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Volume XII, No.2 May 2006

Surrender, Faith and Experience If you are easeful and peaceful, you will be useful. by Suddhananda —Sri Swami Satchidananda I surrender if I know one of two things: 1) I am not in charge of what happens 2) God is doing a better job than I could do I am cooking dinner for friends. I am opening a can of tomato sauce. The grip on the can is lost. I catch it before it hits the fl oor (the benefi t of meditation) Let Go but not before tomato sauce is spilled all over me, Sri Swami Satchidananda my socks, and across the kitchen fl oor to the far wall. Integral ® Teachers Association U.S. Postage This was not in my plans for making dinner! I begin to Route 1, Box 1720 PAID QUESTION: It seems so diffi cult to surrender and accept God’s Will with giggle, then laugh, then laugh so hard my belly hurts Permit No. 3 all that is happening to and around me. I want to surrender and be totally and tears are running down my face. What a sight! Buckingham, VA 23921 Nonprofi t 434.969.3121, ext. 137 Organization cheerful and happy every second by just letting go, but something in me God is playing with me. How do I get the tomato- Fax: 434.969.5545 Buckingham, VA keeps resisting, and it seems to be getting worse. Gurudev, what does it soaked clothes into the wash without making pink E-mail: [email protected] 23921 take to surrender, and is there a way it can be done quickly? This state is tracks across the wall-to-wall white carpet? I take Webpage: www.iyta.org ghastly! them off in the kitchen, wash them in the sink and Continued on Page 14 Continued on Page 16 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED inside

Let Go Lives of Luminaries ...... Page 5 : Paschimottanaasana Sri Swami Satchidananda ...... Page 1 Integral Yoga Updates ...... Page 6 Sutter & Bharati Dufour ...... Page 10 Surrender, Faith and Experience Continuing Education Corner ...... Page 7 Pause and Allow Feelings To Flow Swami Suddhananda ...... Page 1 Meditation Teacher Training... Ambha Ingrid Crane ...... Page 12 Easy Steps To Surrender Sivani Marlene Alderman ...... Page 8 Surrender Through Yoga Swami Sharadananda ...... Page 3 Creative Abandons: Poetry ...... Page 9 Pat McCarthy ...... Page 13 Isvara Pranidhana Speakers’ Schedules ...... Page 18 Swami ...... Page 4 Yogaville Calendar ...... Page 19 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 20 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 1 ® The Goal of Integral Yoga INTEGRAL YOGA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Yogaville Calendar The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright of every Founder: Sri Swami Satchidananda individual is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the MAY diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously The Integral Yoga Teachers Association is a 12-13 Spiritual Gardening: Honoring Mother Earth with Swami Gitananda membership association open to all Integral as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved 18-21 Ritos de Primavera: Retiro en Espanol (Rites of Spring: A Retreat in Spanish) Yoga teachers. Its mission is to provide mutual by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum 19–21 Spring Cleaning of Body, Mind and Spirit with Sachi, D.Ac. support and spiritual fellowship, to share information, health and strength, senses under total control, a mind 26–29 Memorial Day Weekend Chanting Workshop with Das

to provide inspiration, and to conduct ongoing train- Summer 2006 well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a 31–Jun 4 Integrating Yoga into Western Rehabilitation with Bill Gallagher, M.S.P.T. and Richard Sabel, ing and guidance. razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of O.T.R., M.A., M.R.H. unconditional love and , an ego as pure as a Director: Lakshmi Sutter JUNE crystal, and a life fi lled with Supreme Peace and Joy. Continuing Ed. & Membership Coordinator: 2-4 Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath, Body and Mind with Rev. Frank Jude Boccio Sadasivam Greenstone 2-4 Yoga and Kabbalah with Prahaladan Mandelkorn Attain this through , pranayama, chanting of Newsletter Editor: Bharati (Meredith) Dufour 6-11 Thai Yoga Massage Intensive I with Dion Holy Names, self discipline, selfl ess action, , Copy Editors: LJ Dentz, Ariel Forrest, 9-11 Basic Meditation: Sharpening the Mind, Relaxing the Body with Swami Gurucharanananda (Mataji) meditation, study and refl ection. Philip Gitelman, Lakshmi Sutter 15–25 Cardiac Yoga® Teacher Training with M. Mala Cunningham, Ph.D. shanti, shanti, shanti, Please contact us at: 16-18 Enlightening Relationships: Fundamentals and Tools with Gopal and Bello Ever yours in Yoga, Integral Yoga Teachers Association 21-25 Integral Yoga Health Retreat: Pathways to Radiant Health with Amrita McLanahan, M.D. Satchidananda –Yogaville and Senior Staff RR 1 Box 1720 21-25 Teaching Yoga to Young Adults & Teens with Learning Disabilities with Kathi Casey Buckingham, VA 23921 USA 25–Jul 16 Intermediate Teacher Training with Swami Asokananda and Rev. Glasson Tel: 434.969.3121, ext. 137 25–Jul 2 Camp Yogaville for Kids with Harini Lender Fax: 434.969.5545 29–Jul 9 Prenatal & Labor Yoga Teacher Training with Morse and Rev. Leela Lipscomb E-mail (Newsletter): [email protected] 30-Jul 2 Compassionate Self-Discipline with Cheri Huber E-mail (Membership): [email protected] Letter From The Editor E-mail (IYTA): [email protected] JULY Website: www.iyta.org 1-21 Natyam Dance Camp I with Dhananjayans and Padma Contu 8 Poornima 10-13 Post-Partum Yoga Teacher Training with Esther Jyothi Larson Namaste. 14-16 Yoga for Freer Hips with Karen Prior Last issue we focused our power of thought to create positive intentions and plans in our lives. 14-23 Stress Management: Adapting Yoga for Any Setting Teacher Training with Swami Ramananda, With this newsletter, we now have the opportunity to learn and practice easy steps of releasing and Swami Vidyananda, and Jo Jaya Applebaum surrendering those intentions and plans to the Divine within. 16-Aug 13 Basic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training As you read these articles, you might introspect about your personal thoughts and actions regarding 21-23 Moving Onward and Forward: Living the Life of Your Dreams with Chitra and Rhadeya Plasha the topic of letting go. You might also fi nd yourself chuckling and enjoying the fun as a witness to the 22–30 Gentle Yoga Teacher Training with Sambasiva Bruce Neal surrender process like Swami Suddhananda! 28-30 Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Stress Through Yoga with Dhananjayan Kumar During the past three months I’ve had the opportunity to participate with this newsletter’s topic and have learned much more about my surrendering process as a result. As I continue to practice the art of surrender to Divine, I fi nd comfort and AUGUST inspiration in the following by : 4-6 Clear Your Life--Inner & Outer Well-being! with Meenakshi Angel Honig Think ye in thy heart, lotus feet of thy Guru, 4-6 Sacred Sound: The Joyful Experience of Kirtan, & Raaga with Karnamrita Dasi If you want to cross the ocean of delusion. 7–26 Teacher Training with Swami Karunananda, Paraman Barsel and Swami Priyaananda Shaming the white lotus in purity, 11-20 10-Day Silent Retreat: Finding Inner Harmony in a Challenging World beyond all duality, 14-20 Minister’s Conference: Sannyas/Ministers Training Seminar 2006 Guru, image of , deliver us from delusion! 25-27 Yoga Asana, Dance and the Grace of Subtle Alignment with Vimala OM, Peace, Amen. 25-27 for Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging with Michael Muktan Sullivan, D.C., D.Ay.

