namaskarA VOICE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF ASIA October 2014

B.K.S. IYENGAR REMEMBERED TRADING FLOOR TO BRANDING YOGA Two local yogis share their experiences and Australian yoga studio owner shares his journey The pros and cons of establishing yoga brands in memories of Guruji ...... p18 and offers advice to new studio owners ...... p25 our modern age ...... p28

B.K.S. Iyengar, photo courtesy of George Dovas 2 NAMASKAR NAMASKAR - OCTOBER 2014 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Brave yogis are those willing to speak the truth of their heart.

And to act on that truth, even when it seems On the cover - though sickly as a child, B.K.S. Iyengar went on to be one of the most influential yoga teachers in the futile to do so. modern world. As I sit here, thousands of Hong Kongers have been staging a massive and, so far, pretty peaceful protest against Beijing’s announcement it will vet candidates for the city’s Chief In This Issue Executive election in 2017. Protesters see this as contravening the universal suffrage outlined in the Basic Law drawn up when Hong Kong was handed back from Britain to China in 1997. DRISTI - BRANDING YOGA BRANDING YOGA 28 Why yoga finds itself needing/wanting to brand B.K.S. Iyengar, who we lost in August, was well known for speaking out, and for trying even BIG BUSINESS 32 when things seemed impossible. of illnesses as a child, he nevertheless studied and trained Yogis need to be in the businesses of yoga diligently under Krishnamachary and other yoga masters. He healed himself and thousands of THE PRODUCT IS YOU 32 others with his precise and disciplined style of yoga. He wrote several “bibles” for modern Your personal values maketh your brand values yogis - , Light on Life, and, perhaps unintentionally, developed an early yoga IT’S OKAY TO BRAND YOURSELF 34 brand. But keep in mind why THE PURPOSE & NECESSITY 35 is probably the most practiced style of yoga in the Western world, and its Take guideance from the Sutras influence is felt in many brands developed by former Iyengar Yoga teachers, such as Anusara MORE THAN PHYSICAL 36 Yoga developed by . Keep the strong

The idea of brands and branding in yoga is the topic of our dristi. We are grateful to have six articles on this subject. Some pro, some against, some cautions, some pleas. I hope the articles SPECIAL FEATURES by Andrea, Azmi, Cassandra, Dylan, Lucas and Rand will prompt some reflection on your part. B.K.S. IYENGAR 18 Whether you are a yoga teacher thinking about developing your own brand, or a student trying Two students share their memories to figure out which style of yoga to follow. FREEDOM, BEHIND BARS 23 Integral yoga introduced to Hong Kong prison Integral Yoga is the style which Pernilla and Jacqui introduced to some inmates at a Hong TRADING FLOOR TO YOGA MAT 25 Kong prison this year. While down in Sydney, the story of MindBodyLife’s Phil Goodwin is Yogi’s journey from stressed-out broker to fun shared by Barbara. Liza updates us on the second Indo-China Yoga Summit held recently in yoga teacher China and Vinod teaches us about the benefits of India’s Ginseng.

In 2015 our advertising rates will increase by about 5% to keep abreast of inflation. We hope REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS KULA UPDATES, WORKSHOPS, individual teachers and independent studios will still find Namaskar a cost-effective option for RETREATS, TEACHER TRAININGS 6 sharing their messages with community. PHOTO ESSAY 14 I HEARD OFF THE MAT 20 Next year Namaskar will also continue to explore the possibility of starting a second print run AYURVEDA 26 in Singapore, or perhaps more cost-effectively in Malaysia. If you know a nice printer in either TEACHER FEATURE 38 country, we’d really appreciate you letting me know ([email protected]). CONFERENCE REVIEW 41 MUDRAS IN BRIEF 43 As this is the last issue of 2014, I thank all the contributing writers, regular contributors, BOOK REVIEW 43 advertisers, Angela, Carol and Wai-Ling for all your generosity over the year. RECIPE 47 DIRECTORY 48

Namaskar provides a voice for the yoga community in Asia and Articles and photographs in Namaskar are contributed at no ABOUT NAMASKAR around the world. The publication is an opportunity for charge. Advertising income covers production, distribution, practitioners on a yogic path to selflessly offer their knowledge, administrative costs and discretionary contributions to selected ADMINISTRATION Carol Adams, [email protected] learnings and experiences with others. charities and causes.

NEWS EDITOR Wai-Ling Tse, [email protected] We welcome unsolicited submissions, therefore the opinions Namaskar, is published quarterly in January, April, July and October. expressed within these pages are not necessarily those of Namaskar or About 5,000 copies are printed and distributed for free to yoga CIRCULATION Angela Sun, [email protected] its volunteers. studios, teachers, fitness centres, retail outlets, cafes and yoga- friendly outlets. Mostly distributed in Hong Kong, with 1,500 copies EDITOR & PUBLISHER Frances Gairns, [email protected] mailed to readers in 32 other countries.

October 2014 3 CONTRIBUTORS

ANDREA R. JAIN BARBARA PASSY yoga in Hong Kong and globally. Iyengar over several years in www.stillnessinaction.com Mumbai and Pune. She runs classes in London and teaches GEORGE DOVAS ‘Sanskrit and Mudras for Yoga’ for and trainee teachers. She is the author of nine books on Bhakti Yoga. [email protected]

LISA KAZMER

Andrea is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis and author of : From Counterculture to Pop Culture (Oxford University Press, 2014). In 2010, she received her Barbara is a Chicago-based yoga Originally from Australia, George doctoral degree from the teacher and writer. owns and manages The Iyengar Department of Religious Studies [email protected]. Yoga Centre of Hong Kong. at Rice University. She is also a [email protected] Lisa is a yoga teacher, birth doula regular contributor to Religion CASSANDRA KISH and writer. Originally from the US Dispatches on topics relating to JACQUELINE DIXON she has recently relocated from yoga in contemporary culture. Hong Kong to Singapore and [email protected] specializes in teaching prenatal yoga, beginners, and seniors. AZMI SAMDJAGA www.lisadevi.com

LUCAS ROCKWOOD

Cassandra, founder of Vidyaa Yoga, Jacqueline is an Integral Yoga currently lives in Paris, France. She instructor. She works in the offers yoga/surf retreats in Baleal, corporate social responsibility Portugal - Yoga Surf Sleep Eat. field and currently manages the [email protected] sustainability team for a listed Lucas is the founder of Although groomed to be an company in Hong Kong. YOGABODY Naturals, architect, Azmi changed his life DYLAN BERNSTEIN [email protected]. YOGABODY Fitness Studios, and course after a training in India. He Absolute Yoga Academy. He has a has been teaching for 15 years in KRISHNAA KINKARIDAS weekly podcast “Yoga Talk Show” Indonesia, Singapore and Japan. and other free online resources at He has studied under Sri Pattabhi www.YogaBodyNaturals.com or Jois, Matthew Sweeney, Lance www.AbsoluteYogaAcademy.com Schuler and Louisa Sears. An Ashtangi by training with a MOOSA AL-ISSA background in dance and massage, Azmi shares the grace of his practice and emphasizes stillness in the classes he teaches. He currently teaches at Sadhana Sanctuary in Singapore. [email protected]

Krishnaa lives in London. She had Dylan is a recovering cynic teaching the privilege to study with B.K.S.

4 NAMASKAR Moosa is Executive Director of SUE YEN WAN Life Café and Director of Just Green Organic Convenience Stores in HK. [email protected]

NATALIE MACAM

Ying has been a freelance Yoga instructor since 1998. Striving to honour, the mind body and spirit provoking self awareness to be in the present moment. [email protected] www.sueyenwan.com Natalie is a yoga teacher and leads Charity Yoga Treks to the VINOD SHARMA namaskar Himalayas in Nepal every year. current & past issues are at: www.Tigerwaveyoga.com www.issuu.com/caroladams PERNILLA HALLDIN

January’s dristi: Music in class

Vinod is a Hong Kong-based Ayurvedic practitioner with over Some things to think about for this dristi: Pernilla is a Hong Kong-based 20 years of experience. • The pros and cons of playing music in yoga class • Music in class - just a distraction Integral Yoga teacher with passion [email protected] • The right music can bring students into the flow of their for . She is also a practice certified Yoga for the Special Child YOGARAJ C.P. • Want to play music in yoga class? Pay your licensing fees first practitioner. [email protected] If you would like to contribute an article on this subject, or others, to Namaskar, please email Frances at [email protected] RAND HERZ with your thoughts first. That way we can let you know if another contributor is already covering that angle. Final articles are welcome before December 1.

Yogaraj owns Prana Yogam in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. He is the Rand is a wellness coach, business holder of two Guiness World developer and meditateur living Records related to yoga, and is and working in Hong Kong. trying for a third. [email protected] [email protected]

October 2014 5 KULA Updates

“Thank You Lunchtime Sacred Mother India” Space at SOL Global Campaign Wellness Non-profit Yoga Gives Back Every Thursday (1:15-2pm) (YGB) invites all Yoga Recharge your body naturally at communities in the world to host lunchtime at SOL Wellness. just one fundraiser class between Nourish your soul with chair now to 31 January 2015 to help Yoga, crystal and Tibetan mothers and children in India. singingbowl, and This annual global campaign (l to r) At the Kundalini yoga European festival at Chateau Fondjouan, France were meditation. raises the majority of the funds Rebecca Lo, Kaori Nakajima, Annemiek Burger and Chan Cudennec for YGB’s programs in India, For more information (852) 2581 which is now funding more than 9699 / [email protected]/ intensive yoga practises and Hong Kong’s First 500 mothers and children with interesting workshops on how to Kids Yoga Studio www.sol-wellness.com micro loans and education funds. overcome addictions to negative Little Yogis is Hong Kong’s first emotions and substances. kids’ Yoga learning centre. Space available in For more information Offering people a safe haven to Located in One Island South, this yogagivesback.org/tymi cultivate humility, going back to Tsim Sha Tsui spacious and bright studio basics and the true appreciation Suitable for all types of events, overlooks Ocean Park. The 2,000 AUSTRALIA of what we have in our daily lives. workshop, Yoga class, personal square feet space has a magical A truly transformational consultation. 1000+ square Evolve Yoga and fun-filled Yoga room and a experience for all including a feethall and 100+ square feet professional yet child friendly Festival group of 6 practitioners from private consultation room. cooking studio. 23 November Hong Kong as well as many from Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne China. The days would begin at For more information For more information The Evolve Yoga Festival is 4am with reflection, meditation, www.wisdomtree.hk / (852) [email protected] / (852) offering a diverse program with and workshops led by 5223 2963 25623688 / www.facebook.com/ six spaces covering numerous inspirational teachers such as LittleYogisHongKong styles of classes for all Karta Singh of Amritnam The Vichara levels, from yoga therapy to Sarovar, Guru Dasskaur, Guru dynamic vinyasa, and Purna Yoga Dev Singh, and Nanak Dev Singh. Spiritual Project classes from senior teachers at Development Central Byron Yoga Centre including its HONG KONG This project is in its simplest founder John Ogilvie. There will New Website for Circle form a tranquil space in the heart also be wellness and healing Shakti Healing Circle of the city for the community to workshops, spiritual HK Mindfulness Monday evenings (7:30-9pm) engage in Yoga, education and development and philosophic Teachers Take time out of hectic city life workshops, and purchase earth- sessions, energizing kirtan plus each week in an environment that friendly products. In the The Hong Kong Mindfulness activities for kids and a vibrant gives you the chance to just stop morning, the space is a yoga Teachers’ Network recently market place. and breathe. Through guided studio, offering intimate classes. launched its new website. Their meditation and learning how to By day, it is a community space purpose is to promote contact, For more information read different oracle decks, tune for like-minded individuals to exchange of information and co- www.evolveyogafestival.com.au into your own intuition and begin mingle, or browse through the operation on mutually beneficial using it in your every day life. Teeki and Hanuman Yoga FRANCE projects (including Mindfulness clothing range made out of Yoga) amongst those who are Kundalini Yoga For more informationinfo@ recycled water bottles, eco yoga teaching or planning to teach shaktihealingcircle.com / (852) mats and eco clothing for kids mindfulness in Hong Kong. Festival 9109 3354 and babies. By night, the studio a 3,000 people attended this annual place of education and festival in Chateau Fondjuan near For more information inspiration, featuring workshops Blois to share the amazing energy www.mindfulnessteachers.hk on meditation, yoga therapy etc. of love and letting go. There were

