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ISSUE NUMBER 18
SPRING 2011
IYENGAR YOGA NEWS
The magazine of the Iyengar Yoga Association of the United Kingdom
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IYENGAR YOGA
ASSOCIATION (UK) ®
www.iyengaryoga.org.uk
I YENGA R YOGA NE W S EDITORIAL
President: Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar
I ssu e No .1 8 Sp ri ng 2 01 1
Welcome to the Spring 2011 issue of Iyengar Yoga News. In this magazine, we have printed the penultimate part of Mr Iyengar’s commentary on Patanjali, and an article by Kofi Busia on Gurus and Learning. Judi Sweeting has provided another excellent guide to asanas.
There are still some places available for this year’s Convention with Jawahar Bangera in Glasgow. You can use the pull-out application form to apply by post, or you can get a £5 discount by applying online at our website: iyengaryoga.org.uk.
As always, we are keen to receive letters, articles, reports or photos from our readers. The deadline for the Autumn 2011 issue is 1 July 2011. We hope that you enjoy reading this issue. Lakeside Yoga for Bellur
To mark the occasion of Guruji's 92nd birthday, and to raise funds for The Bellur Trust, on Tuesday 14 December the East Clare Yoga Centre hosted an outdoor yoga class in sub-zero temperatures on the edge of Ireland's third largest lake, Lough Derg. A second class was also taught indoors later that day and a group of over 30 students then got together to enjoy a lovely meal at the local Thai restaurant. Over €400 was raised for Bellur on the day. Pictures of the event are shown on the back cover of this edition.
IYA (UK) contacts
Katie Owens: Membership and Office Manager Telephone: 07510 326 997 email: katie@iyengaryoga.org.uk Address: IYA (UK), PO Box 4730, Sheffield S8 2HE Jess Wallwork: Finance and Bookings Administrator Telephone: 07757 463 767 email: jess@iyengaryoga.org.uk Address: 15 West Grove, Bristol BS6 5LS Jo Duffin: Assessments and Communications Officer Telephone: 07795 443 375 email: jo@iyengaryoga.org.uk Address: PO BOX 235, Royston SG8 1BU
Editorial Board: John Cotgreave, Philippe Harari, Judith Jones, Lucy Osman, Tehira Taylor Layout & Design: Lucy Osman Articles to: editor@iyengaryoga.org.uk Copy deadline 1 July 2011 Advertising: John Cotgreave jbcotgreave@hotmail.co.uk IYA Office: admin@iyengaryoga.org.uk Printed by: Blueprint Press, Cambridge, on paper made using wood from sustainable forests and without the use of chlorine ® used with permission of BKS Iyengar, Trade Mark owner
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Features 2. 7. 8. 12. 17. 21. 25. 26. 28.
Mr Iyengar’s Commentary on Patanjali Bellur Trust: It is all in the Soil Guruji Iyengar: Gurus and Learning Asana - Guruji 1988 Asana - Geetaji 2008 IYA (UK) Annual Convention Book Reviews Garth McLean’s visit to High Wycombe June 2010 When will there be an IYA (UK) convention near me?
Member Information 30. 32. 34. 35. 38.
IYA (UK) Reports Professional Development Days Teacher Trainers Assessment Passes Institutes and Events
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Mr. Iyengar’s Commentary on Patanjali Part II of III: Sadhana Pada The following is part II of Mr. Iyengar's address on Patanjali\Yoga Sutras, given at the lyengar Yoga Institute in London, July 15, 1990. The address first appeared in Dipika, Journal of the Iyengar Institute (No. 24, January 1993), London, England. It included an introduction, entitled "Pearls of Wisdom," and a commentary on each chapter of the Sutras, in which Patanjali describes the diffirent paths that characterise yogic ascendance to Samadhi’. SADHANA PADA The Klesas Patanjali begins Sadhana Pada with the Klesas - the pains: Avidya, asmita, raga, dvesa, abinivesah klesah.
Again, his subject is what to do when meditation fails. It is in this second chapter that he states the cause of pain. The cause of pain is Drastr drsayoh sanyogah ( I I . 17) - the coming together of the seer (purusa) and the seen (prakrti). So, he says, do not allow the core of being to come in contact with prakrti. This is a supreme philosophical statement. It may remind you of the sayings of Krishnamurti. Like him Patanjali says, "Do not get involved. If you keep away from contact with the world, you are free from pains and sorrows - physical, mental or spiritual."
But Patanjali does not stop there. He goes on to explain the origins of this attachment; how both evil actions and good actions in past lives react in this life. Here, in chapter II, he is drawing on Samkhya philosophy. Samkhya philosophy states that the contact of purusa with prakrti is the origin of pain, and similarly it states that the impressions of present actions determine a man’s
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future (the difference is that in Sambhya, unlike Yoga, there is no God). However, both systems state that a man's future is entirely his own responsibility. You sow the seeds of your future lives. You cannot blame God.
So, Pataniali says, since your life is moulded by the impressions of past actions, you must correct and develop yourself so that you are not trapped by these past impressions. Do you see how clear this exposition is? You are responsible for future karmas, so begin to build favourable karmas now!
Then he turns to the level of practice. He says that the vehicles and instruments of the soul (the organs of action, organs of perception, intelligence, mind and consciousness) are all there to help the seer (the purusa) to come to an understanding of himself. These objects are there in order that the seer can progress. This is known s the evolutory path, the way of evolution. These coverings of the seer are there for the seer to progress towards transcendence and as long as that progress continues they are aids, not hindrances. This is explained fully in the fourth chapter, Kaivalya Pada. Here in the second chapter he gives the seed of that explanation, that you should cultivate yourself by using the organs of action and perception, the mind and intelligence to bring the seer to see the true light and true knowledge. Why does he say that the seer must see? Because the seer may be caught again.
The citta continually drags the seer towards the external world. So although these instruments are there to serve the seer who is the Lord, unfortunately the Lord serves them. That is what is happening in the world, in day to day life, is it
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not? But Patanjali shows how to train these elements so that you do not get caught. Through yogic discipline one gains command of them.
Controlling the Senses Then Pataniali expiains the method of gaining control. Just as the Pranayama texts tell you to tame the breath as you would tame a tiger, so Patanjali says to tame your senses by Yama, Niyana, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. The Yamas tame the organs of action. As you know, they are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacarya and Aparigraha (non-violence, truthfulness, nonstealing, chastity and freedom from greed for unnecessary possessions.) These are all connected to the organs of action. Suppose your mind tells you, "I want to hit this man." "I want to kill this man." It says such things often but if your hands and legs refuse to move, can you kill him? If you want to tell a lie but you keep your mouth closed, can you do it? So Patanjali beings with the peripheral body for dull and average practitioners.
