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February 2000 Vol. VI No. 1 THE INTEGRAL Yantra Teacher Newsletter For members of the ® Teachers Association

Integral Yoga® Teacher's The World is Expecting You Association by Sri Satchidananda Founder: Sri Swami Satchidananda The future of the globe depends upon you. You Director: are the torch bearers who show the light, love and Julian Gopala Pozzi to others. Newsletter: If you are truly practicing Yoga, then you are living it every minute of Kumari DeSachy Liz Lazar every day. And that is what you have been doing at the these Ram Vignola past few weeks during your Teacher Training. In fact, your coming to the ashram and living together during this training is proof that you are Contact us at: good . IYTA Yogaville, Part of being a good is having the attitude that you are constantly Buckingham, VA 23921 learning. The entire universe is a university, and everyone and every- 804.969.3121 ext. 137 thing is our teacher: people, animals, plants, minerals, sun, wind, light, water. Everything exists to [email protected] teach us something. If you treat everyone and everything as your teacher, then you will never stop learning. But in order for everything to become a lesson, you really have to want to learn. If you do not have the sincere desire to learn from everyone and everything, the will tend to find things INSIDE wrong with others, as well as with events as they unfold in our lives. When this happens, we stop learning. Homelessness and Continued on p.4 Yoga—Page1 The World is Waiting— Page 1 Letter from the Presi- Homelessness & Yoga dent—Page 7 by Sharla Sandra Rozenblad Shoulder Stand Varia- tions—Page 8 Newsletter Index— When I first arrived at the homeless shelter, the doors Page 10 were locked and there were people on the front Grace of the Mother— steps, passing the time drinking and smoking. Page 13 —Page 14 This was certainly a unique environment in which to teach Yoga. I already Rocks, Pebbles, and knew it was going to be a challenge, considering the preparatory interview I Gravel—Page 15 had with the staff. “Many of these people are on medication and classified as What our Teachers are mentally ill,” one staff member said when I initially applied to teach at the Doing!—Page 16 shelter. I was given a slew of warnings regarding the people I would encounter, including, “They are staying here because the hospitals are overcrowded.” Great Oke-Ekpe Mas- querade Dance—Page 17 A number of the staff members were cynical about and resistant to the idea of my teaching Yoga, Bulletin Board—Page 18 and they said things to discourage me. For example, I was told, “We will be sending the people to From the Director— your class who do not fit into group therapy. These people are very poor.” And they repeatedly Page 19 asked, “Why do you want to teach here?” All I remember thinking was, “Is there a clean room?” Teacher in the Light— As a matter of fact, as I began to teach the classes, I realized that the warnings were not altogether Page 19 irrelevant; all my students are, in fact, people who have experienced unusually difficult lives with multiple tragedies. Their lives have been stressful, painful, incredibly challenging, and full of abuse.

Continued on p.2 Homelessness & Yoga—Continued from page 1 Many seem shell-shocked, and they’ve been living in extreme poverty for some time. What’s more, they are distrustful and can be very temperamental. They come from a broad range of cultural backgrounds, they are generally misunderstood and cut off from the rest of society, and, often, they are looked down upon. To teach in that kind of environment, you definitely have to be committed. It’s not easy. All kinds of disruptive circumstances can affect the class, including fights and breakdowns. Furthermore, it is important to take into consideration that the shelter class is a transient one, so it is not wise to treat it as you would a conventional Yoga class, where people enroll on their own accord. These people are, first and foremost, in this environment to avail themselves of shelter and rest, and any other activity has the potential to overwhelm them, since they are often coming from exhausting situations. The most important thing that a teacher can do to better serve students under these types of life conditions is to let go of any prejudice or self- righteousness. Also, it is of utmost importance to make an effort not to underestimate these people. I learned early on The most important that it was not helpful for me to know who they were or how thing that a teacher they ended up in a shelter. I had to let go of all of my preconceived notions. Moreover, I received virtually no can do to better support from the staff and, consequently, was left to find my serve students own ways of meeting the needs of the students. under these types If you’re looking for a place to get overwhelmed, a homeless shelter is it! Any possible area you can think of will need of life conditions is improvement, from the space to the compromised clothing to let go of any of the students. On the other hand, the positive aspect of my seemingly disheartening beginning was that there were prejudice or self- countless opportunities to do Yoga. The proverbial righteousness. yogi warning applies in this case: don’t take on too much! You can—and will—get overwhelmed if you’re not clear about your purpose. Keep in mind that you’re there to teach Yoga and not to “fix” these people. The requires lots of focus and patience. Above all, the challenge is to stay real and let the light shine. The students wanted to know that I was committed to their welfare before they put their trust in me. As to the Yoga classes, they have a lot of structure, yet they call for a broad range of methods and tools, since they’re always different, adapting to the particular needs of each situation and circumstance. Problems and changes are the norm. Although I suggest having a set format, it is important that the class can be modified at the last minute in order to accommodate the mood of the group or any disruption that may very well occur mid-class. For example, the lights may go out or the room temperature may change or people may be talking and laughing loudly in the next room or you may walk into the room and find that everyone has pneumonia. Needless to say, my behavior has to be more flexible than it would be in most teaching situations. I need to be able to tune in and establish a rapport with my students and their immediate circum- stances, which is essential for effecting the possibility of positive change. The structure brings focus and direction and creates a space for change in a chaotic environment. It is important to impart the teachings in the way that you feel would be best on any given day, while, at the same time, you must be receptive and responsive to the fluctuating moment. The classes, which are always different, are usually called Stress Reduction Workshops and are structured accordingly. The term Yoga is not used directly, although, eventually, the students will be introduced to yogic techniques and, ultimately, they’ll start using these techniques by themselves. Often, it’s the first time that the students have ever attended a Yoga class or even heard about Yoga. Another thing to consider is that this is not a traditional open class, where students have signed up. In this situation, you’re taking Yoga to the shelter; hence, you are walking into the living room of someone else’s home. With this point in mind, it is important to be respectful of the space and ease the information into your students’ lives. This is not to say that I would discourage imparting as much of the teachings as clearly and lovingly as you possibly can. On the contrary, I had to put my faith in the teachings. Remember, your students may appear confused, resistant or angry, but the seeds are being planted.

