namaskar May 2010

namaskar A VOICE FOR THE YOGA COMMUNITY OF ASIA

Ahimsa

MAY 2010

Detached Action

Kundalini Yoga

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Inside MAY 2010

Dristi Ahimsa

Special Features

I will not Hurt you, 10

Bali Spirit Festival, 14

Paul offers suggestions on how to practice this yama.

Bobsy reports on this growing event in Ubud.

Green in Goa, 17 A growing group Don’t splatter your Bindu, 12

of yogis are cleaning up their beaches on a regular basis in India.

Being aware of, and keeping your sexual energy under control is also part of ahimsa, says Kim.

Detached Action, 20 What do

Be nice, 13

Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita and Dao De Ching have in common? Advice about non attachment for one, notices Dylan.

Why is it so difficult to just be nice to people, asks Clayton.

Sadhana, 24 Yoganaath’s opinion on why yoga’s popularity is to its detriment.

Avoiding violenc e, 13 violence Cassandra offers a unique way to practice ahimsa.

Regular Contributions NEWS, WORKSHOPS, RETREATS & TEACHER TRAININGS, 5 MYTHOLOGY IN A MINUTE, 9 ASANA, 33 WORKSHOP REVIEW, 36 TEACHER TRAINING REVIEW, 38 RECIPE, 42 DIET, 43 BOOK REVIEW, 44 CROSSWORD, 45 TEACHER & STUDIO LISTINGS, 46

Our Brain, 27 The struggle of the hemispheres. What’s going on in our heads, or at least Lawrence’s head.

Kundalini yoga, 31

Nihal’s introduction to Kundalini yoga.

Asana Monsters, 40 Part three of James piece on the dark side of yoga practice.

Yoga Nidra, 41 Joanna introduces a

About Namaskar Namaskar provides a voice for the yoga community around Asia. The publication is a vehicle for practitioners on a yogic path to share their own knowledge, learnings and experiences with others.

Namaskar, is published quarterly in January, April, July and October.

lovely, restful, restorative practice we can all benefit from.

We welcome unsolicited submissions, therefore the opinions expressed within these pages are not necessarily those of Namaskar or its staff.

Katy Schaffer, our cover model with the beautifully sculpted back, is a teacher at Yoga Thailand. Both photographs courtesy of Nigel Gregory.

Namaskar is distributed at no charge through yoga studios, fitness centres, retail outlets, food & beverage outlets and other yoga-friendly locations throughout Hong Kong and elsewhere.

For more information, to contribute or to order Namaskar, please contact:: Carol, News Editor & Administration carol@caroladams.hk Wai-Ling, News Editor & Copy Editor wailing.tse@gmail.com Joanna, Copy Editor & Writer jomwilliams@hotmail.com Frances, Editor fgairns@netvigator.com /+ 852 9460 1967

Deadline for July 2010 issue: June 10, 2010 3

Ahimsa, the dristi of this issue, means non-violence. I was surprised to discover this first, and arguably most important, yama has never been a Namaskar dristi.

The most famous champion of ahimsa was Mahatma Gandhi. His non-violent political movement impacted not only India, but also the world. Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists were inspired to adopt this approach to achieving world peace. And while we might not attain this in our lifetime, if each of us tries to be mindful of it, and passes this mindfulness on to our children, perhaps their generation or the next will enjoy a brighter world.

namaskar

So I invite you, especially if you are a parent, to join me in practicing ahimsa daily for the next three months at least (that’s when the next issue will come out). After reading the ahimsa articles of Paul, Kim, Cassandra, and Clayton, you will have a better understanding what it is and how to take up this challenge.

This issue comes out in May instead of April so the news contained herein is current for the readers of the Asia Yoga Conference in Hong Kong. If you are reading Namaskar for the first time and would like to receive it regularly, just drop me an email on fgairns@netvigator.com and we’ll add you to our distribution list. My sincere thanks to the organisers, especially Alda, Paveena and Colin, for putting on this wonderful event and for allowing Namaskar to be distributed there.

Another growing yoga event is the Bali Spirit Festival which took place recently. Bobsy attended and reports on it here. Inna tells us about another grassroots movement in Goa where yogis have taken to cleaning up the beach regularly.

Other inspiring articles include Dylan’s comparison of detached action from various philosophies; Yoganaath’s thoughts on how yoga’s popularity has distorted the teachings; Lawrence’s thought-provoking observations on his brain and; Nihal’s explanation of Kundalini yoga.

It seems more of us than ever are attending workshops, retreats and teacher trainings.

Thanks to Michael and Kim for sharing their life-changing experiences.

Thanks also to Moosa and Claudia for their food-related articles and to the contributors of our regular features Tia, Valerie and Prabir.

I close by encouraging you to attend at least one lecture, class or complimentary event at the Asia Yoga Conference (www.asiayogaconference.com), 14 – 17 May. Rarely do we have the opportunity to take class from so many inspiring and experienced teachers. It is only through your support that this event will continue.

FRANCES GAIRNS Editor

SOMETHING TO SHARE? If you have something to share with the yoga community in ASIA and elsewhere (we distribute around the World), please email fgairns@netvigator.com

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NEWS MONTHLY KIRTAN AT PURE YOGA, HONG KONG Kirtan is a Bhakti Yoga practice of chanting Sanskrit mantras with music. Mantras carry sound vibrations that have a powerful healing effect on all levels of our being. It is wonderful for stress release, mental relaxation, creating inner peace and calm, cultivating joy and bliss - and enjoying a rather different kind of fun night out!

SUNSET YOGA FOR CHARITY More than 20 people attended an impromptu ‘Sunset Yoga’ class on the beach in Repulse Bay, Hong Kong on 17 April.

The 54 rounds of sun salutation class was led by volunteer teachers: Jameswar Khuntia, Frankie Chan and Wai-Ling Tse. The aim of this donation only class was to bring the yoga community together not only to enjoy yoga in the great outdoors but also to give back to the local community by raising money for charity. Money collected from this class was donated to UNICEF – Qinghai Earthquake. This event will be held once a month in Hong Kong, all proceeds collected will be donated to a local charity.

For more information visit Sunset Yoga Class by Donation on Facebook.

YOGA AID HONG KONG CHALLENGE Join Michel Besnard, Ana Forrest, Andrey Lappa, Seane Corn, Simon Low, Twee Merrigan, Margaret Chung, Patrick Creelman, Sinhee McCabe, Wendy Wyvill, Rebecca Pflaum and Martina Lee in the Yoga Aid Hong Kong Challenge at the Evolution Yoga Conference on 16 May. You are invited to take the challenge by completing 108 rounds of sun salutations or sending a donation to www.yogaaid.com.

YOGA FOR SCOLIOSIS WORKSHOP YOGA PLACE, HONG KONG A two-day Yoga for Scoliosis workshop was taught by Kenny Choi and Josephine Yu at Yoga Place 2-3 April. First day was on anatomy, biomechanics in yoga, types of

Chant and unite with others in yoga for the heart - a musical meditation journey held on the last Friday evening of every month. It’s complimentary and open to all. From 7 – 9 pm at Pure Yoga Central studio. Led

by Yoganidhi, Lawrence Pradhan and Dileep Tirur.

to Yogananth’s teachings, daily yoga tips, latest teaching schedule and social community events including free yoga classes in public places for those with no access to yoga class membership. Qualified voluntary yoga teachers will teach specific groups of individuals i.e. groups with specific illnesses, disabilities or are under privileged.

INDIA HERITAGE YOGA TOUR WITH YOGESH IN INDIA 21 - 29 August Practise yoga beyond the studio; an authentic Indian yoga journey with Anahata Yoga teacher Yogesh on an Indian Yoga Heritage tour. A unique and invigorating experience that includes the National Yoga Festival in Chennai, visiting ashrams and temples, attending an authentic Indian wedding, exotic places and exclusive cultural events, practice with great Yoga masters, Ayurveda spa in Kerala, Kerala Onam Festival (New Year Festival), cookery classes, natural therapy and many more.

For more information call +852 2905 1822 or visit www.anahatayoga.com.hk

Josephine demonstrates at the recent Yoga for Scoliosis workshop at Yoga Place.

scoliosis, how to identify sufferers of scoliosis and the second day focused on asanas for different types of scoliosis (and different levels of student), props, partner work and adjustments. Attendees came from Hong Kong, Macau and the Mainland. Some attendees were beginners who suffered from scoliosis or back pain, and most of them were teachers or teachers in training from different yoga schools.

For more information call +852 2971 0055.

YOGANANTH ANDIAPPAN COMMUNITY ON FACEBOOK Yogananth Andiappan community is a fully voluntary organisation managed by students of Yogananth Andiappan who are motivated to share his yoga teachings with as many people as possible.

This community is an interactive platform with access

SEEKING PRIVATE YOGA INSTRUCTORS IN HONG KONG Yoga company seeking yoga instructors to teach private yoga classes in Hong Kong and Kowloon. Send your CV with qualifications and experience to yogaprivate@gmail.com YOGA CLASSES BY LEAH KIM STUDIO ON QUEENS & FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, HONG KONG Leah Kim will teach classes in Vinyasa / flow / power on Saturdays from 10:30 am noon, starting 20 March at Studio on Queens, 2/F, 55 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong. Suitable for all levels.

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WORKSHOPS Pricing: First trial class HK$100; thereafter, drop-in rate HK$150; prepay 4 or more classes, per class rate at HK$120. She also teaches every Wednesday and Thursday at the Four Seasons Hotel, 12:30 1:30 pm at HK$250.

HATHA YOGA BY NEELAM SANEY Neelam will be teaching Hatha yoga, beginners level at her new studio in Central. During the trial period 26 – 30 April classes are free. Mats will be provided, just bring hand towel. Classes: Mondays and Fridays 12:30 1:30 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays 7 – 8 pm.

For more information or to sign up classes call +852 9167 3376 or email: neelam@yogawithneelam.com SUMMER YOGA KIDS, THE YOGA ROOM, HONG KONG The Yoga Room will be hosting summer programmes for kids 3 to 11 taught by certified YogaKids teachers. For more information and booking call +852 2544 8398 or visit www.yogaroomhk.com SUMMER YOGA CAMP KIDZYOGA, HONG KONG 28 - 30 June & 5-7 July, first Course “Around the World” Lesson objectives: Students will explore yoga poses that evoke international symbols, as a gateway to learning other countries, cultures and customs. 1st Group: 28-30 June 2010, 2nd Group: 5-7 July 2010 Time: 9 - 10:30 am 3-6 yrs old, 11 - 12:30 pm 7-12 yrs old 1 - 3 July & 8 - 10 July Second Course ”Let’s Play Yoga” Lesson Objectives: Having fun while exercising our bodies and minds playing different yoga games and learning awesome yoga poses that fosters connection and cooperation! 1st Group: 1-3 July 2010, 2nd Group: 8-10 6

July 2010 Time: 9 -10:30 am 36 yrs old, 11 - 12:30 pm 7-12 yrs old Venue: Pacific Place 3, Level 3 Admiralty. Early Bird until May 30 Tuition: HK$1000/course Regular tuition: HK$1250 All materials included. Only 12 children in a class. Accepting registration now at www.kidzyoga-asia.com NEW HOME FOR BIKRAM YOGA JAKARTA Yoga @42o has a new home!

This new cozy and bright studio has first-class amenities including big parking space, showers, complimentary lockers, a spacious bathroom and two yoga rooms with natural light. Plus it is a ecofriendly studio, old yoga mats have been reused as sound absorbers between studio’s walls, recycled wood was used for lockers, doors, and most of the furniture, and non-toxic paint has also been used.

For more information visit www.bikramyogajakarta.com.

HONG KONG STUDIO FOR HIRE Large and small dance studios are available for hire. Suitable for yoga or meditation classes, long or short term are welcome. Studio on Austin Road Kowloon.

For more information call Judy on +852 9142 4063 POSITIVE NEWS CONCERT Positive News is a free newspaper which focuses on, as the name suggests, all the good news. There will be a fund raising concert on 21 May at 6:30 pm at the Visual Art Centre in Hong Kong. The evening of acoustic music and kirtan will feature Kevin James, Daphne Tse and friends. It’s HK$200 at the door. For more information +852 9270 0654 or peter@holisticasia.com

YOGA FOR BODY OPENING WORKSHOPS WITH SAUMIK BERA Anahata Yoga, Hong Kong 1 & 2 May Saumik, the chief advisor and principal instructor of Real Yoga Singapore will lead workshops for beginner to advanced levels. His specialization lies in the alignment of yoga postures and in-depth explanation of each pose with inner movement of the human body. The programme includes: • Yoga for body opening (hip and shoulder opening) • Alignment of basic to advanced poses • Standing, Balancing and Inversion • Struggle-free Yoga • The Art of Acro Yoga • Techniques of Drop-back and the fun of drop-back For more information call +852 2905 1822 or visit www.anahatayoga.com.hk FREE REJUVENATION WORKSHOP WITH MYOGA AND MIYABI YOUNG+ mYoga Causeway Bay & Mongkok, Hong Kong 8 & 22 May This free rejuvenation workshop includes a one-hour class on how to improve your sleep quality and alleviate lower limb fatigue led by Hazel Tsui followed by a seminar on skincare diet supplements and their effects. Young + from Miyabi is a placenta drink that helps boost the immune system and circulation.

For more information call +852 2390 7788/ 2576 9990 or visit www.mYogaOnline.com/ www.miyabi.com.hk YOGA THERAPY WORKSHOPS WITH GANESH MOHAN Berlin & Cologne, Germany 19 - 24 May Module 1: Low Back,

Pelvis, Lower Limb (Musculoskeletal System, Part 1) 18 - 23 September Module 2: Upper Back, Neck, Shoulder, Upper Limb (Musculoskeletal System, Part 2) Both modules are in German, held in Berlin, Germany.

For more information contact Dr. Günter Niessen on +49 30 86312302 or email: info@yogaundorthopaedie.de 25 - 30 September Module 1: Low Back, Pelvis, Lower Limb (Musculoskeletal System, Part 1) Cologne, Germany.

For more information contact Nicole Bongartz on +49 2212585083 or email: nicole@vishnuscouch.de This is a professional programme on yoga therapy, delivered in intensive modules.

Each module may be taken independently. Designed specifically for yoga teachers and advanced practitioners, but should also be of interest to people from related fields.

