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Tags: animals, yoga films, Yoga video
Every few thousand years, a good book comes along:
Before written language, teachings were passed to the next generation by the chanting and memorization of short soundbites called sutras. Sutra means a thread, it's where our word suture comes from.
The teachings were sacred, secret, and for the priviledged classes.
Patanjali, often called the father of classical yoga was the first known person to gather the knowledge of Yoga and write it down, penning The Yoga Sutras over two thousand years ago. I can imagine at the time this was quite blasphemous, to break from tradition and write down the secret teachings. He was a radical – our kind of guy.
Now anyone could learn the secrets of Yoga and liberate themselves.
The sutras can be cryptic, and were meant to be 'unpacked' through commentary by a teacher. In the practice of Swadyaya, we play detective, excavating the meaning of the sutra within the context of our own lives.
As your practice and understanding of yourself evolves, your understanding of the Sutras evolves. In essence, you weave these threads of wisdom into your practice, using them to help navigate your life.
YS II.35 AHIMSA PRATISTHAYAM TAT SAMNIDHAU VAIRA TYAGAH
Originally written in Sanskrit, there are many translations to choose from. When researching a sutra, I often have many translations open, gleaning an understanding from bits of each commentary.
A good translation to start with is: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Commentary on the Raja Yoga Sutras by Sri Swami Satchidananda. it is used in many teacher trainings, is well indexed, and has many stories to draw from. I love my tattered, drawn in, dog-eared copy that has accompanied me all over the world.
My current favorite is from Edwin Bryant: The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary
Nischala Joy Devi brings a feminine slant to the Sutras: The Secret Power of Yoga: A Woman's Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras
Chip Hartranft from the Arlington Center: The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali: A New Translation with Commentary
A Buddhist view from Geshe Michael Roach and Christie Mcnally: The Essential Yoga Sutra: Ancient Wisdom for Your Yoga
Desikachar: The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice
Georg Feuerstein: The Yoga-Sutra of Patañjali:
To learn how to chant the Sutras, check out Manorma's disc: Yoga Sutra Of Patanjali
To hear them, check out this video of Krishnamacharya at 50 years old:
If you add just one book to your library this year, make it a copy of the Yoga Sutras, the original 'self help' book.
What's your favorite sutra, or translation? Click the add comment link to add yours to the list.
Om Shanti, I'll see you in class.
John
Tags: book of the month, books, jnana, patanjali, video, yoga sutras
Enjoy this 1944 video of Henriques, Contortionist and acrobat:
Tags: contortionist, yoga, yoga films
Namaste. Thanks so much for all the well wishes and welcome backs!
I've been on a relatively fast pace since returning from India, and really felt the need to sit in quiet reflection. I headed off to Ananda Ashram for a few days of Mauna, the practice of sacred silence.
Arriving at Ananda is like coming home. No matter where you've been, the ashram always takes you back, and it's like you never left. I always pause at the old iron gates to set an intention for my stay. When I looked inwards, what came back was 'quiet'
Sitting down for my first simple meal, I looked up and there was the radiant Shrimati Kankana Banerjee sitting across from me.
She smiled and said, more as a statement than a question: "You're coming to my class tomorrow?" Before I could even think about an answer, I felt my head nodding yes.
Turns out that Kankana is considered the best vocalist in india and she was at Ananda to teach a weeklong immersion in Classical Indian Singing.
You can't always get what you want.
I was a bit resistant to this idea of not just singing, but singing all-day… I mean, I made my vow not to speak for 3 days, I was committed, or rather – attached to my plan.
After some going back and forth in my mind, I finally surrendered to the new plan, the opposite of what I 'wanted.' That next morning, I fixed myself a really huge mug of green tea and settled in for my first lesson.
But if you try some time.
Kankana played an ancient harmonium, and led us in stringing many single syllables into beautiful – swimming melodies called Ragas.
You just might find.
Practicing the Raga scales is very meditative, There's a true sense of surrender to it She leads, you follow, it's simple, beautiful, and beyond mind.
My friend Kamaniya said "I didn't see you leave, but you were gone for some time, and I saw when you came back into your body. You were different."
You get what you need…
At some point, hours into the practice, I merged with the seductive sounds, sliding into a peace I've never experienced before. Words don't describe this new threshold, so I'll not even try.
Three days of Mauna practice may have been good for me, but surrender to the new plan was even better.
I grapple with decisions sometimes. When faced with several equally nice sounding options, my mind gets all attached, looking for the 'right' decision. Is one ever really more right than the other?
I've got this great opportunity to study with my teachers this October. It will take some effort to travel to Ohio to be with them for a few days. Planes, travel details and expenses… but mostly, being away from the students I'm so blessed to have.
As I churn this choice in my mind, and type this, it seems I still haven't fully grasped this lesson that surrender is best. That things tend to appear right when we need them, and often not in the tidy packages we are looking for.
To make room for them, we sometimes have to un-make our minds. Have you found yourself changing plans midstream, how did it work out?