6 NAMASKAR For more information (852) Yoga on the Beach For more information (852) INDIA 2964 0338 28132399 /[email protected] with Nora and Indian Yogis Open Superfood and The Yoga Room Flex Studio National Yoga Detox Open 21 October (5-6pm) Welcomes Championship Repulse Bay Beach 2014 House Practise Yoga on the beach with Yamuna Zake 27-28 December 9 October (10:45am-12:45pm) waves, sand, sea and music. Free 12-15 November Dum Dum Rabindra Bhaban, I-Detox, Central of charge. Flex Studio South Dum Dum, Kolata A crash course to self care to kick As part of its 10 Year Anniversary start a new you. Topics covered For more information celebrations, Flex has invited This competition is organised by include why certain foods should www.yogaroomhk.com/ (852) Yamuna to Hong Kong for the North Kolkata Yoga Culture & be avoided to support the body’s 25448398 first time to offer her extremely Meditation, co-organised by natural detoxification. Upgrade popular and effective Yamuna® Labanya Yoga Training your diet with “Superfoods” and Body Rolling (YBR®). A master Why Do Bad Centre(Tribeni, Hooghly) and how to avoid common weight loss teacher and healer, Yamuna will sponsored by Master Rajesh of traps. Delicious and convenient Things Happen to offer a series of classes to teach Indian Yogis, Vietnam. This is energy snacks and drinks will be her unique method in which Good People? – first time a yoga competition in served and real life cases of different parts of the body are India is being sponsored by an lifestyle and dietary Talk by Swami-ji released by rolling over specific overseas company. There are five transformation and pitfalls of areas with a firm ball, to free the 23 October (6:30-8pm) categories for girls and boys common detox programs. The Yoga Room, Sheung Wan body of restrictions and separately. “Yoga Ratna 2014’ eliminate stress. Join Swami Govindananda for a will be presented to the For more information(852) 3904 talk that has helped numerous Champion of the Champions. 1072 / [email protected]/ people better understand life’s For more information www.i-detox.com/superfood- [email protected] mysteries and how they can shape For more information open-house their destiny to a more joyful and Prof. Prasun Gupta in India (91) focused existence. Aumnie Hong 9433379505; Rajesh Chowdhary Free MBSR Kong opens in in Vietnam (84) 1263685500 or For more information Soumen Das in Vietnam on (84) Orientation www.yogaroomhk.com/ (852) Mongkok 1267666504 and in India on (91) 14 October (7-8pm) 25448398 Aumnie opened their second 9748457798. SOL Wellness branch last month in Mongkok. Learn how to meditate and be Flex Now in Aumnie is a Canadian born, INDONESIA mindful. Offering you a taste of health and wellness inspired the 8-week MBSR programme in Central Ashtanga lifestyle brand. They offer stylish line with the prerequisite of the Flex Studio has opened a second Yoga wear and eco-conscious Conference in MBSR course of the University of location in Central on lower accessories for active and Massachusetts. Bali Wyndham Street. The studio mindful living. offers Yoga, Pilates, Xtend Barre, 5-10 April 2015 For more information (852)2581 workshops and teacher training, Ashtanga Yoga Bali Research For more information (852) 2271 9699 / [email protected] Center, Bali as well as a range of other fitness 0733 [email protected] / classes. Yoga classes taught by www.aumnie.com Marathon Yoga – Michelle Ricaille and Claudia Join Manju Jois, Prem & Radha Carlisi, David Swenson, Danny Maha Yoga Kirtan Night - Paradise, Eileen Hall, Nancy Saadhana2 by Yoga Mantra Gilgoff and a hundred members of the global Ashtanga family as 31 October & 28 November (7- Yogaraj C.P. the lineage is celebrated and 8:30pm) 17-19 October carried forward in harmony, International Yoga Institute, Prana Yogam, Tsimshatsui reverence and practice. Tsimshatsui Come and witness the creation of A musical chanting experience to an unprecedented benchmark of For more information open your heart and awaken your more than 1,300 different yoga ashtangayogabali.com soul. Free entry (HK$40/person postures far surpassing the for light vegetarian dinner). current Guinness World Seeking Yoga/ Records. Yogaraj is Director of For more information (852) Prana Yogam and the holder of Pilates Instructors Heather & Anna, the gorgeous co-owners 2369 6696 / two Guinness world records in Yoga Privates has been a provider of Flex at the Opening Party of their new [email protected] / 2009 and 2011.Organised by of private Yoga and Pilates location in Central, Hong Kong www.realyoga.net Tamil Cultural Association Hong sessions across Asia since 2008. Kong and Prana Yogam. They are seeking registered, Whitney include Detox Flow, experienced instructors to join For more information (852) Power Flow, Prenatal and special their team. 27362294 / 9713-4597 /9458- DJ-led Happy Hour flow classes 8242 /[email protected] on select Friday evenings. The For more information studio is fully equipped with www.yoga-privates.com / showers, lockers and boutique. [email protected] / (852) 65044280

October 2014 7 KULA Workshops

AUSTRALIA Sol Wellness, Central & Sarah Yin/Insight Yoga “Meditation is the natural state of being” Osho. Exploring Breidenbach Workshop with various different meditative 19 October Sarah Powers techniques by master Osho. Flex, Central This workshop combines the 17 January 2015 For more information (852) 2581 practices of and EFT Egg of the Universe, Sydney 9699 / [email protected]/ (Emotional Freedom Technique) Sarah will offer Yin and Yang www.sol-wellness.com to teach women tools they need yoga sequences and . to strengthen, empower and de- stress themselves during the For more information Tapping your journey of pregnancy. [email protected] / highest potential www.eggoftheuniverse.com/ For more information (852) portfolio/detail/sarah-powers with Taraka 28132399 /[email protected] Sticha Yin/Yang Yoga & 12, 19 & 26 October(4-6pm) Kids Yoga Julian teaches use to be present with Wisdom Tree, Tsimshatsui Mindfulness MBSR at Sol Wellness Instead of slavishly spending time Workshop with Meditation with in other pursuits that distract us Laura from what is important, vital and Sarah Powers 20, 21, 23 October (9:30- essential to our happiness and For more information 30 January-1 February 2015 11:30am) fulfillment, come and suspend www.wisdomtree.hk / (852) The Yoga Room, Sheung Wan Samudra, Dunsborough external responsibility so you can 5223 2963 Through playful poses, energetic Sarah will provide an atmosphere internally energize by giving for balancing the body, heart and yoga sequences and mindful attention to your highest energy exploration explore how MBSR Course mind through active (Yang) and potential in creative, stimulating, to create, control and manage receptive (Yin) Yoga poses as well safe and fun exercises. with Julian Chase as mindfulness meditation. different types of energy in our Starting 21 October bodies in order to develop For more information Central strong, flexible bodies and For more information www.wisdomtree.hk / (852) If you are stressed and weary www.samudra.com.au/event/ healthy, happy minds. Suitable 5223 2963 then MBSR could be just what insight-yoga-moving-into- for aged 7 and above. you are looking for. In a city like meditation/ 6-Day Detox with Hong Kong, tools that increase For more information: our ability to deal with stress and HONG KONG Michelle Ricaille www.yogaroomhk.com/ (852) tension are invaluable. 25448398 Hip Movement in 13-18 October Mindfulness-Based Stress Forward Flex, One Island South Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week Specifically designed to cleanse Positive Focus course developed by Jon Kabat- Extensions the digestive system and liver, Zinn at the University of Laughter Yoga Massachusetts in the 1970s. 10 October (7-9pm) and de-stress and detox the mind IYI Studio, Tsimshatsui through pranayama and Workshops MBSR uses a variety of practices meditation, the Detox also 20 October, 17 November, 8 and has been proven clinically to reduce stress and anxiety and For more information (852) instructs how food and chemicals December (7-9pm) 2369 6696 / affect the body and mind. In these free community increase quality of life. [email protected] / workshops, learn simple yet For more information www.realyoga.net For more information(852) powerful tools and techniques to 28132212 /[email protected] increase your positivity ratio and www.mindfulnesshk.com Osho Meditation de-stress. Starting with simple Pregnancy stretches and breathing to Yoga Self- with Sushma unblock used up energy and re- Workshop with Realisation with Zahira Gidwani energise through laughing, Claudia Whitney breathing, exercising and Andrei Ram 11 October(9am-3pm) stretching.

8 NAMASKAR 29 October-2 November [email protected] / Bobby Clennell at reduce potential for injury. Pure Yoga www.realyoga.net This year, Andrei will be directing The Iyengar Yoga For more information (852) Hatha and Raja Yoga sessions Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong 28132399 /[email protected] with the special purpose of exposing the energy system as the Workshops with Kong 30-Day Challenge entry point to realize and develop Shri. H.S. Arun 26-29 November the higher abilities of humankind. Bobby has been studying Iyengar Workshop with 7,8 & 15 November Yoga since 1972 and currently H.S. Arun, a student of Guruji Nora For more information teaches at The Iyengar Yoga BKS Iyengar, has dedicated his 2 January-4 February www.pure-yoga.com / Institute of New York. Sessions life to the propagation of Iyengar Kick start the new year by [email protected] will focus on menopause, Yoga. empowering and transforming menstruation, breast cancer your body, mind and spirit. This prevention as well as asana class Partner Yoga with For more information challenge allows you to take for general students. She will also www.anahatayoga.com.hk / (852) control of your physical and your Teen by offer a class, free of charge for 2905 1822 / mental health, and vitality. breast cancer patients and Claudia Whitney [email protected] survivors. 1 November For more information Flex, One Island South www.yogaroomhk.com/ (852) For more information Specifically designed for parents 25448398 iyengaryogahongkong.com and teens to connect in a unique way - through the non-verbal Assists & Myo- INDIA practice of asana. Learn fun fascial Release WildLotus with partner poses, breathing techniques and simply enjoy each with Sin Hee Patrick Creelman others’ company in harmony. McCabe & Brian & Rinat Perlman 11-18 December For more information(852) Campbell Samata Holistic Retreat Center - 28132212 /[email protected] 27-30 November Goa, India Pure Yoga For teachers and advanced Free Workshop on Each day will focus on different practitioners to experience regions of the body: the lower Somatic meditation, pranayama, Tantric back, the neck, the shoulders and visualisation, mantra practice, Breathing with the hips. quiet asana, and mudra, chakra The lovely Janet Lau will be offering and bandha practice. Bhavatarani Tang workshops and a Hatha Yoga TT at The For more information 2 November(3-5pm) Yoga Room www.pure-yoga.com / For more information Wisdom Tree, Tsimshatsui [email protected] www.pure-yoga.com / Rediscover the power of breath [email protected] and enjoy life with full vitality, joy Living our Yoga Balance & Cleanse andconfidence. Workshop with with Chakras by SINGAPORE Integrity & For more Janet Lau Michelle Ricaille informationwww.wisdomtree.hk 8-9 November (10:30am-7:00pm) Intelligence with / (852) 5223 2963 Experience the joy of Yin-Yang 6-7 December Flex, One Island South Yoga, explore the Yoga Sutras Chris Kummer Full Moon and learn to apply these teachings Part of Michelle’s Classical 10-12 October in our everyday busy city life. Hatha , Pure Yoga these lectures are open to anyone Healing Evening Gain a deeper understanding of 6 November(6-8pm) For more information wanting to go beyond the physical your personal abilities and the Sol Wellness, Central www.yogaroomhk.com/ (852) state and tap into the energetic things that make you unique. fields in the body . Experience healing with Sekhem, 25448398 Each class will enrich and benefit Singing Bowls, Meditation, Yuen your health and well-being. method and be grounded. For more information(852) Therapeutic Yoga 28132212 /[email protected] For more information For more information (852) 2581 & Fascia Release www.pure-yoga.com / 9699 / [email protected]/ with Lydia Lui Pilates for Yogis [email protected] www.sol-wellness.com 9,16&23 November (3-5:30pm) with Heather Hands-on Wisdom Tree, Tsimshatsui Thomas Shalabi Wall Ropes for Understand your spine in a Adjustments with deeper level and how it relates to 13 December Shoulders & Prep Flex, Central your body movement with DIY Chuck Miller for Inversion fascia release technique. Using the Pilates Allegro 22-24 October 7 November (7-9pm) machine, this workshop focuses Pure Yoga on shoulder girdle and pelvic IYI Studio, Tsimshatsui For more information Explore the art of hands-on www.yogatherapyhongkong.com stability, as well as core control adjustments as a form of For more information (852) to improve standing , communication to deepen both weight bearing in the joints, and 2369 6696 / your own knowledge and

October 2014 9 experience of asana practice. KULA For more information www.pure-yoga.com / [email protected] Teacher Breath Roots Core Trainings with Chuck Miller 24-26 October Pure Yoga Using knowledge from the study of classic, sacred texts, as well as years of practical experience, to seek a simple, essential, core understanding of this ancient and HONG KONG profound practice. 50-hr Basic Yin For more information Yoga TT with www.pure-yoga.com / U.S.-based Patrick Beach will be teaching at Lullaby Yoga in Thailand [email protected] Victor Chng 1-6 November while practicing contraction and Explore healthy movement in is a unique approach to Yoga Self- extension backbends by Yoga and in life with this Yoga practice that works on developing a conscious and wise bestselling author of “Yoga as Realisation releasing fascia tensions in the backbend practice. Perfect for Therapy.” body. It focuses on the pelvis by Immersion with teachers and students alike. releasing tension and tightness For more information Andrei Ram around the hips and lower back, For more information www.withinspace.com 5-9 November all other areas of your body will www.withinspace.com Pure Yoga start to open. Andrei will be directing Hatha The Blossoming of and Raja Yoga sessions with the Mantra & Yoga Freedom with For more information purpose of exposing the energy with Rachel Tsai www.studio-bliss-hk.com system as the entry point to Doug Keller 21-23 November realize and develop the higher 24-25 January Pure Yoga, Taipei The Foundation- abilities of humankind. Space Yoga, Taipei Explore the practice of sound and Expand the energy behind our Preparing to breath. Mornings for asana/ For more information individuality in this very practical pranayama, and afternoons for Teach: 200-hr TT www.pure-yoga.com / workshop. mantra in the tantric tradition. [email protected] with Patrick For more information For more information Creelman TAIWAN www.withinspace.com www.pure-yoga.com / 13-23 November &5-15 February Balance Your [email protected] THAILAND 2015 Nervous System Optimal Pure Yoga Inversion and This training is a time tested Workshop with Musculoskeletal Flow Workshop program with graduates Hart Lazer Health with Steve currently teaching in major with Patrick studios all over the world and has 15-16 November Maxwell proven to be a professional step Space Yoga, Taipei Beach 9–14 December towards being a fully accredited With a career in counselling and 8-9 November Space Yoga, Taipei Yoga teacher and a huge leap into over 25 years as a Yoga teacher Lullaby Yoga Studio, Sathorn As one of the top 100 trainers your own empowerment. and practitioner, Hart will focus Bangkok named by Men’s Journal, Steve on how to retrain and balance the has over four decades of For more information nervous system to better cope Session 1- Art of Inversion, experience in physical wellness, www.pure-yoga.com / with the various symptoms that Session 2 - Flow Class, Session 3- culminating in his unique synergy [email protected] arise from tchronic pain, anxiety, . of various disciplines of Yoga and depression, stress and trauma. physical fitness. For more information (662) Kuchipudi TT For more information 6777470-1 / info@lullaby- For more information with Hari Om www.withinspace.com yoga.com www.withinspace.com 14-15 November Pure Yoga Deepen & Refine A Therapeutic Eye Learn the basic steps (across Your Backbends traditions), jatis, songs, in Yoga with Doug exploring choreography of with Hart Lazer Keller traditional items with jatis and 17-20 November teaching mock classes. Deepen 26-30 January Space Yoga, Taipei the study of the themes of learnt Space Yoga, Taipei Learn to find freedom and ease