Aim of the programme is to bring the essence of traditional yoga and Ayurveda along with the discoveries of modern science. Introducing the fundamental teachings of the legendary yogi Krishnamacharya and combining it with current medical perspective to form a high-quality, intensive program on yoga as a therapy.

Specific guidelines for different conditions and general treatment principles will be detailed, empowering you to safely and effectively address disabilities and ill-health through yoga. The goal is to enable participants to integrate newly acquired knowledge immediately in their teaching,

RETREATS particularly in private sessions.

YOGA RETREATS WITH CLAYTON HORTON 28 August – 5 September Ubud, Bali, Ananda Cottages, www.seedsofyoga.com 16 - 23 October, Yoga Thailand, Ko Samui, Thailand, www.yoga-thailand.com 6 - 13 November, Lao Liang Island, Thailand, Private Island Eco Retreat w/ David Lurey, www.leelatravel.com

Yoga Workshops for yoga practitioners of all levels Munich, Germany 1 - 6 June 1 June : Yoga for Body, Breath and Mind - Practice Methods 2 June : Traditional Yoga: The What, Why, and How of Pranayama 3 - 4 June : The Essence of Yoga Philosophy and Psychology: The Yogasutras of Patanjali 5 - 6 June: Yoga Therapy: A Healthy Back and Recovering from Back Pain

YOGA RETREATS AT KAILASH AKHARA, HOME OF ADI YOGA PHU RUA, THAILAND Becoming the Mind of Siva 14 October – 12 November This 4-week intensive in Tantrik Meditation will focus on the method of “Nirapeksa Dhyanam” or formless meditation, the supporting practices and teachings, and study of sacred written texts, to transmit the experience of our essential nature.

For more information visit www.adiyoga.com

For more information and registration contact Norbert Mundstock at info@svasthayoga.de or visit www.svasthayoga.de or www.svastha.com PILATES WORKSHOP The Yoga Room, Hong Kong 30 May, 3:30 – 6 pm Improve your posture and strengthen your core with this Pilates Workshop taught by Pat England, a certified Pilates Polestar instructor for mat and small props. Cost: $550 For more information and booking call +852 2544 8398 or visit www.yogaroomhk.com FULL MOON SERIES WITH NEIL IRWIN The Yoga Room, Hong Kong 2 May, 2 – 6 pm The Scorpio Full Moon known as the Wesak moon is acknowledged as the most powerful one of the year, and the best time to do spiritual work and connect to the energies of transformation and healing. Workshop will be held

by Neil Irwin (KRI Certified) Cost $500.

For more information and booking call +852 2544 8398 or visit www.yogaroomhk.com

YOGASANA ON THE SYSTEM OF IYENGAR YOGA WORKSHOP Yoga Central, Hong Kong 21– 23 May Popular Senior-Iyengar certified teacher, Peter Scott will be hosting this weekend Intensive, suitable for all teachers and students.

For more information go to the news section at www.yogacentral.com.hk.

ACTION & EFFORTLESSNESS WORKSHOP Yoga Central, Hong Kong 25 – 26 May Popular Senior-Iyengar certified teacher, Peter Scott, will host 4 2.5hr day-time workshop at Yoga Central.

For more information go to the news section at www.yogacentral.com.hk.

The Power of Resolve January 2011 Make a new year’s resolution that will work, and last. This “Energy of Mind Therapy” retreat will teach about the power of commitment and dedication to your health and happiness, as well as giving you the practical tools to follow through.”

For more information visit www.energyofmindtherapy.com YIN YOGA RETREAT IN HONG KONG 18 - 21 August This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in yin yoga.

In this retreat, you will experience the path of integration where both yin and yang practices will be combined.

Students of all levels are welcome. To register contact Hazel Tsui on +852 9501 1124

or email ht@hazeltsui.cc .

For more information visit www.yinyogainasia.com .

CHANGE YOUR MIND: YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREATS IN BHUTAN WITH KIM ROBERTS Inspired by the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of Bhutan, we will explore how training the mind to be present is not a chore or something that requires superhuman discipline: it is simply to appreciate what is right in front of us. Mornings will be reserved for more invigorating yoga practice, while evening practice will consist of restorative poses and sitting meditation. During the day, various excursions to local cultural and religious sites will be arranged.

2010 Retreat Dates: 7-11 May, 21-25 May, 27 October – 2 November, 17-23 November.

For more information please contact papayayoga@gmail.com or visit www.papayayoga.com.

YOGA THAILAND RETREATS, KOH SAMUI Join Asia’s leading and respected yoga retreat center for authentic yoga and wellness retreats.

Upcoming programmes: 24 April – 1 May Kino MacGregor: Ashtanga Yoga, Love It and Grow 8 – 15 May Claudia Jones: Yoga and Your Health 15 - 22 May Paul Dallaghan: Yoga for Body, Breath & Mind 22 – 29 May Prem Carlisli and Heather Duplex: Ashtanga Yoga, Ayurveda and Tantra 29 May– 5 June Graeme and Carole Bradshaw, IMI Hong Kong: YogaDetox .

For more information visit www.yoga-thailand.com

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TEACHER TRAININGS VIBRANT LIVING YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS, UBUD, BALI 300-hour Level I course: 16 May – 13 June & 10 October – 7 November 500-hour Level II Module: 18 June 18 – 2 July & 12 – 26 November Held in the lush tropics of Bali, where the world’s leading teachers in Ashtanga, Iyengar, Jivamukti, Bhakti and more combine ancient wisdom in a contemporary context - guiding you to liberation and education. Breathe, sweat and transform with Daniel Aaron, Simon Borg-Olivier, Dena Kingsberg, Rusty Wells, Edward Clark, Dave Stringer, Alanna Kaivalya, Emil Wendel, Geoffrey Gordon, Ron Reid with Marla Meenakshi Joy, Kathy Clark and more guests.

These Yoga Alliance RYT certification courses present a phenomenal comprehensive curriculum from challenging asana to enlightening philosophy, uplifting live music to organic, gourmet living foods. Delight in an international yogic community, where every top quality component is selected to enhance growth and learning.

The 300-hour Level I course is for people for all levels.

The Level II Module is a unique and powerful opportunity to dive much deeper, a chance to study with the world’s top teachers in an intimate programme designed for the intermediate practitioner and practicing teacher.

For more information visit www.radiantlyalive.com/ training.php 200-HOUR TRAINING WITH CLAYTON HORTON 18 July – 15 August San Francisco, California A Yoga Alliance 200-hour 8

Ashtanga based residential / non residential Teacher Training course at the Yoga Society of San Francisco Brahmananda Ashram in the U.S. For more information visit www.greenpathyoga.org 200-HOUR PART-TIME TRAINING COURSE Anahata Yoga, Hong Kong 15 May - 31 July This part-time course is accredited by the prestigious M.S. University in India and Yoga Alliance. The course is suitable for dedicated students who require a flexible class schedule, starting on 15 May 2010 and lasts for 11 weeks.

For more information call +852 2905 1822 or visit www.anahatayoga.com.hk ADVANCED HATHA YOGA PARTTIME TRAINING WITH YOGANANTH ANDIAPPAN Anahata Yoga, Hong Kong Level 1: 6 - 26 September Level 2: 4 - 24 October This intensive Hatha Yoga Teacher Training takes teaching yoga postures to new limits.

Students will practice, explore and learn to teach some of the most advanced Hatha Yoga postures, immerse and set new heights in advanced Hatha Yoga practice and explore the limitless possibilities of the body, mind and spirit.

For more information call +852 2905 1822 or visit www.anahatayoga.com.hk BASIC TRAINING COURSE Life Management Yoga Centre, Hong Kong March – December 2010 LMYC will conduct a Basic Teachers Training Course from the syllabus of The Yoga Institute, India.

The course is based on classical yoga at all levels - physical,

mental, emotional, social and spiritual. The course consists of 30 lessons. The first semester of 15 lessons is 15 March - 20 June, every Monday, 7 - 8.30 pm.

The second semester will be September - December 2010.

Course fee is HK$8,800.

Students may repeat the course once at no extra cost. Upon successful completion of the training a certificate issued by LMYC and endorsed by The International Board, India will be awarded. A special Training Refund Programme is available for their trained teachers who return to conduct classes at LMYC. Participants will be required to lead the class after training to qualify for certification.

THEORY & PRACTICE OF YIN YOGA, YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING, HONG KONG 14 - 17 August Deepen your practice and knowledge on the power of yin yoga in this training with Victor Chng. To register contact Hazel Tsui on +852 9501 1124 or email ht@hazeltsui.cc.

For more information visit www.yinyogainasia.com .

SUN YOGA KIDS TEACHER TRAINING WITH DR. JACQUELYN KOAY Bikram Yoga, Jakarta 17-18 May Initially created for the British National Curriculum’s PSHE syllabus (Personal, Social & Health Education), SUN YOGA KIDS has grown into an international movement with over 300 teachers in more than 20 countries worldwide.

The nature and the content of the course is designed so that at the end of two days of intense discussion, listening, observation, role play, yoga and meditation you will feel confident and equipped to

teach yoga to children. You will be supported by the lesson plans you will create during training and e-mentorship.

For more information visit www.bikramyogajakarta.com.

PRENATAL YOGA TEACHER TRAINING Bikram Yoga, Jakarta 19 - 21 May 40-hour postgraduate certification programme is a unique opportunity to grow personally and professionally while you serve and enrich your community. Open to anyone interested in offering a complimentary, mind-body approach to pregnancy, birth and parenting preparation or mom to be.

For more information visit www.bikramyogajakarta.com.

KIDZYOGA IN SCHOOL TRAINING Hong Kong The KidzYoga 4-day intensive experiential training will equip anyone who wants to bring yoga to students of all ages in schools. With educational based yoga tools and techniques, participants will learn how to seamlessly integrate yoga in the classroom, PE, and start a Yoga Club, that will foster beautiful minds, healthy bodies and compassionate students. This training is perfect for parents, school teachers, yoga teachers, nurses, OTs, PTS, and other child-focused individuals.

Tuition cost is HK$7,500 for early bird and HK$8,500 regular.

For registration and more information visit www.kidzyoga-asia.com or call +852 9861 6222 AASPF & YOGASANA 200 HOUR TEACHER TRAINING WITH MICHEL BESNARD AASFP, Hong Kong 11-27 June (Module A)

Mythology in a Minute 1 – 16 October (Module B) All 200 hour teacher training programmes at Yogasana are structured as two 100 hour modules. Module A comprises of “foundation/preparation” course, while Module B consists of “Immersion” courses. To be certified 200 hour with Yoga Alliance, you need to have completed both Modules A and B. For more information visit www.yogasana.com.hk ADVANCED TRAINING SERIES Yoga Thailand, Koh Samui Yoga Thailand hosts their annual summer advanced training courses with Paul Dallaghan and international respected guest teachers.

3 – 10 July Sonja Rzepski: Prenatal Yoga Training for Teachers.

10 - 24 July Jessica Blanchard: Nutrition and Ayurveda.

21 August – 4 September Paul Dallaghan and guests: Yoga Philosophy, Music, Gita, Sutras, Chanting and Kirtan.

For more information visit www.yoga-thailand.com PILATES EDUCATION COURSES IN THAILAND WITH ORY AVNI Pilates Studio, Bangkok Ory Avni a certified teacher trainer by the PhysicalMind Institute in New York will leading all programmes. Since 2005 Ory trained and certified more than 100 Pilates teachers.

Those interested should have at least four months of Pilates experience.

Introduction to Anatomy Course 12 – 14 May During this eight hour course you will acquire a basic understanding of anatomy which is needed in your pursuit of deeper knowledge of Pilates. Cost 4,000 Baht.

Initiation 101- Fundamental Course 17 – 19 May Learn the fundamentals and mat exercises of the Pilates method and how to teach them. In this 15 hour course you will learn basic skeletal and muscular structures and how the Pilates method can be modified to suit all needs. The Initiation 101 course is the first step towards Pilates certification. Cost 16,800 Baht.

Concentration 101 – Apparatus and Mat Certification 31 May - 30 June (Mondays & Wednesdays) Learn to teach the original exercise protocols on the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Ladder Barrel.

This is a comprehensive 400 hours course. Upon completion, you will start your apprentice period, when you will need to teach 115 hours within 9 - 12 months. The final exam will be held at The Pilatestudio. Cost 99,750 Baht. The fee includes free classes and free self practice space at the studio (based on availability) during the course.

Initiation 201 – Standing Pilates 24 - 26 May Experience 10 new Advanced Fundamentals. Learn an energetic Standing routine requiring use of the deeper core muscles of the pelvic floor, transverses abdominus and multifidus. Cost 16,800 Baht.

Initiation 301 - Circular Pilates 3 - 4 June Experience a new Brain Fundamental and 20 Pilates exercises which involve spinal rotation in a fluid, continuous sequence. Pre-requisites: Pilates teaching experience.

Cost 11,500 Baht.

For more information go to www.pilates.asia

Tia Sinha

Once, when they were still children, the elder son of Shiva and Parvati, Kartikeya, challenged his little elephant-headed brother, Ganesha, to a race around the world. Ganesha looked askance at his pot-belly. Then, with a glint in his eye, he took on his brother’s challenge. No sooner had the super-confident Kartikeya, seated astride his beautiful peacock, taken off for a lightning trip around the equator, little Ganesha bowed respectfully before Shiva and Parvati.

He then went around them not once, but three times. When Kartikeya returned from his around-the-world trip, he was flabbergasted to find Ganesha already home. As Kartikeya gasped in disbelief, Ganesha explained with another glint in his eye that to a child, one’s parents are the world. Ganesha had won the race!

The witty little Ganesha grew up to become the Hindu Lord of Wisdom and a scribe of great repute. His playfulness and his fondness for the Indian savoury, the laddoo, are legendary. Also known as Ganapati, Vighneshwara and by a host of other names, Ganesha is regarded by Hindus as the God who removes obstacles. He is therefore the first among the gods worshipped at the beginning of any task, be it moving into a new home, writing an exam or beginning a puja.

How about discovering for yourself, how Ganesha got the head of an elephant?

A student of Buddhist philosophy and practice at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala, Tia teaches yoga to the nuns of Dongyu Gatsai Ling, the nunnery founded by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.

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Dristi Ahimsa

I will not Hurt You Paul Dallaghan

is it possible to avoid hurting others?