Next, the Niyamas - Sauca, Santosa,Tapas, Svadhyaya and Isvara pranidhana are concerned with the inner body. Sauca means cleanliness, but this is not just a question of taking a bath. The asanas are practised because they give an internal bath through circulation; they purify the inner cells of the body. You may take a bath and clean the skin, but what about inside? We are all fighting pollution in the atmosphere, but what about pollution of the internal environment? How do we discharge those impurities?
Sauca means that both the internal and external environments should be purified and made Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
congenial. Second, Santosa, happiness, and third Tapas, austerity are primarily concerned with internal controls. Svadhyaya - the study of the self - entails joining the soul to the body and the body to the soul; this too is accomplished through the medium of the Jnanendriyas (the senses of perception). Just as the mind is the connecting medium between the external body and the internal body, so the senses of perception are the medium beween the external body and the mind.
The brain is the central nervous system, while the autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems which are controlled by the central nervous system, and the peripheral nerves which are controlled by the skin. That is how drugs affect people: first they feel the effects on the skin; only later does the brain react, the triggering takes place on the skin. So the yogi learns to get the same feelings naturally. Sauca controls the peripheral nerves, Santosa the autonomous nervous system and Tapas, Svadhyaya and lastly, Isvara pranidhana (surrender to God) affect the central nervous sytem. So Patanjali moves on from physical happiness and mental poise to the central body. The autonomic nervous sysrem is semi-voluntary but only a person who has achieved complete mind restraint is capable of directly controlling the central nervous sytem which is normally involuntary. That is how yogis are able to stop the heart and to stop all brain function.
Asana and the Cellular System So the Jnanendriyas are cleansed by Niyama. But the cellular system must be attended to because
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the physiological body is the medium linking the skeletal body and the mental body. Unless we discover for ourselves these links we cannot properly study yoga. When you gain control of the peripheral nerves through the senses of action and perception there are sudden changes; there is a "jump forward" in the human system and unless the cellular system is healthy, illness will follow. The cells must be made healthy.
Let me illustrate this by referring to a few of the asanas. When you do Trikonasana and both legs are stretched, you stretch the cells towards the feet (if you connect all the links within the movement of the pose). That means that the energy is moving from the upper body to the lower body. However, when you do Parsvakonasana, you bend your knees and then the cells are moved upwards from the lower legs. So there is a circulation upwards. In Trikonasana you direct the circulation down in both knees; you cannot suck up. You can stretch the fibres but you will not feel the blood moving upwards. But in Parsvakonasana you will observe that the blood flows to the knee and from the bottom foot it flows also to the knee. Haven’t you felt it? This is a very difficult subject! Even the doctors do not understand what happens unless I explain it!
Now then, next, if you observe in Virabhradrasana I, the blood circulation is from the bottom of the knee towards the pelvis. In Parsvakonasana, when you bend the knee, you can see the blood flowing forwards. But the moment you change to Virabhradrasana you can see the blood flowing backwards. In this way, by the correct performance of a range of asanas, the entire leg must be cleansed. In order to do this I have to first find out how to move the blood in these different areas by feeling the warmth generated by the circulation. In Parsvakonasana if you feel the warmth in the outer leg but not in the inner leg, then the circulation is happening only on the outside and not on the inside. When the circulation is balanced on the inside as well as on the outside then that means a healthy pose. That
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is cleanliness, that is sauca. Otherwise the blood does not reach the flesh; the inner leg cells do not receive nutrients and they die; only the outer cells are healthy.
So when by your own conscious effort and attentiveness the blood is supplied evenly throughout the body, then the cells are healthy. In one of the Upanishads they say ratna puritadhatu which means that the quality of the blood is so good that it is equal to a pearl. They have not used the word pakta, blood, but ratna, a jewel. So the quality of your blood should be brought to the level of a jewel. And that is the effect of the asanas, which build the cellular svstem to such an extent that the body can take care of itself - the mind cannot enter it.
Now take the example of AIDS. This is important here because research has shown that the cellular system possesses its own intelligence, its own memory. It does not work from the dictates of the brain. That has been proved. So, similarly, it follows that yogic science can work directly on those parts without the use of the mind and that as long as the practice of asanas is continued the cells will look after themselves. That is another reason why Patanjali says not to discontinue your practice. Even if you have experienced Samadhi you may fall from that state of grace. That state, avastha, becomes an anavastha. Those modern yogis who say, "Oh I have experienced such and such so this practice is no longer required," but who can barely stand, let alone walk, they have nothing to teach. Where is their health? They have neglected their practice and lost their power. Master of Asana before Pranayama Then, in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, there are the eight parts of yoga: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. They are not steps to be carried out chronologically so that once you have mastered one you forget it and carry on to the next one. The only sequence that Patanjali indicates, like the writer of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, is that Asana
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comes before Pranayama. He says that when the mastery of effort ceases (11.47), then he says that the dualities within the body-mind and the mind and soul disappear (11.48). It is only then that Pranayama can proceed. (1 1.49) Tasmin sati svasa-prasvasay-oh gativicchedah pranayamah.
Having achieved this (perfection of Asana) the regulation of inhalation, exhalation and retention (is to be practised). This is Pranayama. " Many underestimate the meaning of these sutras. They see sutra 11.47 and translate it as "any comfortable pose is enough and you may go ahead." But that sutra, Prayatna saithilyanantasamapatti bhyam, means that when the effort ceases the mind becomes one with the soul, and it rests in that timeless state which is the soul. You must experience that state in an asana to understand this meaning. When the asana is mastered the effort becomes effortless and then the pose becomes sthira (stable) and sukha (pleasant). You should understand this way and experience it. This applies to any asana.
(III.47) Rupa lavanya bala vajra samhananatvani kaya sampat Beauty, grace, strength and adamantine will power constitute the perfection of the body. These are the effects, the fruits of asana practice, the qualities gained from the mastery of the asana. If you just sit in any comfortable pose is there any beauty, grace or strength in it? This is Patanjali terminology, not mine! And yet our yogis speak in the name of Patanjali, and this hurts me.
...attachment then leads to hatred and pain. Patanjali describes the process but how do we avoid attachment in the first place? We must develop equipoise of mind.