10 NAMASKAR items, lyrics of the items, slokas, array of students through Hatha is demanding, both emotionally Advanced Hatha hasta mudras (with slokas), ashta and Vinyasa sub-styles. and physically. vidha nayikas, nava rasas, slokas TT Level 1& 2 and many more theoretical For more information For more information 9 January-1 February2015 (1) aspects which are essential to www.pure-yoga.com / www.pure-yoga.com / 27 February-22 March 2015 (2) practitioners of the dance form. [email protected] [email protected] The aim is to challenge practitioners to advance in their For more information 200-hr Yoga & Karma Yoga 200- practice by exploring the limits of www.pure-yoga.com / their body and overcoming them, [email protected] Ayurveda TT with Hour TT as well as to develop their Mas Vidal Life Management Yoga Centre knowledge of the body in order to Tsimshatsui better understand every joint and Fit Flow Yoga TT 2-8 February & 6-12 April 2015 This is a comprehensive training muscle nuance in the poses. Pure Yoga with Briohny & program offered by LYMC, Hong This programme unites both Kong and , For more information Dice sciences into an authentic India. Includes asanas, www.anahatayoga.com.hk / (852) 29 November-3 December teaching approach and lifestyle pranayama, anatomy, kriyas, 2905 1822 / Pure Yoga training course. Teaches how philosophy, meditation, stress [email protected] This 45-hour course will train Yoga and Ayurveda are practised and health management. As well you in the advanced teachings of together to create the perfect as a free option to attend the the Fit Flow style of Yoga. balance of practical wisdom and 200-hr Yoga & seven-dayhealth camp at The Briohny and Dice will guide you spirituality. Yoga Institute, India. The course Ayurveda TT with into your role as teacher with the can be completed from three knowledge and open-heartedness For more information Mas Vidal months to one year. it takes to teach a dynamic and www.pure-yoga.com / 25-31 January & 29 March-4 fun Fit Flow class. [email protected] For more information April 2015 [email protected] / (852) 2191 Pure Yoga This programme unites both 9651 / yoga.org.hk sciences into an authentic SINGAPORE teaching approach and lifestyle training course. Teaches how Universal Yoga Yoga and Ayurveda are practised TT Parts 1 & 2 together to create the perfect balance of practical wisdom and with Andrey spirituality. Lappa For more information 18 November-7 December www.pure-yoga.com / Pure Yoga [email protected] Designed for all practitioners who seek a deeper understanding of the ancient path of Yoga, Roots of Hatha regardless of their background Yoga TT with or practice style. Participants will come away with a profound Arun Rana & understanding of their personal Prakash Singh practice, as well as the skills required to effectively teach a Bisht wide array of students through 2-8 March 2015 Hatha and Vinyasa sub-styles. Pure Yoga This training course aims to For more information provide a supportive www.pure-yoga.com / environment to learn and grow as Patrick Creelman leads his popular TT in November and February [email protected] a confident, nurturing teacher for all aspiring students. Each For more information Transformation 200-hr Yoga TT class will consist of self/physical www.pure-yoga.com / adjustment, demonstrations, [email protected] with Samrat Certificate Course clear instructions and feedback 28 November-7 March 2015 to deepen your experience of the Dasgupta Anahata Yoga, Central practice. Universal Yoga 3 April-17 May An open-level training TT Part 1 with Pure Yoga programme, suitable for those For more information This 200-hour training is about who have never done Yoga before www.pure-yoga.com / Andrey Lappa learning through practice and as well as those who have put in [email protected] 3-14 January 2015 strongly adheres to an years of practice. Pure Yoga experiential approach to learning. TAIWAN Participants will come away with Involves developing discipline For more information Pre & Post-natal a profound understanding of through practices and rituals to www.anahatayoga.com.hk / (852) their personal practice, and the discover a deeper understanding 2905 1822 / Yoga TT with skills required to teach a wide of who you are. This programme [email protected]

October 2014 11 Samantha Chan For more information (66) 825467995 / 13-22 October KULA [email protected] / Pure Yoga, Taipei www.teachertraining. This training offers an in-depth wiselivingyoga.com Retreats review of the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, labour and birth. Trainees will gain Lullaby Yoga extensive experience with asanas Vinyasa 200-hr well suited to pregnant women and a thorough understanding of TT contra-indications during 17 January-3 May 2015 pregnancy. Learn not only to create safe and inspiring yoga classes but deepen For more information your own personal practice as www.pure-yoga.com / well. Includes anatomy, [email protected] philosophy, sequencing, assisting, business aspects, Thai Universal Yoga massage and more.

TT Part 1 & 3 with For more information Andrey Lappa +662.677.7470-1 / info@lullaby- yoga.com 8-30 December www.lullaby-yoga.com Pure Yoga, Taipei Designed for all practitioners who seek a deeper understanding Women’s of the ancient path of Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga TT regardless of their background or practice style. Participants with Lorraine will come away with a profound Taylor Byron Yoga’s John Ogilvie leads an immersion & retreat with Judy Krupp in November & understanding of their personal December 18 January-14 February practice, as well as the skills For more information required to effectively teach a Neshima Yoga Retreat Center, AUSTRALIA www.byronyoga.com wide array of students through Koh Phangan Join Lorraine Taylor and guest Hatha and Vinyasa sub-styles. Masterclass with teachers, Narajani - Voice Work John Ogilvie & Byron Bay New For more information & Kirtan, Simone Mackay - , Ananta Kranti - Satsang, in Year Wellness www.pure-yoga.com / Judy Krupp [email protected] this uniquely designed course 29 November-4 December Retreat just for women. Purna Retreat Centre 27 December-3 January 2015 THAILAND This residential immersion is This retreat is designed to For more information held on the outskirts of beautiful facilitate a letting go of the old Pre & Post-Natal www.LorraineTaylorYoga.com / Byron Bay and is suitable for the and to establish a wellness (668) 9593 4789 / 339 23759 / Yoga TT advanced Yoga practitioner and program for the new year. The [email protected] 6-12 October Yoga teachers. Each day includes schedule offers Yoga, meditation, Lullaby Yoga, Bangkok two three-hour workshops plus spa treatments, beach walks, The training will be held at 200-hour Anusara meditation classes, philosophy sessions on nutrition and Metropolitan Hotel on Sathorn. Yoga Immersion workshops and wellness wellness, philosophical Space is limited to 15 participants sessions.John and Judy have workshops plus time to relax by only. & TT with Jonas both been teaching for 30 years. the mineral salt swimming pool. Westring For more information (662) For more 6777470-1 / info@lullaby- 1 February-8 March 2015 informationwww.byronyoga.com yoga.com Chiang Mai To explore and deepen one’s INDIA personal practice while covering 200-hour Yoga TT key fundamental Anusara Yoga Purple Valley 26 October-21 November; 30 principles.Addressing various Yoga Retreat with November-26 December; topics and a clear methodology 4 January-30 January; 8 for effective and Maria Boox February-March 2015 transformational Yoga teaching. Goa Wise Living Yoga Academy, 25 October-8 November Chiang Mai For more information Swede-born Maria is an The Academy provides an www.shantaya.org authorised Ashtanga Yoga “Ashram-like” environment, ideal teacher She met Sri K Pattabhi for the full immersion experience Jois in 1996 and found her true in traditional Yoga studies. All path of Yoga in Mysore and programs are residential and Judy Krupp will join John Ogilvie in co- obtained authorization to teach include vegetarian meals.. teaching a week-long immersion Down the intermediate series. Maria Under

12 NAMASKAR Meditation, and Classical Music, smoothie by the pool. Do yoga to simple, food will be vegetarian at one of the world’s finest funky house music, inhale that and wholesome. Shreyas Yoga Retreat. Most crisp mountain air and get in transformation of all, you will get touch with nature through For more information to spend one night with the permaculture gardening. www.wisdomtree.hk / (852) children at Deenabandhu Trust 5223 2963 Home, a spiritual haven for 100 For more information orphaned children, which Yoga www.meetup.com/Yogi- Vinyasa Yoga & Gives back supports. Nomads/events/204088362/ Tibetan For more information Anchoring a New - A Pilgrimage to yogagivesback.org/tymi gatewaytoindiatravel.com/trips- Beginning Retreat Nepal to-india/pilgrimage-to-the- with Shubhraji 2-12 March 2015 heart-of-yoga Kathmandu Valley 29 January-1 February Includes Vinyasa Yoga, sitting Desa Seni, Canggu, Bali INDONESIA and loving kindness meditation, A weekend of insights, meditative Buddhist teachings and plenty of Maria Boox will be at Purple Valley Dylan Bernstein practises and effective tools to teaching Ashtanga for six weeks time to roam the valley, explore anchor transformational changes in Bali - Celebrate and experience local traditions in your life. Includes spiritual has also studied with BKS “Winter” and sites. Iyengar and holds a certification teachings, meditation workshops 11 December-9 January and satsangs with Shubhraji. in Iyengar Yoga. There will be a For more information Ashtanga Yoga Bali Research Free Yoga classes and one free daily Pranayama and Mysore yoganepal.com practiceand philosophy classes. Center, Bali Desa Seni signature massage, Dylan will run daily morning cultural program, all vegetarian Three delicious vegetarian meals SRI LANKA Mysore at 8am and a special five meals and airport transfers. a day are included. day afternoon immersion over Early bird till 11 October Align & Flow For more information New Years, from 29 December-2 US$1,100 per person (twin Ayurvedic Yoga January 2015! Beginners are sharing) regular US$1,400. www.yogagoa.com Retreat with For more information A Self-discovery [email protected] / Rajeev Kahn www.namahom.org 1-15 March 2015 (1 or 2 weeks and Restorative booking) Journey with MALTA Ulpotha, Sri Lanka Yoga twice daily with Rajeev Anjan Kundu Yoga retreat in Kahn. Also swimming, massage 5-9 November Gozo with Master treatments, locally grown Golden Sands, Puri India Ayurvedic organic vegetarian This is a retreat for those seeking Dev Kapil food, optional Ayurvedic to learn more about the ancient 26 October-2 November treatments. There will be no science of devotional yoga. Gozo, Malta electricity, cell phones, Includes daily yoga classes Explore different yoga styles and computers, shoes or walls. (indoor and outdoor) and beautiful places in most invigorating massages. You will historically-significant islands in For more information swim in the ocean, eat authentic Europe with Master Dev Kapil. www.ulpotha.com / Indian vegetarian food, walk Explore caves, relaxon beaches, rajeev.kahn@pure- where the saints trod, get close to discover historic villages in international.com nature, visit holy temples beautiful Gozo and do yoga! Anjan leads a retreat to India in (Jagannath and Sun Temple) and November THAILAND connect with the devotees. For more information The Nature of [email protected] / welcome to stay the entire three For more informationwww.pure- weeks and experienced Ashtanga [email protected] Happiness with yoga.com / events@pure- practitioners are welcome to join yoga.com NEPAL Sarah &Ty Powers as their schedule permits. 20-26 October Holiday in Nepal - The Spa Resort, Chiang Mai Pilgrimage to the For more information A 5-day silent retreat with talks [email protected] Go Trek Yourself Heart of Yoga: A December (Dates to be and meditation practises for announced) cultivating the causes of the Yoga Gives Back nature of happiness through the The Christmas A time for revitalizing and Retreat Bali Yoga Retreat energizing during the Christmas four mind chantings and the four 22 February-1 March 2015 break, do something completely noble truths. There will two long Ubud, Bali Yoga sessions per day with the Bangalore 24-30 December different. It will five days of short This retreat is designed to treks in the captivating the receptive (Yin) and active Christmas is a time for giving, so (Yang) practises. awaken every aspect of your give yourself that well-deserved Himalayas, yoga asana and being through exposure to the holiday. Take that mental break mindful activities and art making, core spiritual disciplines of to aid in a transformation of For more information by living in a lush and unspoilt India—authentic Ayurveda, Yoga, spirit. Accommodation will be www.sarahpowers.com/silent- environment. Have a fresh fruit retreat-thailand-2014.html

October 2014 13 Backbends are said to energize and invigorate. They stimulate our digestive, cardio-vascular and other systems of the body.

Backbends are the perfect antidote to our daily lives, mostly spent rounding forwards, shortening the front of our bodies. Backbends are just the opposite.

Everyone can benefit from some backbends, but not all backbends are for all people. And not all people’s backbends look the same. Just compare the two photos below. It is unlikely the Natarajasanas of three practitioners from Y+ Yoga will ever look like Hanna’s. But it certainly doesn’t detract from the beauty of their pose, and, hopefully, won’t get in the way of their enjoyment and benefit.

So please take study the different backs on these two pages and celebrate the variety, rather than struggling to conform to “the perfect pose.”

Hanna in Natarajasana, photo by Vivian in , photo by Anwar Sadhana Anwar Sadhana

PHOTO ESSAY BIG, BEAUTIFUL BACKBENDS There are as many backbends as there are backs, each unique.

Natarajasana x 3, photo from Y+ Yoga

14 NAMASKAR Father Joe Pereira in Urdhva

Ursula Moser in Dhanurasana, Photo by Michelle Kwok

Cassandra Kish in Vrschikasana

Bhujangasana Steve Merkley in

October 2014 15 16 NAMASKAR October 2014 17 OBITUARY THE PASSING OF A GURU Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, 14 December 1918 - 20 August 2014 BY GEORGE DOVAS

In the very early morning of Wednesday, 20 asana and pranayama, the philosophical August 2014, Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, left tenets of Yoga started to penetrate into my his mortal body. At 1:30 pm on the same day life. As my life changed I started to he was cremated in Pune in the presence of understand why BKS Iyengar would family, students and admirers. say “alignment is enlightenment”.

That morning, Prime Minister of India When I came to Iyengar Yoga, some 15 years Narendra Modi, condoled the death of ago, I quickly became aware of BKS Yogacharya BKS Iyengar on twitter: “I am Iyengar’s genius and how rare a teacher he deeply saddened to know about Yogacharya was in this world. As I studied Iyengar Yoga, BKS Iyengar’s demise and offer my senior teachers would recount stories of his condolences to his followers all over the teaching, his intensives and demonstrations world. Generations will remember B.K.S. given around the world in the “early days”. Iyengar as a fine guru, scholar and a stalwart These stories reflected Guruji’s insight into who brought yoga into the lives of many people, his masterful teaching and his deep across the world.” understanding of the Self . Up until this point, I had not met him, yet my reverence At the time I was in France attending an for him was immense. Iyengar Yoga intensive led by Sricharan Faeq Biria (one of BKS Iyengar’s long time Then came my first trip to Pune in 2004. I disciples). As I awoke, I heard of Guruji’s went to attend the 5-day Yoga-Sadhana passing. I headed to the practice hall and sat workshop by in conjunction silently along with 70 other Iyengar yoga BKS Iyengar at The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong with her 60th Birthday. I hoped there would teachers and students attending this in 2011 be a chance to see Guruji or meet him, yet I intensive. Sri Biria arrived and led us through was deeply nervous about meeting him. What the invocations and morning meditation. would I say? What would he see? Then, he asked us to sit around the altar of With the tributes came stories of how the practice room. Confirming the news with Iyengar Yoga had changed people’s lives. One afternoon between classes I came to the the group, Sri Biria invited us to take part in a Stories were shared of BKS Iyengar’s deep Institute. Guruji normally spent the puja for Guruji. We chanted the Guru insight into the human body and it’s afternoons in the library which was in the Mantra 108 times. There were times during interconnected with mind and soul. BKS basement of the Institute. My heart the recitation that I could not chant, my Iyengar has said: “Though man demarcates pounding, one cautious step after the other, I throat choked with emotion. Others around body, mind and soul, it is impossible to made my way down the narrow steps leading me continued to chant, the sound and the pinpoint where they body ends and the mind from the main office foyer to the library. vibrations giving me the strength until I could begins, or where the mind ends and the Self Upon entering the library, I saw Guruji’s once again offer my voice and breath to the begins. They are interrelated and interwoven desk but not him. Captivated by the books, vibrations that permeated the practice hall. by using the string of intelligence.” mesmerised by the antiquity of the den, I The chant affirmed that “the Guru is spent some time exploring the library. After everything”, “the Guru is every thing”, “the What I have learnt from Guruji is how one, this, I made my way back up the stairs. Then, Guru IS everything”. As the puja came to an with sincere and honest practice of asana and just as I came up the stairs, I saw Guruji end we prostrated in front Guruji’s photo pranayama, can start at the body and standing in the foyer of the main office. and a pair of chappals (sandals) once worn by discover a mystical bridge. And I have also Guruji. This was my goodbye to my Guru. learnt that if one courageously walks along I felt a rush of emotion that was pure Since Guruji’s passing, along with sadness, this bridge, they can discover their mind and gratitude. Speechless, I prostrated at his more than that, I have felt tremendous even go beyond their mind towards their true feet. This was not something I had planned to gratitude for having had the opportunity to Self. This is the beauty of BKS Iyengar’s do. In that moment my heart, full of emotion learn from him. teaching — it is all encompassing. Guruji and gratitude, bypassed the mind, and I disentangled the Yoga sutras of Patanjali surrendered to my Guru. The sentiment of gratitude echoed around from an esoteric philosophy, bringing them the globe. Worldwide there was an to life through the practice of asana and In my earlier years of learning and practicing outpouring of tributes to BKS Iyengar from pranayama. Birjoo Mehta, one of Guruji’s Iyengar Yoga, I would feel a tinge of regret his students and admirers. Tributes also long time disciples, and also a senior Iyengar that I had not been born some 30-40 years came from teachers and students of other Yoga teacher, once remarked that when you earlier. If so, I could have had more years schools of Yoga who acknowledged his far do one thing correctly in an asana, other learning directly under Guruji. Yet, after I reaching influence in the field of Yoga. things can also become correct. My personal became a certified teacher of Iyengar Yoga experience is that this is also true in a wider and started traveling to Pune this feeling context. I found that with correct practice of

