Question:

Why do you practise multiple styles? I understand that way there is more variety but classically one should practise one style with a guru, right?

Because my teacher did, and her teacher, and Masahiro Oki (of Okido Yoga) also studied multiple styles.  It is something I am continuing.  As I respect my teachers and their reasons, and I have a natural tendency to be have broad interests, I have continued this path (or pathless path).  There is really only one guru and that is life/universe.  We have to walk the path ourselves, there can be help, but we have to decide. If I was to classify my practice in terms of styles, I am a Hatha/Jnana practicioner, with touches of Bhakti and Karma Yogas. How does one practise Jnana Yoga?

I inquire as to what I really think, try to determine what is real and not real.  Try to get rid of the garbage of conditioning.  I try to determine what the truth is through reasoning, reading and insight. http://www.whitelotus.org/library2/articles/kramer_alstad/newlook/ind… Okido Yoga – Japanese style started by Masahiro Oki.  Okido means Oki’s Way.  Okido yoga is typified by secure asanas with relatively quick repetitions. This is something I’d like to hear more about, but the web seems to have very little information.

Masahiro Oki’s books have gone out of print, though it seems that it might be possible to get them used. You can go to www.abebooks.com and do a search on the author Oki Masahiro http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookSearchPL?an=Oki+Masahiro&tn=&… eld.x=72 Wade

Response:

Thank you for your advice.

Response:

1) Yoga never leaves you. 2) Remember what it was like starting out. 3) Don’t be greedy. 4) Pay attention. 5) That yoga helps with disturbing life changes. 6) Smile. Good advice. By the way, I’d like to learn more about the kind of yoga you are practising, any links?

Yikes, that is dificult to answer.   There are various components to my practice.  Personally and with the yoga group/teachers I am associated with, I practice a number of styles.  As for links, I do not have any, the web seems to be a place of shallow information and I cannot seem to find references that are deep enough.  I can however give a general descriptions of my practice which may give pointers to follow.  Try various web searches on the various terms in my dump of info below. I consider that I just practice Yoga. My direct yoga teacher teaches many styles.  She has been teaching for 30 years and one of her teachers has been teaching for over 50 years.  If I was to classify my practice in terms of styles, I am a Hatha/Jnana practicioner, with touches of Bhakti and Karma Yogas. I consider my most important yoga practice now (the most to learn from) is teaching my own classes. Hatha Yogas: Okido Yoga – Japanese style started by Masahiro Oki.  Okido means Oki’s Way.  Okido yoga is typified by secure asanas with relatively quick repetitions. Namaskar Yoga – A South American style of yoga.  Think sun saluations but there are namy other salutations (cat salutations (salute to the cat), gorilla, camel, child….) .  I do not have web info about it.  My teacher has whole reference materials on the subject. Iyengar-like Yoga – No need to explain that. Double Yoga or Partner Yoga – Yoga with a partner.  Started by Ganga White. http://www.whitelotus.org Vinyasa Yoga – Generic linked yoga as taught by Ganga White and Tracey Rich. Panayama: My practice has included pranayama for about 11 years now.  The pranayamas we do are taught by my yoga teacher who inherited a Sanskrit text of pranayamas, which literally contains 1000’s of different ones.  There is no translation.  We also include mudras and bandhas in the pranayamas.  There are very few teachers that teach pranayama. Various Other Yogas I have been expoused to and have considered influential: Kundalini Yoga as taught by Swami Sivananda Radha text- "Kundalini Yoga for the West".  I have gone through this text many times and have attended courses at the Radha House where I live. Raja Yoga as taught by the Brahma Kumaris.  First meditation course Jana Yoga as taught from Krisnamurti, Ganga White, Joel Kramer text – "The Passionate Mind" by Joel Kramer The beautiful and gentle yoga of Lilias Folan The powerful Hatha Yoga taught by Dona Holleman http://www.theyogashop.co.uk/nonshop/hollemanperson.html The Karma Yoga taught and lived by Bo Lozoff http://www.humankindness.org Miscellaneous: Reading.  Of course I read and attempt to understand the great spritual texts.  Bhagavad Gita, The Tao Te Ching, The Bible, The Buddhist Sutras.  There are also lots of really good modern books.

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I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice about returning to asanas after a break, based on their experience?  I have been doing the asanas from Mr Iyengar’s course for a number of years now.  However, just lately I have experienced a number of disturbing life changes, and for a number of weeks I have not been doing asanas.  Are there any important points to remember when one is returning to asanas like this after not doing them for a while?

1) Yoga never leaves you. 2) Remember what it was like starting out. 3) Don’t be greedy. 4) Pay attention. 5) That yoga helps with disturbing life changes. 6) Smile. Wade

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agree with mike also avoid prolonging poses which bring introspection like matsyasana or paschimottanasana dan www.freeyogaclass.com

. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice about returning to asanas after a break, based on their experience?  I have been doing the asanas from Mr Iyengar’s course for a number of years now.  However, just lately I have experienced a number of disturbing life changes, and for a number of weeks I have not been doing asanas.  Are there any important points to remember when one is returning to asanas like this after not doing them for a while?

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Hi John, I usually have to back off from lotus for awhile. Harder to sit on my knees. I usually cut the inverted time down also. You shouldn’t do pranayama if you are emotionally upset. Except maybe rhythmical breathing. Its a big relief to do hatha yoga again. The tortois that supports the world. Mike Dubbeld

om… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice about returning to asanas after a break, based on their experience?  I have been doing the asanas from Mr Iyengar’s course for a number of years now.  However, just lately I have experienced a number of disturbing life changes, and for a number of weeks I have not been doing asanas.  Are there any important points to remember when one is returning to asanas like this after not doing them for a while?

Response:

I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice about returning to asanas after a break, based on their experience?  I have been doing the asanas from Mr Iyengar’s course for a number of years now.  However, just lately I have experienced a number of disturbing life changes, and for a number of weeks I have not been doing asanas.  Are there any important points to remember when one is returning to asanas like this after not doing them for a while?

