Carrying on with tradition...

This morning we received word that our beloved Guruji passed away. He would have been 94 years old this year, so certainly he has lived a full and wonderful life. Today, as I received word of his passing, I am so very grateful that I took the time to see him last year.

To Guruji...
I promise to carry on the ashtanga yoga lineage as you introduced it to us. I promise to honor the ways of your teachings to the best of my abilities. I promise to continue my path in this yoga, to show up on my mat, to present this yoga in a manner that will continue to honor you.

I will be forever grateful for this practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. I have been altered by this practice and touched by the man who gave it to the world.

Peace Guruji!

find the middle path

Even in Ashtanga we must follow the middle path. Not to hard, not to soft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KwqxZiM9y4

Beautiful graphic art yoga

Stumbled across this artist while looking through ashtanga poses images on google. She is very unique and has beautiful talent.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/gosiajanik/sets/72157607323430449/detail/

"Ashtanga during pregnancy"

Here's that article I was referring to when we talked about prenatal yoga. Amazing, simply amazing.


http://ashtanganews.com/2006/06/06/ashtanga-during-pregnancy-one-ashtangis-experience/

Sanskrit and Chanting

Hello!

We covered a lot of material this weekend, most notably the Sanskrit counting and chants. I will post much more here in the next few days as a back up to everything we did in training this weekend but wanted to kick it off with the following link to the Gyatri Mantra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW8IjcOWtlI&feature=PlayList&p=4EC85A945242AE0B&index=11

॥ ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत् सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहिधियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
In IAST
oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
(a) tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
(b) bhargo devasya dhīmahi
(c) dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt
In IAST Long Form
oṃ bhūr oṃ bhuvaḥ oṃ svaḥ oṃ maḥ oṃ janaḥ oṃ tapaḥ oṃ sat yaṃ
(a) oṃ tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
(b) bhargo devasya dhīmahi
(c) dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt

And this from the SwamiJ website:
Gayatri Mantra(Gayatri Audio CD)
Gayatri Mantra (GUY-ah-tree) is one of the most known and beneficial of the ancient Sanskrit mantras. Gayatri is a mantra of physical, emotional, and mental healing, purifying the subtle karmas, protection from the onslaught of obstacles, and of spiritual awakening or Self-realization.
The handwritten mantra below and the audio sound sample are by my dear friend, Swami Nardanand.
Aum Bhur Bhuva Svah Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat
On the absolute reality and its planes,On that finest spiritual light,We meditate, as remover of obstaclesThat it may inspire and enlighten us.

Click here to listen to 108 repetitions by Swami Nardanand.
Audio Podcast: The Secret of Shiva and Shakti in the Three Worlds
------------------------------
AUM/OM: Absolute reality. That which encompasses the three states of waking, dreaming, deep sleep, represented by AUM, the three levels of gross, subtle, causal, the three levels of conscious, unconscious, subconscious, and the three universal processes of coming, being, and going. Absolute silence beyond the three levels is the silence after AUM.
Bhur: Physical realm or plane; earth.
Bhuva: The subtle or astral plane.
Svah: The higher, celestial plane.
------------------------------
Tat: That, the essential essence.
Savitur: Bright, luminous, sun-like, inner power of spiritual light, which brings one to Self-realization.
Varenyam: Finest, best, choicest, fit to be sought.
------------------------------
Bhargo: Destroyer of obstacles. Effulgence
Devasya: Divine, resplendent, shining
Dhimahi: We meditate.
------------------------------
Dhiyo: Our being of intelligence, intellect, understanding, mind/heart
Yo: Who, which
Naha: Our
Prachodayat: May enlighten, direct, inspire, guide, impel.

This is a lot of information on one chant...enjoy! Now you can chant along AND know what you are saying! I really enjoyed class this weekend! Thanks for being such great students!

Peace,
Linda

Sharath 2009 Tour

As you all know, I traveled to Islamorada to take two classes with Sharath! (http://www.rsharath.com/) I did not come here with huge expectations... only a little yoga and a lot of R&R! What I got was some awesome yoga and a little r&r. After class he spoke briefly about how all of this is possible because of his grandfather and that the yoga does not belong to one person, but to everyone. I got several adjustments, which were quite nice.

A little inspiration goes a long way and I was definitely inspired this weekend!

I hope you all enjoyed your Real Life Ready portion of the teacher training. I understand Theresa gave you a lot of information. :-)

Linda

Philosophy - Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

There are four chapters or padas in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, they are:

1. Concentration (Samadhi Pada)
2. Practice (Sadhana Pada)
3. Experience (Vibhuti Pada)
4. Absolute Freedom (Kaivalya Pada)

In the last post I asked that you start reading the second Pada, this is because I believe that it is a nice place to start studying. I still want you to take a look at this Pada, however I will start posting sutras from the first Pada with explanation and discussion, one at a time...one each day. So, check in here daily to read the sutra and respond or ask questions accordingly.