I WILL NOT HURT YOU. IS THIS A PROMISE YOU ARE WILLING TO KEEP OR try? Could you extend it beyond your family and friends to all members of society? To all animals and insects? Not just in action but through what you say? To take care of your actions so even a seemingly non-hurtful one is done mindfully so there is no indirect hurt?

To watch all thoughts that bring up negative and hurtful images and feelings within? Is there a relationship between the hurt you experience and the hurt you cause?

The foundation stone of yoga is to not cause harm to others. This is ahimsa, usually translated as non-violence. It is the first of the Yamas, the first limb of Ashtanga. Naturally it is not exclusive to yoga. It can be found as a major part of all major philosophies and religions. The five precepts of Buddhism list ahimsa first. It features strongly in the commandments of the Judeo-Christian beliefs. Simply put, it is a primary law of nature.

With such a uniform global emphasis on not hurting others why is it so difficult to keep? One look at news and we have our direct proof. But look more closely on a personal level and see how often and repetitive it arises for you. This attitude of hurting seems to start early in life. Look at a small innocent child playing will freely try to squash an insect it sees crawling across the ground. Naturally no malice is present but the attitude and capability to hurt, and even kill, is there from early on.

So you might ask, is it possible to avoid hurting others? In addition, why do I experience hurt when I am actually doing a good act? Helping a cat out of danger and it bites me, sitting in the garden and a bee stings me, why do these things happen for no reason, or so it seems?

Patanjali presented an ideal moral approach to life through the Yamas but their primary purpose is to address our internal psychology. How can we have peace and work on ourselves if our very thoughts and actions are harmful and disruptive? We are born with this tendency to hurt, it shows at a young age and continues all through life. These negative aspects of character have to be worked on, restrained and overcome. This is exactly what the teaching of yama exists for. We have a capacity to hurt and must therefore become aware of it, watch it and try to overcome it.

We might remember our recent past but our early years are forgotten and the memory of past life actions are not available to us freely in this life. Due to the law of karma the effect of past hurt may be

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coming back when we do not expect it thus explaining supposedly random hurtful situations.

It is fair to say we have caused our share of hurt in the past but by making an effort now we can change this pattern. We can start to apply the Yama of ahimsa in our life. In the Yoga Sutras Patanjali only explains the outcome of establishing it: As the yogin becomes established in nonhurting, all beings coming near to him cease to be hostile.� (PYS II.35).

Such a firm establishment of non-hurting radiates from within. It tells us as we have ceased to hurt all others and there is no possibility left for hurt or injury coming back to us, the plate is clean so to speak.

The emphasis of yama is to refine our behaviour and help us not give into natural urges that cause hurt, deceit, lies and so on.

This is the beauty of the dharma or yoga, through a discipline and mindfulness we overcome conditioned patterns that leave a negative impact for us or others and thus start to experience our true natural state.

Every subsequent teaching of yoga includes this principle of non-hurting. If we move to satya, honesty, we see ahimsa at its base, for dishonesty, deceit, manipulation automatically has a level of hurt involved in it. Asteya, taking from others automatically hurts another. Being unfaithful to one’s partner is both deceitful and hurtful. If I really live by ahimsa I can manage the other values much more simply.

Why does this level of hurt exist at all? The pattern has been built up by an ongoing conditioning over time, lifetimes really. If we have never worked on ourselves to overcome it then it has only increased in intensity. Its strength is due to the greed, lust, hatred, pride and delusion. The moment we want something and cannot get it, an immediate internal response of violence arises. This response might be a criticism of the person for not letting us have what we want or physically striking that person.

Attitude and intention are key but also how we take care of our actions. In a healthy diet you increase the level of healthy gut bacteria which effectively attacks the negative bacteria. Every breath sees the passing away of some microbe. It seems unavoidable yet dissolution, passing away is one of the few definite features of life.

So an attitude of “Save the Most and Kill the Least” should prevail. The emphasis here is saving the most. In other cases, the intention of hurting may not be present but our careless actions bring about injury and hurt. You leave your bike carelessly on the path while you go in to the shop for an ice cream. An old man walks around the corner and stumbles over your bike causing him a big injury. Your careless act unintentionally hurt another.

What about anger? Is it wrong to get angry? This is such a key point, to understand the nature of anger and how it processes into hurt or violence. As my teacher has taught me, “don’t become the anger”. There are many situations everyday that require firm, authoritative words. But there is a fine line between exercising the dharma, nature’s law, and associating personally with the situation thereby becoming the anger. Someone may take your jacket, intentionally or not. The right thing for you and them is to get it back being firm if necessary, but not lose your centre and redirect a level of hurt or violence. This takes time and training to develop and know the line of centre.

This is the key emphasis of yoga practice.

How you practice and the continuity of it can bring about a reformation in your nervous behaviour so you are not a victim of these conditioned patterns. Hatha Yoga initiates the student in asanas, kriyas and pranayama to channel and therefore redirect prana or energy. Through this redirection the old pattern does not get fed or given attention and eventually shrinks and a new internal approach of awareness grows.

Regardless of what philosophy or yoga we subscribe to, Patanjali leaves us with the most excellent solution: Pratipaksha Bhavanam. When a hurtful thought is arising, then apply the opposite thought because that thought or action will continue this stream of misery and ignorance in your life. Jesus taught it when he said “Turn the other cheek.”

Try to catch yourself thinking, saying or doing hurtful things and apply the opposite; care, attention, love. If someone cuts you off while driving, let them go, peace; if your child does something crazy don’t hit them but instead understand the situation and then try to explain it to them; if someone hurts you in love or business don’t wish them bad or problems, let them be and wish them on their way. The more you do it the more it becomes natural. The negative pattern shrinks. Every day there is an opportunity to exercise ahimsa. The fact there is an opportunity with a capacity to hurt and you choose to overcome it is the true practice of Yama and naturally yoga.

catch yourself thinking, saying hurtful things then apply the opposite; care, attention, love I try to remind myself everyday and promise “I will not hurt you” to my wife, children, and whoever else I come in contact with. I’m still working on it but I feel its positive effect. A greater environment of love, care and affection both at home and work. Let’s all strive for some of this.

Paul is director of Centered Yoga and Yoga Thailand on Koh Samui. yogathailand.com / centeredyoga.com

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Dristi Ahimsa

Don ’t Splat our B indu Don’t Splattter y your Bindu Kim Roberts

A WHILE AGO A TEACHER ASKED me for a letter of reference. I was a bit surprised, as this teacher had been let go from his position for having engaged in a questionable and highly publicised relationship with a student. I realised there is a question here begging to be addressed: How do we manage our sexual energy with integrity in the context of teaching yoga?

playing a role as teachers. We too are learning to recognize the outlines of ego.

But the difference between the roles of student and teacher is the teacher is imbued with a responsibility to uphold the integrity of the situation. And that means looking out for the needs of the student, and not for our own. It all comes down to intent.

Is our motivation to help pure?

Teaching, and especially teaching a spiritual discipline, carries a responsibility. Our job is to be aware of the students’ needs, not to impose our own. Our role is to guide the student with wisdom and compassion to an understanding of the truth, or at least to show the path, so that the student can discover it for herself. When teaching methods involve unclear intentions and sexual provocations, then this is a blatant and potentially destructive abuse of power.

This is a form of violence. And isn’t ahimsa the very first lesson in yoga?

Ahimsa means not to create violence or harm. But non-violent action depends on holding a correct view.

Prana manifests in myriad forms, and this is what we work with in yoga. Sexual energy is one of these manifestations. So in practicing yoga asana, there is bound to be some confusion when these energies awaken. Many women (and men) unfortunately have issues around sexual abuse; all of us come to the path to work through our issues, consciously or not. If a teacher neglects to respect the boundaries of the student/teacher relationship, then the results can be damaging to the student: then, rather than helping the student to come to terms with issues, we have now added to their burden.

So teaching requires skilful means. This is where ahimsa comes in. It means keeping pure and compassionate intention and using whatever methods are necessary to help the student along the path, regardless of our own desires. This is tricky business – as teachers, we are also still students,

Our motivation may be to help, but if our view is not vast enough to see the whole situation, we may unwittingly cause harm.

One teacher I know claims that his casual sexual involvement with students helps them to overcome their attachment and grasping. Non-attachment is indeed a valuable lesson, and a glimpse of emptiness is a noble achievement. But it is just one side of the coin; unless we balance our view of emptiness or non-attachment with compassion or ahimsa, then our understanding is incomplete. Wisdom is understanding that everything changes; yet compassion sees that all beings still suffer from not having understood this. What these suffering beings need is maitri (loving kindness) and karuna (compassion). These are the ambassadors of ahimsa.

Wisdom is ultimately to understand the impermanent nature of things and to develop non-attachment to this everchanging phenomenal world. But non-

attachment does not mean having no conscience. It does not give us free license to do whatever we please. We need to act skilfully, in other words, with compassion, to lead students to right understanding.

We need both wisdom and compassion.

Ultimately, there is nothing to be attached to. But to act skilfully, we need to act in accordance with relative reality. Just because the cliff is an illusion from an ultimate point of view, does not mean we should go jump. Relative truth exists, and it is on this level that we work through our karma.

The teacher’s responsibility is to recognize, above all, the needs of the student. I have the utmost respect for those teachers who maintain their focus strongly enough to let their power and magnetism shine through without “leaking” sexual energy on their students. “Don’t splatter your bindu,” says Richard Freeman. In other words, keep your intentions pure.

If the intent is clear then the results are clear. How do we know if the intent is unclear? The results are chaotic and painful.

And we can feel it. Part of the practice of yoga is to learn to read the subtle details of our experience, both on and off the mat.

On the mat, we communicate with our touch. When giving or even receiving an adjustment, the contents of your mind are conveyed. If your mind is planting seeds, you can be sure they will sprout sometime in the phenomenal world. As my teacher once said, “you should adjust people as if they could read your mind,” because they probably can. Sexual energy IS spiritual energy. To exploit it is to reduce the life force to a game of cat and mouse. This can’t lead to good karmic results. So if we want to call ourselves teachers of yoga, then we must learn to use this powerful force wisely, compassionately and respectfully.

On or off the mat, it is our responsibility to recall ahimsa: to act with kindness, integrity and respect toward all beings, students.

Kim leads retreats in Bhutan: www.papayayoga.com

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Do your practice & Ahimsa is coming Clayton Horton

I TELL STUDENTS, “THE FIRST RULE OF YOGA IS BE NICE”.

Why is it so hard to be nice? Quite simply, it is difficult to be kind and non violent when we ourselves are suffering with afflictions of the mind and heart such as desire, anger, delusion, greed, envy and laziness. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois refers to these in his book, Yoga Mala as the six poisons.

Our true nature is a shining gem of clear awareness, love and light. The divine quality of love for ourselves, others and all of creation becomes obstructed by poisons like a diamond covered with dirt. Through our sadhana (spiritual practice) this dirt is gradually washed away by sincere and consistent practice.

the reason we have so much war in the world today is because not enough people are meditating Classical hatha yoga tradition suggests this purification of the body, mind and heart first before any of yamas and niyamas can occur organically and spontaneously. This is a central teaching of recent yoga masters, Swami Stayananda Saraswati and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.

Guruji Jois and his grandson Sharath are notorious for saying “asana is the foundation of the practice.” A student’s asana practice needs to be developed first before any of the other seven limbs of Ashtanga yoga can be authentically practiced. The mind, body and sense organs must become balanced, purified and mastered by an individual’s asana practice before the higher limbs of yoga, (Dharana concentration, Dhyana meditation and Samadhi divine union) can spontaneously arise. Otherwise, man is controlled and enslaved by the desires and whims of the mind and senses.

To take an ordinary person off the street and tell them to practice ahimsa (or any of the other yamas or niyamas) all of the time is a challenging task. The purifying aspects of the practice must manifest in the body and mind so a human being has the capability not to react to stimulus with anger or violence.

A seasoned practitioner of many years often has the capability to not react to negative or violent stimulus. Non-violent conflict resolution is needed to break the chain reactions of negativity so common in the world today.

Sri Brahmananda Saraswati, founder of the Yoga Society of San Francisco and New York is known for saying, “the reason we have so much war in the world today is because not enough people are meditating.” Meditation provides for the ability to see ourselves, see the results of our actions and to let go of patterns of behaviour that no longer serve us.

Do your practice and ahimsa is coming.

Clayton is director of Greenpath Yoga. www.greenpathyoga.org

The A voidanc e Av oidance of V iolenc e Violenc iolence Cassandra Kish

AHIMSA IS THE AVOIDANCE OF violence. There are many reasons people avoid violence including fear of karmic reaction or adherence to the Vedic texts.

The basic premise is the avoidance of violence towards other people and animals.

I don’t see violent actions to others in my personal future but to what extent do we take this? How far do we go? What about video games that involve hunting down and killing the intruder? Arguably you are not harming a live individual but, on some level, familiarising yourself with killing on the computer screen could bring acts of violence into your comfort zone. How much disorderly conduct can we absorb before we start expanding our sphere of acceptable behaviour to include things that are in fact, not so acceptable?

Taking ahimsa to another level, if you or one of your children are being attacked, do you take a non-violent stance and let it happen? The ideal of ahimsa has a difficult real life application. The goal might become inverted to ‘how do we stop violence’?

Every idea seems to have been tried unsuccessfully!

VIOLENCE WITH VIOLENCE The first option is meeting violence with violence. We have seen this throughout history with World War 1, World War 2 and the war in Iraq. Did these wars result in peace? No. They left ravaged countries full of people, traumatised by the atrocities they witnessed, who spend the rest of their lives wondering how humans can torture other humans.

DO NOTHING Another way to deal with violence is to do nothing, for example, Rwanda. The world stood by while 800,000 people were raped, tortured and decapitated over a period of 100 days. Meanwhile the world tried to decide if this was actual genocide or virtual genocide? Doing nothing isn’t the best reaction either.

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PEACEFUL MIND The third option in a violent situation is to hold your head up high and maintain a peaceful mind and energy. Mahatma Gandhi did pretty well here but the Tibetans aren’t seeing the light at the end of the tunnel yet.

The common thread in these scenarios is action is not taken until the incident has already started. Why not take a preventative stance? Change the flow to a positive outcome. Solve the problems while they are manageable. The reality is offence is impossible. A crystal ball is necessary to predict future turmoil. When a person or group steps into a brewing issue the accused party turns into the accusers. This sheds light on another problem – denial.

