. Featuring live sets by

musicians Jack Harrison

andDaphne Tse, plus a selection

of chants and yoga related tracks.

Releasedin January.


www.samahitaretreat.com

David Swenson, a superb teacher and really nice guy, joins AYC for the first time.

8 NAMASKAR

KULAWorkshops

AUSTRALIA

Yin/Insight YogaWorkshop -CompassionatePresence withSarah Powers17 January

Egg of the Universe, Sydney

Sarah will offer balanced Yoga

sequences with both Yin and Yang

Yoga methods including

pranayama. Also developing the

heart through focusing on loving-

kindness and compassion based

meditation practises.


[email protected] /

www.eggoftheuniverse.com/

portfolio/detail/sarah-powers

CHINA

Asana &Pranayama withPaul Dallaghan16-17 May

Pure Yoga Shanghai

Led by Samahita founder and

creator of Asia’s longest-running

yoga teacher training, Paul

Dallaghan.


www.pure-yoga.com.cn/en/

shanghai/

HONG KONG

Strengthen &Balance workshop17-18 January

Shakti Healing Circle

Samahita teacher Amy Arman will

co-host this workshop with

wellness coach Rowena Hunt.


www.amyarman.com,

www.rowena-hunt.healthcoach.

integrativenutrition.com/events-

rowena-hunt

Reshape YourBody, ReshapeYour LifeDetoxwith MichelleRicaille19-24 January

Flex Studio

You will be taught how to cleanse

the digestive system and liver

with special herbs and tonics

from the United States, and how

to control the mind’s cravings

and weaknesses through

pranayama and meditation.

Workshop includes daily lectures

and yoga practice; detox herbs

and supplements, healing energy

stone and gut cleansing

probiotics. Option to include

food intolerance test by HK

BioTek Lab.

For more information (852) 283-

2212 / [email protected]

Strengthen YourCore Workshopwith Victor Chau25 January (2:30-5:30pm)

The Yoga Room, Sheung Wan

Learn the basic anatomy of the

core stabilizers, how to prevent

back pain and yoga poses to

strengthen the core.


www.yogaroomhk.com / (852)

25448398

Heal Your Life 6-week Program10 February, 3 & 24 March, 14

April, 5 & 27 May

This 6-week program originally

created by best-selling author

Louise Hays is based on her

philosophy of “You Can Heal

Your Life.” Explores beliefs

around change, forgiveness,

relationships, work, prosperity

and health.


9238 7379/

[email protected]/

www.allaboutyoucentre.com

PsychoPhysiologicalTrainingLife Management Yoga Centre

Wednesdays (11am-Noon; Noon

to 1pm); Saturdays (4:30-5:30pm;

5:30-6:30pm)

Self development courses on

stress, emotional, relationship,

mind and life management. A

certificate endorsed by LMYC

affiliated to The Yoga Institute,

India will be provided on

completion of the course.


[email protected] / (852) 2191

9651 / www.yoga.org.hk

Ancient Thai(Yoga Massage)Workshop31 January (2-4pm)

Sol Wellness, Central

Michelle leads a detox workshop at Flex.

Samahita’s Amy will be at Shakti Healing

Circle in Hong Kong.

January 2015 9

Learn to work along the meridian

lines (prana nadis) and supply

the body with the vital energy

with Mona Choi, instructor of

ancient massage techniques.




Yoga Workshopswith StephenEwashkiwThe Yoga Room, Sheung Wan

7 February - Get Up, Stand Up -

Standing Poses for all levels

(10am-12:30pm); Straighten Up

and Fly Right - Arm Balances and

Inversions for intermediate/

advanced (2 -5pm)

8 February - From Strength to

Strength: Hip Openers and Arm

Balances (All levels). 10am-

12:30pm; Backbending & Beyond

for intermediate/advanced (2-

5pm).


www.yogaroomhk.com/ (852)

25448398

The Power ofAshtanga Yogawith KinoMacGregor27 February-1 March

Pure Yoga

Yoga is a conscious effort to train

the mind to be fully present by

controlling the body, breathe and

mind in one harmonious moment.


www.pure-yoga.com /

[email protected]

40-day PersonalRevolution withTryphena Chia28 February-8 April

Pure Yoga

40 Days to Personal Revolution -

based on the book by Baron

Baptiste. A breakthrough

programme to radically change

your body and awaken the sacred

within your soul.


www.pure-yoga.com /

[email protected]

Nourishing theseed ofMindfulness withJanet Lau1, 7, 14, 21, 28 March

The Yoga Room, Sheung Wan

This is a month-long 25-hour

group mindfulness programme.

Meeting once every weekend , as

well as a regular yoga practice of

3-4 times a week during the

month (group or self practice).


www.yogaroomhk.com /(852)

25448398

Evolve Yourselfwith MarcusLeung23 May&28 June

Pure Yoga

This is a journey of self-discovery

through strong, intelligent and

conscious daily morning

practices and special workshops.

The immersion introduces the

concept of counter energy and

practical tips on how to harness

it to make your practice more

fluid, your body more balanced in

strength and flexibility, and

weight transfer during your

practice more effective.


www.pure-yoga.com /

[email protected]

SINGAPORE

TheHeart of YogaTherapy withKausthubDesikachar24-26 April

Understand the holistic aspect of

Yoga Therapy in the tradition of

T. Krishnamacharya. Covering

the core principles of Yoga as a

complimentary healing approach,

mind-centred approach of Yoga

therapy, fundamental principles

of healing, and how Yoga fulfils

this role.


beinginyoga.com /

[email protected] / (65)

98303808

TAIWAN

The Blossoming ofFreedom withDoug Keller24-25 January

Space Yoga, Taipei

Expand the energy behind your

individuality in this very practical

workshop. Experience the

freedom that lies in this

expansion (swatantrya) as we

become aware of our own styles

of movement, and learn to expand

our difficulties or contractions

into assets in our practice.


www.withinspace.com

A Therapeutic Eyewith Doug Keller26-30 January

Space Yoga, Taipei

Explore healthy movement in

Yoga and in life. Learn about

body structure and the kinds of

movement impairment that can

bring pain and injury, and how to

overcome these difficulties.


www.withinspace.com

The Art of SubtleAlignment withRichard Freeman4-5 April

Space Yoga, Taipei

Following an empty thread of

awareness through and between

postures, breaths, thoughts and

techniques is true Ashtanga Yoga.

Learn to use core techniques like

dristi and bandha to awaken a

subtle intelligence.


www.withinspace.com

Yoga Ruins YourLife with RichardFreeman6-10 April

Space Yoga, Taipei

Destroy ignorance and suffering

in your life with Yoga as Richard

guides you to rhythmically join

prana and apana in asana

practice, to open the core of the

body into the middle path in

pranayama, and to unravel the

subtle bodies in meditation.


www.withinspace.com

Advanced IyengarYoga with PeterScott21 April

Space Yoga, Taipei


www.withinspace.com

Evolve Yourselfwith MarcusLeung7 March & 5 April

Pure Yoga, Taipei

Marcus’ mini-tour of Asia sees

him teaching in Hong Kong and

Taiwan.


www.pure-yoga.com /

[email protected]

Paul Dallaghan comes to Pure Yoga

Shanghai.

Janet leads a month of mindfulness at

Yoga Room.

10 NAMASKAR

KULATeacher Trainings

AUSTRALIA

AustralianCertificate IV inYoga TT1 February-20 March

Purna Yoga Retreat Centre,

Byron Bay

Full-time residential course run

by the Byron Yoga Centre and

recognised by Yoga Alliance and

Yoga Australia, it is also an

Australian Skills Quality

Authority accredited national

course. It includes the Level I and

2 combined 500-hour

qualification and additional

models covering first aid,

teaching for special needs plus

the business side of yoga.


www.byronyoga.com

CHINA

Kundalini YogaTT13-18 January - Level 2Module:

LifeStyles and LifeCycles

20-25 January - Module 2 of

Level 1 KYTT

Ajai Alai Kundalini Yoga

Community Centre, Shenzhen

If you are already a certified Level

1 Kundalini Yoga Teacher, you

might like to repeat the training

Level 1 with Ajai Alai Asia

International KY School to

consolidate the experience.

For more information chan@sol-

wellness.com /

[email protected]

HONG KONG

Yoga & Ayurveda200-hr TT withMas Vidal

30 January - 5 February & 6 - 12

April

Pure Yoga

Learning through practice

strongly adheres to an

experiential approach to learning.


www.pure-yoga.com /

[email protected]

200-hr TTCertificate Course24 March-23 June & 30 June-22

September

Anahata Yoga

This course gives practitioners

and aspiring instructors the

chance to deepen their knowledge

of yoga philosophy and improve

on various aspects of their

practice. It is an open-level

training programme, suitable for

those who have never done Yoga

before as well as those who have

put in years of practice.


www.anahatayoga.com.hk / (852)

2905 1822 /

[email protected]

Transformationwith SamratDasgupta3 April-17 May

Pure Yoga

For aspiring students and

teachers who are seeking a path

for personal transformation.


www.pure-yoga.com /

[email protected]

3-day RainbowKids Yoga TT17-19 July (9am-6pm)

Rainbow Kids Yoga specialises in

kids and family yoga teacher

trainings. Lei will teach your

everything you need to know

about teaching kids in a fun and

safe environment.


[email protected] /

Vincent (852) 9765 3592 /

rainbowkidsyoga.net/trainings/

hongkong/

hongkong_training.html

Part-time HotYoga TT withFrances Gairns5 September - 20 December

Pure Yoga

Frances Gairns introduces

experienced hot yoga

practitioners to the possibility of

teaching. Held over 10 weekends.


www.pure-yoga.com /

[email protected]

INDONESIA

Yoga for Kids TTwith Beta Lisboa& Guest Teachers

6-16 April

Taksu Spa, Ubud, Bali

This training will help yoga

teachers, educators and

practicing yogin parents to teach

children of all ages. Based on the

“Multiple Intelligences” theory of

Howard Gardner and Maria

Montessori’s, “Learning by

Doing”, you will experience the

multiple unique ways a child can

learn in a fun and playful way.


betalisboa.com/teacher-

trainings/95-hour-yoga-kids-

teacher-training/

100-hr Yin FascialYoga ImmersionIII9-19 May

Taksu Spa, Ubud, Bali

Explore the field of the subtle

body, meridians and chakras with

experienced practitioners, as you

take yourself on a journey of self

discovery and healing.



trainings/yin-yoga-teacher-

training-3-2/

SINGAPORE

50-hr Hot YogaCET with CopperCrow11-19 April

Pure Yoga

A boot-camp for teaching a solid

Hot Yoga class for existing

teachers of other styles.


www.pure-yoga.com /

[email protected]

Lei teaches people to teach kids yoga.

January 2015 11

TAIWAN

200-hr TT - LivingLab with BasiaGoingSpace Yoga, Taipei

1 May-7 June

A cross-section of required

knowledge such as pranayama,

meditation, major yogic texts,

philosophy and psychology of

teaching is covered. With the

focus on making the theory real

and relevant to your growth.


www.withinspace.com

THAILAND

Anusara YogaImmersion &200-hr TT withJonas WestringImmersion A: 21-28 January;

Immersion B: 30 January-6

February

TT: 11-25 February

Kaomailanna Resort, Chiang Mai

For committed yogins with a

strong desire to deepen their

practice, the immersion program

offers a comprehensive

curriculum of 100 hours. This is

followed by the 100 hour Art of

Teaching Program.


www.shantaya.org

50-hr StudyImmersion forTeachers withSimon Low & EijaTervonen24-31 January

Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui

Join the Yoga Academy faculty

and guest teacher Terry

McCarthy, specialist in muscle

restoration therapy, to learn the

skill to ‘see’ your students, being

able to look at your students as

they stand still and/or make

simple movements that reveal

fascial holding patterns and

habitual tendencies of moving.


www.samahitaretreat.com/

simon-immersion-2015.html

Yin & Yang Yoga200-hr TT with

Simon Low14 February-15 March

Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui

Led by Simon Low, founder of

The Yoga Academy and one of

Europe’s most renowned Yoga

teachers. Promoting ‘movement

within stillness’ and ‘stillness

within movement’, Yin and Yang

Yoga is gaining increasing

appreciation among practitioners

all over the world.


www.samahitaretreat.com

200-hr Yoga TT8 February-6 March; 3-29 May; 7

June-3 July; 12 July-7 August

Wise Living Yoga Academy,

Chiang Mai

The Academy provides an

“Ashram-like” environment, ideal

for the full immersion experience

in traditional Yoga studies. All

programs are residential and

include vegetarian meals.


