namaskar A VOICE FOR THE YOGA COMMUNITY OF ASIA
PROPS FOR SCOLIOSIS Ana Forrest’s way to making yoga safe and effective for those with this condition.........................p17
CHATURANGA DANDASANA A common, but challenging pose for vinyasa practitioners............................................................p27
Clayton Horton in Upward Facing Dog, photo by Sebastian Cortes
October 2013 SAMADHI The ultimate goal of yoga. But can we actually achieve it in our lifetime? ..................................p30
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NAMASKAR
NAMASKAR - OCTOBER 2013
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Eat well, sleep well, do lots of exercise On the cover, a long-time contributor to Namaskar, Clayton Horton is director of Greenpath Yoga and travels the world teaching yoga workshops and teacher trainings with an
I’m always interested to learn when modern science intersects yogic teaching, and share something I read recently. “Chasing Slumber” by Mark Wolverton appears in Psychology Today, October 2013. It’s about how most people in modern society lack sufficient sleep and the effects thereof on our own bodies, minds and the safety of others. The article reminds us our master clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), located in the hypothalamus in our brain, connects our body’s circadian clock to the 24-hour cycle of the Earth’s rotation. However recent studies by molecular biology and genetics reveal that, in fact, every single cell in our body has a circadian regulation, connecting us intrinsically to the rhythms our environment. Any yogic teachings resonate here? “Eat well, sleep well and do lots of exercise,” is the advice of Sportacus, a children’s character played by Magnus Scheving. But it’s good advice for adults too. And here in Namaskar, there’s lots of support. Wai-Ling’s Kula section of workshops, retreats and teacher trainings is constantly expanding, informing you of the diversity of yoga events around the region. While Moosa is always sharing his yummy and healthy recipes for us to try to home There are lots of practical articles in this issue: Chris’ explains how to do Chaturanga safely; teachers and those with scoliosis will find Barbara’s report on Ana Forrest’s work with props very helpful; Janet guides us through one of Thicht Naht Hanh’s most lovely meditations. More educational articles include Kapilmurti’s one the koshas; Anu on the benefits of spirituality; Tia reviewing the autobiography of the “Singing Nun” Ani Choying; Miranda’s on her recent trip to China and; Vicky on her lecture in Australia. Thanks to all. This issue’s dristi garnered more contributions than any previous topic. And it’s a good thing to have seven different perspectives and explanations, as it’s probably one of the more difficult yogic concepts to understand. Especially as enlightened beings generally don’t go around publicizing their Samadhi status or experiences. Many thanks to Chan, Gabriel, Kim, Sankirtana, Sudevi, Swami Vivekananda and Valerie for sharing their understanding of this fascinating subject. Two administrative matters - advertisers will note, on page 53, an increase of about 5% in our rates for 2014. This is primarily to cover the increases in postage and delivery of the magazine. And if you are interested in listing yourself or your studio next year, please contact Carol directly on carol@caroladams.hk Listing from January is the most cost-effective, as our rate is for the whole calendar year. So it’s the same price whether you list in all four issues of 2014, or just two issues. Finally I wish you a happy (and restful) 2013.
ABOUT NAMASKAR ADMINISTRATION Carol Adams, carol@caroladams.hk NEWS EDITOR Wai-Ling Tse, wailing.tse@gmail.com CIRCULATION Angela Sun, angela.sun@gmail.com
Namaskar provides a voice for the yoga community in Asia and around the world. The publication is an opportunity for practitioners on a yogic path to selflessly offer their knowledge, learnings and experiences with others. We welcome unsolicited submissions, therefore the opinions expressed within these pages are not necessarily those of Namaskar or its volunteers.
EDITOR & PUBLISHER Frances Gairns, fgairns@netvigator.com
October 2013
emphasis on conservation.
In This Issue DRISTI - SAMADHI SAMADHI UNPLUGGED An indepth overview PATH TO BLISS From Ashtanga & Buddhist views THE FINAL LIMB Simple overview BHAGAVAD GITA VIEW What Krishna taught Arjuna KUNDALINI VIEW A Kundalini Yoga teacher shares her understanding of Samadhi KNOWER, KNOWN, KNOWING A more philosophical essay THREE INSIGHTS From the Upanishads, Rumi & Patanjali
SPECIAL FEATURES A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TEACHER TRAINING A personal journey at Samahita Retreat PROPS FOR SCOLIOSIS Advice from Forrest Yoga MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Popular Thich Nhat Hanh technique
REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS KULA WORKSHOPS, RETREATS TEACHER TRAININGS AYURVEDA TEACHER FEATURE TRIP REVIEW BOOK REVIEW LECTURE REVIEW CROSSWORD SSRF RECIPE DIRECTORY
32 34 35 36 37
38 39
14 17 20
6 25 26 43 43 45 47 48 49 52
Articles and photographs in Namaskar are contributed at no charge. Advertising income covers production, distribution, administrative costs and discretionary contributions to selected charities and causes. Namaskar, is published quarterly in January, April, June (coinciding with Asia Yoga Conference) and October. We print almost 5,000 copies per issue (800 more in June for AYC) and distribute for free to yoga studios, teachers, fitness centres, retail outlets, restaurants & cafes and other yoga-friendly outlets. Most readers are in Hong Kong, and about 1,500 copies are mailed to 25 other countries.
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CONTRIBUTORS
AMY SHARPE Amy completing her teacher training with Paul Dallaghan in 2010. Starting out as an apprentice, she has developed into a 500 hour RYT. Amy studied acting and theatre in London and has been living in Thailand for seven years, working as a freelance writer for magazines, focused on wellness and travel. marketing@samahitaretreat.com
& Wellness, an international Yoga development program that leads Wellness retreats and Enhanced Yoga Teacher Trainings all over the world. A published author, his books offer stories on and off the mat, as well as Yin Yoga solutions for injuries and body tension. Striving to change the world by empowering others, he longs to hear from others and engages with students, teachers and life practitioners on a daily basis. www.gabeyoga.com KIM ROBERTS Kim is on staff at New Life Foundation in Chiang Rai, Thailand, teaching and counseling. papayoga@gmail.com , www.toolsofevolution.org
CHAN CUDENNEC Chan, the founder of SOL Wellness was a stressed-out banker and a management consultant in her former life. Today she is a multidisciplinary holistic practitioner who is committed to finding the best healing solutions for her clients. She is also a Kundalini yoga teacher. chan@sol-wellness.com
JANET LAU Janet teaches at The Yoga Room in Hong Kong, and leads workshops, retreats and teacher trainings around Asia. wellness@janetlau.com
ANU PURSRAM Anu has been a volunteer member of the Spiritual Science Research Foundation for 17 years. Anu@ spiritualscienceresearchfoundation.org
MIRANDA YIP Miranda teaches yoga at Yogasala in Hong Kong. miranda_yip_hk@yahoo.co.uk
CHRIS POON Chris has been teaching at Pure Yoga in Hong Kong since 2009. He is particularly interested in learning about the complex structures and functions of the human body and apply them as a tool in the ancient science of Hatha yoga. Chris.poon@pureinternational.com KAPILMURTI Senior teacher at Pure Yoga in Hong Kong, Kapil holds a Masters in Yoga Psychology from the Bihar School of Yoga and has been teaching yoga for 12 yrs. kapilmurti@yahoo.com
BARBARA PASSY Barbara is a Certified Forrest Yoga teacher and works in a bank in Chicago, Illiois. Barbara.passy@gmail.com 4
MOOSA AL-ISSA Moosa is Executive Director of Life CafĂŠ and Director of Just Green Organic Convenience Stores in HK. Moosaalissa@gmail.com
GABRIEL AZOULAY Gabriel is the founder of Gabe Yoga NAMASKAR
swami@agamayoga.com
SANKIRTANA Author of Bhakti Yoga Pilgrimage – what Buddha and Patanjali did not Teach and Prema Yoga – Healing our Relationships, Sankirtana is based in Switzerland and India. sankirtana.lok@gmail.com, www.ichant.net
SUDEVI SUNDARI Sudevi has over 20 years of yogic experience, and now spends most of her time teacher training 200/500 hrs in Australia, Hong Kong and India. yogawithsudevi@hotmail.com www.yogaparamgati.com
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA SARASWATI Swami is founder and director of Agama Yoga. He is an exponent of an unique and modern trend of thinking in Yoga. ww.agamayoga.com /
TIA SINHA Tia spends a few months a year in solitary retreat at Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, Himachal, India and teaches Hatha yoga to the nuns there and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditation, yoga asana and yoga philosophy elsewhere. Onlytia2@yahoo.co.in
VALERIE FANECO Valerie from Being in Yoga, Singapore is a senior yoga teacher and teacher trainer certified in the tradition of Yogacarya T Krishnamacharya and his son TKV Desikachar. www.beinginyoga.com
VICKY WONG A journalist since 2003, Vicky started yoga in 2008. wickyvong@gmail.com October 2013
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KULA
Updates
CHINA
The Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF) SSRF’s aim is to educate society on the spiritual dimension and how it affects their lives. They conduct research and convey knowledge about the spiritual dimension to help people understand it, advise those who are curious to experience it for themselves, and guide those who have intense desire for spiritual growth. They provide articles and videos on the science of spirituality in 11 world languages, including English and other European languages; and now also available in Chinese.
Marah joins the yoga teaching kula at Flex, Hong Kong
challenging classes, she enables students to experience the healing nature and joy of yoga. For more information info@flexhk.com /(852) 2813 2212/ www.flexhk.com
Mindfulness Yoga Class with WaiLing
For more information www.ssrf.org / www.tudou.com/home/ SSRF_Chinese Michelle joins Flex in Hong Kong
HONG KONG
New Location for Yoga Central Iyengar Yoga studio Yoga Central has moved to 2C Welley Building, 97 Wellington Street, Central. Ecofriendly is the concept behind their new location. There will be a new revised schedule, with monthly workshops and family Yoga starting in October to promote Iyengar Yoga to the community. New students can attend a trial class for HK$100! For more information www.yogacentral.com.hk / (852) 2982 4308
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New Teachers at Flex This autumn Flex welcomes Michelle Ricaille and Marah Arcillah, each with their own unique style of teaching and approach to the body. Michelle joins Flex with many years of experience as a yoga instructor and homeopath. Michelle specialises in healing people through Yoga Therapy, Detoxing/ Nutrition and Homeopathy. Michelle leads two lunchtime classes emphasizing the core. Newest to the Flex team is Marah Arcillah who introduces a Hatha Flow class. Marah teaches Hatha yoga with focus on healthy alignment; through her simple yet
This class fuses the complementary practices of mindfulness and Yoga; with focus on the integration of body, breath and mind. Cultivating awareness through the breath, mindfulness and joy as well as integrating the practise into your daily life. Includes mindful movements, guided meditation and total relaxation. Held 7830pm, every Tuesday in Prince Edward, Kowloon. Cost HK$150. For more information wailing.tse@gmail.com / (852) 9465 6461
New & Resuming Classes with Laura Shore Mondays: New: After-School Kid’s Yoga at Kennedy ESF and Peak ESF Resuming: 8:30-9:30pm Adult Yoga
NAMASKAR
Laura teaches kids and adults at various locations around Hong Kong
at Bamboo Grove Tuesdays New: After-School Kid’s Yoga at Kowloon Junior School Resuming: 7-8am Vinyasa Flow, Sheung Wan Sports Centre Thursdays New: 10:30-11:30am Kid’s Yoga (2-4 years), at Funzone in Kennedy Town For more information (852) 9229 7785 / laura@greenfrog.com.hk / www.facebook.com/greenfrogyoga
Pilates/ Yoga Instructor Openings Yoga Privates has been providing private Yoga and Pilates sessions across Asia since 2008. They are always looking for registered and experienced instructors to be based in Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. Send CV to info@yoga-privates.com For more information www.yogaprivates.com
The Yoga Institute Relocation of Body Celebrates 95 & Brain Yoga Body & Brain Yoga is relocating years from Central to Wanchai. Their new The oldest organised yoga centre in the world, The Yoga Institute in Santacruz Mumbai celebrates 95 years and is affiliated to the Life Management Yoga
address is 1503, Keen Hung Commercial Building, 80-86 Queen’s Rd East, Wanchai.
Yoga classes at The Sanctuary. Also with classes at The Studio in Sai Kung with Eva Chan, leading pre and post natal and restorative yoga classes on Mondays. For more information www.geckoyoga.com INDIA
Yoga Gives Back Fundraising Campaign
Shri Yogendraji, Founder , Dr Jayadeva and Smt Hansaji, Directors of The Yoga Institute in Santacruz Mumbai celebrate its 95 th anniversary
Centre Hong Kong, which is now in its 15th year. To celebrate, they are offering free gifts and special offers: 50% off over 50 titles of authentic yoga books, 50% off Teacher’s Training (certified by the International Board of Yoga, Mumbai) or self development course and free magazine “Yoga and Total Health” (published since 1933). For more information theyogainstitute.org/blog/ life@yoga.org.hk / (852) 2191 9651/ www.yoga.org.hk/
For more information info@brainyoga.com.hk / www.brainyoga.com.hk
New Classes & New Sai Kung location with Gecko Yoga Gecko Yoga now offers more classes to suit every body including Yoga for athletes, seniors, the inflexible, for the core, as well as daily prenatal
Yoga Gives Back (YGB), founded in Los Angeles in 2007, is a non-profit grass roots organization with volunteers in the US, UK, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, and Sweden. “Thank You Mother India 2013” is YGB’s third annual global campaign. They invite you to host just one fundraising class or donate during 1 September to 31 December. Your participation is very important as the global yoga community unites and expresses its compassion to help Indian women and children. Last year they held over 100 events in 17 countries, raising US$45,000. This enabled YGB to provide microfinancing and educational funds to 240 Indian mothers and children. Their goal this year is to invite people to participate in 200 events worldwide to raise US$75,000. For the cost of one yoga class, you can change a life. Step by step, you can unite together in making this a reality. For more information www.yogagivesback.org / info@yogagivesback.org / YGB Facebook INDONESIA
Yoga on The Beach at Repulse Bay 20 October Have you ever thought about taking a yoga class on the beach? Now is your chance to take your yoga practice to a whole new level breathe in fresh open air, enjoy the sound of the waves and feel the sand beneath you while doing yoga. This is a free class hosted by The Yoga Room.
Bali Spirit Festival Ubud 19-23 March 2014 Featuring top international Yoga and dance instructors by day and exciting world musicians after dark, the BaliSpirit Festival is a spiritually charged event celebrating Yoga, dance and music and the merging of East with West through the arts.