No-one is going to admit a problem exists until it is too big to ignore. It is quite reasonable to say no group wants to step into a problem that is simmering and become the bad guy for illuminating the issue in its infancy.

The second common thread is every incident occurs due to the separation of people - “us” and “them”. This is the tactic

most groups use to increase membership and keep the sheep from straying too far from the flock. The group can be a baseball team, a yoga studio or a church. Team building seems like a good idea at first and we revel in our similarities. It feels so good to have finally found like-minded people to spend time with. Shortly after the pinnacle of happiness, we begin finding differences.

Humans have created separation in the extreme, such as the holocaust, 9/11 and Darfur.

The answer is education. We need to teach our children to become citizens of the world. Visit other countries, forgo the addition on your house and take a trip. See ‘other’ people, eat ‘other’ food and breathe ‘other’ air.

Our level of fear is unbelievably high. We are frightened of most things foreign, unless of course we see a photograph of Brad and Angelina with one.

The first step to realising we are one and the same, is to get out of your neighbourhood and spend time outside your comfort zone. Expand your consciousness, begin a conversation with a foreigner, and read books you would normally rail against. When you see and read things that cram people into stereotypes, challenge it. Use your brain and do some research to find the truth rather than accepting a journalist’s point of view.

For me, the answer to conquering violence is clear: travel, read, talk, eat, pray, love.

EDUCATE YOURSELF Educate yourself and your children about the world. We think it is quite cool when we purchase something on e-bay from the Middle East and the thing we bought took a trip around the world to arrive at our door but if a Middle Eastern family moved into our bright white neighbourhood our attitude is completely different.

Born in an orphanage in the US to an Italian mother, Cassandra was adpoted two years later by an American family.

She lives in France with her daughter. miisasmom@yahoo.com

Yoga Event Bali Spirit F estiv al 2 010 Fe tival 2010 Bobsy

MY EXCITEMENT STARTED TO build the moment I stepped onto the plane, for I was flying to the beautiful and magical Island of the Gods to attend the third annual Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud.

THE GATHERING OF THE TRIBE The tribe gathered once again in sweet, sweet Bali. We gathered to celebrate Unity in Diversity. We gathered to celebrate Life and even just the fact there is a lot to celebrate in these powerful times. Above all we gathered to reaffirm our commitment to the path of light in these times of Inspired Global Change and challenge.

We celebrated the way we know best; by sharing the love of all good things on this path and the things held in common by the tribe: Love, Peace, Inspiration, Community, World Music, Dance, Organic Food, Funky Markets, the Healing Arts, 14

Bali Spirit Festival 2010, a gathering of the tribe

Service, Charity, Culture and Yoga, in abundance.

The tribe flew in from all over the world in the weeks and days leading up to the Festival, blending in with the Bali scene and livity, filling up the cafés and hangout spots on the shaded streets of Ubud. The excitement was tangible and visible with old friends and new

meeting and greeting each other in the recognition of our oneness.

sometimes in an ugly way.

GOING WITH THE FLOW Big names in the yoga world such as Shiva Rae, Twee Merrigan, Mark Whitwell, Duncan Wong, Eoin Finn and Patrick Creelman to name some, were arriving and mingling with the yogis. International musicians such as Ganga Giri, Yeshe, Kultiration, Afro Moses and Mamadou Diabate were arriving and blending in.

“The Bali Spirit is our Global Community coming together and sharing a huge dose of positive energy that feeds us and sustains us on the path of healing the Earth whilst at the same time giving back and honouring the Bali spirit and our chosen home.” Rob tells me. He is a man who is very clear and conscious of his role and reasons for organizing this festival.

This puts a smile on my face - could it be any other way!

Africans, Indians, Sikhs, Asians, Westerners and Balinese in a United Nations gathering scene symbolic of the Zeitgeist of our times. Not to mention a good turn out from the Hong Kong Yoga posse too.

After five nights and four days of blissful flowing from Yoga classes to Watsu pool experiences, from Body Healing to Sufi sacred Chants, from a sublime Kirtan with Kevin James to a moving meditation Qi Gong with Daniel Li Ox, from eating an organic Nasi Gureng on the lawn washed down by a freshly cut coconut to buying a beautiful Yoga Mala at the market, from an African Drum Dance to a Balinese Gamelan Orchestra, from Daphne Tse’s soothing vocals to DJ Cheb I Sabbah’s Ethnic Beats, from a Sacred Kecak Ceremony in the early hours to a late night concert experience with Ganga Giri and his magical multi Didgeridoo trance dance extravaganza. The flow flowed and the people danced and swayed, sweated, cried and laughed, hugged, kissed and loved their way in a tapestry of people, colour, flowers, incense, ceremony, prayer and culture all woven together in the spirit of the sacred Island of Bali.

You’re never too young for a headstand

THE MINDS BEHIND THE FESTIVAL During my stay in Ubud I am beautifully put up by my good friend Charley from Bali in his striking house in the rice paddy fields and one of the key volunteers and behind the scene organizers of the BSF (Bali Spirit Festival). A loving and cool-headed, grounded chap who was running the media centre this year. “ Can you sum up the Fest in a few words for me?” I ask the Charley man as we sat down over some of his delightful homemade Kambucha. “I was approached by a middle-aged man on the last day of the Fest who said to me, “apart form my wedding day and the day my child was born this has got to be the third best day in my life!” Charley beamed. Enough said.

A few days after the Festival I sit down with Rob Weber, co-founder of the BSF, the musical director and musician responsible for putting all the music together.

His task is a massive job to say the least and one that can only be done well with passion and love for music. This year, as in the previous, Rob who has lived in Bali for over 4 years, has done an amazing job. He is tired and still reeling form the after effects of the festival but is visibly happy and elated from the success of it all.

Kadek, the fatherly figure of the Festival, and one of the three founders, sits next to us reading his morning paper and enjoying a quiet moment before he embarks on his busy day running and managing a myriad of businesses and duties in the Ubud community.

Rob is a veteran of Redwood activism from back in the 1997- 98 era of Julia Butterfly fame and has seen his share of Eco-activism at the front where two Worldviews often clash and

During our chat he tells me about his background, his inspiring work and that of his beautiful wife Rachel, future plans for developing and growing the BSF, as well as his eclectic taste in music and musicians he aspires to bring over in the near future.

“How come we had so much rain this year during the Fest? I thought you had the Weather Priests on duty?” I ask Rob knowing that Kadek was half listening and would be the one to answer this inquiry.

“We did!” answers Kadek with a smile on his face, “ but the reason the rains were unstoppable was due to a major annual ceremony at our Mother Temple North of here called Betara Turun Kabah. This ceremony is performed to bring down the Power of God to the Earth in the form of rain and is very, very important for the Balinese people. So the rain was a blessing.

There are no mistakes.”

Meghan the third founder of the BSF and Kadek’s wife is dashing out of their house following her busy schedule as a Mother and Inspiration behind their growing businesses and community outreach. “I am very happy with the way the BSF went this year, it was a crucial make or break year and I believe we have made it.” She beams with a smile.

For someone who has been close to the Bali Spirit community and a big fan and supporter of this annual gathering of Yogis, Yoginis, World Musicians and Cultural Creatives en mass, this is both music and Prana to my ears and soul.

Bobsy is a social entrepreneur and environmental crusader.

He is the founder of Bookworm Café, Life Café and is director of Positive News.

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Karma Yoga

Gr een Go a, Gr een Y oga Green Goa, Green Yoga Inna Costantini

KARMA YOGA IS THE ART AND SCIENCE OF KARMICALLY aware and responsible action and intention without attachment to results or rewards. It is the yoga of selfless action: getting off the yoga mat and applying ourselves to the world around us. How many of us really do take active steps to change the world on our doorstep?

What happens when we start to shift our focus to this other side of yoga which is so often ignored in our physically oriented world?

Few people follow the path of Karma Yoga, and those who do often stay relatively discreet, as karma yoga acts simply become part of a daily life and routine. It could involve giving water to a thirsty dog or picking up street litter on the way to work. Mahatma Gandhi said you “must be the change you want to see in the world.”

Making a statement is the key to getting one’s voice heard. This is exactly what one group of people are now doing by taking their practice off the mat and into real life in Goa, India. Staff and students from the Brahmani Yoga Centre launched “Karma Yoga – Clean up Goa” days, to help clear rubbish on some of the region’s most beautiful beaches.

Karma clean-up crew: (l to r) Jane Slovern, Ashley Bond (Yoga Teacher at Brahmani Yoga), Julie Martin (Director, Brahmani Yoga) and three Astangi volunteers at the first karma day in Goa

The first ‘Karma Yoga’ day itself proved to be a huge success. With over 100 volunteers taking part from all ages and backgrounds, spending two hours on Anjuna beach in North Goa, an entire rubbish truck was filled with bags full of plastic, glass, cans and general waste. There were even some passers by who joined in and lent a hand filling up a few bags.

Julie Martin says: “hopefully we can use these days to not only highlight the rubbish problem in Goa, but also to offer service and to give up a small amount of our time and do something for the Goa is a huge tourist destination in India. Many holiday makers, seasonal residents and passers by spend time indulging in daily yoga community that has supported Brahmani for years. Karma Yoga is a large part of the yoga process and I think it is time we all got classes and beach activities. In fact, as an international drop-in yoga involved and set an example.” centre, Brahmani sees hundreds of visitors each week. They also host a number of workshops, events and over 35 classes a week – Although it remains clear a few mornings a season won’t do much that’s a lot of yogis! Other nearby retreat centres such as Purple to sort out the real garbage and waste problem in Goa, all the Valley and Satsanga also see a substantial amount of yoga tourists passing through but all are keen to give something back to the local volunteers are committed to the issue and are there because they want to make a positive change in the world outside the yoga shala. environment. After all, tourism and yoga should work together, and it often does. Many places have set up recycling and green What does the future hold for this project? “It’s about both initiatives such as saying no to plastic bags and bottles, separating environmental awareness and living in connection with the world rubbish and using eco-friendly, locally sourced materials. around us”, says Julie Martin. “The ultimate aim is to make the Goa’s long-standing problem is not only unsightly for tourists and local environment a better, healthier place for everyone to enjoy, and set an example for other places. We have to start in our own locals - it’s incredibly hazardous to wildlife and animals. For backyards, Goa being mine.” example, in April 2000, the Lucknow Times of India reported as many as 100 local cows were dying every day as a result of eating discarded plastic bags. In Goa, cows are commonly seen chewing their way through plastic bags in hope of finding something to eat.

The problem is there is no rubbish collection system in place.

Residents who are unaware of the hazardous effects of plastic waste resort to burning their own rubbish or simply throwing it in fields or on the side of the road.

This is why Julie Martin, Director of Brahmani Yoga and the mind behind this initiative, decided to round up local organisations, students, volunteers, and schools, to join forces and tackle one of the region’s most serious environmental issues: plastic waste and recycling rubbish. With the first day kicking off in autumn 2009, the idea was to dedicate one Sunday morning a month to keep Goa clean and give something back to the local environment. Participants included yoga teachers, teacher training students, local residents and volunteers who all got their hands dirty to help pick up litter.

“If we can raise enough awareness this season, the next step would be to set up a charity to educate kids at local schools, organise workshops and events, and then put pressure on the authorities to take real action to tackle the waste issue. As yogis, we need to do what we can for those that need help, for our communities, for our environment. We need to give our time, money or energy back in order to honour what our practice is truly about, and if we end up with a clean beach, having saved a few cows, it’s a great gift to give.”

Inna is a freelance writer and yoga teacher based in London and Asia. Since embarking on an intensive Ayurveda and Yoga teacher training in Goa, India, she has been sharing her passion for yoga and environmental issues on and off the mat – and across the globe. inna@brahmaniyoga.com, www.brahmaniyoga.com

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Teacher’s Voice Professor Prabir

WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING ASANA AND WHY? Parvatasana (mountain pose). This asana requires not only flexibility but also maximum concentration. To perform this asana, you need to have good flexibility in your hips, knees and ankles. After gaining flexibility in these areas, you need to maintain the stability of these areas too.

This is where my theory of balance between flexibility and strength comes in.

Also you need a straight and flexible spine and shoulders to help to find the balance to stay in the asana for a considerable amount of time.

However, even if you achieve all of the above, you may not be able to stay for one second. Why? This is why I find this asana challenging. In order to stay in Parvatasana, the most important and challenging element is the willpower and it requires ultimate concentration. If you are able to obtain this technique in this asana, it should become effortless. It can bring you to a unique experience in meditation.

As one of the characteristics of Karmakar Yoga says, “when you achieve a posture, it should be effortless”. This is also the major principle of asana: “Sthiram Shukham Asanam”.

Balance of strength & flexibility - Professor Prabir in Parvatasana Professor Prabir is the founder of Karmakar Institute of Yoga, India. He started yoga at the age of 9 and has taught yoga for over 30 years and conducts workshops in various countries. He is currently teaching at Living Yoga in Hong Kong. www.karmakaryoga.com

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THIS ASANA? When I practice this asana, I observed its differences from other asanas. It is not only about the improvement of flexibility and strength, it brings peace and calmness in my mind. Hence I am able to see things from a different perspective. My mind becomes “flexible” but at the same time strong. It gives me strength, willpower and clarity of mind to handle any

crisis in my life. It gives me the power to face the negative with a positive attitude.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR PRACTICE? When I first started my practice, I realised the importance of the balance between flexibility and strength and I found this aspect to be the most challenging.

Without either of these, I could not perform the asanas to its optimum.

During the yogasana competitions in India, the standard of all the participants was very high. I needed to grasp the balance of the two very precisely. Also if I had only flexibility but not enough strength, I could injure myself easily.

As most people know, yoga is not just asana. It also has its theoretical element such as total awareness and control of the mind. In the later stage of my practice, I find these two elements very challenging. I was taught by many great Gurus about total awareness. You have to eat with awareness, speak with awareness and even sleep with awareness!

Well, you may think that it is easy. If this is the case, please try once and I am sure you will agree with me it is very challenging. As for the controlling of the mind, I guess this is equivalent to “EQ” in the Western world. Think about it, if you get angry or provoked by your enemies, try to control your mind and emotion and tell yourself to be calm. Do you think it’s an easy task?

During all the years of my practice, proudly I can say I have perfected the balance between flexibility and strength. But as for total awareness and controlling of the mind, I am still working hard on that part.