Do you see how yet again the real meaning of the sutras is so commonly distorted? People do not study Patanjali or the subject thoroughly. Can they quote from Patanjali? No, but I can. They may sit five minutes in one pose, then five minutes in another, but can they give the effects of the asana? They overlook the true significance of this important sutra which describes the effects of correct asana practice. Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
Pranayama So when the cellular system has been cleansed and nervous system purified, the breath can then pass through the channels without obstruction. This is why Patanjali has said, tasmin sati svasa-prasvasayoh gativicchedah pranayamah. Here is the only ladder in the practice of the eight aspects given in the Yoga Sutras. He does not say that you have to practise Yama, then Niyama and then Asana, absolutely not; he says only that Pranayama should be practised after the mastery of Asana.
Many commentators say that Patanjali explains very little about Pranayama and that it is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika that describes it. But let us examine what Patanjali actually says. First he describes the aspects that we all know, Puraka (inhalation), Rechaka (exhalation), Puraka kumbhaka (inhalation retention) and Rechaka kumbhaka (exhalation retention). What is the connecting link between Puraka and Rechaka? It is kumbhaka. Patanjali does not use the word because, as a grammarian, he is aiming for condensed language; however he deals with all these phrases of Pranayama in one sutra (11.50).
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This brevity makes it difficult for us to penetrate its meaning.
The kumbhaka he describes here is Shira kumbhaka which I have explained in depth in my book on Pranayama. Then he explains that there is a second type of Pranayama in which the mind becomes absorbed. (The Hatha Yoga texts call this Kevala kumbhaka.) In this state you are not aware of the breath. It is like when you are by the ocean as the sun is setting and you become absorbed in the vision of beauty. At such a time you do not know if you have inhaled or exhaled or retained the breath. This is unconscious kumbhaka. This kumbaka is non-deliberate and unintended. Patanjali calls this the fourth type of kumbhaka.
Then he continues in 1 l.52 to say that when the first four aspects of yoga are mastered, then the clouds which cover the mind and brain - the doubts and confusions we all know so well these are dissolved by Pranayama. At that time, the next sutra says, the mind becomes cultivated and is fit for concentration (Dharanasu ca yogyata manasah, lI.53). This is achieved through Pranayama and Pratyahara, freeing the mind from the senses of action and perception (Il.54).
So the first sutra speaks of guna vrtti nirodha, which is character building or the effort to restrain the individual's wavering conduct which depends on Yama and Niyama. Snaya vrtti nirodha is the effort through Pranayama to control the cellular system which is noncognisable and noncognisable pains. The noncognisable pains are within the cellular system. Thus, cancer cannot be diagnosed immediately. AIDS cannot be diagnosed quickly because the disease is inside and has a long incubation period. It remains adrsta, unseen. So at the time the sufferer feels fine, appears happy because the sickness is hidden. It has not yet come to the surface. So they say it is non-cognisable and nonpainful. But the moment it surfaces, it becomes painful. That is why snaya vrtti nirodha is required so that non-cognisable diseases may be controlled at the cellular level through the culture of the cells.
To be continued in the next issue.
Now you can see the gap in understanding today. At the end of the second chapter Patanjali shows how the mind becomes ready for meditation when Pranayama and Pratyahara are practised. Having learned the control of organs of action and the senses of perception through Yama and Niyama, and the cognisable and non-cognisable pains having been silenced by Pranayama, now the mind should be controlled by Pratyahara so that it becomes completely detached from the bridge, the Jnanendriyas. The mind is the eleventh sense, an inner sense, the antara indriya. Up to Pranayama it's the reverse journey, the evolutionary method which goes from the self towards the periphery. With Pratyahara begins the involutionary method, the inner journey, from the periphery towards the Self, the soul. 6
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Bellur Trust It is all in the Soil
Ramamani Sundararaja Iyengar High School
It has been more than ten years since Guruji expressed his desire to take yoga to the villages in India starting with Bellur, his own birthplace. He said he owed something to the soil where he was born. As a first step, the Bellur Krishnamachar Seshamma Smaraka Nidhi Trust was formed.
The Trust has provided education and healthcare to the villagers, financing the building and running of both a secondary school and a hospital where several medical camps have been held. Both of these facilities serve not only Bellur, but also the whole surrounding district. Also of course, the children are taught yoga. Eight children won the district level yoga competition and will now take part in the state level competition. The education provided by the school has started reaping its rewards. Five of the students who sat the higher certificate examination gained distinctions and have secured places in engineering colleges in Bangalore; this is a significant achievement considering the competition for places at these colleges. Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
The IYA (UK) has arranged for thousands of pounds to be sent to the Bellur Trust over the years. Most of this has been collected and donated by our members who can be assured the every single penny raised goes to the Trust. We have recently sent around £7000 to the Trust, £1000 of which was a birthday gift from the IYA (UK) to Guruji. If you would like to read more information about Bellur, please go to our website at:www.iyengaryoga.org.uk/about-iyauk/bellur-trust. If you would like to make a donation to this worthy charity, please send it to our finance administrator (cheques made payable to ‘IYA (UK)’, Jess Wallwork, at 15 West Grove, Bristol BS6 5LS. We have been asked to collect money raised in the UK and send it all in one lump sum rather than lots of people sending individual donations to Pune themselves.
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Guruji Iyengar: Gurus and Learning by Kofi Busia
When I was first asked to write about my Guru for another publication, my immediate impulse was to refuse politely. Because of my family circumstances I have been unable to study with him at his Institute in Pune for some time. I thought the editors would be better served if another of his numerous students, preferably someone who had seen him and studied with him more recently and frequently, took on the task. Such a person would certainly know him and his teachings better than I. But when the editors of that publication set out their criteria, I realised that this was in fact something I could do. “Learning”, in yoga, is, after all, about something rather more than what takes place in the classroom, or in the teacher’s physical presence, or in the instructions he or she gives.
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It occurs as the teacher enters into the heart, mind and being of the student. It is about the way in which the student’s life is changed through contact with the teacher. And that, I realised, was a subject I could speak on.
On my first visit to the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune, I was handed a booklet about the Institute and its mission. In it was a translation of a celebrated chapter from the Taittiriya Upanishad. It is often chanted at schools and universities at the completion of a course of study. It was one of the first things I wanted to learn to chant once I had decided I wanted to study the Sanskrit language.
