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Home , Ahimsa, Vegetarianism

Volume XIII, No. 3 February 2007

Everyday by Nischala Joy

II.35 Embracing reverence and love for all (Ahimsa) we experience oneness. —Patanjali

Ahimsa gives brilliance to the . Sanctifying every moment of the day with reverence and love, the other four Yamas easily integrate into our lives.

The practice of Ahimsa transports us to Golden Age (Sat Yuga) awareness, where the entire world of people, , and inanimate objects is our family and friends, and ultimately we are one.

As babies, we see the world through pure hearts and open eyes. We live the purity of Ahimsa, experiencing oneness with everyone and everything. With the development of the mind’s ability to discriminate, differences emerge. We must then be constantly reminded that even though people and things appear to be different, in our essence we are all the same.

Embracing the great of Ahimsa brings the Ahimsa and knowledge that each of us feels pain, joy, disappointment, love—the full spectrum of emotions. We develop an by Sri Swami Satchidananda empathy with others, and our individual experience becomes the experience of all. Many people are concerned about the violence in our society and about the threat that violence poses to the As we open our hearts, Ahimsa elegantly beams reverence very existence of our planet. Our is part of that and love to the many facets of our life. We accept the violence. We should think about such things and about importance of respecting all, even those who threaten or adopting a policy of ahimsa. harm us physically or emotionally. Yet, the part that many of us

Continued on Page 14 Continued on Page 16 inside

Purifying Spiritual Gold in Taiwan Guided Deep Relaxation Sri Swami Satchidananda...... Page 1 Swami Divyananda ...... Page 5 Swami Divyananda...... Page 12 The of Integral Yoga Updates...... Page 6 Avoiding Misery Rev. Jaganath Carrera...... Page 1 Continuing Education...... Page 7 Sri ...... Page 13 Zeal and Sincerity Face Challenges Head On Glory of the Self Page 15 Nischala Joy Devi...... Page 3 Hersha Chellaram...... Page 8 Sri Swami Sivananda...... Free of Desires Asana: Mayurasana Speakers’ Schedules...... Page 18 Nalanie Chellaram...... Page 4 Sutter...... Page 10 Yogaville Calendar...... Page 19

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 1 The Goal of Integral Yoga Integral Yoga®

The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of Teachers Association every individual is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation Founder: Sri Swami Satchidananda and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. The Integral Yoga Teachers Association is a membership association open to all Integral Yoga teachers. Its mission This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural is to provide mutual support and spiritual fellowship, to condition of a body of optimum health and strength, share information, to provide inspiration, and to conduct senses under total control, a mind well-disciplined, ongoing training and guidance. clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional Director: Lakshmi Sutter love and , an ego as pure as a crystal, and a Continuing Ed. & Membership Coordinator: Marien Chodl life filled with and Joy. Newsletter Editor: Rev. Prakash Graphic Design: Ananda Hervé Attain this through asanas, pranayama, chanting of Copy Editors: Vimala Cook, Lakshmi Sutter Holy Names, self discipline, selfless action, , meditation, study and reflection. Integral Yoga Teachers Association Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, 108 Yogaville Way Buckingham, VA 23921 USA Ever yours in Yoga, Tel: 434.969.3121, ext. 197 Fax: 434.969.5545 E-mail (Newsletter): [email protected] E-mail (Membership): [email protected] E-mail (Director): [email protected] Website: www.iyta.org

Letter From The Editor

An act that brings harm to no one and benefit to someone lives, in our Yoga practice and in our teaching. I hope that is a perfect act,” Sri Gurudev often told us. And he we will hear from you, too. reminded us that “someone” could be yourself. It doesn’t have to be a huge, news-making act; it can be small, gentle Please let us know: Are you trying to use more “green” but meaningful. products and energy sources and materials in your teaching facility? What do you tell your students about This wonderful guideline helps in so many areas of our vegetarianism? Have you discovered any great resources lives. It’s certainly a good one to remember as we cultivate for cruelty-free products, , clothing? What inspires ahimsa. Ahimsa is often thought of as not causing harm—a you in regard to living a harm-free/fear-free life? What else worthy goal—but it is even more than that. Ahimsa is a way would you like to share? Let me know: [email protected] of thought, word, action. Ahimsa also means not causing fear and not being fearful. I look forward to hearing from you and to bringing you inspiration and lists of good resources in upcoming With this year’s Earth Day—an annual event that was dear to newsletters. Sri Gurudev’s heart—just past, ahimsa is even more in many minds. Many people are asking themselves: “Can I do more to make my footprint on this Earth a gentle one?” “Am I doing anything, without thinking, that can cause more harm Happy Spring! than good?” “What more can I do to be kind to Mother Earth and all her creatures?” Rev. Prakash Shakti

In this issue of our newsletter we begin what I hope will be an ongoing dialogue about and resource for ahimsa in our

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 2 Yoga & Teacher Training by Sivani Marlene Alderman

Ayurveda is the oldest health care system in the world and provides the mind-body typology for Yoga practice. In his book The Practice of Ayurveda Sri Swami Sivanandaji wrote “Ayurveda is a perfect science of life and consists of a body of most remarkable knowledge on human health and longevity. Ayurveda gives life which is the basis of all enjoyments, study, meditation and Yoga Sadhana.” Sri Gurudev also praised the benefits of Ayurveda: “Ayurvedic treatment is a type of rejuvenation. You feel happy and healthy. Who will not want to have that? You go there as an old person and come out as a young person. It’s a complete overhaul. Just like the car—you take the car for an overhaul and tune-up. Every area is touched upon: body, mind and spirit.”