2 Homelessness & Yoga—Continued from page 2

Another aspect of teaching at the shelter is that it is especially important for me always to be on time or, preferably, to be early, which sets an example for the students and allows for setting up, evaluating the situation, and tuning in to what is going on. For it is important to establish a feeling of tranquillity. In the beginning, this responsibility fell solely on me. After the routine was established, however, the students knew why I was there, and they began to associate me with the calming effect they experienced in the class. As a result, they began to contribute in further establishing the mood. Regarding the format of the “workshop,” every workshop shares some common elements: they are all 70% experiential and 30% lecture. All contain “Positive Talk” and “Positive Attitude.” An average class will last 90 minutes (specifically, 6:30-8:00 pm). I open with a circle, with all of us sitting on our knees, or sitting cross-legged, with our hands on our knees or holding hands. This is a very powerful beginning, with real prayer from the heart. Next, comes the body work. This consists of , gentle stretching, exercise, , walking, , and breath control (). I always end with a lecture. I like to work on establishing different objectives, usually addressing the topics of stress and how affects experience. Other subjects include verbal hygiene, affirmations, new ways of thinking, menopause, proper diet and its affect on general well-being, internal and external stresses, and Integral Yoga—what it is and what are its goals. I always give handouts to keep within a structure. Master Sivananda inspired me to practice the service of giving away information, so I keep a number of different handouts available. Other options to include are: introduction to Yantras, chanting, music, gospel singing, and such inspirational videos as the satsangs of Sri Swami Satchidananda, videos on Christianity, and even the Wizard of Oz. Anything uplifting and/or inspiring. Since the workshops include students from the broad range of racial and cultural backgrounds represented in the shelter, the music and videos are, in part, chosen to match those backgrounds. I also make sure always to carry a “tool box.” This box contains lotion, soap, food and water, ear plugs, wish boxes, towels for Hatha, sheets, books, and audio tapes of Sri Gurudev (especially Affirmations of and Deep Relaxation). I always bring boxes with paints and crayons. The keys to a Students decorate the boxes, putting their hopes and wishes tranquil environment into them and offering those hopes and wishes to the uni- verse. It is touching to see that many of their wishes center on are being centered, the well-being of their children and their hopes for job and being genuine, home. coming from the Along with other teachings, I also use videos, books and cassettes of Sri Gurudev’s that I’ve gotten at the ashram. In heart, and some workshops, the first time that I played the tapes, most connecting with your students had an initial negative reaction. They looked at me as if to say, “What are you listening to?” Then, after the class, students. I would say, “Would anyone like to hear it again,” and they’d all say, “Yes!” Again, this is where having faith in the teachings and trusting that you are an instrument becomes really important. When you walk into a room full of people who visibly express their mistrust of you through their body or facial language, it is easy to become intimidated and shrink away from your purpose for being there. You certainly can’t walk in with an attitude of “I’m here to teach you!” This type of attitude will not elicit a friendly response. Use your to decide the appropriate action in all situations in order to bring about a calm atmosphere. The keys to a tranquil environment are being centered, being genuine, coming from the heart, and connecting with your students. It is incredibly important to avoid sounding preachy. Rather, allow the teachings to convey the informa- tion. In preparing for the workshops, I do a good deal of research. I often bring to the classes what I am learning in my own life. I always have lots of books and make sure to utilize libraries. However, even with all the preparation in the world, one must still be prepared for disturbances, especially excess noise. To deal with general noise and distractions, I hand out earplugs. It is a good idea to get there early to set up, so that you have the best chance of creating a quiet, calm environment. Also, I use a lot of music. When confronted with a hyper group or with fights, first and foremost, I rely on my Homelessness & Yoga—Continued from page 3 intuition to read the situation and to respond appropriately. It is important that I be centered and calm. It often helps to introduce prayer, , music, videos, and breathing—whatever seems appro- priate from my toolbox to calm them down. Again, Sri Gurudev’s audiotape, Affirmations for Inner Peace and Deep Relaxation, is particularly useful in these situations. Additionally, talking with students about setting agendas and guidelines to create order often helps to build trust. Most effective for me, again, is prayer, both to help me keep my center and to bring balance to the situation. But, As for me, I benefit if there is too much disruption for group prayer, then, depend- ing on the situation, I allow students to talk or I show a video. from knowing that I Together with the students, I try to create an environment, a am of service and sacred ground, where everyone is able to let go of fear, sadness, that I’m imparting and anger—all the mind stuff. I have seen oppression lifted from the students’ shoulders to be replaced by deep joy. A very information from good feeling develops by the end of the workshop. One of the the highest level to benefits is that this type of environment helps students become aware of and open themselves up to alternative life possibili- people who would ties that have not been available to them or that they have not not otherwise have been aware of before. I have seen people go out and get jobs or change their relationships based on their during access to these the workshops. The workshops clearly allow the students to teachings. experience trust, openness, relaxation. Normally in their lives, these people never have an opportunity to relax. And relax- ation is the key. For it enables people who have experienced a great deal of abuse and who find it hard to establish trust to open up. In fact, other group activities like bingo, free play, and group therapy don’t have very good attendance. My workshops have 100% attendance. The students look forward to them, realizing that it is good for them to be calm and focused and to learn ways in which to direct their lives in a positive direction. As for me, I benefit from knowing that I am of service and that I’m imparting information from the highest level to people who would not otherwise have access to these teachings. Of all that I have done in my life, I feel that this service is the most significant. I am blessed to be an instrument in the upliftment of people’s lives, where even only a little change is significant. And the women who come to the shelter teach me so much about teaching from the heart and being authentic. I couldn’t be in a better place. I have been given an opportunity to share and to develop knowledge that I am researching from interests in my own life. I learn more thoroughly this way. What’s more, I have a chance to apply what I have learned in my profession to effect direct and beneficial change in others. It feels good to be able to give something back. Teaching at the homeless shelter has challenged me to stay in my heart, to be centered, and to remain open and non-judgemental. I don’t have the opportunity to have this experience, to this degree, in other parts of my daily life. I feel that in the workshops, we all create an environment for heartfelt prayer, letting go of mindstuff and being in joy. In this way, I’m taking the workshop, too!

The World is Expecting You by Sri Swami Satchidananda—Continued from page 1

When you are completely full, when there is nothing left to learn, then you quit. You no longer have a place on earth. Once you complete the course, you are no longer in the university. The mere fact that we’re all still here proves that we have more to learn. As such, there are no teachers. Every individual should think that he or she is a student who shares whatever it is that he or she knows with others.

The ego creeps in The scriptures say, “Ask and it shall be given.” But you don’t even have to wait to be asked. You’re always giving by your very own existence. Let people learn from your life, from your exemplary life. Let others call you teachers. But you don’t label yourself as a teacher. You’re still a learner. If you think that way, you don’t get into conflicts, you don’t get caught in the grips of ego. Don’t put yourself forth as a teacher, because, then, in many ways, the ego tries to creep in. It finds every nook and cranny in The World is Expecting You by Sri Swami Satchidananda—Continued from page 4 which to express itself: “Oh, I did it. Oh, I learned it. Oh, I’m certified now. I got the degree. I got the medal.” Rather, all these experiences occur to encourage you to learn more. Go slowly Your training should really begin after you leave here. Here you are only preparing yourself. It is easy to be a good yogi here. You know that. It’s very easy at the ashram because of the conducive atmosphere and because the staff tells you what to do every minute. You have no other way. You have submitted yourself. But when you leave the ashram, there is nobody to tell you what to do. Nobody will wake you up at five o’clock in the morning. You have to do it all by yourself. That’s where the test comes. Maybe when you go home for a week, you will forget everything and sleep in as long as you want, making up all that sleep that you lost while being at the ashram. And you’ll eat as much as you want (although not everything you want!), experiencing a sort of relaxation period for perhaps one week. But, then, you will put restrictions on yourself and you will become a good yogi. I say this because you don’t have to be tough on yourself. You don’t have to be rigid, because if you are rigid, soon you will find that your mind will revolt against you. So go slowly, gently. Taming the mind is like taming a puppy. When it acts up, give it a reward, like when you say to a puppy, “Good dog.” Appreciation is necessary, also.