The Taittiriya Upanishad describes the different kinds of happiness enjoyed by the different kinds of beings. It is divided into three sections or vallis. Shiksha is the first of the six Vedangas or “limbs” of the Vedas and is discussed in one of the three sections of the Taittiriya. It deals with phonetics and pronunciation. But the true
impact of something said or taught goes far beyond the mere words spoken or lessons imparted. These can resonate and reverberate within us for decades. The piece I saw in Guruji’s booklet was taken from Shikshavalli. Although supposedly concerned with phonetics and pronunciation, it is, of course, about rather more.
The study of what happens when phonemes and words come together to make sentences is called ‘sandhi’ and is an important part of Sanskrit. But sandhi also refers to the conjunction between the teacher and the student … and to the vidya or transfer of knowledge that arises from that contact. Sandhi, therefore, does not refer merely to the more secular aspect of education through books and lessons. It also refers to the inner - the spiritual - education that characterises the Vedic tradition of learning. It refers to the creation of a concordance in being between, body, mind, heart and soul. Shikshavalli therefore discusses the values and precepts by which both teachers and their students should live. The three sections or vallis in the Taittiriya Upanishad are divided into a series of lessons,
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each making up an anuvaka or chapter. What I saw in the booklet that Guruji gave me that first time I went to his Institute was “Anuvaka XI” from Shikshavalli. It is a set of instructions that the teacher, or acharya, gives to the student, or shishya, at graduation. Taken together, Anuvakas IX and XI set out the ideal life. They declare that while the teachings may appear, on paper at least, to at last be over, their significance and true impact has only just begun. As with the other Upanishads, therefore, the Taittiriya is concerned with a series of deeper teachings and explanations. It tries to shed light on those deeper and more extended realities. The chant I received from my beloved Guru begins by saying that once the teacher has taught what is on the curriculum, the students are then drawn close and told that in actuality their education is far from over. They must now set off on the path to a fuller understanding for there is a much deeper secret yet to be learned.
The third verse is quite short. It has four parts and begins by saying: “Become one who treats the mother as divine”. But who is this mother? She is in many ways the only teacher we will ever have or need. She provides us with the appropriate nourishment when we require it. It can be found in the sacred texts, mantras, prayers, and proverbs and aphorisms all around us as
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we heed, understand, and apply them. They provide nourishment for the hungry inner being. They are guides to our conduct and give us instructions for our fuller development. What other kind of being is there? Have we not received, from this Divine Mother, the vessel in which we exist and from which we can appreciate her immensity and vastness? Have we not also received this whole world in
which she can be seen and imbibed everywhere? This is the mother.
And then there are the famous three mothers, the goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati and Annapurna. Lakshmi gives us all our wealth - everything we need so we can do whatever is truly in our heart and soul. The everserene Saraswati brings that
inner light that heralds the coming of understanding and the arrival of true knowledge, whether it concerns the sacred or the mundane. And as is her consort Shiva, Annapurna is many-faceted. When she is called Annapurna, she gives us that sense of being nourished and sustained by whatever we receive. When she is called Durga, she gives us strength so we can defeat laziness, temptation, and the rest. When she is Kali she protects us from evil. We are all too prone to forgetting this Divine Mother who takes these many shapes, who is always with us, and who always guides and supports us. We are now exhorted to remember her and extol her divinity. To remember her constantly is to be educated. As Guruji teaches: “the body is my temple; asanas are my prayers”. This is how we can remember the mother who is divine.
The third verse continues by saying “Become one who treats the father as divine”. But who is this father? Every day, the sun rises … and sets. That is the father. Sometimes the sun shines, the breezes are soft, and the trees murmur pleasantly. But on other days the sun can be so hot we become dangerously parched; or else the rains are so interminable we think the Second Flood is nigh while the winds uproot the trees and we become fearful and without hope. That is the father.
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And in every location on this earth, there is one season in which the young are born and life is re-invigorated … and another in which life draws into itself and retrenches. That is again the father.
When all our learning is over, we should understand that as students, we may very soon be tested on the true content. The only thing that can prepare us is to make sure the seed has been planted, and to place the resulting seedling in the light of the sun within … which is again the father. The sacred and secret knowledge contained in the teachings must now germinate and flower. But it must do so in that treacherous soil called the mind which so easily creates night, winter and illusions. Our knowledge must be nurtured by our inner light or the seedling will remain stunted, and will never emerge from the endless night and blight of the mind with its playground of thoughts and emotions. A disturbed mind cannot reflect the light. It cannot see or think clearly because it is easily ruffled and makes poor choices … and so the cycle continues. Our lessons can only become our shining beacons of truth when foolishness and habit are held in check, and when our lessons are cultivated by our sustained efforts. That is the father who is within and who is divine. 10
I once spent the day with Guruji in London. He was staying at the Institute named after him. I dropped him off late that evening and drove 70 miles to my own home. The next morning, I was back. My friend who had stayed there with him, and who had slept the night in the Institute’s asana room, told
me that something had awoken him at three in the morning. He had stirred to see Guruji already up and busy practising janu sirshasana (a forward bend) beside him.
The sun rises and the sun sets. Before it completes a cycle, Guruji practices. Through such consistency in being the mind becomes clear. It can then easily reflect the light within. To know any one thing supremely well requires deep concentration. To dwell with it is a profound meditation which purges the mind. It is to become free from the oscillation between dualities such as day-night, wintersummer. It is to learn, and to understand, more and more easily. The ability to practice is the ability to come to know the
one thing well. It is the ability to know the father who is within, and who leads us to the light that is within … and who should therefore be treated as divine.
The third of the four parts of this verse says: “Become one who treats the teacher as divine”. And who is this teacher? The instructions given in Shikshavalli are simple. Although we are told to show gratitude to all our teachers, the ultimate teacher is the one who guides us to the realisation of the two most important lessons in life. They are stated in the previous verse as ‘satyam vada, dharmam cara’ or ‘proclaim the Truth; follow Dharma”.
The ultimate goal of life is emancipation - to be free from samsara, the great wheel of birth and being. In order to attain that we must do something about our samskaras - our collective impressions and habits. They determine how we perceive and interact with the world. In determining our inner nature these samskaras determine the degree of our bondage to samsara. Since these samskaras, or habits, that bind us to samsara, the cycle of births, can be favourable or unfavourable, we must first learn to cultivate the favourable ones that free us, and jettison the unfavourable ones that bind us. This requires a good sense of discrimination. That is the teaching.