825467995 /

[email protected] /

www.teachertraining.wiselivingyoga.com

Centered Yoga TTSamahita Retreat, Koh Samui

2-30 May 2- 30; 25 July-22

August; 31 October-28 November

Founded by Paul Dallaghan since

2000, Centered Yoga is Asia’s

most respected and longest

running Yoga Alliance Registered

Program, offering both 200 and

500 hour levels. Courses

include yoga, asana, pranayama,

ayurveda, anatomy, philosophy,

Sanskrit and chanting.


www.centeredyoga.com

200-Hour BryceYoga TT5-29 July

AbsoluteYogaAcademy, Koh

Samui

Briohny Smyth and Dice Iida-

Klein are known for their fun and

playful classes, and ability to

teach inversions to all levels


www.TeachBryceYoga.com /

[email protected]

200-hr Hot YogaTTFebruary, June & October


Samui

Learn to teach Absolute Hot Yoga

series. This course is ideal for

Hot Yoga lovers who are serious

about learning the real-world

teaching skills needed to start

teaching professionally.


www.TeachHotYoga.com /

[email protected]

200-hr VinyasaYoga TT1-29 March


Samui

Delve deep into the classic

Vinyasa Yoga sequences with

Michel Besnard. This course

provides students with a solid

foundation in the original

Vinyasa-Flow sequence, the

Ashtanga Yoga primary series,

with emphasis on individual

attention, alignment, sequencing

for public classes, and self-

practice.


www.TeachFlowYoga.com /

[email protected]

500-hr AdvancedYoga TT withMichel Besnard1-29 August


Samui

For teachers who are ready to

take their career to the next level,

this advanced course goes

way beyond basics with advanced

anatomy, history, philosophy,

adjustments, teaching skills,

business skills, Ayurveda,

women’s Yoga and more!


www.500HourYogaTraining.com

/

[email protected]

TURKEY

100-hr Yin FascialYoga Immersion I17-28 August

Karakaya Retreat Center,

Bodrum, Turkey

This program will provide you

with a powerful healing journey,

full of self-development and self-

discovery. Includes Yin Yoga,

self-myofascial release and

myofascial release therapy.



trainings/yin-yoga-teacher-

training/

Simon Low will be at Koh Samui teaching two TTs.

12 NAMASKAR

KULARetreats

INDONESIA

Anchoring a NewBeginning Retreatwith Shubhraji29 January-1 February

Desa Seni, Canggu, Bali

A weekend of insights, meditative

practises and effective tools to

anchor transformational changes

in your life. Includes spiritual

teachings, meditation workshops

and satsangs with Shubhraji.

Free Yoga classes and one free

Desa Seni signature massage,

cultural program, all vegetarian

meals and airport transfers.


[email protected] /

www.namahom.org

Beach YogaRetreat6-9 May

Trikora, Bintan Island

Join Chinggay for an invigorating

and refreshing retreat on the

private beaches of Trikora.

Breathe in fresh ocean air, flow

to the sound of waves, release

your inner beach warrior while

you find tranquility in your

practice.


[email protected] /

(65) 6238 9320 /

www.sadhanasanctuary.com

INDIA

“This is My Year”Yoga Retreat withKevin Naidoo &Rachael Fallon13-20 January

Samata Holistic Center, Goa

Resolve to be happy and healthy

in the New Year by pampering

yourself on and off your mat.

Offering twice-daily Yoga

sessions, mindfully combining

asana, meditation and pranayama

tools to get you into a state of

bliss and purpose for the year

ahead.


www.supersoulyoga.net/yoga/

the-journey/retreats/this-is-my-

year/

Yoga & AyurvedaGoddess Retreatwith Sarah JanePerman & SaharaRose22-28 January

Join Sahara and Sarah for a

journey of Yoga, Ayurveda, music

and elemental dance activation to

transform your life, connect with

your heart and find your way

back to radiance!


www.goagoddessretreat.com

HormoneBalancing Retreatfor Women withTina Nance &Brendt Reynolds7-13 February

Samata Holistic Retreat Center,

Goa

Tina (The Yoga Barn, Bali) and

Brendt (Acupuncture, AACMA

Member) will facilitate and guide

you to cultivate tools to alleviate

pre-menstrual tension, anxiety,

depression, irritability, weight

gain and mood swings. Yoga asana

practises to alleviate menstrual

discomfort, such as cramps,

lower back pain, heaviness and

fatigue. As well as learning the

physiology and psychology of our

hormonal cycles from the

perspectives of contemporary

western medicine, Traditional

Chinese Medicine (TCM) and

Ayurveda.This retreat is open to

all women.


tinananceyoga.wix.com/goa-

womens-retreat

Iyengar Retreatwith Mette Orum-Nielsen18-28 February

Mette was born in Denmark, lived

in Israel and California, where

her Yoga journey started in the

eighties. She met her indian Guru

and followed her for years. She

became Junior III Intermediate

Iyengar Yoga teacher and now

teaches daily in Copenhagen and

runsinternational Iyengar Yoga

teacher training programs.


www.samatagoa.com/

international-retreats

Pilgrimage to theHeart of Yoga: AYoga Gives BackRetreat22 February-1 March

Shreyas Retreat, Bangalore

Prepare for a life-transforming

experience of Yoga and Ayurveda

with Yoga Gives Back (YGB)

Ambassador Mariko Hirakawa at

the world’s finest Shreyas

Retreat. Includes an overnight-

trip to the Deenabandhu Trust

Home, a spiritual haven for 100

orphaned children, which YGB

supports.


[email protected] /

yogaretreatsinindia.com

Yoga in theHimalayas withSamresh Kesyap &Punam Rai28 February-7 March (Pure Yoga

Singapore)

Join Chinggay for a beach yoga retreat on

Bintan Island.

Shubhraj will be leading a retreat in Bali.

January 2015 13

The Himalayas offer an

environment conducive to a

profound Yoga and meditation

experience. Being away for a few

days from our usual humdrum

life, we have more time for self-

reflection. This retreat explores

Yoga in a natural and quiet setting

with a feel of ashram living.

Offeringasana, meditation, group

discussion, satsang, bhajan,

kirtan, leisure and numerous

other activities.


www.pure-yoga.com /

[email protected]

TraditionalAshtanga Retreatwith PhilippaAsher5-15 March

Samata Holistic Retreat Centre,

Goa

A rare opportunity to work with

one of the few certified Ashtanga

Yoga teachers and advanced

practitioners in the world. The

centre has temple-like yoga

space, organic agriculture,

boutique accommodation and a

wellness centre, making it a

perfect oasis for immersion into

a deep Yoga practice and

meditation. Suitable for

beginners and established

practitioners of the Primary,

Intermediate or Advanced series

of Ashtanga Yoga.


www.supersoulyoga.net/yoga/

the-journey/retreats/

traditional-ashtanga-yoga-

retreat/

Yoga & AyurvedaCultural Retreatwith DarioCalvaruso28 March-6 April (Pure Yoga

Hong Kong)

An intensive programme and

practice supported by

personalised Ayurvedic

treatments, delicious food,

relaxing and cultural activities.

The Yoga and Ayurveda Cultural

Retreat is five days of cultural

and healing activities.


www.pure-yoga.com /

[email protected]

NEPAL

Vinyasa Yoga &Tibetan Buddhismwith Cory Bryant2 - 12 March

Jivamukti teacher Cory Bryant

returns to Yoga Nepal to lead

another journey of breath,

movement and mind.


www.yoganepal.com

Yoga & ZenMeditation withSamanthaOstergaard &Robert Thomas16 - 26 March

Join Zen priest Robert & yoga

teacher Samantha through

classical hatha yoga, dharma

discussions and meditative

practices focused on cultivating

moment to moment awareness of

the body, breath and mind.


www.yoganepal.com

Charity YogaAdventure Trekswith NatalieMacamEverest Base Camp Yoga Trek 28

March-12 April

Manaslu Yoga Trek 1-18 October

These treks combine eastern and

western philosophies of Yoga,

meditation and pranayama with

the physical endurance of two

weeks of trekking and

exploration in the highest

mountain range in the world.

Join other like-minded

individuals with a spirit of

adventure for a once-in-a-

lifetime experience as you hike

through beautiful landscapes,

visit historical and spiritual

monuments, and get to know the

rich culture of the people who

call this land home.


www.nepalsocialtreks.com /

[email protected]

SRI LANKA

Align & FlowAyurvedic YogaRetreat withRajeev Kahn1-15 March (can book 1 or 2

weeks)

Ulpotha, Sri Lanka

Yoga twice daily with Rajeev,

teacher at Pure Yoga, Hong Kong.

Includes swimming, professional

massage treatments, locally

grown Ayurvedic organic

vegetarian food, optional

Ayurvedic treatments. There will

be no electricity, cell phones,

computers, shoes, walls,

distractions.


www.ulpotha.com /

rajeev.kahn@pure-

international.com

Connect with nature trekking through Nepal with Natalie.

Rajeev will be in Sri Lanka at the back-to-

nature Ulpotha.

Cory Bryant leads a retreat in Nepal.

THAILAND

Restore Relax &Recharge Retreatwith Nora Lim &The Yoga Room30 April-3 May

Phuket

A unique blend of Yoga,

meditation, adventure and

relaxation. Restore the body,

mind and spirit and enjoy a mid-

year recharge with invigorating

yoga practices. All levels of yoga

practitioners are welcome.


www.yogaroomhk.com /(852)

25448398

14 NAMASKAR

Azmi, Sadhana Sanctuary, Singapore in Matsyendrasana/fish pose

Patrick Beach (www.patrickbeach.com), freelance yoga teacher based in Oregon in Koundiyasana/Pose dedicated to the Sage Koundiya

Lyris, freelance yoga teacher, Singapore in Bharadvajasana/

Bharadvaja’s twist

Dylan Werner (www.dylanwerneryoga.com), freelance teacher

based in Los Angeles, in ardha padma eka hasta parsva

bakasana/half lotus one arm side crow

January 2015 15

To me, photography is more than just pressing the shutter button, or capturing an

image for the sake of it.

To me, it is about making emotional connections. As a creator of art, I want to

bridge this connection, between my subject and my viewer. Ultimately, I want my

art to evoke emotions and provide inspiration to anyone who comes across it.

I have always been passionate about photography, and ever since discovering yoga,

I found myself naturally bringing these two elements together as a form of my art –

“Asana Art” (or, as I call it - Asanart).

Being a lover of nature and fascinating architecture, I like to place my subject – the

Yogi – in landscapes that compliment the asanas and breathe life into them. Yoga,

in my perspective, is not only a traditional practice – it is an evolving one. The

modern and contemporary touches in my art hopefully honour the glorious spirit

of this ancient tradition.

Other than to illustrate the grace and beauty of every asana, I want to convey how

yoga is for everyone – regardless of race, culture, religion, status or gender. It is a

universal language, just as photography is.

PHOTO ESSAY

ASANA & ARTBY YOSHI ANWAR

Vivian, Sadhana Sanctuary, Singapore in Vrschikasana/scorpion pose

Hana, freelance teacher, Singapore in Bhujapidasana/shoulder pressing pose

Yoga & architectureintersect in Singapore

16 NAMASKAR

January 2015 17

India Appoints Ministerof YogaPrime Minister Narendra Modi has created a

ministry of yoga and alternative therapies for

the country this week. Reuters reports the

AAYUSH portfolio will include traditional

medicines and practices of ayurveda, yoga,

naturopathy, unani, siddha and homeopathy.

50 nations back Modi’scall for InternationalYoga DayNEW DELHI: One of PM Narendra Modi’s

first global imprints could come soon with

the fructification of his proposal - which he

announced in his UNGA speech — for an

International Day of Yoga. As many as 50

countries - US, Canada and China have signed

up for co-sponsorship of a draft resolution

which India’s UN mission is preparing for

declaring June 21 as International Yoga day.

Yoga Prevents ProstateEnlargementA tiny gland, the size of a walnut, it is found at

the base of the bladder in men that secretes

an alkaline fluid during ejaculation. There are

a number of postures and yogic techniques

that can help in preventing and controlling

prostate-related problems. Regular yoga

practice strengthens and tones the muscles

in the pelvic region. The stretching and

contracting involved in yoga postures shunts

huge quantities of blood to the region — the

abdominal organs, kidneys, spleen,

intestines, bladder — and the gland remains

healthy from the increased blood circulation.