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Question:

Jois supposedly taught Ashtanga to adolescent boys who had a lot of extra energy to burn. Viniyoga is more for therapeutic purposes. We’re lucky to have all of these different styles because now  there’s something for everyone.

Can we put a couple of Urban/Cyber myths to rest.  Firstly, Sri K P Jois learnt all his Yoga from Krishnamacharya well into his early twenties.  The adolescent boy thing is misleading.  The age of 12 was deemed as being the minimum age for learning Yoga.  Any younger was too immature mentally and physically.  Look at it this way.  Many martial arts schools refuse to teach kids under the age of 13 for similar reasons.  Does this then mean that the systems were specificall designed with 13 year olds in mind. Secondly, Sri K P Jois spent a significant portion of his life working as an Aryuvedic practitioner as well as a teacher of the Ashtanga Yoga system.  Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is very much a therapeutic practise as evidence by the Primary Series’ stated purpose of "Yoga Therapy".  Nor for that matter is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga a "One size fits all" method.  That myth has arisen because so many people who "teach" Ashtanga in the west are not cerified or blessed Ashtanga Teachers but instead have learnt the first and or second series and then used their teaching experience from other schools of yoga.  That’s why you get so many so-called Ashtanga teachers who place an emphasis on "alignment", "correct form" and "modifications to achieve correct form" not taught by Sri K P Jois. I have no objection to other forms of Yoga and learn from whomever, but I’m sometimes dismayed at the half-truths often spread about this method. tat tvam amasi

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I too read that article (I believe in Yoga Journal) that Krishnamacharya developed Ashtanga Yoga for energetic boys (could be teenagers) because naturally that needed a more active yoga. Ashtanga does seem to have a one-size fits all mentality.  After all the asanas a supposed to be practiced in strict order by everyone—- no exceptions, no modifications.  Now, I am not saying this is bad, I am just saying that it is.  Not everyone can do the Series’ in strict order.  Therefore, those in need of the therapy would not get it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jois supposedly taught Ashtanga to adolescent boys who had a lot of extra energy to burn. Viniyoga is more for therapeutic purposes. We’re lucky to have all of these different styles because now  there’s something for everyone. Can we put a couple of Urban/Cyber myths to rest.  Firstly, Sri K P Jois learnt all his Yoga from Krishnamacharya well into his early twenties.  The adolescent boy thing is misleading.  The age of 12 was deemed as being the minimum age for learning Yoga.  Any younger was too immature mentally and physically.  Look at it this way.  Many martial arts schools refuse to teach kids under the age of 13 for similar reasons.  Does this then mean that the systems were specificall designed with 13 year olds in mind. Secondly, Sri K P Jois spent a significant portion of his life working as an Aryuvedic practitioner as well as a teacher of the Ashtanga Yoga system.  Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is very much a therapeutic practise as evidence by the Primary Series’ stated purpose of "Yoga Therapy".  Nor for that matter is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga a "One size fits all" method.  That myth has arisen because so many people who "teach" Ashtanga in the west are not cerified or blessed Ashtanga Teachers but instead have learnt the first and or second series and then used their teaching experience from other schools of yoga.  That’s why you get so many so-called Ashtanga teachers who place an emphasis on "alignment", "correct form" and "modifications to achieve correct form" not taught by Sri K P Jois. I have no objection to other forms of Yoga and learn from whomever, but I’m sometimes dismayed at the half-truths often spread about this method. tat tvam amasi

Response:

It seem in Viniyoga, that a person inhales for one movement of the asana and exhales for the other part of the asana. It’s a mistake to think that viniyoga asanas are always dynamic.  This is not so.  Static postures may also be used, depending on the purpose of the practice and the experience of the practicioner, and for some asanas, such as face-down dog and shoulderstand,  static is the norm. Funny, I didn’t write any of the above statements.

I think that was my fault.  I cut out some of the stuff that wasn’t relevant to my reply, but forgot to take out the header.  I apologise. Interested in yoga? Interested in the Classics? Visit Cassandra’s Compendium http://www.bindu.freeserve.co.uk

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It seem in Viniyoga, that a person inhales for one movement of the asana and exhales for the other part of the asana. It’s a mistake to think that viniyoga asanas are always dynamic.  This is not so.  Static postures may also be used, depending on the purpose of the practice and the experience of the practicioner, and for some asanas, such as face-down dog and shoulderstand,  static is the norm.

Funny, I didn’t write any of the above statements.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It seem in Viniyoga, that a person inhales for one movement of the asana and exhales for the other part of the asana. It’s a mistake to think that viniyoga asanas are always dynamic.  This is not so.  Static postures may also be used, depending on the purpose of the practice and the experience of the practicioner, and for some asanas, such as face-down dog and shoulderstand,  static is the norm. Interesting information.  Quite useful.  I am sure Viniyoga uses a wide variety of techniques.  Though few other yoga systems use that dynamic asana method.  I find that thought-provoking.

It’s the astonishing variety in viniyoga that I really like.  Use of sound in asana, use of breath in asana (especially breathing ratios), variations of asana, varitey of practices possible, etc. Interested in yoga? Interested in the Classics? Visit Cassandra’s Compendium http://www.bindu.freeserve.co.uk

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It seem in Viniyoga, that a person inhales for one movement of the asana and exhales for the other part of the asana.

Viniyoga emphasizes repetitive motion and breath. The process of moving in and out of the posture is thought to be therapeutic, rather than the hold, which works more on strength and flexibility.

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It seem in Viniyoga, that a person inhales for one movement of the asana and exhales for the other part of the asana.

It’s a mistake to think that viniyoga asanas are always dynamic.  This is not so.  Static postures may also be used, depending on the purpose of the practice and the experience of the practicioner, and for some asanas, such as face-down dog and shoulderstand,  static is the norm. Interested in yoga? Interested in the Classics? Visit Cassandra’s Compendium http://www.bindu.freeserve.co.uk

Response:

It seem in Viniyoga, that a person inhales for one movement of the asana and exhales for the other part of the asana. It’s a mistake to think that viniyoga asanas are always dynamic.  This is not so.  Static postures may also be used, depending on the purpose of the practice and the experience of the practicioner, and for some asanas, such as face-down dog and shoulderstand,  static is the norm.