NAMASKAR LISTING AND DISPLAY ADVERTISING RATES FOR 2010 (IN HK DOLLARS) Outside back cover $20,000 210 mm x 297 mm Inside front cover $2,700 210 mm x 297 mm Inside back cover $2,200 210 mm x 297 mm Full page $1,700 210 mm x 297 mm 1/2 page $1,000 188 mm x 137.5 mm horizontal / 90 mm x 275 mm vertical 1/4 page $550 90 mm x 137.5 mm 1/8 page $350 90 mm x 63 mm Teacher listing $500 (January - October 2010) Studio listing $1,000 (January - October 2010) Advertisements should be submitted as high resolution (300 dpi) tif files (no pdf or ai files please). Advertising fees are payable in Hong Kong dollars only to: Namaskar c/o Carol Adams, 1/F 46 Leung Fai Ting Lower Road, Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong For more information contact Carol on (852) 9137 9992 /kambotan@netvigator.com or Frances (852) 9460 1967 / fgairns@netvigator.com 19

Perspective

On Detached Action as no vad Git a and P at anjali notted in Dao De Jing, Bhaga Bhagav Gita Pat atanjali Dylan Bernstein

THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY OF SPIRITUAL STUDIES, TRUTH SEEKERS have been confounded and confused by ancient texts that describe action. The Dao De Jing, Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras all grace the topics of effortless action, non-doership and detachment. These venerable guides to self-discovery and proper living often give the student mind-boggling contradictions. One is told to sense without sensing, die without dying, do without doing etc. Are these ancient teachings hiding some deeper understanding of existence, or is the answer simply staring us in the face?

I had sporadically practised yogasana and sitting Buddhist meditation throughout my teenage years before I dove deeply into the Dao De Jing. The short masterpiece attributed to Lao Tzu mentions a state of wei-wu-wei, literally translated as action without action. It also tells us to do without doing, leaving nothing undone.

As I studied many different interpretations and translations of wei-wu-wei and the Dao itself, I came to conceptualise a way of acting without exerting effort. Some say this method of action is accomplished by returning to one’s natural condition, letting go of pretence and perhaps even free from verbal thought. Some even posit the effortless quality of wei-wu-wei manifests because the actor is able to erase the distinction between herself and the act.

Without mentioning specific practices, Daoism lays out the blueprint for a higher state of existence. In this state, the nondoer is only letting the action flow through her body:

The highest aim is to be like water, benefiting all things without ever competing” “Nothing in the world is softer than water and yet nothing is better at overcoming the hard and strong.”

Thousands of miles away and much later, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras came forth to offer seekers more specific ways to reach this 20

effortless state - a state free from identifying with the fluctuations of consciousness.

Though there is no evidence of any Daoist influence, both traditions seem to have discovered similar underlying truths. In contrast to the Dao, Patanjali emphasises the need for practices in order to reduce the chatter of the mind and the afflictions which cause them. Yet before Patanjali elaborates upon any specific practice, he notes the components needed for success.

Practice is to be sustained without interruption over a long period of time abhyasa. When one chants the sutras, the very same breath cautions that practice must be detached - vairagya. (PYS I.12) The nature of Patanjali’s vairagya may seem cloudy at first. Perhaps one is to first foster less association with all that their senses and mind experience (I.15). Later, in supreme states, the seer could be free from identification with any and all of nature’s transformations (I.16). Presumably, the seer would then not identify with the body-mind, which is always changing and subject to nature’s play. This supreme detachment reinforces Patanjali’s goal of identifying only with unchanging, eternal consciousness itself.

Patanjali also mentions the importance of vairagya in the mystical third chapter of the Sutra, Vibhooti Pada. Here myriad supernatural powers are described, such as the ability to walk on water or communicate with animals. These powers may include lofty states of existence amongst the gods and celestial creatures.

Yet Patanjali is crystal clear that these states are to be renounced and transcended.

Though they may appear as powers in worldly life, they are but obstacles to yoga’s highest benefits (III.38). When Patanjali describes supreme mastery over all conditions and complete omniscience, he

Steve Merkley

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immediately cautions only by detachment from these accomplishments can the yogi progress towards the final state of liberation (III.51 - 52).

Patanjali counsels one must be detached from the results of one’s practices, no matter how marvellous or incredible the results.

Abhyasa and vairagya are mentioned within the same breath in another one of Classical India’s yogic guides, the Bhagavad Gita. As Lord Krishna advises the noble Arjuna on the nature of action and the practices of yoga and meditation, Arjuna asks: “How can the mind, which is so restless, attain lasting peace? Krishna, the mind is restless, turbulent, violent, powerful, trying to control it is like trying to tame the wind.”

And Lord Krishna replies: “It is true that the mind is restless and difficult to control. But it can be conquered through abhyasa and vairagya.” (BG 6.34,35) Lord Krishna and Patanjali agree upon the need for detachment within meditative practices. The Bhagavad Gita further emphasises the need for detached action within all aspects of daily life. A primary theme is karma-phala-tyaga, renunciation of the fruits of one’s actions. Krishna promises it is through this attitude of non-doership that the cycle of rebirth can be broken and liberation attained. And Lord Krishna is clear that renouncing the results of one’s actions (tyaga) is not the same as renouncing the actions themselves (sannyasa). Arjuna is repeatedly encouraged to act, yet to be detached from the results of his actions, as they are not his to claim.

Krishna’s tyaga and Patanjali’s vairagya are pathways for developing detachment. The more one is able to act in accordance with

these principles, the more one’s existence resembles Lao Tzu’s Dao. The essence of these three seemingly mystical spiritual guides can be pared down to simple instructions: Remain detached, specifically from the results of actions. All of the higher states of transcendence, effortlessness, Dao, Zen, Advaita, Nirvana, Samadhi, Satori and the like seem to sprout from this same soil.

Once the seeker, student or practitioner has intellectually realised what the sages offer, her only task is to experiment with living that wise advice. Of course, the actual implementation is likely to be difficult and presents a unique set of challenges, perhaps better grappled with in another article. For now, let us rest in knowing these diverse spiritual traditions agree on the type of action which the wise seek to cultivate.

Hopefully, this is more than just food for thought, it can become the basis for activity as well.

Regarding my personal journey, the early study of the Dao was incredibly useful, especially as I had already established practices within asana and meditation.

Furthermore, it has been reassuring to watch my studies of the Gita and Patanjali knit together and reinforce the notions towards which Lao Tzu was pointing.

We are lucky to have access to all of these teachings today. Yet they are often not clearly understood, not to mention integrated within daily life and practice.

Perhaps the verbal contradictions befuddle modern readers before they are able to pause and observe the meanings behind the words. Or maybe for some, the teaching has become so accessible that it is easy to overlook the unlimited potential that lies within the message. We might be wise to cherish the lessons offered so clearly from these beneficent scriptures.

Over thousands of years, the teachings have remained constant, still and unmoving. At first, they may be difficult to detect, but once seen, they’re impossible to ignore. To me, it seems these lessons are simply staring us in the face.

Dylan wanders, practicing. www.stillnessinaction.com

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Perspective

Yoga S adhana Sadhana Yoganaath Dileep

SADHANA MEANS ACCOMPLISHMENT. YOGA SADHANA is a dedicated and completely involved practice, where the body, mind and soul unite. A complete, egoless attitude in which we enjoy the altered states of consciousness. In general, we use sadhana to refer to practice, but the real meaning is much more than that.

Most practitioners fail to involve their mind in their practice. And so their practice becomes a mechanical process where only body is involved. Only real sadhana will purify the body and mind and create balance of the physical body, mind and energy. When such balance created sadhaka feel the impulses through the sushumna nadi and can reach the higher levels of human existences.

YOGA IN THE MAINSTREAM In the modern world yoga has become so popular. It’s hard to find a place without a yoga studio, or a person without a yoga membership. Modern man has found yoga a remedy for most of his common physical problems. Yoga is used as an alternative medicine to fight heart problems, blood pressure and asthma etc.

It is also a powerful tool in the fitness industry as practitioners find it a successful way to lose weight.

All these factors add fuel to the yoga machine in modern society. As a result, yoga studios are numerous and demand for the teachers increases. While this has helped the development of yoga, it has also had some drawbacks too. The over popularity of yoga has turned many to teach, who are not qualified to do so. And it has created a misunderstanding about yoga by the population.

Many have turned away from the traditional systematic practice.

Dedicated sadhana has turned into performing art, and practitioners fail to connect the body and mind. Unhealthy competition takes place in the studio, students forget about the correct breathing in their desperate struggle to get into the posture. As a result the true practice is being completely deviated.

INTERPLAY OF HATHA & RAJA YOGA First we need a thorough understanding about yoga, the mains paths of the ancient wisdom as opposed to the new age yoga.

There are four main paths of yoga: Karma yoga (yoga of action), Bhakti yoga (yoga of devotion), Jnana yoga (yoga of knowledge) and Raja yoga (yoga of physical and mental control).

Among them, the most commonly followed path is Raja yoga.

Hatha yoga falls under this umbrella, and the modern practices of Iyengar, Ashtanga (Pattabhi Jois lineage) Power and Hot etc. are just different interpretations of Hatha yoga.

To many sadhakas (practitioners), there is no difference between Raja yoga and Hatha yoga. Raja yoga is the path for those who have mastered Hatha yoga or those who born with the highest quality of Satva Guna. Most people however follow the path of Hatha yoga first to prepare themselves for subsequent levels. Through Hatha yoga, the purification and control of the body happens as pranic flows are restructured.

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When the yogi practices asana, a steadiness develops and the prana moves more freely. The stiffness it once experienced, which was due to blockages and accumulation of toxins, are removed.

When this happens, the sadhaka should concentrate more on pranayama, thus finding the interplay between the body and mind.

BRING INSIGHT TO YOUR SADHANA Complete beginners should focus more on how to do the posture correctly. You have to understand which muscles are being used for each pose. And it is important to learn about the real method of your chosen practice.

Later on as you go deeper into the sadhana by bringing awareness inward by focusing on the breath while holding a pose. This will help prevent the mind from wandering.

At this stage yogis may feel the spontaneous current of prana throughout the sadhana. Once this is attained then one can enter the path of Raja yoga.

Raja yoga is the path for those who have mastered Hatha yoga

Yoganaath was born in India into a family yogis.

He trained at the Vivekananda Yoga University and later at the International Sivananda Ashram.

He teaches at mYoga & California Fitness in Hong Kong. dileeptirur@yahoo.com

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Perspective

Hemispher es Hemisphere Lawrence Jacob Milman

IN MY LIFE THERE IS ALWAYS A thread that brings it all together, a focus that weaves through the larger moments in my life. Presently, this theme is my growing awareness and experience of the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which I discovered while creating the multidisciplinary practice of ‘Freedom Yoga’ in the summer of 2009.

This was a powerful tool to inform my movement, purpose and creativity simultaneously. The ideas that developed from this discovery, and from my subsequent exploration of the brain and its hemispheres, have opened up a new approach to my way of teaching, performing and being.

The topic of the brain is now irresistible to me. As a yoga teacher, poet and lyricist, I constantly explore the use of words and how they are able to spontaneously exit my mouth and enter a shared reality in the atmosphere.

One of my favoured forms of art and active meditation is freestyle rhyming. This is an activity where I spontaneously create a flow of words that fuse to a musical rhythm. The magical coherence of this activity is mystical to me. It started as an accidental expression while jamming with musical friends but has recently become deliberate. I began to see, how the left

understanding by the left side. The curious point is the left hemisphere is limited to making sense of things based on what it already knows. Therefore, if there is a gap in knowledge, the left hemisphere will produce a mental movie. It uses existing files and edits what makes most sense to create the most believable story, rather than the most acurate depiction of what is actually occurring.

This is why a left-dominant personality operates in routine and system well. They are focused and sometimes narrow minded. Right-accepting personalities may veer towards exploring lifestyles of self discovery. We right-accepting personalities are ready to consciously find a floating balance where we are no longer dominated by the left brain.

We train it to believe stopping and listening to ourselves is as important as continuing to do what we are looking to complete.

right hemisphere is the creative side. The left hemisphere, the information center. steered and the right redirected creatively.

Sharing my findings with you is an active approach to understanding my two brains.

The right hemisphere is constantly pulling information. As it does so, the information is processed into meaning and

In summary, the right hemisphere is the side of the brain considered to be the creative side. The hemisphere is responsible for all our senses of the present moment - all we hear, see, taste, smell, and touch. It is the side that constantly receives and expresses energy.

The left hemisphere can be summarised as the information center. It is the carrier of all the opinions we have and it provides the chatter in our heads. It is also the side that operates language: whether it’s English, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, mathematics, or any system of rules.

Looking at the right (feeling) brain it is interesting that the general concept of creativity is directly aligned with all physical sensations and feelings. Consider this: ‘What we feel is what we express’. Sensitivity to what we feel and the ability to allow ourselves to share that with those around us is the foundation of creativity. We express what we feel by finding 27

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ways to translate it into a language others can relate to, whether it is music, a yoga class, a painting or a clothing design. Our personal experience is only ours, but the more personal our story, the more universal it becomes.

Alternately, the left (thinking) brain constantly separates energy into individual items of existence. It segregates and categorises. Imagine everything you see through your eyes is blurry at the edges so each colour and shape fuses into another like a water colour painting. This is how we truly see the world until the left hemisphere begins to operate (which for most of us is 100% of our life experience). As soon as the left hemisphere begins to operate, it instantly sharpens the image, giving the blurriness a shape and turning these colours into a common language.

What intrigues me is our experience makes it apparent there is just one mind. In fact, a constant layering is occurring. The right brain and left brain contribute to each other, collaborate with each other, dominate each other, support each other and pull away from each other continuously and nearly simultaneously.

The constant layering is confusing and it’s the confusion that opens up the state of thoughtlessness where meditation is.

To use a yoga system analogy, many yoga schools go so deep into technical alignment that at some point in the process the left brain can’t keep up with the right hemisphere’s sensual experience. At that point, the yoga creates a gap in thought, maybe only for a moment, but that moment of thoughtlessness is meditation.

Dance, or vinyasa, does a similar duty through a different path. When the body makes rhythmic movements repeatedly and on a regular basis, these patterned movements become internalised and unconscious so no thinking (left brain) is required. We can call this flow - you begin to just move, to just be. It creates a space for thoughts to cease, not that they always will. The opportunity to empty your mind becomes heightened when breath focus and visual focus limit external stimuli. It puts a stop to the ticker of thoughts that parade through our heads.