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When we have learned enough discrimination to sift out the favourable and the liberating, and to discard the unfavourable and the limiting, then we can learn to hold fast to “the good ones”. And we follow them not because they are “good”, or “pleasurable”, or “liberating”, but simply because they have become the self-evident truths we proclaim and act on irrespective of all else - and certainly irrespective of all supposed consequences. When that happens, then the various commandments and ordinances enshrined in our lessons have truly taken root. They have become such an intrinsic part of our nature that we no longer need to consult Shikshavalli or any other text. We are living in complete accord with the precepts we once read about, and were taught, but that had yet to flower. That is the teaching, and the one who teaches us this is the teacher. We are then living in full accord with the precepts that inculcate dharma. We have become spiritual beings fulfilling the true goal in life. And this is the tree of yoga. This is the light on yoga. This is the light on pranayama. This is the light on life. That is the teaching. And that is the teacher who is to be treated as divine. The fourth and final part of this verse says: “Become one who treats the guest as divine”. And who is this guest? The Sanskrit word ‘atithi’ implies a person whose time of arrival is unknown. And on my
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first visit to Guruji’s Institute, I was held up by the rains. When I at last got there it was 1:00am, I was soaking wet, and I had nowhere to go. So I settled down in the pouring rain to wait outside the gate until dawn. But long before that, Guruji saw me. He stirred the household to grant me entry. In spite of the inconvenient hour I was welcomed so warmly I knew this place was my home and that I was always welcome to return … which I did many times. I know I am still welcome there.
The moment at which the guest may arrive may be unknown, but there is something we can know. We can know how we will conduct ourselves. We can know that whatever the hour or circumstance the guest will be made welcome. We can know that we will behave, towards the guest, as we have been taught to at all times behave. And we will behave in that way because we have already learned to see what
is within them … and to see what is within us. Whenever we pray, hope fervently, go to the temple, chant a mantra, or light incense under a picture of our favourite deity, we are asking an honoured guest to come visit us and enter into our hearts. But only we can make that possible and true. Every close friend was at one time a stranger. We made what occurred possible and true. The skill of ahimsa, of nonviolence, is to turn the prickly stranger into the honoured guest who feels the deep kinship we have for them deep in our being. This is the guest who we welcome and who we implore to take residence within. This is the guest who can arrive at any time and who can and does - take any form. Guests should always be offered three things: welcoming words, an honoured place to sit, and something to nurture and refresh them so they feel at home. These should all be offered from within us. The person to whom they are offered is the guest who is divine. The person who can make us remember to do these things is the guest who is divine. And the person who offers such a seat and such a welcome is also the guest who is divine. And these few lessons that can be so hard to remember are but a vanishingly small part of what I was given by, and what I learned from, my Beloved Guru, Sri B. K. S. Iyengar, whom I honour, revere and salute and to whom there simply are not enough thanks I can give.
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Asana - Guruji 1988
In 1988 Guruji taught an Intensive Course at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune. These notes were taken at that time and I recommend you use them as the basis for your practice, they are transforming and they work! Then take the same focus into the following article “Geetaji 2008”and you will experience the cohesion of Iyengar Yoga across the span of 20 years. When I return from one of my many visits to Pune, I am often asked, “what’s changed?” I say, “nothing has changed, simply the group of people in front of the Iyengars are new and they will be taught what they are lacking!”
I am the model for these two articles, Tig and Toby will return! I am a 66-year-old woman, and I have to approach my practice with “maturity” rather than “youthful exuberance”! I look at my own photos and criticise every single one, after 36 years the learning continues, the pain is felt but where would I be without Iyengar Yoga! – Judi Sweeting
Adho Mukha Svanasana
In the pose Observe, are your elbows straight? Which elbow is strong? Which outer hip is moving up? Which is not moving? The bottom outer corners of the back knees – the head of the calf muscles – many of you cannot stretch this area at all. So, all of you increase one inch distance – one foot away from the arms. The middle heel skin and middle heel bones touching the ground without losing the grip of the big toes. The pressure of the outer sole skin of the bottom edges of the big toes should synchronise with the pressure of the heels. Then retaining that firm grip on the outer edges of the bottom soles of the big toes can you hit your elbows to the mount of the big toes? Can you keep the oneness of the arm stretch with the mounts of the outer toes? How many of you without disturbing the diaphragm, can spread the diaphragm? From the outer edges of the diaphragm can you do the dog pose, so that the middle and outer edges of the diaphragm run in one straight line?
In the pose again From the pit of the knees to the neck of the shins, the outer sides hit out. Now without taking that part in, can you draw a straight line from the knees to the calves? Watch the outer knees – like the lids of the knees, your inner shoulders become thin, and long. Observe there. Those who cannot stretch the outer knees cannot stretch the arms at all. To open you have to use the pressure of your biceps for the outer knees to open With forearms you can open the shins.
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Again Strong edge of the thumbs means a better stretch of the shoulders. If the thumbs are loose, the shoulders are loose. You have to scrub the mat with the inner edge of the toes. When you are doing the pose the outer edges become the inner, and the inner become the outer. You have to control so that the outer big toes and inner big toes do not waver, then you will reach the centre. Your buttock bone should be pushed back in order to hit the weight more and more on that line of the big toes.
Mr. Iyengar said, “You all stretch strong bodies, not subtle bodies. You should go from the skin not the flesh. Stretch the outer heel skin back more and more, extend, and then broaden the plate of the heel for it to go down�.
Now after pressing the heels, can you hit the muscles of the inner and outer shins back in order to lengthen the ligaments from the middle back knees up to the thigh muscles.The deltoids should move towards the shoulder blades in order to open the ligaments.
In the pose again What action you get in Uttanasana is intensified in Adho Mukha Svanasana because of the angular leg position. From the armpits the latissimus dorsi muscles should move up to the lower back muscles. Your arms should be connected to your sacral muscles. That is the art of stretching the arms.
Once more Move the outer latissimus dorsi in. Move the triceps in. Move the trapeziums into the body. If the latissimus dorsi muscles do not go into the body, take the wrists slightly away from each other. If the wrists are slightly angular to the elbows, the elbows stretch straight like arrows. Then when the latissimus dorsi muscles go in, bring the wrists nearer. From your head to hips the mind should be as one unit.
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Uttanasana Start in Tadasana; take feet apart (wide if stiff). In the pose Holding the ankles, observe how to bring the weight directly onto the centre of the heels. Use the grip on the ankles to turn the ankles in the correct manner. Top inner skin in line with the bottom skin. Learn to adjust to get them parallel. Raise the toes and bring the weight to the soles more and more. Bring the centre groin in line with the outer groin. The more you lift the outer top corner of the knees the better the pose.