Interesting information.  Quite useful.  I am sure Viniyoga uses a wide variety of techniques.  Though few other yoga systems use that dynamic asana method.  I find that thought-provoking.

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The breathing is definitely different than most other forms of yoga. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What differences ?  Be specific.  As far as I can see the asanas are the same but the sequencing and application may differ.  In any event Sri Krishnamacharia taught different people in different ways and charged his most senior students with exploring a particular aspect of his method in depth. tat tvam amasi I agree that we are lucky to have both forms. But there is a huge difference in the way they are done.  The Ashtanga asanas are nothing like the Viniyoga Cakravakasana, Trikonasana, Bhujangasana, Salabhansana……. You will find that viniyoga accepts that any given posture will have various possibilities for variation and modification.  That may explain why you think they are "nothing like" the astanga versions. (Although I think you are exaggerating — surely in for example trikonasana you are standing and bending to one side, and not lyina down on your back.) What you have to remember is that viniyoga applies Krishnamacharya’s dictum that you make the asana fit the person, you don’t make the person fit the asana.  Some people find the variety of viniyoga bewildering. Interested in yoga? Interested in the Classics? Visit Cassandra’s Compendium http://www.bindu.freeserve.co.uk

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The breathing is definitely different than most other forms of yoga.

Not all that different.  You still breathe in and out.  You still do all the different techniques eg nadi sodhana, anuloma, viloma, sitali etc. The only difference is in the form of the inhale, which in viniyoga follows a more natural pattern. Interested in yoga? Interested in the Classics? Visit Cassandra’s Compendium http://www.bindu.freeserve.co.uk

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The breathing is definitely different than most other forms of yoga. Not all that different.  You still breathe in and out.  You still do all the different techniques eg nadi sodhana, anuloma, viloma, sitali etc. The only difference is in the form of the inhale, which in viniyoga follows a more natural pattern. Interested in yoga? Interested in the Classics? Visit Cassandra’s Compendium http://www.bindu.freeserve.co.uk

Respectfully disagree.  In other types of yoga, one enters into a still pose and breathes.  It seem in Viniyoga, that a person inhales for one movement of the asana and exhales for the other part of the asana.  There isn’t the same stillness of pose. The only exception would be during a vinyasa or Kundalini Yoga.

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Why is it that the asanas in Viniyoga seem so different that those of other Hatha Yoga?  I find this strange because the originator of Viniyoga, Krishnamachya, is the same originator of Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and on and on.  Why the discrempancy?

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probably a different way to make a buck or two

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why is it that the asanas in Viniyoga seem so different that those of other Hatha Yoga?  I find this strange because the originator of Viniyoga, Krishnamachya, is the same originator of Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and on and on.  Why the discrempancy?

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Why is it that the asanas in Viniyoga seem so different that those of other Hatha Yoga?  I find this strange because the originator of Viniyoga, Krishnamachya, is the same originator of Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and on and on.  Why the discrempancy?

What differences ?  Be specific.  As far as I can see the asanas are the same but the sequencing and application may differ.  In any event Sri Krishnamacharia taught different people in different ways and charged his most senior students with exploring a particular aspect of his method in depth. tat tvam amasi

Response:

Why is it that the asanas in Viniyoga seem so different that those of other Hatha Yoga?  I find this strange because the originator of Viniyoga, Krishnamachya, is the same originator of Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and on and on.  Why the discrempancy?

I don’t think of it as a discrepancy–just a different take on yoga. Jois supposedly taught Ashtanga to adolescent boys who had a lot of extra energy to burn. Viniyoga is more for therapeutic purposes. We’re lucky to have all of these different styles because now  there’s something for everyone.

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What differences ?  Be specific.  As far as I can see the asanas are the same but the sequencing and application may differ.  In any event Sri Krishnamacharia taught different people in different ways and charged his most senior students with exploring a particular aspect of his method in depth. tat tvam amasi

I agree that we are lucky to have both forms. But there is a huge difference in the way they are done.  The Ashtanga asanas are nothing like the Viniyoga Cakravakasana, Trikonasana, Bhujangasana, Salabhansana…….

Response:

What differences ?  Be specific.  As far as I can see the asanas are the same but the sequencing and application may differ.  In any event Sri Krishnamacharia taught different people in different ways and charged his most senior students with exploring a particular aspect of his method in depth. tat tvam amasi I agree that we are lucky to have both forms. But there is a huge difference in the way they are done.  The Ashtanga asanas are nothing like the Viniyoga Cakravakasana, Trikonasana, Bhujangasana, Salabhansana…….

You will find that viniyoga accepts that any given posture will have various possibilities for variation and modification.  That may explain why you think they are "nothing like" the astanga versions. (Although I think you are exaggerating — surely in for example trikonasana you are standing and bending to one side, and not lyina down on your back.) What you have to remember is that viniyoga applies Krishnamacharya’s dictum that you make the asana fit the person, you don’t make the person fit the asana.  Some people find the variety of viniyoga bewildering. Interested in yoga? Interested in the Classics? Visit Cassandra’s Compendium http://www.bindu.freeserve.co.uk

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Question:

Hi – I am desperately trying to find a weekend retreat or course, or whatever for a birthday present for my wife, based in the UK, preferably in the South. It seems there is no problem finding her a weekend at a health farm which she may be able to find one session in a weekend….  in fact there are a plethora of such opportunities…  but apparently no-one offers anything similar dedicated solely to yoga – I’m frankly amazed! Maybe its an obvious business niche!! Seriously, all I’ve found is a "beginners weekend" in Edinburgh… and she is far from requiring a beginners class by now…. has anybody any ideas or suggestions? Cheers Ian

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Many thanks for all the sugestions I’ve received. Got several ideas to choose from now Ian