The monkey mind The mind is like that. I compare it to a monkey. It has to be tamed gently, gently. You can’t be too tough; at the same time, you can’t be too lenient. Be firm, but loving. You should know how to handle the mind. It may be easy to train a flexible child, but you’re all adults now, grown up. You’ve gotten stiff. It’s easy to bend a twig. But you can’t bend a hard tree. However, even a hard tree can be bent easily if you take enough time. Even a big beam. Just hang a rope over the middle of a [The mind] has to beam and tie on two weights. It takes months and years, but, be tamed gently, gradually, the beam will slowly bend down. There is a proverb in Tamil: “Even a hard stone, granite, will get dented if ants gently. You can’t keep on going over it.” You might have seen ants going in a be too tough; at row. If the ants constantly go on the same road, even the granite rock will have a mark on it. It takes time. Time will tell. That is the same time, you why practice must be done for “a long time, without break, and can’t be too in all earnestness.” So take it easy. Slow and steady wins the race. lenient. Be firm,

Keep on acting but loving. But the world is expecting you. Yes, people will expect a lot from you all, as you become good, full-grown yogis. In fact, when you behave like a rogueie, they will ask you: “Is that what you meant by being a yogi?” So, at least force yourself to be a good yogi by imitating a good yogi; it doesn’t matter. And, slowly, slowly, watch what you’re imitating, for you become that. You know the story. Once a thief dressed up like a swami, imitating a swami just to get something. But he saw the people coming and falling at his feet. He thought carefully, “Even a rogue like me, because I’m wearing the dress of a swami, I get all this. If I become a genuine swami, how much more I can get.” So, he became a genuine swami by thinking of it. You can also think of it, imagining yourself to be a full-grown yogi. You visualize it. That is the idea behind tratak, visualization on God’s image. You think of that, you think of the attributes. And the more you think of the attributes, the more you get them. So, even though you are not full grown yogis, act like yogis. Keep on acting, and you will become that one day. Whatever it is, let your students learn from seeing you, not from what you say. Example is the best teaching. And that’s what we need in this world now.

The essence of Yoga It is easy to be a Yogi. It is very easy. It’s cheap too. But to be a rogueie is very expensive. To fall sick, we have to spend a lot of money, eat all kinds of junk food and this and that. But to keep yourself clean, you don’t have to spend too much money. Why? Because that is your natural state. Babies don’t do anything. By they are yogis; they are beautiful, and their are free from ups and downs. In a way, they are the best teachers. Everybody wants to look at a baby and appreciate it. Nobody will walk past without stopping for a minute. Why? Because babies are naturally beautiful. Their The World is Expecting You by Sri Swami Satchidananda—Continued from page 5 innocence, their pure heart expresses itself through the face. They don’t need any make-up; they are made up that way already. They have cosmic beauty. They don’t need the cosmetic beauty. And, remember, we were all babies once. We all had that beautiful face. How many people would have stopped by to tickle you and say, “Hey, sweetie”? But now, when people pass by and you want them to stand near you and admire you, you have to put on lots of make-up. What happened? You lost that natural beauty. Why? You lost that chitta -less mind. The babies have no chitta Everything in , so they don’t have to practice Yoga. Their mind is so pure. But we are slowly losing our original purity, our original peace, nature serves us, our original beauty. We become worldly. We slip from heaven to constantly. And as be people of the world. Now, we have to go back to that original condition. That’s why the scriptures also say, “Where does the we are part of kingdom lie? The kingdom is among the children.” So, become a nature, we should child and you are in God’s kingdom. You don’t have to become also be doing the childish, but you can become childlike. Many and sages have said that. In a way, they have even same thing. said to forget all that you have learned. Then, you will express that yogic beauty, that innocence, and the mind becomes clean. That is the essence of Yoga.

Just live to serve Thus, my advice to you all is to learn to be humble, ever ready to serve. Become “ever-ready” batteries, fully charged ever-ready batteries. Whoever wants to get light will put you there and turn the switch on. Fully charged batteries, themselves, don’t go and do anything. Rather, people use them. I appreciate that name, Eveready battery. Yes, a yogi should be an Eveready battery. Fully charged. And you know how to get charged now, because you have gotten charged here at the ashram. Keep recharging, again and again. Don’t lose the charge. For the past one month, you have been fully charged, like a fully charged battery. You’re going out now as a newly charged battery. We start a car by using the battery, turning the lights on, honking the horn, and the battery gets slowly drained out. But, at the same time, the local generator puts in current. If the generator fails, after some time, the battery runs down completely, and you have to recharge it. Stranded on the road, with a rundown battery, you look for a jumper cable. To continue the analogy, as fully charged batteries, you are also given a small generator, and what is that? Your daily practice. If you stop that, you are draining out what energy you’ve received. So keep putting the current back. Always remain like fully charged batteries. That way, you can be very useful to people. You can serve better. And when I talk about service, I’m not talking about business. Business means that you do something and you get something in return. Service means that you do; that’s all you know. You don’t expect anything in return, not even a thank you note. That is the lesson that the entire nature teaches us. Everything in nature is serving, serving without expecting anything in return. A tree gives all its fruits without even waiting for you to thank it. The rain pours without waiting for the thanks. The sun shines. Everything in nature serves us, constantly. And as we are part of nature, we should also be doing the same thing. If we forget that principle, if we expect returns for what we do, then we violate nature’s law, then our mind gets spoiled, gets into ups and downs, then, chitta vrittis increase, and then, finally, we have to work hard to restore balance.