Blessings of Peace, Joy, Love & Light, To make a reservation or receive a Yogaville Program Guide, Bharati (Meredith) Dufour 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 • May 2006 • Page 2 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 19 Integral Yoga Senior Speakers’ Schedules From Our Swamis

Please contact local representatives for times, costs, pre-enrollment requirements, schedule changes, etc. Easy Steps To Surrender by Swami Sharadananda Swami Asokananda Jun 25–Jul 16 Intermediate Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville Buckingham, VA 800-858-YOGA Surrender can be a scary proposition for many people, nor explode when it doesn’t. But generally speaking, we feel we [email protected] especially Americans brought up with the ideals of personal need to know what’s happening—and have some infl uence over Aug 11-20 10-Day Silent Retreat Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville freedom and the right to prosperity. Within the framework of it—in order to feel: the Yoga , both of these ideals 4. Comfort. Some people like challenges, some don’t, but Sept 8-10 Philosophy & Practice of Holy Cow Yoga Center Kitta daayin can be seen as falling under the vritti of we all have to face them. Getting beyond our comfort zone is Hatha Yoga & Charleston, SC misconception. Personal freedom being perhaps the greatest spiritual challenge of all. This applies whether Talks Contact: TD Rykard Vettena mara. one because we are interconnected with you prefer life without [email protected] If you cannot over 6 billion others—not counting plants challenges and they’re When we speak of surrender, http://www.holycowyoga.com get it, and animals! Just think of the typical coming barrelling we are talking about a immediately human reaction to a pesky mosquito, toward you, or whether willingness to tune our will forget it. which for most people is: “Swat it!” How they’re nowhere on the Swami Ramananda Jul 14-23 Stress Management Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville to the will of God, which is —Avvaiyar quickly—and unthinkingly—we reorganize horizon and boredom Teacher Training always for the highest good the world around us. is your issue of the day. of all. This might include Sept 1-4 Self-Healing Workshop Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville Prosperity, too, is misconception because recent studies show Either way, we become accepting things and people that people are not happy or unhappy based on the amount prone to: Sept 14-17 Yoga Sutras of IY Center Bello Horizonte, Brazil as they are. But if someone they have, but on whether they have more or less than others. 5. Judgement. By Program Renata Sumar you know is violent toward [email protected] Otherwise, why would there be billionaires? A simple million or this I mean more than two, or even 45 or 100 million, should be ample for anyone to the standard guilt- you, you should get out of live on, no? and-blame games. I’m the situation at once—never Religions hold before us another ideal: they ask us to talking about the basis surrender to it—as it brings no Swami Karunananda Jun 25-Jul 16 Bhagavad Gita Talks for Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville surrender—which seems to be the antithesis of personal anything. of these things: setting benefi t to you or the other Intermediate Teacher Training Surrender leads to contentment. Ahhhh. Contentment! It’s living one person, place or person. Aug 7-26 Raja Yoga Teacher Training Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville happily with what’s there, because “what ain’t there, ain’t there.” thing against another, Oct 27-29 “How to Get Unstuck” Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville It’s aspiring for what is good for everyone, because happiness and comparing them. A photographer friend of mine once walked Workshop on Personal that excludes others becomes a wall of isolation—a most unhappy out of Sivananda Hall into the orange glow of a spectacular sunset Transformation situation! and said, “Wow—this is my favorite time of day!” Then we both So, here are some strategies to help us warm up to the idea burst out laughing. How could one time of day possibly be better of surrender. First, let’s look at some obstacles, and then some than another? exercises to help us develop a taste for this enigmatic and diffi cult Okay, here we go—try these on for size once in a while. Swami Sharadananda early June Various Talks Italy requirement of spiritual life. Because Sri Gurudev always tells us, Easy Steps to Surrender: Jul 14-16 Annual UK Retreat Gaunts House once you get a taste for it, you’ll want more and more. 1. Develop Will Power. Practice “giving up” something from Dorset, England Obstacles to Surrender: time to time. Master Sivanandaji Maharaj suggests that if you Contact: IY Dorset Centre 1. Dependence. Make a list of the things you feel you can’t love salt, give up salt on Sundays. This develops will power, but [email protected] live without. It could be coffee, your partner, or a favorite TV also gives us practice in not getting shaken by a loss. Success in 44-120-225-6883 show—even your if it’s getting in the way of surrendering. small things will lead to success in big things. late Jul Various Talks Barcelona Try to identify what this contributes to your life. I’ll bet it relates 2. Develop Generosity of Spirit. Practice “giving in” to TBA Various Talks Tours, France to: someone else. Be the fi rst to apologize after an argument. Pick Swindon, Bath, West Dorset, 2. Egoity. This includes anything under the category of “I, Me, an area where you are used to calling the shots, and let the other Slovenia Mine,” including my preferences, my opinions, my public image, person have his or her way. Just be sure it’s something you can live my time. When we attach ourselves to these things, we fall into with; don’t let someone paint the bedroom neon pink if it means the trap of: you’ll have to sleep on the couch in order to get any shut-eye. 3. Control. We all strive to structure the world so it works for 3. Recognize the Value of Others. Consult other people us. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as we neither implode Continued on Page 16

IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 18 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 3 From Our Swamis Isvara Pranidhana Transforming Lives Spring/Summer 2006 by Swami Ramananda

Teachers’ and Health Professionals' Workshops: 10-Day Silent Retreat: Tapah Savahyayesvara Pranidhanani Kriya Yogah. by selfi sh interests and are willing to let go of it, this feels to me Accepting pain as help for purifi cation, study of spiritual like Isvara Pranidhana. Integrating Yoga into Western Rehabilitation Finding Inner Harmony in a Challenging World books, and surrender to the Supreme Being constitute Ahh! The relief of being honest about what I really feel, the with Bill Gallagher, MSPT & Richard Sabel, OTR, MA May 31–June 4, 2006 August 11–20, 2006 Yoga in practice. freedom of pulling back in an asana when I need to, of admitting I made a mistake and saying I’m sorry. Surrender boils down to Teaching Yoga to Young Adults with Learning Disabilities This appears in the fi rst of the second chapter with Kathi Casey allowing myself to be guided by a concern for the well-being of of Patanjali ‘s Yoga Sutras. It is presented in that sutra along with June 22–25, 2006 all (God in everyone), though it usually plays out as cleaning the the concepts of accepting pain for spiritual growth and studying bathtub after I use it, or taking just my share of what is given for one’s life in the light of the scriptures. It is translated as surrender Special Programs: all the residents of the Institute to use. to the Supreme Being, but I feel it can be understood also as Because we’re all so accustomed to working to keep up our Mindfulness Yogawith Rev. Frank Jude Boccio surrender to the Truth. June 2–4, 2006 self-image, it’s a challenge to let down our armor and admit For example, if we practice asana mindfully, we begin to the truth. But I keep fi nding that surrendering to what is real is Compassionate Self-Disciplinewith Cheri Huber become aware of how we push beyond our capacity because June 30–July 2, 2006 a wonderful way to give up this battle and accept the universal we want to look better to others or to ourselves. We have an law of love as a guide. I like the sound of that—surrendering to Yoga for Freer Hipswith Karen Prior image of ourselves that we try to live up to. It’s painful to realize July 14–16, 2006 love. how often we try to make ourselves look good to cover up our mistakes, or push ourselves to be more accepted and loved. Swami Ramananda is the President of the New York 1-800-858-9642 www.yogaville.ORG Becoming aware of this is a kind of self-study and leads us to Integral Yoga Institute and has been teaching Yoga for the truth. When we see clearly that our behavior is motivated over 25 years.