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I would recommend identifying who the well-established master yoga teachers are in the UK and then visiting their web sites or phoning for workshops and intensives. Also, didn’t Krishnamurti have a school in England. A quick search returned the info below. They might have some ideas on where to go next. Bramdean, Hampshire England   SO24 0LQ Tel: [44] (1962) 771 744 Fax: [44] (1962) 771 875 Founded in 1969, Brockwood is an international boarding school for 55 students aged 14 to 21. Set in 40 acres of beautiful gardens with a secluded grove, it is where Krishnamurti gave his public talks in England from 1969 to 1985. Finally, I’d recommend calling a local yoga studio to see what they might know. Try: http://www.triyoga.co.uk/ Namaste, Denise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi – I am desperately trying to find a weekend retreat or course, or whatever for a birthday present for my wife, based in the UK, preferably in the South. It seems there is no problem finding her a weekend at a health farm which she may be able to find one session in a weekend….  in fact there are a plethora of such opportunities…  but apparently no-one offers anything similar dedicated solely to yoga – I’m frankly amazed! Maybe its an obvious business niche!! Seriously, all I’ve found is a "beginners weekend" in Edinburgh… and she is far from requiring a beginners class by now…. has anybody any ideas or suggestions? Cheers Ian

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi – I am desperately trying to find a weekend retreat or course, or whatever for a birthday present for my wife, based in the UK, preferably in the South. It seems there is no problem finding her a weekend at a health farm which she may be able to find one session in a weekend….  in fact there are a plethora of such opportunities…  but apparently no-one offers anything similar dedicated solely to yoga – I’m frankly amazed! Maybe its an obvious business niche!! Seriously, all I’ve found is a "beginners weekend" in Edinburgh… and she is far from requiring a beginners class by now…. has anybody any ideas or suggestions? Cheers Ian

Dear Ian, try the "search teacher" section in the alt.yoga FAQ homepage. http://mitglied.lycos.de/altyoga/ I at least found 1 eastern workshop in England  through a short search: Event Name:  Easter Sunday Workshop Event Location: Manchester Greater Manchester ENGLAND Weekends: Weekends Available Style: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Event Organizer: Yoga with Granville URL: http://www.yogawithgranville.com Description of Event: Granville will be teaching a Posture Workshop at The Synagogue Hall, 8 Queenston Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2WZ. The first part ot the Workshop will consist of Standing Postures with special atention given to Twisting Asanas. After a short break for lunch we will then work on Inverted Postures including some variations. Event Code: 221 Last Updated:  03/20/02 Sat Nam – Hari Har Singh

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Question:

<< what is the best form of yoga for someone looking to tone up, and destress. I suffered whiplash in a car accident and subsequently get a lot of neck and shoulder tension. Is there anything I should avoid in yoga? I have never tried yoga before, it has been suggested by a friend. I am looking for something that is good for me mentally, physically and spiritually. I am an artist – could yoga possibly help in my work? Hatha Yoga is of course the aspect of Yoga to which you refer. Look for a qualified Hindu teacher and you learn not only these classic stretching exerices but be introduced into the other forms of (Classical) Yoga/Hinduism. Try visiting a Hindu temple or ashram.  

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"Iyengar" "Yoga" is a good form if one is looking for an exercise cult.

I salute Adisvara (the Primeval Lord Siva) who taught first the science of Hatha Yoga–a science that stands out as a ladder for those who wish to scale the heights of Raja Yoga.*  * * * I salute Lord Hanuman, Lord of Breath, Son of the Wind God — who bears five faces and dwells within us In the form of five winds or energies pervading our body, mind and soul, Who re-united Prakrti (Sita) with Purusa (Rama) — May He bless the practitioner By uniting his vital energy — prana — With the Divine Spirit within.* *"prayer" from opening of Light on Yoga **invocation from opening of Light on Pranayama by BKS Iyengar. may Siva and Lord Hanuman bless alt.yoga in 2000/5101

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"Iyengar" "Yoga" is a good form if one is looking for an exercise cult.

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I second those who recommended Iyengar yoga. But the secret is finding a good teacher. There are many Iyengar resources on the Web. Go to Yahoo or your favorite search engine & just enter "Iyengar" for a list of results. My experience is that Iyengar teachers usually have a good grounding in physiology, as well as yoga. It’s a powerful combination for those of us who wish to develop our bodies while also improving mental/emotional/spiritual sides. Good luck.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – what is the best form of yoga for someone looking to tone up, and destress. I suffered whiplash in a car accident and subsequently get a lot of neck and shoulder tension. Is there anything I should avoid in yoga? I have never tried yoga before, it has been suggested by a friend. I am looking for something that is good for me mentally, physically and spiritually. I am an artist – could yoga possibly help in my work?

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U could try Hatha yoga or even selfhypnosis to relax youre body and muscles.  Good luck. * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

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I would recommend Iyengar yoga with a teacher who is experienced in dealing with neck problems.  The Iyengar focus on alignment is particularily good for someone nursing injuries.  Their protocol on shoulder problems and carpal tunnel have even been written up favorably in the Journal of the American Medical Association.  Iyengar and Astanga vinyasa yoga both emphasize strengthening the body while increasing focus and concentration, but Iyengar yoga has particularly dealt with physical limitations. Shoulder stand would be a problem asana for you, although the real issue is the teacher and your own willingness to persevere.  I am a poet and I think my asana practice and study of yoga teachings do inform my work. BKS Iyengar (founder of that school of yoga) wrote some interesting things about artists and yoga in Light on the Yoga Sutras.  Basically he says that the artist experiences some of the yogic meditative states (such as absorption in the object, withdrawal of the senses ) during the creative process but with effort to do so.  The yogi learns to reach that altered state of super consciousness without effort and to bring it beyond the act of creation into daily life.  That seems good to me.  Practically in the mean time, practice helps one to focus and destress, as you said, so that there are fewer obstacles to one’s work. Darle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – what is the best form of yoga for someone looking to tone up, and destress. I suffered whiplash in a car accident and subsequently get a lot of neck and shoulder tension. Is there anything I should avoid in yoga? I have never tried yoga before, it has been suggested by a friend. I am looking for something that is good for me mentally, physically and spiritually. I am an artist – could yoga possibly help in my work?

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        I suggest checking out Kripalu’s program. They have a gentle perspective on hatha yoga.<A HREF="http://www.kripalushop.org/kripalu/"Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health</A Enjoy exploring yoga. peace, sandra PS. Yoga has been great for my creative work, and also helped me heal from a whiplash injury. It’s also a good idea to continue with physical therapy. If you can find someone who does both they will help you develop a program of yoga for healing.