‘Yoga Joes’ Inspires Mento try YogaIt’s not very often you see your child’s

favorite little green soldier throwing a yoga

pose, but that’s exactly what these toys from

creator Dan Abramson are doing. Called

“Yoga Joes” these small green men can be

seen in positions such as downward-facing

dog, child’s pose, and even crow pose. “I

made Yoga Joes to inspire more young boys,

men, and military folks to consider yoga,”

explains Abramson.

One Pose a day mayimprove ScoliosisScoliosis - a condition in which the spine

curves to the side - affects around 6 million

people in the US and is accountable for more

than 600,000 doctor visits each year.

Although scoliosis can affect all age groups,

onset is most common between the ages of

10-15. Each year, around 30,000 children and

adolescents with scoliosis are fitted with a

brace that is worn for around 23 hours a day,

helping to straighten the childen’s spines as

they grow. In their study, Dr. Fishman and

colleagues set out to determine the

effectiveness of one basic yoga pose - known

as the side plank - on 25 participants aged 14-

85 with idiopathic scoliosis.The side plank

involves lying on one side of the body with

straight knees, and propping up the upper

body with the elbow and forearm.

Yoga very Effective forthe Pain of ArthritisRegular yoga practise can reduce the agony

and stiffness of osteoarthritis and even slow

the progression of the disease. An

orthopaedic surgeon recommends yoga as an

effective natural remedy for the condition,

characterised by the degradation of the

cartilage on the joints. “Small and easy

lifestyle changes in your everyday routine can

be effective in protecting your knee joints and

slowing the progression of osteoarthritis,”

says Simon Moyes, consultant orthopaedic

surgeon at The Wellington Hospital in

London’s St John’s Wood.”

Hot Yoga may Take youtoo DeepHot yoga — doing yoga in a studio heated to a

sweaty 40c — has many celebrity fans, from

Andy Murray to Gwyneth Paltrow. It

combines the toning and stretching of yoga

with a cardiovascular workout. The hot

temperatures kick into action your body’s

cooling mechanism, boosting blood flow to

the skin, so that heat from the blood can

escape through the skin’s surface (this is why

we go red when we’re hot).This boost in

circulation raises your heart rate, and can

also loosen muscles. However, this can make

you feel more flexible than you really are, so

you are more likely to push your joints

beyond their natural stop-point, warns

physiotherapist Sammy Margo.

Yoga effective for PainWorldwide, one in every five adults suffers

from chronic pain. Pain relief medication

helps, but could have deleterious effects over

the long term. Some healing modalities, such

as acupuncture or massage, may provide

relief. Perhaps less well known, is the right

kind of yoga can also be very helpful in

reducing or eliminating pain. Various studies

have shown that yoga and meditation can

reduce back pain, as well as that of arthritis,

carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia and

other conditions. Simply learning deep

breathing techniques in a gentle yoga class

will induce relaxation and release endorphins

— the body’s natural painkillers.

Additionally, yoga’s mindfulness practices

help reduce the emotional distress

associated with pain, which can change how

the pain is perceived.If you’re dealing with

chronic pain and have “tried everything”

except yoga, consider finding a very gentle

class or some one-on-one therapeutic

sessions.

Now, a yoga mat to Helpyou Perfect your poseA California-based startup has created a yoga

mat called SmartMat, which would help one

track and adjust their postures.

The mat, US$297, looks just like any other

yoga mat. It consists of a Piezoresistive

(electromagnetic) layer combined with

SmartGrip Surface Technology that give the

users a layer of sensors for tracking their

position. With this, after people input their

body data and calibrate the device, SmartMat

would track their postures to determine if it

matches the proper form. In case the person

is not in a proper position, the mat would

instruct them via the accompanying iOS or

Android app to adjust the body positioning.

Though the SmartMat, which can be charged

via USB and has a 6 hour battery life, comes

with a pre-set collection of moves that it will

track, if the moves are not enough, it has an

additional collection of programs for

tracking and assisting users with their

routine.

I HEARD IT OFF THE MAT

YOGA & RESEARCH IN THE NEWSCONPOLED BY SUE-YEN WAN

18 NAMASKAR

In November 2014, Ashtanga yoga teacher

and documentarian, Alex Medin came to

Purple Valley Yoga Retreat in Goa, India with

15 reformed drug users who have chosen

change through yoga and volunteering.

In addition to daily practice, the group

helped renovate the local Assagao Union high

school and WAG (Animal Welfare in Goa).

Their visit forms part of a documentary on

how yoga can help substance dependent or

ex-substance dependent persons,

reintegrate into the community and how it

can be used as a tool in different institutions.

The visit to Goa is part of “Back Into The

Ring” a project and documentary which

started in 2013 as an alternative to dealing

with issues such as drug abuse. The original

participants from 2013 now work in

rehabilitation centres in Norway, where they

teach yoga and provide support to other

people finding their way back into society.

R. Alexander Medin has taught yoga for 15

years and has a versatile background within

sports, arts and culture. He was educated at

the Ballet Academy in Sweden (1990) and has

an MA in Sanskrit and Indian Religions

(SOAS, London 2004). He was certified by

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in 2002 and has

continued his higher studies of Sanskrit at

the Sanskrit College in Mysore, India.

He has taught yoga all over the world, helped

set up yoga centers in Europe and Asia and

published numerous articles on yoga in

leading yoga magazines.

Since 2009 he is a resident of his native

Norway and is co-founder of Puro Yoga in

Oslo. In Norway he has helped integrate yoga

in many prisons and is the founder of

www.gangsteryoga.no and “Yoga for Life”, a

non-profit organization bringing yoga to the

underprivileged and those struggling to find

integration and meaning in life. Alexander

has made four documentary films, “Yoga for

Gangsters” (2011), Mysore Magic” (2012),

“The Healers” (2012) and “Kumbhamela”

(2014).

We were lucky enough to speak to Alex about

his latest initiative.

TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT BACK IN

THE RING

Back In The Ring started as a trial to

investigate if it would be possible to help

drug addicts recover and improve their lives

through yoga. Following positive results with

many of the participants and their

willingness to expand the project, it made

sense to further develop it for a second year.

IS THIS THE FIRST TIME FOR THESE

VOLUNTEERS COMING TO GOA, INDIA?

Yes, some of them have never been outside of

Scandinavia.

HOW DO LOCALS RESPOND WHEN

THEY MEET THEM?

In general, all Indians have a very friendly

approach to our participants. Although some

are suspicious in the beginning, when they

see with what vigour and enthusiasm the

group is working - free of charge, without

expecting anything in return - many people

admire their commitment and dedication.

IN A WIDER SENSE, WOULD YOU CALL

THIS TAKING YOGA OFF THE MAT?

HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO THE

GREATER CONCEPT OF YOGA?

Yoga is to do good and be good. The greater

concept of yoga is to find clarity of mind, if

you are not kind to others and see the value

of service it is difficult to grow and people

tend to get stuck in their own little selfish

bubble. Real yoga is of course beyond all the

daily exercises we do on a mat, however the

postures we do will hopefully expand our

horizon and give us a gradual insight of

something greater than ourselves. By helping

and serving others we pacify some of our

own ingrained selfish patterns (kleshas) and

this brings us closer to a balanced state of

mind (Samadhi).

ANY OTHER THOUGHTS ABOUT THE

PROJECT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE

WITH PEOPLE?

Yoga is a powerful tool that can heal and

transform. One just has to be patient, endure

some challenges and difficulties, then new

perspectives will open. And of course when

you take on a group of heroin addicts and try

to teach them yoga; Patience, Stamina and

Perseverance are three words you should

always repeat like a helpful mantra.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE VISION?

We will see. Right now many of the

participants from last year are taking

initiatives to offer this to others. The

Norwegian Government, various rehab

institutions and private people have already

approached us. So let’s just say there are

many dialogues about what could happen. We

just continue doing our thing, one step at the

time, one practice at the time, and let our

gradual insights in yoga guide our

understanding. Slowly and steadily I guess,

that is our path and vision. One cannot rush

anything. Give people the tools to explore

what truly matters, then disturbing obstacles

will naturally melt away.

For more information visit: www.backinthering.com

KARMA YOGA

BACK IN THE RINGRecovery through ServiceBY INNA COSTANTINI

Alex Medin (third from right in back row) and the 2014 Back in the Ring group in Goa

January 2015 19

20 NAMASKAR

Recently, I had a homework assignment for

my Raja Yoga Teacher Training that required

me to have fun. While it sounds simple, there

are times I feel I’m too busy to have fun. I’m

an introvert whose “fun” times are not

jumping into a pool with my clothes on.

Instead, my fun lies in doing the things I love

and taking care of others.

One such moment this week came at the end

of a 14-hour workday. I still had to teach a

75-minute yoga class. Tired as I was, I

decided I was going to embrace the class. It

was my first time teaching an all-male group.

I decided to challenge their physical

limitations and yet have them focus on being

compassionate to their selves by listening to

their body.

There was a time, in my last decade, that I

would not have recognized my ability to have

fun and be compassionate when I exercised.

Prior to hitting 40, I was hard on myself. I

appeared to have it all—large American home

in a nice neighborhood, three children, a dog,

a part-time job at an ivy-league university, a

strong, healthy body that carried me through

distance races and hot yoga classes, but what

I didn’t have was peace.

Everything I did came from fear, guilt and

shame—not love. I feared I was not a good

enough mother, counselor or wife. I didn’t

look good enough, eat well enough, exercise

often enough. I compared myself to others—

how I looked and what I had.

It took entering a new decade to realize by

accepting I was full of guilt and shame, I was

suffering. And by accepting my suffering and

working through it, I could learn

compassion. Through compassion, I could

start to accept I was enough, and I have

learned by taking care of my mind, I can

embrace and have fun taking care of my body.

So, here are some options to consider when

it comes to taking care of your body:

1) FIND THE THING YOU LOVE AND DIG

DEEP

If it’s yoga, try different styles. Fall in love

with your practice, whatever that may be, and

take time to nurture that love, as you would

any precious relationship.

2) MAKE THE TIME AND TAKE THE TIME.

For me, the time is 20 minutes a day for

breathing and meditation. I run, practice

yoga or hike nearly every day. I make it my

priority: by taking care of myself, I am taking

care of my family. Happy wife=happy life.

3) GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF

COMPASSION

Approach exercise from a positive

perspective. Part of my journey was to focus

on how exercise helped my emotional

wellbeing. If I’m down, I remind myself of the

emotional benefits of exercise, I feel better

after working out, and I am at peace. In the

past, if I bullied myself into working out, I

was left feeling lazy and resentful.

4) AVOID PROCRASTINATING AND

PLAN AHEAD

Procrastination is the fear of thinking we

can’t do something. It’s important not to let

fear hold you back. By setting realistic and

attainable goals, we replace that element of

fear with hope. Start by going to the gym

twice a week for 20 minutes or try a gentle

hatha yoga class, and put it on your calendar

to hold yourself accountable.

5) RECOGNIZE YOUR OWN

COMPETITIVE STREAK

How does your competitiveness serve you?

Do you get on the elliptical machine and look

at the person next to you to see how high her

level is or how long she has been going? Stop.

Cover the display with a towel and listen to

your body. Is it saying, “I can go a little bit

farther and move a little bit faster.” Or, “I

need to slow down.” Listen to your body

rather than look at the numbers.

6) CONNECT WITH A FRIEND OR GROUP

In yoga, we call it a sangha. A sangha is a

supportive community. I love my hikes with

my girlfriends—it’s a time to decompress and

solve the problems of the world. I do better

going to a yoga class than practicing on my

own. It gives me new ideas to draw from, a

different perspective and a sense of being

connected to others.

7) TREAT YOURSELF

I call it my “treadmill candy.” I don’t have

much time to watch TV, so I download

something juicy. Be it “Homeland” or

“TedTalks”, I tailor my candy to my mood.

8) DRESS THE PART

On my days off, I wake up and put on exercise

clothes rather than lie around in my jammies.

It’s much easier to motivate when you’re

ready to go.

9) SLEEP

Since starting a regular meditation practice 2

½ years ago, I sleep great. Practicing

meditation and mindful exercise clears the

clutter in your brain. Through non-striving

and letting go, sleep comes naturally.

10) PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION

And use it to avoid suffering, fear and guilt.

a. Quiet the self-critic in you and steer clear

of “should” statements.

b. Practice mindfulness—become aware of

how you are feeling right here and right now

without judgment.

c. Recognize you are not alone in your

suffering. We all feel the basic emotions of

fear, sadness, anger and loneliness.

d. Be kind—your desire is to be at peace with

life. Recognize the behaviors that disturb

your peace and overcome them by being kind

to yourself and others.

e. If you think it is fun, it becomes fun.

Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a

beginning yoga student, I challenge you to

embrace exercise as an opportunity to have

fun, explore new ways to move with your

body, calm your mind and learn to let go of

your fears and suffering and replace them

with love and self-compassion.

MOTIVATION

STARTING & MAINTAINING ANEXERCISE ROUTINE10 tips for taking care of yourselfBY HEATHER SHERIDAN

January 2015 21

22 NAMASKAR

January 2015 23

If you work in an office for any length of time,

then it’s odds on that within the rhythms of

your day you are sitting for the majority of

your time. You might have a cubicle which

limits the amount of movement in your space.

You might never see sunlight if your cube is in

the center of a floor. And when you

compound chair time with computers and

phones, our bodies and our minds are

wrenched and held in shapes that were

unimaginable to our ancestors. Add in

situations rife with stress, uncertainty,

conflict, and confusion to this mix.

Some of the results that I experienced

personally included high levels of cortisol

that at the very least damage our fight or

flight responses, headaches, obesity, poor

posture, weakened eyesight inability to focus,

and depression. I also found by teaching a

few simple poses, I can change this situation

and improve relationships, productivity and

outlook for the entire day.

In my office classes, newbies to yoga show up

as well as seasoned teachers. We all share one

goal—to tie the music of yoga to the

sometimes hardened beats of the workplace

— and to design a transformation in our daily

lives.

Our wrists and hands are great examples of

small areas that are often overlooked yet are

key to effective management of our work

lives. Wrist Stretches, which can be done at

any time of the day and in any location are a

pose that focuses specifically on that area.

Align head with sacrum when standing or

seated. Inhale fully and deeply. Continue with

that breath. Extend left arm in and spread

fingers as wide apart from each other as

possible. Flex fingers back toward self and

down toward ground. Feel wrist bones open.

Exhale and grab pinky finger with opposite

hand—right at root of finger—and gently pull

it back. Keep extended arm slightly bent.

Repeat with other fingers. For thumb,

however, turn hand palm side up and reach

for thumb from below with opposite hand.

Then, gently traction thumb with hand. Keep

breath strong and even. Target entire chest

and collarbone region. Shoulders and

shoulder blades stay down and away from

ears. We can make more space for what we

need in our bodies and in our lives with

practices like these.

In my office classes, as long as there is room,

I have found standing sequences are very

successful. Colleagues like moving around

and trying new things. No mats? No problem.

Most offices are carpeted and chairs and

tables can be moved with prior planning in

most cases. Warrior 1, Warrior 1 with eagle,

and Warrior 1 with archer are three poses

YOGA STYLES

WORKPLACE YOGAA few simple poses to improve your dayBY BARBARA PASSY

that fit well together for a vignette in the

office. They are easy to follow which is key

for new students. Since we stay in these

poses for an extended period, their benefits

of improved circulation, reduced tightness,

and deeper breath become apparent quickly.

Other poses I use regularly in my work

classes include neck releases-which enable

colleagues to generate a sense of relaxation

very quickly since our necks and jaws are a

key area for stress to accumulate. For a basic

neck release, standing or sitting, on exhale,

slowly send left ear toward left shoulder.

Extend right arm away from body and find

where your shoulder and right side of neck

receive the most comfortable stretch. It’s

not a big singing stretch—it’s a soothing hum

that allows for new room in that clenched

area. You can either glide your bottom teeth

away from your top teeth and keep your lips

closed(we call this “jaw glide lip slide”) or

perform figure eights with your jaw very

slowly. These two jaw poses will help to

unravel what might be years of stored up

tightness.

No mats? No problem. Most officesare carpeted and chairs and tablescan be moved

24 NAMASKAR

The fields of Ceremony are deep and vast. I

use Ceremony to connect to my Spirit. It

inspires me. Part of my inspiration is

learning to celebrate my successes and assess

where I need to get my life in balance.

Ceremony brings clarity about what to do

next, whether it’s dealing with grief or how to

craft the next chapter of life. It’s also about

setting a guiding intent.

To sit in Ceremony is to make a conscious

decision to shift into sacred space. Ask for,

and listen to guidance from your Spirit or

Jesus, or whomever you listen to.

People start thinking about their Spirit and

head for Ceremony when they’re in trouble

or dying. Use Ceremony more often! Not just

to fix what’s wrong — include savoring your

gratitudes for what’s working well. Then,

focus on bringing in more of what you want

to live with.

A really useful principle of Ceremony is

‘Design of Energy’. This is literally the action

of deciding and creating what you want in

your life, as well as choosing how to dance

with the big forces and experiences that are

beyond your control.

When working with Design of Energy, ask

yourself: “What are the brilliant filaments I

want to weave into the masterpiece of my

own life?”

THE DESIGN OF ENERGY

If you want something in your life—and we all

do—then what are you doing about it? Do

something! Instead of saying “if I pray to the

Sacred Ones, they will bring me my

motorcycle”, put your desires in your

prayers and your intent and take action. Each

action builds a road to the future you desire.

Here are some good steps:

• Start a motorcycle fund, add to it daily.

• Find your closest motorcycle course

• Sign up and take the course

• Get your motorcycle driving license

• Talk to friends who ride motorcycles

• Go honestly inside and talk to your fears.

Find out what they need to be eased. Then

they don’t sabotage you in an attempt to

protect you. Do what is needed to alleviate

your fears. What safety agreements do you

need to build into this Design of Energy? For

example; agree to wear a helmet; ride sober;

stay off your bike if emotionally distraught.

These are some of my rules that helped move

the sabotage out of the way, so I could have a

motorcycle and enjoy that brilliant filament

into the weave of my life.

That’s a start. You need to take action and

not be like a two-year-old waiting to be fed by

the big momma in the sky.

Be your own problem-solver. I really like

that. I depend on my resources, which

includes prayers, asking for help and taking

actions I’m capable of each day.

Design of Energy is crucially important in

Ceremony and living the life you truly desire.

I challenge you to care enough to experiment

with designing the life you deeply desire.

People can get really hung up on having

everything perfect in their Ceremony. They

end up falling all over themselves. Bring in

some playfulness. It’s ok. It’s your ceremony.

If you get mixed up and light your candles in a

direction other than what you read in some

book…it’s alright! Your Spirit will be

delighted by your learning process.

A VERY SIMPLE CEREMONY

1. Get up in the morning (go pee first so

you’re not distracted by your bladder). Sit up

straight. Take 10 deep breaths.

2. Focus… Go deep inside.

3. Feel for setting your intent. The intent

could be for the next few minutes, the next

hour or for the whole day:

• ‘I want to stay connected to every breath’

• ‘I want to breathe into my low back and

release the pain’.

• ‘I want to spend 30 minutes on my yoga

mat, be present and not flake out.’

• ‘I want to feel that I’m a part of the

natural Beauty all around me’

• ‘I want to speak the truth today about

what is precious to me’

If all of these sound enticing to you, practice

just one each day. Doing all of them at the

same time is too much. When you forget,

because you will, don’t punish yourself for

forgetting. Instead, remind yourself to

reconnect to your intent, in your daily

activities — especially yoga!

Set your intent with Ceremony, and your

whole life will have purpose. That in itself

builds your gratitude.

My daily intent this year is: ‘I will feel love 3

times today’. I’m excited to quest for all the

different ways I can get love to move through

me. I choose to focus my breath and actions

to nourish and grow my neuroreceptors for

love, joy, delight and ecstasy.

As you grow in ceremony, you become more

adept at it. Just like in any other skill.

Ceremony builds our relationship to our

Spirit. The biggest commitment we can make

is to our own Spirit, which is a commitment

to love.

My dear reader, practice and build skill in

bringing 100% of yourself into your personal

Ceremony. You are the vital, precious heart

of your Ceremony.

Join Ana and members of Descendance in 2015 for life-

enriching Yoga Ceremony —including Ana’s world-

renowned Foundation & Advanced Teacher Trainings.

They will be Hong Kong, Australia & New Zealand.

Visit: www.forrestyoga.com/events for more information.

Check out Descendance at: www.descendance.com.au

INTENTION

THE BEAUTY OF CEREMONY Building Relationships with our Spirit BY ANA FORREST

Ana Forrest

January 2015 25

26 NAMASKAR

When I was growing up, I suffered from

attention and anxiety problems, so yoga

could have played a formative role in my

youth, but I was never introduced to it; and

unless things change, I don’t see it as an

option for most kids any time soon.

Here’s the problem.

From the military and professional sports

athletes, to stay-at-home dads and high-

powered lawyers, yoga has crossed all divides

at scale with the exceptions being kids, youth

and people of faith.

Yoga teachers insist yoga is not a religion,

and yet many of the same teachers include

chants, prayers, and references to Hindu

religion in classes no matter who they’re

teaching. You could argue most teachers

don’t know the meanings of the words

they’re using, but that doesn’t change their

origins.

You’d never learn “Noah’s pose” or an “Ode

to Allah posture” in a yoga class, it would be

completely inappropriate, and yet we find “

Hanumanasana” (Hanuman is a Hindu god)

and “Virabhadrasana” (Virabha, a Hindu

warrior created by Shiva) taught every day in

public classes.

A yoga teacher would never ask students to

say “Amen” or “Shalom” at the end of a class,

yet it’s common practice to oblige students

to say “Om” or “Namaste” as class finishes.

Yoga studios are often decorated with

statues of Hindu deities, and though rarely

Hindu themselves, teachers often wear

sacred jewelry or clothing depicting sacred

figures that can be off-putting to some

potential students.

Neo-Hindu references are so common in the

yoga world, most students stop noticing; but

school administrators, people of different

faiths, and parents often do take notice. It’s

not because they are ignorant or close-

minded. It’s simply because in their world

view, they are interested in yoga as a secular

practice—or else not at all.

So what’s wrong with Hinduism or neo-

Hinduism?

Absolutely nothing. I’m a huge fan of

everything that uplifts individuals and

communities, but if we want to open up the

wonderful world of yoga to people of all

faiths, and particularly to younger people

everywhere, it makes sense to consciously

remove any signs of religion while teaching

yoga in secular settings such as schools.

OPINION

YOGA ISN’T RELIGION, BUT...Why Neo-Hinduism Might Kill Yoga in SchoolBY LUCAS ROCKWOOD

As a yoga teacher and a father, I get excited at

the possibility of my children learning yoga

with their friends in school—instead of with

my friends in my yoga studio. I’d love to see

my daughter get as excited about yoga

postures and breathing as she is about dance

and gymnastics; but since they don’t teach

yoga in her school, the kids don’t practice it

on the playground. It’s really that simple.

In recent years, there have been some

inroads made with after-school programmes

and even in-school yoga classes pioneered by

forward-thinking teachers; but with very few

exceptions, there have been simultaneous

backlashes from parents and administrators

with religious concerns about these

programs. It’s my belief yoga will never reach

a critical mass with kids until the teaching

community modifies what has become

“standard practice” and removes neo-Hindu

references so yoga can be shared without the

potential to offend or estrange new students.

While yoga is for everyone, religion and

spirituality are highly personal and should be

left up to the individual. Rather than

compromising the teachings of yoga,

modifying classes to make them completely

secular is a culturally-sensitive and

sophisticated way to make yoga universal and

open to all.

January 2015 27

28 NAMASKAR

Samantha Rodgers (www.bodysamantix.com) in ardha chandrasana/half moon, photo by Bruce Parrish

January 2015 29

DRISTI - YOGA & MUSIC

COMINGHOME

I find myself through yoga& music.

BY NATALIE MACAM

MUSIC IN YOGA CLASS

Several teachers share

their thoughts................31

TRANSFORMATION

Music, like yoga, can

change you deeply.... .....32

IYENGAR & MUSIC

Why there’s no music in an

Iyengar class..................33

KIRTAN

Singing the glory of our

potential...........................34

ESSENCE OF YOGA

Becoming one with the

yoga & music..................35

30 NAMASKAR

I love music. I love yoga. When I hear an

amazing track list behind a yoga class, or even

live music during class, my practice seems to

extend beyond my physical boundaries in

ways I cannot describe verbally. Ultimately, I

leave the class lighter in my body, peace in my

mind, inspired in my heart and at home in my

body. I think I would be hard-pressed to find

someone who hasn’t had at least one

experience of the healing power of music and

truly feeling in your bones the presence of

something bigger than yourself.