This summer Integral Yoga is introducing a new Yoga and Ayurveda Teacher Training Program for Yoga teachers and serious students who want to incorporate Ayurveda into their classes, private consultations and personal practice. The program will present a special “integrated Yoga and Ayurveda therapy,” showing how to use all eight limbs of classical Yoga for healing both body and mind. Completion of the program will certify each graduate as a Yoga and Ayurveda Health Educator.

This Yoga and Ayurveda training will provide a special opportunity to study with Dr. David Frawley, one of the world’s foremost experts on Ayurveda, Yoga and the Vedic Sciences. Dr. Frawley has written thirty books and three sets The program will be offered in two separate parts. Part of course textbooks that have become the basis for training I on the Outer Practices will be held June 1 – 7, and programs offered worldwide. He is the Founder and Part II on the Inner Practices will be held November 14 Director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies (AIVS). – 18. Part I will emphasize the background of Yoga and Ayurveda and the outer aspects of Yoga, including asana, The program is based upon his books Yoga and Ayurveda, pranayama, pratyahara, and the healing of the physical and Yoga for Your Type as well as his Advanced Yoga and body. Part II will focus on the inner aspects of Yoga, Ayurveda training course. Betheyla Anuradha, a senior Yoga including concentration, mantra and meditation, and will teacher at the Ayurvedic Institute, will provide additional examine the healing of the mind and emotions—including training in the integration of Yoga and Ayurveda practices working with the and nadis. during the program. Asana, pranayama, pratyahara, mantra and meditation Ayurveda provides a full system of yogic medicine in techniques will be presented and practiced according to an terms of diagnosis and treatment, preventative health and Ayurvedic understanding. The background philosophy and promotion of spiritual growth. Traditional Yoga therapy principles of yogic and Ayurvedic healing will be examined, was part of a Vedic approach to right living and optimal including Ayurvedic support practices of diet, herbs, Pancha wellbeing. This program shows students how Yoga therapy and life-style modification. Participants will be taught fits in with this greater Vedic model. how to adapt Yoga practices relative to the individual constitution as defined by the doshas and gunas, as well as For anyone interested in Yoga therapy, this program according to environmental factors. provides a unique opportunity to expand both their skill and their knowledge The program differs from other Yoga and Please join us for this special program to learn how to Ayurveda trainings which are usually limited to asana only integrate Ayurveda into our Yoga classes, consultations and and do not address the full system of Yoga from life-style personal practices to benefit our students, our clients, and values to meditation. ourselves.

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 3 Exploring the 8 Limbs of Yoga by Swami

The goal of Yoga is to experience our full human potential, gives structure to the physical level. This leads us to the the union of the body, mind, and spirit. Envision having the fourth limb. Spiritual Self be equally active with the body and mind in all we do. Those who have reached this goal tell us that they 4) PRANAYAMA heals the pranamayakosha, or pranic experience their own natural completeness, a connection level, by removing the obstacles that obstruct its natural with all creation and profound Peace. They take joy in flow with compassion, attention and a combination of effort living, especially in serving others. and ease.

The Yoga offer a scientific step-by-step method to For example, we know what it feels like to have loving achieve this: In essence, returning the mind to its original energy flowing in the heart—not a moment of excited condition prior to developing a complex web of concepts infatuation but deep, abiding love and compassion for and stories about who we are. When this is done, we will someone. And we know what it feels like to close down our see with our real eyes who we really are, making the mind hearts with anger or bitterness, to protect our hearts from clear so it clearly reflects the True Self. hurt with armor, to feel lonely, cut-off from everyone. This is an example of how subtle energy governed by the senses The heart of the Yoga Sutras is the 8 Limbs, a and emotions, and influenced by physical experience comprehensive approach to healing all the levels of our as well, either can be flowing unobstructed or closed body and mind to bring them in harmony with the Self. down. These conditions that inhibit its flow are powerfully influenced by the practices of pranayama. Through its 1) —These are principles that guide our interaction practice, obstructions are gradually removed and we with the outside world, bringing our behavior into harmony experience revitalization, a sense of physical and mental with Spirit. energy. But, if we don’t address the conditions that cause the prana to become blocked, the emotional heart will 2) —These are principles that guide our interaction close down. Then, we fall back into the same problems of with the internal world or with ourselves. pranic flow. The combined benefit of asana and pranayama practiced under the guidelines of yama and niyama creates The essence of the Yama and Niyama is compassion and a unique condition of being both relaxed and alert, both the genuine concern for the wellbeing of others and for our strong and at ease. This give us enough stability and own wellbeing. These act as a foundation or preparation for awareness to adequately address the challenges of healing the other limbs as well as guidelines for our daily lives. They the next level – manomayakosha, the gross mind, home help us slowly but surely convert our every action into one of the senses and the emotions as well as the instinctual that is guided by the True Self or Spiritual Self. By bringing function of mind. these principles into our approach to asanas, (, truthfulness, contentment, self-discipline) we begin to open 5) PRATYAHARA is translated as withdrawal of the senses. our hearts and minds to be guided by the compassion that This withdrawal is cultivated during any meditation practice is our true and bring the spirit to bear in the healing where the senses are redirected away from external of all the layers of our being. perception and applied inward. For example, redirecting into our object of meditation, repeating a mantra. The 3) ASANA helps heal the anamayakosha, the physical healing of this level also involves working with emotions level. We heal the damage done to it from stress, the to undo the emotional knots that are tied into the psyche chronic tension we hold that creates stiffness, the effects of – unresolved emotional pain that flares up when someone improper diet and the impact all of these factors have on “pushes our buttons.” It helps us work with the residue of the various systems of the body. fear or bitterness left over from some traumatic experience.