18 NAMASKAR abated. Guruji, even in his later years, was seeing her, told her she must come to Pune OBITUARY open to everyone. He practiced alongside us. so he could help her. And ever since then she He was available in the library to all of us. has been visiting Pune yearly and has become a teacher herself. MY LAST Even though he was not conducting classes directly, he never stopped teaching us. He Her husband Lal recounted another story at SMILE FROM was always sharing what he knew about Yoga. the Shradhanjali in Hong Kong. During one He was always giving. The more I was of Guruji’s trips to Europe, Lal and Shobhna GURUJI around him, the more I learnt from him. And hosted Guruji at their house. It was Sunday BY YOGARAJ C.P. this feeling that I had somehow missed out and Guruji had just finished an intense on the “early days” is no longer there. schedule of teaching. Lal, as was his usual Sunday routine, put on his golf clothes to go While working as a production manager for This quality of Guruji, where he treated and play golf. Guruji asked him if he could go Indian actor Rajinikant’s 2014 movie everyone equally and taught anyone who was along. Obliging, Lal took Guruji with him to Kochadaiyan earlier this year, I had the willing to learn, was described poetically by his golf game. As Lal played golf, Guruji’s opportunity to go to Mumbai. his daughter Geeta Iyengar on the day that he eyes carefully observed Lal’s every move. passed. She said “Like rain, he touched all of Later that evening Guruji gave Lal some Normally I wouldn’t be too excited about us equally.” important advice. Guruji advised Lal that if this, but this time I received the blessings of he kept playing the way he was that he would B.K.S. Iyengar at his home in Pune. In 2011 Guruji was invited to teach in China. develop back pain in the years to come. So It was a historic event that paved the way for Guruji gave Lal a small sequence of poses to I had met him a few times before, the last in Iyengar Yoga in China. At this time I had just practice. Guruji also gave Lal some tips on 2011 in China, when I was selected as a taken over the directorship of The Iyengar how to improve his putting technique. Lal volunteer at his workshop. What an honour Yoga Centre of Hong Kong. Fortuitously took Guruji’s advice on his technique and it was to be used by Guruji to teach Guruji’s travel to China involved passage also started practicing the poses given to headstand to the hundreds of students! through Hong Kong. Guruji stopped in Hong him. At the Shradhanjali Lal happily Kong for a day and a half and made himself reported not only has his back been pain free This time, I had hoped to receive his available to meet with us. On the same day he in years of playing golf, but after changing his blessings for my attempt at a third yoga- arrived in Hong Kong after an overnight technique according to Guruji’s suggestions, related Guiness world record - continuous flight he attended a banquet dinner we had he was able to lower his handicap! practice for 40 hours. organised in Hong Kong. Over 250 students and admirers gathered to be with Guruji. This story is testament to Guruji’s skill to I spent the whole night before worried about Guruji spent the evening with us — dining, see beyond what most ordinary people can what I could bring him as a gift. What would enjoying the cultural program and answering see. In 1954, the violinist Yehudi Menuhin, be appropriate to offer such a legend, I questions from students. having been taught by Guruji, presented a wondered. He received me at his studio in the watch to him with the inscription “To my morning, and I was thrilled to be allowed to The next morning before setting of for China, best violin teacher, BKS Iyengar”. Guruji’s watch him practice first. I offered him my he visited The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong teaching was so powerful it infiltrated into all respect and some flowers. After explaining Kong, blessing the centre with a puja, aspects of his students lives. my attempt to him, he said told me in Tamil answering more questions, and teaching us “agattum, agattum” which means “yes, go the difference between practice and In some ways Guruji’s passing feels like a ahead, go ahead.” sadhana. beautiful chapter in my life has finished, yet I turn the page and another begins, different Guruji’s assistant, Mr. Pandu, told me to It’s not easy to characterise BKS Iyengar’s but also beautiful. The story continues, the return later, and to my surprise and greatness in a words. The more I study and study continues, the practice continues. gratitude there were signed copies of “Light practice what he taught, the more in awe I on Yoga” and “Light on Pranayama” for me. become of his genius and insight. In the Light On Life, Guruji concludes “It is my profound hope that my end can be your As I left the ashram, I saw Guruji talking to At The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong, a beginning.” His passing has made this some other guests in the big hall. Our gaze Shradhanjali (which means offering of faith sentence meaningful, real and palpable. met, and he smiled at me. A smile that will be or tribute) was conducted to allow students forever etched in my mind, and which there in Hong Kong to pay tribute to the late I end with the words of Guruji’s daughter every time I roll out my mat. master. A similar event also took place at the Geeta Iyengar: “Only his body has ended. One Institute in India a few days prior to the one person’s efforts from inside out, changed the in Hong Kong. In India the students were acceptance of yoga throughout the world. asked to dress in colours as this was an event Nothing was hidden, from the time he began to celebrate the rich life Guruji had lived to practice, to his illness and death. Even last rather than to mourn his death. We asked the night he was telling Abhijata (his same of the students in Hong Kong. grandaughter), “I have shown you all these things, now realize them for yourself.” What Nearly 100 students gathered at the centre in he has given cannot be encompassed by Hong Kong. Teachers and students shared words. If a disciple is more developed, then their stories of how Iyengar Yoga had that person will understand. What can be touched their lives. Shobhna and Lal said in words, is that he was precious to us.” Chellaram attended the Shradhanjali in Hong Kong. They had known Guruji for a very long time. Shobhna shared her story of how she first met Guruji in London in 1988. At that stage of her life Shobhna was facing many difficulties and challenges. Guruji, upon Guruji, his grand-daughter and Yogaraj.

October 2014 19 I HEARD IT OFF THE MAT YOGA & RESEARCH IN THE NEWS COMPILED BY SUE-YEN WAN

HATHA YOGA MAY IMPROVE BRAIN ambiguous and because of this an observer FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS looking at the display could see it as either YOGA MAY HELP IMPROVE SENIOR AND Hatha yoga boosts brain function in older facing towards them or facing away. “We CAREGIVER HEALTH adults, according to a recent study. found people who either walked or jogged on Regular physical activity is important for Researchers from the University of Illinois at a treadmill for 10 minutes perceived these seniors, as it is one of the best ways for Urbana-Champaign found that practicing ambiguous figures as facing towards them seniors to maintain joint, muscle and core hatha yoga three times a week for eight weeks (the observer) less often than those who strength. However, a recent study conducted improved sedentary older adults’ simply stood on the treadmill,” researchers by British researchers has found that yoga performance on cognitive tasks that are said. The same was true when people may also be key to improving mental health. relevant to everyday life.At the end of the performed progressive muscle relaxation eight weeks, the yoga group was speedier and and yoga. This is important because anxious The term “dementia care” encompasses a more accurate on tests of information recall, people focus on more threatening things in variety of treatments, from providing mental flexibility and task-switching than it their environment. In fact, some researchers around-the-clock care to seniors, to allowing had been before the intervention. “They were think this is how these disorders are them to participate in activities that may also able to perform the task at hand quickly perpetuated: People who are anxious focus improve memory. Yoga and other meditative and accurately, without getting distracted. on anxiety-inducing things and thus become practices may be soon added to these These mental functions are relevant to our more anxious, in a continuous cycle. programs, as researchers recently everyday functioning, as we multitask and highlighted their numerous positive effects. plan our day-to-day activities.”Previous YOGA TAX: IS IT RIGHT TO TAX FITNESS studies have found that yoga can have ENTHUSIASTS? DEMENTIA PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM immediate positive psychological effects by Fitness enthusiasts are up in arms against a YOGA decreasing anxiety, depression and stress. new tax approved by the US’s District of Scientists at the Health and Social Care Columbia Council which has been dubbed the Institute at Teesside University in HELSINKI AIRPORT OPENS YOGA GATE ‘yoga tax’ because it taxes gyms and other Middlesbrough, U.K., published findings in If you are at the Helsinki Airport, you might athletic institutions. The council voted 12-1 the Journal of Bodywork and Movement want to visit their 24-hour “Yoga Gate” to get final approval to $10.6 billion budget Therapies. The study followed a group of studio which is located near gate 30. Offering for 2015 that included a sales tax on gyms, dementia patients and their caregivers who passengers yoga classes that help them relax yoga studios and other such institutions. The performed yoga during a six-week course. All and take the stress out of travel, this is one of move is expected to raise $5 million a year participants - seniors and caregivers alike - the airport’s initiatives to serve 20 million and has angered fitness enthusiasts. were more social and happier following passengers annually by 2020. Helsinki isn’t sessions. She added that movements were the first airport to offer such services. BAN SEX EDUCATION, MAKE YOGA beneficial for releasing stress and keeping Chicago O’Hare and San Francisco MANDATORY IN SCHOOLS seniors active, both of which are essential International Airports also offer similar Harsh Vardhan, India’s Health Minister parts of dementia care. Caregivers not only services, both named “Yoga Room,” while the stated that sex education in schools should had a chance to relieve their own stress with Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport’s be banned in favour of course content this exercise, but they also provided peace of “Yoga Studio” is a popular traveler stop- focussing on India’s cultural relations, and mind for their patients, who felt more secure over. All these studios are offered free. that yoga should be mandatory in schools. with familiar faces in the room.

SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY DISORDER? AUBURN UNIVERSITY FIRST TO OFFER YOGA MIGHT NOT HELP CONTROL TRY YOGA CERTIFICATION ASTHMA: RESEARCH Exercise and relaxation activities like yoga This Fall, students, faculty and staff will have Researchers have now found there is no can positively impact people with social the opportunity to unite in a group exercise evidence yoga helps ease asthma symptoms. anxiety disorders, says a study. They change setting to train and become a certified yoga But they added there is no harm in practicing the way people perceive the world, altering instructor. Beginning this August, Auburn’s yoga. Data for the study came from 14 studies their perception so they view the Kinesiology Department, partners with that looked into the effectiveness of Yoga. environment in a less threatening, less YogaFit to offer a yoga instructor course at a The research is published in the journal negative way, the findings showed. “We safe pace for people of all skill levels. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. wanted to examine whether people would perceive their environment as less SOLSTICE YOGA IN TIMES SQUARE ANCIENT YOGA HAS LESSONS FOR threatening after engaging in physical Over 11,000 people practiced yoga at the busy MODERN ENTREPRENEURS exercise or after doing a relaxation technique Times Square, New York, and stretched in Startups and yoga are two cultural similar to the breathing exercises in yoga. the sun to commemorate the summer phenomena that have become mainstream For the research, human point-light displays solstice. The yogis unrolled their mats at the over the past decade. There’s a 20% chance - a depiction of a human comprised of a Crossroads of the World on June 22. It’s the you’ve tried a startup, a 40% chance you’ve series of dots representing the major joints. longest day of the year. In the yoga tradition, tried yoga and a 100% chance you know Human point-light displays are depth- this is the day you worship the sun. someone who’s tried one or the other.