For a more in depth look at the embodiment

of yoga and music, I interviewed Christine

Jugueta, a Filipino-American Yoga Teacher,

recording artist, and singer/songwriter for a

Yoga Teacher/Musical Artist perspective on

music and yoga and how they go hand in hand.

Christine Jugueta is the co-founder, musical

director and a workshop leader of “Kapwa

Yoga”, a new teaching inspired by the Filipino

spirit and Indigenous wisdom of the

Philippines. (www.christinejugueta.com.)

WHEN MUSIC IS PLAYED IN A YOGA

CLASS, HOW IMPORTANT IS THE

MUSIC?

A lot of people use music in their yoga class,

music is prescribed to the students just as

much as the poses. Whatever is going

through these student’s ears and whatever

their vibrations are, is going to influence the

practice. You have to be mindful and skillful

of what music you play and there is an

inherent responsibility in that.

That’s why we have a Yoga Music Genre

that’s why those chants are meaningful

because they compliment the practice and the

yoga philosophy.

CAN YOU SPEAK ABOUT “AUM” AND

IT’S SIGNIFICANCE?

A lot of spiritual and religious accounts say,

“in the beginning there was the word”. And

in the yoga philosophy the first

consciousness is “aum”. Regardless of what

that vibration is, it is sound. Even that

teaching in and of itself tells you the first

existence was sound, and that first existence

of your home – the home of the universe.

What I find so amazing in Indian music is

that the sound of the drone, tanpura or what

you would hear from a harmonium is this

underbelly of sound, a straight note a hum

underneath this kind of sacred singing. But

the hum is the reflection of the sound of the

universe, the sound of all that is, all that was,

and all that ever will be.

There is that great sacred sound that is the

key to entering into a topic of yoga and music

is to just to attune to that as a meditation is

an act of coming home to oneself, you are

encouraging healing in your body. By simply

hearing and paying attention to the hum of

the earth, the way the environment sounds,

your body attunes to it and changes the cells

in your being.

THERE IS A LOT OF DISCUSSION ABOUT

MUSIC IN YOGA CLASSES. HOW IS

MUSIC SIMILAR TO YOGA?

Music is so powerful, and in a lot of ways,

what yoga does it gives music the

opportunity to be its dharma. The purpose

of music is actually to heal, bring

communities together, to help people

process emotion.

There is the listening of music and the doing

of music, and that leads me to emphasize the

Filipino-American yoga teacher, singer, songwriter -

Christine Jugueta

work of music is listening, and in your

breathing. And it’s so similar to yoga in that

respect. You have to be paying attention to

your body, to listen to your body and in

order to do that, you have to breath.

Practice is through the breath and it’s the

same thing with music.

In fact of our expressions in life, our

thoughts, speech, actions, is actually an

expression of the song we vibrate. And if we

were more conscious of that, we might be

singing our song a little bit differently. All

life is music as all of life is yoga.

AS A MUSICAL ARTIST AND A YOGA

TEACHER, WHAT ARE YOUR PARTING

WORDS OF WISDOM ON MUSIC AND

YOGA?

Basically we want yoga to be the way we live,

it’s the philosophy of living, it’s not that we

are just doing these poses. Our music

enhances that, the more we master that, the

more we embrace yoga more fully, the more

we will see yoga in our music.

So we might feel a little afraid to play Foo

Fighters in a yoga class, but you can, and

furthermore you can hear yoga in a Foo

Fighters song if you open your being to it. So

both yoga and music are not only practices,

but they are things that are teaching you

things all the time. At any moment in your

life when you are just sitting on the sidewalk,

there is a yoga lesson. You can learn

something about sound and music if you

listen and breath. Yoga helps us have a

physical response to life, when the sound

enters our being, not only do those affect us

on the cellular level, but they enter our

dream and psychic life. They work on a

really deep sub level, and yoga does as well.

January 2015 31

Music is popular in yoga classes these days.

The controversial question is whether music

has a place during asana practice. I discussed

this topic with a few of yoga teachers and

share their, and my, opinions here.

Personally I do not use music in my classes,

though I am not against it. I prefer my own

practice to be in silence which helps build my

dharana (concentration) and drishti (focus).

As a teacher, it is always good to teach what

we practice and that’s one reason I don’t play

music during practice. I do however

sometimes play calming music during

shavasana, because music can be helpful in

deepening the sense of relaxation.

According to Dr. Ganesh Mohan - “When

practicing yoga, inner awareness of one’s

own body and mind is important. How is my

body? How is my mind? Students should be

encouraged to stay in touch with this. Music

is neither necessary nor appropriate in every

yoga class. Music is powerful. It can shift

awareness, energy, and mood. Music that

distracts from present moment awareness,

disturbs the energy, or impairs the mood, is

unsuitable in a yoga class. However, if chosen

wisely, music can calm the mind, balance the

emotions, and steady the energy.

Consequently, music can be selected and

used judiciously, only if it supports the

intention and flow of the class”

There was a time I did play music in classes,

to follow the convention of other teachers.

But I realized it was difficult for me to feel

connected to the students’ energy, because of

the disruption of the music. Without

external noise, it was much easier to lead

them by the breath and body awareness to a

deeper part of their practice.

Mas Vidal, Director of Dancing Shiva Yoga &

Ayurveda says - “Music can surely be an

inspirational tool for spiritual

transformation, or even for enhancing asana

practice, although the quality of the music

needs to be carefully examined. According to

Hatha-Raja Yoga traditions focused on using

asana as a preparation for a higher

meditation, modern music if not sattvic

(pure) can become an obstacle to pratyahara

or sensory withdrawal. Hearing loud music

or music produced under tamasic (heavy)

and rajasic (stimulating) states of mind will

only do the same to the listener. What junk

food does to the body so do junk impressions

have on the mind. He continues: “My

responsibility as a yoga teacher is to teach

student how to transcend their senses, to

realize we are not the body or the mind. To

me, music can create attachments and limits

sensory withdrawal. I endeavour to teach my

students to rely on will power, discipline and

a reflective mind to journey towards inner

bliss. The music is already playing within us,

it’s all a matter of Divine attunement.”

Admittedly practicing in silence can be

challenging. Music can be an external trigger

which allows the individual to let go and be

present. Music can increase endorphins and

distract our minds from thoughts.

For a beginning student, music can often

lessen the vrittis (mental fluctuations). And

the new student forgets the duration or

intensity of class when tuning into the

harmony. Soft instrumentals or low

background mantras should be used during

this early stage of practice. Bear in mind

music is very personal. A song which is

supportive for some, may be repulsive for

others. So we should avoid music with lyrics.

Master of Wellness, Naturopath, Yoga

Instructor and Therapist Chandrika Gibson

says - “ I enjoy music that adds to the

contemplative ambience of a class. Because

of the effect of music on the mind I would

avoid emotive lyrics and dramatic

compositions, they potentially disturb the

vrittis. I’m not personally a fan of trance/

dance music for yoga, I prefer more mellow

instrumental music with Sanskrit chanting.

Depending on the environment I also think

it’s appropriate to practice pratyahara in

silence, however if there’s a lot of

background noise, soft music is helpful to set

the inward focused mood.”

A question is whether we should use an

external aid or austerity (tapas) to for

calibrating our minds? Isn’t yoga a spiritual

discipline towards the internal harmony of

body, mind and spirit? Ultimately there isn’t

any right or wrong answer, and what’s

important for the practitioners is to find

their own purpose of practice and self-

realization of their true nature.

After sharing thoughts from different

teachers above, you may have already come to

your own conclusion. My view is one should

create his own melody through the cadence

of his own inner divination and tranquility of

breath, which guides our body’s speed and

movements. This movement might be altered

with the rhythm of music. If one is practicing

for pratyahara (withdrawal of senses) which

is the authentic reason of asana practice, he

will not be listening to the music or sound

anyway. Rather he will be receding inwards,

away from the sense of hearing.

Here is a final quote from Ashtanga teacher

David Swenson - “In Ashtanga Yoga we use

the sound of our breath as the guide for our

practice. It soothes the mind and acts like an

internal mantra to keep us focused and

present. This keeps us engaged and cognizant

of the quality, texture and energy of our

breath. Breath is our music! If someone is

practicing at home alone and they need

inspiration to get on to the mat and a little

music helps them, then go for it! Overtime

maybe they can wean away from the external

stimulus of music and return to the god-

given music of our life, breath!”

DRISTI

MUSIC INYOGACLASSiPod or mybreath?BY SAMRAT DASGUPTA

our breathsoothes the mind,an internalmantra to keep uspresent

32 NAMASKAR

I witnessed an amazing transformation at a

funeral recently. A neighbor arrived, seating

herself inconspicuously in the corner of the

hot, crowded room. After a few moments,

she began to chant, instantly providing a

focus for all present. Gradually, other voices

joined and the room was charged with a

loving embrace that supported mourners and

began the long process of easing the grief.

It is no wonder music in its various forms is a

part of most spiritual and religious rituals.

Scientists are discovering the power of music

is firmly grounded in our biochemistry.

Researchers are actively trying to untangle

the health-enhancing mechanisms of music

by examining neurochemicals such as

dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. The

latter, the “love hormone,” is involved in

forming emotional and social bonds and may

enhance the feeling of connection and

affiliation music can facilitate. Music has

been used for healing since ancient times and

continues to be used in clinical settings for

pain management, relaxation and other ways

of improving well-being.

The healthful effects of music are exploited

by many spiritual and social activities by

calming, arousing and forming a warm sense

of connection between participants.

Although, most Western-style yoga studios

use music only to generate atmosphere

during classes or by occasionally chanting

OM, the various forms of Indian spiritual

practices, on which modern yoga practices

are based, use music in many ways, including

mantras, chanting, song, drama, dance and,

naturally, inspirational music. In addition to

moral and spiritual redemption, many claims

about the use of yogic chanting and mantra

repetition include the acquisition of magical

powers, such as invincibility, invisibility and

the power to fly. The theory behind this is

that sound, being an energetic and spiritual

vibration, can be used to manipulate prana,

which is also a vibration. And, as everything

is made of prana, a skilled practitioner can

bend the laws of space and time to her or his

liking. In fact, it is said the universe was

brought into being by the vibrations of the

primal mantra.

In one of my workshops, I investigate the

effect of mantra using an explorative

approach based on Tara Fraser’s Easy Yoga.

I ask participants to repeat bija mantras

(lam, vam, ram, etc.) as well as devotional

mantras (such as “Om Namah Shivaya”) and

closely observe where in their bodies they

sense any changes. Although, many

participants feel the effects of different

mantras in different locations in their

bodies, I have so far not seen any

correspondence to the traditional chakras.

However, I have noticed long-term

practitioners are more sensitive to the effect,

suggesting yoga practice enhances body

awareness. This ability may correlate with

the formation of health-enhancing patterns

in the brain, generating holistic gains.

So far, no one participating in my workshop

has learned to fly or become invisible.

However, most participants report a

energizing or calming effect from the

workshop. Modern yoga practices provide a

vast collation of mind-body techniques that

go beyond reductionist approaches,

incorporating and delighting all the senses.

These approaches, although difficult to

confirm scientifically precisely because of

their holistic nature, have generated huge

amounts of anecdotal evidence for the

health-improving benefits of yoga. In the end,

isn’t it our own experiences that confirm the

benefits of yoga?

DRISTI

TRANSFORMATIONThe powerful interface of yoga & musicBY SHANNON FRANCES

January 2015 33

Years ago, in my school book profile, in lieu

of favorite music I listed “my inner music”.

Not really cool, but a true foreshadowing of

my current life as an Iyengar practitioner and

teacher. To my knowledge, Iyengar yoga is

never taught with music and most of us

practice in silence.

The most obvious reason is concentration:

music is a source of distraction. In class and

practice we strive to go inwards, to achieve

penetration of the koshas, the layer of our

being. This process is so arduous and subtle

we need 100% of our attention, we need to be

completely immersed. BKS Iyengar

described this as “meditation in action.”

Heart beat, blood pulse, breath flow and

rhythm, subtle skin movement against the

muscles…we listen to an organic symphony,

so subtle any outer sounds come as a

distraction. BKS Iyengar used a beautiful

music metaphor to describe our practice

“use the body as an instrument, the fibers

inside are the strings. So we have to tune

those strings to the sound…. the element of

either which is nothing but sound. So we have

to get the fine tuning of each fiber.”