Relaxed asana and relaxation leave the body feeling free By turning the senses inward, we can become more aware of tension and cleansed; but, if we practice asana without of the emotions and can see them for what they are without addressing the cause of the stress, we will keep recreating being overcome by them, and we can start the process of the same tensions over and over. dissolving these psychic knots that bind up so much energy.

The ancient knew that the physical level is Chanting is one very powerful meditative practice that governed by the next more subtle level— pranamayakosha draws our awareness within and engages the senses in or pranic body, subtle energy body – which includes the an active way that calms the emotions and can open the chakras. They knew that the flow of prana animates and heart. Sri Gurudev and other masters as well, recommend

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 4 chanting for individuals who are mentally disturbed. Since each of us has moments in which we are mentally disturbed or our minds are particularly restless, we can all benefit from knowing and using chanting to gather and focus the scattered energies of the mind.

Through regular practice of pratyahara, we gain control of the senses and heal the emotional scars from the past. But, again, we will continue to experience emotional distress and struggles with controlling the senses until we address the still more subtle level of the mind – the vijnanamayakosha. It is at this level that our deeply held beliefs, our ways of defining ourselves, give rise to our experience of the world. If, for example, I believe that my happiness will come from how well I can control the world and control the people around me, I will live in a relentless struggle to make happiness possible.

6) DHARANA—The sixth limb addresses vijnanamaya or the subtle mind or intellect. Through the practice of concentration, we gradually develop our ability to focus the than experience oneness with them. My practice of dharana mind in one direction, on our chosen object of meditation. will help remedy this situation and take me deeper in my Through regular practice and with the spirit of compassion spiritual life. for ourselves, we refocus the mind back again and again. As our practice of concentration deepens and our We begin to experience the thoughts that move in the mind awareness increases, our illusory beliefs about who we are as something other than ourselves. We begin to understand become exposed to a greater extent. When our ability to that we do not have to act on our thoughts, that we can focus the mind is sustained, this effort becomes effortless learn to discriminate between thoughts that are beneficial and we begin to experience the next level of our being and those that are not. Through this increased awareness, —anandamaykosha, or bliss body. we can observe the habitual thought patterns that create . Only when a rocket ship is propelled with enough thrust can it sustain its upward flight through the force of gravity For example: Imagine that someone criticizes me unfairly; long enough to escape it. Similarly, only when we build up I get angry and upset, storm off, feel self-righteous. I calm enough energy through the practice of the other limbs can down, breathe deeply and relax—becoming aware of what we focus the mind sufficiently to move beyond the gravity I feel and how it affects me. I choose to look more deeply. of habitual thinking to experience this level of our being I feel hurt, but anger feels better because I have been beyond the mind. This limb is called dhyana in the sutras rejected. I expected to be trusted, accepted, hoped to be indicating this sustained focus of the mind. loved. Through my reflection on the situation, I see that this person sees me this way; but I don’t have to react—it is his 7) DHYANA—At this level, the mind is exposed to the or her perception. I feel no more anger. I apologize. I see unchanging aspect of our being where we are at peace, some truth in the criticism. I see how I have an unconscious where we feel our connection with all of life and are moved need to feel accepted and that need often drives the to act with compassion in our hearts. The mind, free from way I interact. That need that makes me want to avoid being governed by a limited ego identity can realize that confronting someone when I need to and want to be nice true lasting happiness comes from serving others versus even when I need to be direct or firm with someone. competing with them.

Contemplating the situation even more deeply, I see that, Even brief moments of quieting the mind through at the root of habitual thought patterns is the belief that I meditative practice – or even an activity where the mind am separate and that, as a separate being, I am in need of becomes fully absorbed like painting or singing – can give security. That belief causes me to live in a constant struggle us a taste of this deep silence, this deep peace that is always to find peace and feel in competition with others rather within and brings about a profound healing of the mind.