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….I was in a similar accident years ago and I’m convinced that hatha yoga helped me recover. …..A key was to go only as far as I was comfortable with each day and never ever judge my progress or try to reach some sort of performance standard. — Click for peace of mind: http://beam.to/innerpeace

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what is the best form of yoga for someone looking to tone up, and destress. I suffered whiplash in a car accident and subsequently get a lot of neck and shoulder tension. Is there anything I should avoid in yoga? I have never tried yoga before, it has been suggested by a friend. I am looking for something that is good for me mentally, physically and spiritually. I am an artist – could yoga possibly help in my work?

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Question:

Dear Sherin: Here in Taiwan Republic of China is quite warm for the whole year, if you have the opportunity, please contact with me, I have been teaching more gentle Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga for 15 years.Best regards, sherin

Question:

What are the main points of Ashtanga Yoga? Do you have postive or negative experence with Ashtanga Yoga?

My experience with astanga yoga has been very positive overall. Having a definite sequence of asanas to practice gave me needed direction that I found was missing from the other forms of hatha yoga I’d studied. The ujayi breathing and mula bhanda are extremely effective techniques for preforming the asanas with a greater sense of "yoga."  They made entering into and out of the postures a more natural, flowing experience. The heat that’s generated by the astanga style allows for greater flexibility, lesser chance of injury, and purifying effects of sweating. Now the down side: One has to have some understanding of proper asana "mechanics" to avoid being hurt by astanga practice.  Even the first series is quite challenging, and includes some very advanced asanas. The good news is that every asana in the series can be modified, and so everyone can practice astanga yoga and can progress naturally with more challenging variations on any asana. The bad news is that sometimes the student is overzealous, or thinks that forcing oneself into an asana is the answer.  This is where the injuries can occur–but this isn’t the fault of "astanga yoga." Overall, yoga is yoga: asana’s are different from mere exercise by the mindfulness one brings to them.  That is what makes yoga happen.

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Anyway, there won’t be any confusions if we refer to Jois’s teachings as "Ashtanga VINYASA Yoga". Tapani T.

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My experience is neutral. I like a lot of things about ashtanga, but it isn’t what I’m drawn to as a daily practice. My natural bliss seems to move slower and out of the series.

Yoga Sutra says, that a posture must be held effortlessly and comfortably for a long time. In my view it doesn’t leave room for fast moves. Of course,  one can progress and purify himself using other techniques (Kung Fu approach is a good example) – but I see no justification for attempts to present these different methods as if they were "prescribed" by traditional Yoga. Now, Ashtanga, as was pointed out, means "Eight limbs". Which are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhiana and [finally] Samadhi. Second and third "limb" fall under Hatha Yoga, last four – under Raja Yoga… As I understand it the benefits come from the flow, the intense pace of the practice can be very cleansing to the body. This in turn clears the way for stronger energy in the more subtle areas.

It may well be. However it sounds more like aerobic and goes contrary to the traditional Yoga approach of low pace. Actually, they did take one concept from the traditional school: when one masters asanas so well that he can hold them for a long time with no discomfort whatsoever, he doesn’t have to rest between the asanas and can "flow" from asana to asana without stop.  Now it of course does not mean to "run" through the course of postures… As you can guess, I personally don’t agree with what is now called "Ashtanga Yoga". I can see how such exercise system can be very beneficial (and how one can get hurt practicing it), but in my view it can only be called "Yoga" in the same sense as anything done "properly" is "Yoga", be it self-less work, scientific study, religious devotion, etc. etc… — Regards, Uri <Disclaimer

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 …Talk about spitting venom… Sorry about that…  Apologies for the unpleasant rant, people…  *bows his head, duly humbled*  H.

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Way to go,H. My post was worthy of your reply.

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Oh gosh, it’s nothing to fuss about. I dislike the way some people stole the word yoga from the unions.Also the sun and the moon have been complaining for taking their name in vain when I say hatha.Why use it just for yoga when it means so much more?  Sorry, this is not even clever sarcasm… The original poster was showing aware politeness, and you reply with this ?

I can’t get upset if anyone uses sarcasm on me, considering how sarcastic I get sometimes. . . . Poor Patanjali is now so much poorer that Pattabhi Jois "appropriated" his "classical term" as "a brand name".People stealing other people’s ideas and words,people misusing them and/or misunderstanding them completely,people being ignorant of all this wisdom….Tsk,tsk,tsk..what have we come to?  Well, you are sarcastic, but I really don’t see your justification in the above passage… There exists the genuine risk of the dilution of difficult and esoteric practices to popularism for a number of reasons, and the supplanting of an existing named tradition by another tradition with a similar or identic name but a simplified manifesto strikes me as being a genuine point, if not *necessarily* a problem…  And if you don’t accept the possibility of ‘wisdom’ being lost in this process, then have a good look at the history of religion…

It’s a question we are always facing in this postmodern life when we sincertely want to live by ancient traditions, but inevitably have to adapt them somehow to present conditions — the challenge is to find the modus vivendi that doesn’t compromise the essentials. We cannot recreate the true Vedic society in the circumstances we have to live in; if we tried too hard we would wind up as fundie fanatics and lose all the joy of life.  It takes a serious effort of intelligence, and the divine gift of wisdom and grace, to catch that wave, the maximum authenticity of yoga.  When we do, we know that the benefits are very real, and life becomes a joy and a pleasure at the same time as we are being serious.  Can anyone in the present day attain sat cit ananda as did the Rsis of old?  Even if not, we are brought to the yogic path by the inner impulse of our true nature, and we cannot but be true to our Selves. "…but the modern pop culture has no patience for attending to such minutiae of philology. " Of course older/other popular cultures had immense patience and attended to such minutiae!  Oh shut up… What did you *want* him to say, then ? ‘Modern pseudo-occultist neomystical drugs + goa-trance showbiz pop culture’ ? You knew exactly what he meant, and you’re making a worthless and pedantic point…