Another reason for avoiding music in yoga is,

I believe, revealed in Light on Yoga Sutras,

Sutra II.3 where he lists “musical mode,

sound emission” among the translation for

Raga. Why would musical mode be

associated with suffering?

Because music is a source of pleasure and

therefore of attachment. It influences our

senses directly and therefore our physical

body: some tunes will make us move more

easily, carrying our energy, others will induce

relaxation. When used systematically in class

and practice, music becomes part of our

Pavlovian conditioning and we find ourselves

lost without it. Our tapas depend on it.

Tunes can also get stuck in the mind, playing

over and over again without us being able to

stop them and that can be rather mentally

painful: for a while, as soon as I unrolled my

mat, my mind, playing tricks on me, would

start humming Lady Gaga!

According to Georg Feuerstein’s History of

Yoga, music came in yoga through devotional

sounds called mantras, a practice developed

mostly by the tantric tradition. Music as

tunes (with or without words) was

introduced in Yoga by the West. Sharon

Gannon and David Life were precursors and

started playing and chanting devotional

music in yoga classes over 20 years ago. Our

rampant Western culture grafted itself on

that trend and nowadays anything goes;

sometimes, the louder the better.

When he visited Hong Kong prior to the

China Summit in 2011, after being regaled by

an Asana demonstration, Guruji told the

performers (I paraphrase) he enjoyed their

offering but their music had been too loud

and strong and music should support the

asanas, not the other way around. Right

there he gave us a hint of how music could be

used in practice. Carrie Owerko, a US senior

Iyengar teacher who also performed for

Guruji echoes that message. “In yoga we are

cultivating a balance, integration, and

harmony within ourselves and with the

surrounding environment. Rhythm,

lyricism, the dynamics of movement and

stillness, are all aspects of music, language

and the expression of the innermost spirit.

In fact our very breath is like a type of music

and an expression of our very life force or

spirit (inspiration, expiration) and so a type

of language or a way in which we reveal our

innermost selves. The skillful integration of

music and yoga can be a beautiful

collaboration if approached with sensitivity,

curiosity and respect”

The Iyengar tradition may not use modern

music much but it is still very “sound rich”.

Each class opens with the chanting of Om

followed by the invocation to Patanjali and

the Guru which creates a powerful

communal resonance as well as an individual

resonance to awaken the inner guru.

Prashant Iyengar, BKS’s son is fond of Beeja

mantras and he regularly teaches their use to

align the body physically, balance it

organically (each sound corresponds to an

element) and connect body, breath and mind.

During a recent trip to Pune I had the

opportunity to experience this technique and

was astonished to feel how, when chanting

silently “ram, ram, ram,” my mind and breath

attended to my pelvic region while “wam,

wam, wam” took me to my chest!

One sound we do focus on is the sound of our

own breath in Pranayama. Two years ago,

while delivering a workshop to the members

of the Hong Kong Iyengar Association,

Jawahar Bandhara used a beautiful musical

metaphor that shed a bright light on the

different pranic breaths: he showed us how

in Ujjayi I we tune to our breath to let our

own Prana rhythm emerge and how the other

pranayama such as Ujay II and III or vilomas

are modulation of that base “bit” as we

elongate, shorten, or repeat to create

various breath melodies .

Guruji enjoyed music very much and

famously befriended the violin maestro

Yehudi Menuhin. Although he did not mix

music and yoga he used the principle of music

in his practice using ssanas for the notes and

sequences as scales to tune in his “inner

music,” the melody of life.

Peering into this subject, I grew curious of

what music can bring to my yoga and may

follow Carrie’s advice on exploring how

skillful integration of music and yoga can

contribute to hearing my inner music.

DRISTI

NO MUSIC IN IYENGAR YOGABut still Sound RichBY GAELLE FOULON

we strive to go inwards, to achievepenetration of the koshas...we need100% of our attention

34 NAMASKAR

In a traditional kirtan, a bard-like leader

‘tells’ stories to illustrate the kirti - the glory

– of the Lord; or, we might say, of the divine

qualities that are our own potential. The

import of these stories is then embedded

more deeply in the audience through

participative singing, communal and call and

response, in which the names and phrases

sung encapsulate so many of the great

qualities illustrated in the glorious story.

And there are many names, and many

phrases. Sometimes people ask: if in Indian

Philosophy, God or the Supreme is One, why

does He/She/It have so many names?

When asked this at a kirtan, I often give the

example of love.

Imagine you are deeply, wildly in love… Now,

describe the beloved. Will one word do? Will

one thousand? Of course not, like all the

greatest things we can experience as humans,

love is beyond words. And that is the whole

point about God, the Supreme, Pure

Consciousness. It is beyond name and form,

which always and only limit and contain. But

this God, this Supreme, this Consciousness,

is limitless and uncontainable, so one word

can’t really convey it. However, thinking back

to the example of love, we do have so many

beautiful poems and songs which somehow

manage to evoke something of the wonder

and greatness of what it means to be in love,

what this mysterious, formless force can do

to a person, what it can bring to a human life.

And so it is with the Supreme and the

beautiful divine powers that it holds. When

we sing certain words, and hear certain

archetypal stories, it rouses within us a

certain quality of feeling. The words, the

richly evocative names of the Supreme that

we sing in kirtan songs and chants, kindle

our feeling (bhava) and invite us to relish

(rasa) a particular quality of experience.

However, as a yoga practice or technique

kirtan works on many levels at once. All yoga

practice techniques cultivate our capacity to

be focused and centred, while still open to

the wonder all around us.Yoga practices then

help us develop the art of doing whatever we

are doing with every part of ourselves.

In asana, for example, we work from the

gross to subtle to invite all parts of our

system into whatever we are doing, to

participate in the maintenance of balance. We

use our emotional intent, our mental focus,

our sensory curiosity and receptivity, with

the breath, to foster a space of balance within

and through the physical body.

In walking meditation, we may use the

feedback of our feet against the ground, our

skin against our clothes and the air, our

breath and the rhythm of each step flowing

into the other to deepen our awareness of

our body-encased conscious system as a

place of real and potential dynamic

equilibrium.

DRISTI

KIRTAN &YOGAPRACTICESinging asmeditationBY JAMES BOAG

Different sounds of yoga music - from the soothing vocals of Daphne Tse (above)...

January 2015 35

In seated meditation, with the body held

stable (asana), the breath subtle and refining

(pranayama), the senses consciously

connected to their animating source

(pratyahara), we then concentrate

(dharana) and channel the powers of the

subtler realms of our awareness to flow

towards the object of meditation (dhyana).

In each of these examples of yoga techniques,

we are using a support: balancing the body-

held system in whatever orientation we find

ourselves, observing the locomotive

movement of our body, focusing on the

object of our concentrated meditative

awareness; to facilitate integrated or ‘yogic’

experience. As we do this, we expose all the

parts of our system to the joy and fullness of

cohesion. With regular practice, this space of

centred, integrated awareness becomes more

familiar, and so we notice more readily when

we come away from it.

The practice of kirtan is a beautifully

efficient way to invite this yogic experience.

When we sing, it’s a physical act, so the body

is engaged. As soon as we sing, we work with

the breath. In fact, singing can be a very

pleasing, accessible and joyful means to

practice pranayama – the extension and

refinement of the life force. The mind and

intellect are also involved: paying attention to

the sounds, the words, the melody. When we

sing wholeheartedly, our emotions are also

engaged. Very readily then, the practice of

call and response chanting, frequently

referred to as kirtan, invites the glorious,

integrated experience of yoga. When we do

give ourselves wholeheartedly to the practice

of kirtan, we come to understand what it

means and why it is referred to by this name.

Kirti means glory. When we sing, with all

parts of ourselves, it can bring forth a feeling

of glory. However, really, all yoga practices

are forms of kirtanam – telling the glory of

our latent potential to the more superficial

levels of our awareness, training us to make

even the simplest of our day-to-day actions

glorious expressions of integrity and

efficiency, teaching us to live the path of

authentic action, a path what will almost

certainly be trying, and searching, but which

is the way to recognise our unique selves.

DRISTI

ESSENCEOF YOGABecome theyogaBY JACK HARRISON

For me, music is at the essence of yoga; in

fact, it is at the essence of everything. At the

...to the trance-inducing beat from a new breed of DJs (above from BaliSpirit Festival 2014).

core of all we know, matter or energy, is

rhythm and space; the whole universe is

dancing, wonderfully described by the tantric

term “Spanda”—shimmering delight.

We become flexible in our bodies and calm in

our minds so we can contact the amazing

reality of living in the world. It is so easy to

forget the astonishing mystery of being here

and music, especially rhythm, helps to bring

us back to that, and then to express it fully.

Our reactions to music may be a memory of

the sound of cosmos from which we all came,

or the sounds of our mother’s heartbeat

before we were born, or the primeval sound

of rhythm which was probably the first

human communication and expression.

When we ally this with movement, breath,

focus, concentration and poetry, we can

come right into the beauty of the present

moment; no future, no past, just the sounds

and rhythms of where we are and the

astonishing fact of just being alive. The whole

function of yoga music, for me, is as Yeats

said, for the “dancer to become the dance”.

Jack’s latest album ‘Samahita Live, featuring Jack

Harrison, Daphne Tse and Friends’, was recorded at

Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui. Available from Itunes&

CD Baby.

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IN BRIEF

MUDRASStrengthen the Heart’sResolveBY KRISHAA KINKARIDAS

With Spring fast approaching, the new year

brings new sankalpa (resolution). Here are

three mudras to help strengthen the heart’s

resolve to move forward with regular

practice, inspiration and motivation and

the attitude of surrender to the Divine as

recommended in Sri Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra,

chapter 2,sutra 1. Sri BKS Iyengarji

translated this sutra in his “Light on the Yoga

Sutras of Patanjali” as “burning zeal in

practice, self study and study of scriptures,

and surrender to God are the acts of yoga.”

Whenever I conduct Mudra Workshops I

call the worksheet Anukulasya Sankalpa,

Pratikulasya Varjanam (Sri

Vallabhacharyajis Pancasloki Treatise verse

4): “Always adopt that which is favourable to

your purpose [service] and stringently

renounce that which opposed to it.”

These simple techniques make the whole

process enjoyable. The Spring cleaning is

rendered a pleasant activity. The peace

arising from the state of ekagracitta (one-

pointed consciousness) is extremely

refreshing as positive energy activates

constant elevation.

VAYANA MUDRA

With the palms of the hands upturned touch

the thumb tip to the tips of the index and

middle fingers. The little and ring fingers are

kept straight.

The catalyst fire stimulates the air and the

ether elements allowing them to create the

space and the movement for the correct

circulation [of blood and of prana]. The

Vayana vayu is responsible for bringing

optimum circulation to the extremities so the

body is nourished throughout. Complete

cleansing into every corner!

APANA MUDRA

The Apana vayu moves downwards, carrying

out waste products from the body. The

thumb tip touches the tips of the middle and

the ring fingers. The air (index) and the water

(little) fingers are kept straight out. The air

for movement and the water for flow carry

the earth element waste through the space

thus empowered to carry it along. The

releasing is completed.

PADMA MUDRA (THE LOTUS FLOWER)

Put both palms together in prayer position.

Keep the tips of the little fingers and the

thumbs touching each other as well as the

heels of the hands. Then stretch the three

other fingers up and out making a shape like a

blooming lotus flower. Hold this mudra at

the heart but not touching the body. As usual

come to a smooth and long rhythmic breath

pattern. Hold for as long as possible.

This mudras represents the Lotus flower

which signifies purity and hence freedom,

openness to the Divine Force. The Lotus may

be born in mud but is never sullied by mud

nor water. We live in a somewhat messy

world, but should never be disturbed by it.

How merciful are the mudras that bring to

practicality the concepts of yogic principle in

such an accessible way.

MYTHOLOGY

DHARAMSALAThe Seeker’s DelightBY TIA SINHA

Dharamsala is located on a spur of the

majestic Dhauladhar range of the Outer

Himalayas, in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Today, Dharamsala and neighbouring areas

are a seeker’s paradise, living up to the

meaning of the word ‘Dharamsala’, the abode

of Dharma. Devi temples that Hindu pilgrims

flock to dot the neighbouring, and

picturesque, Kangra Valley. These Devi

temples include Chamunda Devi, Chintapurni

and Jwalamukhi, while a beautiful medieval

Siva temple is the pride of Baijnath.