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 5 Ahimsa and Vegetarianism continued from page 1

Gradually, the deeply-rooted sense of separation that we Ahimsa is a word that means nonviolence. live in can be unearthed, and we can sustain our experience Following ahimsa does not simply mean not killing. We of the true, blissful Self long enough to get one step cannot live without destroying other lives. When you further—the experience of the eighth limb: . eat , you are killing, destroying something. Even if you do not eat anything, you kill. Do you know 8) SAMADHI—This is where we merge with the spiritual how many bacteria you kill each time you take a drink of that is the essence of all things, where water? Millions. If it is a matter of avoiding killing alone, I our individual wave falls back into the sea of cosmic would advocate eating meat. Why? Simple mathematical consciousness. calculations: If you want to eat , how many plants must you kill? Certainly ten or twenty for even one . It is here that we fully experience our true nature and But how many people can eat from just one sheep? Say ten here that the inner Light can shine fully with all the layers people. If every life you take is one “sin,” which is better? of being, resulting in a complete transformation and Certainly killing one sheep would be better. So, it is not experience of the goal of Yoga – a true union of body, killing we are talking about here. We are talking about mind and Spirit. nonviolence.

I’ll end by paraphrasing a Buddhist teacher, quoted by Jack What do we mean by violence? If I do something to you Kornfield, who said, “We are made out of love. Everything and you feel hurt, my act was violent. Causing pain is in nature is made out of love, and it’s the nature of love to violence. If we want to be nonviolent, our should be expressed. Anything that obstructs the expression of that come with as little pain as possible. Many people would say, love causes suffering.” “But plants are alive, too. They feel pain if we pluck and eat them. So why give up meat if not causing pain is the idea?” We can use the guidance of the eight limbs to cultivate compassion in our hearts and pursue with compassion a Yes, plants have life; animals have life; human beings have holistic practice of Yoga that heals and awakens every level life; even an atom has life. In having life we are all equal. of our being. But in the expression of consciousness the is not as developed as the , nor the animal as developed Fortunately, this practice begins in the present – wherever as the human being. Human beings are bestowed with we are – and every aspect of our lives can be an ; it is the human being who even thinks of all opportunity to learn and grow. this, who thinks of comparing himself or herself with other beings. Animals do not compare themselves with humans. We are so blessed to have in our hands perhaps the most Plants are even less developed in the expression of their accessible and practical commentary on the Yoga Sutras consciousness. The more developed the expression of given to us by the Spirit Guide of Integral Yoga, Sri Swami consciousness in a particular form of life, the more pain is Satchidananda. It is my that we all benefit from these felt when you destroy it. Cutting off the branch of a tree profound teachings, making peace in our hearts and acting causes less pain than cutting off the limb of a pig. Many as beacons of peace in our world. studies show that plants do experience pain; but, still, we believe it is not as much as the animals experience. Swami Ramananda is the President of the New York Integral Yoga Institute and has been teaching Yoga for Here is an analogy that might help illustrate this principle. over 25 years. He conducts Teacher Training Certification Imagine a classroom of thirty students with a teacher Programs for Beginning, Intermediate and Advance Hatha standing in the front of the room, writing on the blackboard. Yoga and Stress Management and is one of the Integral Somewhere in one of the rows two of the students are Yoga community’s favorite teachers. Ramanandaji teaches talking loudly. One is the brightest student in the class. and lectures internationally and at Yoga Journal and Omega Normally, he would not be doing such a thing; but, today, national conferences and is a founding member of the Yoga somehow the other fellow drew him into it. The other boy Alliance. is “number one” at the other end. He is the worst student and has no interest in studying at all. He simply came to the Ramanandaji’s next program at Yogaville is Stress classroom because it was even worse at home. So, they are Management Teacher Training, June 8-17. both talking. The teacher looks at them and yells, “Hey, you fools! What are you doing there?”

Which of the two do you think would feel most hurt by being called a fool in front of the whole class? The “number