For more information contact Jane info@yogaroomhk.com / (852) 2544 8398/ www.yogarooomhk.com
For more information www.balispiritfestival.com
Eva Chan , Gecko Yoga, is teaching atThe Studio in Sai Kung
October 2013
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KULA
Workshops
CHINA
Yin/Yang Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation with Sarah Powers 2-3 November Pure Yoga, Shanghai Sarah will blend the soft and strong practices with an intention of cultivating an inner atmosphere of ease and vitality, qualities essential for compassion and insight to grow. For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com HONG KONG
Kundalini Yoga with Neil Irwin
Yoga & Advanced Class with Peter Scott 25-27 October Yogasala Peter Scott is one of Australia’s preeminent Iyengar Yoga practitioners and teachers, having devoted 30 years to the art and science of yoga. For more information www.yogasalahk.com/ info@yogasalahk.com / (852) 9071 0230
Ayurveda with Reenita Malhotra Hora
19 October Full Moon in Taurus 14 December Full moon in Cancer Shakti Healing Circle Every Monday from 28 October to 18 November: 4 weeks of Kundalini Yoga sets to boost abundance.
26 October Flex Ayurveda, India’s holistic approach to health, beauty and well-being. Starting with doshas, the three mind-body energies, Reenita teaches simple principles, routines and recipes for a holistic approach to long-term health.
For more information www.shaktihealingcircle.com / info@shaktihealingcircle.com
For more information info@flexhk.com /(852) 2813 2212/ www.flexhk.com
Yin Yoga Workshop with Anurag
MindScape seminar with Angie Tourani
20 & 27 October Anahata Yoga You will gain insight into meridians by practicing a Yin Yoga sequence targeted at specific organs and learn how to harmonize the mind and body with the flow of prana to gain the ultimate benefits of the postures.
26 & 28 October MindScape is a powerful and enjoyable workshop that teaches you to use your remarkable inner mind faculties.
For more information www.anahatayoga.com.hk / (852) 2905 1822 / enquiry@anahatayoga.com.hk
Yoga SelfRealisation Immersion with Andrei Ram
Weekend Iyengar 8
For more information angie@bodytalkystem.com.hk / www.bodytalksystem.com.hk
30 October-3 November Pure Yoga Hatha-Raja sessions with the special purpose of demonstrating simple yoga techniques practical for any daily living challenges. For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
Arkaya Yoga with Yogacharini Maitreyi 2-3 November Anahata Yoga Yogacharini Maitreyi is a practical mystic and the founder of Arkaya (light, healing inspiration) Yoga, a mindful, gentle, meditative and deeply transformative practice. For more information www.arkaya.net / www.anahatayoga.com.hk / (852) 2905 1822/ enquiry@anahatayoga.com.hk
6-Day Detox with Michelle Ricaille 4-9 November Flex Michelle will teach how to cleanse the digestive system and liver, the two most important detox organs, and de-stress and detox the mind through pranayama and meditation. For more information info@flexhk.com /(852) 2813 2212/ www.flexhk.com
Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga with Dave Farmar 8-10 November Pure Yoga The Baptiste practice is based on principles of physicality, empowerment, and possibility. You will be guided into asana, meditation, and enquiry .
NAMASKAR
For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
Active Birth Workshops 14 November The Sanctuary Education and awareness are the keys to having an empowering birth experience and this workshop can help you to prepare for this lifegiving event. For more information (852) 6973 1792 / info@geckoyoga.com / www.geckoyoga.com
Calming the Ripples with Tiffany Cruikshank 16-17 November Pure Yoga Learn to bring balance to your life from within through focus, see things from a different perspective, open your heart and release tension from your body and mind. For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
Pilates for Yogis with Heather Thomas Shalabi 23 November Flex Pilates increase practitioners’ alignment awareness and assist in the development of greater strength and stability in asana practice. For more information info@flexhk.com /(852) 2813 2212/ www.flexhk.com
Iyengar Yoga with Manouso Manos 29 November-1 December 10am1pm & 3-5pm; 2 December 8-11am
Yogasala Manouso Manos is one of the most experienced of the Senior Iyengar Yoga Teachers. He holds one of only two Advanced Senior certificates granted worldwide by B.K.S. Iyengar. For more information www.yogasalahk.com/ info@yogasalahk.com / (852) 9071 0230
Immersion with Andrei Ram 23-27 October Pure Yoga Andrei will be directing Hatha-Raja sessions with the special purpose of demonstrating simple yoga techniques practical for any daily living challenges. For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
INDONESIA
Yin Yoga & Meditation with Sebastian Pucelle 30 November-1 December Radiantly Alive Yoga Studio, Ubud This workshop will review the 5 major hindrances of meditation and explore the Raja Yoga philosophy. For more information www.radiantlyalive.com INDIA
Studies with A. G. and Indra Mohan
Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga with Dave Farmar 1-3 November Pure Yoga The Baptiste practice is based on principles of physicality, empowerment, and possibility. For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
Calming the Ripples with Tiffany Cruikshank
4-8 November Module 1: Focus and Flow of the Mind, Body, Breath, and Senses 11-15 November Module 2: Minding the Mind 18-22 November Module 1: Asana to Pranayama—the Foundation 25-29 November Module 2: Pranayama and Bandhas, Mudras, Mantras 2-6 December The Role of Sound and Vedic Chanting – Svadhyaya in the Path of Yoga 9-13 December Yoga in the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita
11-14 November Pure Yoga Learn to bring balance to your life from within through focus, see things from a different perspective, open your heart and release tension from your body and mind.
For more information www.svastha.net / info@svastha.net
19-20 October SPACE Yoga Ground yourself with strong work in fundamental poses, refinements, step-by-step sequencing, and possibilities to expand into intermediate and advanced poses, as you open up through backbends and hip openers.
JAPAN
Yin/Insight Yoga Intensive with Sarah Powers 17 November Spirit Yoga Studio, Osaka For more information spirityogastudio.com/en/ SINGAPORE
Self-Realisation
For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com TAIWAN
Ground & Open with Noah Mazé
For more information www.withinspace.com
On the Field of Dharma with Noah Mazé 21-25 October SPACE Yoga
The opening verse of the Bhagavad Gita begins with “On the field of dharma, on the field of the ancestors (kurus)”. The field is your life. The field is your mat.
For more information www.withinspace.com
For more information www.withinspace.com
6-10 January 2014 Discover the secrets of bandhas from the bestselling author of “Yoga as Therapy”, Doug Keller, in his only 2014 stop in Asia.
Essentials & Intricacies of Asana II with Peter Scott 2-3 November SPACE Yoga You will learn the essential and intricate methods of Iyengar yoga not only to learn how to practice safely and how the body should feel and be in a pose. For more information www.withinspace.com
Balancing Weaknesses & Strengths with Peter Scott 4-8 November SPACE Yoga You will learn to balance weaknesses and strengths in the general sense, as well as be assessed individually and learn to identify your individual weaknesses and use your own strengths to support and further your personal practice. For more information www.withinspace.com
Secrets of Bandhas with Doug Keller
For more information www.withinspace.com
Experiencing the Flow of New Awakenings with Doug Keller 11-12 January 2014 SPACE Yoga Take away news-you-can-use for your practice and teaching in this complete, well-rounded workshop. For more information www.withinspace.com THAILAND
Tantra 2 13 - 18 January , 5-10 May, 7-12 September Agama Yoga Follow-up to their popular Tantra 1 workshop. For more information www.agamayoga.com / info@agamayoga.com / (66) 892 330 217
Tibetan Yoga The Four Jewels 27-31 January 2014 of an Enduring Agama Yoga An amazing exploration into the Practice mysterious Tibetan Yoga. with Sarah Powers 6-8 December SPACE Yoga Develop a balanced daily practice with Sarah. Each day will focus on the four themes of enduring practice. For more information www.withinspace.com
Practice with Stephen Thomas 3-day Intensive, 18-20 December 2-day weekend workshop, 21-22 December SPACE Yoga
October 2013
For more information www.agamayoga.com / info@agamayoga.com / (66) 892 330 217
Mystical Dance 27 January-1 February 2014 Agama Yoga Explore the world of Mystical Dance with Monika Nataraj. For more information www.agamayoga.com / info@agamayoga.com / (66) 892 330 217
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KULA
Retreats
INDONESIA
P.L.A.Y with Tryphena Chia
Ashtanga Yoga with Clayton Horton
16-23 November Soulshine – Bali Villa and Retreat Oasis Come to the beautiful, mysterious and relaxing Bali to P.L.A.Y! PLAY like a kid again, LOVE yourself, your life and life itself. AND while you are at it, YOGA away with like-minded people.
23-30 March 2014 Villa Gaia Bali, Ubud Experience Ashtanga Yoga, raw food, swimming, Kirtan and more, plus amazing food by celebrity raw food chefs Sayuri and Ben. Visit the Bali Spirit Festival, followed by Clayton’s retreat. Morning and afternoon sessions, brunch and dinner are included.
For more information www.pureyoga.com / retreats@pureyoga.com
For more information www.greenpathyoga.org INDIA
Yoga & Meditation with Janet Lau Ashtanga Yoga Desa Seni Village Resort with Clayton 20-24 November Horton This mindfulness retreat is a well-
For more information www.janetlau.com / retreat@janet-lau.com
For more information www.greenpathyoga.org
Bountiful Bali Bliss for Women
Ashtanga Yoga with Alexander Medin
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Raw Food Yoga with Boris Lauser & Konstantin Miachin
15-25 November Amanpulo Combining insights from the expert movement specialist responsible for Aman’s Pilates program, the gentle manipulation and realignment of osteopathy and the subtle energies and nurturing benefits of Watsu, this is the ideal retreat for individuals who feel that their movement has been compromised through injury, stress or simply the day-today effects of a desk job. A
21 February-9 March Mandala Spa and Villas, Boracay Island Join Clayton for a 1 or 2 week Retreat with white sand beaches and crystal clear blue water. Morning and afternoon sessions with brunch and dinner are included. For more information www.greenpathyoga.org
19-26 October Vikasa Yoga, Koh Samui Hosted by one of the best raw food chefs, Boris Lauser and the founder of Vikasa Yoga, Konstantin Miachin. Raw Food and Yoga build the ultimate synergy. For more information www.evolutionofyoga.com/rawfood-yoga/
Yoga Fusion with Jonas Westring, Emil Wendel & Jack Harrison 2-9 November Kaomailanna Resort, Chiang Mai A 7-day intensive multi-dimensional exploration of yoga with three unusually seasoned yogis who all bring more than 30 years experience each to the mix. For more information www.shantaya.org
Detoxify Body & Mind & Develop a Be Pure Be Yoga Practice with Organic with Amy Sharpe & Dagge & Hee Boon Andrea Mayer 19-22 December SINGAPORE
9-22 November Purple Valley, Goa Alex is one of the few teachers in the world certified to teach Ashtanga Yoga by Sri K Pattabhi Jois. The mornings will be Mysore style self practice and led classes for beginners or intermediate people who are exploring their ways about the practice. For more information www.yogagoa.com
Alignment & Movement
Clayton Horton
26 October-8 November Purple Valley Retreat Center, Goa Experience the magic of India in a supportive and focused environment.
For more information www.earthretreats.eu/retreats/ yoga-in-bali/
THAILAND
For more information www.amanresorts.com / reservations@amanresorts.com
rounded programme in which you will be learning ways to apply a meditative practice into the way you do yoga, walk, sit, eat, talk, listen, and much more.
10-17 March 2014 Join Selina and Soa for a one of a kind retreat on the pristine northern coast of Bali in a beautiful spa surrounded by tropical gardens right on the sea. Diving into a transformative process to discover hidden creativity and inherent freedom. Twice daily yoga and meditation classes, suitable for all levels and complete beginners.
PHILLIPINES
Pure Yoga Dagge and Hee Boon invite you on a divine journey to cleanse the mind and reinvigorate your body in the rustic surroundings of an organic farm. For more information www.pureyoga.com / retreats@pureyoga.com
NAMASKAR
16-23 November Samahita Retreat This program gives you the opportunity to take your wellbeing to a new level. It is a fully supported detox program which will transform you physical ly and mentally to leave you feeling light, energetic and uplifted.
Andrea Mayer will teach at Samahita Retreat in November
For more information www.samahitaretreat.com/ healthy_weight.html
Vikasa Yoga with Konstantin Miachin
Discover Your Inner Smile with Paul Chambers
Mindfulness & Yin Yoga with Michelle Chu
8-15 December Vikasa Yoga Retreat, Koh Samui Led by the founder of Vikasa Yoga, Konstantin Miachin. Vikasa Yoga – “Evolution of Yoga” approach is based on integrating deep core work with precise alignment, alternating dynamic and static, pressure and deep relaxation, therefore exploring ha-tha or the yin and yang concept to its maximum potential, using the principle of hyper compensation.
4-11 January 2014 Samahita Retreat Start the new year off with clarity, focus and a deep sense of purpose! Join Paul for an informative but light-hearted week to awaken and deepen your connection to life, yoga practice and your inner smile.
1-8 February 2014 Samahita Retreat Mindfulness and Yin yoga combined with morning sessions on meditation, pranayama and Hatha style asana practice. Afternoon sessions will focus on mindfulness philosophy and yin yoga. Chinese translation is available.
For more information www.evolutionofyoga.com/ yogaretreat/
Yin &Yang Yoga with Simon Low
Yoga & Practical Ayurveda for Stress Everyday Life with Management with Sudhir Tiwari Paul Chambers & 30 November-7 December Andrea Mayer Samahita Retreat Practice leads to experience and that experience leads back to practice. Practice asanas, pranayama and meditational techniques with complete mindfulness. For more information www.samahitaretreat.com/ yoga_practical_ayurveda.html
Yoga Retreat Yao Noi Island 6-10 December This retreat will be taught and assisted by Lullaby Yoga Teacher, Naw Teeraprasert and staff. Connect with nature, quiet the mind, rejuvenate the body and practice in nature. For more information www.lullabyyoga.com / info@lullaby-yoga.com/ 02 67774701
Breathe & Meditate with Elonne Stockton & Amy Sharpe 7-14 December Samahita Retreat Learn the mechanics of proper breathing, different preparatory and pranayamas exercises in detail from the Kaivalyadhama tradition. For more information www.samahitaretreat.com/ yoga_life.html
14-21 December Samahita Retreat By gaining better nourishment for the body and peace of mind, you become more alive, supported and energized. Re-establish a secure, supported and more grounded feeling from within by learning how to build the foundation of a daily practice to continue at home. For more information www.samahitaretreat.com/ stress_management_yoga2.html
Meditation and Yoga Retreat 15-22 December Vikasa Yoga Retreat, Koh Samui This is the perfect fusion of physical and mental exercise to rebalance body and mind. There will be yoga class twice a day in Hatha, Asthanga and Vikasa style, suitable for beginners to advanced students. For more information www.evolutionofyoga.com/ meditationretreat/
New Years Retreat 23 December-1 January 2014 Agama Yoga A 10-day silent meditation retreat as an alternative to the usual end of year stress. For more information www.agamayoga.com / info@agamayoga.com / (66) 892 330 217
For more information www.samahitaretreat.com/ yoga_practical_paulC.html
4-11January 2014 Samahita Retreat Simon is offering this week to all who wish to come for a focused yoga holiday at this fabulous location on the beautiful island of Koh Samui. Enrich your practice, understanding and experience through Simon’s transformative Yin and Yang Yoga.