Dharamsala has been the seat of the Tibetan

government in exile since 1959. One of its

towns, Mcleodganj, where His Holiness the

Dalai Lama stays, is so unmistakably Tibetan

that it is also known as Little Lhasa. At the

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, one

can study Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and

practices in English and Tibetan under the

guidance of qualified Lamas. The Tibetan

language and script are also taught here. His

Holiness the Dalai Lama teaches periodically

at the Namgyal Temple, next to his residence.

These teachings are open to all. The teaching

schedule can be found on

www.dalailama.com.

Above Mcleodganj, in a forest near the

hamlet of Dharamkot are two Buddhist

retreat centres. A Vipassana Centre

(www.sikhara.dhamma.org) offers 10 day

long silent meditation retreats as taught by

the late SN Goenka. Three meditation

techniques are taught here, Anapana Sati

(concentration on sensations associated

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42 NAMASKAR

with the breath), Vipassana (developing an

insight into reality by scanning the body for

sensations and watching them impartially)

and Metta (loving kindness).

Next to the imposing gate of the Vipassana

Centre winds a tree-lined dirt path to the

Tushita Meditation Centre, a Mahayana

Buddhist centre under the aegis of Lama

Zopa Rinpoche. Tushita offers, apart from

retreats and other courses, an excellent 10

day long partially silent Introduction to

Buddhism course that provides an overview

of the Tibetan Buddhist path to

enlightenment and introduces several

meditation techniques for developing

wisdom and compassion. It is taught in

English by qualified western monks, nuns

and lay teachers. Many high Lamas teach at

Tushita regularly.

Downhill from Dharamsala is Siddhabari,

literally, the land of Siddhas or spiritual

adepts. His Holiness the Karmapa resides

here at Gyuto Monastery. Not far from

Gyuto, spectacularly located in the midst of

golden fields at the foothills of the

breathtakingly beautiful snow-clad

Dhauladhar range is Thosamling Nunnery

(www.thosamling.com), a quaint little

Dharma centre bursting with good cheer and

pink bougainvillea. Thosamling, run by

Western nuns, offers courses in Buddhism

and the Tibetan language to international

Buddhist women, and fabulous cookies and

cakes to all!

Past Baijnath, just off the road to Manali, in

the heart of the Tibetan settlement in Bir is

Deer Park (www.deerpark.in), a non-

sectarian study and retreat centre that offers

workshops, retreats and spiritual teachings.

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s Dongyu Gatsal

Ling Nunnery (www.tenzinpalmo.com) for

nuns of Himalayan origin is located close by

in Tashi Jong. Jetsunma teaches at Deer

Park from time to time, as do many other

high Lamas.

A two hour drive from Deer Park via Mandi

transports one to Rewalsar, a little town in

the Himalayas built around a lake called Tso

Pema. A larger than life, imposing statue of

Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) seems to

guard over this gorgeous little lake town.

Above the town is Padmasambhava’s cave

with another larger than life-size statue.

Close by are footprints on a rock. Tibetans

believe these were left by Padmasambhava,

the powerful eighth century saint credited

with the spread of Buddhism in Tibet. Tso

Pema is a powerful and popular pilgrimage

spot for Tibetans.

Dharamsala is truly a seeker’s delight. The

entire region is dotted with monasteries and

temples and blessed by the presence of

realized Lamas and yogis. Come visit. A

warning - some visitors to this blessed land

have never left!

YOGIC TEXTS

ADVICEFROM THEBOOK OFLIBERATIONTwo-thousand-year-oldinstructions formeditation still valid

BY BRETT SHULTS

Yoga practitioners with an interest in the

philosophical or spiritual roots of yoga

sometimes turn for insight to classic works

of Indian literature. The Yoga Sutras of

Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and the

Upanishads, for example, are regularly cited

as important yoga texts.

The Mahabharatais also an important yoga

text. This enormous Sanskrit epic is

structured around a war and what happens

to those caught up in that war – but it is

about so much more. The huge story of the

Mahabharata tells of the words and deeds of

heroes and villains, divine beings, and

legendary seers and holy men. Indeed, the

Mahabharata has been called an

encyclopaedia of Indian cultural lore, and the

“fifth Veda” because of its revered status.

The entire BhagavadGita, as many people

know, is actually part of the Mahabharata.

But other parts of the epic also contain

interesting and valuable perspectives on

various forms of yoga, and this is what makes

it an important yoga text.

Some of these perspectives come through

most clearly in the twelfth book of the

Mahabharata, in a section known as the

mokshadharmaparvan. This section is

sometimes called the “Book of Liberation”,

because in it a character named Bhishma, as

he lay dying of wounds received in battle,

speaks about how one attains liberation

(moksha). Here, as in other Indian texts,

liberation means final release from the

inherent troubles of life as we know it. The

character Bhishma is a wise a man, and his

great discourse includes accounts of what

other wise men, and wise women, and even

gods, have said about attaining liberation.

The Book of Liberation is thus a collection of

quite varied teachings. Although it does not

enjoy the prestige of other texts, scholars

and discerning readers consider the Book of

Liberation to be an important work which

offers rewarding insights into a range of

physical, mental, and spiritual practices as

they were understood in ancient India.

Many of those insights still seem fresh. The

passages I have translated below are from a

part of the Book of Liberation in which

Bhishma speaks of what he calls dhyanayoga,

the yoga or discipline of meditation (the

following passages are from section 12.188 of

the critical edition of the Sanskrit text).

Anyone who has tried to meditate will

probably be able to relate in some way to

what this text has to say.

Early in his talk on meditation Bhishma says:

yatha svanushthitam dhyanam tatha

kurvanti yoginah

Practitioners of yoga act so that [their]

meditation is well performed.

Bhishma then explains how to act. Sitting in

meditation and focusing the mind, being still

“as a piece of wood” (kashthavat), the

“person who understands yoga” (yogavid)

should be vigorous in withdrawing attention

from sensory distractions. Bhishma

reiterates:

pancavargapramathini necchec caitani

viryavan

and a vigorous one should not seek these

[things] which disturb the five senses.

Bhishma goes on to speak of the mind, with

the five senses as its “doors” (dvara) or

openings through which the mind interacts

with the world:

visamcari niralambam pancadvaram

calacalam

Moving here and there, without a foundation,

having the five [senses as] doors, unsteady –

purve dhyanapathe dhirah samadadhyan

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January 2015 45

mano ‘ntaram

in the first stage of meditation the skilful

person should concentrate the mind within.

But this is not easy, because:

tasya tatpurvasamruddham manah

shashtham anantaram

One’s mind as the sixth (i.e. together with

the five senses), so at first constrained,

afterwards

sphurishyati samudbhrantam vidyud

ambudhare yatha

will burst out, stirred up like lightning in a

cloud.

jalabindur yatha lolah parnasthah

sarvatash calah

Like a drop of water rolling about [while]

standing on a leaf, moving in every direction,

evam evasya tac cittam bhavati

dhyanavartmani

just like that is one’s mind in the course of

meditation.

samahitam kshanam kim cid

dhyanavartmani tishthati

In the course of meditation it stays focused

for some brief time

But, Bhishma then says, the mind tends to

move, like the wind. His advice is to maintain

composure and try again:

anirvedo gataklesho gatatandrir amatsarah

Without disillusion, with distress gone, with

lassitude gone, unexcited,

samadadhyat punash ceto dhyanena

dhyanayogavit

one who understands the yoga of meditation

should once again, through meditation,

concentrate the mind.

vicarash ca vitarkash ca vivekash copajayate

Deliberation, discernment, and

discrimination arise.

BOOK REVIEW

YOGA FORBREASTCARE: WHATEVERYWOMANNEEDS TOKNOWBy Bobby ClennellREVIEWED BY LISA KAZMER

I first met Bobby Clennell a couple years ago

when I attended her “Yoga for

Menstruation” workshop in New York City.

While I had heard “don’t go upside down

when you are on your period” a thousand

times before. It wasn’t until Bobby, a vibrant

woman in her seventies commanding the

room with the energy level of a twenty-

something, that I started listening to this

standard advice. From her I learned the way a

woman alters her yoga practice throughout

the many phases of her life, whether they be

the cycles of menstruation, pregnancy, or

menopause is way of honoring our body and

its relationship with nature. When we are in

right relationship with nature, energy can

flow. We are less stressed and in turn less

exhausted. Our intuition is developed when

we leave room in our minds and our yoga

practice for change.

On the heels of the internationally successful

The Woman’s Yoga Book and children’s yoga

book Watch Me Do Yoga Bobby’s newest

book, Yoga for Breast Care: What Every

Woman Needs to Know (Rodmell Press),

dives deeper into a women’s relationship

with her body and how yoga has the power to

bolster, restore, and maintain health. “Our

breasts are supersensitive” she writes “Like

the canaries that were once taken into coal

mines to register levels of toxic gas, our

breasts are early responders to stress and

imbalances in the environment. The chest

area—breasts, lungs, and heart included—is

attuned to our relationship within the family

and in the world around us.”

The impact of this book goes well beyond the

words on the page. Although her teaching is

based at The Iyengar Yoga Institute of New

York, Bobby has been traveling a lot — most

recently to China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong —

teaching her women’s workshops on Yoga

for Menstruation, Menopause, and Breast

Health. Across the globe, her workshops are

well received and students are grateful to

understand these topics more thoroughly. I

most recently caught up with her in India

while we were both attending a 10-Day

workshop with Geeta Iyengar in Pune. Ever

the eager student, this was Bobby’s 22 trip to

India to practice with the Iyengar family. In

2015 she will be traveling throughout the US

as well as to Jordan, Israel, Slovenia,

Malaysia, and Mexico—to name a few,

continuing to shed light on an intelligent

women’s yoga practice.

Well-researched and written from the heart,

the book begins with an introduction to

breast development, anatomical structure,

and the problems that may arise. She then

goes on to give an overview of many familiar

yoga asanas and their impact on breast

health. She has taken medical language as well

as precise yoga instructions and created a

manual which is easy to follow. Beautiful

illustrations which she has done herself are

liberally included to make Yoga for Breast

Care all the more user-friendly. The reader

could easily pair the information within this

book with an established yoga practice to

create sequences which heal the body and

nourish the soul. It’s an arsenal of

information for yoga teachers interested in

women’s health and breast health, and for

those leading yoga for cancer classes.

BOOK REVIEW

MAKINGPATANJALIPALATABLEby Manoj Kaimal REVIEWED BY SWATI PANDEY

All serious students of yoga and yoga

teachers will find this book invaluable. This

discourse on Samadhi Pada (Chapter 1) of

Patanjali’s Yoga sutras is broad and deep. It

connects the philosophy to practice on and

46 NAMASKAR

off the mat which makes it very insightful for us yoga practitioners. It

is based on the original commentary by Sage Vyas (the author of

Mahabharata). The fact the author is a serious asana practitioner and

teacher, with association from a young age with Ashtanga Vinyasa,

Iyengar and Shivananda tradition makes his work especially appealing

for me. It is easy to relate the sutras to what we experience through

our asana journey.

The work definitely has an academic flavor. However, it keeps the

seeker / the yoga practitioner constantly in mind and is refreshing in

its intent to not satisfy academic agenda but to really help the reader

grasp the sutras in a meaningful way. It will help in better learning and

understanding of the Samadhi Pada without feeling drowned in

academic writing! The stories and illustration alongside keep the

sutras throbbing with life. Having explored several other texts on the

sutras, this discourse on Samadhi Pada has given me a precision in

understanding that was not there before. The chanting CD that comes

with this book is a soulful rendition of the sutras! A wonderful guide

for those who want to learn chanting!

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RECIPE

WARM SALAD FOR THE COLDSEASONWarm Kale Salad with Grilled Vegetables& TofuBY MOOSA AL-ISSA

You will be loving your salad during the cold season in Hong Kong by

making some simple changes. By incorporating more substantial

vegetables, a solid protein, and serving it warm, the summer salad

becomes satisfying winter comfort food.

MARINADE/DRESSING

1/2 cup cold pressed olive oil

1 lemon juice and zest

1 orange juice and zest

1 cup basil leaves

1/4 cup hemp seeds

2 tablespoons brown miso paste

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon minced garlic

Fresh ground pepper and sea salt to taste

Add all the ingredients to a blender and process on low speed, then high

speed until the mixture is smooth.

SALAD

200 grams kale leaves, cut into bite size pieces

5 small potatoes, halved and cut into 1/8 inch thick slices

I small sweet potato, halved and cut into1/8 inch thick slices

100 grams green beans, cut into two inch lengths

1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch angled slices

1 bunch green onions, cut into 2 inch sticks

1/2 lbs extra firm tofu cut in 1/2 inch thick slices

1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 1/8 inch thick rounds

TOFU

Toss the tofu in a bowl with three tablespoons of the dressing. Reserve.