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 6 one” brilliant boy. The other one might just shrug it off, ourselves is through our food. That is why food should thinking, “I’ve heard it many times.” Or, he might even feel come to us as an offering of love. proud: “Finally, the teacher noticed me, paid some attention to me!” But the first one would say, “I’m sorry, I won’t do Whatever we eat should be the product of love. When I it again!” He might even burst into tears because he has say a loving offering, I do not mean that someone cooks never been addressed like that before. How can the same a nice chicken soup or broiled and then offers it to word create two different feelings in two individuals? One you lovingly. The question is, “Did the animal who died had a sharper, more evolved mind. The to make that steak love you?” I do not other one had a duller mind. It all depends think that any animal would die lovingly on the development of the consciousness. “Just because the for you. Will a cow come and say, ”Oh, The bright boy’s consciousness was more you seem to be very weak and hungry. developed. The other’s was a little dull. So killing is done by Would you like my thigh for a soup? the same action will hurt the evolved somebody else, Take it.” No, you have to kill it, destroy more than the unevolved soul. it. It’s the same when you catch a fish by somewhere else, does throwing a worm. Every time you catch a Now, let us apply this analogy to not mean the karma, fish, you are literally deceiving it. It is as the animals and the vegetables. The if you are saying, “Come on, my friend, animals are supposed to have evolved the responsibility, I will feed you.” But, when it comes to a little bit more in their consciousness is not yours. If you you, you hook it and kill it. Could you than the plants. The Hindu scriptures say that it is a love offering? The animals say, “Consciousness sleeps in are eating the meat we kill hate us. If our food brings hatred, life, dreams in plant life, awakens in they provide, you are we cannot develop love. animal life.” contributing to their So eating the products of violence brings a In animals, we see instinct functioning. actions and you share violent vibration to the mind. You are what Then, in the human level, we see you eat; do not forget that. Your food should intelligence; and, finally, in the their karma. “ be a gift of love because the vibrations with superhuman—the — functions. which food comes to us will affect us. It is all the same consciousness functioning at different levels. Our human family is starving in many parts of the world It is with this awareness that we say the animals feel pain People say that there is not enough food for us all, that more than the plants. Since we still have to but overpopulation is the cause. But I say that overpopulation is we want to reduce the pain-giving, the violence, where not the problem; rather, human greed is the problem. If we should we go? To the plants. With many plants, picking were only willing to care and share, there would be enough some part of them, scattering the seeds from within a for everyone. , literally help them grow. You are not hurting the plant. On the other hand, you are expanding its species. How can I say this? According to agricultural statistics, you You cannot do that with animals. You cannot eat the must feed 16 pounds of to a steer in order to get one thigh of a cow and throw the head somewhere and make pound of meat, and meat has become a status symbol now another cow grow. in this country. The amount of grain we use to produce meat is almost equal to the amount consumed as food in Where is our karuna, our compassion? What is to the poorer countries. our hearts? If you have even once seen pictures of the young seals being killed for their fur, you will never wear fur again. Another way of looking at it is this: on the average, an acre In the same way, if you once saw how the animals die in the of land used for grain production gives five times as much , you never would want to eat meat again. Just as an acre used for producing meat; and an acre because the killing is done by somebody else, somewhere of vegetables, fifteen times as much protein. So, to feed a else, does not mean the karma, the responsibility, is not yours. meat-eater, how much more land is needed! If everyone If you are eating the meat they provide, you are contributing to were to become a vegetarian, there would be plenty of their actions and you share their karma. food, and plenty of protein, for everyone. As Mahatma used to say, “The world has enough for everyone’s We say we want a loving world, a peaceful world; but we need but not for everyone’s greed.” cannot cultivate that love if negative vibrations get into us. One way in which we can bring negative vibrations into from The Healthy Vegetarian by Sri Swami Satchidananda

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 7 Vrikshaasana (Tree Pose) Compiled by Lakshmi Sutter

Trees have played keystone roles in many civilizations, from the ancient Egyptians to medieval knights to Socrates and Homer. When looking at a tree, one might be struck by the durability of the trunk and the expansiveness of the crown. What lies unseen are the roots, which often extend quite deep and as wide as the aboveground crown. The rich symbolism of the myths connected with trees can help one to analyze the role he or she plays between heaven and earth.

We can look symbolically at the tree to find analogies in our own lives. Some trees, for example, have thick bark, others thin. Do we have an outer covering that serves to protect us? From what might we need protection? Some roots are deep, others broad and wide. Where are ours? Further, some trees are strong and sturdy, while others bend flexibly with the wind. Do we stand strong and unyielding, or do we twist with the forces we meet? Finally, trees bear fruit, especially from pruned limbs. What spiritual pruning do we embrace in our own worlds that will bear the greatest fruit?

The next time you practice vrikshaasana, consider the symbolism of a tree and dive deep into your own experience. Consider what kind of tree you might be – and notice if it is the same or changing with each approach to the asana. Benefits

As with all balancing poses, the main benefit is in building balance, purifying the nervous system and concentrating the mind. The tree pose can also help strengthen the legs, open the hips, spread the chest and open the shoulders. Balancing poses are beneficial in counteracting the affects of by building strength. One leg balancing poses are especially helpful to help seniors regain and maintain balance, a useful practice to reduce the risk of hip fracture. (Note: Use caution with seniors and those who have physical challenges. Encourage them to hold onto a chair to help achieve balance until/unless they are able to be very steady—and sure of not falling—without it.)

As the main benefit ofVrikshaasana is balance, students should work on the pose at the level where they can maintain stillness. Only when firmly established at that level, should they move on to different placement of the feet or hands. This can be especially challenging for the ego to accept; therefore, it may be particularly useful to consider the symbolism presented earlier.

Our mastery of balancing poses is said to reflect the mastery of balance in our own lives. How much are you “in balance”?

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 8 Practicing Vrikshasana Alternate foot positions

Preparing for the Pose • Place the ball of the raised foot on top of the stationary • Establish Tadaasana. foot. This top foot can be pressing down on the stationary • Select a focus point on the wall or floor to concentrate to foot (easier to balance) or gently resting (more difficult). help maintain balance. Keep the gaze as level as possible, • Place the foot on the calf. and the head still. • Maintain a steady breath. Alternate Arm Position