So, it is simple, very simple to be a yogi. Just live to serve. Everything you do should be aimed at keeping yourself fit to serve nature: your eating, your walking, your sleeping, your breathing. Everything should be aimed toward serving others. The world needs such kinds of people. And you are called for that purpose. You didn’t come by yourself, seeing an advertisement. Some divine grace brought you to the ashram. It’s preparing you to be a better instrument for grace. Therefore, become a better instrument so that divine grace will work through you, because we need good instruments for the peace and welfare of the entire nature, the entire globe. So I wish you all well and wish that you remain always in the yogic spirit, sharing that with one and all. Thank you and God bless you. Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi. Letter From the President on The Ashram's Re-organization Dear Teachers Om. Greeting from Yogaville. Important News! As the national interest in Yoga surges, we have had to face new in running our Ashram. In order to better serve everyone, we are rethinking our organizational design. At a recent Satsang with the LYTs and Karma yogis, Sri Gurudev expressed concern that the rising payroll expense was an indicator that the Ashram was losing the spirit of dedication and devotion of years past. He saw that in the rush to expand our teaching capacity, the simplicity of ashram living was suffering and being compromised. Toward the end of that Satsang, Sri Gurudev acknowledged that there were actually two aspects to our mission. One was to provide the best environment for those wishing to fully dedicate their lives to His teachings and the yogic way of life. The other was the educational aspect of our work-what He called “a college”— the sharing of Integral Yoga with all those interested. He indicated that if these two key dimensions of our purpose were viewed more separately, each could receive the focus and specific care they needed to flourish. Afterwards, I spoke to Sri Gurudev about taking the programs and teacher training departments out of the Ashram auspices, and joining it with our businesses under Satchidananda Enterprises. He suggested that the educational aspect was different from our businesses, and the idea of three divisions was born: ashram, teaching academy, and business ventures . This re-organization, along with dissolving any “across the street” mentality with our household members, will encourage us to live together as one interdependent commu- nity. We are now regularly meeting with Shankar Fern, a long-time devotee of Sri Gurudev and management consultant from New York as we restructure the Ashram. The vision is shaping itself slowly, but steadily, as we address some of the fundamental and contentious issues that naturally arise in creating a multicultural, diverse and open community such as Yogaville. After our meetings, I am inspired and hopeful for our future. It is truly a gift to be in a place where so many different groups want to work together to serve humanity. We are all committed to continuing the work of Sri Gurudev by providing a true spiritual center dedicated to the one Truth behind all : the Light, Peace, and Happiness which is our true Nature. Our organization is evolving, and the challenges we face are creating wonderful oppor- tunities for growth in all of us. May we all enjoy the process of manifesting an environment that brings out our best as human beings and spiritual entities, Yours in the loving service of the Master, Swami Asokananda, President of Integral Yoga International Shoulder Stand Variations

There are many variations to Sarvangaasana, the Shoulder Stand. As the student advances in their practice, these can be progressively taught to add benefits and go deeper into the pose.

1. Sethu Banda—the Bridge Pose Purpose: Prepares the neck and upper back muscles for the intense stretch required in Sarvangaasana. It teaches how to get high on the tops of the shoulders, and the alignment of the shoulder, hips, and knees. It also strengthens the lower back muscles needed for Sarvangaasana. Technique: Lie on the back, knees bent, soles of the feet on the floor. Feet and knees are hip bone distance apart; feet aproximately 6 inches from buttocks. Press the lower back into the floor (cat tilt) and slowly roll the pelvis upward, coming up one vertebra at a time. Clasp the hands together, straighten the arms, and come high on the tops of the shoulders. Continue to press the pelvis towards the ceiling. Progression: As students become more flexible, instruct them to walk the feet in and hold on to the ankles, getting more arch in the back, and coming higher on the tops of the shoulders. Options: Use a blanket under the shoulders.

2. —Restorative “Shoulder Stand” Purpose: Familiarize students with the feeling of being inverted. Provide an alternative to Shoulder Stand for students unable to come into the full pose due to neck injuries, inflexibility, obesity, etc. Technique: Place a tri-fold blanket 4–6 inches from the wall. Bring both buttocks up close to the wall, shoulders pointing in to the center of the room. Swing the legs up on the wall, the lower back (sacral area) is supported on the blanket, buttocks hanging slightly off the blanket, abdomen parallel to the floor, legs together. Arms are extended out, palms up, chest open. Variations: Soles of feet together in Badrasana or the feet wide apart to stretch inner thighs.

3. Sarvangaasana on the Wall Purpose: Teaches alignment for Shoulde Stand. Teaches balance. Pressing the feet onto the wall allows students to get high on the tops of the shoulders. Technique: Lie with the buttocks against a wall, back flat on the floor. Bend the knees and walk the feet up the wall until the shins are parallel to the floor. Clasp the hands together behind the back to get high on the tops of the shoulders. Press the pelvis forward to get a straight line between the shoulders, hips, and knees. When steady in the pose, begin to teach balance by removing one foot at a time from the wall. Progression: As the neck and upper back muscles elongate, move closer to the wall, eventually coming shin bone distance from the wall. This gives the optimal alignment for the pose. Progress slowly, over several weeks or months. Options: Use blanket under the shoulder.

3. Halaasana (Plow) on a Chair Purpose: To allow students to get high on the tops of the shoulders and get the torso erect before lifting the legs into the full Shoulder Stand. Prevent the feet from coming to the floor prematurely, thereby over stretching the lower back. Technique: From lying, swing the legs up overhead and place the toes on the seat of a folding chair. Activate the quadriceps muscles to lift the torso, bringing the hips in line over the shoulders if possible. Move the sitting bones toward the backside of the body with a Cat Tilt. Come up on to the tops of the shoulders, clasping the hands together behind the body. Bring the hands in to support the back and straighten the legs up one at a time. Variation: A wall can be used in place of a chair. Place the soles of the feet on the wall and establish the lift in the torso while getting high on the tops of the shoulders. Options: Use a blanket under the shoulders.

General Tips for Shoulder Stand Many students will benefit from placing one or two folded blankets under the shoulders while doing the pose. This preserves the natural cervical curve of the spine. To gain height and straightness in the pose, press the pelvis forward, and move the feet back. Roll the thighs inward and extend through the inner heels. Once fully in the pose, relax any muscles that are not needed to hold the pose. Encourage your students to practice outside of the class. Only doing the Shoulder Stand once a week can lead to chronic sore muscles. Make slow, gradual progressions. Overly zealous students can easily over stretch the neck muscles by forcing themselves into too straight a pose prematurely.

Recommended Reading: The Runner’s Yoga Book by Jean Couch p.131-141 Yoga, the Iyengar Way by Silva, Mira & Shyam Mehta p.108-111, 122 How to Use Yoga by Mira Metha p.42-48

Sarvangaasana Variations — Level II

Eka Pada Upavista Konaasana Sarvangaasana Sarvangaasana

Garudaasana Badrasana in Niralamba Sarvangaasana Sarvangaasana Sarvangaasana Sarvangaasana Variations — Level III

Padmaasana Pindaasana Parasva Pindaasana in Sarvangaasana Sarvangaasana Sarvangaasana Newsletter reprints are available. Send a check or Credit Card information to the IYTA, Yogaville, Buckingham, VA 23921. Or call us at 804-969-3121 Ext. 137. Plese be sure to include your name, address, and phone number.