VEGETABLES

1 Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil

2. Add the potato slices to the water and cook until firm but done.

Remove from the water and reserve.

3. Repeat the process with the carrot, sweet potato slices and the green

beans

4. Heat a large non-stick or cast iron frying pan or grill pan to medium

high heat

5. In a bowl toss the zucchini slices with a small amount of the dressing

and place the pieces in the pan. Cook about one minute per side until

nicely browned. Remove from pan, cool and reserve.

6. Place the green onions in the pan with a small amount of olive oil and

cook for one minute until nicely browned.

7. Place the carrots in the pan with a small amount of olive oil and cook

each side until nicely browned

8. Add the slices of tofu to the pan and cook for about two minutes per

side. Remove from the pan and reserve.

9. Toss the potatoes and sweet potatoes with two tablespoons of olive

oil. Place in the pan and cook for three to four minutes until nicely

browned. Remove from the pan and reserve.

10. Warm the remaining dressing in a small saucepan until hot, place the

kale on four plates, drizzle the dressing over the kale and then top with

the tofu, sweet potato, carrot, zucchini, green beans, potato & onion.

Serve.

52 NAMASKAR

DIRECTORYGuide to yoga studios& teachers

Alice MoulimoisPersonalized Yoga Instruction d: Hong Kongs: Traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha, Mellow Flow, All levels,private and small groupsessions, intuitive bodywork ,Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consulting l: English, Frencht: +852 9822 6500e: [email protected]: www.alicemoulimois.com

ANAHATA VILLAS & SPARESORTUbud, Bali, Indonesias: group retreats, yoga forprivate & corporates. Yogastudioavailable for rent. l: Indonesian & Englisht: +62 361 8987 991/ 8987 992 /+62 21 70743366 f: +62 361 8987 804e: [email protected] /[email protected]: www.anahataresort.com

ANAHATA YOGA18/F Lyndhurst Tower, 1Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, HongKongs: Hatha, Ashtanga, Yoga therapy,Yin and more. Groups & privatest: +852 2905 1922e: [email protected]: www.anahatayoga.com.hk

ANANDA YOGA33 & 34/F, 69 Jervois StreetSheung Wan, Hong Kongs: Private and Group Classes :Yoga Therapy (neck, shoulder,back, hip, knee and joints), Hatha,Power, Ashtanga, Vinyasa,Detox, Yin Yang, Kundalini,Chakra Balancing, Pranayama,Meditationl: Englisht: (825)35639371e:[email protected]: www.anandayoga.hk

Anna NgPrivatesd: Hong Kong

s: Hatha yogal: Cantoneset: (852) 9483 1167e: [email protected]

AUMNIE YOGA WEARHong Kong - Room 1601, 99Wellington Street, Centralt: + 852 3188 0973Shanghai - 60 Xinle Road, 3/FXuhui Districtt: +86 21 5404 3135Korea - 533-16 Sinsa-DongGangham-Gu, Seoult: +82 26959 2558Retail, Wholesale, Shop OnlineFree Shipping WorldwideYoga Clothing and Accessoriese: [email protected]: www.aumnie.com

David Kim YogaE-RYT 500+, Senior YogaWorksand Yin Yoga Teacher Trainer;International TTs, Workshops &Retreats d: Korea, Japan, Vietnam,Philippines, Sweden, Norway,USAs: Yin Yoga, YogaWorks, VinyasaFlowl: English, limited Koreant: +1 310 480 5277e: [email protected]: www.davidkimyoga.com

BEING IN YOGA -SINGAPORE2 Turf Club Rd # 02-01(Turf Ciy,Singapores: yoga therapy (customizedpersonal practice), teachertraining (Yoga Alliance RYS 500hours+), in-depth yoga studies,small group classes for childrenand adults, workshops, soundmeditation, Vedic chanting,continuing education for yogateacherst: +65 9830 3808e [email protected]: wwwbeinginyoga.com

B.K.S. IYENGAR YOGAASSOCIATION OF MACAU174, Rua de Pequim, Edif CentroCom. Kong Fat, 7A, Macau

s: Iyengart:(853)2882 3210/6662 0386e:[email protected]:www.iyengar-yoga-macau-china.com

BRAIN & BODY YOGA1503 Keen Hung CommercialBuilding, 80 - 86 Queen’s RoadEast, Wanchai, Hong Kong (nextto LUXHOME)s: boutique yoga studio for holistichealing and mind body practicet: +852 3104 1156f: +852 3104 1157e: [email protected]: www.brainyoga.com.hk

FLEX STUDIO

ISLAND SOUTH

Shops 308-310 One IslandSouth, 2 Heung Yip Road,Aberdeen, Hong Kongs: Vinyasa, Power, Detox, Hatha,Pre-Natal, Kids Yogat: + 852 2813 2212f: + 852 2813 2281e: [email protected]

CENTRAL

3/F Man Cheung Building, 15- 17Wyndham Street, Central, HongKongs: Detox, Power, Pre-Natal Yogat: + 852 2813-2399f: + 852 2812 6708e: [email protected]

GLEE YOGAPrivates, Groups, forCompanies, Schools &Communitiesd: Hong Kong, Chinas: Yoga for ProfessionalSwimmers, Professional Runners,Pre-natal, Post-natal,Hatha, Vinyasa, Hot, BabiesMassage Workshopsl: English, Cantonese, Mandarint: +852 93343303e: [email protected]

Kathy CookRetreats, workshops, privatesd: Hong Kong, Bali & Thailands: Iyengar (Junior Intermediate 2)

l: Englisht: +852 6292 5440 / +62 811387781e:[email protected]: www.yogawithkathy.com

KUNDALINI AT SHAKTI7/F Glenealy Tower, 1 Glenealy,Central, Hong Kong.s: Kundalini Yoga, Reiki healing,Coaching, Angel Cards. Alsostudio rental by day or hourt: +852 2521 5099e: [email protected]: www.shaktihealingcircle.com

KUNDALINI @ SOL16/F Tin On Sing CommercialBuilding, 41-43 Graham St.Central, Hong Kongs: Kundalini, Yin-Yang, Hatha,Men’s, Mindfulness, Yindestress yoga, meditation,holographic healing, cancercoaching, stress/insomnia relief,detox/weight management,complete mind-body-soulservices.t: +852 2581 9699e: [email protected]: www.sol-wellness.com

LingYoga and WellbeingPrivate Yoga TeacherPrivates, Groups, Corporates,Free Yoga Community Event:Yoga in the Park with Lingwww.meetup.com/yogaintheparkhkd: Hong Kong, Chinas: Yoga Therapy, Sivananda,Hatha, Svastha, Mindfulness, Yin,Breathing (Pranayama), GuidedMeditation, Total Relaxation(Yoga Nidra)l: English, Cantonese, Mandarint: +852 9465 6461e: [email protected]: www.facebook.com/yogawithling

PURE YOGAHong Kong16/F The Centrium, 60 WyndhamStreet, Centralt: +852 2971 0055

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25/F Soundwill Plaza, 38 RussellSt, Causeway Bayt: +852 2970 229914/F Peninsula Office Tower, 18Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui,Kowloont: +852 8129 8800

9/F Langham Place OfficeTower, 8 Argyle Street, Kowloont: +852 3691 36914/F Lincoln House, TaiKooPlace, 979 King’s Rd, Quarry Bayt: +852 8129 1188

2/F Asia Standard Tower, 59Queen’s Road, Centralt: + 852 3524 7108

Singapore391A Orchard Road, #18-00Ngee Ann City Tower At: +65 6733 886330 Raffles Place, 04-00 ChevronHouset: +65 6304 2257

Taiwan151 Chung Hsiao East Road, Sec4, Taipeit: +886 02 8161 7888

4/f Urban One, 1 Qingcheng St,Taipeit: +886 02 8161 7868

SADHANA SANCTUARYYOGA STUDIO103 Penang Road VisioncrestCommercial, #05-01 / 03Singapore 238467t: +65 6238 9320e: [email protected]: www.sadhanasanctuary.comFacebook.com/SadhanaSanctuaryYogaStudio/

SOULMADE YOGA &TEAROOM40, Soi Chareonjai (Ekamai 12),Klongton-Nua, WattanaBangkok 10110, Thailands. Kripalu, Hatha, Prenatal,Workshops, Healing Arts (Aura-Soma, Bodytalk, EFT)l. English, Thai, Frencht. +66 2 3814645e. [email protected]: www.facebook.com/soulmade

SPACE YOGAs: Hatha, Ashtanga, Advanced,Flow, Yin, Yin Yang, Restorative,Hot, Yin/Meditation, Pranayama,Mat Pilates, Jivamukti, Universal,Myo-fascial Release Yoga andYoga Nidral: English, Mandarinw: www.withinspace.comAn-Ho Studio16 /f, 27 An-Ho Road, Section 1Taipei, Taiwant: +886 2 2773 8108

Tien-Mu Studio5 Lane 43, Tian-Mu E. Road,Taipei, Taiwant: +886 2 2877 2108

namaskarreaches6,000 yogapractitioners,across32countries,4 times a year.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING RATES & SIZESOutside back cover HK$22,900 210 mm x 297 mmInside front cover HK$3,200 210 mm x 297 mmInside back cover HK$2,500 210 mm x 297 mmFull page HK$2,000 210 mm x 297 mm1/2 page (horizontal) HK$1,300 180 mm x 133.5 mm1/2 page (vertical) HK$1,300 88 mm x 275 mm1/4 page HK$650 88 mm X 133.5 mm1/8 page HK$400 88 mm x 66 mm

LISTINGSCan include name, address, telephone, email, website, style andcertification, language of instruction. Approx. 35 wordsIndividual listing HK$580 for full or partial yearStudio listing HK$1,200 for full or partial year

PUBLICATION DATES, BOOKING & MATERIAL DEADLINESPublication date Booking Deadline Material DeadlineJanuary December 1 December 10April March 1 March 10July June 1 June 10October September 1 September 10

NOTESAdvertising materials should in black & white and submitted as300 dpi high resolution .tif files (no pdf or ai files please)Listings should be submitted as text only (35 words or less)

PAYMENTPayments should be made in Hong Kong dollars to Namaskar c/oCarol Adams, 72C Yung Shue O Village, Sai Kung, Hong Kong

INFORMATIONCarol (852) 9137 9992 / [email protected] (852) 9460 1967 / [email protected]

THE YOGA ROOM3, 4, 6/F (Studios) & 15/F (Office)Xiu Ping Commercial Bldg,104 Jervois St, Sheung Wan,Hong Kongs: Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa,Candlelight Yin, Yoga Therapy,Baptist Inspired, MindfulnessYoga, Detox Flow, Pre-natal Yoga,Pre-natal Pilates, Mat Pilates andKids yogat: +852 25448398e: [email protected]: www.yogaroomhk.com

TRUE YOGASingapore9 Scotts Road, Level 4, PacificPlaza 228210t: +65 6733 9555

10 Collyer Quay, Level 4, OceanFinancial Centre 049315t: +65 6536 3390

Taiwan563 Chung Hsiao East Road,Section 4, 1st & 2nd floorTaipeit :+886 22764 8888

337 Nanking East RoadSection 3, 9 & 10/F, Taipeit: +886 22716 1234

68 Gongyi Road, West District12 & 13 /F, Taichungt: +886 43700 0000

s: Hatha, Power, Ashtanga,Vinyasa, Yin, Gentle, Flow, YogaDance, Pre-natale: [email protected]: www.trueyoga.com.sg /www.trueyoga.com.tw

Ursula MoserThe Iyengar Yoga Centre of HongKongd: Centrals: Iyengar Certified (JuniorIntermediate III)l: Englisht: +852 2918 1798 / 9456 2149e: [email protected]

WISE LIVING YOGAACADEMY198 Moo 2, Luang Nuea, DoiSaket, Chiang Mai, Thailands: Classical Yoga, Hatha Yoga,Yoga Therapyt: +66 8254 67995e: [email protected]: www.wiselivingyoga.com

YOGA CENTRAL - IYENGARCENTRAL2C Welley Bldg. 97 Wellington St.Central, Hong Kongs: Iyengar Yoga classes only,suitable for privates, smallgroups & corporate wellnessprogramst: +852 2982 4308e: [email protected]: www.yogacentral.com.hk

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Namaskar january 2015