Excerpt from What is Integral Yoga? Yogaville Opportunities for IYTA Members It’s the unity behind: Faith paths are many but the truth remains the constant One It’s respect of each other and all beliefs, of Mother Nature, stars, moon, sun As an IYTA member, you can participate—either full-time or part-time—in Yogaville’s Support Staff program or Living Yoga It’s the dissolving away of us and them, a merging of the One Training (LYT) program. Both programs are free of charge to IYTA members. The Support Staff program is for individuals It is what Taoists call the way and Islam’s Allah or the One who can come to Yogaville for one to three weeks; whereas, the LYT program is for those who can stay from one to three It’s Christianity’s Holy Spirit, the light, the eternal sun months. With full-time participation in either program, IYTA members can also earn credits toward TTs and other programs at Yogaville. It’s the So and Hum of our breath Being in either program is a wonderful opportunity to live at the Ashram and to enjoy the support of its spiritual environ- The Prana, life-force that powers us until death ment, including daily meditation, Hatha Yoga, workshops, classes, and being with other Integral Yoga teachers and sangha It’s awareness and mindfulness in all we see and do members. And an intention of love in all one carries through It’s the growth of one’s soul and evolution of the world It’s the transformation of the I for a new world to unfold LYT PROGRAM SUPPORT STAFF Not the mind, body, intellect just the truth to behold (1 to 3 months) (up to 3 weeks) As all attachments are let go to the physical world 3/4 Time Service: Free room and board. 3/4 Time Service: Free room and board. It’s Sangha, kirtan, chanting, fun and togetherness Full–Time Service: (5 1/2 days per week): Full-Time Service: (5 1/2 days per week): It’s the realization that life’s a play and we are but it’s chess Free room and board plus a $200 credit for Free room and board plus a $50 credit for So that our mindset becomes lighter and freer, treating life as a game selected programs and guest stays each month selected programs and guest stays for each And the mischievous children are our thoughts we learn to tame spent in the LYT Program. For more information, week spent in the Support Staff program. For It’s a letting go, surrender, of the mind’s constant craving please contact Swami Priyaananda at 434-969- more information, please contact Brahma To a whole new world that we are consciously paving 3121, ext. 117 or email at [email protected]. Rosenberg at 434-969-3121. ext. 112 or email at [email protected]. By Kelly Jo Amba Howes Dorset, UK IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 4 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 17 Surrender, Faith and Experience— continued from page 1 Saints and Sages carry them to the laundry, careful not to disturb the (still soaked I say, with eyes open to terrible suffering, this is when we in tomato sauce) fl oor. The clothes are taken care of, fl oor is need deep faith the most. This is when we need to reach out cleaned and back to cooking, all with a good laugh, because I to the Divine the most, and if we can’t do that (if the mind is in Lives of Luminaries have surrendered my plan, surrendered myself, to being fully shock, the heart too angry, or too afraid) then it is the time to say, present to the events of the moment. “God, I am on my knees. I can’t feel you. I don’t even want to In the past, I had a personality that tended to get attached to talk to you.” And, eventually, “You have to help me.” Then (this Anandamayi Ma “my” job, “my” service, “my” responsibilities. I had an idea of is the tough part for some of us) we have to allow and accept “The spiritual aspirant should practice dhyana (steady meditation) in how things should turn out and a fairly fi xed idea of my role in the help that comes. the proper posture (with the back straight) and deeply meditate on his the situation. A lot of suffering arose from these ideas because, How do we develop Faith? I love Gurudev’s teaching about Ishta (beloved deity). He should purge himself of all outside thoughts and of course, things did not often turn out the way I envisioned this. We develop Faith by noticing all of the gifts that we have consider himself pure. Once he is absorbed in genuine dhyana, worldly them, and I could not fulfi ll my role the way I thought it should been given in life (in my case, I wrote a list). Additionally, Gurudev attractions lose all their appeal and then worldly enjoyments cannot be done. After many such experiences, it dawned upon me recommended that we repeat, for one week, the following possibly touch him. Meditation opens one’s true being to the Light, to that, quite possibly, God’s plan is better than mine. This sounds statement: “God is taking complete care of me.” Notice your that which is Eternal. In true meditation, Reality is contacted. When the funny, I know, but it was a deep surrendering. I began to notice experience in that week. movement of your true nature sets in, then, because it is directed solely that things do work out in the Grace and Mercy of the Divine. Let us realize and know in our deepest heart that God, Gurudev, towards God, the knots of the heart will be unraveled. Then you should Trusting that this is the Truth allows me to experience that energy the Divine, loves us and is taking care of us every moment—much know that the current of your life is turned towards the Eternal. Give of Grace and Mercy, no matter what the circumstances are. better than we can do ourselves. May we surrender into Divine yourself up to the wave, and you will be absorbed by the current—having This was shown to me yesterday. The body was in pain—not Grace, Mercy and Love, and be in Peace. dived into the sea, you do not return any more. The Eternal Himself is unusual for me; it happens. I said, “Okay Gurudev, I know you With an MA in Clinical Psychology and also having had to the wave that fl oods the shore, so that you may be carried away. Those are helping me through allowing me to have this experience.” face the challenges related to life-long cerebral palsy, Swami who can surrender themselves to this aim will be accepted by Him. (Feel free to insert your own name of the Divine, of course, if you Suddhananda currently serves as a personal and group But if your attention remains directed towards the shore, you cannot want to adopt this form.) I deeply believed in the Truth of what I consultant for the Yogaville and the larger Buckingham proceed—after bathing you will return to the shore. If your aim is the was saying. A sense of Peace, Grace and Mercy enveloped me. communities. Her gentle, compassionate approach is Supreme, the Ultimate, you will be led on by the movement of your The physical pain didn’t change. My experience of it did. coupled with a strong faith in our innate emotional health own true nature. There are waves that carry away and waves that pull “But Suddhananda,” I hear you say, “there are terrible things and the tender mercy of the Divine. Swami Suddhananda back. Those who can give themselves up will be taken by Him. In the we go through in life: sustained abuse, terror, fear, loss of a child is available through e-mail for consultation. Her address is guise of the wave He holds out His hand and calls you. or loved one. What about that? Do we trust God then? What [email protected]. A donation to Yogaville, in exchange “It is necessary to try and dedicate to the Supreme every single action do we do then?” SRI ANANDAMAYI MA—the “Bliss-fi lled Mother”—lived in for this service, is appreciated. of one’s daily life. From the moment one wakes up in the morning until India from 30 April 1896 to 27 August 1982. One night, one falls asleep at night one should endeavour to sustain this attitude of sitting alone in her room, in the light of the full moon, mind. Then, when at His Lotus feet one has sacrifi ced without reserve poised in the serenity of the Self, Anandamayi Ma received Easy Steps To Surrender— whatever small power one possesses, so that there is nothing left that spiritual initiation: she was touched by God and heard His continued from page 3 one may call one’s own, do you know what He does at that fortunate holy name within. Thereafter, disciples began to fl ock to moment? Out of your littleness He makes you perfect, whole, and her. She blessed them all with her radiant presence, her before taking a decision. There might be more to the picture than 5. Temper Opinions with Questions. Ask, rather than always then nothing remains to be desired or achieved. The moment your self- beautiful chanting, and her profoundly simple answers you can see from your angle. Someone might have invaluable asserting your version of an experience. Try to see things from dedication becomes complete, at that very instant occurs the revelation to their many questions. Leaving everything in God’s experience from which you can benefi t. There might be an all sides. You might still have the same opinion in the end, but of the indivisible, unbroken perfection which is ever revealed by the hands, she spent her life traveling around India, serving unforeseen problem that you’ll be able to avoid. you’ll have learned how close you really are to the Truth. Self.” 4. Boldly Explore the High Ground. Familiar is comfortable. His children. “This body always says, ‘Where do I have a OM Shanti. God bless you all on the road to blissful That’s why we come down so quickly after being in the presence dwelling place, except in the hearts of you all.’” surrender! of a highly spiritual person. The rarefi ed atmosphere can be hard to take. We might even purposely bring ourselves down Swami Sharadananda is a senior monastic disciple of Sri to a more comfortable level at times by doing things we know Gurudev, as well as a senior teacher, teacher trainer and Abandon yourself to God in all matters without exception. aren’t good for us. When faced with something disconcertingly ecumenical speaker. She has taught all aspects of Integral “May He do as He pleases with me, who I am but a creature new, visualize “the worst that could happen,” and see yourself Yoga in a wide variety of settings in the USA, Canada, Europe, India and South America. surviving it. Then visualize the best that could happen, and see in His hands.” —Anandamayi Ma yourself comfortable, happy and successful there. You’ll face the future feeling more secure. This story is taken from www.anandamayi.org, www.cosmicharmony.com, and the Integral Yoga Publication, Lives of Luminaries, which is available through Integral Yoga Distribution. IYTA members receive a 40% discount.

IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 16 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 5 Let Go— INTEGRAL YOGA UPDATES continued from page 14 suffering ultimately helps us; then the surrender comes naturally. The man kept pulling more and more sari; all the rounds were In line with the wise saying: “the only con- Teachers Day following You cannot even surrender by yourself, by your own will. “I am almost gone. Then only the last round remained. All of a sudden stant in life is change”, the Integral Yoga Acade- surrendering.” No. Surrender comes naturally, just as the baby the lady Draupadi realized that holding on was not going to my (IYA) staff will be changing in the near future. Integral Yoga & LOTUS surrenders to the mother. The baby doesn’t consciously surrender save her. She threw up her hands and said, “I can’t take care of It is with great excitement and support (and plenty of Anniversary Celebration to the mother; it’s just natural. it myself. Krishna, only You can help me.” Once she surrendered sadness for our loss!) that the IYA says “so long” to our There’s a Tamil saint who said, “Who can realize God if God to Krishna, more sari started coming. The man kept pulling and This year marks the 40th anniversary of Sri Gurudev’s long-term fellow , Mahadev Carlino. Mahadev doesn’t want us to realize?” Even to realize God, we need God’s pulling, and as long as he pulled, the sari kept coming. Finally arrival in the West and the founding of Integral Yoga. It has been accepted into the graduate program in somatic Grace. Even to surrender ourselves to God, we need God’s he got tired of pulling and gave up. That means, in a way, even also marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Light psychology at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Grace. How does Grace come? By putting all the impediments your failure helps you to put your trust in a Higher Will. Don’t Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). Many of you have taken your Basic Teacher Trainings with into our life and letting us get tired of all of them. Then, ultimately, give up, but know that it’s impossible for your little effort to save When Sri Swami Satchidananda came to the USA in the Mahadev and have come to know and love him as much when we drop all our efforts, Grace comes to save us. It’s only at you. There’s a Great Effort waiting to help you. God tests you this summer of 1966 at the invitation of artist Peter Max, few as we do. He has been an outstanding example of selfl ess that moment that we are totally surrendering ourselves. way. If you were really putting your faith in God, how would you Americans knew about or practiced Yoga. Connecting service as he has served in various capacities within the ------prove it? “Okay Lord, let anything happen. Whatever it is, I leave Westerners to a lineage of Yogic teachings going back Teacher Training department since he arrived in the Fall QUESTION: Please clarify a point about surrender: How do it to you.” This kind of surrender doesn’t come that easily. more than 5000 years, Swamiji, as he became known, of 2001. Mahadev is teaching the Spring TT with in you know when it is right to surrender or when to take action? When we fi rst began on the Kailash pilgrimage, we all trusted synthesized those teachings into a simple yet profound May, and then he will transition to his new role as graduate Or is it a balance one learns? Sometimes I feel I am surrendering in our own capacity, our own strength, with some money in hand. truth. “There is permanent peace and joy inside each student. Mahadev will always be part of the IY family, and to a situation, but maybe I am just stuck. Later, our strength started diminishing and our money was of no and every one of us,” he said, “and the Yogic practices we wish him much success and prosperity as he ventures SRI GURUDEV: While reading this question I am reminded use to us because there were no shops from which to buy. What of Hatha, pranayama, meditation and selfl ess service are into these new waters. Please chant three OM Tryam- of that wonderful by Saint Francis: “Lord, when I face a is the good of money if there are no shops? At one point you the truest paths to realizing and maintaining that peace”. bakams for the safety and well being of our beloved friend! situation give me the strength to correct it. If I cannot, give me realize neither the money, nor your name, nor your fame, nor The New York Integral Yoga Institute was founded on Michael Smith, who has served with the Teacher Train- the strength to accept it.” You don’t have to surrender right away; your physical strength is going to help you. At that point you put October 7, 1966, and began in a large apartment at ing department for several years, will also be transitioning see how much strength you have and whether you can face and your entire faith in God. “God, if You want, let me come have 500 West End Avenue. Hatha classes, scripture study, to something that is as yet unknown as we go to print. correct it. Try it. If it’s not possible to correct it, then surrender. Your darshan.” That’s what you call surrendering. Surrendering kirtan, cooking classes, and the training of Yoga teachers Michael has served with love in various capacities–from You have to think of your strength, your capacity, and face the comes when every effort fails. But that doesn’t mean that you attracted increasing numbers of spiritual seekers to a processing applications to inspiring those who wish to situation. Ultimately though, if everything fails, there’s no other should not put forth your effort. There’s a well-known saying: way of life that has been transforming lives ever since. be Yoga teachers. Michael will be training new staff way but to surrender. Surrender here means surrender to the “God helps those who help themselves.” Putting your faith in God Swami Satchidananda’s mission–to make Yoga accessible through June, and then transitioning to other roles at Yo- higher will. It’s not that you give up. You give it to God. “God, I is your fi nal help. Nothing is impossible. Things happen without to everyone–has been fulfilled, as evidenced by the gaville…or possibly beyond! We extend wishes of great tried my best. I couldn’t do it anymore. I give it to You.” your expectation. So it’s better to surrender. If you can’t do that, widespread popularity of Yoga and its acceptance as a vital peace and ease to Michael and cherish him in our hearts. In one part of the , Duryodhana’s brother was something will make you surrender. When is it right to surrender tool in healing and stress management. Jai Gurudev! Serving in the administrative capacity of our pro- trying to disrobe the lady Draupadi in public. She was holding and when to take action? The simple answer is: take action. When Coming for the 20th anniversary of the LOTUS? Would grams will be Supriya Butz (434-969-3121 ext.153) and her sari cloth and shouting “Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, help me, that becomes impossible, then surrender. you like to spend an extra day connecting with fellow IY help me!” Luckily, Indian women wear almost six rounds of sari. Hridayan Stern (ext. 153 AMs only). Supriya has been a These teachings are found on SASTRI. teachers? Following the weekend celebration with Integral tremendous asset to the Academy in the past year as a from around the world, settle in for another amazing staff person or administrator to every Basic TT since she day dedicated to IY teachers. On Monday, October 9, the Meditation Teacher Training— graduated! Hridayan comes to us from Australia. Along IY Academy will host a one-day seminar to reconnect with continued from page 8 with his lovely wife, Chitra, and amazing daughter, Priya our teaching sangha, develop depth in our own practice Devi, he will live among the sangha at Yogaville for the and return home with inspired teaching tools. the theory and practice of meditation. If you want to be truly 2. Sri Swami Satchidananda, Guided Meditation, CD, Integral next year. Multi-talented, you’ll defi nitely want to take the inspired to share meditation by teaching others and experience Yoga Distribution opportunity to get to know both of these amazing souls! the benefi ts of meditation by deepening your own practice, 3. Sri Swami Sivananda, Concentration and Meditation, Divine Opportunities during consider taking the Meditation Teacher Training program when Life Society it is offered again in the Summer of 2007. At the end of the A New Look Sivani Marlene Alderman is a teacher of Integral Yoga Hatha, October Double Celebration course, graduates are certifi ed to teach Integral Yoga Meditation. Raja Yoga and Meditation. She is currently a Seminarian To celebrate Integral Yoga’s 40 years of service, we are A limited number of full time support staff positions The course fulfi lls 86 hours toward the Registered Yoga Teacher studying for the Integral Yoga Ministry and a student in introducing a new logo and Newsletter design. This new are available beginning Wednesday eve, October 4 requirements of the Yoga Alliance. Dr. David Frawley’s Advanced Yoga and Ayurveda program. graphic identity–contributed by our long-time IYI commu- through Sunday eve, October 8. Please contact Ashram Resources: Her email is [email protected]. nity member and art director/designer Peter Petronio–will Operations by September 1 at (434) 969-3121, ext.112 1. Meditation: Excerpts from Talks by Sri Swami Satchidananda, be used by all the Integral Yoga headquarters, Institutes, or email Brahma at [email protected]. Integral Yoga Publications stores and affi liates throughout the world.

IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 6 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 15 Let Go— continued from page 1 CONTINUING EDUCATION CORNER SRI GURUDEV: Yes, it can seem diffi cult to surrender and See the difference? Both babies depend on their mothers for accept God’s Will. We want to depend on our own strength, movement and surrender to their mothers, but the baby monkey our own capacity to handle, and we don’t want to drop the uses its own strength and depends on that; thus, the fear of falling Stress Management Revised Basic Teacher Training attachment. If we don’t surrender, then better luck next birth! is in the monkey baby’s heart. Teacher Training Review Manuals Available Surrendering is like taking hold of a pot that’s hot. What do we There are those two types of surrender: “I hold onto you,” “Integral Yoga Stress Management Teacher’s Training Over the past year Integral Yoga® trainers throughout do? Do we say, “Ooo hoo! It’s hot! It’s hot! It’s hot! What am I to and “I cannot even hold onto you; you hold onto me.” The was absolutely one of the best programs I have ever the organization have been working on an update for do?” and wait for an answer? If we’re going to wait for someone’s latter comes in our life at one time or other. It’s when everything attended. Everything was covered, from a deep the Basic Teacher’s Manual. The new manual is now advice, the pot is not very hot. If it’s really hot, then we won’t else fails, we’re at the end of our wits, and nothing is working, understanding of stress and stress management, to teaching available. The following is a brief listing of some of the many even ask what to do; we will drop it. The fact that you’re still that we begin to say, “Lord, I am Thine. All is Thine. Thy will be it to many different groups of people. It included how to enhancements. holding the pot and asking what to do means that it’s not hot done.” Until that time what should we do? Try to do whatever modify poses according to people with special needs, how One of the major if not more subtle changes involves enough. So, hold on until it really burns. You will know yourself you think is right, get tired of it, and then drop it. There’s a Tamil to structure classes, and even how to effectively market how we instruct poses as Integral Yoga® Hatha teachers. The when to drop it. saying: “The pot was hot; the hand dropped it.” So, your newfound skills. The written manual handed out revised script now refl ects a more balanced view between Surrender only comes at the point when it comes naturally after every effort from us fails. It ...“I cannot in this program was superb. I continue to use it often. the action or “doing” in a pose and the releasing through everything else fails. If you still have a little hope of doesn’t matter if something in you keeps resisting Whether you want to present stress management to your awareness and letting go in a pose. getting this, or doing that, even just that little hope and it seems to be getting worse; let it become even hold own Yoga class, or teach it out in the business community, The script for Sarvangaasana (Shoulder Stand) has been is enough to keep God away. It is like the story of worse. It must not be bad enough yet. One day everything you need is covered. re-written with the purpose of a safer approach to the pose. the man on the road who was being thrashed by onto you; you you will know that it’s all for good. Even holding I have used the material in my own understanding and Several optional poses familiar to Integral Yoga® Hatha some violent fellow and crying, “God, God, God, on with your own strength is for good, because hold onto coping with stress, I have taught portions of it to my friends I teachers but previously not included in the manual have God, please help me, please help me, God!” With that’s going to teach you a lesson—that ultimately and family, I have created a 12-week stress management been added: Adho Mukha Svanaasana (Downward Facing every blow the man shouted louder; God heard it’s no good. me.” Yoga class, and I have taught stress management out in Dog), Balaasana (Child’s Pose), Sukhaasana (Easy Pose) and and was rushing to help him, but halfway there, To quickly reach surrender and accept God’s the “non-Yoga” community. I highly recommend this Ardha Padmaasana (Half Lotus Pose). A Hatha I version of He turned back. His wife asked, “Why did you come back? You will, hold on tightly. Or ask yourself while you’re still holding program.” Ustraasana (Camel Pose) previously known as Sasangaasana rushed out in a hurry to save somebody.” on with your own strength, “Am I being sensible or am I being –Douglas Thompson, New York City (Rabbit Pose) is included, and Trikonaasana (Triangle Pose), “Yes, I was going there to save him but halfway there he started foolish? Who is creating this situation? Who is not allowing me The next opportunity to begin the Stress Management Gomukhaasana (Cow Face Pose) and Badraasana (Gentle taking care of it himself. So I thought, he doesn’t seem to need to surrender?” Then you will see it is you, no one other than you, Teacher Training with Swamis Ramananda & Vidyananda, Pose) have been rewritten. me, and I came back.” who is keeping God’s help away. It’s like the monkey and and Jo Jaya Applebaum is July 14-23, 2006.* A section introducing optional poses has also been written “But he was calling, ‘God, God, God’.” story. When people drink tender coconut, they cut a small hole including the purpose of optional poses, criteria to determine “At the point when he started returning the blows himself, I into the shell, drink the coconut water through the hole, and placement of optional poses, and tips on instructing poses saw he still had some energy. So, let him do it.” then drop it in a fi eld somewhere. There’s still a nice, soft jelly new to a teacher. God is a real taskmaster. If you really want to depend on Him, Raja Yoga Teacher Training inside. It takes a big machete to cut it open, so sometimes we A much more extensive treatment of warm-ups is includ- give up everything and say, “I don’t know. I can’t do anything don’t take the time for that. The monkeys know that there’s a nice Deepen your personal understanding of and learn how ed with instruction on teaching several different warm-up anymore.” Then God’s help comes to you. Even an ounce of jelly inside, so they slowly put their hand inside the hole in the to share with your students the philosophy and psychology routines. your own trust in yourself is enough to keep His help away. shell and grab all of that. Then, when they try to pull their hand of Yoga in a dynamic and meaningful way. Raja Yoga is a All the drawings of the poses have been redone. Surrender should be total and unconditional surrender. It naturally out, what happens? The hand won’t come out. It seems like the comprehensive system for purifying, strengthening, and As an IYTA member, you can order an electronic copy comes to us when we are ready. Even there, we see two types: coconut is holding the hand. He tries to run here and there with harmonizing all aspects of the individual—physical, mental, in PDF format for $15, or have a copy of the manual mailed the surrender of a baby monkey and that of a baby kitten. Both his tight fi st still holding that nice jelly; he doesn’t want to drop social, and spiritual. It is the science of self-mastery and a to you for $25.00 plus shipping (.39 by letter or $4.80 by babies completely depend on their mother to move them from it. When every effort fails, the monkey gets tired and faints. Then guidebook to higher consciousness, offering practical tools Priority Mail). For non-IYTA members, electronic copies cost place to place. When the baby monkey wants to move, it holds the grip slowly loosens, and the hand comes out. for self transformation. $25.00 and mailed copies cost $40.00 plus shipping. onto its mother’s abdomen while she runs and jumps from tree In a similar way, we know that by letting go we can be Raja Yoga Teacher Training provides a unique branch to tree branch. If the monkey’s mother is careless when released, but we don’t want to because the jelly is tastier. So we try opportunity to study and learn how to apply these great she jumps, then the fear of falling is in the baby’s heart while it harder and harder and harder, until we get in a fainted condition. teachings in your life. You will also be trained in public holds onto its mother. The monkey baby depends on its mother Even then, letting go of the grip is not in our hands—that is where speaking and teaching skills, so that you can effectively Pronunciation for its movement and has to hold onto the mother by its own Grace comes in. When all your strength is gone, Grace takes over share these concepts and practices with others. Aid Online strength. Whereas when the kitten wants to move, all it has to and makes you loosen your grip. But as long as you are making The next opportunity to participate in Raja Yoga Teacher Learn to correctly pronounce the Sanskrit names do is give a little “meow.” Then the mother comes, bites its neck an effort, Grace won’t come and help you. So, consciously we Training with Swami Karunananda is August 7-26, 2006.* of asanas easily and without fee from audio clips on gently, and jumps from place to place. The kitten doesn’t have should learn to live without that grip. We want to hold onto *For more information or to register for either or these two www.tilakpyle.com, a website created by yoga teacher any worry about falling; the fear of dropping the kitten is in the everything that comes to us. “I want it. I can’t leave it. I can’t live training programs, contact ARC at [email protected] or Tilak Pyle. You will hear the pronunciations given by Sri mother’s heart. The kitten is totally, totally free from any fear. without it.” It’s a foolish notion. Consequently we suffer and the 800-858-9642. IYTA members receive a 5% TT discount. Gurudev’s voice as well as other great yoga masters.

IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 14 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 7 From Our Members From Our Members Meditation Teacher Training: Surrender Through Yoga Inspiration to Deepen Our Practice by Pat McCarthy by Sivani Marlene Alderman In order to understand how powerful the practice of Yoga While acquainting my family with my new friends, helping my The aim of Yoga is to know the truth, which is one’s The TT program began with information on the science and truly is, one must experience the depth of its impact. Several children with their homework, and planning meals, I visited the Self. If you reach the depths of your Self, you will fi nd goals of meditation, including the documented health benefi ts of years ago my family relocated from a geographical place that was Yoga studio sporadically at best. The one constancy though contentment. By knowing your true nature, you will a regular meditation practice. Theory was followed by techniques quite comfortable and familiar. Many years of living there created was that Yoga was there for me offering the same miraculous know the truth in others also. In that truth, we come and suggestions for incorporating meditation into Hatha Yoga friendships based on entwined histories. Familiarity and warmth results as before. Ahh… How fortunate! My new teacher was together. To come to this realization within one’s self classes. The various meditation asanas were reviewed, and were everywhere: in my own neighborhood, at the grocery store, Sri Swami Satchidananda’s own Lakshmi Sutter. Once again is meditation. detailed instructions and hints were provided to help students the ice cream stand, the local parks, club functions and other the authenticity and care of a true yogi touched my life. Finding establish comfort in their seated postures. We were trained in the places. Good times sustained us for 18 years, during the last of little time in my schedule to attend classes, I knew that I needed —Sri Swami Satchidananda nine major yogic breathing techniques that serve as signifi cant which I attended my fi rst Yoga class. It seems incredible to me more. I wanted to know fi rst hand the authenticity and joy my Integral Yoga® Teacher Training (TT) programs provide aids to meditation. now that, until that class, true peace was not mine. teachers had given me. opportunities to come together to share Sri Gurudev’s wisdom Classes on “Developing a Personal Meditation Routine” My fi rst Yoga teacher trained at Kripalu. She was softhearted In the fall of 2004, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend and to support and inspire fellow Integral Yoga (IY) teachers. included a wealth of practical information on where, when and and comforting, like a teddy bear. After each class, we formed a Basic Teacher Training at Yogaville. I carry the experience of that Yogaville offers a host of TT programs to increase our knowledge how to meditate, preparation for meditation, picking a meditation circle, held hands and closed by noting each person’s presence. month within me like a nugget of pleasure, refl ecting upon it of Integral Yoga, gain skills to better serve our students, and technique, establishing a successful practice plan, and ways to After six weeks the class ended and my family began the process often to refresh, to renew, and to proceed. I enjoyed the clean spend time at the ashram—reconnecting with beloved teachers, incorporate meditation into daily life. In “Overcoming Obstacles,” of moving. I consider moving the same as uprooting. Roots air, basked in the sun, and walked in the wind to Kailash on Yogaville residents and old friends, while expanding our circle we had fun sharing all of the excuses the mind can come up grow deeper every moment and are enveloped by relationships, beautiful fall days. I truly enjoyed the food. The most exquisite of new friends and teachers. with to not meditate, and then we shared ways to encourage, experiences, feelings, weather, and national events—comprised of gift of all was the development of my own personal practice, Last summer, several friends from the 2003 Raja Yoga TT inspire and discipline ourselves and our students to be regular their entire surroundings. When relocating one loses whom one which was lovingly shared by the staff guiding me, enveloping reconnected in the Meditation TT program taught by Swami in meditation practice. once thought one was. One must become altogether new within me, and truly providing one of the most pleasurable experiences Karunananda, Dr. Lakshmi Barsel, and a wonderful teaching staff. The key to a regular and successful meditation practice is another environment. It can be both exciting and scary. known to me. When the question is asked, “What is Yoga?” the Meditation TT was a great opportunity to learn advanced skills to pick a technique that you love. Sri Gurudev said, “Choose One move was a planned retirement to a sunny climate. answer is mind boggling, for it is so comprehensive. Through and techniques to teach meditation, and Yogaville was the perfect anything you want as an object of meditation as long as it has We were anticipating it with joy. Several months after moving its practice, I experience contentment and joy. It offers me the place to spend ten days deepening our personal meditation some elevating thoughts or ideas behind it, something to make into our new home my husband took ill. After emergency room opportunity to let go of fear and to simply feel each moment fully. practice. What could be more spiritually uplifting than meditating you more open, more universal, and more loving.” processing and many hours of waiting, we were told that my My life now could not exist without its practice. A most gratifying at Kailash at dawn, noontime at the beautiful LOTUS, evenings The Meditation TT provided lots of practice with different husband’s condition might be life threatening. That day seemed feeling surpassing my own experience is to be able to share this with the ashram sangha at Guru Bhavan, and in Gurudev’s eternal and guided meditation techniques, including witnessing to stand still. It was the longest day of my life. My daughter, only incredible science with another person, especially when that presence and peace at Chidambaram? the mind, self-inquiry meditation, mantra japa, meditation on eight years old, was quite dependent on me. I felt like I had no person “gets it”. I can see it in their expression, demeanor and The Meditation TT program enables Yoga teachers to teach the breath, tratak, yantra meditation, walking meditation, and support from friends, neighbors, church members, or relatives. voice. There is truly an exchange when that happens on such a a six-week meditation course that will provide students with the pranic healing visualization. It was fun to learn and experiment Naturally, I longed to be back in my familiar surroundings, among deep level that I continue to be astounded at times. Internally, information, experience, and motivation needed to develop a with the meditation techniques I hadn’t practiced before. The friends I could count on with the feeling of confi dence that Yoga has delivered its true message of communion and harmony regular meditation practice. The curriculum includes instruction small group sessions provided great opportunities to develop familiarity brings. I felt totally scared. After several days we were within like making friends with one’s soul. Surrendering to the and training in the following: our personalized guided meditations. The helpful feedback we told that a minor surgery would be performed, and my husband offerings of Yoga is both the path and the pinnacle. In walking · Theory of meditation received in