20 NAMASKAR October 2014 21 22 NAMASKAR KARMA YOGA FREEDOM, BEHIND BARS Two women venture into a Hong Kong prison with yoga mats under their arm & love in their hearts to share. BY PERNILLA HALLDIN & JACQUELINE DIXON

We rang the bell a the Lo Wu Correctional Ever since our guru Sri Swami Satchidananda But after a few weeks of practice something Institution at the border between Hong Kong became a disciple of Sivananda, he has taught shifted in them. We noticed how they started and China. A little face looked through a yoga in prisons in India, Sri Lanka, US and feeling more comfortable in their yoga small-glassed window. The door opened, many other countries. His experience and postures, how it was the deep relaxation security check, and then we passed another words from his book “Bound to be Free” parts during yoga nidra and meditation they 15 heavily-secured doors. An electric buzzer comforted us: most looked forward to, and how they grew sounded and then boom, boom, bang for “Don’t think that only you who live in this confident in their questions. “How do I make every door closing behind us. The noise was compound, between these walls, are my butt tighter, what yoga postures are good terrifying but the guard guiding us was happy prisoners. Everybody is a prisoner. Our own for my tummy, what types of food is good for and gave us a reassuring smile. prison is this body and our senses. We are our skin, why do we meditate?” imprisoned by them. We are imprisoned by our own habits. We are slaves to our habits. The discussions after class were some of the So, in that sense, we all make mistakes. But best parts of the journey. They told us the beauty of human life is whenever we proudly that some of them were practicing realize that we are doing something wrong, yoga in their rooms, sometimes together and we try to reform ourselves, correct sometimes on their own. One of the most ourselves. We want to grow better. special moments was when a lady from the Philippines came up to us after class and said “So, let’s think that the prison is not a place she had finally figured out she wants to do in to punish you; rather, it’s a place to reform her life - to teach yoga. She has seven more you, to help you with your own reformation. years to go, but her grandfather is now It’s like a hospital. Sometimes, I even go one preparing everything she might need to step further and say that this institution is become a yoga teacher. kind of what we call an ashram, a place where you go to do austerities in order to reform.” Yoga is such a wonderful way to charge our whole systems with energy. Breath is our life It takes a brave person and a broad mind to and in yoga we not only charge the entire The feelings you have the first time you visit a think of a prison as an ashram, to use the body with life we also charge our minds. We prison are indescribable; your insides are time and solitude of prison life for dedicated talked to them about feeling their body, we filled with such a mixed sense of trepidation work to reach inner happiness. Carrying Sri talked about the happiness we are all born and excitement. A thousand questions ran Swami Satchidananda’s wisdom and words with and how the state of the mind through our heads. We were about to meet with us, we started our journey of teaching determines everything. We saw the our first group of female inmates, some of yoga in the prison, but most of all it was an difference in their eyes, in their posture, in whom had been there for many years and still important journey within ourselves. their smiles. had many years to go.For security reasons we knew nothing of their backgrounds except In the weekly session of Integral Yoga, we At our final session we were asked by the that this group had inmates from Africa, started with some chanting, then moved into institute to avoid hugging them goodbye so Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. the usual sequence of netravyayamam (eye instead we held hands in a circle. We talked movements to release eye strain as well as about the support they should give to each What would these women be like? Would emotional and memory blocks), sun other. Before we had even finished they they laugh at our attempt to try teaching salutation and asanas.We always ended with jumped on top of us, giving us long warm them yoga? Would they be angry, bitter or yoga nidra (deep relaxation), pranayama hugs telling us what a difference this had hardened towards life? (breathing exercises), meditation and made to them. As their thank-you gift to us chanting; aspects of the class that the they gave us hand-drawn cards with a This was not what we saw. We met a group of inmates came to love the most. personal message from each of them. The giggling and beautiful overweight women all card was a picture of the guided meditation dressed in pink jogging outfits. They had At first it was hard for them to sit with their we had taught them. It was the most beautiful never done yoga before. We were a little legs crossed, keep their spine upright, to sit card we’ve ever received. nervous, not knowing what to expect of their or lie still for periods of time, to stretch emotional state and the reasons why they muscles that had never been stretched These ladies gave us so much more than they were there. But our nerves were soon offset before. For some the biggest challenge was would ever realize. We went to give. We by their warm welcome and excitement to see keeping their eyes closed during meditation. received in double. Giving is receiving. us.At that moment we felt confident in our Bodies shifted, eyes opened and closed. They yoga and what this could bring to them. were not used to this.

October 2014 23 24 NAMASKAR PROFILE TRADING FLOOR TO YOGA MAT Plus 5 tips for setting up a yoga business. BY BARBARA PASSY

Imagine the sour smell of sweat fueled by fear suspended across a huge bank’s trading room. Tempers flare as traders are whipsawed by markets moving like crazed bulls in a ring. Fear pumps up cortisol levels. Tension and greed shorten the breath and push blood pressure to meteoric heights in the world of investment banking.Jawsclench. Eyes burn fromstaring at screens all day.Necks shovedforward for hours at a time. These are just a few of the standard poses in a trading room.How does a finance dude shift out of the time-crunched, heart pounding, adrenaline-fueled world of trading The picture of balance - BodyMindLife’s Phil Goodwin into the inwardly focused, breath-energized, nervous system down-regulated yoga Bikram, Baptiste, , and John Friend PHIL’S TIPS FOR UP A YOGA BUSINESS business? Why make this move and what did are his teachers and trainers. Wade 1. The focus for a yoga studio is people and the journey look like?What lessons can we Morrisette introduced him to Kirtan and he being of service to your community. The learn from Phil Goodwin’s experience? rediscovered his desire to sing. He studied business plan might have a bottom line and with Krishna Das and Dave Stringer. profitability but don’t allow that to be your Now he refers to himself as “Chief Fun ultimate driving force. Officer.” But it was not always like this. Phil He and then partner made a decision. He started his career in the early 1990’s working wanted to open a yoga studio. He notes, 2. Understand completely the big WHY you a large financial institution, in Sydney. His “Once the decision was made and grounded are doing this rather than WHAT you are first stop was as a trainee economist—which into reality through committed focus and doing. That’s what people are interested in involved ground level research and long action my world started to revolve around and that’s what needs to be communicated hours with spreadsheets. Next, he moved making a studio a reality.” consistently across all branding, marketing onto the trading floor. Phil calls this — his and media platforms. “pressurized Derivatives” job. Being clear with your thoughts is critical. The technical side of things like business planning 3. Dream Big - Set your sights really high! He decided to move on and then traded for was learnt when I worked for the startup. himself for a year. He spent time in the South This was crucial part of the process as we 4. Understand your business by working on of France and started to miss the buzz of city had to raise some capital.” His finance it. But remove yourself from the day to day life. He joined a startup as an investor and background helped in these early phases of operations as soon as possible. Work on the Business Development Manager in the firm. his business. He opened BodyMindLife in business not in it. Review from a higher 2002. Surprises aplenty were in store for perspective. Don’t micromanage. Find your In 1997, his dad passed away. And, as Phil him. He described, “We really did not know “flow” be productive and have fun. said, “That shifted my thinking on a few key what we were getting ourselves into despite things. I started asking what I would call the our best efforts at planning. It was a massive 5. Have fun doing what you do – whatever it “right questions.” I started off by leap from relatively secured incomes to being is. As a leader you are able to inspire and understanding my mortality and quickly both self employed by our new business. “ draw the best out of people - students, asked who am I, what do I enjoy, why do I Since the opening, more than 500,000 people teachers, staff. Keep learning and improving think the way I do. I got very interested in have attended classes at BML’s main studio yourself is crucial. Understanding how your books on the mind.” Yoga came into Phil’s in Surry Hills. He opened BML in Bondi mind works through meditation is a big key. life around 1999. It was about the same time Beach in 2014. The world needs more leaders and everyone the Trading Floor closed down in Sydney. He is leading a tribe in some way be it a team at explained, “My partner at the time was Between the studios there are 140 yoga work, family or friends.. Learn the dynamics practicing yoga and she suggested I might classes a week and 50 Pilates Classes. Yoga of fun and creative leadership. benefit from it as I was still enjoying the styles include Dynamic Vinyasa Flow in excessive culture of the banking world.” His heated rooms, Yin, Meditation, Pre & Post What does he focus on today? “Today, the first class was not a great success. He walked natal. crucial decisions revolve around people, out of it before it ended. However, when his growth ,timing and tuning in. Understanding partner at the time went to the US to Phil explained, “BodyMindLife is the place when to work, making that work effective complete her training, he started practicing for international teachers to visit in Australia and when to play. Surfing helps! Having the more regularly. He discovered yoga made since there are 5 studio rooms at our Surry right team is a constant evolution and him feel good. Hills location. BodyMindLife can easily fit keeping the big picture in mind and holding 150 people practicing on mats. true to our vision keeps us on path.”

October 2014 25 AYURVEDA ASHWAGANDHA A perfect herb for the year of the Horse. BY VINOD SHARMA

In this Chinese year of the horse, it seems an appropriate herb to introduce readers to Ashwagandha. Ashwa, means horse, and Gandha means smell.

It is named such because the powder derived from the plant, unfortunately smells like horse’s urine! Another reason for this herb’s name is - if someone consumes this powder regularly, he/she can develop his/her muscle tone and stamina to that of a horse. Despite the name, this the national herb of India and sometimes called “Indian ginseng.”

Ashwagandha has a heating effect, is a bit dry, virya vardhak (which can increase vital fluid: semen/ovam), shukral (can increase the quantity of the reproductive tissue and improve its quality as well). Ancient Ayurvedic literature suggests this herb can help male and female reproductive deficiencies. Therefore it is very useful for couples who are planning to start a family. It is very useful for students too, since it has Ashwagandha, also called Indian ginseng a very positive and nourishing effect on the vital fluid. Regular consumption of this and increase oxygen intake through one’s The above are just a few of the benefits of powder can help to improve one’s memory lungs. Since Ashwagandha can burn/dry up Ashwagandha. However, one should and ability to express oneself. Ama (toxic mucous) fairly easily, it can be remember to take it properly for maximum very useful for the heart. According to benefits and to avoid any harmful effects. Sometimes, students find it difficult to say or Ayurveda, Ama can clog up the arteries and write what they have studied (particularly therefore adversely affect the normal For example: Vata predominant individuals during examination time). This could be due functioning of the heart. should take about 3 gm powder with a to nervousness or a lack of confidence, which teaspoon of pure ghee (clarified butter), is usually caused by a Vata disorder. Since Recent studies have shown Ashwagandha, followed by a glass of warm milk. Pitta Ashwagandha has a strong regulating effect due to its anti- cancerous properties, can be oriented individuals are advised to take 3 – 5 on the Vata dosha, it helps to rectify Vata given to cancer patients as a complementary gm powder with 2 gm cumin seed/fennel disorders very quickly. food supplement to check the spread of seed powder, followed by a glass of warm cancer cells and build up the resistance of the water/milk, with a little rock sugar added to For athletes interested to build muscles and patient. Ashwagandha can also ease the the warm water/milk. Individuals with increase stamina, this is a great tonic. negative effects of radiation and predominant Kapha dosha should mix 2 – 3 chemotherapy without interfering with the gm of powder with 2 gm dry ginger powder This is a unique tonic which is very useful for effectiveness of these therapies. and take it with a little hot water. the nervous system. It has a reactivating effect on one hand, while on the other hand it Research done in India shows Ashwagandha There are many tonics containing can relax and calm the nervous system as can help to combat stress very well and it can Ashwagandha powder/extract, which are well. This means if it is taken in the morning, also help to regulate blood pressure. available (particularly in India) in the market it will reactivate the whole nervous system Ashwagandha has an enhancing effect on the – these can be easily ordered through the and energise the brain, enabling the digestive fire and it also helps to eliminate internet. For example: Ashwagandha Paak individual to be sharp and active throughout Ama (toxic mucous) from the body - (granules, good for immune system, heart the day. And when taken at night, it will calm therefore it strengthens the immune system and brain), Ashwagandha Avaleh (paste/jam, the nervous system and relax the brain, and improves one’s resistance to sickness. good for lungs, blood circulation and inducing sound and refreshing sleep. Also, due to its antibacterial and antibiotic vitality), and Ashwagandharishta (syrup, Regular consumption of Ashwagandha can properties, Ashwagandha can help to good for digestion, reproductive system and regulate the pumping function of the heart prevent bacterial infection. virility).

26 NAMASKAR October 2014 27 DRISTI - BRANDING YOGA

BRANDING YOGA As yoga moves from the fringes of society into the mainstream, it becomes subject to the same marketing techniques as any other product. BY ANDREA JAIN

BIG YOGA BRANDS THE PRODUCT IS YOU OK TO YOGA BRANDS IS IT NECESSARY? RETURN TO ROOTS Yoga practitioners should You & your beliefs and The brand is the by- Look to the core values of Keeping the roots of yoga be involved in yoga values are your brand .....32 product of doing what you Patanjali’s yoga before fresh in today’s yoga...... 36 business...... 32 love...... 34 deciding to brand...... 35

28 NAMASKAR Y

October 2014 29 yoga entrepreneurs must manage their brand images in ways that make consumers feel personally connected to them.

The yoga world recently witnessed a seismic and services by being branded or packaged in audiences of consumers who do not want to shift in how yoga proponents establish and ways that made it seem valuable, accessible, use the traditional method for undergoing acknowledge authority. Throughout much of and unique. yogic training, that is, abandoning society for yoga’s history, proponents established and the isolation of an Indian ashram or seeking acknowledged authority primarily through POSTURAL YOGA out a proselytizing guru. Instead of relying on lineages based on transmission from guru to The second half of the twentieth century transmission through the traditional guru- disciple. Beginning in the late-twentieth witnessed an explosion of sundry yoga disciple relationship in the isolated context century, however, proponents established brands, and postural yoga brands became the of an ashram, most postural yoga and acknowledged authority by branding most popular. Since postural yoga systems entrepreneurs—for example, . In the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, the yoga vary so widely, let us consider a definition Choudhury, the late K. Pattabhi Jois, or the market came to feature endless yoga brands that pivots around the following recently deceased B. K. S. Iyengar—have built constructed and marketed for immediate characteristics but has no static essence or large organizations for mass marketing the consumption. center: it includes a collection of mental or easily accessible wares associated with their physical techniques, most commonly yoga brands, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS meditative, breathing, or postural exercises; and Iyengar Yoga respectively. There were significant twentieth-century it is believed to resolve suffering and to harbingers of yoga branding. The 1960s improve health, both defined in modern A PERSONAL CONNECTION provided ideal timing for the global terms; it often betrays a desire to repair what Today, most yoga consumers shop for dissemination of yoga, since it witnessed the is perceived as an imbalance of “body-mind- conveniently-located postural yoga classes British-American counterculture made up of soul”; and it is tied to mythologies about the that are open to the general populace and for individuals seeking something radically historical transmission of yoga, other yoga products, such as or distinct from the puritanical orthodoxies accumulating around a transnational mats, that are immediately available in local they inherited from the previous generation. community that has engaged in what shopping malls or through online retail sites. The 1960s also featured the lifting of participants usually call yoga since the The yoga market is wildly heterogeneous immigration restrictions, especially in the twentieth century. with various overlapping groups. United States, the United Kingdom, and Popularized yoga systems offer similar ends: France, which enabled yoga gurus and Postural yoga brands have become the most self-development through physical and entrepreneurs to travel around the world popular in the contemporary world in part psychological transformations. and widely disseminate their wares. due to their universalization, accessibility, Socioeconomic shifts were also significant. and ways of conceptualizing the body. The Consequently, the only way for the consumer The twentieth century featured the explosion market for fitness regimens, in which to differentiate one set of yoga products and of market capitalism where there was a shift improving the body requires rigorous self- services from another is to interpret the toward mass production and mass control through diet and physical exercise, idiosyncratic meanings that brands signify. consumption. Urban consumers increasingly has witnessed robust growth. Furthermore, Brands signify different meanings by being exercised choice when purchasing modern biomedical language has come to “packaged” differently. Consumption is individualized products and services and did dominate the way people think and talk about entwined with constructing a sense of not simply choose from a limited set of their bodies. Successful yoga entrepreneurs identity. In other words, the consumption of ideological and practical systems within a exploit these pop culture trends by yoga products is personal. Consequently, particular cultural point of reference, but constructing brand images that represent yoga entrepreneurs must manage their brand from a wide variety, including the modern dominant ways of conceptualizing the body, images in ways that make consumers feel scientific one. fitness, and health. By appropriating popular personally connected to them. ideals and trends, yoga entrepreneurs have Yoga entrepreneurs sought to disseminate successfully established postural yoga as a A personal connection with a product, yoga to the general populace transnationally. viable and even popular choice in the global however, is not usually enough to make it In an effort to meet increasingly popular fitness market. yours. Rather the consumption of products individual needs, many proponents began to and services almost always requires the market yoga as a universal and scientific Most yoga entrepreneurs prescribe yoga as consumer to spend money. The amount of system that anyone could adopt as part of her one part of self-development that can be spending on yoga depends largely on brand. A or his larger worldview and practice. In consumed in combination with other consumer can purchase a pair of yoga pants order to do that, yoga needed to stand out in worldviews and practices. All of this serves with an unfamiliar brand at the popular retail the marketplace among available products to make yoga attractive to large target store, the Gap, for US$16.95 or purchase a