Volume 1, Issue #1—February 1993: ($7) Model Marketing Plan, Part III By Manjula M. Cook The Benefits of Right Association By Swami Satchidananda Volume 2, Issue #3—October 1994: ($10) You Want It, You Got It Describes the mission and benefits of the IYTA. It also The Nature of a Yogi states what the Teacher’s Council does, and that Swami by Sri Swami Satchidananda is the official IYTA contact person. Teaching Integral Yoga Hatha as Stress Management, Part I What Integral Yoga Has to Offer A basic in-progress curriculum giving resources for by Swami Asokananda introducing each session and fielding questions. Compared to other Yoga schools’ classes, what makes an News and Notes IYI class successful? On teacher’s group insurance policy. News: the Wall Street Journal statistics says that 25 million Americans are Volume 1, Issue #2—June 1993: ($7) currently interested in trying Yoga for the first time! Mental Purity By Swami Satchidananda Volume 2, Issue #4—January 1995: ($7) IYTA Enthusiastic Reception Immortal Self Am I By Rev. Glasson by Sri Swami Satchidananda Teaching Tips Volume 1, Issue #3—September 1993: ($7) By Sri Swami Satchidananda Hatha Yoga with Special Populations: The Commonweal Clip art of Postures Cancer Retreats By Donja Jarrett by Rev. Durga Glasson Creating Regional Teacher’s Associations An Interview with Asoka Thomas. By Rev. Durga Glasson

Volume 1, Issue #4—January 1994: ($7) Volume 3, Issue #1—March 1995: ($7) Marketing Hatha Yoga Classes, Part I The Way to Positive Thinking by Manjula M. Cook by Sri Swami Satchidananda How to Teach Someone Who is Pregnant There is Light at the End of The Tunnel Part I By Swami Ramananda by Swami Ramananda & Durga O’Sullivan Add a Little On Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Rev. Durga Glasson Marketing Article Part IV How to integrate other branches of yoga into your class. By Manjula M. Cook & Satyabhama Gatto News and Notes Volume 2, Issue #1—March 1994: ($7) Integrating Raja Yoga into Hatha class to enhance pos- tures. Dec; ’95 SELF Magazine article featured Swami Protecting Our Peace Ramananda on how to relieve stress with . By Sri Swami Satchidananda Teaching Tips On Sun Salutation, Positions 2 and 11 Volume 3, Issue #2 —June 1995: ($7) By Sri Swami Satchidananda How to Deepen Your Meditation Model Marketing Plan, Part II By Sri Swami Satchidananda by Manjula M. Cook He gives preparatory steps for meditation On marketing Hatha Yoga classes. There is Light at the End of the Tunnel, Part II By Swami Ramananda & Durga O’Sullivan Volume 2, Issue #2 —July 1994: ($7) On Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Includes clip art & office On Meditation: Should We Control The Mind Or Let It Go? “stress buster” stretches. By Sri Swami Satchidananda Marketing Article, Part V Does Hatha Yoga Fulfill The Need For Aerobic Exercise? By Manjula Cook Q & A with Swami Ramananda News & Notes Making Corrections During Hatha Classes In Coimbatore, , the IYI there purchased land for an by Rev. Durga Glasson orphanage and residential school. Sri Swami Satchidananda suggests we create a Yoga teachers’ reunion. He suggests not to think of one’s self as teacher but rather as a “liver” of yoga where we set an example of peace and happiness. Volume 3, Issue #3 —November 1995: ($7) News from Teachers: How We Conduct Our Classes Forgiveness How different members teach their classes. by Swami Satchidananda Teachers Reunion 1996: A Review The Cat Stretch w/ Clip Art By Vimala Pozzi By Swami Vidyananda and Shanti Wagner Tips for Teaching Hatha Yoga Course Classes By Swami Vidyananda Hatha Yoga and HMO’s by Rev. Durga Glasson Integral Yoga Hatha I Six Week Course Syllabus An Interview with Tom Guttadauro An eight-page mini-manual. News from Our Members Tips on getting good press coverage by pre-writing one’s own Volume 4, Issue #3—January 1997: ($7) article & guiding the interview. The opening of a new Athens Beyond the Insane Mind Center. By Sri Swami Satchidananda News and Notes Making friends with the mind’s insanity and on losing Micheal Hopp reports bringing his local city’s yoga instructors the ego identity. together to successfully create a “Yoga Sampler” eight week Hatha Yoga and Cerebral Palsy: An Expert’s Advice course. Swami Vidyananda recounts her experience at the By Swami Suddhananda Unity in Yoga Conference and how respected IYI is among other yoga schools. II (Warrior Pose II) On Marketing Volume 3, Issue #4 & Volume 4, Issue #1—March By Vimala Pozzi 1996: ($10) Ingredients that make up a successful center. DOUBLE ISSUE with long article on Yoga as stress manage- News and Notes ment On teacher insurance rates Faith by Sri Swami Satchidananda Volume 4, Issue #4—February 1997: ($7) Teaching Tips: Paschimotaasana Everything You Want in Life By Rev. Durga Glasson By Sri Swami Satchidananda News & Notes How to use meditation’s power of focus and directing Progress Report on the building of orphanage and residential the mind to one channel. Meditation is the most impor- school in India. tant practice to develop because it tames the mind. By Swami Vidyananda Working With Emotions Through Hatha Yoga, Part 1 Stress Management Packet: By Bhavani Miller Integral Yoga as Stress Management, Part II Parsvottanasana/Side Extension (Asymmetrical Leg Stretch) Four Anti-Stress Pills Parivtritta (Revolved Triangle) by Bharati Gardino & Swami Vidyananda (clip art by Shanti Wagner) Using Raja Yoga and ’s Yoga Teaching Meditation in Hatha Yoga Classes Stress Management Workshop Outlines By Swami Vidyananda A six-week course with each class outlined Various methods to offer students. Notes on Teaching Stress Management Course Classes News and Notes Web Site created by Swami Murugananda. The possibil- Setting Up Your Own Daily Stress Management Practice ity of IYTA members being listed at this site for next Pranayama year. By Swami Vidyananda Stress Warning Signals

The Negative Stress Cycle (Illustration) Volume 5, Issue #1—May 1997: ($7) Diet and Stress Excerpts from The Golden Present By Swami Satchidananda Volume 4, Issue #2—August 1996: ($10) There is Nothing Terrible in This Life; Upon Completing Your Training You Don’t Have to Feel Guilty By Sri Swami Satchidananda Have Positive, Positive, Positive Thoughts Message From Swami Asokananda Teaching Meditation On strengthening the headquarter of Integral Yoga By Rev. Jaganath Carrera A list of what should be covered when teaching a medita- Tips for Tight Legs tion course: 1) Theory 2) Explain what it is 3) Preparation By Bhavani Miller 4) Basic techniques 5) Distracting thoughts 6) Practical A common problem w/male athletes Hints 7) Regularity 8) Meditation in daily life, plus more... News and Notes More Hospital Humor Sri Swami Satchidananda’s decision to bring in Swami Asokananda of NYIYI to help rejuvenate the ashram. News and Notes Each ashramite was invited to visualize the job that would A member writes of great success with a winter yoga class best make them grow personally & professionally. What with a meditation focus. IYTA members now receive 10% would make them ‘leap out of bed each morning eager to discount on guest stays at ashram & many ashram serve.’ The resulting positions are listed. programs.