1.1 Now then authoritative instruction of yoga. (atha yoga anushasanam)

atha = now then
yoga = union or bringing together; contemplation or absorption
anusasanam = teaching

Philosophy

To this point, we have not spent a great deal of time studying the philosophies associated with the Ashtanga Vinyasa System. As we continue to move forward, the physical practice is taking shape, I would like to start introducing some of the philosophical aspects of the practice. These will be simple illustrations of some of the concepts and how they could be applied to your daily life. Of course some will be more challenging than others, experiment with spending some time with the "1% theroy" of Ashtanga Yoga and see if or how it changes how you move throughout your day.

Guruji often refers to his Ashtanga Vinyasa System as "Patanjali's Yoga." The translation of "ashtanga" is ashta=eight and anga=limb, which implies an eight fold path. The path as descirbed in the Yoga Sutras are guidelines for how we live; moral and ethical conduct, self discipline, etc...a prescription, if you will, for how to live a purposeful life.

Do a little on-line search regarding the Yoga Sutras, Book 2. www.swamij.com is a great place to start.

I will start posting some things to think about along with a sutra... let the journey begin! I hope you enjoy this section of the training.

Peace,
Linda

Marichyasana = Marichi's Pose

It was a great day in teacher training on Sunday, March 15th! We practiced in the morning, had a wonderful lunch at Infusion Tea outside in this glorious weather and then got to work! We worked our way through Navasana in adjustments.

The homework for this section is to continue the work in understanding the Sanskrit name and translation of the postures. Marichyasana has a different translation, it is named after someone... who is it? Do some research on Marichi.

Krisnamacharya Yoga Film 1938 (silent)

I found this video on YouTube... I continue to be amazed by the posts! Take a look and then do some research on Krisnamacharya, post five (5) things you learn about him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd_eTupTCbI

A Question...

Hello fellow yogis!

I am just curious to know what you feel your yoga practice has given you, physically, emotionally, mentally, etc.  

Also, what do you hope to get out of it?  Goals?  (those reached, and those reaching towards).

Article on Chaturanga

Hey check out this article and let me know what you think:

"The Anti-Chaturanga Dandasana" 

Bad Karma

Ariticle from Self Magazine on some interesting injuries...

http://www.self.com/health/2008/06/yoga-related-injuries

Great Progress.

We have had a great couple of weeks in teacher training! I have enjoyed this journey very much and I am grateful to be sharing it with you.

In the next couple of weeks I would like for you to observer a led primary series class. As an observer, take some time to watch the students as well as the teacher. Enjoy the dance, the energy created as a room of people move to the same breath! It is a glorious sight.

For Alex and Jeff, we will be moving into some anatomy study. Please send me an email of your anatomy studies today. Do you feel like you have a strong anatomical understanding? What do you think will best serve you as a teacher: 1) In depth knowledge of muscles; 2) Practical application and understanding of the body; 3) endocrinological applications; 4) subtle bodies. Go on line, look up chakra.

For Anat and Cris, next week begins Teaching Methodology. We will be touching on the qualities of a teacher, styles, principles of deomonstrating and more. I would like for you to take some time this week and think about your teachers, yoga and otherwise. Best and worst teachers, how would you do things differently, what to expect to gain from teaching yoga?

Please send me your thoughts, research, questions, and observations by Thursday.

Have a great week! Peace, Linda

Fundamentals of Teaching I - Assignment 2/3/2009

Welcome to the Urban Ashtanga Teacher Training Blog!

As you can see, we posted some information on the blog during the last session. Going forward, all of your homework assignments will be posted here and I would encourage you to post comments and questions here as well. The teachers from the shala are also watching and participating in this blog, who themselves have been through teacher trainings, have a wealth of knowledge and may have some constructive input that you will enjoy. Use this media to open dialog about your classes and studies.

Assignment #2
Do some research on Ashtanga Yoga. What are the key elements of the practice? What is “vinyasa?” What is the breath? What are bandhas? How do these combine to make up the Ashtanga Vinyasa system as we know it? There is a lot of information on the web, there are many books in the shala, starting with Yoga Mala. Spend some time with these words and their meanings.

Take a look at this video clip of Guruji talking about Ashtanga.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQGRq00xqbI
Go to the Shri K Pattabhi Jois website at www.kpjayi.org.
Spend some time getting to know the man who brought this practice to us.

How to stay fit during the Holidays.

So many of us are rushing around and ignoring our bodies during this time of indulgent cheer. But here are a few tricks to keeping that weight off now so you won't have too much hard work to face in the New Year.