these small groups was of tremendous value to us. was cleared of any other complications. Naturally, I felt relieved. and moving through the path, one can fi nd satisfaction within. · The principal techniques of meditation, including mantra, The program concluded with instruction in “How to Teach But the fear had been driven down so far within that any natural Yoga has penetrated into my thoughts, feelings, perceptions and witnessing, and visualization Meditation,” including teaching guidelines, preparing lesson feeling of security couldn’t register. desires with poignancy and realism. Outwardly, it gives me great · The relationship of asana and pranayama to meditation plans, scripts for guided meditations, and a syllabus for a six-week When he regained his health, somehow mine was still in joy to be part of yogi dominions and to share the science with · Developing personal practice routines and practice course in Integral Yoga Meditation. All of this information was jeopardy. On every level of my being I was frightened. I could others. I will remain ever grateful to Integral Yoga for fi nding me plans presented in the new comprehensive Meditation TT Manual. feel it, sense it, smell it. It was a gripping fear akin to being frozen. and sharing the gift. As the physical and psychological health benefi ts of meditation A thoroughly registered fear is quite powerful and shaking. · Overcoming obstacles to meditation practice Pat McCarthy is the mother of two, Ryan (24) and Julia (l2). become more widely recognized, the interest in meditation It seemed daunting. Taking baby steps each day, I began the · Integrating meditation into daily life She lives in Summerville, S.C. Pat enjoys interests in holistic training keeps growing. The revised Meditation TT program process of familiarizing myself with new surroundings. I stayed · Leading guided meditations health, nutrition, long walks or bicycle rides with friends or provides an outstanding opportunity to learn everything about focused on meeting my family’s needs. It was no accident that I · Answering questions about Yoga and meditation her husband, sunsets, and reading. Pat currently teaches remembered Yoga. Unlike the last place I lived, Yoga was more · Deepening and refi ning your own practice Continued on Page 15 yoga in a wellness setting. popular in my new small town. In fact, a studio existed nearby. IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 8 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 13 From Our Members CREATIVE ABANDONS Pause and Allow Feelings to Flow by Ambha Ingrid Crane Pollution Makes the Surrender Sunset Prettier by Laura Lakshmi Warfi eld by Achala Godino In Yoga we practice balancing poses daily to strengthen our The body is like a pillowcase—it slips off at the end of this Drunk on the wine of desire hips and legs, sharpen our memory, and to allow for greater journey. So while in our bodies, we must work daily to bring Entranced by all that we see, I was sitting with a friend at Ocean Beach, just over the Great concentration and focus. In logic we bring this practice to the nourishment, healing and joy to ourselves and to those we meet We look for the light in the tavern of night Highway in San Francisco, marveling at another magnifi cent mind, to cultivate a state of equilibrium or equanimity—having along the path. We drink and we dream we are free. Pacifi c sunset. Streams of pinks, tangerine, pomegranate…hues of composure in any circumstance and having a complete We pause and in the stillness we focus on the breath, If living in love is the answer indigo, lavender, peach…were melting and streaking in a brilliant acceptance of life in all its forms. consciously letting go of the tension that has accumulated in the Then how will I know when I know? kaleidoscope of color. “You know, pollution makes the sunset By simply creating space in our lives so that we are at all times body and realize that life goes on, inconveniences can be handled, It’s moving so fast, I’m losing my grasp so pretty,” my friend sighed. conscious of the breath that moves through us, we can focus on adjustments can be made, we can adapt and accommodate. I guess I’ll just have to let go! the breath to bring us to a state of balance. Freedom comes from letting go, moving lightly through life, What a profound spiritual lesson! Reviewing my mental When unexpected events occur in our lives—the in-laws seeing the good, savoring the happy times and accepting what landscape at day’s end, I watch the rise and fall of emotions— And I want to surrender, I want to surrender decide they are visiting this weekend, you get a call that someone is, rather than wanting or expecting it to be anything else. sentimentality, anger, fear, and anxiety. Did the fear fade into To burn in the fi re of your eyes. very close has passed away, or the animal that has been your If you believe in God, indeed if you acknowledge that some sadness? Did the whirl of worry wash and mix in a spray of I just want to feel that this moment is real constant and dearest companion for 15 years has no more life amazing power created this earth and these bodies, then connect anger? Like stars shooting out of the sky. left—some typical reactions are shock, pain, tremendous anxiety to that source and release what has ceased to exist. In his oft-quoted “Guest House”, Rumi, the Sufi poet, and tension; all of which have a debilitating effect on our immune Finally, to paraphrase Philippians, Chapter 4, verses 8 and advises: We long to return and remember systems. 9; whatsoever is true, noble, just, pure and lovely, if anything is The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the We want to go back and forgive This is the time to pause and be with your Self. Learning to excellent, think on these things…and the God of peace shall be door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever But it tears us apart just to open our heart pause is a great gift. Without stuffi ng the void, deeply feel the with you. comes… Well, now is the moment to live! emotions surfacing from inside you and then let them go. Allow Since I so often lack the mastery to keep these characters In addition to teaching Yoga classes, Ambha Crane regularly And I want to remember, I want to remember them to fl ow through and out of you. caged, can I fi nd the serenity to enjoy the show? writes a column called Crane’s Corner in the South Marion The light that I see in your eyes If we are willing to let go of the dictates of the ego and a I spend so much time in the pursuit of the smooth ride, Citizen paper. This article was taken from the November The only thing real is the way that I feel lifetime of conditioning: “I’ve always done it this way. That is how defl ecting the problem before it appears or racing forth as 18, 2005 issue. Knowing that love never dies. I am,” and realize that each moment presents a new opportunity one trouble washes ashore and throwing it back to the great one as two more are tossed out from the undertow. Grab your for us to respond and act with clarity, dignity and grace, then And I want to surrender, I want to surrender surfboard—this wave’s a big one! Divine forces never seem to we can come to balance and know that we have a choice in To burn in the fi re of your eyes. tire of creating a new puzzle for us to put together, each one our course of action whenever “life” throws us a curve ball in The stillness of a winter’s morning I just want to feel that this moment is real a little more complex than the one before. I’m watching the whatever form. We can move life in the direction we want, taking brings comfort to the soul... Like stars shooting out of the sky. control, no longer as victims of circumstance. reminding me that patience is needed sunset of my day: violet victories and pink problems alongside Attachment is the cause of our suffering. We cling to our to become whole— kumquat colored questions that smear and bleed into the canvas These song lyrics were inspired by Gurudev. You can listen desire for the positive in life while being fi lled with aversion to The pain in which one endures I call “my life.” to several audio clips at www.laurawarfi eld.com. the negative events. symbolized by the crisp morning air... We do our best to attain zero emissions, but can I do it We are attached to pleasure, happiness and gain and we the ground is covered with the night’s frost in this lifetime? I have my doubts. So what? There’ll be more shun the opposite side of the coins, which are pain, unhappiness at sunrise...nothing has been spared— opportunities to grow, more opportunities to bring compassion and loss. These worldly concerns are referred to as the “terrible Diffi cult times come to us all to myself. twins.” Each arrives with its opposite and you can’t have one and yet the grass glitters with delight, I sometimes take morning meditation facing