The deeper Western culture immerses itself in left brain office life and number

left hemisphere is the controlling leader, yet the feeling right hemisphere has the power to move the world and to connect to a deeper knowledge. crunching, the more we waste the right hemisphere of our brain. Moving into the right side of the brain allows us to relinquish control, to surrender.

When heavily guided by the thinking mind, we seek alcohol, drugs and other products that numb our senses. By anesthetising our right brain’s cry for attention, we allow the left brain to take control again. We become disconnected from what we think and what our body needs. There is this constant fight between the left and the right side for a space to safely lose control. The emotional life we experience is an expression of what our body needs, a measure of whether we are moving in a healthy direction.

To safely lose control is a modern luxury. We have achieved such a desperate state of disconnection that we simulate adrenaline inducing behaviour. Extreme sports have come into technological existence and the experience of life or death is available for a price by placing it in a controlled environment. Numbing what we naturally feel takes us further away from a state that is subtle, honest and authentic.

The thinking left hemisphere is the controlling leader, and yet the feeling right hemisphere has the power to move the world and to connect to a deeper knowledge. It is the right hemisphere that is the part of ourselves that can take us deeper than any piece of information could ever make us privy to. It is the side that reads light, vibration and energy.

It is the intuitive subconscious.

The right brain is so amazingly conscious the left brain could never understand its experiences fully. We live in a global zeitgeist that has surrendered to the left hemisphere’s accumulative resources, which are disconnected with the holistic experience the right brain can provide. Barriers have been built between the two sides, exiling the right hemisphere from the realm of control and shutting out the trust in the right hemispheres depth of experience. This is the left hemisphere’s creation of a survival mechanism, constructed so we can feel safe, by adhering to what we can seemingly understand.

No matter what belief system one is aligned with, what is ubiquitous is the understanding that no one really knows. All of life comes down to a mystery, whether it’s labelled by one’s left brain as nature, or as a god, or whatever it is you see the world as. It’s your right hemisphere that reads and translates the mystery, while the left, perpetually desires to explain it.

Re-read that before you read this: It‘s the egotistical left-brain that claims to know anything, the right has no agenda, nothing to prove: it just is, it just does.

Lawrence, from Toronto/Vancouver, currently teaches in Hong Kong at Pure Yoga, he is a lyricist in the fusion band ‘The Freedom Project’ and created Freedom Yoga, a multidisciplinary practice of discovery. http://thefreedomyogaproject.blogspot.com/

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Yoga 101 Happy all the Time, Kundalini Y oga Yoga Nihal Singh

KUNDALINI YOGA IS A YOGIC system from the Sikh tradition of India and a complete body of knowledge lovingly handed down by a long, illustrious lineage of enlightened Gurus. It was introduced to the West by Yogi Bhajan in the late 1960s and has grown into a worldwide movement that is gaining momentum daily. .

Yogi Bhajan refers to the wide range of exercises, breathings, mantras and meditations included in this system as a ‘yogic technology’ eminently suited to dealing with the stresses and challenges of modern day life.

Through my own 30 years of practice and experience with this technology, I will tell you that everything Yogi Bhajan says is true. In Kundalini Yoga I have found a highly efficient tool for dealing with every imaginable circumstance of everyday living on planet Earth. In my experience as a teacher of Kundalini Yoga, blessed with the privilege of handing this knowledge on to others, I have witnessed many heal their ailments and transform their lives.

Kundalini yoga is about the feel good factor. I hear it after every class or workshop: “Wow I feel great, so much better than before”. Kundalini Yoga works on so many levels. It goes deep. Yes, of course, if you practice regularly you will become strong like steel, flexible like a willow, flowing like water, all the usual physical benefits of Yoga, but Kundalini Yoga also works on an energetic level. In Kundalini Yoga we call this the Pranic body, this electromagnetic field is the source of life in the physical body. Kundalini Yoga increases the strength and radiance of the pranic body and balances the glandular secretions that govern moods.

It also strengthens the nervous system, making you steady like a stone. All of these effects combine to create a feeling of supreme well-being. In Kundalini Yoga we call this Wahe Guru or indescribable ecstasy, wisdom beyond words. Kundalini Yoga takes you back to your centre, your god essence, your infinite potential, your immortal, invincible Self. This ‘feeling

experience’ is beyond words and cannot be grasped by the mind, although everyone knows this as that good feeling, that good God feeling that is the reason we do everything that we do in life. Yes, every goal, every desire, every ambition is ultimately motivated by the root desire to simply feel good.

You can touch that feeling every time you take a Kundalini Yoga class and with a regular practice you can become established in that feeling.

In Kundalini Yoga, when we train to become certified teachers, we each take on a Spiritual name. It is a vibration that we accept and grow into and defines our individual unique mission as a teacher. My Kundalini name is Nihal Singh and translates as one who lives in the bliss of God and is beloved of God. The vibration of this name has become my barometer for life. It’s all about bliss, the feel good factor.

Every decision I make, every action I take I weigh against the feel good factor. Is this going to take me in the direction of more bliss or away from it? Once, when I was wandering in the foothills of the Himalayas in Northern India, I shared a cup of chai and a chillum with a sadhu who told me the ultimate goal of Yoga and of life is “happy all the time” to live in your bliss, to be blissfully happy 24/7, blissfully happy even when things are going wrong or when faced with challenges.

He told me he had achieved this state by renouncing everything, all family, all possessions and worldly goals, and wandering up into the mountain jungles and chanting the name of God 24/7 in complete Faith that everything he needed would be perfectly provided by that supreme mystical power. I remember thinking at the time “wow, what a different headspace to the strained, stressed out, fear driven egotism of so many in the Western world who are so patently discontented and not ‘happy all the time’ ”.

The sadhu was living in this vibrantly beautiful environment in the Himalayan mountain jungles. He had a head start on happiness. You, on the other hand, are living in the concrete jungle of Hong Kong, but you can start feeling happy now by taking on the sadhu’s message.

Happiness can only be felt now. Right here, right now. It can’t be felt in the future.

☺ When you reach that imaginary future it will also be now. Now is all there is. You have to start feeling happy now. This whole mindset of “I will be happy when I get more money, a promotion at work, a better relationship, when I get to heaven, etc”, drop it. Surrender to this moment.

Ask yourself “what can I do to start feeling happy right now?”

That’s what we are doing every time we do a Kundalini Kriya or Meditation session.

We are creating a sacred space to reconnect to our bliss, to our own infinity, our True Identity. Sat nam. My job as the teacher is simply to hold the space and be a neutral channel for the teachings to flow through.

That’s the way it works. Sometimes I plan the set we will do that day and then change it when I walk into the room and feel the energy of the class, trusting if I am truly in the moment then I am in my bliss and that feeling will communicate. The ‘feel good factor’, that’s what it’s all about. How do I know if it’s been a good class? When people say at the end “I feel great. Feels so good. I really enjoyed that.” I hear it all the time. I am very happy to hear that. It means I am living up to my name.

If you also want to experience how good Kundalini Yoga can make you feel, then join us for a session anytime.

Classes are held at: Shakti Healing Circle (3/F Waga Commercial Centre, 99 Wellington Street, Central: +852 2521 5099) every Monday and Friday at 7 pm The Yoga Room (3 fl Xiu Ping Commercial Building, 104 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan: 2544 8398) every Thursday at 1pm.

Nihal also offers a monthly Full Moon workshop at The Yoga Room.

Nihal Singh (a.k.a. Neil Irwin) is a teacher and musician.

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Asana Salamb a S arv angas ana: alamba Sarv arvangas angasana: Shoulder Stand Dr. Valerie Wilson Trower

DAVID SWENSON WARNS US “THIS asana is generally referred to as the Shoulder Stand. It is never referred to as the SeventhCervical Stand.” He is joking but he is also serious: the seventh vertebrae in the neck, the cervical spine, is the one most prone to damage and incorrect practice of shoulder stand will not help.

Shoulder stand is a tricky asana: in beginner classes it is commonly practiced, but beginners often have difficulty in moving their elbows inwards and rolling their shoulders together. As they gain more mobility and progress to more advanced classes, where it is assumed practitioners have mastered shoulder stand, their bad habits, or lack of awareness of the correct pose remains ingrained (it seems to me), and instructors rarely have the opportunity to correct them. In my experience (I have taught yoga for 5 years now), shoulder stand remains the most badly practiced asana.

Let’s run through how it should be using David Swenson’s instructions: “Exhale roll up on to the shoulders.”

There one sentence. Done. Straight in to the pose!

This is great advice if the practitioner can practice shoulder stand but hard if that is not possible. David suggests, as preparation, taking your feet over the head (as in to Halasana, plough pose), then interlacing your fingers behind your back.

He continues: “Straighten the arms on to the floor behind you [the Bridge is also helpful for practicing the shoulder rotation that this requires], then rock from side to side to roll the shoulders together before lifting the feet up.” As he explains, “this will assist in keeping the neck free from the

May in plough pose, preparing for shoulder stand

floor.” I find even when in position, it is possible to work my shoulders closer together by rolling my weight from side to side. Imagine sliding a pencil between your shoulder blades: this would be easy if you are in the correct position with the shoulders rolled together.

David continues: “Inhale extend the feet toward the sky with toes pointed. Support the back with both palms close to the spine.”

Notice the palm of the hand is on the back - not just the fingers! To place the hands on the back, the middle fingers will be pointing straight towards the sky, the heel of the hand pressing in to the back on the rib cage, not at the waist, but more or less were the kidneys are.

David continues: “Keep the body perpendicular to the floor.”

This requires spatial awareness of your body: this is not a jack-knife position. Inch your fingers down your back to lift higher and straighter. “Extend from the floor to the sky.” I like to think of my ankles being held and lifted higher - an Ashtanga adjustment, enabling the shoulders to be rolled under and elbows to be repositioned closer together - and the energy of my practice moving up my spine, through my toes, to the sky.

the back.” In his accompanying photograph, David makes it plain the palms of his hands are taking the weight of his pelvis, rather than the side of his index fingers gouging the flesh of the sides of his ribs.

David warns if there is discomfort in the neck “back off or come out of the pose” until you find something comfortable for you. Do remember everyone’s pain threshold varies, so no one can tell you what this will be: you have to work that out for yourself.

Finally, check your neck maintains its normal curvature - this means there is space between your neck and the mat. Check your chin is not digging in to your chest - if it is you can probably lift-up, or straighten-up, more. Think of bringing your chest to your chin, rather than your chin to your chest.

Also check you are pushing down with your elbows, upper arms, and shoulders, and up with your toes. At no point should your weight be on your neck: as David says “this is shoulder stand.”

Valerie holds a doctorate in Historial and Critical Studies from the London College of Fashion, The University of the Arts, London. She practices Ashtanga yoga, Mysore style and leads Hatha yoga stretches for the Siddha Meditation Path.

Here David offers modification of the pose for practitioners not able to complete the full pose: “You may leave your hips in the hands for support rather than higher up

May’s fingers & hands perfectly positioned at mid-back

May ably demonstrates lovely vertical alignment in shoulder stand

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Workshop Review

Bend o ver b ack war ds ov back ackw ards cott Pe Sc with P eter S Kimberley Reid

THE PROSPECT OF FOUR DAYS OF SOLID BACKBENDS was daunting, but Peter is the subtlest of yoga teachers and a master of building artfully into advanced poses. Peter’s classes never feel effortful and he always manages to deliver on yoga’s beautiful promise of giving you more energy after the practice, no matter how intense the session.

the challenge is to retain our strengths while developing our deficits.

Though he doesn’t carry a stick like BKS Iyengar, Peter doesn’t indulge his students either. If people are not following an instruction, the class repeats the asana until we get it. We consistently come out of poses and gather to observe each other’s bodies as Peter picks up on a particularly evocative expression – either positive or negative - of a point he is making. You feel you are working with someone purposeful, intelligent and compassionately challenging who wants to assist you to develop within your limits rather than merely insisting on the final form of the pose.

The workshop, 29 January – 1 February, prepared the students’ bodies and minds for classical backbends with meticulous attention on too often overlooked foundations, such as chest openers, standing backbends like virabhadrasana (warrior 1) and detailed focus on biceps, triceps and shoulders in adho mukha svanasana (downward facing dog).

The climax pose of the workshop was Dvi Pada Viparita Dandasana (Inverted staff pose). Dwi Pada means both feet. Viparita means reverse or inverted. Danda means staff or rod. The full pose has the upper body in headstand with feet on the floor and legs outstretched in a backbend. The advanced students in the class were dropping back into this pose and kicking up from sirsasana.

The rest of us were simulating this with a little or a lot of help from props and the wall.

Peter used inversions to help the students understand neck alignment and the dramatic lift of the chest required for a safe and comfortable backbend. We also had that special opportunity, one only available in Iyengar studios, to hang in bat pose – headstand in ropes. After the first day, the chronic neck pain that had been troubling me for months was completely gone, making it seem an absolute necessity to nail some ropes into the wall of my Hong Kong apartment (let’s hope my landlord is not reading this…).

Peter advises this often overlooked asana is the foundation for deeper back bends like Rajakapotasana (King Pigeon) because it teaches rolling back of the biceps and triceps to achieve the significant lift of chest required for these advanced postures. The focus on elevating the chest from within had the powerful functional effect of lifting my workday posture and expanding and lengthening my breath. I was definitely more patient as well as more energetic from all the backbends when I returned to work.

As a long time Iyengar student who now practises in other styles, it felt like homecoming to have the refinement and precision of Peter’s instruction. Iyengar instruction traditionally focuses on your weaknesses – it’s pretty austere compared with yoga styles emanating from the U.S. – but Peter’s class is positive and authentic. The insight he brought to our class was that misalignment or weakness is often evident because there is a reciprocal strength, so

For many of us the graceful and elegant movement from headstand into Dvi Pada Viparita Dandasana is still a long way off.

So Peter’s advice is to “focus on initiating the right actions, rather than fixating on the fruits of the action, [that is, achieving the look of the pose]”. My ego was in the frame with Peter’s observation “if you are moving into a pose and you can feel that you haven’t established the proper foundation, you know that your ego is dominating your intelligence.”

This is the kind of yoga teaching that translates effortlessly into profound life lessons without any pit stop in homily or cliché and for this I am deeply grateful for Peter’s visit to Hong Kong.

Kimberley is a soon to be ex-banker.