Michelle Chu teaches Mindfulness at Samahaita Retreat
For more information www.samahitaretreat.com/simonyogaholiday.html
Restore & Relax with Elonne Stockton 11-18 January 2014 Samahita Retreat Most people have busy lives and need to rest more than anything, but it is often the part of the practice that is neglected due to lack of time. Rest and relaxation are essential parts of the practice. For more information www.samahitaretreat.com/ everyone2.html
Honouring the Beginning with Chuck Miller 25 January-1 February; 1-8 February 2014 Samahita Retreat Each week will start at the Beginning! Everyday will start at the Beginning! A common technique used in many spiritual teachings is the Ultimate End is indicated at the very Beginning.
For more information samahitaretreat.com/michelle.html
Soul to Spirit Retreat 9-16 February; 9-16 March 2014 Agama Yoga A 8-Day silent meditation retreat that explores the connection between the Anahata and Sahasrara Chakra. For more information www.agamayoga.com / info@agamayoga.com / (66) 892 330 217
Yoga & Meditation with Kim Roberts 16-30 March 2014 Jungle Yoga, Khao Sok National Forest An intimate retreat in one of the most gorgeous wilderness parks (and oldest rainforest) in the world. For more information www.jungleyoga.com
For more information www.samahitaretreat.com
October 2013
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KULA
Teacher Trainings
200-hour TT Universal Yoga TT Certificate Course 2 December-8 March 2014 with Andrey Anahata Yoga This course provides Yoga Lappa practitioners, enthusiasts, and CHINA
6-29 December Pure Yoga Shanghai Universal® Yoga was founded by Andrey Lappa and is a logical, multifaceted system that can be used by anyone living in the modern world. For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com HONG KONG
Teaching from Yoga Traditions with Dylan Bernstein 17 November-8 December Pure Yoga, Tsimshatsui Dylan will call upon 25 years of personal yoga experience and thousands of years of tradition to guide practitioners through an exploration of yoga’s many universes - depth, clarity and integrity. Sign up before 20 October to catch the early-bird discount! For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
Radiant Child Yoga TT - Levels 1&2 29 November-1 December The Sanctuary Jenny Smith, RCYP Facilitator, RCYT and Founder of Gecko Yoga will lead this training at The Sanctuary, Central. Appropriate for anyone interested in teaching Yoga to children. Cost HK$5,500. For more information www.geckoyoga.com 12
aspiring instructors the chance to deepen their self-knowledge of yoga philosophy and improve on various aspects of their practice. It is suitable for beginners to advance practitioners. For more information (852) 2905 1822 / www.anahatayoga.com.hk
Universal Yoga Teacher Training with Andrey Lappa & Will Lau 6-29 January 2014 Pure Yoga Universal® Yoga was founded by Andrey Lappa and is a logical, multifaceted system that can be used by anyone living in the modern world. For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
Hot Yoga, PartTime TT with Frances Gairns 14 February - 13 June 2014 Pure Yoga, Tsimshatsui This 200-hour Yoga Alliance accredited TT will be held over eight weekends (Friday 7 - 9 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 7 am - 8 pm). For more information events@pureyoga.com
Advanced Hatha Yoga TT Level 1 14 March-6 April 2014 Advanced Hatha Yoga TT Level 2 11 April-18 May 2014
Anahata Yoga Suitable foe Yoga practitioners interested in growing their knowledge of Hatha yoga and developing their techniques in executing various Hatha yoga poses. For more information (852) 2905 1822 / www.anahatayoga.com.hk
200-hour Power Vinyasa TT with Janet Lau Module 1 – 28 April-18 May 2014 Module 2 – 6-26 July 2014 The Yoga Room, Sheung Wan This course is not just about being able to teach effectively and authentically, but is the doorway to a deeper connection with yourself enabling you to embark on your lifelong spiritual journey. For more information www.yogaroomhk.com / (852) 2544 8398
Body & Brain Yoga TT Body & Brain Yoga licensed under Dahn Yoga offers 100-hour Life Coaching and Body & Brain Master courses. For more information www.ibrainyoga.com / (852) 3104 1156 INDONESIA
Yoga TT with Beta Lisboa Do you want to be a Yoga teacher? Join Beta for 95-hour and 200-hour teacher trainings in Yin Yang Yoga and Kids Yoga, as well as mindful retreats and certified Myofascial Release Therapy courses and sessions in Bali.
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Beta leads a Yin Yang and Kids yoga TT in Bali
For more information www.betalisboa.com / contact@betalisboa.com JAPAN
Insight Yoga/Yin TT with Sarah Powers 9-14 November Under the Light Yoga School, Tokyo For more information www.underthelight.jp/e/index.html SINGAPORE
200-hr Yoga Alliance Accredited Hot Yoga TT with Copper Crow 2-22 November Pure Yoga, Ngee Ann City Participants will come away with a profound understanding of their personal practice, as well as the skills required to effectively teach a wide array of students through the practice of Hot Yoga. For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
TT in the Tradition of T. Krishnamacharya
Copper will lead several Hot Yoga events at Pure Yoga in Singapore
Being in Yoga The teaching tradition of T. Krishnamacharya and his son TKV Desikachar needs no introduction. This is a Yoga Alliance RYS 500+ hours program. The duration will be 2.5 years part-time, with weekends and short seminars. It is suitable for people who work full time and students commuting from overseas. Course limited to 10 participants.
30-day Hot Yoga Challenge with Copper Crow
For more information beinginyoga.com / (65) 9830 3808
2 November-1 December Pure Yoga, Ngee Ann City Daily practice for a new body, new mind - and a new life! This is an integral part of Copper’s 200-hour TT and 100-hour Hot Yoga Immersion where techniques are learned, skills are sharpened and the fire of transformation is fuelled.
Universal Yoga TT with Andrey Lappa & Laura Huang
For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
200-hr TT with Leah Kim 8-28 November Hom Yoga Join Nike’s Global Yoga Ambassador and Master Trainer, Leah Kim, in this 200-hour Yoga Alliance certified program which will transform your practice and deepen your understanding of yoga. Full time and part time options available. For more information training.homyoga.sg / training@homyoga.sg
100-hr Yoga Alliance Accredited Hot Yoga Immersion with Copper Crow
TAIWAN
2-25 January 2014 Pure Yoga Taipei Universal® Yoga was founded by Andrey Lappa and is a logical, multi-faceted system that can be used by anyone living in the modern world.
a dual location program in Wang Nam Kiew, Bangkok and Rishikesh, India. Early Bird by 15 November. For more information www.yogaprasad.in/ (668) 18289205, veenayogadv@gmail.com / (668) 31124235, maewpanu@gmail.com
Yin Yoga with Sebastian Pucelle & Murielle Burellier 9-12; 16-19 January 2014 SoulMade Yoga Studio, Bangkok Designed for teachers and dedicated practitioners with at least 2 years of yoga experience. Prior experience in Yin Yoga is not required but you need a keen interest in anatomy, Qi theory, philosophy and meditation. For more information www.withyinyoga.com / Soulmadeyoga@gmail.com / yogawithsebastian@gmail.com
27 January-8 March 2014 Agama Yoga, Koh Phangan Become a teacher of Mystical Dance in this immersive training with Monika Nataraj. For more information www.agamayoga.com / info@agamayoga.com / (66) 892 330 217
Business Yoga Training in Asia with Joost van Dijk 14-21 March 2014 Phuket Business yoga training is theoretical, practical and experiential. You work independently, and together as a group to become open to a continuous process of change and growth. Besides learning about the theory and practicing with tools and techniques, you will participate in various tasks and projects.
Vikasa Yoga TT
THAILAND
Hatha Yoga TT & Self Development Immersion with Prasad Rangnekar 8 January-27 April 2014 This will be a holistic mind-body transformation program in the traditional Hatha Yoga tradition and suitable for Yoga teachers and anyone seeking transformation. It is
Anusara teacher Jonas Westring will be at Kaomailanna Resort, Chiang Mai
30 March-27 April; 13 July-10 August; 9 November-7 December Vikasa Yoga, Koh Samui Become a certified 200-hours Yoga Teacher at Vikasa Yoga, the only open-air and sea view yoga studio and school in Koh Samui. Course tuition without accommodation is US$3,500. For more information www.evolutionofyoga.com/yogateacher-training-thailand/
200-hour Anusara Yoga Immersion & Agama Tantra TT TT with Jonas 31 March-24 May An intensive training that empowers Westring you to teach the very popular Tantra Immersion A: 21-28 January Immersion B: Jan 30 January-6 February TT: 11-25 February 2014 Kaomailanna Resort, Chiang Mai
Designed for committed yogins with a desire to deepen their practice. The immersion program offers a comprehensive yoga curriculum of 100 hours.
For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
Mystical Dance TT
For more information contact Chan (852) 2581 9699 / chan@solwellness.com
For more information www.pureyoga.com / events@pure-yoga.com
23 November-1 December Pure Yoga, Ngee Ann City This programme meets the requirements for Yoga Alliance 100 hours Continuing Education Training (CET).
For more information www.shantaya.org
1 and 2 workshops of Agama Yoga. For more information www.agamayoga.com / info@agamayoga.com / (66) 892 330 217
Prasad leads a Hatha TT in Thailand
October 2013
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PHOTO ESSAY
AN EDUCATION IN YOGA
And a personal journey of a lifetime BY AMY SHARPE 14
photos by Nigel Gregory, Lili Viter and Anne- Sophie Maestracci
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It’s 5pm on a balmy, tropical Saturday afternoon at Samahita Retreat, Thailand. Founder Paul Dallaghan leads students through a Fire Ceremony (above) to mark the start of their monthlong Yoga Teacher Training together. In the peaceful sanctuary of the Ganesh Shala 30-something men and women from around the world immerse themselves in practices they peel layers like onions, shedding fears, attachments, ideas and concepts in return for real experience, understanding and insights. Early chanting classes with Elonne have students professing mumbled Sanskrit from shy lips. Afternoon philosophy classes reveal eternal truth within the milieu of twenty- first century relationships. Asana study empowers bodies to be healthy, vibrant and alive. Pranayama practices from the tradition create a solid framework for concentration, focus and transformation. Students are encouraged to embark on local community projects, such painting for local school (below). For one glorious month there is time to discover a deeply personal practice, to ask questions and to build a solid foundation to support each student on their personal journey of a lifetime.
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YOGA STYLES
PROPS & POSES FOR SCOLIOSIS
Ana Forrest’s advice for balancing an S-shaped spine BY BARBARA PASSY
Imagine walking through each day with one leg longer than the other and always feeling imbalanced. Or how your pelvis and hips would crunch down under unevenly distributed body weight. These are just two of the challenges confronted by scoliosis students. Scoliosis, defined in general terms as curvature of the spine, is a common and well known condition. How can yoga help these students? Here are some insights, actions, and assists teachers can use to help these students.
1. CUES AND BREATHING TO REDUCE ANGER, SHIFT PERSPECTIVE AND REDUCE TIGHTNESS Ana explains proper cuing will support the student on this journey, “Strength and realignment are crucial. Create a new alive support system. Get the student fascinated with that.” By shifting the focus of the student toward change, the body will reflect the mind’s purpose and transform. Another deeply embedded challenge is anger, often triggered by frustration.
Props, broadly defined, can include a wide array of easily available tools for students and teachers. All teachers come to class equipped with at least two props—their breath and a good selection of cues to help students. Two more invaluable props—the wall and the floor—are commonly available as well. That leaves blocks, rolls, straps, and bolsters, which can also help students when they are available.
With breath, Ana points out the teacher can tell the students to breathe into that area of the back affected by Scoliosis and make space for whatever arises both emotionally and physically. This practice will relieve some of the stress and unravel some of the tightness for these students.
Ana Forrest, yoga teacher and author of “Fierce Medicine,” provides props and poses that can help these students. Her advice stems from a very fundamental and essential premise. “Acknowledge what’s going on for your student and their challenges. Most importantly, right from the beginning, get them focusing on their breath, feeling their curves, and reframe each session as an exploration of what they can do, rather than on what they can’t.” Give your students confidence through assisting them into situations in which they feel stronger and healthier. Changing the lens from daily struggle to ease lays the foundation for change off the mat as well. This first step must remain top of mind for each class. She adds, “The tightness in our body correlates with tightness in our attitudes toward ourselves. Recognize the vast potential for change as these tight spots in the brain, emotions and the cell tissue unravel.” Let’s break this Props and Poses strategy in three main groups:
Photo provided courtesy of Forrest Yoga
Uddiyana in Horse Stance with Back Traction (above) is an example of a multibenefit pranayama. It improves strength and flexibility while swapping cramped breath for new, fresh energy. With legs three feet apart, bend knees at right angle, and keep knees above heels. Put palms where hip and thigh meet. Press into this crease and straighten elbows. Inhale through nose and exhale October 2013
powerfully through mouth. Stay empty of breath. Pull belly straight back toward spine and up toward heart and flare ribs. Keep back straight. Hold for 5-10 seconds. Totally relax belly and inhale to begin another round. Ana highlights, “Working Uddiyana with back traction (sitting, lying on the back, or Horse Stance on the Wall) lengthens the whole spine. This is extremely therapeutic for every student, especially scoliosis people.” 2. HOW WALLS CAN OPEN DOORS Standing poses supported by the wall can benefit these students through shifting habitual patterns as well as unlocking knots and making new space in the body. For example “side bends on the wall are really helpful because the student can feel the curvature of their spine and begin to lengthen out the shorter, less flexible side. When I’m working with a scoliosis student, having them work the tighter side twice is extremely healing. For example, if the left side of the spine is shorter, side bend over to the right first, lengthening the shorter left side, switch sides and then go back to the tighter side for one more round: Tight side — flexible side— tight side. Feel for creating length in the bottom side of the bend, especially on the tighter side. If the bones of the spine are feeling irritated by the wall, then pad the back with a blanket.” Familiar poses like Warrior II and Reverse Warrior can benefit these students. In these poses, Ana proposes students stand with backs against wall in order to build strength in the legs and to sense for lengthening the spine. She expands on where these poses are directly targeted, “ Wall work is helpful to learn to tuck the tailbone down. This is an essential step in developing more length and space in the lower back. The Basic Move of tucking the tailbone teaches the student to reclaim an area frequently abandoned — the butt muscles.” Where a block is available, use it for poses like Extended Warrior. “The nature of 17
scoliosis is to collapse. For standing poses where one hand is on the floor, use a block under the hand to create spaciousness in the hips and length that is needed in the torso.” 3. ORGANIC RELEASE WITH FLOOR MOVES Sometimes, we need a bit of reminding that there is a solid support right beneath our feet. It’s just not intuitive. The same goes for using the floor for poses for these students. Abs with a roll (left), a signature pose of Forrest Yoga, uses the floor as well as a rolled up mat or a block to open up stuck spaces. Here’s how to practice this pose. From a lying down position with hands behind head, bend knees and straighten the legs up toward the ceiling. Inhale and keep using the abs to press low back into the floor. Hold the breath, curl the tailbone up, and squeeze the roll (a mat folded lengthwise and then rolled) or a block between the thighs. Exhale and lift the head and shoulders up off the floor. Curl the tailbone a second time, squeeze the mat, and pull the lower belly down toward the spine. Inhale, and relax the head to the floor. Do 3 rounds to start.