1.) When shopping, don't waste time driving around and waiting for a nearby parking spot, just pick the one farthest away and enjoy the stroll. I know you may have a few heavy packages to carry back to the car, but see it as your daily "weightlifting" chore.

2.) We all get a little extra time off during the holidays for shopping and parties. Instead of thinking of all the things you have to do, take that extra time and hit the gym now. Come the new year, you may not have the time since you'll be back working full time through the dreary winter.

4.) Bring a veggie plate to the next party you're invited to. Filling up on veggies can help you avoid filling up on desserts. Also, bring soda water as a mixer for drinks or simply drink it alone. It will make your body feel full and keep you hydrated.

5.) Turn off the TV. You've seen those Christmas movies a hundred times. Sit on the floor, stretch, relax, clear your mind. You can even wrap your gifts on the floor and by reaching and stretching for those scissors and ribbons, your body will thank you.

6.) We all know that we are probably going to eat too much anyway. When your internal full-o-meter kicks in, grab another family member and head outside for a walk, a football game or even to shoot some hoops. You will fell better and your body will be able to digest and metabolize better.

7.) REMEMBER, when all of the traffic and stress start to overwhelm you, take a minute to mind your breath. The most effective way to refocus and release tension is to just breathe. Take 10 long, slow deep breaths and you will get some perspective. This also works for hiccups. ;)

Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

Sri K Pattabhi Jois

Hello...the link below is a video of Guruji talking about ashtanga. It is old, but fun to watch. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQGRq00xqbI

Michael Gannon Workshop

Don't forget...Michael Gannon's workshop is just around the corner. This workshop will be a compliment to everything we have done to date, postures/adjustments, pranayama and nauli kriya! I am hoping that you will all come to the workshop with a deeper understanding of some of the practices associated with Ashtanga Yoga, though there is still much to learn.

We are also going to use these workshops as a means for going over the business of yoga.

On a personal note, I wanted to thank you all for your concern and offer of help during my challenges this week. Everything is clearing up and I look forward to getting back on track next week.

Peace, Linda

Kriyas & Pranayama

Don't forget...Steve is providing a session on Kriyas and Pranayama this weekend. Your homework during the two weeks prior to the training was to do research on each of these topics. It is important to be able to engage in constructive dialog, ask questions, challenge the information being provided (respectfully of course). We are jumping forward a bit in the Yoga Sutras to accomodate this class, so take a look at Sutras 2.1-2.9.

In Sutras 2.40-41, "Through its effective practice of teh physical purity, attachments to toxins and corruptive forces disappear naturally as natural instinctual or intuitive catharsis or revulsion and as such one rids onself of their noxious influence directly prortionately as to the development of the inner wisdom..."

"Purification of body, speeck and min is a central practice of ancient Yoga."

Ask yourself on Kriyas:

1. What is Kriya?
2. Why do any or all of the Kriyas?
3. How do they apply to our lives now versus when they were invented/created?
4. Look at the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali, 2.1 Tapah svadhyaya isvara-pranidhana kriya yoga. How does this fit into what Steve is going to be teaching?

Websites to visit:

www.rainbowbody.net/purity/kriya.htm

http://www.anmolmehta.com/blog/2007/11/19/free-online-kundalini-yoga-kriyas-e-book/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriyas

On Pranayama:

1. What is Pranayama?
2. Look up types of pranayama? Are there any that you are particularly interested in learning or discussing?
3. Guruji believes that the introduction of pranayama too soon can make one crazy...what do you think?

Some websites:

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/pranayama/

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=pranayama&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title (this is Iyengar on pranayama)

http://holisticonline.com/Yoga/hol_yoga_breath_home.htm

Be curious...ask questions...challenge your teacher. But, remember to be respectful of the information and the messenger.

See you Friday!

Linda

Ashtanga Yoga vs. Gymnastics

Hello All,
As we begin to work on adjustments and discuss asanas, we spend a lot of time talking about techinique, alignment, anatomy... physical elements. I am by no means suggesting that we shouldn't or that it is not important, but I'm reading the yoga sutras and so far there is no mention of asanas.
I'm reminded of the importance of yoga, that is, quieting of the mind and life off the mat. Sometimes it's easy to become wrapped up in all that is going on in each asana physically, but ultimately we're hoping to teach yoga, not gymnastics!
I personally struggle to separate the two at times in my own practice. Through dance and Pilates, I learned to use my body as a technician, so I find it easy to let my mind focus on alignment, form, and aesthetic.
When first started Ashtanga, Krista Shirley told me that because of where I was physically, that I could take my practice a lot further than others who are just starting out. I don't think she was wrong in saying that, but I think there are other challenges available to the more flexible/conditioned that may not be challenges to others.
I'm rambling a bit, but my point of discussion is, yoga vs. gymnastics. Any one else have thoughts, struggles, or something to share?

~Absalon