Excuse me; I was the one who was being pedantic. I just wish instead I could be Vedantic.  Other *cultures* did have the patience for attending to such minutiae… That’s enough. I already feel so superior…  Clearly you do… I don’t think the original poster did, somehow… You see in others what you have in yourself… + sadly, you’ve made *me* feel superior to you by spitting such unnecessary venom… H., who almost got irritated but then realized it was all maya, anyway… *wry half-chuckle*…

Understood from the beginning, everyone should feel free to dismiss the maya i’m putting out here; that’s why I said it was just a rant anyway.  Nothing to get upset about. What the "Power Yoga" folks mean exactly when they say "Astanga" is that the practice is meant to include (and bring us to)  all eight limbs of yoga;  Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi, as the term is used by Patanjali. You may find that the pet peeve of many of those that practice Ashtanga is that people say that the practice, as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, is different than Ashtanga  of Patanjali. Thanks for my chance to also vent. Elladan

Thanks, Elladan, I’m not familiar with this school, so that’s why I asked.  I didn’t mean to be obnoxious toward it.  So far the only Jois I know of is James Jois.

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I dislike the way some people stole the word yoga from the unions.Also the sun and the moon have been complaining for taking their name in vain when I say hatha.Why use it just for yoga when it means so much more?

 Sorry, this is not even clever sarcasm… The original poster was showing aware politeness, and you reply with this ? Poor Patanjali is now so much poorer that Pattabhi Jois "appropriated" his "classical term" as "a brand name".People stealing other people’s ideas and words,people misusing them and/or misunderstanding them completely,people being ignorant of all this wisdom….Tsk,tsk,tsk..what have we come to?

 Well, you are sarcastic, but I really don’t see your justification in the above passage… There exists the genuine risk of the dilution of difficult and esoteric practices to popularism for a number of reasons, and the supplanting of an existing named tradition by another tradition with a similar or identic name but a simplified manifesto strikes me as being a genuine point, if not *necessarily* a problem…  And if you don’t accept the possibility of ‘wisdom’ being lost in this process, then have a good look at the history of religion… "…but the modern pop culture has no patience for attending to such minutiae of philology. " Of course older/other popular cultures had immense patience and attended to such minutiae!

 Oh shut up… What did you *want* him to say, then ? ‘Modern pseudo-occultist neomystical drugs + goa-trance showbiz pop culture’ ? You knew exactly what he meant, and you’re making a worthless and pedantic point…  Other *cultures* did have the patience for attending to such minutiae… That’s enough. I already feel so superior…

 Clearly you do… I don’t think the original poster did, somehow… You see in others what you have in yourself… + sadly, you’ve made *me* feel superior to you by spitting such unnecessary venom… And don’t forget .."It’s pronounced "ashtanga", of course, "

 Well… If you don’t have anything constructive to say, then *emphatically* : shut…*up*. H., who almost got irritated but then realized it was all maya, anyway… *wry half-chuckle*…

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Yohanan, What the "Power Yoga" folks mean exactly when they say "Astanga" is that the practice is meant to include (and bring us to)  all eight limbs of yoga;  Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi, as the term is used by Patanjali. You may find that the pet peeve of many of those that practice Ashtanga is that people say that the practice, as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, is different than Ashtanga  of Patanjali. Thanks for my chance to also vent. Elladan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Excuse me, this is just a pet peeve of mine, but the one thing I don’t like about "Astanga Yoga" is the way they took the classical term from Patanjali that applies to all of yoga, and appropriated it as just a brand name for their particular variety.  Nowadays (thanks to Madonna) you hear a lot of people saying "Astanga", meaning this brand name, and you have to wonder if they even know the original meaning of the term: the eight limbs or practices of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi.  I don’t know what the "Power Yoga" folks mean exactly when they say "Astanga". It’s pronounced "ashtanga", of course, because the s and t in it are retroflex Sanskrit letters.  The Sanskrit scholars and Indologists write these retroflex letters with dots underneath, but the modern pop culture has no patience for attending to such minutiae of philology.  (aSTa means eight in Sanskrit; anga means limb.) There, I kept that rant fairly brief, didn’t I?  Thanks for giving me the chance to vent.

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"Excuse me, this is just a pet peeve of mine, but the one thing I don’t like about "Astanga Yoga" is the way they took the classical term from Patanjali that applies to all of yoga, and appropriated it as just a brand name for their particular variety."

I dislike the way some people stole the word yoga from the unions.Also the sun and the moon have been complaining for taking their name in vain when I say hatha.Why use it just for yoga when it means so much more? Poor Patanjali is now so much poorer that Pattabhi Jois "appropriated" his "classical term" as "a brand name".People stealing other people’s ideas and words,people misusing them and/or misunderstanding them completely,people being ignorant of all this wisdom….Tsk,tsk,tsk..what have we come to? "…but the modern pop culture has no patience for attending to such minutiae of philology. "

Of course older/other popular cultures had immense patience and attended to such minutiae! Once everybody new about "retroflex Sanskrit letters" but now we are inundated by those stupid Madonna (Oh what hubris in a name) fans that can’t tell pratyahara from sahara. That’s enough. I already feel so superior I am now going to practice viparita salabhasana for a couple of hours. And don’t forget .."It’s pronounced "ashtanga", of course, "

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Excuse me, this is just a pet peeve of mine, but the one thing I don’t like about "Astanga Yoga" is the way they took the classical term from Patanjali that applies to all of yoga, and appropriated it as just a brand name for their particular variety.  Nowadays (thanks to Madonna) you hear a lot of people saying "Astanga", meaning this brand name, and you have to wonder if they even know the original meaning of the term: the eight limbs or practices of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi.  I don’t know what the "Power Yoga" folks mean exactly when they say "Astanga". It’s pronounced "ashtanga", of course, because the s and t in it are retroflex Sanskrit letters.  The Sanskrit scholars and Indologists write these retroflex letters with dots underneath, but the modern pop culture has no patience for attending to such minutiae of philology.  (aSTa means eight in Sanskrit; anga means limb.) There, I kept that rant fairly brief, didn’t I?  Thanks for giving me the chance to vent.