30 NAMASKAR pair from Lululemon, a high-end yoga- especially prevalent in New York City where branded cups of coffee to carry with them apparel brand that on average costs US$98 organizations—most popular of which is into work. Consumers construct individual for yoga pants. On the retail website Amazon, Greg Gumucio’s brand, Yoga to the breakfasts suited to their preferences, and the consumer can choose from a variety of People—that provide donation-based yoga their choices, like all choices in consumer yoga mats with unfamiliarO brands for under classes are growing. Some yogis choose culture, mean more than just the stuff— US$20, or she can go to a specialty shop and brands of yoga that do not require a mat, grains, marshmallows, or caffeine—of the purchase a stylish Manduka brand yoga mat, such as Dana Flynn and Jasmine Tarkeshi’s breakfast itself. which will cost as much as US$100. And all Laughing Lotus, which has studios in New that does not include the cost of yoga classes, York and San Francisco, because those In the same way, choices in the yoga world which widely range from US$5 to over brands are believed to better signify the mean more than just the stuff—teachers, US$20 per class. And for thousands of meaning of yoga. spandex, retreats, mats, or studios—that dollars a consumer can purchase a spot in a make up the products and services yoga retreat or training in locations BRAND VALUES themselves. In the yoga market, the process throughout the United States, Europe, or In order to illustrate how yoga brands signify of yoga branding and the process of the even in the Bahamas or Brazil, with popular various meanings, I suggest the reader economic exchange of yoga commodities are yoga teachers and methods, such as Baron consider the following example of how this distinct, even though they almost always Baptiste’s Power Vinyasa Yoga or David Life occurs in another area of consumption, that overlap. Yoga brands are saturated with and ’s . of breakfast. Within a single household a meaning insofar as they signify what Spending on yoga is steadily increasing. In the variety of breakfast cereals fill the cabinet as consumers desire and deem valuable, and United States alone, spending doubled from a reflection of the various desires and needs consumers choose brands based on what US$2.95 billion to US$5.7 billion from 2004 of individual members. In the refrigerator, they consider the most effective and to 2008 and climbed to US$10.3 billion one may find a variety of options with regard accessible path or, more likely, brand to get between by 2012. to milk and fruit to layer atop the cereal. there. Each constructs a unique breakfast option by ANTI-COMMERCIALISATION picking each part to construct a whole suited Andrea shares this excerpt from her new The meaning of yoga is conveyed, however, to individual preferences. One constructs book Selling Yoga: From Counterculture to not only through what commodities one’s breakfast based on what choices Pop Culture” (Oxford University Press, 2014) consumers choose to purchase with money signify. A consumer who values health may but also what they choose not to purchase. choose the Kashi brand whole grain cereal Many contemporary yogis, in fact, oppose and skim milk. A consumer who values the commodification of yoga by consuming strength and heroism may choose the free yoga services and rejecting certain yoga Kellogg’s brand cereal box featuring products. For example, the yoga practitioner Spiderman. And the consumer who values can now opt out of purchasing a yoga mat convenience and social status may skip altogether or attend donation-based yoga breakfast cereal altogether and instead stop classes. Such phenomena are becoming at Starbucks for one of their recognizably

October 2014 31 DRISTI Practicing yoga and meditation had already been a part of my life and, for me, these WHY BIG YOGA BRANDS practices supported the non-commercial attitude. I sought to explore and experience ARE NOT OWNED BY YOGA truths. The practices were leading me towards self-understanding and self-reliance PEOPLE not dependent upon status or image. Most of what I saw in mainstream society seemed to (and why they should be) be leading the other way: what defined an individual were the brands, bands, fashions BY LUCAS ROCKWOOD and products that they displayed.

As the 1990’s dawned, yoga studios started to mushroom up around the US. Even though I continued practicing, I steered clear of studios, yoga clothes and magazines. To my In 2013, Chip Wilson, the then CEO of by my goal to share this transformative cynical but wide-open eyes, they seemed to be Lululemon, made an offensive public practice with as many people as possible. selling a branded image more than the statement about women’s bodies in relation teachings of yoga. But once I did venture into to his company’s yoga pants. Wilson was Does this mean you shouldn’t buy Lululemon studios, I immediately realized just how quick to admit he’d put his foot in his mouth, pants? Not necessarily (their pants are pretty many people were being helped, uplifted and but the backlash was swift and harsh. So- great), but it does mean we should celebrate guided. Because had developed much-so that just a few months later, he yoga people who take on business roles and locations and points of access, millions were resigned, presumably to save face for the actively support their rise so in 10 years time, able to find teachings and teachers that were company. the CEOs are people we know from yoga of service. class, not just from gossip magazines and CEOs say inappropriate things all the time, distant board rooms. Our global yoga community continues to so why was Wilson blacklisted from the yoga struggle with this tension today. Does the industry even after apologizing? Here’s my successful marketing of yoga degenerate the theory. Lululemon’s core clients are women value of the teachings? We would hope the and they’re yoga people, and they don’t like integrity of yoga could be preserved for the an overweight man who doesn’t practice yoga benefit of all, regardless of whether one is in talking about their bodies. I think it’s really a famous studio wearing a fashionable outfit that simple. Whether consciously or or merely under a bridge in some scroungy unconsciously, those students wish there old shorts. were yoga people in charge of the yoga brands they buy, the events they attend, and the The illuminating organization Adbusters products they purchase. made famous the proclamation: “The DRISTI Product is You.” This meme helped many By definition, yoga has always been counter- realize ad campaigns aren’t merely seeking to culture. If you didn’t like the gym? Go to sell a product, they’re seeking to indoctrinate yoga. If you’re sick of mindless, image- YOGA: THE the audience with a set of beliefs. The slogan focused fitness? Come to yoga class. If you’re reveals advertising portals (websites, TV disillusioned by the beliefs of your parents? PRODUCT IS shows, etc.) sell the consciousness of Yoga is all-inclusive and welcoming. And yet consumers to their advertisers. So in fact, now, Nike and Reebok, and yes, Lululemon the product being sold is the viewer– you! and dozens of other brands of all sizes are YOU jumping in to take a piece of market where What you This phrase also seems applicable to yoga and they’re not really welcome. its related industries. Advertising for yoga products often promises to embed a When I think of the future of yoga, and teach, what different identity within your consciousness particularly the business and brands in the – to create the feeling of a newer, fresher, yoga community, I get excited about teachers you believe in healthier you. At the same time, ancient yoga and students at the head of the table—not teachings sought to erase identification with Fortune 500 CEOs or mainstream consumer is all part of the transient body and mind. From either products manufactures. In our market, the perspective, a product of yoga is the shift yoga market, my hope is the community stays your brand. within your identity. true to its counter-culture roots, steps up, BY DYLAN BERNSTEIN and takes back what’s ours. But this can be a risky proposition. Without caution, the sparkly, promising yoga cult Early in my almost distant teenage years, I As a studio owner, product manufacturer, might warp our sense of who we are. We realized that I no longer wanted to be a and training school administrator, my views could even begin to believe we need to wear, walking billboard. I began to wear clothes are clearly self-serving, and yet at the same eat or say certain things to be included and without logos and invested in a good seam- time, I can see my practice and teaching defined as a “yogi”. experience is my advantage, not my weakness ripper that could swiftly remove pesky brand-name tags. Eventually this movement when I look at my businesses. I understand Thankfully, at its heart, yoga is not a specific gathered momentum. Publications and yoga students in a way a non-yoga MBA never image to be purchased or attained. Yoga is a organizations sprang up to further the will; and more than anything, I’m driven first collection of practices designed to reveal the commercial-free cause. truths of one’s self. For some, these truths

32 NAMASKAR may be physical (“If I strengthen my yoga groups, businesses or public displays of Thoughts on the abdomen, I can relieve back pain.”). For yoga (PDY’s, if you will). I trust genuine some, these truths may be more practice will guide us towards the truth and Branding of Yoga transcendent (“By watching, I realize I am keep us from being identified with the false. JOHN OGILVIE, BYRON YOGA CENTRE, not the body, I am not Gthe mind.”). But no So for me, the product is not you in the sense AUSTRALIA matter what variety of truths yoga reveals, it is not the collection of identity they are verified by individual, internal, assumptions someone might make when For us at Byron Yoga Centre it was a natural personal experiences. glancing at you in the elevator on the way to progression to brand our yoga style, Purna class. Nor is the product you as your Yoga, for two reasons: as a yoga school, once The blessings of the external world can be awareness unknowingly served up on a we had reached a certain level of development priceless motivators: we may find the platter for enterprising marketers. Instead, and began regular teacher training courses camaraderie of our yoga tribe supportive, we the product is you - the clear and multi- we needed to align the teaching styles and the may be allured by the latest daring yoga faceted gems of wisdom, pools of self- course content; and as the founder of Byron fashions, we may enjoy exploring the our knowledge that exist absolutely nowhere Yoga Centre, there came a point in my shift of habits into a different lifestyle. But except deep within. personal practice when I felt I had absorbed a these experiences should help guide us myriad of teaching styles which had naturally towards our internal practices and not away blended through my own direct experience to from them. The comforts of modern yoga create a distinct style. The yoga is a system can be valid, expedient means that eventually we call Purna, a traditional hatha style with lead to genuine practice. My concern is an emphasis on correct alignment and branding oneself as a yogi could become just branding oneself intelligent sequencing. another escape from actually looking inside to see what truly exists. as a yogi could In branding our yoga style I also wanted to communicate our system of yoga was not just I have come to realize everyone’s relationship become just stretching, not just asana. Purna translates with yoga is personal. Regardless of whether another escape as complete or whole and this is reflected in one looks like a yoga magazine cover model the premise we teach not just the physical or not, one’s internal practices can still guide from actually postures but also an integrated approach towards self-knowledge. I cherish my friends with pranayama, mediation and philosophy. who practice and receive insight, without looking inside feeling pressure to conform to any yogi I think our branding has unified the content identity, modern, ancient or other. I now on our teacher training courses, our retreats honor the fact yoga’s product is you, but only and our Byron Bay studios. It has created in one meaning of the phrase. clear communication for our students, a framework for our teachers – and some That is, I no longer cynically shy away from great t-shirts!

October 2014 33 DRISTI I have heard so much lately about the The problem with accepting yoga as a marketing, branding and selling of yoga as a branded marketable product is we have an product that I feel truly moved to write this. incessant desire to prove to ourselves and IT’S OKAY This is an article with real life examples, so it others that “we aren’t doing this for the is not for the weak stomached. money”

TO BRAND Why are we not comfortable admitting that The funny thing is if you are doing it to be yoga and you are a brandable product? We famous and rich, it will never come. On the hear many “self -helpers” speak about other hand if you love yoga and adore IN YOGA finding the thing you are good at, the thing practicing, teaching, thinking about you love to do, your passion, and voila, that is sequencing, music and all that is yoga, you Just start with your life calling. If you pursue a field where feel amazing when you are teaching, you have you can exploit your talents, you have broken away from the social beliefs about why arrived. yoga and have found your own voice. BY CASSANDRA KISH Author of bestselling book on leadership When you have developed your own ideas “Start with Why,” Simon Senik says people (like B.K.S. Iyengar, Patabhi Jois, David Life do not buy “what you do or what you sell”, & Sharon Gannon) then money comes flying they buy “why you do it.” I agree, our passion your way, but it is a by-product rather than and excitement attracts people and makes the objective them feel good. They believe what we believe and want to take part in our whirlwind of Nothing is worse than putting in a ton of excitement for it. effort to hone your craft, reach a certain level of expertise and you can’t pay rent, or send So the idea is - find your passion, find your your kid to the school of choice. I know that a why, find a way to market it and everything lot of people are shaking their heads saying you need will come, that includes money and “we are yogis, we should do it for the joy.” probably a fair amount of notoriety. Again, I throw my head back in laughter. And Finding the things you have an affinity for can I ask myself why do we desire to make people be the bugger. There are many who do their think we earn nothing and have no desire to time learning a specific field and for the rest be wealthy? Why would we tell others this of their career they stick to the rules. And horrific lie and more importantly why would usually their career follows the ups and we tell our selves this lie? And clearly our downs of that market. They know what they wish for poverty has arrived, given that less have been taught and they apply it every day. than 10% of all yoga studios worldwide ever make any money at all. In yoga terms we could compare this to Bikram yoga or Jivamukti. As a teacher Look at the yogis who are in the position you candidate you learn the dialogue, repeat it want to be in, see where they are, how they every class and you are assured success. The live and teach. The money they earn allows formula works, it is kind of like McDonald’s. them to do more, allows them to spread the I by no means want to imply this is negative, it word. So do what you love and all is coming. is actually quite positive. These two particular yoga brands have found a formula that is mutually beneficial for the student and the teacher.

I know Bikram has gotten his fair share of criticism because he doesn’t hide his fortune. The Jivamuktans as well have suffered at the hands of the critics. I ask readers, is this find your passion, criticism just? find your why,

What about the yogis who are also find a way to millionaires but do a better job hiding it. Shiva? Baron? Patahbi, did he die penniless? market it

MOVING FORWARD When I travel I usually take Bikram and/or Jivamukti classes because I know what I am going to get - heat, 26 postures, good instruction. Jivamukti is somewhat the same except for the practice is flow. The teachers are all trained in a certain way. Just a note here, both are branded with an image that comes up in your mind when you hear the name, they are both very successful and the franchise owners make money doing what they love.

34 NAMASKAR DRISTI painful. (Those interfering thought patterns are one of five kinds, and are either colored or not- YOGAA BRANDING colored.) Whether you find these delusional or slightly Necessity versus Purpose truthful, I hope they are a wake-up call for us BY AZMI SAMDJAGA to reflect on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras before we decide to brand ourselves or our style of yoga.