• Keep the hands in prayer position. Moving into the Pose • Bring awareness to the right leg, pour the weight to that leg and balance the weight evenly throughout the right foot. Using a Wall for Balance • Bend the left leg and externally rotate from the left hip to bring the knee open to the side. • Bring the raised foot up flat on the inside of the calf or thigh, as far up as comfortable. As vrikshaasana is a good practice to restore balance, a wall • Ensure that the pelvis is level, and the hips are not sinking can be a useful tool to rebuild confidence and competence into the femur of the supporting leg nor pushing out to in balance. Those with physical challenges and seniors can the side. hold a chair for extra steadiness. • Once steady in the pose with the foot on the thigh, draw the raised knee back in space to further open the hips. The stationary hip should remain still so that the hips do • Stand in Tadaasana with the shoulder nearest the wall. not rotate to the side. Have the feet about 2 feet from the wall. • Gently engage the quadriceps muscle of the supporting • Put the hand nearest the wall lightly on the wall at about leg to slightly raise the kneecap and prevent the knee shoulder height. from locking. • Bend the outside leg and bring the foot to one of the • Bring the palms into prayer position in front of the chest. suggested foot placements on the standing leg. Bring the elbows back, lifting and opening the chest. • When feeling steady, bring the hand off the wall, joining • Raise the arms overhead with the elbows slightly bent. the hands in prayer position (or ) at the front of • Allow the shoulders to move back and down, continuing the chest. to expand the chest. • The hand may be returned to the wall for balance. This can allow one to re-establish a sense of connection to the ground through the standing leg. • If steady, continue by raising arms overhead. Experiencing the Pose • Continue to stay focused, and to breathe smoothly. • The spine, sides and chest are lifting and expanding. Variations • Hold in stillness considering the tree.

• Try bringing the leg up without using the hands. • For those with adequate external rotation of the hip and Coming out of the Pose healthy knees, the upraised foot can be placed in arddha • Slowly and smoothly lower the arms. padma. • Release the leg. Coming out slowly and smoothly is • If in arddha padma foot placement, one could use the important to maintain the benefit of any balancing pose. same side arm as upraised leg to reach around the back • Some may want to take the weight off the stationary of the waist and take hold of the upraised foot. You may leg and wiggle it, to relieve any tension and soften the assist the wrapping arm by placing the other hand on the muscles. opposite elbow and drawing the wrapping hand closer to • Return to Tadaasana before repeating on the other side. the foot. This is known as Baddha Vrikshaasana. Modifications • Fix the gaze at an imaginary point with the eyes closed.

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 9 Every Day Ahimsa—continued from page 1 forget is to treat ourselves with that same reverence and love.

The Bible compassionately tells us to “Love thy neighbor as thy self.” The difficult lesson for many of us is to learn to love and serve ourselves first.

Experiencing Having Reverence for the Small and Simple Aspects of Life

For continuous remembrance of Ahimsa, try embracing the simple.

Each time you close a drawer or a door, do so with gentleness and reverence, affirming that it, too, has consciousness. Each day we close scores of drawers and doors, helping to bring Ahimsa into the moment.

Begin to observe the way you walk. Is your step light or heavy? Do you clunk around the house or office? Sometimes the smallest and lightest people make the loudest noises. It is not physical size; it is mental consciousness. Are you considerate of others on floors below you? Are your shoes leaving scuff marks on the floor?

When you walk outside on the grass, are you aware of all the little creatures that live in that same earth? Awareness blesses them as your foot steps softly.

Add other practices as your consciousness flourishes. Always keep Ahimsa at the center of your thoughts, words and actions. from The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi

Nischala Joy Devi is a masterful and compassionate teacher, internationally renowned since 1974. Nischala feels graced to have spent over 25 years as a monastic disciple of Sri Gurudev. She also was blessed with teachings of other great Yoga masters in the U.S., , and worldwide. Her landmark research in pioneering Yoga for life-threatening diseases, ’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease and Commonweal Help Program, culminated in the creation of her Yoga of the Heart® certification course for Yoga teachers and health professionals. Author of several CDs and the books - The Healing Path of Yoga and The Secret Power of Yoga, A Woman’s Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras - Nischala Devi’s teachings reflect a heart-centered perspective of and scripture.

Nischala’s next program at Yogaville is this Labor Day Weekend: August 31-September 3.

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 10 integral yoga updates IYTA Liability Insurance Update from Marien Villaman-Chodl, IYTA Membership Coordinator

As you may know, the IYTA is nearing the end of the annual liability insurance coverage cycle. As we do each year at this time, we have reviewed available insurance options to bring you the highest level of service at the lowest cost. Beginning 1 May 2007, we will sponsor two (2) companies with the hope of offering more choices to better serve you. To submit your application

Log on to www.iyta.org, sign on to “Members Home” with your user ID (your email address in lower case) and password (iyta) and choose the “Insurance” link. Print the application and fill in all pertinent information.

Fax the completed application and credit card details to:: 434-969-1303 Attn: IYTA

Or you may mail with check or money order to: IYTA Membership Coordinator, 108 Yogaville Way, Buckingham, VA 23921

Please make checks payable to either Venbrook Insurance Services or Fitness and Wellness Insurance Agency. Please do not make checks payable to the IYTA.

The application procedure now in place will remain the same: submit your insurance application and payment to the IYTA Membership office, and we will process it and forward to Venbrook. Sending your documentation directly to the insurance company will not guarantee these rates.

These companies are licensed in all fifty (50) states for mind/body practitioners and Yoga instructors.