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My experience is neutral. I like a lot of things about ashtanga, but it isn’t what I’m drawn to as a daily practice. My natural bliss seems to move slower and out of the series. As I understand it the benefits come from the flow, the intense pace of the practice can be very cleansing to the body. This in turn clears the way for stronger energy in the more subtle areas. peace, sandra

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What are the main points of Ashtanga Yoga? Do you have postive or negative experence with Ashtanga Yoga?

Hi Stefan, The main points of Ashtanga Yoga are: 1) The breath. Ujjayi breathing is used during the practice. It is an audible breath that serves also to focus the mind. It is also designed to create heat and to increase the lungs. 2) The bandas. The bandas, or locks, are engaged during the practice. The uddiyana banda lifts about two inches below the navel. The mula banda is lifting up of the perineum. Engaging these bandas during the practice takes added concentration and creates lightness and strength in the body. 3) The vinyasa. Vinyasa (or flow) links the postures together into one continuous form. It keeps the heat up and helps to neutralize the body between postures. This flow of postures is what really distinguishes Ashtanga from other styles of hatha yoga. The main focus of Ashtanga is not the postures themselves but the breath, the bandas and the vinyasas. I have had very positive experiences with Ashtanga. I am not sure I would be still practicing yoga if I had not begun to learn Ashtanga. Not really any negative ones. The one caution though is that because it is always moving there is a tendency to go to far in the postures and I have heard of more injuries in this style of practice than others. As with any hatha yoga you need to bring intelligence with you to the practice and learn to really listen to the body so not to hurt yourself. I have also noticed that generally, those who have studied Iyengar do not take to Ashtanga much, (why are they moving so fast?) and that those who study Ashtanga do not take to Iyengar much, (they are not moving fast enough to generate much heat). This is a very simplified explanation, but I hope it helps. Namaste, Elladan

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What are the main points of Ashtanga Yoga? Do you have postive or negative experence with Ashtanga Yoga?

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Question:

Stefan; No, sorry there is no book of the postures of all six series. David Swenson does have a great video of the Advanced Series that demonstrates all the postures from series 3, 4, 5 and 6 (which used to be advanced series A & B before they were broken into the 6 series they are now). The video is very good but is just a demonstration, not instruction, and also, not in German. Here is his web site: http://www.ashtangayoganet.com/  Of course he also has good videos for the First and Second series. Have fun, be careful, Elladan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is there anywhere in the www, or in a book (if possible in German) where a discription and pictures of all asanas of all six series.

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"Ilpo Koponen" posted to alt.yoga at 3:10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, 1998: There is only few people on the world who have pass all the poses from Advanced a, b, c and d. I mean nowadays there is not anyone who can do all of those. Sharath (Grandson of the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois) Have done almost all asanas. I hope you understand, there is people who have pass the old system (advanced a & b) but there is much more asanas nowadays and Pattabhi Jois is only one who have those asanas and full vinyasa on his head. On the Swensson`s video is not all of the system.

I’m courious on something about the full Ashtanga Vinyasa system as taught by Jois — If someone were to master all the series (Primary, Secondary, Advanced A through D), how long would one take to do just one session of all of the asanas? This is given it takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to do just the Primary Series as shown in Swenson’s video and Bender Birch’s "Power Yoga." Eric VanSickle

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There is only few people on the world who have pass all the poses from Advanced a, b, c and d. I mean nowadays there is not anyone who can do all of those. Sharath (Grandson of the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois) Have done almost all asanas. I hope you understand, there is people who have pass the old system (advanced a & b) but there is much more asanas nowadays and Pattabhi Jois is only one who have those asanas and full vinyasa on his head. On the Swensson`s video is not all of the system.

David Swenson says that Pattabhi Jois does change things in the series over time, (And he says he knows that to be true because he wrote them down). And his videos are as close as you will get to seeing the full practice. Elladan

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There is only few people on the world who have pass all the poses from Advanced a, b, c and d. I mean nowadays there is not anyone who can do all of those. Sharath (Grandson of the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois) Have done almost all asanas. I hope you understand, there is people who have pass the old system (advanced a & b) but there is much more asanas nowadays and Pattabhi Jois is only one who have those asanas and full vinyasa on his head. On the Swensson`s video is not all of the system.
   -**** Posted from Supernews, Discussions Start Here(tm) ****- http://www.supernews.com/ – Host to the the World’s Discussions & Usenet

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Sorry, nothing in German. David Swenson is getting ready his Astanga manual. Printing will begin next month and it will most probably be available 01/99. More than 1000 pictures in it so there’s some help if one’s english isn’t so good.

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: Sorry, nothing in German. : David Swenson is getting ready his Astanga manual. : Printing will begin next month and it will most probably be available 01/99. : More than 1000 pictures in it so there’s some help if one’s english isn’t so : good. Please anyone who finds out that it’s available, tell about it in this group. Also suggestions about any other new written Astanga material would be very welcome. Tapani T.

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Is there anywhere in the www, or in a book (if possible in German) where a discription and pictures of all asanas of all six series.

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David Swenson (he has a website) has a manual and videos for the first 3 series. he may also have information on the latter. good luck and be careful. John

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Can someone tell me how to find a teaching schedule for Richard Freeman? Thanks

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I don’t know Richard Freeman’s personal schedule, but I know that he will be at Kripalu for a conference the second weekend in November. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone tell me how to find a teaching schedule for Richard Freeman? Thanks

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It might be a bit confusing as the same name is used for 2 different meanings. aShTAnga meaning "eight limbs" i.e. eight stages or eight parts to it. The eight stages in Patanjali are well known: 1. Niyama.  Negative ethics (things not to do). 2. Yama. Positive ethics (practice of virtues). 3. Asana (stable posture). 4. Pranayama (control of breath). 5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the attention from external senses). 6. Dharana (concentration of the attention within). 7. Dhyana (deep meditation). 8. Samadhi (transcendence and merging with God). "Esse qua esse bonum est (being, as being, is good)."–St. Augustine