Branding may make us popular and If Patanjali were alive today, would he want 1. This is the beginning of yoga branding. successful in this materialistic world. And in the world to quote him on everything (Now, at this auspicious time, and after the hands of a marketeer, anything that helps concerning yoga? I doubt it. His Yoga Sutras, having done previous people feel good can easily be branded. So on which most of our yoga today is derived, preparation, begins the study and practice of how is teaching yoga any different than were intended freely for all. yoga.) drinking a glass of Champagne, staying at the 2. Yoga branding is the control of the Relais & Chateaux hotel, or carrying a Louis When he started codifying the yoga teachings impulse-waves of the marketplace. Vuitton bag? which had come before, into something (Yoga, or union is the mastery and palatable to the practitioners of 400 A.D., I integration of the activities of the Patanjali’s second sutra defines yoga as “the can’t imagine that he could imagine yoga mind-field.) cessation of all mental fluctuations, all would one day be owned, sold and protected 3. Yoga is incorporated for true wandering thoughts ceased and mind is by law. That people’s intention would be to entrepreneurial success. focused on a single thought.” It is hard to get rich from it. That famous brands and (Then, resulting from that mastery and believe this can happen when a studio teachers would fight to have yoga integration, the seer, the Self rests in its true manager is stressed running operations, trademarked in their names, and under nature.) students are anger not being able to book protection of the law, punish those who copy 4. At other times, when not enjoying business classes and teachers are upset that their them. success, the yoga corporation (and its colleagues are copying their style. constituent members) remains identified American yoga teacher and kirtan singer with the impulse-waves of the marketplace. Tempted by the potential material rewards, Michael Cohen puts an imaginative spin on (Then, resulting from that mastery and many teachers and yoga-entrepreneurs have Patanjali’s first five Yoga Sutras (original integration, the seer, the Self completely forgotten the basic, higher and translation by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati rests in its true nature.) ultimate objectives of yoga. Here is a simple follows in brackets): 5. There are different kinds of impulse- explanation from www.yogafestivals.com, waves – some are painful, others not so which I found rather helpful:

October 2014 35 a. Basic – to develop physical health and power of resilience stressing the purity of As a teacher considering your own the body by laying a foundation on brand, your challenge is to link your concentration; b. Higher – self realization in securing the brand beyond the physical, back to best, and finding avenues to give the best to himself or herself, society, and humankind; yoga’s spiritual roots. c. Ultimate – spiritual integrity in the unison of mind, body, and soul while thinking beyond the materialistic pursuits, which is actually the primary intention of yoga. had this diluting affect. With the creation and whether the yoga you enjoy so much is just I am not saying making money are not then differentiation of many styles from focused on commercialization and important in these challenging financial to acro-yoga, partner yoga, and physicality. Stressing only the gross physical times, but when propagating a style of yoga, the next thing - Zumba-lates Yoga (for nature of the practices blunts the running a studio or selling yoga apparel, example), the underlying spiritual and effectiveness of the teachings and prevents respect for the spiritual objectives of yoga, psychological aspects of yoga have been real progress along the path. whether basic, higher or ultimate, must be at overshadowed. the root of the brand. We must investigate this thoroughly for Most readers of Namaskar will likely ourselves: are the fundamental objectives of understand that yoga delves deeper than yoga clear in the teachings we give and increased flexibility and relaxation. In fact receive? yoga is a philosophical system whose goal is variously described as “communion with the We can do this by practicing meditation, DRISTI truth,” “realization of true self,” “union with mindfulness or another contemplative the Divine.” As teachers, it is our activity regularly. This is the core practice of responsibility to teach this to our students, yoga. Without it we lose our connection to GETTTING as well as the physical components and their spirit and become lost in the hectic, frantic purpose. This author has met many students pace of modern life. Only once we TO THE who are dismayed from studying yoga understand the workings of vital energies - further because the classes they initially including thoughts, feelings and emotions - in ROOTS attended were over-focused on the physical. ourselves can we show others the Way. Let’s be clear. The physical practice of More than yoga, asanas, are purposed to prepare the body for meditation - to be able to sit Thoughts on the comfortably in a calm, undisturbed, stable physical seated position for some period of time. Branding of Yoga BY RAND HERZ Once meditative practice begins, KINZIE, HK HEARTBEAT, HONG KONG the asanas merely serve to keep the body Brand, the word, derives from the American strong and vital so through our meditation, Connecting with a yoga teacher is very practice of the 1800s when cattle ranchers in we can deal with our energy: prana, qi, life personal. Some students look for a physical the West would use a hot branding iron to force or whatever you call it. While achieving experience while others intend to explore mark their animals. In this way, they a new and impressive asana is a their deeper self through a practice that will practiced what was then a modern method of commendable accomplishment, we shouldn’t extend into every aspect of their daily life. It accounting. They could keep track of their get lost in this pursuit for flexibility and is helpful for to students to explore practices herds and when herds were mixed, easily physical perfection at the expense of our with different teachers to find a fit. recover their own ranch’s individuals. cultivation of a compassionate, balanced and joyful existence. A brand is simply a name given to easily Today, branding remains a symbol of a identify a product or service. When we company or an individual’s work. But it has Many of the principles of yoga grew out of introduce a friend, we use their name for been heavily commercialized, and has become natural systems understood from a relatively identification. A memorable meeting a massive industry and field of study in and of simpler time and way of life. However over increases details around the memory of an itself. Entire teams of people are employed to the thousands of years of yoga’s history, with introduction. Advertising creates memorable hone a company’s philosophies, business and different teachers contributing their own moments to help us remember brand names. products down into a small single image. This interpretations and insights, there have is reductionism at its best. developed more than one way to return to Yoga teachers create a brand by being their yoga’s spiritual roots. Surely the nature of authentic self and using their name Often, in branding, the purpose and ideology today’s society demands branding to consistently. Whether it is the name you are behind the image becomes completely lost. differentiate yoga schools, teachers and born with, a name you were given, a name you They are washed away in the simplification of classes. chose for yourself or your studio, use it a concept. For the professional whose consistently in all of your communication. product has been branded, there is the As a teacher considering your own brand, Create a permanent email account for responsibility to hold true to the purpose your challenge is to discover ways to link students to reach you. Make it easy for your and ideology. Many brands, today, suffer your brand beyond the physical, back to students and colleagues to make from a loss of purpose and a dilution of yoga’s spiritual roots. Furthermore, to introductions. While the student in front of ideology. realize ways to bring the teachings to your you may not be a fit, a friend of a friend is classroom via the platform that your brand likely to be. When the student is ready, the In yoga, too, it seems the efforts made to provides. For the student deciding which teacher will appear. brand all of the individual styles of yoga has brand to connect with, you must consider

36 NAMASKAR October 2014 37 TEACHER FEATURE SARAH POWERS DO YOU FIND THAT THE CONCEPTS OF PRANA AND QI GIVE YOU DIFFERENT INFORMATION IN UNDERSTANDING YOUR SUBTLE BODY?

What the Indians have helped me called spirit body could be accessed through understand, in whatever simplified our subtle feeling body. I learned about jing translation that I have been able to discern, is being connected with the kidneys, which that the word prana can refer to the unseen house our overall vitality. vitality that affects us on the physical level, on the subtle level and on the casual level. So if I’m feeling somewhat spent and And so it can really be something that’s depleted, I can come to my yoga practice in a misunderstood if the people speaking about way that nourishes the kidneys best. If I am it aren’t referring to the same level of energy, feeling easily annoyed or angry, physically whereas with the Chinese system, they’re toxic, or have not had a clean diet lately, then really dissected the word prana into three I can target the liver channels in certain ever more subtle aspects: qi (vitality), jing poses. Incorporating the Chinese system into (essence) and shen (spirit). my yoga practice gave me level of energetic and emotional relevance to make each When we’re talking about how energy affects practice session more specific. the physical body, we focus on qi. If we are talking about the building blocks of the Excerpted with permission from the recently manifest reality, or our inherited published hardcover book “Conversations constitution, then we can refer to energy as with Modern Yogis” by Zubin Shroff. jing. And if we want to talk about our deepest Available through Amazon.com interrelatedness with the vast dimensions of being, then we could use the word shen. Sarah is the co-founder of the Insight Yoga Institute and author of Insight Yoga, which In this way, the Taoist map helped me to interweaves Yoga, Buddhism, Taoism, and expand on my understanding of the concept Transpersonal Psychology into an integral of prana. In understood shen as being practice to discover and enliven the body, connected with the heart, and that the so- heart and mind.

38 NAMASKAR October 2014 39 40 NAMASKAR l tor: Student/Translator, Father Joe Pereira, H.R. Nagendra, Manivannan Ramachandran, Marcia Monroe, Birjoo Mehta, Student/Translator

CONFERENCE that she took something so simple and bring across the message to students of what managed to explained the science behind it: the prop actually does. The highlight of this Why we jump. Why we brings the hands session was seeing demonstrations of how CHINA-INDIA together. Why we lift the elbows. the props can be used in basic poses as well as intermediate and even advanced level YOGA Birjoo Mehta, a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher poses. from Mumbai, spoke on the topic of SUMMIT “Balancing the Five Elements in the Body”. At the end of each day there were Q&A panel Birjoo spent the first five minutes of his talk discussions featuring the teachers who And the evolution of giving the theory that you would see in a book presenting that day. When I asked George if yoga in China about the elements. He explained where they there were any subjects that seemed to really came from, how they relate to the senses, and captivate people’s attention he surprisingly BY LISA KAZMER then he said “Do you understand?” Everyone responded that the questions asked were responded “Yes” and after a pause he said actually reflective of the fact that yoga is still Dr. Geeta Iyengar, daughter of BKS Iyengar, “Well, if you understand, please come up quite new in China and that people still didn’t was the honored guest at the Second China- here and explain it to me!” Everyone laughed have a proper grasp of what yoga really is. He India Yoga Summit held 7-12 July 2014 in and he then went on to say that for this elaborated saying that although there was Dali, China. Attended by over 1,500 people, information to be useful it must have still a large majority of people who didn’t this five day event at Dali University in the relevance to us and we must know how to have much background in yoga compared to foothills of the Cangshan Mountains of apply it. He spent the rest of the session the first summit, there were many more Yunnan Province examined “The Science of showing the students how. He used the mature practitioners this year. Some of the Yoga”. I sat down over a pot of tea with example of straightening the arm. He showed Chinese now have even been to Pune so there George Dovas, director of The Iyengar Yoga different parts of the arm, how we move it, is now a different appreciation of what it is Centre of Hong Kong, to get his impressions and how we straighten it and through all this and that it’s not just a kind of physical of the summit and to understand what this how we can balance the five elements of exercise. There is an understanding that it’s a might mean for the future of Yoga in Asia. earth, water, fire, air and space in our arm. practice that can change you as a person. He So it suddenly became a practical science and observed the skill with which Geetaji George shared that from the outset, Geetji not just the theory of what the elements are. masterfully taught such a large and diverse spoke about how yoga asana is not just a crowd. How she had the ability teach the physical exercise but the body is in fact a tool Father Joe Pereira gave talks on how Yoga basics in a way that new students understand to practice the . She said if we can assist the treatment of addictive but at the same time the mature students want to reach enlightenment, the first thing behavior. He is a Catholic priest who has also present were able to deepen and clarify their that we have to do is purify the body and been an Iyengar Yoga teacher for over forty own understanding. balance the elements in our body. One lesson years. He worked with Mother Theresa and that struck him was when she spoke about so he describes Mr Iyengar and Mother “I think this is the time for a lot of growth in the action of jumping the legs out wide from Theresa as being the Yin and Yang of his yoga in Asia” George states, “For those who . She compared the preparatory spirituality. Based out of Mumbai, he has de- have already been practicing, it will be a time stance for jumping to the position a runner addiction centres in India and beyond. The to open up to the philosophy of Yoga. The art would have on the blocks before they are Kripa Foundation has a three-month of Yoga will appeal to the creative, the science about to start a race. Through this, she spoke detoxification and rehabilitation program of Yoga will appeal to the inquisitive and the about the different vayus in the body and how which involves practicing Iyengar Yoga every philosophy will captivate the thinkers.” when we are in that stance it brings our morning. consciousness to the udanna vayu, which is the lighter vayu, and this brings our Mr. Iyengar’s granddaughter, Abhijata, awareness away from the heavy apana vayu presented a session on how and why we use in the pelvis. This helps us to jump without props during asana. This left George inspired being pulled down. He found it interesting to not just always use the props but really

October 2014 41 42 NAMASKAR IN BRIEF tip of the thumb. BOOK REVIEW v Keep the hands clasped like this for 5 - 10 minutes, in an comfortable, sustainable MUDRAS asana. TENDING Seasonal Changes THE HEART BY KRISHAA KINKARIDAS

In the UK we are famous for talking about FIRE: LIVING the weather! Just today someone told me he and the cold just didn’t get on! IN FLOW

Fortunately the wisdom and compassion WITH THE showered by this all-encompassing art and science of yoga gives us many tools to deal PULSE OF with all these fluctuations [consciousness or clouds], [Patanjai Yoga Sutras 1,2]. Regular LIFE practice brings mighty positive results. The mudra benefits the chest, thus helping in By Shiva Rea Mudras are a great way of helping others colds, bringing warmth to the body and REVIEWED BY NATALIE MACAM because they do not require the tapah boosting the immune system. (sustained enthusiasm) that is the sadhana Shiva Rea’s literary debut is a manual of how (practice) for successful yogasana. And are ATMANJALI MUDRA to live in accordance with the natural reasonably easy to set up and hold, even for This mudra, also known as Anjali mudra, is rhythms of the universe; what she calls the sick or disabled. for balance, firmness of resolve, peace, “living in the flow” and how to “tend to our greeting and gratitude etc. It balances the heart fire” as a means to “center our life- brains and the energies of both sides of the energy into the core of our being, our body, thus boosting power throughout, and hearts.” arriving at, perfect concentration. This attitude of body and being goes across all The book examines the heart’s central cultures and is universally known to wisdom beyond its function as a muscular encourage togetherness in humility, organ and offers a poetic exploration of our encouraging compassion and healing powers. heart fire. Shiva emphasizes the power of the It, as all mudras, needs to be tried to be “ener-getic heart,”and offers readers the experienced. deep remembrance we are extensions of the universe. i Bring palms of hands together at heart centre. Readers are regaled with Rea’s masterful ii Tip head slightly downwards. explanations of home practices and she reveals how to understand the body within the greater rhythms of the cosmos, to move in unison with the natural cycles, and SHANKA MUDRA ultimately, how to embody “the pulse of life.” A shanka is a conch shell, a large shell that can be sounded like a horn and which, if put Shiva offers 108 meditations and practices to the ear, reveals the sound of the ocean. (including food and rhythmic asana i Extend both hands in front. sequences) to preserve internal balance, align ii Hold left thumb with right hand. our hearts and minds and, tend to the inner iii Bring four fingers of the left hand heart fire on daily, monthly and seasonal together, slightly rounding inward. bases. iv Keep the hands clasped like this for 5 - 10 minutes, in an comfortable, sustainable asana.