Option 1: VENBROOK INSURANCE SERVICES sent to all who carried coverage during the last cycle.

This has been the IYTA’s insurance provider since we began Option 2: FITNESS AND WELLNESS INSURANCE offering liability insurance. AGENCY

The limits of liability remain the same; however, there has We are delighted to introduce a new carrier with the option been a marginal increase in the premiums. Beginning 1 of part-time instructor coverage at a reasonable premium. May, the annual rates of coverage and premium are as follows: Fitness and Wellness Insurance offers a single policy limit with a distinction based only on the number of hours per Individual/Aggregate Limit Annual Premium week you teach: $500,000/$1,000,000 $160 $1,000,000/$2,000,000 $185 Part-time Individual Premium (5 hours or less per week): $1,000,000/$3,000,000 $200 $140 $2,000,000/$2,000,000 $215 $2,000,000/$3,000,000 $230 Full-time Individual Premium - $205

Venbrook’s policies will no longer be pro-rated quarterly, Policy Limits: Occurrence/Aggregate: but will be one full year of coverage starting the first of each $2,000,000/$4,000,000 month that the policy is purchased, i.e. May 1, 2007 to May 1, 2008. No deductibles, no shared policies.

Also, Venbrook Insurance is no longer permitted to offer We dearly hope these offerings suit a wide range of needs coverage for part-time instructors at the rate of $35 each, and will never become necessary while you continue to as they have in the past. All part-time instructors will be share the teachings and joy that is Integral Yoga. required to purchase their own policy at the full annual rate per the selected liability limit. The underwriter for this policy has also changed, as described in letters Venbrook

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 11 Opportunities For Service at Yogaville Teacher Trainings Staff and Administrators

We are seeking individuals to staff many of our teacher training programs. Support staff has the unique opportunity to participate in a transformative T. T. experience. Administrators should be familiar with­ Yogaville and have solid organizational skills. Both administrators and staff should have taken the program they support. Ideally, staff members have a valid driver’s license and are members of the IYTA. We ask our staff to arrive for a 2:00 p.m. meeting on Thursday preceding the Sunday start time. For the few T.Ts. that start on days other than Sunday, we need the same lead time. Food and lodging are provided free of charge. The staff is wholly dedicated to the T. T. they serve and may earn credit toward future programs at Yogaville.

Upcoming Training Programs: Stress Management (June 8 – 17) Cardiac Yoga (June 14 – 24) ITT (June 24 – July 15: need administrator) Meditation TT (16 – 29 July) Gentle TT (July 29 – August 5) Prenatal (8 – 19 August) Postpartum (20 – 23 August) Special Child (22-29 September) Fall Basic TT (Oct 14 – Nov 11)

If you would like to be considered for one of these positions, please contact Jayalakshmi Hall at 434-969-3121, ext. 153, or Srihari Bancroft at 434-969-3121, ext. 194.

Camp Counselors Needed for Camp Yogaville

Harini Lender is looking for camp counselors for Camp Yogaville this year—June 16th-June 24th. If you are interested, please respond to Haris Harini Lender at [email protected]. This is a paid position.

Scribes Wanted A message from Swami Murugananda:

As many of you know we have been in the process of transferring all of Sri Gurudev’s satsangs into a central database. The purpose of this master database is to provide the repository of Sri Gurudev’s holy words for generations to come. We have already made extensive use of this for publications, public talks and research by members. We are now at the stage where we are transcribing more satsangs.

So we need your help. If you are a good typist, have a good understanding of Sri Gurudev’s speech and have the time in your day to do this, please let me know.

Just contact Swami Murugananda at [email protected]. You will receive instructions along with a CD and a link to the free transcription software (which is basically like a computer version of a transcription tape player). All you need do is copy the CD contents into the software; then it becomes your computer tape player with all the functions of a transcription machine. Easy. You get to have a free copy of the satsang as well as provide a wonderful service that will be used for many years!

Scam Emails Asking For Yoga Lessons Teachers, please be on the lookout if you get an email from someone asking for Yoga lessons that also requests you change money for them in some way. This is a common email hoax that is happening across the globe, and we don’t want you to be violated by it. Please pass this information on to any other Yoga teachers who might benefit.

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 12 Enjoy fresh air and a serene country setting.

Special Summer 2007 Programs Special Programs for Teachers

Sri Mittra Bill Gallagher, mspt & Richard Sabel, otr Mahasadhana: Integrative : A Shortcut to Immortality East & West, Mind & Body July 6-8, 2007 June 20-24, 2007

Barbara Benagh Mukunda Stiles Revealing the Layers of Awareness: Structural Yoga Therapy™ A Yoga Workshop for Accidents and Injuries August 24-26, 2007 June 25-29, 2007

Nischala Joy Devi David Keil The Secret Power of Yoga Anatomy Intensive for August 31-September 3, 2007 September 4–9, 2007

1-800-858-9642 www.iyiva.org

Yogaville Opportunities for IYTA Members

As an IYTA member, you can participate—either full-time or part-time—in Yogaville’s Support Staff program or Living Yoga Training (LYT) program. Both programs are free of charge to IYTA members. The Support Staff program is for individuals who can come to Yogaville for one to three weeks; whereas, the LYT program is for those who can stay from one to three months. With full-time participation in either program, IYTA members can also earn credits toward TTs and other programs at Yogaville.