In the pose again Bring the body down from the bottom pelvic girdle. Watch the inner and outer ligaments of the knees. Can you connect the outer corners of the ligaments with the buttock bones? Raise the toes and bring the buttocks nearer the soles then place the toes down again. In the pose again Catch your ankles; hit the back middle thighs out more and more. The more you open the back and the front thighs parallel and outwards, the more the sockets move in. The bottom sockets should be sucked in more by hitting the outer corners out more and more. Observe how the outer skin of the waist becomes thin. Come up.
In the pose again Same rolling in of the head of the pelvis. Outer edges of the head of the femurs revolving in towards the middle centres only. Outer shins hit out. Tadasana feet. Inner top corners of calf muscles straight and lengthening. Mr. Iyengar demonstrated how to go from the gross pose to the finer pose.
In the pose again Hold the ankles. Your fingers have to catch evenly both ankles. Grip and go in. So from the gross to the finer points. Observe your ankles. See whether you have done the finer points or not.
Your index finger pressure will tell you. If the index fingers press down, that is a gross action. Without moving the index fingers up, if the energy is moving up you are gripping very well!
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In the pose again Now the armpit skin should move to the elbows. Is the pressure on all fingers the same when you are gripping? The fingers should go into the legs. Now bring the skin of the armpits down. Mr. Iyengar demonstrated bending of the knees to show the lengthening of the waist and back chest. In the pose again Bend your knees and lower your waist, so that the entire lower frontal waist, the sides of the waist are exactly in line with the middle inner legs. Then do not let the waist go up, if it moves up you have lost the pose. If you lose the pose, bring your chest onto the middle of your legs again by bending your knees. Let the outer sides of the chest dig in, without disturbing the skin upwards. Keep in contact with your legs and stretch the legs straight. Quadriceps muscles only to go up.
In the pose again Bend the knees again, do the pose again of Uttanasana. With your fingers know how everything wants to go down, only the legs move up. Move the legs straighter and straighter, see how the fontal waist skin still wants to go up.
In the pose again From the frontal arches the skin of the mounts on the bottom of the feet should roll towards the epics of the soles. From the base of the soles you have to broaden the ballpoints horizontally and vertically, so go on stretching and stamping the heels down. Now after straight Uttanasana, question yourself, “Am I on the back edge of the heels or the middle of the heels?” If you are not on the middle of the heels your buttocks have gone back. Can you sway the body for the weight to come onto the middle of the heels? At that time the shin muscles go back. Mr. Iyengar demonstrated how to divide the skin on the legs to balance exactly on the feet.
In the pose again Balance the bottom ligaments to the top ligaments, so they are parallel to each other. Mr. Iyengar said, “You have to create a principle to not vary from the correctness and exactness of any pose. So if in one pose, you oscillate, you are not obeying the principal”. The top outer ligaments should go in, or you will not be doing in Tadasana. After this work, Mr. Iyengar taught Uttanasana with the feet and legs together. Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
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Parsvottasana -
from Uttanasana
(Right side - Fingers on the floor) Take the left foot back in line with the heel of the right foot. Outer heel of the left on the same line as the right heel. The outer edge of the right big toe and the inner edge of the left big toe in the same line.
In the pose Stamping the left heel, open the backs of the knees more. The head of the top knees should hit the frontal thighs more. Left side (from Uttanasana – fingers on the floor) Take the right foot back in line with the heel of the left foot.
In the pose Ascend the inner plate of the right ankle as the head goes down.
Prasarita Padottanasana From Tadasana – Jump the feet 5 feet apart. Bring the head down.
In the pose The outer buttock bones should have the pressure. The outer sockets of the legs in line with the inner sockets of the legs. Turn the middle groin half back, half forwards. The front groin should be in line with the back groin. When the head goes down, the entire quadriceps muscles go up to make the groin go up.
Again Watch the inner surfaces of the heels. Watch the inner surfaces of the knees. Feet parallel, inner ankles higher. Bring the outer knees forward. The inner knees move to the outer knees. Do not allow the ligaments to go in. Move the centre groin up as the head goes down. Inner calf muscles back, quadriceps muscles out. Inner kneecaps out without disturbing the ankles. Come up. 16
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Asana - Geetaji 2008
In classes at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, we always sit for “the prayers” – the Invocation to the Lord Patanjali. The asanas start with Adho Mukha Virasana, followed by Adho Mukha Svanasana and Uttanasana, sometimes Prasarita Padottanasana follows as well as Parsvottanasana. As a special treat I am sharing with you a class taught by Geetaji on the 2nd February 2008 where the detail of the asana taught by Guruji in 1988 may be applied.
The Iyengars teach energetically, positively and directly with tremendous vibrancy, so practice and remember what Guruji said, “You have to create a principle to not vary from the correctness and exactness of any pose”.
Adho Mukha Virasana
Buttocks lengthen to the leg side. Lift and lengthen the sternum and take the head down.
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Lift through the arms, be stong there, so weight is not on the arm side.
Uttanasana (feet wide)
Broaden the backs of the thighs wide to the outer mat, hands down, then a. Hold ankles
b. Hold big toes, concave the spine, like Padangusthasana concave action – look up.
c. Hands under feet, look up, Padahastasana concave action.
Release hands to sides of feet, head down, Uttanasana.
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Prasarita Padottanasana
Take the feet wide. Take arms to Urdhva Hastasana.
Lift side body well, extend forward to horizontal spine, arms maintaining Urdhva Hastasana.
Hands to floor, come to concave action, look up. The head down. Repeated again as some needed to spread their legs wider.
Tadasana and Paschimar Namaskarasana
Tadasana: Come to Paschimar Namaskarasana. Shoulderblades in, trapeziums down. Thighs back. Repeat and bend the knees, roll thighs in, as if going for Utkatasana – tailbone inside and get lumbar length. Keep the length when straightening the legs.
Sirsasana Go to the pose. Tadasana feet and legs, little toes down, femurs firm. Press down the forearms, lift the shoulders. Come down – change the interlock of the hands and go back to Sirsasana. Come down via Urdhva Dandasana with control.