Volume 5, Issue #2—September 1997: ($7) Volume 5, Issue #4—March 1998: ($10) Listening to The Inner Sound Pranayama & Meditation 6 Week Course Class by Sri Swami Satchidananda An 18 page curriculum A from a Satsang question. Go Deep Through Detachment A Message for Teachers By Sri Swami Satchidananda By Swami Asokananda Yoga Practice and Emotions, Part #2 Shares lessons learned as a center director. By Bhavani Miller Overcoming Inertia Deals with handling the emotions released in Hatha By Bharti Gardino classes. Learning to overcome the mind’s resistance to meditate Upavistha Konasana (Seated Angle Pose) Preparation for Meditation Teaching Raja Yoga in Hatha Yoga Classes By Swami Vidyananda By Janaka Jan Prins Teaching a class how to prepare for meditation. On incorporating the . Humor Corner News and Notes A collective from medical interview records written by Fire destroyed Montreal IYI in 1996. Now it’s back! paramedics, ER receptionists, and doctors at major hospitals. Volume 6, Issue #1—August 1998: ($7) News and Notes A review of past summer’s programs. The residential It’s All For Fun school and orphanage in India opened in June. How our By Swami Satchidananda yoga community needs to clarify standards, partly In On being happy no matter what is happening or what we answer to third party payment requirements. are doing. Work and worship should be a play. National Standards for Yoga Teachers Volume 5, Issue #3—January 1998: ($7) How standards help assure that a yoga student will taught by a well-trained teacher. Flying is Living By Sri Swami Satchidananda Laughing Meditation After flight over Gibraltar, Gurudev compares the By Wingham experience of flying to one own life: plan ahead, chart Identifies benefits of laughter for health, stress relief. your course, know the starting point, and what situations Gives laughing meditation guidelines. may be encountered. A Suggested List of Yoga Books, Audio and Video Tapes Another of Flying Integral Yoga Distribution By Susheila Willshere Tips for Teaching Personal experience relating to air sickness while flying Melanie Madhavi VanGuilder with Sri Swami Satchidananda. News and Notes A Suggested Reading List on Meditation IY Teachers Council involved for over a year in develop- Tapes & books recommended for learning & deepening ment of Yoga Alliance. one’s meditation.

Chair Yoga for the Hips Volume 6, Issue #2—November 1998: ($7) By Swami Sarvaananda Waking Up the River /Abdominal Twisting Pose By Sri Swami Satchidananda His personal experience as a young and to what lengths a serious seeker will go to accomplish a goal Volume 7, Issue #1—May 1999: ($7) Yoga Practice & Emotions, Part 3 Yoga Never Denies Anything By Bhavani Miller By Sri Swami Satchidananda Creating a comfortable and safe space for handling emotions Covers all aspects of yoga, what yoga truly means. that come up in class. The Yoga Alliance, Part 1 IYI of Richmond Participant Feedback Form By Swami Ramananda By Vimala Pozzi The meeting in Oct. 1998 in Colorado. More about A four page form to get feedback from students developed by establishment of standards for yoga professionals; the Richmond IYI. invites feedback. pose Background Conversations News and Notes By Swami Asokananda Mention of enormous TT courses. IYTA Getting a major The Ashram president’s personal notes on arriving at overhaul. Opportunities for members to serve. this ashram, the resultant reorganization, deepening working relationships, and the impact of “unspoken feelings.” Volume 6, Issue #3—January 1999: ($7) HELP (Health Enhancement Lifestyle Program) Update A Healthy New Year: Accomplishing a Balanced Mind About Australian devotees Indrani and Devandra By Sri Swami Satchidananda Hoptman and their success in introducing this program Covers the meaning of and (as ‘accomplished in medical hospitals and in doctor’s training. person’) and that all disease originates in the mind. Growing An Integral Yoga Center Building a Professional Resume: Vimala Pozzi By Pushkari and Swaine By Julian Gopala Pozzi One couple’s account of creating a yoga center. Key tips to making yoga a career. Note from Richmond Police Chief on the importance of stress management for officers. Parivritta Janusirshasana/Revolved Knee To Head Pose Clip Art for Use in Flyers News and Notes The 50th anniversary of Sri Swami Satchidananda’s News and Notes initiation into the holy order of Sannyas; Announces The big database wipe out. More liability insurance carriers. Gopala Pozzi’s appointment to IYTA; and the new IY centers.

The Grace of the Mother To walk through life armoured against all fear, peril, and disaster only two things are needed, two that go always together—the Grace of the Divine Mother, and, on your side, a state made up of faith, sincerity, and surrender. Let you faith be pure, candid, and perfect. Regard your life as given you only for the divine work and to help in the divine manifestation. The more complete your faith, sincerity and surrender, the more will grace and protection be with you. And when the grace and protection of the Divine Mother are with you, what is there that can touch you or whom need you fear. A little of it even will carry you through all difficulties, obstacles, and dangers; surrounded by its full presence you can go securely on your way because it is hers, careless of all menace, unaffected by any hostility however powerful , whether from this world or worlds invisible. Its touch can turn difficulties into opportunities, failure into success and weakness into unfaltering strength. For the grace of the Divine Mother is the sanction of the Supreme and now or tomorrow its effect is sure, a thing decreed, inevitable and irrestible. —, The Mother THE YOGA ALLIANCE by Swami Ramananda