my bedroom without the other. Not understanding this truth is the cause of as if it holds the secret of faith.... window, which overlooks the tops of buildings butted with smoke our suffering. After darkness, there is always stacks and chimney pipes. The other day it was so cold that the In a state of balance we recognize that this life is but a short the return of light* smoke from one pipe was visible for quite some time before it journey. Everything and everyone that touches our life is for dissipated into the air we breathe. Early morning sun rays hit the growth and learning. Peace and Happiness exhaust so that maroon mixed with minneola and gold folded Life is ebb and fl ow. Nothing is permanent. There is one spirit, Jyothi Bobbie Yost and faded into rose-tangled apricot, creating rainbow funnels and the only unchanging essence. Everything else is ephemeral— spectral whirls. I was horrifi ed, and I was mesmerized. fl eeting. What can you do? I spent some time indulging the Greatest Show on Earth. IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 12 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 9 Paschimottanaasana—Full Forward Bend (Back Stretching Pose) HISTORY: Paschimotanaasana means “intense stretch to the west.” This pose stretches the western part of the body, which is the entire Preparing for the asana back from the head to the heels. By this asana the pranic currents rise through sushumna, the digestive fi re increases, the • Come into Dandaasana, the stick or staff pose. If the lower back is rounded in Dandaasana, do all of the seated forward abdomen becomes fl at, and the practitioner becomes free from diseases. bends with a folded blanket under the buttocks. The prop should be high enough to tilt the pelvis slightly forward and PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS: SUBTLE BENEFITS: maintain the lift of the lower back. • Strengthens the digestive tract and organs. • When practiced on a daily basis, this asana activates • Preserve the natural curves in the lower back by sitting on the very front of the “sitz” bones. Internally rotate the inner • Increases digestive fi re. manipura chakra (3rd chakra or solar plex- thighs slightly, bring the feet together and have the inner knees slightly touching. • Helps remove excess fat deposits from the abdomen us chakra) & releases prana through • Elongate the spine, feeling the shoulder blades slide down the spine. and thighs, particularly when regularly practicing the sushumna. • Maintain the elongation of the spine and openness in the chest, and relax any extraneous muscular effort. dynamic form of this asana. • A softening and expansion from deep inside awakens Moving into the asana • Tones the back, shoulder, arm and leg muscles. as one folds one’s body into halves, all while limiting • With an inhalation, emphasize the “lifting up” as one reaches up, arms alongside the ears without raising the shoulders. • Stretches the hamstring muscles and increases fl exibility one’s vision. • Continue this sense of elongation and hinge forward at the hips with an exhalation. It is helpful to visualize moving forward in the hip joints. • Relaxing into the pose creates a sense of releasing into rather than downward. The challenge and benefi t of the pose is in working with a lengthened spine. Extend the front, • Stimulates circulation to the nerves and muscles of the a place of surrender and humility. sides, and back of the body simultaneously toward the feet. Move the navel and side of the ribs forward. Reach further spine. • The intensity of the stretch and the recognition of down the legs without straining. • Massages the visceral organs, in particular the pancreas, limitations that must be overcome before it can be • If one can comfortably reach the toes, one may hook the thumbs and index spleen, kidney, liver, reproductive organs, the adrenal completed instill humility to one again and again. fi ngers around the big toes, forming Chin Mudra. As one advances, one glands and abdominal muscles. • Thrusting one’s body forward and down to the ground can lace the fi ngers around the bottoms of the feet. Many hand variations • Helps remove tension in the body and mind by regulat- is a deliberate act of surrender and brings awareness exist (see right). ing the adrenal glands and the whole system. of the need to trust one’s innate divine nature. • To maintain the deepest stretch along the backside of the entire body, keep • Helps alleviate disorders of the uro-genital system. • As the posture stretches one’s body, the limitations in the toes pointing upward (as if the feet were resting against a wall). • Tones the reproductive organs and can relieve sexual one’s thinking, feeling, recognition, and understanding • Allow the shoulders to relax. disorders. are also stretched. While in the asana • Helps to manage digestive disorders—especially • At the center point where the bend begins, one • Allow the cervical spine to relax. If comfortable, one may gaze downward, with an inward focus. diabetes, constipation, fl atulence, and loss of appetite; becomes aware of the two halves of the body and This can reduce the usual outward fl ow of the mind and brings greater awareness to that which menstrual disorders; sluggish liver; colitis; kidney com- the two halves of the mind; the perceived opposites lies within. plaints; bronchitis; and eosinophilia. one’s had in one’s life and practice emerge with great clarity. • After a few breaths, one can release forward a little further. With an inhalation, lift the torso and head up halfway, and CONTRAINDICATIONS: As one moves closer to perfection of the asana, one gently draw the torso forward to reemphasize the extension of the spine. Exhale and draw the abdomen up and in, coming • One with a disease of the abdominal viscera, or enlarge- • realizes—when standing up again—that turning back is forward and down. Be careful not to overstretch. ment of the liver or spleen. impossible. Coming out of the asana • One with slipped disc or sciatica should only practise This asana is also one that is used for the practice of • On an inhalation, extend the arms alongside the ears and slowly lift the torso up with a fl at back, bringing the arms the supported Paschimottanaasana—this variation • Brahmacharya. overhead. stretches the sacroiliac junction, helpful in the treatment

• On an exhalation, relax the arms and return to Dandaasana. of lower backache. Sources: Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda • One with osteoporosis should consult their physician , Hatha Yoga by Swami Venkatesananda, Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Muktibodhananda, Hatha Yoga: Variation to explore: for recommendations. The Hidden Language by Swami Sivananda Radha Gatyatmak Paschimottanaasana (dynamic back stretch pose) Supported Variation (Restorative): • Begin from Savaasana • Draw the legs and feet together. Lift the arms over the head alongside the ears and allow the palms to face upward. Supported with folded blankets, towels, cushion or bolster (OR one can use a padded folding chair facing oneself instead) Feel a sense of relaxation in this conformation. • Sit in Dandaasana–against a wall can be especially nice. • With an inhalation, engage the abdominal muscles and lift the torso to an upright, seated position keeping the • Place several folded blankets, towels or a bolster on the extended legs. arms alongside the ears and the spine elongated. • Inhale and elongate the spine, experiencing an expansion in the region of the chest. • With an exhalation, fold forward into Paschimottanaasana in a smooth and continuous movement. • Exhale and fold forward over the extended legs, walking the arms alongside the legs and allowing the torso to rest • Hold the fi nal position for only a few breaths. completely on the props. If there is space between the torso and the props, add additional props. If the body feels • Inhale and lift the torso to the sitting position with the arms alongside the ears and the spine elongated. like it can release further, remove a layer. • Exhale and return to the starting position on the back. • Allow the hands and arms to take hold of the knees, calves or ankles, or wherever you can comfortably reach. • Practice until you can comfortably complete 10 rounds, building slowly so as to discourage strain. • Relax the neck and shoulders, bringing your face and head forward toward the props resting on your legs. This dynamic practice can increase circulation and metabolic processes. It renders the body more fl exible, stimulating • Breathe normally in the pose. Hold only as long as it feels comfortable. physical and pranic energy. • To come out of the pose, elongate the spine and use the arms to slowly walk the body to an upraised position.

IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 10 IYTA Newsletter • May 2006 • Page 11