Adho Mukha Virasana 18
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Standing Asana – All To The Left Side First
Utthita Trikonasana
Used bricks for the hand Don’t turn back foot inside or the hip, groins and thigh rolls inside. Turn the root of the forward leg thigh out; also bring the thigh to the centre, outer calf in (not out). Keep the buttock in.Ensure the back leg hip socket is gripped.
Utthita Parsvakonasana
Same preparation as for Trikonasana. Turn forward foot out more to get correct action for the thigh. Get correct angle; take brick lower, unless there are problems.
Virabhadrasana I
Don’t turn back foot inside too much or a drop occurs. Back foot, lift inner ankle up to outer and keep outer foot down. Turn the waist. Geeta said that we tend to control the “frame” when we should be more in touch with the inner body. Bent leg inner knee, turn slightly out.
Virabhadrasana II
Keep the centre line of the trunk, back leg foot, inner ankle to outer. Outer foot down.
Ardha Chandrasana
Go to Trikonasana (brick used). Then to balance, raised leg foot, little toe to hip, big toe to small toe.
Parivrtta Trikonasana to Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana
Don’t revolve in lumbar, turn ribs and chest. Same foot as Ardha Chandrasana, but toes are angled to floor. (Big toe side to small toe side).
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Virabhadrasana I to Virabhadrasana III
Remember the raised leg foot for Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana.
Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana
Go to Uttanasana. Lift a leg up, same action on foot as above. To begin with the head was up, chest up to bring lightness to the raised leg. Then head towards standing leg shin. Uttanasana - full extension.
Setubandha
(4 fold sticky mat and brick) Had to find some wall to push feet into. “Some are using the wall incorrectly”! Parallel action of inner/outer foot, extend legs away, extend feet well, legs not to bounce up. (I noticed that my chest was able to lift better). Shoulders and shoulder blades deep inside.Held brick in hands first, then extended palms to face upwards. Bend the legs. Keep arms correctly rotated, bend elbows, palms to face the stage side, then ceiling with parallel palms, thumbs and little fingers. Then took hands onto back upper waist, lifting buttocks and back ribs, get palms properly on back. Come down and remove brick.
Sarvangasana
Eka Pada Sarvangasana to Halasana to Karnipidasana to Parsva Karnipidasana to Halasana and down.
Savasana with torso on lift, extra height for head, buttocks lower than torso
and legs can be crossed or straight.
Geeta said the following whilst we were relaxing “we experience pain, we have to find out what is good pain and what is bad pain. If you do not feel anything in practice, then nothing is changing, but if pain is felt, we back-off rather than think now let me see is this good or bad pain?” Please remember these are my own notes, they are not comprehensive – what I have in my body I remember, it is the new feelings that I record as well as the sequence of asana and their effect on my whole person. (Judi Sweeting). 20
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IYA Annual Convention with Jawahar Bangera June 17-19 2011 at Strathclyde University, Glasgow 50 Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XP San Francisco, with broad streets on a grid system offering views of the distant hills at each intersection and full of modern and Victorian art and architecture.
In 2011 we are taking our annual convention North to Scotland for the first time in ten years. For those of you who’ve never visited Glasgow, you are in for a treat. It’s a beautiful city; reminiscent of
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The university is ideal for our convention. It is set on a campus, but it is right in the city centre, not far from where the airport bus drops you off, the station and all the charming shops and bistros of George Street. Accommodation is around a leafy quadrangle; all rooms are ensuite and arranged in 4, 5 or 6 roomed flats. The restaurant is accustomed to providing vegetarian and special diets and we have
made sure your favourite food is on the menu! Yoga will be in the spacious sports hall, a short walk from the accommodation blocks. Jawahar Bangera is well known to many of you. He has been a regular visitor to UK since he first taught at Crystal Palace in 1999, although he hasn’t taught at our national convention since 2006. He is known for his precision and dedication and his ability to make everyone feel included. Jawahar was originally introduced to yoga by his parents, who were pupils of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. He has been practising yoga directly under Guruji's guidance since 1969 and has been teaching since 1980. In 1987, ‘90, '92 and '93 Jawahar accompanied Guruji to conventions in the US, UK & Europe. Since that time, he has been regularly invited to the UK, US, Europe, Mexico and UAE to conduct workshops for both teachers and students. Jawahar teaches classes in Mumbai where he is
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a director of the Iyengar Institute and is also a trustee of the Light on Yoga Research Trust (LOY). His visit will be an opportunity for all of us to experience Guruji's teachings directly from one of Guruji's most senior teachers. The Annual Convention National Tour There are now 19 member institutes around the UK and in Ireland and more new ones being established, so it is getting more difficult to accommodate all those who would like to host an event as part of our annual convention touring
Provisional Timetable
programme. We apologise to all of you that felt disappointed this time. In order to make the process more transparent, from next year we will announce the visiting Indian teacher well in advance and invite all member institutes to submit an application to a deadline. (Member institutes can hire affiliated centres to run these events where required). Jawahar’s 2011 tour will start in Dartford, Kent on 4/5 June and visit Sussex, Republic of Ireland and Manchester
Friday (teachers and trainees) 8am breakfast 9.30 to 1pm Asana 1.30pm lunch 4.30 to 6.30 Pranayama 7.30 dinner
DESIGN COMPETITION
The competition was won by Jenny Reynish. Congratulations to her on a lovely design which you will be able to see on the Convention t-shirts and on the backdrop to the stage.