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Dolce Fendi; For a good description of Ashtanga Yoga (including a history) go to this web site: http://www.natural-connection.com/resource/publications/yoga_journal/… For a good book on the first and second series try Power Yoga by Beryl Bender Birch. For good video tapes try David Swenson at: http://www.ashtangayoganet.com/ He has a good short forms tape that is good for beginners. Also look in the phone book for a class and go try it. It is not as hard and scary as people make it out to be once you know what to expect. I hope this helps. Elladan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone give me some information on Ashtanga yoga.. What is it like ? how is it done? Dolce =D

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: My experience is limited but, this is a series of postues which flow from one : to another without pause. Hence the aerobic quality. There are three series, : with rising levels of difficulty. Heat builds in the body and cleanses it of : toxins. Ashtonga is particularly suitable for young, healthy, active people. : sandra Good start Sandra – here’s some more info Ashtanga classically is the Patanjali 8 limbs of yoga – Yama, Niama, …. However more modern usage refers to the – Ashtanga Vinyasa System of T.Krishnamachar & K.Jois this is believed by some to be based on an ancient manuscript known as the "Yoga Korunta". The principals of astanga practice are breath, sight, count and posture. The vinyasa part is a description of the breath and movement required to enter an asana from the default standing asana of tadasana and then return to tadasana after holding the asana for the required number of breathings. Originally Jois taught 4 series – Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A & Advanced B. Over time he has developed this into the 6 series which he and his nephew currently teach in Mysore. The principals of pose and counterpose – working progresively are still the same tho there have been some changes in the order of asanas. In the west Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga has given rise to derivatives such as "Power Yoga" & "Flow Yoga". Please check the yoga section of my web page for more info. Hope this helps Namaste Ian — Tel: (+44) (0)468-038-027               | http://www.ajna.demon.co.uk "Blessed Be God For All His Gifts"    | Please use pgp to ensure privacy ASHTANGA – OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI HE   | pgp key on web site

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My experience is limited but, this is a series of postues which flow from one to another without pause. Hence the aerobic quality. There are three series, with rising levels of difficulty. Heat builds in the body and cleanses it of toxins. Ashtonga is particularly suitable for young, healthy, active people. sandra

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My experience is limited but, this is a series of postues which flow from one to another without pause. Hence the aerobic quality. There are three series, with rising levels of difficulty. Heat builds in the body and cleanses it of toxins. Ashtonga is particularly suitable for young, healthy, active people. sandra

"Hence the aerobic quality." Deep meditative (uyaji) breathing throughout the movements.Vigorous breath control (pranayama) is required in all the Ashtanga series. Of course if you’re out of shape enough even rocking on  the soles of your feet can be aerobic exercise. I love your Ashtonga postues Sandra.  :)

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Can anyone give me some information on Ashtanga yoga.. What is it like ? how is it done? Dolce =D

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Question:

Hi Folks, I’ve just returned from my 3rd trip to Mysore ( Home of the originator of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga ). I have just spent 9 months in study of the "Ashtanga" style of yoga – all in all I have found it most beneficial for body, mind and spirit. However not so good for the bank balance ! It looks as if I need to find more Software Work before I can set myself up as a teacher. I would recomend the style of practice to ALL with the caveat that it is the doing and not the perfection of the doing which matters in terms of asansa. It should also be noted that the terms Ashtanga & Vinyasa are not properly understood by many practioners and that the common Western usage diverges from the sanscrit intention. OM SHANTI Ian

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Dear Suzanne, I take Astanga Yoga classes from my Athletic Club (Frog’s ph: (619) 792-4008 GM Stacy McCarthy).  I’ve been a runner since age 14 and played Ultimate Frisbee fro 14 years now have numerous world titles in solo Frisbee events, so I started with lots of strength and lots of tension. I have found Astanga Yoga to be the most effective form for me becasue it makes me warm enough to break-through the tensions that have built over 20 years as a competitor.  It is a form of yoga that gives people the feeling of getting a good workout…good for an athletic club. I also do plenty of Hatha on my own time and firmly believe that Astanga is only right for certain people and not for early morning (unless there is an extended hatha warm-up). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m a writer, doing an article on Ashtanga (Power) Yoga.  If anyone has any comments or information I could use, I’d be really grateful. Positive or negative, it’s fine, I know the thought of "power" yoga has stirred some controversy.  I’ve practiced yoga myself for a long time, haven’t found much information (other than the books and tapes out) on power yoga from yoga practitioners, especially in the geographic region I’m in (midwest), thought it would be an interesting topic around here. Thanks.

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Hi In response to your request on Ashtanga Yoga – I have tried several various forms of yoga from a variety of teachers in California, Washington and   New Mexico.  The very best classes I have ever had are taught by Tias at Yoga Moves in Santa Fe, NM. I have tried classes by other teachers and they do not even come close to what Tias is able to do with a class.  The Phone # is 505/989-1072.  The mailing address is: Yoga Moves  PO Box 23464, Santa Fe, NM, 87502.  If it is of any consequence, this is also where Ali Mc Graw takes classes – as well as several other individuals who have had the opportunity to travel the world and take classes from various teachers – they all say Tias is the best……Would like to know which publication you are writing for.  I am also curious as to how you will go about writing on a particular style of yoga when what seems to really make a difference is the teacher.   Ashtanga-less in Seattle.  Greg – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m a writer, doing an article on Ashtanga (Power) Yoga.  If anyone has any comments or information I could use, I’d be really grateful. Positive or negative, it’s fine, I know the thought of "power" yoga has stirred some controversy.  I’ve practiced yoga myself for a long time, haven’t found much information (other than the books and tapes out) on power yoga from yoga practitioners, especially in the geographic region I’m in (midwest), thought it would be an interesting topic around here. Thanks.

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Hi, I’m a writer, doing an article on Ashtanga (Power) Yoga.  If anyone has any comments or information I could use, I’d be really grateful. Positive or negative, it’s fine, I know the thought of "power" yoga has stirred some controversy.  I’ve practiced yoga myself for a long time, haven’t found much information (other than the books and tapes out) on power yoga from yoga practitioners, especially in the geographic region I’m in (midwest), thought it would be an interesting topic around here. Thanks.

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