Photo provided courtesy of Forrest Yoga
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Ana explains, “ Standing forward bend with neck traction is great for lengthening and unraveling the whole back body — neck, ribs, muscles, spine, buttock muscles, hamstrings, calves. This pose uses gravity to help to create
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space in the bones and muscles.” Boat with a Block is a powerful strengthener and decompression pose. In this pose, student starts face down and uses strong legs to squeeze a block between ankles and keeps arms in goalpost. With deep inhale and through long slow exhale, student lifts chest and legs and squeezes block strongly while lengthening low back. In contrast to wheel and more intensive backbends, little backbends are cumulative in nature. By practicing regularly, students can build strength and open up new space within their lower back. During Savasana, Ana provides an assist called Neck traction. She said, “Cradle their skull and brain in your hands, breathe with them to help release habitual tension held in brain, neck and spine. Focus on running the warmth from your hands in an affectionate and soothing way into their brain. On the students exhale, smoothly and gently lengthen the neck. Do not pull into where they resist. Do the neck traction action in a way that invites release.” Gifting these students with deeper breath and helping them with props will allow them to transform both their practice and their lives!
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YOGA STYLES
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Of Flowers, Mountains, Water & Space BYJANET LAU
In, Out Flower, Fresh Mountain, Solid Space, Free
Often our minds are carried away by deadlines, worries, regrets, and stress; it is difficult to cultivate a sense of freedom and lightness even if we want to. Here I share a very simple useful meditation practice taught by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Once you have found a space for your meditation, sit with your legs crossed or in Japanese kneeling position, whichever allows your spine to be naturally upright, your eyes closed, resting your hands wherever find comfortable. This practice is composed of five stages, you can practice each stage as an individual meditation, or you can practice all five stages at one sitting. FIRST STAGE: CALMING THE BODY As you breathe in, say to yourself: Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. (Or shorten to:
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In) As you breathe out, say to yourself: Breathing out, I know I am breathing out. (Or shorten to: Out) Resting our awareness at the abdomen, we notice the expansion of the belly as we inhale, and we notice the contraction of the belly as we exhale. As we inhale, we acknowledge the presence of the inhale, and as we exhale, we are aware that it is an exhale. Allowing the natural breath to flow freely in and out of our body, we simply notice each breath coming in and leaving us as if we are a door keeper, watching guests coming in and out of a building without any expectations or attachments. Stay with this stage for a while until you notice there is a sense of peace and calmness, then we can move onto the second stage of the practice.
in, I see myself as a mountain. (Or shorten to: Mountain) As you breathe out, say to yourself: Breathing out, I feel solid. (Or shorten to: Solid)
SECOND STAGE: FLOWER FRESH As you breathe in, say to yourself: Breathing in, I see myself as a flower. (Or shorten to: Flower) As you breathe out, say to yourself: Breathing out, I feel fresh. (Or shorten to: Fresh) When we look at small babies and small children, we are happy and joyful because of their freshness. All of us are born as flowers, very fresh. When we smile, our smile offers freshness to ourselves and others. Happiness has a natural contagious effect and when we are happy, it is easier for those around us to be at ease and happy. However, when we are occupied by our worries, frustration, and our anger, we lose our freshness and our flowers are dying. STAGE THREE: MOUNTAIN SOLID As you breathe in, say to yourself: Breathing
When we feel agitated, worried, impatient, and angry, we are carried away by the emotional storm within our mind consciousness. This is a good time for us to learn from mountains. If you look at any mountain, we notice the solidity of the mountain, it stays solid no matter what kind of weather it is going under. When there is a typhoon, you look at the trees on the mountain, they might appear like the trees are about to break, but when we look at the mountain, we notice the mountain continues to be grounded firmly to Mother Earth. STAGE FOUR: WATER REFLECTING As you breathe in, say to yourself: Breathing in, I see myself as still water. (Or shorten to: Still Water) As you breathe out, say to yourself: Breathing out, I reflect all that is. (Or shorten to: Reflecting) Have you ever been to a pond or a lake with water that is very still on a calm day? Notice how the calm water can reflect everything around the lake? As a bird flies over the lake, the lake can reflect the bird, and once the bird
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has flown away from the lake, the lake leaves no trace of the bird. The still water is very similar to our mind when it is calm and free from emotions, we can reflect all that is without any distortion. FIFTH STAGE: SPACE FREE As you breathe in, say to yourself: Breathing in, I see myself as space. (Or shorten to: Space) As you breathe out, say to yourself: Breathing out, I feel free. (Or shorten to: Free) Thich Nhat Hanh says, “Space is the symbol of liberty.” When we want to be happy, we need to allow ourselves to have enough space within us and around us. This is very apparent when we go to work by MTR in the morning. You may notice there is not much space around us and it is very easy for us to become agitated and irritated. But when we take a hike in the nature (and there aren’t many people around you), we might immediate notice the sense of peace and joy arising within us. Here allow us to use this exercise to discover the space within us, so that we can start to allow space around ourselves, freeing ourselves from chasing after material success, and eventually we learn to provide space to others and also becoming a bigger container of life, allowing life to flow through us.
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AYURVEDA
PEELING AWAY THE LAYERS
Balancing our koshas reveals our spark BY KAPILMURTI
The yogic view of human beings as having five dimensions, Panch Koshas. Panch meaning five and kohas meaning sheaths. The sheaths or layers fold into one another, cover one another. They are separate, but also interconnected and interdependent. At the centre of these sheaths lies a divine spark, our spiritual reality, who we really are, the Atman.
ANNAMAYA KOSHA The outermost sheath is Annamaya Kosha, or Physical Body. This is made up of bones, tendons, muscle groups and other gross and dense masses. These are made up of the food we eat. So physically speaking we are what we eat! When out of balance, we may suffer tightness and even disease. A powerful way to restore balance and harmony to our Annamaya Kosha is through the practice of asana. As asana are done with intent, focus, and awareness, they become tools for treating and managing different ailments that plague the physical body, as well as converting tightness and stiffness into comfort and ease. PRANAMAYA KOSHA Second is the Pranamaya Kosha, or Energy Body. Prana is the vital force that permeates the entire body, and it also energizes all the other Koshas. The energy body is discrete from the physical body, but occupies the same space as the physical body. The energy flows through channels known as Nadis. Nadis are not the same as nerves, but are distinct pathways through which prana moves, in a similar way to Chi or Qi moves through the meridians in the Traditional Chinese Medicine system.
When there is an imbalance in the energy body, we feel tired. Since the energy body also controls our circulatory, nervous, lymphatic, and immune systems. Problems related to these systems is also an indication of imbalance and disharmony in our pranamaya kosha.
psychic abilities. At this level we begin to experience feelings and emotions of a higher nature, for example, love, compassion, joy, security, accomplishment. At this level our higher Buddhi awakens and wisdom dawns on us. We can also say our Inner Teacher has awakened.
Renowned yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar says, “To generate prana you must cultivate the extension, expansion, control, and restraint of your normal breath. And doing that with the breath is the practice of Pranayama.”
ANANDAMAYA KOSHA The fifth sheath, Anandamaya Kosha, is the Bliss Body. It is the closest and most intimately in contact with our pure spirit, Atman, which is the core of our being. Ananda, or bliss, here is much more than an emotion. It is a never ending experience of peace, joy, and ecstasy from being in contact with the core of our being, Atman.
MANOMAYA KOSHAS The third sheath, Manomaya Kosha, or Mental Body, constitutes mind, thoughts, feelings and emotions. This dimension takes care of the basic instinctive needs and desires of the individual. It also organizes and processes the sensory inputs we constantly receive from the external world. The mental body consists of four parts: Manas (instinctive mind); Ahamkara (sense of ‘I’ness); Chitta (storehouse of memory) and; Buddhi (decision making faculty). Disharmony within Manomaya Kosha can be felt as a restless mind with many conflicting thought patterns moving in different directions. It is reflected in a dissipated and confused state of mind with negative thoughts and destructive emotions, worries, and anger, occupying our mind.
Most of the work needs to be done in the outer three sheaths, for which we can use regular practice of asana, pranayama, pratyhara, dharana and dhyana. As our body, energy and mental dimensions come into balance, our ability for knowing true knowledge awakens. This Inner Teacher, or Wisdom Body is ever present, it just needs to be uncovered. It in turn is in a constant state of harmonizing and balancing with the innermost sheath. And as we are drawn in towards the Atman, we begin to live in Bliss.
Practicing pratyhara and dharana can balance our mental body. The practice of pratyhara means sense withdrawal, i.e. withdrawing the senses from their objects, and it is achieved by cultivating an attitude of a witness towards our sense experiences. Once the senses are withdrawn, the mind is ready to concentrate. Concentrating the mind on a single object is the practice of dharana. A focused and clear mind does not dwell on the negative; it becomes a constructive force for oneself and for the environment. VIJNANAMAYA KOSHA The fourth sheath, Vijnanamaya Kosha, is the Wisdom Body. It consists of good intellect, intuition, wisdom, higher knowledge and October 2013
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TEACHER FEATURE
MICHELLE RICAILLE
The practice of loving all beings unconditionally HAVE YOU EVER MET AN ENLIGHTENED BEING? Yes, my guru in India and a healer/yoga teacher in Singapore. IF YES, HOW DID YOU KNOW HE/SHE WAS ENLIGHTENED? First you can tell by their presence: warm, full of love, present and powerful, but with out the Ego. They see the world and all begins as one, no judgment is put on anyone. They have the ability to see things most humans can not see and have the ability to heal with their mind, hearts and hands. Second they have both shared their experience with me of what happened when they reached that state of Samadhi. Both experiences where quite similar. Many yoga books talk about the meaning of yoga as Union, Union
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of the mind and body, but what I have realized through my years of being a student and teacher is the true meaning of yoga is the union of the self becoming one with the divine. My guru says you do not need to spend hours practicing yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation to reach Samadhi. It’s the practice of loving all beings unconditionally and the practice of self-less service, Karma Yoga is what brings you closer to the divine and to that state of Samadhi.
receive such a gift of reaching Samadhi.
Michelle currently teaches at Flex in Hong Kong. She has been teaching yoga for the past 14 years and is an E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance. She currently teaches at Flex in Hong Kong and is the founder and director of Avani Asia Yoga Academy, a 200-hr Registered Yoga Alliance School. Michelle spent many years in the fitness industry before diving deeper into the studies of Yoga. In 2007 she went to Chennai, India and studied at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. In 2008 Michelle studied at the Yoga Vidya Gurukul Ashram in Nasik, India, www.yogapoint.com where she obtained her
DO YOU THINK IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ANYONE TO ACHIEVE SAMADHI? No I do not think so. I believe it depends on ones karma, past life experiences, dedication, guidance from a proper guru and if and when they are ready to
Advanced Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Certificate and found her Guru. Michelle has also studied with various teachers around
Michelle with son, Theo
the world in the traditions of Anusara and Iyengar. Besides being a Yoga instructor who
Certified Homeopath Practitioner and
travels around Asia teaching Yoga Teacher
mother of two. Michelle’s main goal in life
Trainings, Yoga Detox Programs and Yoga
is to live, teach and mother from the
Therapy Workshops. Michelle is also a
teachings of her heart, help heal as many
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people as she can and help serve humanity.
YOGA ASANA
CHATURANGA DANDASANA Much more than a push-up BY CHRIS POON
If you practice Ashtanga or any flow practice, you will probably have struggled through Chaturanga Dandasana many times. Despite the repetition, how do you know if you are doing it correctly? Even though I thought myself pretty strong, my early experiences with Chaturanga left me with aching arms, shoulders, chest and back. It wasn’t until I started having pain in my wrists, elbows and shoulders that I consulted anatomy books by David Coulter, Ray Long and others to have a better understanding of this common, but challenging pose.