Being in either program is a wonderful opportunity to live at the Ashram and to enjoy the support of its spiritual environment, including daily meditation, Hatha Yoga, workshops, classes, and being with other Integral Yoga teachers and sangha members.

LYT Program Support Staff (1 to 3 months) (up to 3 weeks)

3/4 Time Service: Free room and board. 3/4 Time Service: Free room and board.

Full–Time Service (5 1/2 days per week): Free room and Full-Time Service (5 1/2 days per week): Free room and board plus a $200 credit for selected programs and guest board plus a $50 credit for selected programs and guest stays each month spent in the LYT Program. stays for each week spent in the Support Staff program.

For more information, please contact Swami Priyaananda For more information, please contact Karuna Howeth at at 434-969-3121, ext. 117 434-969-3121. ext. 112 or email at [email protected]. or email at [email protected].

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 13 Integral Yoga Senior Speakers’ Schedules

Please contact local representatives for times, costs, pre-enrollment requirements, schedule changes, etc.

Swami Asokananda

June 8–23 Italy Contact: Parvathi (Paola) Faini 39-02-5501-6558 [email protected]

June 24–July 15 Intermediate Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville Buckingham, Virginia 800-858-YOGA

August 5–26 Advanced Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville Buckingham, Virginia 800-858-YOGA

Swami Karunananda

May 13 Public Talk: New York Integral Yoga Institute “Getting Unstuck: Letting Go of 212-929-0586 Attachment and Making Changes

May 18 Public Talk: New York Integral Yoga Institute “Living a Spiritual Life in the 212-929-0586 Midst of Social Chaos”

May 20 Teachers’ Workshop: New York Integral Yoga Institute “: Exit Strategy for Suffering: 212-929-0586

July 16–29 Meditation Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville Buckingham, Virginia 800-858-YOGA August 5–26 Raja Yoga Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville Buckingham, Virginia 800-858-YOGA

Swami Ramananda

May 1–9 Open Raja Yoga Study Series New York Integral Yoga Institute Tuesday 6 pm 212-929-0586

June 8–17 Work, Love, Lunch and Laundry: New York Integral Yoga Institute Integrating Yoga Into Daily Life 212-929-0586 6:30 – 8:30

July 13-14 Raja Yoga Weekend Seminar Place: Yoga on High Buckingham, VA Colombus, OH 614-291-4444

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 14 Yogaville Calendar WI N TE R 2007 FEBRUARY 16–18 Ayurvedic Cooking with Laura Pole, R.N., M.S.N. & Muktan Sullivan, D.C., D.Ay. 17 Mahasivaratri with Wynn Paris leading some Siva chants 23-25 Open Your Hands to Good Health: Self-Healing through Acupressure with Ketan V. Shah 23-25 Yoga and Psychology with M. Mala Cunningham, Ph.D. 23-25 Camp Yogaville® Winter Children’s Camp with Haris Harini Lender

MARCH 2-4 Mindful Stress Reduction - A Spiritual Journey with Susan Carol Stone, Ph.D. 2-4 Ayurvedic Massage with Michael Muktan Sullivan, D.C., D.Ay. 9-11 Back to Basics: Introductory Yoga Weekend with Lakshmi Sutter, R.Y.T. 9-11 Introduction to Ayurveda and Thai Yoga Therapy with Rishi Dion 10-17 Yoga Vacation in Costa Rica with Swami Dayananda & Swami Gitananda 11-25 Split Basic Teacher Training (Part I) 16-26 Inside the Yoga Sutras: The Journey Continues—the Seven Steps to Wisdom and the Two Inevitabilities with Rev. Jaganath Carrera, Swami Karunananda & Rev. Paraman Barsel 23-25 Meditation as Medication with Amrita McLanahan, M.D. 25-April 1 Yoga for People with Cancer Teacher Training with Jnani Chapman, R.N. 30-April 1 Move Your Energy, Move Your Life! with Ravi singh & Ana Brett

APRIL 5 Passover Program 6-8 The Art of Feeling Good with Swami Gitananda & Sharon Shanthi Behl, M.S., L.P.C., R.Y.T. 8 Easter Program 12-15 Teachers Conference 19-22 Spring Silent Retreat 22-May 20 Basic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training 27-29 Yoga for Freer Hips with Karen Prior 27-29 Thai Yoga Massage with Rishi Dion

MAY 4-6 Restoring Shakti: Ayurvedic Health Care for Women with Sundari Finlayson 4-6 Teachers Workshop: Asana Adjustments with Aramati Akke Hulbert

To make a reservation or receive a Yogaville Program Guide, contact the Ashram Reservation Center (ARC) at 800-858-YOGA (9642) or [email protected]. IYTA members receive a 5% discount on Teacher Trainings and a 10% discount on Weekend Programs.

IYTA Newsletter • February 2007 • Page 15 ® U.S. Postage Integral Yoga Teachers Association PAID 108 Yogaville Way Permit No. 3 Nonprofit Buckingham, VA 23921 Organization Buckingham, RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED VA 23921