I'll leave you with this beautiful video of Kankana singing:
Next Saturday August 28th is our free Open Mic Music Night at Yoga and Nia for Life. And note the Live Music Yoga class with special Guest Tom Lena – 9am Sunday September 5th. Om Shanti, I'll see you in class.
Tags: India, mantra, mauna, meditation, music, transformation, vocabulary, Yoga video
A must-see video of our favorite Mantra preformed by a middle school choir:
They are singing Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu… The beautiful mantra I share with you at the end of each Yoga Class. It means:
"May all beings – in all places – be happy and free."
The melody comes from Girish's latest ablum, which I'm honored to have helped produced. You've been hearing sneak-peeks and early edits from 'Diamonds' in class.
Great news! looks like Danielle is coming up from Jivamukti Yoga NYC to assist our Sunday morning 9:00 4'th of July Yoga class in West Concord.
It's a joy to teach on all the holidays. Most studios close, and the mix of people coming from all over makes for a very nice class. We get our practice in early and have the rest of the day to savor it.
There's just a few spots open for the local Fall retreats… all the details on the Yoga Events Page.
Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu…
Happy Solstice – I'll see you in class.
-john
Tags: ahimsa, mantra, yoga films
Okay, watch this must-see video of the ross sisters to see what Yoga looked like in the 1940's.
(It's not as risque as this first frame seems…)
Be sure to keep watching past 60 seconds to get to the Yoga flow.
Be sure to send this one to a friend, and also check out the brand new Yoga Glossary page, can you spot the word that doesn't belong?
Tags: contortionist, yoga films
Watch this video of a 91 year old Yoga teacher who tangos in her spare time. Her philosophy is as inspiring as her youthfulness. A life lived in service of others. If you can't see the video in your email, got to my website and visit the blog.
Forward this post to a friend who could use some inspiration to get to Yoga:
You all asked, and we listened!
Danielle is coming out from New York City this weekend, she'll be assisting our 9am Yoga class this coming Sunday, and the Monday 4pm class.
Danielle is gifted at helping people find just the right depth of a posture. If you've not experienced her co-teaching, you're in for a real treat. Come just a bit early if you can, so we can get started right on time.
Looking ahead slightly, Our Open Mic Kirtan on Sat. the 24'th, a free event.. If you like Yoga music, come on down! That Sunday, the 25'th is Restorative Yoga, 12:30. might be the last of the season, unless I hear differently from you. Get the scoop at the events page.
Thanks again for all your kind emails and feedback, and of course, for coming to class! This Friday night I'm at Global in Stow, 5:45.
Om-Shanti, I'll see you in class,
-John
p.s. Two more interviews coming soon, Our Airbus pilot fellow Yogi, and David, the surgeon who just went back to Haiti to serve another tour in the camps. phew, wait till you read that one. subscribe to not miss anything, upper left hand corner. -j
Tags: Iyengar Yoga, theraputic yoga, yoga films, Yoga video
Namaste.
For me, Yoga itself is an art form, the multi-dimensional sculpting of a whole-life. I also have the great pleasure to know many artists who call Yoga their muse.
One of our fellow students is currently preparing a study on Yoga and Art, how Yoga practice can expand creativity and expression. I'd love for some our very-own artists and Yoga students to participate! let me know if you'd like to hear more about her vision.
Here's an example of living Yoga:
Aaron L. Jones, a local artist, musician, and very-humble yogi, has been painting and drawing since he was a child. His passion has been to imbue his images with the subtle nature of ethereal energy, and his latest paintings express this vibe. I've just got to share this video with you. He's painting Virabhadra, Warrior I pose with his music playing in the backround. Enjoy!
We're bringing Aaron's work to Lumina, where they will be on display, and for sale as well. He accepts selective commissions for custom pieces, and does Yoga portraits too! Now that's one great way to check your alignment huh?
Contact Tara at OmRachel@hotmail.com for more information about Aaron's work. Or talk with Aaron as he headlines our Open Mic Kirtan on Sat Feb 20th. 6:30 at Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord. I'll ask him to bring the painting! By request, I'll be telling a few stories of my India travels.
Om Shanti,
John
P.S. The next few weeks are busy, with a special Valentines Day Heart Opening Yoga class on the 14th, and I'm teaching the next few Saturday 8am classes at Yoga and Nia for Life in W. Concord. Kirtan on the 20'th, Global 5:45pm on the 26th, and Restorative Yoga returns on the 28th. The Events page has the scoop.
Don't miss posts like this, you can subscribe in the upper left hand corner. -j
Tags: creativity, transformation, yoga, yoga films
Namaste. Before I head off for travels in Asia I wanted to share what I've been reading over last month or so.
First off, our local teacher Jacqueline Ryan Brodnitzki has just published Awaken Your Inner Radiance.
Subtitled Four Steps to a Joy filled life, Jacqueline lays out a very-approachable map to happiness and vibrant health. The book is a quick read, though you'll find yourself marking pages to return to, I did some of the written exercises and found them thought provoking. there are insightful quotes, plenty of recommendations for good books to follow along with, and it's apparent that she's writing from her own experience, Jacqueline lives, and teaches this. Thanks J. I enjoyed reading your book.