This mudra purifies the throat and the voice, helps with self-expression and is heating in character. Heat is necessary in all such transformative processes.

LINGA MUDRA The shape of the mudra inspires its name. Linga means phallus (male genital organs). i Clasp the two hands together with the fingers interlaced, making sure the left little finger is lowest. ii Straighten the left thumb erect and grasp it with the right thumb and forefinger. iii Keep the left thumb pointing upwards, palms firmly together. iv ilt the chin to align the third eye with the

October 2014 43 The beauty and vitality of the heart is enlivened through the inspiring imagery and lyrical language found here. Reading Tending the Heart Fire will ignite your consciousness of cosmic cycles, connect you to the deeper rhythms of nature, and offer you practices that allow you to make a conscious shift toward balance and heart- centered awareness.

BOOK REVIEW THE TINY HATHA YOGA PHILOSOPHY by Shannon Frances starting to wonder if there’s more to yoga REVIEWED BY FRANCES GAIRNS than the physical practice. The book was published by Garden Bench Publishing in At only 65 pages, this lovely introduction to 2010, for when it’s time for a reprint, my all things yogic, apart from the asana, live up suggestions would be to improve the binding to the title. Two pages are devoted to each of method, as my pages starting coming apart the 23 topic, such as What is raja yoga? What after a few turns and to change the font, size is prana? What is shatkarma? Is yoga a or line spacing. My ageing eyes got rather religion? blurry reviewing it!

It really is for the student of yoga who’s just Available through Amazon.com.

44 NAMASKAR October 2014 45 46 NAMASKAR RECIPE FILL YOUR TUMMY WITH COLOUR! Rainbow Salad Rolls with Mango Chili Dipping Sauce BY MOOSA AL-ISSA

INGREDIENTS

Dipping Sauce 2 Fresh mango, pit and skin removed 1 lime, zest and juice 1 tablespoon shallot, finely minced 1 teaspoon ginger root finely minced 2 tablespoons agave syrup 1 small red chili, seeds removed, finely chopped ½ teaspoon salt

Rolls 1 cup carrot grated 1 cup beetroot grated 1 cup long beans, cut into 3 inch lengths ½ English cucumber thinly sliced Scallions, end removed, cut into 3 inch lengths 1 ½ cups Rice noodles, soaked in hot water fresh kale, cut into 3 inch squares Smoked tofu, cut vertically into thin slices 1 package of rice paper 10" rounds

PROCEDURE Dipping Sauce 1. Add all the ingredients to a blender, blend on high for 5-10- seconds.

2. Transfer mixture to a glass or plastic container with a lid. Refrigerate.

Rolls 1. Fill a large bowl with warm water.

2. Place a round of the rice paper in the water.

3. When it starts to get pliable, remove it and place it on a cutting board, kitchen towel or directly on a clean counter.

4. Stack the ingredients on the center/end of the rice paper closest to youin the following order: lettuce, tofu, snake bean, scallion, carrot, beet, cucumber, rice noodle.

5. Fold the edge of the rice paper closest to you forward and over the filling ingredients and pull back to form a tight roll. Fold the left and right edges of the rice paper to the center and roll forward until the salad roll is formed. Place on a plate and cover with a moist paper towel or cloth.

6. Cut the rolls in half and place on a plate with a small bowl of the mango sauce. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint leaves. Serve.

October 2014 47 DIRECTORY Guide to yoga studios & teachers

AGAMA YOGA SCHOOL t: (852) 9483 1167 BREATHING SPACE WITH t: +852 2521 5099 42/4 moo 8, Koh Phangan, e: [email protected] DAVID WHITTON e: [email protected] Suratthani 84280, Thailand d: Hong Kong w: www.shaktihealingcircle.com s: Tantra Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, AUMNIE YOGA WEAR s: Meditation, Buddhist and Workshops, Retreats, Meditation, Hong Kong - Room 1601, 99 Yogic. Traditional Hatha and Raja KUNDALINI @ SOL Yogic Healing 16/F Tin On Sing Commercial Wellington Street, Central Yoga, Meditation. Pranayama & l: English t: + 852 3188 0973 Building, 41-43 Graham St. Meditation. Groups, privates and t: +66(0)892 330 217 Shanghai - 60 Xinle Road, 3/F Central, Hong Kong e: [email protected] Xuhui District corporate. Full and half-day s: Kundalini, Yin-Yang, Hatha, w: www.agamayoga.com t: +86 21 5404 3135 retreats. Men’s, Mindfulness, Yin Korea - 533-16 Sinsa-Dong l: English destress yoga, meditation, ANAHATA VILLAS & SPA Gangham-Gu, Seoul t: +852 5594 5111 holographic healing, cancer RESORT t: +82 26959 2558 e: coaching, stress/insomnia relief, detox/weight management, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia Retail, Wholesale, Shop Online [email protected] s: group retreats, yoga for private Free Shipping Worldwide complete mind-body-soul w: www.breathingspacehk.com & corporates. Yoga studio Yoga Clothing and Accessories services. available for rent. e: [email protected] t: +852 2581 9699 l: Indonesian & English w: www.aumnie.com FLEX STUDIO e: [email protected] t: +62 361 8987 991/ 8987 992 / 308 - 310 One Island South, 2 w: www.sol-wellness.com +62 21 70743366 BEING IN YOGA Heung Yip Street, Aberdeen, f: (62) 361 8987 804 2 Turf Club Rd # 02-01(Turf Ciy, Hong Kong Ling e: [email protected] / Singapore s: Vinyasa, Power, Detox, Hatha, Yoga and Wellbeing [email protected] s: Yoga therapy (customized Therapy, Kids Yoga Private Yoga Teacher w: www.anahataresort.com personal practice), teacher t: +852 2813 2212 Privates, Groups, Corporates, training (Yoga Alliance RYS 500 f: +852 2813 2281 Free Yoga Community Event: ANAHATA YOGA hours+), in-depth yoga studies, e: [email protected] Yoga in the Park with Ling 18/F Lyndhurst Tower, 1 small group classes for children w: www.flexhk.com www.meetup.com/ Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong and adults, pre & post natal yoga, yogaintheparkhk Kong sound meditation, Vedic GLEE YOGA d: Hong Kong, China s: Hatha, Ashtanga, Yoga therapy, chanting, evening sanga, Privates, Groups, for Companies, s: Yoga Therapy, Sivananda, Yin and more. Groups & privates community programs. Schools & Communities Hatha, Svastha, Mindfulness, Yin, t: +852 2905 1922 t: +65 9830 3808 d: Hong Kong, China Breathing (Pranayama), Guided e: [email protected] e [email protected] s: Yoga for Professional Meditation, Total Relaxation w: www.anahatayoga.com.hk w: wwwbeinginyoga.com Swimmers, Professional Runners, (Yoga Nidra) Pre-natal, Post-natal, l: English, Cantonese, Mandarin Hatha, Vinyasa, Hot, Babies t: +852 9465 6461 B.K.S. IYENGAR YOGA Massage Workshops e: [email protected] 33 & 34/F, 69 Jervois Street ASSOCIATION OF MACAU l: English, Cantonese, Mandarin w: www.facebook.com/ Sheung Wan, Hong Kong 174, Rua de Pequim, Edif Centro Com. Kong Fat, 7A, Macau t: +852 93343303 yogawithling s: Private and Group Classes : e: [email protected] Yoga Therapy (neck, shoulder, s: Iyengar PURE YOGA back, hip, knee and joints), Hatha, t:(853)2882 3210/6662 0386 Kathy Cook Hong Kong Power, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, e:[email protected] Retreats, workshops, privates 16/F The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Detox, Yin Yang, Kundalini, w:www.iyengar-yoga-macau- d: Hong Kong, Bali & Thailand Street, Central Chakra Balancing, Pranayama, china.com s: Iyengar (Junior Intermediate 2) t: +852 2971 0055 Meditation l: English l: English BRAIN & BODY YOGA t: +852 6292 5440 / +62 811 25/F Soundwill Plaza, 38 Russell t: (825)35639371 1503 Keen Hung Commercial 387781 St, Causeway Bay e: Building, 80 - 86 Queen’s Road e:[email protected] t: +852 2970 2299 [email protected] East, Wanchai, Hong Kong (next w: www.yogawithkathy.com 14/F Peninsula Office Tower, 18 w: www.anandayoga.hk to LUXHOME) s: boutique yoga studio for holistic Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, healing and mind body practice KUNDALINI AT SHAKTI Kowloon Anna Ng t: +852 3104 1156 7/F Glenealy Tower, 1 Glenealy, t: +852 8129 8800 Privates f: +852 3104 1157 Central, Hong Kong. d: Hong Kong e: [email protected] s: Kundalini Yoga, Guided 9/F Langham Place Office s: Hatha yoga w: www.brainyoga.com.hk Kundalini Meditation, Reiki Tower, 8 Argyle Street, Kowloon l: Cantonese Healing, Angel Cards. Studio t: +852 3691 3691 rental by day or hour

48 NAMASKAR 4/F Lincoln House, TaiKoo e: [email protected] Place, 979 King’s Rd, Quarry Bay w: www.yogaroomhk.com t: +852 8129 1188 TRUE YOGA 2/F Asia Standard Tower, 59 Singapore Queen’s Road, Central 9 Scotts Road, Level 4, Pacific t: + 852 3524 7108 Plaza 228210 t: +65 6733 9555 Singapore 391A Orchard Road, #18-00 10 Collyer Quay, Level 4, Ocean Ngee Ann City Tower A Financial Centre 049315 namaskar t: +65 6733 8863 t: +65 6536 3390 30 Raffles Place, 04-00 Chevron House Taiwan reaches t: +65 6304 2257 563 Chung Hsiao East Road, Section 4, 1st & 2nd floor 6,000 yoga Taiwan Taipei 151 Chung Hsiao East Road, Sec 4, t :+886 22764 8888 Taipei practitioners, t: +886 02 8161 7888 337 Nanking East Road Section 3, 9 & 10/F, Taipei 4/f Urban One, 1 Qingcheng St, t: +886 22716 1234 across Taipei t: +886 02 8161 7868 68 Gongyi Road, West District 32countries, 12 & 13 /F, Taichung SADHANA SANCTUARY t: +886 43700 0000 YOGA STUDIO 4 times a year. 103 Penang Road Visioncrest s: Hatha, Power, Ashtanga, Commercial, #05-01 / 03 Vinyasa, Yin, Gentle, Flow, Yoga Singapore 238467 Dance, Pre-natal t: +65 6238 9320 e: [email protected] e: [email protected] w: www.trueyoga.com.sg / w: www.sadhanasanctuary.com www.trueyoga.com.tw Facebook.com/ SadhanaSanctuaryYogaStudio/ Ursula Moser The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong SOULMADE YOGA & Kong TEAROOM d: Central DISPLAY ADVERTISING RATES & SIZES 40, Soi Chareonjai (Ekamai 12), s: Iyengar Certified (Junior Outside back cover HK$22,900 210 mm x 297 mm Klongton-Nua, Wattana Intermediate III) Inside front cover HK$3,200 210 mm x 297 mm Bangkok 10110, Thailand l: English Inside back cover HK$2,500 210 mm x 297 mm s. Kripalu, Hatha, Prenatal, t: +852 2918 1798 / 9456 2149 Full page HK$2,000 210 mm x 297 mm Workshops, Healing Arts (Aura- e: [email protected] 1/2 page (horizontal) HK$1,300 180 mm x 133.5 mm Soma, Bodytalk, EFT) 1/2 page (vertical) HK$1,300 88 mm x 275 mm l. English, Thai, French WISE LIVING YOGA 1/4 page HK$650 88 mm X 133.5 mm t. +66 2 3814645 ACADEMY 1/8 page HK$400 88 mm x 66 mm e. [email protected] 198 Moo 2, Luang Nuea, Doi w: www.facebook.com/soulmade Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand s: Classical Yoga, Hatha Yoga, LISTINGS SPACE YOGA Yoga Therapy Can include name, address, telephone, email, website, style and s: Hatha, Ashtanga, Advanced, t: +66 8254 67995 certification, language of instruction. Approx. 35 words Flow, Yin, Yin Yang, Restorative, e: [email protected] Individual listing HK$580 for full or partial year Hot, Yin/Meditation, Pranayama, w: www.wiselivingyoga.com Studio listing HK$1,200 for full or partial year Mat Pilates, Jivamukti, Universal, Myo-fascial Release Yoga and YOGA CENTRAL - IYENGAR Yoga Nidra CENTRAL PUBLICATION DATES, BOOKING & MATERIAL DEADLINES l: English, Mandarin 2C Welley Bldg. 97 Wellington St. Publication date Booking Deadline Material Deadline w: www.withinspace.com Central, Hong kong January December 1 December 10 An-Ho Studio s: Iyengar Yoga studio for small April March 1 March 10 16 /f, 27 An-Ho Road, Section 1 groups, corporate wellness & July June 1 June 10 Taipei, Taiwan workshops. October September 1 September 10 t: +886 2 2773 8108 t: +852 2982 4308 e: [email protected] Tien-Mu Studio w: www.yogacentral.com.hk NOTES 5 Lane 43, Tian-Mu E. Road, Advertising materials should in black & white and submitted as Taipei, Taiwan Yoga with YoYo 300 dpi high resolution .tif files (no pdf or ai files please) t: +886 2 2877 2108 Yoga Alliance ERYT200 and Listings should be submitted as text only (35 words or less) RYT200. Asana, pranayama, THE YOGA ROOM meditation and scripture study 3, 4, 6/F (Studios) & 15/F (Office) d: Sai Kung / San Po Kong PAYMENT Xiu Ping Commercial Bldg, s: small group and privates Payments should be made in Hong Kong dollars to Namaskar c/o 104 Jervois St, Sheung Wan, adapted to students with Carol Adams, 72C Yung Shue O Village, Sai Kung, Hong Kong Hong Kong knowledges of YogaPrasad s: Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, institute, Paramahamsa Candlelight Yin, Yoga Therapy, Nithyananda, Sivananda, Yoga INFORMATION Baptist Inspired, Mindfulness limbs and more Carol (852) 9137 9992 / [email protected] Yoga, Detox Flow, Pre-natal Yoga, l: English, Cantonese Frances (852) 9460 1967 / [email protected] Pre-natal Pilates, Mat Pilates and t: +852 9302 3931 Kids yoga e: [email protected] t: +852 25448398 w: www.yoyoyoga.net

October 2014 49 50 NAMASKAR October 2014 51 52 NAMASKAR