Full Chaturanga
CHATAURANGA VS PUSH-UP While the two movements seem similar, a push-up focuses on anterior deltoids (front of shoulders) and pectoralis major (chest muscles). Hands and elbows are usually wide apart as the body is lowered down to just above the ground and then pushed back up. With Chaturanga, the hands are just at shoulder-width apart with elbows bending to 90 degrees, and no lower. The upper arms squeeze to the sides of the ribs. Muscularly, the important shoulder girdle stabilizers or scapulothoracic muscles: serratus anterior, pectoralis minor, rhomboid and trapezius are all used to keep the shoulder blades stable during the movement. In addition, the core muscles comprising pelvic floor and transverse abdominus should be contracted. Energetically moola and uddiyana bundhas should be activated if you are familiar with them. If you are not familiar with these terms, it is best to consult a teacher, as they are quite complex concepts to explain here. Ashtanga vinyasa also teaches a specific dristi, or focal point, being on the ground about two inches forward of your head. DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO CHATURANGA Chaturanga can be practiced on its own. You can work your way up to holding it for a minute to develop cardiovascular endurance and muscular stamina of shoulder, arm and core muscles. It can also be practiced in a traditional Ashtanga vinyasa sequence or other flow sequence. Here it is usually practiced in with Upward Facing dog and Downward Facing dog to link other poses together. Correct transition from high plank to Chaturanga within the vinyasa sequence is critical to avoiding wear and tear of the tendons and ligaments of the shoulders. When in high plank, and before lowering to Chaturanga, stabilize the shoulder blades by engaging the serratus anterior (side of the ribs, below the armpits and chest muscles) and pectoralis minor (chest) muscles. In this way the shoulder blades (scapula) are broadened away from the centre and their inner edges stay on the back ribs. Inhale first, then as you exhale, squeeze the elbows towards the sides of the ribs as you lower down till the elbows are at 90 degrees and the upper arms are in line with your torso. BUILDING UP TO FULL CHATURANGA If you feel weak or shaky, try cat pose to start with. With knees on the floor, engage core muscles, on an inhale. Then exhale and start to bend the elbows, squeezing them towards the side of the ribs as you lower
Half Chaturanga
your upper body until your elbows are at 90 degrees. Your chest could be slightly lower than your tummy. Push back up and repeat. Practice this 10 – 15 times, two to three times a day until you build up the strength to do full Chaturanga with knees off the ground. Beginners also need to gain core strength so they can control the position of their pelvis when lowering down. If core muscles are weak, the pelvis drops quickly and lower back can be over arched, compressing the intervertebral disks of the spine. To work on core strength, lie on the ground with your knees bent and your hands interlaced behind your head. You can place a folded towel under your pelvis if the floor is not comfortable. Take a deep breathe, then with your lower back pressing down to the ground, curl upwards, lifting head, neck and chest. Look towards your knees and hold this position for 7 – 10 breaths, repeat 10 times. WHAT’S THE PROBLEM WITH DOING CHATURANGA WRONG? As a teacher I see new student doing Chaturanga with their head lifted up, jaw tense, hands cupping the ground, shoulders rounded, pelvis dropping the ground, compressing their lower back, shoulders jutting down putting all the body weight onto the neck and shoulder joint. It makes me cringe to think of all that unnecessary pressure and tension building along the tendons of the chest muscles, the ligaments of the shoulder sockets, and the fascia that wra around them. As a result all these connective tissues can become thicker and denser entrapping nerves from the neck and restricting blood flow. At the lower back, the compression resulting can put excessive pressure on the intervertebral disks in the spine. Chaturanga is a very common pose, but because we often move through it quickly on our way to another pose, we often overlook it. If you are struggling with this pose, I encourage you to seek one-on-one time with your yoga instructor. Sometime just 5 minutes is enough to set you on the right track of the Chaturanga train.
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DRISTI - SAMADHI
SAMADHI UNPLUGGED Is Samadhi a practice, or the result of our practice? BY VALERIE FANECO
YOGA TO BLISS Pattabhi Jois & Buddhism perspectives...........p34
THE FINAL LIMB Moving in towards true nature...........................p35
BHAGAVAD GITA What Krishna taught Arjuna about Samadhi..p36
KUNDALINI PERSPECTIVE Advice for householders on the path ...............p37
KNOWER, KNOWN, KNOWING The triad of meditation........................................p38
THREE INSIGHTS TO SAMADHI Drawing from texts and poets............................p39
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Amanpulo, photo courtesy of Aman Resorts
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highest samadhi is a state beyond most people’s comprehension. Patañjali does not even try to describe it
A cursory glance at the word “samadhi” in the online dictionary shows it defined as “a state of deep concentration on the object of meditation, a state of being totally aware of the present moment; one-pointedness of mind”. A closer look at this definition reveals it refers to the state of yoga. Samadhi is understood to be a state of complete absorption. Since yoga is first a practice as well as a philosophy, we can ask ourselves the following question: is samadhi a practice, or is a result (the result) of our practice? The first chapter of Patañjali’s Yogasûtra (circa 200 BC) is called “samadhi-pada”, the chapter about samadhi. It highlights samadhi as a state of complete absorption that is one of the highest goals in yoga and the steppingstone towards final liberation. Herein Patañjali defines several levels of samadhi, which may be focused on an object or not. When the attention is held on a object, it is called sabîja-samadhi (meaning with a seed, bîja). When there is no object to hold the meditator in focus, it is called nirbîja-samadhi (seedless). THE CARROT FOR THE DONKEY Patañjali presents the fruits of yoga early in the first chapter. Right at the beginning he says (I.3) tada drashtuh svarûpe avasthanam. Drashta is “the Seer”. This witness (that part of us which sees clearly) is none other than the seeker’s deep Self restored to the place where it should be: when the fruits of yoga are ripe, the seeker is once again connected to his true Self who drives the bus, standing behind all actions, words and behaviours.
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Another glimpse of the high states of samadhi comes in aphorism I.17 where he describes a state called samprajñata, a special kind of wisdom that is complete with regard to any object we choose, whether it is gross (material, vitarka) or abstract (vicara). In the next sûtra (I.18) he mentions “another state” (anyah) beyond anything we can comprehend, where the focus is also whole, but where the practitioner is not held by anything… We will come back to this later. In these few aphorisms a “taste” of samadhi is given, a little preview of what will be developed later. AND NOW DOWN TO BUSINESS In the last aphorisms of chapter I (41 to 51) Patañjali becomes more eloquent on the subject. He starts by presenting various levels of sabîja-samadhi (with an object). In sabîjasamadhi there are several stages of refined focus where the yogin is completely absorbed in the chosen object of meditation, as though he has merged with it. According to Patañjali this is the result of a process, not an accidental event. He describes this process in the way he would describe a ladder: you can only walk up the ladder one step at a time, patiently working your way up. How? By the regular, sustained practice of the eight limbs of yoga. We step from one rung of a ladder to the next as we advance on the path towards the ultimate goal, nirbîja-samadhi (I.51), which we may or may not reach. Gradually, once all the previous steps have been mastered - that is, once the sensory faculties have been controlled, the attention refined, the focus maintained - at last the qualities of the object are understood in such a way the yogin is no longer connected with the word referring to it (shabda), the NAMASKAR
information collected about it (jñana), the sensory stimuli that come with it (vikalpa). He understands the essence of this object in a way that cannot be expressed. He just knows the object, and he knows that he knows. If the object of meditation is a flower, for example, his understanding of it goes beyond its name, its definition, its smell, its colour, or the associations and feelings that come with it. He is the flower, because he has grasped its nature on the most intimate level. This knowledge is akin to a deep understanding reaching far above the intellectual domain. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! No matter how blissful this state may seem when explained to us in this manner, it is still not the big one. The highest samadhi is a state beyond most people’s comprehension. Patañjali does not even try to describe it; he simply calls it anyah, “the other one” (I.18) because it is in “another league”. Later on at the end of chapter I he calls it nirbîja-samadhi (I.51), or “seedless complete absorption”: when one is able to repeat the same process of concentration leading to flawless focus and a complete unconditional understanding, but this time without an object to support the process, it is nirbîja-samadhi. This is complete bliss; there is no turning back. Unlike the earlier mentioned situations where we were linked with an object (sabîjasamadhi), this ultimate stage stands alone, with no refinements, no levels, only the purest light shines… we are held by nothing (no seed, no object), and we hold nothing. A single sûtra at the end of chapter I mentions it, without any further attempt to describe it… Which brings us to this question: can one describe something that is clearly beyond description? Maybe the answer is that you cannot. Or perhaps it is possible to get an idea
experienced (anushravika, I.15) is bound to create frustration, tension, and a sense of attachment that would in fact steer us away from it. If we can be engaged on the path of yoga with lightness rather than heaviness, or in other words with no attachment to the fruit of our practice, then the fruit may eventually grow and be ripe for picking. To be liberated or - as some would say enlightened, is to be totally released from all attachments and identifications. It would mean we are completely detached not only from all material things in this world, but also from our relationships, the people we love, the joys and sorrows we come across. This detachment would also apply to all our desires, wishes, likes and dislikes. Everything that forms the fabric of life!
of it up to a certain point, by making associations with situations that we have experienced and are familiar with, and by using our intellect. But in order to convey the essence of it we have to admit that words have their limitations, and therefore our perception will only ever be partial and intellectual. What is the nature of this state? Some people say that in the highest state of meditation there is a void because the mind has been emptied of its content. Have you ever heard anyone say: Meditate, relax, just empty your mind? I do not believe there can be such a thing as an empty mind. Patañjali gives us clear indications that samadhi is in fact an experience of fulfilment, either with the object of meditation (sabîja-samadhi) or with pure unadulterated light, in the absence of an object (nirbîjasamadhi).
Indeed the prerequisite is for the mind to be cleansed of its usual clutter and for the memory to be purged of its content (smrti parishuddhau I.43), but the space that has become available then becomes full again! This time it is filled by the object (or the light), which alone shines (artha matra nirbhasa I.43). So in fact samadhi is an experience of fullness, not of emptiness. CAN I HAVE MY CAKE AND EAT IT? Whether we consider the systematic manner in which Patañjali describes the eight limbs of yoga in chapter II, or the similar approach that makes one progress through the various levels of samadhi in chapter I, it is obvious the fruit does not just fall from the tree, that samadhi does not happen randomly. It may occur, or it may not. If it does happen, it is the result of a careful process punctuated by appropriate practice. Being fixed on it as an immaterial goal we have heard of but never October 2013
So in the end does samadhi really matter? At the end of chapter IV (sûtra IV.31), Patañjali makes it clear that for the yogin who is “almost there”, on the threshold of liberation, everything has become insignificant. Liberation is no longer a matter of concern for him, and whether or not he takes the last step is not relevant, since the pursuit of it also belongs to the domain of attachment. There is no such thing as “collective samadhi”. You cannot reach it in the company of other people, even if they are like-minded seekers. To be in samadhi means to be alone. This aloneness is what makes liberation possible. Freedom from suffering also means freedom from all the things that make life enjoyable. Yet it takes a lot of work and a steady yoga practice to find balance in this life. So if being enlightened means that I need to give up on the life that I have come to love, do I really want it? To be honest, I think I don’t.
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freedom from bondage to the conditioned world
DRISTI
YOGA AS A PATH TO BLISS Buddhist & Ashtanga perspectives BY KIM ROBERTS
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Patanjali’s classical Ashtanga yoga presents a step by step path that leads the practitioner to increasingly subtle states of awareness, leading up to the experience of Samadhi. The word Samadhi is translated variously by different adepts: Georg Feuerstein uses the word enstasy. Desikachar mentions “complete integration with the object to be understood.” Richard Freeman calls it deep meditation. B.K.S. Iyengar calls it union, and if you consider we also translate “yoga” as union, we could say Samadhi is the realization of the yogic path. Ashtanga in Sanskrit means eight limbs, and the practice of yoga as most know it today— asana— is just one of those limbs. Yama and niyama, the first two limbs, deal with foundations such as ethics and behaviour— basically how to be a decent and disciplined person as a first step in purifying the mind. Asana, translated as posture, at least from the Yoga Sutra point of view, means the posture of meditation. Popularization of yoga in the modern era has expanded this term to include all the physical poses found in yoga studios these days that help balance the subtle energy systems. Most modern yoga classes will only include two of these limbs: asana and NAMASKAR
pranayama. But essentially, yoga is about learning to meditate by preparing the nervous system, then guiding the mind to stillness. So, how does one do that? And how does the yoga practice know today help facilitate this process of guiding the mind into stillness? On my first trip to India to study with Pattabhi Jois, I learned these steps are the supposed background of the yoga practice, and yet I noticed we never discussed them. Pattabhi Jois’ famous motto advises that yoga is, “99% practice, 1% theory.” In the afternoons we would congregate on Guruji’s steps in hopes that he will come out and sit with us. It was very casual, but occasionally he would entertain questions. One day I found the nerve to ask Guruji a question about the physical practices of yoga. “If Ashtanga is for purifying the body, how do we purify the mind?” I asked. “Ashtanga yoga is for purifying mind,” he said. If Ashtanga is all about mind purification, then why do we emphasize the body so much? I pondered that for a few days. Next time we
had “conference” on Guruji’s front steps, I asked again. “Why so much emphasis on the body?” I asked. “Why don’t we practice the other seven limbs?” “Asana is door” he said in his broken English, “then discovering other limbs.” Beginning with a physical practice, the mind begins its training. You learn focus and discipline; where to place feet, hands and gaze. You also learn to identify subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) sensations in the body. But then for the practice to evolve, there must be some context. One simple place to start connecting the asana practice to the other limbs is by connecting the awareness to the breath. Pranayama, the fourth limb treats the subject of breath, and how to harness it and put it to use in the service of meditation. Prana, the subtle and intangible life force in the body, rides on the breath. You can track the movement of prana by observing the flow of breath. You can experience this in yourself, and with practice, it’s possible to observe this flow in others as well. This is a great skill to have as a teacher as then you can help guide students to awaken areas of the body that may be asleep. The ability to observe subtle patterns in the body requires extreme sensitivity. This is created by finely tuning the awareness by lessening distractions. Pratyahara, the fifth limb, translates as “withdrawing awareness of sensory objects.” It’s changing the allegiance from external reference points to internal ones and could be considered a primary step in attaining a state of meditation. One practical way this might manifest is you suddenly notice you have moments of being completely absorbed in your practice, and not distracted by whatever else is happening in your environment. The last three limbs of Ashtanga yoga, dharana, dhyana and samadhi, sometimes called samyama together, are essentially more and more subtle levels of meditation, culminating in a state of ultimate freedom from bondage to the conditioned world—the mukti, or liberation all yogis seek. Essentially these last three limbs convey the practitioner through a process of refining the awareness, with longer and longer periods spent in undistracted mindfulness, eliminating the grasping that perpetuates ego. So while the yoga practice as you may understand it happens on a sticky mat, with experience, it may evolve into a still seated posture as the mind becomes increasingly settled. This is the most conducive environment for Samadhi to arise.
of the terrain. If this is a spiritual path we are walking, it helps to know where you’re going. The Buddha’s gift to humanity was to create this map—a legacy of teachings on training the mind to be present in order to recognize its true nature. When you are able to rest the mind without distraction on a chosen object for an indefinite period of time, then this is Samadhi. This state has been described as a feeling of quiet, comfy blissfulness. But, according to the Buddhist path, this is just the beginning. Once you are able to rest the mind for a period of time in this state, then, you can start to inquire into the nature of mind. Settling the mind on an object requires mindfulness; what arises after that is an awareness of the entire process. Mindfulness is recollecting what you are doing, and alertness is being aware of what is occurring. You can use different objects of meditation to learn this process. So you could use the breath as your object of focus to train the mind to be present. With practice, you can use the mind itself as the object of meditation—observing the process of awareness with an attitude of non-judgement. This is when things get interesting. So how does jumping around on a yoga mat get one there? Good question. You begin by bringing mindfulness and awareness to the process. Mindfulness is the faculty of not forgetting what to do and what not to do. It simply means recollecting what you are trying to do in the practice—remembering postures and internal mudras. But unless there is also some element of awareness, it’s entirely possible to bypass this process of moving toward meditation and keep the practice on the purely physical level. So you also add awareness, a larger view of what you are doing. You observe the process within the context of mind and its true nature, which, according to some, is emptiness. According to Buddhist philosophy, it is this insight—the vipassana aspect of awareness—that cuts suffering at its root. So while you continually return to the breath, you also keep an open inquiry into the nature of all that is unfolding in the awareness. The whole point is to be present in your body without distraction and without attachment. Right now. That is meditation. Extend that, and you have Samadhi, which some say is our natural state of being. So if you continue with practice in a disciplined way, eventually you will find your way home to pure, unadulterated bliss.