Our own Elisa Davy Pearmain gave me a copy of her book almost a year ago. Why has it taken this long to review? Well, Elisa's beautiful book has 52 chapters, and she encourages you to read it slowly, taking time to absorb the stories. In our speeding culture, this is refreshing advice. Elisa draws from a vast array of traditions to convey wisdom of the ages, peace, and connection with nature, divinity, and each other. I took my time with this one, a story for each week. you will want to as well. Thanks E, It's been nice seeing you in class.
Edited by Deborah Bernstein and Bob Weisenberg. Deb and Bob sent out the question "What is yoga?" to a community of teachers, 300 responses were edited down to 46 that are published in this substantial volume. the spectrum of yoga represented is wide, and I appreciate the different writing styles. this is another book that can be read over time, taking time to soak up what's been said. Deborah lives in Boston, and does much work to comfort the families of fallen firefighters and disabled veterans. Check out her Yoga blog, and beautiful retreat center, Florian Yoga – St. John, US Virgin Islands.
I'm still working on Karen Dawn's fresh look at Animal Rights. I met Karen back in 2000 at the national Animal Rights Conference, but had recognized her from conferences in the past. She's been actively publishing the E-newsletter 'DawnWatch' for many years, alerting us to how animals are represented or more often misrepresented in the media.
This is a comprehensive, yet inviting book, intermixed with glossy photos, cartoons and a mix of philosophies. Chosen by the Washington Post as one of the Best Books of the year, Thanking the Monkey is full of insight from the well known, and the rank and file. Karen, thanks for all you do for the Voiceless animals. I appreciate your efforts, and will revisit your book when I return from Asia. Thanks for the tee shirt too !
Lastly, a film. I just received the film Dalai Lama Renaissance, I was able to watch one volume chronicling the conference between His Holiness and 40 of the worlds current intellectuals. Quantum physicists, talk show hosts, film makers and social scientists gather to discus the worlds problems and what can be done about them. The scenery is amazing, but what struck me most about this documentary is the incredible patience the Dalai Lama has when dealing with this collection of mostly-Western minds.
Renaissance has won 14 awards and is an official selection in at least 40 international film festivals. I'll let you know about the other volume when I return. Khashyar, thanks so much for sending me a review copy, I'll be showing it to my friend Ani-hla, a student of His Holiness this afternoon.
Be well. Om Shanti.
john
Tags: book of the month, books, reviews, yoga films
At some recent point, the word Asana, (postures) became synonomous with Yoga.
Asana is a powerful vehicle for transformation, but without the framework of Yoga, it's exercise, and the benefits are fleeting.
Asana is third on the eight limbed path of Yoga. It comes after the ethical and purifying principles of the Yamas and Niyamas. Ways for a society to live together in harmony.
You see, Yoga is much much more than the postures. It's a path, a way of life handed down from the ancients. It's a carefully mapped out way to end suffering and find liberation in our lives.
John Philp was kind enough to send me a copy of his documentary Yoga, Inc. to review for you all. John's film addresses the sideshow that our national Yoga scene has become, Yoga (asana) competitions, lawsuits, franchises, infideliity and sexual misconduct. Here's a short clip:
Major players have pulled Asana from the context of Yoga to stand alone as a way to make tremendous amounts of Money. Many of these major 'stars' of Yoga mean very well, but some have lost their way. How can you tell? look at their actions, and how they treat others.
Thanks John, for making the film Yoga Inc.
It has become okay in some circles to abandon principle, call anything Yoga and peddle it as a means to make money.
Last year a heavily promoted, major "yoga" charity events headlining sponsor was a Factory Farm. The factory farms are major polluters, users of energy, and they wreak unmeasurable suffering on all involved. The tagline of the event "Come do Yoga to save Mother Earth!" Huh?
Am I the only one who sees the emperor has no clothes? Do we sidestep the teachings, and the idea of Karma when there's money involved?
Money is pure potential, what matters is how you got it, and what you do with it. Are these teachers at fault, or are they giving us what we want?
We don't have to go to these events.
The means do not justify the ends. Each and every dollar you spend is a vote for the world you'd like to live in. Who are your teachers, what do they stand for? How do their students act?
if you are a 'Yoga' teacher, what are you teaching? are your actions and words inline? Are your students getting more than buff?
Live your Yamas and Niyamas:
Yamas: Ahimsa – Satya – Asteya – Bramachyra – Aparigraha
Niyamas: Saucha – Santosha – Tapas – Swadyaya – IshvaraPranidad
I'm doing my best to live in Yoga, I've come a long way, and have a long way to go.
In gratitude for this path.
John
p.s. Many thanks for all the inspiring emails and stories for the Testimonials page. I love to hear how Yoga has been showing up in your lives.
Tags: ahimsa, asana, niyama, patanjali, raja hatha yoga, raja yoga, yama, yoga, yoga films, Yoga video