Hari Om. Greetings of Peace. Recently, you may have received a packet from the IYTA which included a registration form for the Yoga Alliance. Although registration with the Alliance is completely voluntary, I would like to encourage you to do so. I believe the Yoga Alliance is doing a valuable service that will help bring Yoga to many more people in need of it by promoting Yoga teachers as professionals. Any conventional institution, such as a hospital or school, will want to know that they are hiring a Yoga teacher that meets with some standard...up till now there were no standards for Yoga teachers except the ones that some insurance companies set up for themselves. The Alliance grew out of a dialogue with almost all the major schools that train Yoga teachers, and we were able to meet in the true Spirit of Yoga, honoring each tradition as it is and create minimum standards that are broad enough to include almost all the schools. Our interest is not in judging any program or teacher, but in making a distinction between someone who took a comprehensive training and someone who took a weekend course at the health club where they teach aerobics. By registering with the Alliance, you will unite with many others to support Yoga teachers as professionals who have created their own standards. And, of course, you will be able to use the initials RYT after your name and the logo of the Alliance on promotional materials. I do believe that within a few years, these symbols will be widely recognized and used by the organizations that hire teachers. I have written only about standards, but the Alliance also seeks to serve and support Yoga teachers in any way possible; by providing networking opportunities, national retreats, and access to information about the efficacy of Yoga. The following information will assist you in regard to INTEGRAL YOGA TEACHERS TRAINING programs and how they meet the hourly requirements. Satchidananda Ashram—Yogaville and the New York and San Francisco IYIs will soon be registered schools; at the 200 hour level initially and at the 500 hour level by the end of the year. Any Integral Yoga center that offers teacher training certification programs (this means the curriculum is approved by the Teachers Council and the graduates receive our IYI diplomas), can also be registered as an affliate school that uses the same curriculum, thus making the school application a breeze. To determine which level (200-hour or 500-hour) requirements you have met, you will need to review which training programs you have completed. Basic Hatha Yoga Level I- Beginner's Teacher Training is 260 hours. So if you are a Hatha I teacher, you meet the 200-hour requirements. Complete the application, attach a copy of your Hatha Teacher Training Beginner's Certificate and send the $25 fee to the Yoga Alliance. (If you have lost your diploma, please contact the location at which you took your training and request a new certificate...generally there is a replacement fee of $10). The 500-hour level is more complicated, since the number of hours in some programs, like ITT/ATT, has changed over the years. Integral Yoga is in the process of creating our own 500-hour level certificate so that we can review and then issue it to any of our teachers that have 500 hours of training. Then a teacher can present this certificate with the 500 hour registration form to the Alliance. The Ashram will issue these certificates. If you feel you have enough hours to apply for the 500 hour level (for example, a one week training is about 75 hours, 2 week is about 140 hours, and the non-residential programs are about the same) gather together all informa- THE YOGA ALLIANCE tion about your training, including certificate programs, advanced training courses/ workshops, teacher reunions, etc. and send them to the Ashram, attention: 500 hour certificate. We will soon have figured out the number of hours in each training category for all of our TT programs and be able to determine if you have enough hours. Keep in mind that this process will take time to work out—please be patient. I hope this is helpful in determining how to register. If you need further explanation or have questions, feel free to contact my assistant, Padmasri: call (212) 929-0586 ext. 30 or send email to: [email protected]. Or if you need an application, call the Alliance office toll free at 877-964-2255. Thanks so much for your consideration. I hope you will join us in supporting the work of the Alliance. Feel free to send this information to anyone else you know who may need it. Om Shanthi. Yours in the Light, Swami Ramananda

Rocks, Pebbles, and Gravel

In speaking to a group of high-powered over-achievers, a time management specialist used this illustration to drive home his point: He pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouth, glass jar and set it on the table in front of him. He then took out of his bag seven fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them in the jar. When the jar was filled to the top, he asked the group: “Is this jar full?” Everyone in the class yelled, “Yes.” He replied curiously, “Really?” He reached into his bag and pulled out a bottle of gravel. He dumped the gravel in and shook the jar of rocks so that the gravel could work itself down into the spaces between the rocks. He then asked again, “Is this jar full?” The class was quiet. Someone said, “Probably not.” “Good”, he replied. Again he reached into his satchel and took out a ziplocked plastic bag of sand. He dumped the sand into the sand so that it filled all the remaining spaces between the rocks and gravel. Once again he asked, “Is this jar full?” “No.” the class answered. “Right.” He enthusiastically said as he pulled out a bottle of water and began to pour it into the jar until it was full to the brim. He then turned to the class and asked, “What’s the point of this illustration?” Someone quickly blurted out, “To show that no matter how full your schedule is, you can always cram more in.” “No,” he replied, “That’s not it. The truth that it shows us is that if you don’t put in the big rocks first, you’ll never get them all in. So, ask yourself before you make a schedule: what are the big rocks in my life? Is it time with loved ones, your faith, your education, your dreams, a worthy cause, teaching or mentoring others? Whatever they are, remember to put these in first, or you’ll never get them in later.” What our teachers are doing!

Jeff Iorillo Yogaville TT, summer ‘97 From Adweek Magazine, 8/30/99 During a recent photo shoot for Levi Strauss & Co.’s Slates brand, the creative team assembled on the floor of a Manhattan studio to watch Jeff Iorillo demonstrate various yoga positions for relaxation. They were quickly joined by legendary photographer Richard Avedon, who kicked off his shoes, plopped down next to Iorillo and cheerfully inquired, “Oh, What are you doing? How do you do that?” “So, there we all were, sitting on the floor in our socks in the ‘Sun Salutation’ with Richard Avedon,” says Iorillo, group creative director at Foote, Cone & Belding, San Francisco.

Michael Lerner President, Commonweal Program Dear Swamiji, I am one of many who was introduced to the great tradition and lineage of yoga teachings through Integral Yoga. Here are some of the things I appreciate most deeply about Integral Yoga. First, Integral Yoga teaches a balanced and comprehensive approach to the yoga tradition that includes instruction in all the branches of yoga. Second, Integral Yoga presents yoga to the student in a profoundly ecumenical framework, honoring all the great religious and ethical traditions of the world equally. Third, Integral Yoga encourages every student to find his or her own integration of yoga with his or her own religious, spiritual, or ethical tradition, so that yoga is seen not as competing with the other traditions that we value but rather as deepening and supporting them. As you know, the Commonweal Cancer Help Program was developed using Integral Yoga as a fundamental framework for our week-long educational program of support for cancer patients. Like , whose work with both heart disease and cancer has been so deeply influenced by Integral Yoga, I will always owe Integral Yoga a deep debt for its fundamental contribution to our work over the past twelve years. In creating a remarkable framework of Integral Yoga as a balanced contemporary reframing of the great tradition of yoga, you have over the last fifty years done a tremendous service that had directly touched the lives of tens of thousands of people. I am honored and grateful to have benefited so profoundly in my own life from these teachings. With warmest best wishes, Michael Lerner.

News from France! Padma Sainsbury, has opened a new IYC in Picot, France. Swami Yogananda, the first Westerner given Sannyas by Sri Gurudev, performed the inauguration. With Divyajyoti in , and Nalini in Gibraltar, Padma is working on forming an IYTA in Europe with their own newsletter and teacher training programs. She writes, “Please let people know that we have been given a 20 acre site here in France to be used as a Yoga Center. If people want, with God’s help and a lot of fundraising and Karma Yogis, we can build an European Ashram. Please let us know, this is your project.” Contact Padma if you want to help. (0033) (0) 5-53-82-38-42 The Great Oke-Ekpe Masquerade Dance By Rev. Paraman Lazarus Emenogo From the Umungawa Obowu Imo State, Nigeria