While there is wisdom in the “99% practice, 1% theory” method, over the years it has helped me enormously to study the classic texts on meditation to formulate a sort of map
DRISTI
SAMADHI, THE FINAL LIMB Towards our true nature BY SUDEVI SUNDARI Patanjali’s yoga sutras provide a lucid and precise understanding of Samadhi. In simple terms a (state of super consciousness brought about by mantra or meditation in which the individual makes contact with the Divine)absorption in the Divine energy. Samadhi is the final limb on Patanjali’s eight-limb Yoga ladder. Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. The last three of the eight limbs, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are known as the Antaranga, or internal Yoga, meaning they occur solely in the mind of the yogi. The yoga ladder is designed perfectly for the yogi to advance steadily and systematically to the last limb, Samadhi. By having a deeper understanding of the sixth limb Dharana (concentration) we can experience small doses of Samadhi. Concentration means to steadily focus or to hold the mind on one form or object for a long time. Technically the term Dharana means fixing the mind on one object or sound (mantra) ‘desa-bandhas cittasya dharana’. Dharna means to control, hold or support. Concentration is impossible without something for the mind to hold on to. In deep concentration the senses become still, one loses awareness of the body and his surroundings. For example, when one is engrossed in reading a really good book, they will not hear if someone calls their name or is even standing before them, such one-pointedness of the mind is called Ekagrata in Yoga. Where and how to concentrate? Yogis generally concentrate on one of the seven chakras. The sixth chakra known as the Ajna chakra is the seat of the mind during waking state. Also known as the Trikuti ‘the third eye” or the eye of wisdom, it is the space between the eyebrows. Sri Krsna recommends in Bhagavad Gita 5.27: ‘sparsan krtva bahir bahyams caksus caivantare bhruvoh’ - shutting out all external sense objects one should fix his vision between the eyebrows. This beautiful unfolding journey from Yama to Samadhi is our goal, once we experience
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yoga ladder is designed to advance steadily to the last limb
Dharana, then Dhyana becomes easy, leading us ultimitely to our final destination being Samadhi. As yogis it is a necessary and a natural progression for any sincere yogi. Whatever effort one has put into their practice is never lost, it’s like having a spiritual bank account, where even if we do not reach full Samadhi in this life we will continue where we left off in our next life. After 20 years of practicing yoga and teaching teachers, I have experienced mini states of Samadhi where I have really experienced that I am not this body, that I am pure spirit soul, part of the one “Divine” realizing I am nothing but an instrument of the Divine serving with love.
DRISTI
BHAGAVAD GITA VIEW
Krishna explains samadhi to Arjuna BY SANKIRTANA DAS
Maintaining our practice with enthusiasm and determination is our challenge. With these two qualities we will finally reach that blissful last limb, Samadhi, where we get to truly experience our real nature, that of ‘satchit-ananda’. We are eternal with full knowledge, and best of all, full bliss!
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I like to write for Namaskar. I like to be heard, to be seen as important and to have admirers. Perhaps I’m not an exception in this regard. However, when writing about sacred topics such as Samadhi, I should desist from presenting merely my view. Dristi implies focal point, however – in my observation – in this magazine it is often misunderstood as opinion. I’m not saying there is no room for NAMASKAR
personal opinion in this publication, however when attempting to explain the meaning of sacred concepts such as Samadhi, I choose the traditional version over my opinion. It is just like gold: gold has scientifically defined qualities. Genuine gold will match this scientific description even if I might have a differing opinion as to what I consider to be gold. We may differ about where to purchase gold or whether gold is a good investment, but this does not change the quality of gold. Similarly, Samadhi is a given condition of consciousness. Lacking realization I’m unable to describe this condition, and consequently should not present my view as if it would be of importance. It would be meaningless and not worth the paper it’s printed on. Accordingly, in this dristi discussion about Samadhi, I present the view of sacred texts instead of conjecturing something of merely opinion. Hence, here is an excerpt from the classical yoga scripture, the Bhagavad-Gita, wherein Arjuna specifically asks how to verify whether one has achieved Samadhi: “Arjuna uvaca — sthita-prajnasya ka bhasa, samadhi-sthasya kesava; sthita-dhih kim prabhaneta, kim asita vrajeta kim…”
O Krishna, what are the symptoms of one whose consciousness is thus merged in transcendence? How does he speak, and what is his language? How does he sit, and how does he walk?” (2.54) Although these questions seem to deal only with a person’s external behavior, each question has an internal import. The subsequent answer clarifies: “The person in Samadhi is detached from both happiness and misery. He lives on the transcendental platform, and therefore his mind cannot be disturbed.”
midst of greatest difficulty. This indeed is actual freedom from all miseries arising from material contact.” Now the question is how to get there? Is it even possible with all the distractions of our modern society? Here is my opinion: it can be done if one prioritizes Samadhi as the goal of life. Like training for an Olympic Medal, the price is high. But in this case I think it’s worth the effort, certainly more than the attainment of fleeting name and fame.
DRISTI Krishna then contrasts Samadhi consciousness with ordinary consciousness by way of an analogy: “What is night for all beings is the time of awakening for the self-controlled; and the time of awakening for all beings is night for the introspective sage.” The attached person and the detached person are as different as night and day. The person in Samadhi is neutral to the happiness and distress that come from his karma and is undistracted by viewing objects as sources of sense pleasure. Krishna gives an example to further illustrate: “A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.” The next verse ends Krishna’s answer to the question “How does he walk?”: “A person who has given up all desires for sense gratification, who lives free from desires, who has given up all sense of proprietorship and is devoid of false ego—he alone can attain real peace.” The chapter closes by reaffirming the state of Samadhi and its ultimate effect: “That is the way of the spiritual and godly life, after attaining which a man is not bewildered. If one is thus situated even at the hour of death, one can enter into the kingdom of God. “ Chapter Six of the Bhagavad-Gita, the Chapter that outlines astanga-yoga, provides additional description of Samadhi: “Established thus, one never departs from the truth, and upon gaining this he thinks there is no greater gain. Being situated in such a position, one is never shaken, even in the
KUNDALINI VIEW
Me & God, God & Me, are one BY CHAN CUDENNEC
Samâdhi is the main subject of the first part of the Yoga Sutras, Samâdhi-pada. In fact Samâdhi is enlightenment itself! It is described as the state of being aware of one’s existence without thinking, in a state of undifferentiated “beingness” or as an altered state of consciousness that is characterized by bliss and joy. In Samadhi one’s personal identity disappears, There is nothing that separates one from the object of one’s choice, and one becomes one with it. In Kundalini yoga, Samadhi is total identification with spirit and embodies the experience of “Me and God, God and me, are one”. Kundalini yoga is the yoga for the householder and one can live an enlightened life as long as one removes the Ego and vibrates with the Cosmos. A daily practice helps stay connected to higher realms of existence. How can we achieve Samadhi in the practice of Kundalini yoga? It can be achieved rather quickly as this form of yoga works the body to the state of transcending the waves of the mind, facilitating the flow of radiance from the soul. In a typical Kundalini class, there are warm up exercises, a kriya or a sequence of October 2013
prescribed exercises and shavasana that prepares the person for deep meditation. Through the use of refined patterns, meditation can create a communication between one and one’s mind, and between one’s body and mind. In Kundalini yoga, mantras are used to activate the meridian points in the upper palate of the mouth, which controls the autonomic system, the old brain and limbic systems. It helps to create a neutral mind and transports one from a finite point to an infinite perception of reality connecting one to the clarity of the soul. There is a myth that when one sits down, one should be able to quiet the mind. This could not be further from the truth. For those trying to meditate for the first time, there are thousands of thoughts per second. One needs to practice and cultivate the art of meditation to achieve Samadhi. In Kundalini yoga, there is a strong emphasis on Naad which is the essence of sound of the vibrational harmony through which the Infinite can be experienced. Sadhana is the practice of self correction that provides the mind and body with a disciplined channel to the infinite within one’s self. The yogic scriptures require 2.5 hours of sadhana before the rising of the sun. It is in these ambrosial hours that the auric protection and cleansing of the body are achieved more easily. Few people are awake so the clutter and bustle of daily activities do not interfere with the meditators. Knowing the mental and spiritual process and its constant practice are essential to achieve “oneness” and reap the benefits of connecting with the higher self. All teachers of Kundalini yoga are required to learn how to lead sadhana with sacred chants, kriya and mantras for meditation. Sadhana becomes a joy when one chooses to be connected to the higher self and the mind is more active in its subconscious cleansing. Serious Kundalini yoga practitioners do sadhana daily. Personally, I did not believe that sounds of sacred mantras could transform and alter one’s consciousness in such a rapid way. In the final stage of my Kundalini yoga teacher training, I experienced several instances of being light, enlightened, inspired, loved and protected. The feeling is wonderful and ecstatic. That must be Samadhi! 37
As salt being dissolved in water becomes one with it, so when atman & mind become one, it is samadhi
DRISTI
KNOWER, KNOWN, KNOWING Merging the triad of meditation
BY SWAMI VIVEKANANDA SARASWATI We know in yoga, dhyana (meditation) is a continuous stream of mental processes directed toward the object of meditation, accompanied by a controlled expansion of one’s consciousness. Then dhyana gradually leads to a co-penetration of the object of meditation with the practitioner’s own being. This becomes the highest state, called samadhi. In samadhi, the mind continuously and to the exclusion of all other objects, assumes the nature and becomes one with the conscious nature of the meditator. The term samadhi comes from sama, “equal”, therefore it denotes a state of oneness. LOSING YOURSELF In samadhi, only the awareness remains, as if the consciousness of objectivity disappears. Actually, the individuality of the practitioner does not disappear, but the practitioner’s mind and consciousness become one. There is no more awareness of mental functioning (the mind apparently enters into a state of void, emptiness). There is no more awareness of personal individuality as being separate from the object. Now, the practitioner feels that there is no more difference between “object” and “me.” This dichotomy is now impossible. “As salt being dissolved in water becomes one with it, so when atman (the Supreme Self) and mind become one, it is called samadhi. The equality and oneness of the Individual Self (atman) and the Cosmic Self 38
(paramatman) is called samadhi, to describe which is beyond the power of speech, being known by self-experience alone.” Hatha Yoga Pradipika “[Samadhi is] that form of dhyana in which there is neither ‘here’ nor ‘not here’, in which there is illumination and stillness as of some great ocean, and which is the Great Void (sunya) Itself.” Kularnava Tantra, IX, 9 THE TRIANGLE OF MEDITATION During dhyana (meditation), there is awareness about the Knower (the practitioner of meditation), the Known (the object of meditation) and the Knowledge that arises in mind about the object of meditation. These three are distinct. In samadhi, these three fuse, merge one into another, and become one and the same state. Samadhi is an intuitive cognition referring to what is directly present; it is the immediacy of the reflective experience, the non-intermediateness of perception. This means that here perception is realized at the level of the spirit, without using any of the intermediary channels (like, for example, the senses, the imagination, the intellect, etc.), and this is why this experience is perceived as identity. Samadhi is a state of undifferentiated identity with the target to be known, a self-detaching immersion into its meaning. In this state, the yogin experiences that state of consciousness in which he perceives the undifferentiated, unique substratum of all things, creatures and worlds. The part is discovered to be the whole, every unit is present in any other unit, and everything is a part of the fullness of which the experiencer represents an epitome. The yogin who has brought this process to its completion is able to recognize the underlying and essentially unconcealed reality of the Cosmic Consciousness that represents the most intimate state of all apparently finite objects. Here the triad of Knower, Known and the process of Knowing has been transcended. The knower (the yogin in samadhi) turns away from the initial object and doubles back on himself. In so doing, he creates a situation in which the object of knowing is the knower himself, and the NAMASKAR
process of knowing is also simply the knower himself. This state is sometimes described as “void” or “emptiness” (sunya) because of the contrast with the apparent fullness of objectivity that precedes it. It is a process of progressively stripping away the outer attributes and characteristics of the object of meditation, until the yogin is simply left with the sheer existential essence of Being. This process of rediscovery of the undifferentiated, unique substratum of everything that exists is a major feature of the attainment of spiritual Enlightenment and Liberation. No longer do finite objects appear as separate and limited structures; rather, the Consciousness out of which all things are composed surfaces, and becomes visible as the true Reality of perceived objects. “He, who has this understanding (viz., that the Universe is identical with the Self), regards the whole world as a play (of the Divine), and thus being ever united (with the Universal Consciousness) is, without doubt, liberated while alive (jivanmukta).” Spanda Karika II, 5 A radical transformation of the perception of the external world follows as a result of the attainment of the state of samadhi. The first experience of the conscious entrance into samadhi is ananda - ineffable bliss. The practitioner comes into identity with the most interiorized felicity of the Supreme. Samadhi is an experience which no amount of explanation or argument can make communicable to another unless the latter himself has had it previously. If a presumed state of samadhi is amenable to analysis in the sense that by so doing it becomes perfectly clear to another who has never had it, that experience actually is no samadhi. Attaining it and taking hold of it must be done by the practitioner himself or herself, for nobody else can do it for one. The reality of samadhi must be personally experienced. It is not enough to be told about it or to attempt to imagine it (which would be impossible, anyway!). The truth of this statement without the direct experimentation of it is only an infinitesimal part of the truth.