Karen Lam, Studio Manager of Yoga Central in Dvi Pada Viparita Dadasana.

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Teacher Training Review

Lif eo ogi Life off a Y Yogi Michael Chan

OFTEN, WE PRACTICE YOGA TO ACHIEVE A PARTICULAR pose, forgetting asanas are a means, rather than an end itself. The real end is understanding truth in ourselves – a seemingly abstract concept. After spending ten days with Sri Dharma Mittra, a bit of understanding began to dawn on me.

“Life of a Yogi” Teacher Training for the Goal of Self Realization – I read the words on the pamphlet I picked up in New York for the umpteenth time. The words “self-realisation” had a curious appeal, even though I was not quite sure what it meant. It seemed strange that various kinds of stretching would be somehow connected to finding the meaning of life, but my teacher Joakim had assured me Sri Dharma Mittra would help me understand.

Definitely one of a kind, Dharma Mittra (centre) with some lion cubs

I struggled over whether to attend at all – such trainings are always a substantial amount of money and time, and I thought of myself mostly as a casual student. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was something that had to be done, and for once to not say that “I’ll do it some day”.

With a bit of apprehension, I signed up – and to this day I marvel at this good fortune. Ten days of living a life of a yogi and learning from Dharma had allowed me a glimpse of what selfrealization might actually be like. Although I only took away a tiny portion of the knowledge Dharma imparted to us, I now knew there were answers to be found via yoga. Condensing Sri Dharma’s more than 50 years of yoga practice into ten days must have been a Herculean task – the following is something a good bit less grand, an attempt to condense 10 days of teachings into a few paragraphs.

THE GOAL OF YOGA IS SELF-REALIZATION Different schools describe it as acquiring self-knowledge, understanding the true self, finding the God within all of us, or becoming part of the cosmic consciousness. At the end of the day, regardless of our religious inclinations, the ultimate goal is understanding who we are, why and what we are doing in this world, and how we fit in the grand scheme of things, and if there is one. The only real pre-requisite is the desire for this understanding. We all have an innate sense of curiosity, the only issue is whether we are willing to devote time and energy for contemplation.

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Yoga is a science of the mind, a set of techniques devoted to selfrealization. The well known sutra “yoga is the stilling of the mind” captures this essence: when we are calm and introspective, and take the care to concentrate, we begin to figure things out.

Does my happiness depend on whether I can do a handstand? My youth and health, my family, my closest friends? Soon enough, with age, time, all this will be gone. Perhaps, we even begin to see through the illusion of the mind. When we are sad, the mind is sad. When we are angry, the mind is angry. Is there a more permanent reality and “self ” behind all this?

Asanas are preparatory techniques for meditation: deep meditation, alongside observing the yamas and niyamas, allows us to truly practice yoga. To quote Sri Dharma, “Yoga can be applied to answers to essential questions such as Who am I? What is beyond the mind? What is the cause of all pain and suffering? How can I be free from pain and suffering?”

What happens when we get a little bit more self-realization? With every little bit of self-realization, we gain a little more inner and permanent contentment, and we need a little less from external pleasures. We become more fearless and less worried. Eventually, we might even realize actually there is no self – true selflessness, perhaps the secret of self-realization?

So what now? In the simplest terms, I have become a calmer and more accepting person. Calmer not only when I deal with the outside world, but also inwardly. More accepting of life and its bumps, bruises and sometimes wrecks. Rather than worry I am getting the best of the situation, if I am being taken advantage of, it is quite ok to have things run its course, and simply do what needs to be done.

I don’t know if Dharma is one of a kind, as we tend to become attached to our teachers. Dharma will readily and simply respond that he is us, as we are him. It is impossible to describe Sri Dharma in words, but if I had to make an attempt, it would be true humility and kindness. In today’s world of reductionism, sound bites, and immediate gratification, we tend to forget anything lasting, takes years and years of hard work and patience to cultivate.

Dharma, through his more than 50 years of practice, has shown us the road map, and that self-realization is possible after all.

Yoga can point us to the true nature of the human spirit – we just need to remember what we are doing it for!

Edited from “random thoughts on Sri Dharma Mittra’s training” at http://qtbrg.blogspot.com/ 2010/03/dharma-mittra.html Michael is a student of yoga, trying to figure things out.

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Practice

Asana Monsters James Figueria

MUST OPEN HIPS! MUST LEARN ARM balance! Must get new pose next month!

Run for you life! It’s Pose-Zilla!

The point of introduction for most people to yoga is through the practice of asana or postures. It is the easiest and most logical place to begin to learn about yoga.

But there is asana practice and Asana Practice. The physical practice of yoga makes sense for many of us, caught in a sedentary lifestyle and spending a lot of our leisure time in front of the TV or the computer.

But there is a group of people, the term coined to describe them is Body Nazis, who work out constantly and obsess over the way their bodies look. I think comparing the image obsessed with Aryan Supremacists is bit of a stretch, but you get what I mean. For them their asanas are it.

They are, as I heard one teacher say, “restless egos seeking ornaments for an improved self image”. I love that!

So in keeping with my monster theme, here is a test to see if you are an asanaobsessed Pose-Zilla. Just answer yes or no.

1. You think about how to improve your back bend while you stand in line at the bank 2. You say “I like to go to Bob’s classes because he does more upper body work”.

3. You don’t like a yoga that’s too spiritual.

4. You think you need a Pilates class because yoga is not working your core enough. (No offense to Joseph Pilates) 5. You spend 20 minutes warming up before you start your practice.

6. You only practice the pose that you know you can do well.

7. You spend more then one hour a week talking about your practice.

8. You know there has got to be a faster way of opening your hips than just by doing your practice regularly. And you do your darndest to find it.

9. You do your asana practice in the airport while in transit.

10. You doing more then one kind of asana class a week, and own every yoga toy that comes onto the market.

If you answer yes to at least of one these you are most likely normal and have a normal sense of hard work.

If you answered yes to two or three then you need to take a break you and re-think a few things.

If you said yes more then half you must be stopped!

It’s not your fault, well mostly not your fault you’ve become this way.

What seems odd to me is that it seems the people who are most obsessed about asana are the folks who already proficient with their poses or at least well above the status of beginner, you know, the ones we call natural athletes. Of course they don’t think so. I once saw someone do a full split, bend her back leg toward her head, touch the top of her head with it and then with a straight face say “ I’m feeling very stiff today and I needed to warm up”.

I think it is great you want to work hard at your asana practice, after all, it is the starting point for most of us and it has been said only a lazy person cannot do yoga. But there is a Sanskrit word (for those wanting a yoga reference by now) that means too much of even a good thing is bad for you.

I’ll let you take the time to unwind from your pose to go find it yourself.

You think about how to improve your back bend while you stand in line at the bank So that it doesn’t seem like all I am doing is complaining and offering no help, here are some things you can do if you have (or think you have) become an asana monster.

Choose a teacher based on the amount of 40

time and effort they put into their own practice (at least 2 or 3 years to start) and the study of their chosen style of yoga. Not on how beautiful their asanas or how cut their body is.

Only do one asana practice a day and one style of yoga (for a few years anyhow) so as to get a deeper understanding of your body.

See things as they are, not how they were. It seems that however we see ourselves when we start to do yoga is how we continue to see ourselves. We don’t notice the little changes that may have occurred over time.

Remember there is no perfect. Someone somewhere will always have something to fix or tell you how to do it better.

Ask yourself why you wish to do yoga and how long you would like to do yoga for, then you might realize there is no hurry.

Unless your wanting to be an asana champion in which cases start young and work you ass off.

Even with my own students their are those who are not satisfied with the progress of their asanas, but as a student myself, the best I can do is to NOT feed their desire for short term pride.... “Restless egos seeking ornaments for an improved self image”.

I realize sometimes it has cost me potential students and income to my shala, but I have people with a steady practice, who’ve been able to see the changes in themselves and have discovered the tools to aid them with the deeper questions in life, despite the fact they still can’t touch their toes.

And talking about questions, here’s another one. Does anyone really teach anyone yoga? But that’s for another discussion.

James is Director & Principle Teacher of The Yoga Shala, Singapore. He is an authorised teacher from Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute(AYRI)Mysore, India. He has over 25 years of teaching experience behind him.. www.theyogashala.com.sg

Practice

Slow down with Yoga Nidra Joanna Pearce

I LOVE A VIGOROUS, SWEATY AND CHALLENGING practice but I really love to slow it down. We hear yoga practitioners explaining the goal of yoga is balance, said as they’re rushing through the city to the next pumping power yoga class. Everyone claims that savasana is their favourite pose but as soon as the time comes to lie down people leap up and run out!

How many people take photos of themselves performing savasana to post on facebook and show their friends? In the fast paced modern world where image is everything, it seems that the most challenging posture is actually savasana.

Yoga nidra is a deep relaxation, usually performed in savasana, that balances the left and right sides of the brain. It has been practiced for centuries by the wandering sadhus in India. Originating in the Satyananda yoga discipline, modern researchers now claim that 30 minutes of yoga nidra can provide the same benefits as three hours of sleep. During practice students set positive life goals for themselves using both the conscious and unconscious mind, and leave the studio feeling centred and with a smile on their face.

A typical session begins by entering into a relaxed state using gentle stretching and breathing exercises. The mind is then guided to create a sankalpa, a positive intention for that person. The next

stage is body rotation of consciousness where the mind travels around each part of the body balancing the left and right sides before bringing the awareness to the breath. Visualisation techniques are used for sensory perception before beginning the journey into guided meditation. Once in a deep meditative state, the subconscious mind returns to the sankalpa to reinforce the positive affirmation. A session concludes with externalisation and return to a normal state.

The joy of yoga nidra is spreading. Dallas Horton, who runs a photography company in Hong Kong, comments “I practice every day at home and also at the House of Light studio in Sheung Wan. The voice of the teacher in the live sessions at the House of Light helps guide me deeper in my practice”.

Next time you’re rushing out of the studio, linger a little longer in savasana. One of the best gifts to myself is time spent practicing yoga nidra. I was first introduced to this discipline when suffering from jet lag and it has been so beneficial it is now a regular part of my practice.

Find balance in your yoga practice through yoga nidra. Take the time to slow down. It’s more challenging than you might think. Will you rise to the challenge?

Joanna leads yoga nidra sessions at the House of Light in Hong Kong and is a freelance yoga teacher. Please visit www.houseoflight.com.hk.

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Recipe Grilled Provencal Tofu and Vegetable Couscous Salad with Orange Rosewater Vinaigrette PROVENCAL TOFU INGREDIENTS 2 lbs Extra Firm Tofu 2 Lemons Juiced and zested 4 Shallots Peeled and finely chopped 2 cloves of Garlic peeled and minced 2 tablespoons Herbs de Provence 5 tablespoons Olive oil 1 teaspoon Sea salt Black pepper fresh ground to taste PREPARATION Slice each square of tofu in half on the horizontal bias. Reserve on a plate.

Moosa Alissa

While in Marseille in the South of France I was amazed by how the native French people and the French people originating from Africa, North Africa and the Middle East were so socially and culturally integrated. As a tribute to them I would like to present a fusion dish that incorporates elements of the diverse and distinct foods I enjoyed.

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In small bowl combine the lemon juice and the sea salt and mix until the salt dissolves, add the remaining ingredients and mix with a whisk or fork.

In a glass or stainless steel bowl stack the tofu slices alternating with marinade and finally pour any remaining marinade over the top layer. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or ideally overnight.

VEGETABLES COUSCOUS SALAD INGREDIENTS 1 package Couscous prepared to directions 2 Medium Sized Zucchini cut into ¼ inch thick half moon slices 1 Red Pepper cut into 1 inch squares 1 Carrot cut to 1/8 inch half moon slices 1 Red Onion large dice ½ cup Roasted Almonds ½ cup Dried Apricots cut into quarters 3 Garlic Cloves minced 2 tablespoons Cumin 2 tablespoons Coriander 2 tablespoons Paprika 2 tablespoons fresh Minced Ginger 1 tablespoon Cinnamon 1 tablespoon Chili Flakes 2 tablespoons Olive Oil ½ teaspoon Salt PREPARATION Place a medium saucepan on a burner on medium high heat.

Add olive oil, vegetables, apricots and almonds and saute till vegetables are lightly browned but not soft.

Diet

The Wonder of Kefir Add the ginger, spices and salt and cook for an additional two minutes add the orange juice and remove from the heat.

Place the couscous in a large bowl and combine with the vegetable and spice mixture.

ORANGE, GINGER & ROSEWATER DRESSING ½ cup Fresh Orange Juice ½ cup Fresh Lemon Juice ½ cup Olive Oil 3 tablespoons Rose Water 2 tablespoons Minced Ginger 2 tablespoons Honey Sea Salt and Pepper to taste Thoroughly mix all ingredients in a small bowl and reserve.

SERVICE Heat an iron grill pan or frying pan on medium high heat and lightly brush with olive oil. Fry the tofu squares on each side for about two to three minutes Mix in ¾ of the dressing into the couscous Portion the couscous onto four plates.

Add two squares of the grilled tofu on top of the couscous and pour over the remaining dressing.

Garnish each plate with chopped cilantro, mint and green onions Serve.

Moosa is managing director and executive chef of Life Cafe, Hong Kong’s original ecofriendly, organic, whole-food restaurant. 10 Shelley Street, Soho, Hong Kong. +852 2810 9777 / www.lifecafe. com.hk

Claudia Jones

KEFIR IS REVERED FOR ITS HEALTH GIVING PROPERTIES AND HAS BEEN ENJOYED by generations living in the Caucasus region since ancient times. The origin of kefir is steeped in legend; grains of kefir are said to have been a gift from the prophet Mohammed to his people who guarded them fiercely from non-believers for millennia. It was not until the end of the nineteenth century that the word about kefir and its health benefits spread beyond the Caucasus region where it had been used to successfully treat tuberculosis, intestinal and chronic diseases.

WHAT IS KEFIR? Kefir is a fermented milk drink made by adding fresh milk to original kefir grains. Kefir is a natural antibiotic, high in strains of beneficial bacteria and yeasts, believed to have a greater therapeutic value than yogurt as the bacteria and yeasts are more active and therefore more valuable to the digestion process. Kefir grains are white or yellow jelly like particles ranging in size from a grain of cottage cheese to a cauliflower floret. To make the kefir drink, milk is added to the kefir grains and the mixture is left to ferment until ready, up to 24 hours.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF KEFIR In Turkish kefir means ‘feel good ’and when you know the benefits of milk kefir, its easy to see why.