Rev. Paraman Emenogo is trained and initiated into dances and drums of African Culture and Traditional . He per- formed the Great Oke-Ekpe Dance at last year's Poornima as an honor to Sri Gurudev. It was the first time the dance was performed a for non-initiated audience. The development of music and art in a part of African Tradi- tional Religious ceremony. Such sacred music and dance are used in most of the ceremonies for the different gods at different times of the year. The Great Oke-Ekpe, which means the King of Masquerade dance is performed once in a year before the farm- ing season begins between the months of February and March according to the traditional IGBO calendar. Ancient people in Africa lived very close to Nature or God. They saw his provident hand in everything, including all natural events. The Oke-Ekpe dance which symbolizes the great spirit of our ancestors is performed to cleanse and purify the environment, thereby invoking the gifts and of God in the form of rain, sunshine, fertility, protection, the moral law, health, knowledge, love, and universal peace. The carved image headpiece is the symbol of our great ancient ancestors who lived a saintly life on earth. They are always with us during the ceremony in their spiritual form. The white eagle feather is for purity and a sign of one has been initiated into the ancient IGBO tradition. It also shows that the dancer has to undergo some purification in body and mind before the dance. The dance costume, which is made of wool with various colors, symbolizes a lion as the Oke-Ekpe is otherwise called. The reason for this is that one has to overcome his animal nature in order to be great and powerful. The round mirrors are there as windows to view the inner world where the ancestors now dwell. The various beautiful cloths tied around the waistline serve as a belt of power in which a man going to war has to tie. The jingling anklets—with small bells—wards off all evil forces as the Oke-Ekpe approaches. The knife or cutlass he holds in his right hand, which shines like silver, serves as a weapon to destroy the evil forces. The intricate dance movements and the rhythm of the sacred ancients Ikoro Wooden Gong speaks to the dancer with different tunes. He then interprets this language of the drum in his dance steps cleansing and purifying the environment. One who has not been initiated into the traditional IGBO Religious rites will not be allowed to perform this dance. Such a person will not be allowed to enter where the masquerader is being dressed. Finally, it is a taboo to mention the name of the dancer. THE BULLETIN BOARD The Bulletin Board features communications from our fellow Teacher Association members. It is your vehicle to reach out to other Integral Yoga teachers. Please send your letters to the Integral Yoga Teachers Association at Yogaville or e-mail us at [email protected]. And, of course, please stop by the IYTA office when you are at the ashram.

Thank You to all of you who donated time or money for the production of the IYTA Directory. As you know, we were able to list the Directory in the Teacher Trainings catalog this year, making it available to 15,000 people! Also, a big thanks to all the sustaining members, you are the angels of the Teachers Association. Savitri De Meyer of Brussels, Belgium writes: “After 35 years of teaching Yoga, my experience is that the students are always very interested in Yoga philosophy. To satisfy their interest, I therefore always start my classes with a short explanation on: the gunas, , nadis, or pranayama. Sometimes I read an inspiring text about the . As soon as the students know the basic asanas I start to teach them the different variations, but at the end of the term I return to the classic series. This gives me an idea of their improvement or difficulties, and tells me where to focus during their next term. My aim has always been to develop the of who they really are and of their potential. Pranayama has to be explained as a powerful practice to overcome and illnesses. Students should experience, for instance, that by practicing Kumbaka (retention) they get in touch with their inner self. I think it would be useful to include workshops on pranayama in the next teachers reunion”. Vimala of Austin,TX is an Alexander teacher and a professional dancer. “I work very deeply with incorporating alignment, posture, energy, and bringing the body, breath, and mind into movement and harmony.” Visanka Eklof of San Francisco, CA teaches at the IY Institute. “I view the session which I instruct as an opportunity for each student to actualize his or her true nature. To facilitate this truth, I do offer corrections but in a subtle manner, as well as allow for silence in each posture, so I don’t over- verbalize. I try to honor each participant’s personal .” Rev. Paraman Emenogu of Rivers State, Nigeria: “I have found the Pavanmuktaasana exercise very useful when I am teaching people who might not have been doing exercise for a long time. These people whose joints are as stiff as iron. I go thought the whole series of the above exercises to loosen their joints.” Pervin Davar of Falls Church, VA: “For me, the most important aspect of my teaching is that the students do not regard this as a once-a-week practice, I emphasize that they need to take yoga into their daily life and see what a powerful tool they have within, instead of constantly relying on outside help.” The Athens Yoga Center turned 4 years old on September 23. “Yes, we have begun our fifth year of service. Thank for you for all your continued support.” Good News! Yoga is Spreading on the Outer Banks! There are now five Integral Yoga Instructors on the Beach ( four are year around residents and one is seasonal) stretching from Corova to Hatteras. These are Edna Baden (Corolla ), Joy Bressette (Kill Devil Hills), Molly Harrison (Nags Head), Mary Jo Friedman (Buxton), and Kay Hawkins (Buxton). Chandra Solana Loryn Walton writes: “Do you have any contacts of anyone teaching yoga in a Catholic Community? I have contacted the priest here who is interested but has asked me to research how other communities are dealing with the conservative objection from some of the parishoners.” If you have any information, please contact Chandra at 218 Johnson Ave #4, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, 407-783-2743, [email protected]. Directory Corrections Luis Sierra’s email is LFsierra@ibm. The correct address for Anna Corish’s is: 315 Victoria #14. St. Lambert, QUE. D4P 2H7, CANADA Mangala Boring is now Mangala Warner. FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear IYTA member, Warm Greetings during this first winter of the new millenium. First, let me sincerely aoplogize for our inconsistent newsletter. Over the last few months, as we restructure the Ashram, things have been a bit topsy-turvy around here. Because of scheduling problems, the August newsletter was to be published with the November one as a double issue. Then at the time of the November publishing date we were waiting on current information on the Yoga Alliance and the new Ashram structure which came out later than expected due to the Millenial hoopla. Meanwhile, we are in the midst of changing directors at the IYTA and establishing a more coherent membership policy to serve you more effectively. I want to thank you for your patience during my brief tenure as the IYTA Director. I've learned valuable lessons from this experience. When I took over the post, I had just turned 25 and had the hubris to think I could do this job unassisted. How wrong I was! The involved production of the directory, the detailed editorial work of the newsletter, and the answers to your wonderful questions came not from me, but from the dedicated work of our beloved Swamis, community members, and karma yogis. It is has been humbling to be in the presence of such devoted disciples of Sri Gurudev over the last year. I am proud to say that I am an Integral Yoga Teacher and belong to the community of teachers that I've met over the last year. I've seen so many inspiring teachers coming through to enjoy the Lotus Temple, the wide flowing James river, the Health center, and the accessible wooded mountain paths; as well as the delicious vegetarian meals and Hatha classes. And it is all made possible by a small group of committed people that offer their work as a service to us all. Yogaville is truly, as Gurudev often says, "A heaven on earth." Your dues last year were invested in areas that will bear fruits for all of us for years to come. The IYTA helped with the organization of the Yoga Alliance and we are designing a webpage for our members. In the Service of the Light, Julian Gopala Pozzi

TEACHER IN THE LIGHT

Marcela Maithreyi André López Born: In San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico. Education: Polytechnic University of New York. Sciences and Engineering. Polytechnic Fellows Scholar. International Institute of Permaculture, Australia. Permaculture designer. Work: International writer, educator, translator. Areas of Focus: Applying at the personal, social, and the environmental levels. Indepen- dent scholar in Human Rights and Women Studies at the University of Virginia.

To Contact Maithreyi: Marcela André López Integral Yoga Institute Mexico Calle San Rafael 6 & 8-A (San Juan de Dios) San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, 37700 Mexico Tel. Int. + 52 (4) 15 4 40 17 e-mail: [email protected]