DRISTI
THREE INSIGHTS INTO SAMADHI
From Upanishads to Rumi to Patanjali BY GABRIEL AZOULAY If you find yourself on the yoga mat, you are bound to hear a variety of odd sounding words. From the final bow Namaste to the commonly-heard asana. While the latter refers to pose, the earlier is a reference to the experience of unity our teachers hope to leave us with. Yoga philosophy calls this Samadhi. As we unravel these two Sanskrit words you will discover the magic that lies when you start weaving breath into every aspect of your life, not just when you are on the yoga mat doing asana. The word Samadhi first appears in an ancient text called Maitrayani Upanishad, more than 2,000 years ago. Unlike the English language where every word has a direct meaning, Sanskrit is a poetic language where sounds express concepts rather than singular connotation. Reflecting on the two primary sounds that comprise our word of choice we can get our first insight into this beautiful concept. Samadhi can be divided into the two sounds Sama and Dhi. Sama means: same, equal, even, neutral. While Dhi is a root sound for the English verb to see. Samadhi can thus be considered as neutral vision. In a poem about 1,000 years ago, the poet Jelluladin Rumi, provides us with our second insight into the concept of neutral vision: Beyond ideas of Right doing or Wrong doing There is a field. One day I will meet you there. (Rumi translated by Coleman Barks) Neutral vision is thus an ability to rise above judgment, which causes conflict, and experience the connection that exists. Neutral vision allows us to build communities, relate to others, and connect with our own fragmented sense of self. Neutral vision gives us a clearer idea of the meaning behind the
word yoga which means union. Neutral vision is an action, which we can participate in. An action reflected both on and off the mat: am I judging my posture as good or bad; am I judging the moment as positive or negative; do I hate the traffic jam, or do I accept the situation and enjoy the magic of being alive, despite the slow moving commute? Outside the philosophical perspective, yoga is a tangible reality. Connecting to your own breath changes your posture, enhances your presence, establishes a sense of confidence and transforms the way others relate to you. Let’s look at the rest of Rumi’s poem as we conclude with our third insight and the connection between Samadhi and Namaste: Beyond ideas of Right doing or Wrong doing There is a field. One day I will meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass The world will become too small to talk about. Ideas, language, even the phrase ‘each other” Will make sense no more. (Rumi - translated by Coleman Barks). Rumi’s poem concludes with a sense of unification beyond the daily sense of separation most people feel on daily basis. One of yoga’s strengths is bridging this human dimension, with something as simple as the word utilized at the end of class: Namaste. Where Samadhi is a call to action, Namaste is a reflection of the result achieved through practicing neutral vision. Namaste has a simple message, yet requires a full English paragraph to translate: There is a place of light, love, peace and truth (recall Rumi talking about a field beyond judgment). When you are in that place in yourself (Rumi will meet you there), and I am in that place in myself, then there is only one of us (Rumi’s echo again: even the phrase each other will make sense no more).
Statue of Patanjali
Illustration of Rumi
rise above judgment, which causes conflict, and experience the connection that exists
In Patanjali’s Classical Sutras Samadhi sits as the final rung on his eight-step ladder. While this can seem like a difficult process to follow, Patanjali often refers to the idea of Samadhi as being constantly available and easily accessible. With our first insight into neutral vision, the second insight sharing a practice of letting go of judgments, culminating in the third insight of seeing the connection that lies all around us: ...step out into your day and get fully aware of your inhale and exhale ...feel of the ground beneath your feet, the air surrounding your head ...allow these insights to guide your daily experience. You will be surprised at the shifts you encounter. Inhale. Exhale. Namaste. October 2013
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KARMA
TO THE HEART OF CHILDREN & MOUNTAINS A journey of a thousand steps begins with a single yoga class BY MIRANDA YIP Little did I know when I taught some charity yoga classes at the Big Buddha on Lantau last year, that I would be the one to learn so much about the human spirit. The charity I was helping raise money for, China Star Light Charity Fund Association, helps impoverished Mainland children with Congenital Heart Disease. The venue, at the base of a 34-metre seated bronze Buddha, was spectacular, and the reason for the practice heartwarming. Then this year, I had the opportunity to visit some of the children my yoga classes had raised money for. They lived in the mountainous regions of Guizhou, one of the poorest provinces in China. It is bordered in the south by Guangxi, to the east by Hunan, to the west by Yunnan, and to the north by Sichuan. Initially, I had reservations about taking this trip. It involved difficult trekking, I’d heard bad things about charity efforts in China, not to mention the trip would use up my remaining annual leave. Nevertheless, over five days in early September our team of 14 volunteers visited six villages scattered around the mountains. The mountains were very beautiful though difficult to travel through, especially for those of us accustomed to the paved paths in Hong Kong’s country parks. Our plan was to try to visit at least 2 villages each day. With the unpredictable wet weather, our trips often took 2-3 hours of hiking up steep paths, rocky ravines and thick bamboo groves. It was indeed a relief when we finally made it to a village and were greeted by school children with their funny hand salutes, as if we were war heroes coming to save them. The rest of the villagers would then come with trays of teapots and saucers with peanuts and sunflower seeds. The villages we visited were simply built, with some scattered stone buildings and mostly wooden huts enough to house two to three families. Children toys were noticeably lacking, with only a few cats lying around lazily and bony dogs barking in
the distance. The latter are not usually kept as pets, but for human consumption alongside chickens, ducks and pigs. We were taken to meet the children (from 1 14 years old). Confined to their beds most of the time the children were usually pale and tired looking, even though they greeted us with as much enthusiasm as they could as they probably knew we were bringing them special gifts from afar. Once the formalities were exchanged, their mother would try to encourage them to talk to us. But overall they were really too shy to talk until balloons were taken out, filled and twisted into various shapes. Then they would clap and shriek with delight once they recognized the balloon had turned into a dog or cow. Even though these children were used to so much pain and discomfort, something as simple as a balloon could bring them happiness.
people. He asked why we came all this way, putting up with holes in the ground for toilets and pigs snorting around our legs. He abruptly answered this himself ”I guess this helps to make one a better person.” I don’t know if I’m any better a person from the visit, but certainly learned an important lesson from these children about remaining optimistic in spite of pain and discomfort. And the lush greens of the forest and spectacular waterfalls of Guizhou are with me always.
BOOK REVIEW
SINGING FOR FREEDOM by Ani Choying Drolma REVIEWED BY TIA SINHA
We tried to spend at least three hours with the children and their families in each village. We sat outside the house and chatted over tea. It was good when the children asked to get out of bed and take walks outside with us. Getting to know more about each child was both interesting and sad at times, with the mothers confessing their worries over the uncertain future. But what I realized despite the gloom painted by the parents, the children always remained optimistic. Some obviously knew how to comfort their tearyeyed mothers. Despite being confined to bed, these children remained happy for the most part, sustained by their close family support. I wondered if living in the remote mountains, away from the excesses of modern city life, they remain closer to their natural state of bliss. As we journeyed back to Hong Kong after five days, our driver-guide remarked how much he appreciated our kindness toward the village
Sadly, human misery is a bottomless pit and we have to keep filling it up with love and compassion to stop the most vulnerable from sinking. This is what I try to do and it gives me unparalleled satisfaction. Ani Choying Drolma Born in Nepal to Tibetan parents, Pomo was regularly and brutally beaten by her alcoholic father from the age of 5. She was a frequent witness to her father beating and raping her mother. Nearly stabbed to death by her father, Pomo ran away from home at the tender age of 10 to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun and was thence known as Ani Choying Drolma. She soon came under the care of Tulkyu Urgyen Rinpoche, one of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist meditation teachers of the 20th century.
Miranda with a local Guizhou boy
October 2013
She blossomed under the loving care of her Lama and his wife who also taught her to sing. 43
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Endowed with a breathtakingly beautiful, hauntingly tender voice, Ani Choying Drolma’s spiritual songs and chants shot her to freedom and worldwide fame. This autobiography is a poignant account of Ani Choying Drolma’s efforts to leave the prison of her horrid and painful past and to fly high, happy and free. She was certainly not the stereotypical, demure nun. To quote, “Giggles and sideways glances aren’t really part of my repertoire”. Ani Choying describes with great candour her constant battle with hatred and anger. She mentions precise techniques suggested by her teacher to help her deal with her rage, hatred and grief. Love and compassion won eventually and not only did she forgive her father but she cared for him till the day that he died. And she set up a school in Nepal for young girls ‘whose lives seemed set in stone’. She says, “All are poor, with not much in the way of family. They arrive here as if it were the penultimate stop on the road to hell. They’ve had the good fortune to get off before the end”. Ani Choying’s life is testimony to the fact that pain can become a great driver to do extraordinary things for others, to dedicate our lives to serving others. If we learn to transform the hatred, anger and hurt within us that we all carry, in varying degrees, we can find genuine happiness and lead a meaningful life serving others, serving not from anger and fear but from compassion and love that result from dealing intelligently with our pain. In short, we can serve others with an open heart. And instead of beating ourselves up for our sorry past, we can thank our pain for helping us understand others’ pain and thus helping our hearts open to others. Candid, witty and unpretentious, shocking in parts yet full of heart and always inspiring, Ani Choying Drolma’s scintillating autobiography is totally unputdownable, immensely re-readable and simply unforgettable.
LECTURE
YOU ARE FREE HERE AND NOW Notes from a lecture by Lama Marut BY VICKY WONG How often would a spiritual text say “Get ready to stop, graduate from working so hard collecting merit and karma. You have done enough already, just lay down your burden when you are ready and relax. Be Happy.” It is
not in any self-interest of the religious establishment to spread the good news because there is indeed, nothing left to do. Thanks to Lama Marut’s selfless compassion and the Yoga Studies Institute in Australia, I got to study The Ashtavakra Gita which was written around the 8th or 9th Century. It is a text that can bring transformative knowledge. Osho once described it as unparalleled and I find it the most liberating scripture I have ever studied. Just as I thought enlightenment was something to strive for through hard work, something a long way in the future, the sacred text is saying the opposite: Enlightenment is here and now. Lama Marut smiles. “We are in prison of our own making and the door has always been open.” Lama Marut
Our prison cell is our own ego. As long as we are attached to our worldly identity such as our body, name, age, job and status which are impermanent, we shall never be liberated. We need to learn to be no body as opposed to being labeled as merely your own name. Liberate yourself from the concept of me and stop craving for things you do not have. It is not ignorance but wisdom that is bliss. To call the concept The Ashtavakra Gita presents radical is an understatement. We can finish off the suffering in samsara and get into a liberated state or jivamukti within this lifetime and this very body while still alive, right here and now. Naturally, your next question is, “How?”
immaculation,” says Lama Marut. “You cannot improvise like John Coltrain and Miles Davis without having practiced the scales for years. Thankfully karma itself is a projection and therefore can be changed. The concept of who we are is a label from which we can be unattached. The label (your job, your name) is not you: You are neither the producer not the recipient of karma. Behind all these masks, there is the you who is unattached. We can deidentify with the actor and say to yourself “I’m greater than that”. Be the witness of your life instead of getting caught up in it; watch your karma unfold and do not identify with it.
“In order to be free, you must know your true self, the heart of consciousness, the observer of these objects.” You are pure awareness, awakened. So be happy. The only way to happiness is contentment. Very often we keep happiness and enlightenment at arm’s length by saying, “If only I had…I would be happy.” Have you ever noticed the goal post is always moved once we have attained what we crave for? This is the very source of our discontentment. The only way to get out of samsara is to renounce within the world all we consume including the latest gadgets, exotic holidays, partners and even the next spiritual retreat, yoga and dharma classes. All we need to do is be happy.
Since ultimate reality cannot be confined and captured by language which automatically destroys the signified, we need to be detached from words. Like empty space, it is emptiness that makes it possible. It is the hole of a donut that makes it a donut, just as the emptiness of self makes it the atman, or the true self.
Lama Marut says, “Let me know if you’re not content with contentment.” The text is not telling you not to enjoy life, but to realize happiness does not lie in mere sensual pleasures that are cheap thrills at best. As long as we recognize their samsaric nature and impermanence, we can enjoy them without thinking they are the be-all-and-end-all.
However, first of all, we need to drop our liberphobia – our fear to be free and thus our attachment to suffering as well as to our cartoon-like concept of enlightenment. Enlightenment will happen with our flaws which are projection of our karma. Enlightenment is in fact a total acceptance of our flaws and pain, which is not suffering if it is accepted because pain is the other side of suffering. It is our attachments that cause suffering, just as our misunderstanding of death that causes death.
Discipline is the pre-requisite of freedom. Doing whatever you want is not freedom if one is just following their untrained inclinations. “You can’t have premature October 2013
The true self is like the observer of a parade who is not engaged in samsara, which is also a mere projection. Our true self is “allpervading, complete in itself, one, free, aware, inactive, detached, without desire, and at peace. It’s a mistake to think it’s trapped in Samsamra,” which is in fact an error that can be corrected.
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BUDDHIST SITES A journey through India and Nepal ACROSS 1. The place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. (4, 4) 3. Jumble ‘LA lore’ to give Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut cave temples. (6) 5. Jumble ‘u gain a shark’ to give the place where the Buddha died. (10) 8. City housing a medieval Buddhist monastery. (7) 9. Jumble ‘rash ant’ to give the place where the Buddha taught for the first time. (7) 10. Jumble ‘a lash’ to give the site of the Potala Palace. (5) 12. City with Vulture Peak mountain on which the Buddha taught the Heart Sutra. (6) DOWN 1. Located in Nepal, home to one of the largest stupas in the world. (10) 2. Caves with Buddhist paintings and sculptures found in Western India. (6) 4. Jumble ‘uni limb’ to give the place where the Buddha was born. (7) 6. & 11 DOWN. Monkey Temple on a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. (9,4) 7. Jumble ‘chains’ to give a city of stupas containing the Buddha’s relics. (6) 11. See 5 ACROSS
BY TIA SINHA
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SPIRITUAL SCIENCE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
WHY PRACTICE SPIRITUALITY
Everlasting happiness comes from consistent practice BY ANU PURSRAM
Everyone has their way of performing spiritual practice, be it within organised religion or a simple prayer. One thing which is common is we need to practice consistently to experience its benefits. A BALANCED STATE OF MIND More often than not, we are baffled by the tirade of life situations. It’s like a rollercoaster ride of happiness and despair. We keep seeking solutions from the outside, when only spiritual practice helps us to remain stable and take both in our stride. This happens because Spirituality fills us with an inner strength which has a stabilising effect. We become less emotional in the process and are able to see both happiness and despair more objectively. Extreme behaviours stop and we obtain a balanced state of mind where we are more absorbed in enjoying inner Bliss and are not affected by the outside. To begin with, chant God’s name when faced
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with an arduous situation. INCREASED TOLERANCE OF PAIN Being in the company of those performing regular spiritual practice can help increase our overall positivity. Unknown to us, this also helps us to endure pain better, as our endurance levels increase. Each of us has a different threshold level for pain, be it physical, mental or psychological. Some people barely flinch if they are jabbed with an injection, whereas others are terrifed by the thought of it. It’s the same stimulus but each one reacts differently. Whatever be our threshold for physical or emotional pain, if we do spiritual practice and remain in the company of seekers, we are better primed to come out unruffled by negative situations. PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT Personality defects and ego impede our growth. Although many self-help books and
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workshops which can help, their scope is limited and short lived. Removing personality defects and ego goes into the sub-conscious, changing us from within. INSULATION FROM DESTINY The SSRF teaches that we have control over 35% of our lives and most of our lives are controlled by destiny, the result of the sins and merits of past births. This heavily influences major events in our life, the decisions we make, with whom we spend our lives resulting in happiness or unhappiness. When we start acquiring Bliss we realise it is superlativeand infinite. It’s very difficult to describe – it is more like verbally trying to explain the essence of sweetness in sugar. It can only be experienced. Thus spiritual principles must be implemented as the spirit of Spirituality lies in the experience.