• Kefir made from milk is a complete protein containing all the essential amino acids. Kefir also contains many minerals including calcium and magnesium. Tryptophan an essential amino acid in kefir combines with the calcium and magnesium to give a tranquilizing effect on the nervous system. The body converts tryptophan into serotonin, helping to alleviate depression and constipation and promoting deep and restful sleep. In addition, kefir is an excellent source of phosphorous, an important mineral in utilizing food for growth, cell maintenance and energy.

• Kefir increases the level of friendly bacteria in the gut by creating a layer of clear mucus in the intestines upon which they can thrive. The beneficial yeast and bacteria restore the pH balance to the intestines making it impossible for unfriendly bacteria and parasites to survive.

• Kefir becomes alkaline-forming once in the body so can help to keep our blood in the slightly alkaline zone, ensuring good health.

• Both vitamins B and K require a certain level of friendly bacteria to be present in the gut before they can be used by the body. By drinking kefir the body is able to produce enough of the bacteria itself and therefore able to use the vitamins effectively.

• Kefir made from cow’s milk is an excellent source of folic acid (essential in the diet of a pregnant woman for the formation of a healthy baby).

• After drinking kefir, food cravings disappear because the body has all its nutritional need met.

• Kefir is very helpful as part of the healing process from Candida (yeast overgrowth). Once the ‘leaky gut ’has been repaired, kefir can be taken to rebalance the growth of yeast and friendly bacteria in the intestines.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY OWN KEFIR? Kefir can be made easily at home by obtaining some original kefir grains or a kefir starter culture kit.

Once you have some grains or starter culture, all you need is fresh milk, raw, unpasteurized goat’s milk is best if you can get it, otherwise any fresh milk will do.

Original grains are available from marilynjarz@gmail.com and can be shipped worldwide for a nominal fee. Starter culture can be obtained from Body Ecology in the USA www.bodyecology.com .

Claudia Jones is a committed student of Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation.

Claudia is Samahita’s Wellness Director at Yoga Thailand.

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Book Review

How Karma Works

by Geshe Sonam Rinchen, translated and edited by Ruth Sonam WE ALL WANT HAPPINESS. YET, THE tragedy of our lives is that through our own karma or actions (which would include speech and thoughts here), we constantly create causes for unhappiness. Wanting happiness, we hurtle headlong into a life of escalating unhappiness. Not just one unhappy life but for aeons and aeons, lifetimes of unhappiness, as we take birth as creatures in various realms of existence.

How and why do we do this? And how can we come out of this vicious cycle? These are some of the questions How Karma Works seeks to answer.

Reviewd by Tia Sinha A student of Buddhist philosophy and practice at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala, Tia teaches yoga to the nuns of Dongyu Gatsai Ling, the nunnery founded by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.

It is believed the workings of karma are so complex they can be understood completely only by an enlightened being.

The night Gautama sat down under the Bodhi tree, determined not to get up till he had rid himself of all traces of anger and greed, and using his powers of concentration, began examining his mindbody continuum, the workings of karma became clear to him.

Gautama Buddha discovered the workings of karma can be likened to a chain of 12 links, the first link leading to the second, the second to the third and so on. These 12 links of dependent arising (pratityasamutpada in Sanskrit) are depicted symbolically on the outer periphery of the wheel of existence, (see painting on book cover) a painting found on the walls at the entrance of many Tibetan temples.

The first link is ignorance (avidya in Sanskrit, ma rig pa in Tibetan). Depicted as a blind old woman, ignorance is our ignorance of reality, the fundamental cause of our unhappiness. Like a blind old woman, we spend our lives groping about in samsara, fumbling along, looking for happiness yet constantly creating causes for unhappiness.

The 12th link is ageing and death (jaramarana). To avoid ageing and death, in short, to come out of conditioned or cyclic existence (samsara), ultimately, the very first link, ignorance has to be shattered. When actions are no longer committed out of ignorance, ageing and death cannot result and one starts coming out of cyclic existence. An understanding of reality,

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therefore, not just intellectual but also experiential, is one of the main goals of Tibetan Buddhism.

The centre of the wheel has three creatures: a pig representing ignorance, from which arise a bird representing attachment and a snake representing aversion. These are at the hub of the wheel as they are the three main disturbing emotions, the three poisons that keep us in samsara.

This oral teaching by Geshe Sonam Rinchen is based on the Rice Seedling Sutra and the twenty-sixth chapter of Nagarjuna’s Treatise on the Middle Way. First century Indian Buddhist monk at Nalanda University, Nagarjuna’s 26th chapter examines the 12 links in 12 verses.

How Karma Works also explains how to meditate on the 12 links so we can begin to break the links that keep us bonded to samsara, and therefore, to unhappiness.

This book was by no means an easy read!

However, an intellectual understanding of the 12 links and the order in which they arise is necessary for anyone who would like to meditate on them. This thorough, scholarly work offers both an intellectual understanding as well as techniques for meditating on the 12 links of dependent arising. The good news is the chain of karma can be broken.

Born in Kham, Eastern Tibet in 1933, Geshe Sonam Rinchen studied at Sera Je Monastery and has been teaching Buddhist philosophy and practice at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamshala since 1978.

His Irish translator, Irish translator, Ruth Sonam, studied modern languages at Oxford University and has been studying with Geshe Sonam Rinchen since 1978 and working as his interpreter since 1983.

Among their many works together are The Bodhisattva Vow, The Thirty-seven Practices of Bodhisattvas, Eight Verses for Training the Mind, and The Heart Sutra.

Tia’s Crossword A Forward Bending Crossword

2

3

4

5 6

7 8 9

10

11

12 13 14

15

16

17 19

20

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A forward bending crossword coming up. Once you have the building blocks in place, this crossword is a sitter. Sitting or standing, touching your toes as you bend forward is not a prerequisite for you to attempt this puzzle!

ACROSS 1 & 3 ACROSS - Stretch your back and hamstrings in this seated asana that literally means ‘west’ intense stretch. (9, 6) 3. See 1 ACROSS or 11 ACROSS or 16 ACROSS or 20 ACROSS or 16 DOWN !

4 & 18 DOWN – Sleeping tortoise. (5, 5) 6. See 9 ACROSS. 7. An asana named after a son of Lord Shiva. (6) 9 & 6 ACROSS – Stretch one and fold the other in this asana that literally means knee to head. (4, 7) 11 & 15 ACROSS, 12 & 16 DOWN, 1 & 3 ACROSS – Literally, three part face to one leg back stretch! (7, 5, 3, 4, 9, 6) 13. See 16 ACROSS or 8 DOWN. 15. See 11 ACROSS. 16 & 3 ACROSS – Fold your hands behind your back in prayer for this standing side forward bend. (7, 6) 20 & 16 DOWN & 3 ACROSS – Spreading your legs wide apart, bend down into this intense hamstring stretch. (9, 4, 6)

DOWN 1 & 1 ACROSS & 3 ACROSS – Twisted or revolved seated forward bending asana with both legs stretched. (10, 9, 6) 2. See 16 DOWN. 3 & 20 ACROSS & 12 DOWN & 16 DOWN – Uttana Asana with raised leg. (6, 9, 3, 4) 5. A complex forward bend named after the sage who is believed to be the founder of Samkhya philosophy. Also, one of the thousand names of Lord Vishnu. (6) 8 & 13 DOWN – A seated forward bending asana with spread legs. (10, 4) 10. See 16 DOWN. 12. See 11 ACROSS. 14. A garland from a squat. (4) 16 & 3 ACROSS – Standing forward bending asana. (4, 6) 16 & 2 DOWN – Standing forward bending asana with hands under feet. (4, 5) 16 & 10 DOWN – Standing forward bending asana with big toes held by thumbs and first two fingers. (4, 9) 17. See 19 DOWN. 18. See 4 ACROSS. 19 & 17 DOWN – Bind your hands and feet in Padma Asana for this asana. (4, 5)

CROSSWORD SOLUTION ACROSS 1 Pashchima, 3. Uttana, 4. Supta, 6. Shirsha, 7. Skanda, 9. Janu, 11. Trianga, 13. Kona, 15. Mukha, 16. Parshva, 20. Prasarita DOWN 1. Parivritta, 2. Hasta, 3. Urdhva, 5. Kapila, 8. Upavishtha, 10.

Angushtha, 12. Eka, 14. Mala, 16. Pada, 17. Mudra, 18. Kurma, 19.

Yoga

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Yoga Teachers & Studios Pascale Aline Private & Corporate s: stress, anxiety and trauma with vinyasa, hatha, yoga Therapy l: English, French t: + 852 6770 0241 e: yoga@canterel.com

t: (852) 2813 2212 f: (852) 2813 2281 e: info@flexhk.com w: www.flexhk.com

Amico Studio

Ruko Simprug Gallery Jl. Teuku Nyak Arif No 10W Jakarta 12220, Indonesia s: Iyengar t:(62) 21 739 6904 e:info@iyengaryogaindonesia.com w: www.iyengaryogaindonesia.com

2-4/F, 167-169 Hennessy Rd Wanchai, Hong Kong s: Hot, Hatha, Ashtanga l: English, Cantonese t: (852) 2827 9233 e: studio@amico.com.hk w: www.amico.com.hk

Anahata Wellness Center fX Lifestyle X’nter 5/F, Jl. Jend Sudirman, Jakarta, Indonesia s: Hatha Iyengar, Sri Sri Yoga, Hatha, Kids, Yoga for Slimming, Asthanga, Pre-Natal, Yin, Sri Sri Yoga Slimming Program, Yoga Therapy, Gentle Yoga, Power, Yoga for couples, privates, corporates. Studio rental. l: Indonesian and English t: (62) 21 2555 4055 f: (62) 21 2555 4011 e: promo@ anahataresort.com w: www.anahatawellnes.com Tanya Boulton Privates s: vinyasa, core l: English t: (852) 6448 7310 w: www.tanya-b.com Kathy Cook Retreats, workshops, privates d: Hong Kong, Bali &Thailand s: Iyengar (Junior Intermediate) l: English t: (852) 6292 5440 / (62) 811 387781 e: kcinasia@gmail.com w: www.yogawithkathy.com Claire del Rosario Privates and Groups d: Hong Kong, Manila s: Anusara inspired, Ashtanga based, Yoga Therapy and Mantra Meditation l: English t: (852) 2881 0321 e: clairedelrosario@ymail.com

FLEX 1/F Woodleigh House, 80 Stanley Village Road, Stanley, Hong Kong s: Iyengar, Ashtanga, Hatha Vinyasa 46

IYENGAR YOGA CENTRE INDONESIA

IYENGAR YOGA CENTRE OF HONG KONG Room 406 New Victory House, 93- 103 Wing Lok St., Sheung Wan, Hong Kong s: Iyengar t: (852) 2541 0401 e: info@iyengaryoga hongkong.com w: www.iyengaryoga hongkong.com

IYENGAR YOGA CENTRE SINGAPORE 149B Neil Road Singapore 088875 s: Iyengar t:(65) 9052 3102 & 6220 4048 e:info@iyengaryogasingapore.com w: iyengaryogasingapore.com Hari Amrit Kaur (Kaldora) Privates, workshops d: Central, Discovery Bay s: Kundalini, Radiant Child Yoga l: English, Cantonese t: (852) 6428 5168 e: kaldora_lee@hotmail.com w: www.kundaliniyogahk.com Ming Lee Privates, workshops s: Iyengar Certified teacher l: English, Cantonese, Putonghua t: (852) 9188 1277 e: minglee@yogawithming.com

LIFE MANAGEMENT YOGA CENTRE Non-profit Classical Yoga School d: Tsim Sha Tsui s: Patanjali yoga, Kids yoga, Seniors yoga, Corporates l: English, Cantonese t: (852) 2191 9651 t: (852) 6349 0639 (Chinese)

e: life@yoga.org.hk w: www.yoga.org.hk Ursula Moser The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong, Yoga Central, LRC d: Central s: Iyengar Certified l: English, German t: (852) 2918 1798 / 9456 2149 e: umoser@netvigator.com Anna Ng Privates d: Hong Kong s: Hatha yoga l: Cantonese t: (852) 9483 1167 e: gazebofl@netvigator.com

PURE YOGA Hong Kong 16/F The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street 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 Road, 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

REAL YOGA 545 Orchard Road #08-01 Far East Shopping Centre Singapore s: Hatha, Power, Ashtanga and Gentle Yoga l: English t: (65) 6734 2853 e: contactus@realyoga.com.sg

KUNDALINI YOGA @ SHAKTI 3/F Waga Commercial Centre, 99 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong s: Kundalini & Svastha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga Meditation,

Reiki, Qigong t: (852) 2521 5099 e: info@shaktihealingcircle.com w: www.shaktihealingcircle.com Linda Shevloff The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong d: Sheung Wan s: Iyengar Certified (Senior Intermediate I) t: (852) 2541 0401 e: linda@ iyengaryogahongkong.com

SPACE YOGA 26 / F, 27 An-Ho Road, Section 1, Taipei 106, Taiwan s: Hatha, Ashtanga, Anusara Inspired, Flow, Yin, Restorative, Power, Hot, Meditation, Pranayama, Virya Sadhana, and Yoga Dance l: English, Mandarin t: (886) 2 2773.8108 e: info@withinspace.com w: www.withinspace.com

THE YOGA ROOM 3/F Xiu Ping Building, 104 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong s:Hatha, Ashtanga, Kids yoga, Meditation t: (852) 2544 8398 e: info@yogaroomhk.com w: www.yogaroomhk.com Wai-Ling Tse Freelance, Privates and Groups d: Hong Kong s: Sivananda certified, Hatha, Svastha Yoga, Anusara-inspired, Power, Hot, Yin, Pranayama and Meditation l: English, Cantonese t: (852) 9465 6461 e: wltse11@yahoo.com

YOGA CENTRAL 4/F Kai Kwong House, 13 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong s: Iyengar, Hatha Vinyasa, Acroyoga, Mat-based Pilates, Privates, Corporate and Studio rental available. t: (852) 2982 4308 e: yogacentralhk@yahoo.com w: www.yogacentral.com.hk

Wan our de antt y your dettails lis e? listted her here It’s HK$500 per teacher and HK$1,000 per studio for the rest of the year. Contact Carol@caroladams.com

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