RECIPE
CHILLED MOROCCAN ALMOND & RED PEPPER SOUP A refresing soup inspired by North Africa, to enjoy during the last leg of Summer BY MOOSA AL-ISSA
INGREDIENTS 1 cup blanched whole almonds 1 large red pepper diced 1/8 cup onion diced 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger 1 tablespoon agave syrup 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 1/2 cups vegetarian stock 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander Small pinch of cumin Small pinch of cinnamon Small dash of cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons olive oil Sea salt to taste METHOD This soup is basically raw and only requires a blender. 1. Start by adding the almonds and 1
Recently I have been thinking back on my travels in North Africa, and two memories in particular really stand out. In a small desert town in Algeria we were served the most amazing flat bread; bubbly and chewy inside, with an almost cracker crisp crust. It was incredibly delicious, but unfortunately i didn’t get the name and haven’t seen it since. The other memory was of being driven out into the desert, in the middle of the night, to look at some traditional rugs. After browsing for 15 minutes, we decided there really wasn’t anything that interesting, and told our “host” we were ready to leave. A few moments later there was lots of yelling, and one guy pulled out a big knife and started to wave it around in the air. Nice. Well, after a brief “conversation”, I was the proud owner of three new rugs!
cup of stock to the blender. Pulse first, and then blend on medium till you have a nice paste. 2. Add the onion, red pepper, cumin, coriander, ginger, cayenne & cinnamon and blend till pureed. If it is too thick to blend, add a bit more stock. 3. Add the remaining stock, the agave and the lemon juice and blend on high till it all comes together. Add salt to taste. 4. Pour the contents into a glass or stainless steel bowl, stir in the chia seeds, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 - 3 hours 5. Give it a stir and then portion into two bowls with a sprinkling of chopped coriander and a drizzle of olive oil on top. Enjoy.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across: 1. Bodh Gaya. 3. Ellora, 5. Kushinagar, 8. Nalanda, 9. Sarnath, 10. Lhasa, 12. Rajgir Down: 1. Boudhnath, 2. Ajanta, 4. Lumbini, 6. Svayambhu, 7. Sanchi, 11. Nath
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DIRECTORY
Guide to yoga studios & teachers
AGAMA YOGA SCHOOL 42/4 moo 8, Koh Phangan, Suratthani 84280, Thailand s: Tantra Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Workshops, Retreats, Meditation, Yogic Healing l: English t: (66) 892 330 217 e: info@agamayoga.com w: www.agamayoga.com ANAHATA YOGA 18/F Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong s: Hatha, Ashtanga, Yoga therapy, Yin and more. Groups & privates t: (852) 2905 1922 e: enquiry@anahatayoga.com.hk w: www.anahatayoga.com.hk Anna Ng Privates d: Hong Kong s: Hatha yoga l: Cantonese t: (852) 9483 1167 e: gazebofl@netvigator.com AUM YOGA AND PILATES STUDIO Room J1, 13/F, Kaiser Estate Phase 2, 47-53 Man Yuen Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong s: Ayurveda Massage, Detox Massage, Ayurveda Facial, Jovees Retail Hot Yoga, Pilates, Thai Massage Yoga t: (852) 3523 1332 e: info@aum.com.hk w: www.aum.com.hk AUMNIE YOGA WEAR Hong Kong - Room 1601, 99 Wellington Street, Central t: (852) 3188 0973 Shanghai - 60 Xinle Road, 3/F Xuhui District t: (86) 21 5404 3135 Retail, Wholesale, Shop Online Free Shipping Worldwide Yoga Clothing and Accessories e: info@aumnie.com w: www.aumnie.com 52
BODYWIZE YOGA & DAY SPA G/F & 2/F, 1 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong s: Private & small group classes, Yoga for stress management, Couple yoga, Ashtanga, Power, Yoga therapy, workshops, retreats, spa & wellness, holistic therapy, nutritional advice. l: English t:(852) 2838 5686 e: yoga@bodywize.com.hk w: www.bodywize.com.hk B.K.S. IYENGAR YOGA ASSOCIATION OF MACAU 174, Rua de Pequim, Edif Centro Com. Kong Fat, 7A, Macau s: Iyengar t:(853)2882 3210/6662 0386 e:yoga@macau.ctm.net w:www.iyengar-yoga-macauchina.com BRAIN & BODY YOGA 1503 Keen Hung Commercial Building, 80 - 86 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong (next to LUXHOME) s: boutique yoga studio for holistic healing and mind body practice t: (852) 3104 1156 e: info@brainyoga.com.hk w: www.brainyoga.com.hk Dario Calvaruso Ltd / Holistic Wellness Flat A, 10th Floor, Winner House 15 Wong Nai Chung , Happy Valley, Hong Kong s: Hatha, Vinyasa, Detox, Yoga Therapy, Yoga for Stress Management, Partner Yoga, Tantra Yoga for couples l: English, Italian t: (852) 9247 3938 e: info@dariocalvaruso.com w: www.dariocalvaruso.com FLEX STUDIO 308 - 310 One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Street, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
s: Vinyasa, Yin Yang, Restorative, Detox Flow, Kids Yoga t: (852) 2813 2212 f: (852) 2813 2281 e: info@flexhk.com w: www.flexhk.com FLEXPRESS 801 - 802, 8/F Lansing House, 4147 Queen’s Road Central Central, Hong Kong s: Fusion Flow, Detox Flow, Core Flow, Pre Natal t: (852) 2813 2212 f: (852) 2813 2281 e: info@flexhk.com w: www.flexhk.com Kathy Cook Retreats, workshops, privates d: Hong Kong, Bali &Thailand s: Iyengar (Junior Intermediate 2) l: English t: (852) 6292 5440/(62) 811 387781 e: kcinasia@gmail.com w: www.yogawithkathy.com Kenneth Kum / Yoga with Kenneth 8/F, Toi Shan Association Building, 167-169 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong Lunchtime classes every Tuesdays & Thursdays. pre-natal, power, group & privates l: Cantonese, English, Mandarin, Japanese t: (852) 9870 0393/9630 6770 e: yoga.with.kenneth@gmail.com w: www.facebook.com/pages/ Yoga-with-Kenneth/ 226857527370528 KUNDALINI AT SHAKTI 7/F Glenealy Tower, 1 Glenealy, Central, Hong Kong. s: Kundalini, Qigong, Guided Kundalini meditation, Hatha, Restorative t: (852) 2521 5099 e: info@shaktihealingcircle.com w: www.shaktihealingcircle.com
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PURE YOGA Hong Kong 16/F The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central t: (852) 2971 0055 25/F Soundwill Plaza, 38 Russell St, Causeway Bay t: (852) 2970 2299 14/F Peninsula Office Tower, 18 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon t: (852) 8129 8800 9/F Langham Place Office Tower, 8 Argyle Street, Kowloon t: (852) 3691 3691 4/F Lincoln House, TaiKoo Place, 979 King’s Rd, Quarry Bay t: (852) 8129 1188 Singapore 391A Orchard Road, #18-00 Ngee Ann City Tower A t: (65) 6733 8863 30 Raffles Place, 04-00 Chevron House t: (65) 6304 2257 Taiwan 151 Chung Hsiao East Road, Sec 4, Taipei t: (886) 02 8161 7888 KUNDALINI @ SOL 16/F Tin On Sing Commercial Building, 41-43 Graham St. Central, Hong Kong s: Kundalini Yoga, morning Aquarian Sadhana, meditation, detox, health hologram, emotional headling, Kinesiology, Yuen method t: (852) 2581 9699 e: info@sol-wellness.com w: www.sol-wellness.com SOULMADE YOGA & TEAROOM 40, Soi Chareonjai (Ekamai 12), Klongton-Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110, Thailand
s. Kripalu, Hatha, Prenatal, Workshops, Healing Arts (AuraSoma, Bodytalk, EFT) l. English, Thai, French t. (66) 2 3814645 e. soulmadeyoga@gmail.com w: www.facebook.com/soulmade
Kong d: Central s: Iyengar Certified (Junior Intermediate III) l: English t: (852) 2918 1798 / 9456 2149 e: uschi.moser51@gmail.com
SPACE YOGA 16/F, 27 An-Ho Road, Section 1, Taipei 106, Taiwan s: Hatha, Ashtanga, Anusara Inspired, Flow, Yin, Restorative, Power, Hot, Meditation, Pranayama, Pilates, Sivananda, Jivamukti and Yoga Nidra l: English, Mandarin t: (886) 2 2773 8108 e: teachertraining@withinspace.com w: www.withinspace.com
Wai-Ling Tse Privates and Groups d: Hong Kong s: Sivananda certified, Hatha, Svastha Yoga, Therapy, Yoga Nidra, Yin, Pranayama and Meditation l: English, Cantonese t: (852) 9465 6461 e: wailing.tse@gmail.com
THE BREATHING ROOM 42A Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427766 s: Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha, Kids, AromaYoga, and specializing in Pre & Postnatal Yoga. Studio rental also available. t: (65) 8112 5827 e: ashley@sacredfunk.com w: www.sacredfunk.com THE YOGA ROOM 3, 4, 6/F (Studios) & 15/F (Office) Xiu Ping Commercial Bldg, 104 Jervois St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong S: Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Candlelight Yin, Yoga Therapy, Baptist Inspired, Mindfulness Yoga, Detox Flow, Pre-natal Yoga, Pre-natal Pilates, Mat Pilates and Kids yoga t: (852) 25448398 e: info@yogaroomhk.com w: www.yogaroomhk.com TRUE YOGA Singapore 9 Scotts Road, Level 4, Pacific Plaza 228210 t: (65) 6733 9555 10 Collyer Quay, Level 4, Ocean Financial Centre 049315 t: (65) 6536 3390 Taiwan 563 Chung Hsiao East Road, Section 4, 1st & 2nd floor Taipei t :(886) 22764 8888 337 Nanking East Road Section 3, 9 & 10/F, Taipei t: (886) 22716 1234 68 Gongyi Road, West District 12 & 13 /F, Taichung t: (886) 43700 0000 s: Hatha, Power, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, Gentle, Flow, Yoga Dance, Pre-natal e: operations@trueyoga.com.sg w: www.trueyoga.com.sg / www.trueyoga.com.tw Ursula Moser The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong
namaskar
WISE LIVING YOGA ACADEMY 198 Moo 2, Luang Nuea, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand s: Classical Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Yoga Therapy t: (66) 8254 67995 e: info@wiselivingyoga.com w: www.wiselivingyoga.com Marcus Wong Donation-based classes for all levels at sports centres in Sheung Wan, Central, Wanchai and TST. Schedule and sign-ups on Facebook page below. s: Beginner’s yoga, Power, Ashtanga, Yin l: English, Cantonese t: (852) 9199 9907 e: wongpoyan@icloud.com w: www.facebook.com/ marcuswongyoga (Facebook) YOGA CENTRAL 4/F Kai Kwong House, 13 Wyndham St, Hong Kong s: Hatha/Iyengar clases, yoga teacher training workshops, private group classes, corporate health programs. t: (852) 2982 4308 e: yogacentralhk@gmail.com w: www.yogacentral.com.hk YOGA on CAINE ROAD @ COSMO KIDS 138 Caine Road, 1/F, Jadestone Court, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong s: Studio Rental, Yoga & Therapy, Meditation & Healing t: (852) 2915 8138 e: ask@cosmokids.net w: www.cosmokids.net Yoga with YoYo Yoga Alliance ERYT200 and RYT200. Asana, pranayama, meditation and scripture study d: Sai Kung / San Po Kong s: small group and privates adapted to students with knowledges of YogaPrasad institute, Paramahamsa Nithyananda, Sivananda, Yoga limbs and more l: English, Cantonese t: (852)93023931 e: info@yoyoyoga.net w: www.yoyoyoga.net
reaches 4,500 yoga practitioners, across 26 countries, 4 times a year.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING RATES & SIZES Outside back cover HK$21,800 210 mm x 297 mm Inside front cover HK$3,000 210 mm x 297 mm Inside back cover HK$2,400 210 mm x 297 mm Full page HK$1,900 210 mm x 297 mm 1/2 page (horizontal)HK$1,200 180 mm x 133.5 mm 1/2 page (vertical) HK$1,200 88 mm x 275 mm 1/4 page HK$620 88 mm X 133.5 mm 1/8 page HK$390 88 mm x 66 mm
LISTINGS Can include name, address, telephone, email, website, style and certification, language of instruction. Approx. 35 words Individual listing HK$550 for full or partial year Studio listing HK$1,10 for full or partial year
PUBLICATION DATES, BOOKING & MATERIAL DEADLINES Publication date Booking Deadline Material Deadline January December 1 December 10 April March 1 March 10 June May 1 May 10 October September 1 September 10
NOTES Advertising materials should in black & white and submitted as 300 dpi high resolution .tif files (no pdf or ai files please) Listings should be submitted as text only (35 words or less)
PAYMENT Payments should be made in Hong Kong dollars to Namaskar c/o Carol Adams, 1/F 46 Leung Fai Ting Lower Road, Clearwater Bay, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
INFORMATION Carol (852) 9137 9992 / carol@caroladams.hk Frances (852) 9460 1967 / fgairns@netvigator.com
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