Saturday 8am breakfast 9.30 to 1pm Asana 1.30pm lunch 4.30 to 6.30 Pranayama 7.30 dinner
Sunday 8am breakfast 9.30 to 1pm Asana 1.30pm lunch
Have you ever thought about running a market stall at our annual yoga convention? We’d like to encourage contributions from ethical crafts, yoga related equipment, and fair trades people in order to create a thriving market place for our Glasgow convention in June 2011. If you think you have items that would be of interest to yoga enthusiasts then why not consider running a stall!! Suitable stalls: yoga equipment, props, books, arts and crafts etc, as well as clothing – men’s yoga clothing in particularly short supply! If you would like to propose running a stall – then get in touch with Patsy patsyyoga@aol.com
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IYA (UK) Annual Convention Booking Form Name: Address: Postcode: Telephone: Mobile: Email:
Friday - Sunday residential incl. all tuition, full board
£270.00
Friday - Sunday non-residential incl. all tuition & lunch
£150.00
Saturday – Sunday residential incl. all tuition, full board
£180.00
Saturday – Sunday non-residential incl. all tuition & lunch
£100.00
Friday only incl. all tuition & lunch
£65
Arrival night accommodation Thursday or Friday
£34.00
Arrival night dinner Thursday or Friday
£12.50
T-shirts Pre-ordered Women’s fitted: XS S M L XL XXL IYA(UK) Membership No: Or to join for 2011
£10.00 (tick one box only) Unisex loose fit: XS S M L XL XXL £17.00
If you wish to rent a stall, please contact Patsy Sparksman patsyyoga@aol.com
T ot al :
Payment Options: £5 discount for those booking online – see www.iyengaryoga.org.uk. By post to Jess Wallwork, IYA (UK) Bookings and Finance, 15 West Grove, Bristol BS6 5LS. Cheques payable to IYA(UK)
Cancellation conditions: Fees will not be refunded for cancellations received after 1st April 2011 unless there are exceptional circumstances. All changes to bookings and cancellations before this date will be subject to a £15 administration charge. Reduced fees may be available to those experiencing financial difficulties and who can provide proof of their circumstances. Please contact Jess at jess@iyengaryoga.org.uk or 07757 463 767. Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
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Jawahar Bangera UK Tour 2011
Kent Iyengar Yoga Institute Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June Times: 9am to 4.30pm Venue: Leigh Technology Academy Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, London DA1 1QE Contact: Louise Robinson Email: weezrob@googlemail.com See www.kentyoga.org.uk
Institute of Iyengar Yoga in Sussex Times: Tuesday 7 June 7pm to 9pm; Wednesday 8 June 10am to 4.30pm Thursday 9 June 10am to 1pm Venue: Community Base 113 Queens Road Brighton BN1 3XG Contact: Sallie Sullivan Email: sallie.sullivan@virgin.net See www.iiys.org.uk Munster Iyengar Yoga Institute Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 June Times: tbc Venue: National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) Contact: Susanne Sturton Email: susanne@eastclareyoga.com See www.miyoga.org
Manchester & District Institute of Iyengar Yoga Wednesday 15 June Times: tbc Venue: 134 King Street, Dukinfield, Cheshire SK16 4LG Contact: Janice Yates Email: janice.yates@sky.com See www.mdiiy.org.uk
The Convention Friday 17 to Sunday 19 June Times: Friday and Saturday 8am to 6pm; Sunday 8am to 1pm Venue: Strathclyde University Iyengar Yoga Association(UK) See www.iyengaryoga.org.uk
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BOOK REVIEWS Yaugika Manas by Yogacharya B.K.S Iyengar On the occasion of Guru Purnima 2010 we were blessed by Guruji in a unique manner – a book on the yaugika manas (Yogic mind). This book is an articulation of the thoughts of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar and is a study of the mind by the mind to reveal the mysteries and enigma of the mind.
The root of the individual mind is the cosmic mind. This mind plays a dual role as it gets polluted when it comes in contact with the pleasure giving objects of the world. It then gets converted into the bhogika mind or the pleasure seeking mind. Such a mind slips into the ocean of infatuation and passion. It is essential to transform the pleasure seeking mind into a disciplined yaugika state of mind by diverting it with the organs of action and senses of perception.
This book explains the constituents, complexities and the 15 facets of the mind; how this mind can make or mar an individual. It then explains the role of the practice of astanga yoga in transforming the external, pleasure seeking mind into the yogic mind. He explains how the weak individual mind undergoes ‘evolution in evolution and involution in evolution’ to be transformed to the yogic mind. Such a mind is no longer torn between dualities but is released from the magnetic forces of the senses to gravitate towards the consciousness and soul. Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
This is a short book (125 pages) but a deep one, and will require many readings. It is now available from Yogamatters, our official suppliers.
Invocations by Dr Geeta S. Iyengar In May 2009 Geetaji came to Europe to teach at Conventions held in two locations; Koln and London. As well as conducting asana and pranayama classes, Geetaji led sessions where students practised the recitation or chanting of "the prayers". This is the traditional way in which students of yoga learn by heart the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, invocations and prayers directly from their teacher or Guru. We have produced a booklet that includes all the chanting from the Conventions. It also includes an explanation of the meaning of the Invocations by Dr Geeta S. Iyengar and three audio CDs compiled with the permission of the IYVD (Deutschland) and the RIMYI. It will hopefully be a helpful aid to learning the pronunciation of Sanskrit, the intonation and flow of the chants and understanding their meaning. You can buy copies of these booklets from Yogamatters for £11.50 each (with significant reductions if you buy multiple copies). For details, please go to: www.yogamatters.com
Yogamatters still have some copies of the DVD recording of the Convention. This 15 disc box set is a complete record of every class (but not the chanting) and is available for £49.99. 25
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Garth McLean’s visit to High Wycombe June 2010 by Sheila Haswell In September 2009, when Stephanie Quirk was teaching the remedial course at Sarva, she mentioned that Garth McLean, from the USA, was the guest teacher at the French Teachers Convention in October. My ears immediately pricked up as one of my brothers had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in November 2008 and Garth also has MS. He controls his condition with Iyengar Yoga and diet and so I was very keen to meet up with him to see how he works and copes with MS and I hoped I would get a chance to have a chat with him. I managed to get a late place at the convention and it was definitely worth it. His approach to the subject was impressive and he was very easy to talk to, so I invited him to teach at Sarva. He came in June 2010 and was very well received.
Being an actor, he had great presence and a good voice and his sessions were good fun and entertaining, as well as hard work. We did so much in the sessions that I can only touch on a few points here. We first had an introduction to MS and Garth let us know what many
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and varied symptoms he has had to deal with. He told us that Guruji encouraged him to learn for himself instead of just giving him answers. Guruji told him “Every day walk the line between courage and caution”.
Some triggers for symptoms of MS are heat (both inside the body and outside) and stress, so in asana practice Garth had to ask himself “What do I need to do?” His body had to be prepared to receive the restorative asanas, he had to find the archetype of the asana yet give the nervous system a break (working with courage and caution). He told us, “When
working with MS learn to move from the periphery to the core, move the femur into the socket, make connections. The nervous system is like an electricity cable and when the connection is, made the ‘light’ comes.”
The key to using yoga as therapy is to “adopt and adapt”; the therapist has to be Sensitive, Observant and Sensible (SOS). First there is a need to get the nerves to calm down, then adopt asanas from a regular sequence adapting them to take account of the limitations of the student. There were so many asanas shown with props that it would be impossible to write
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about them here but what was demonstrated is that there is so much which can be done to get the essence of the asana and thus the benefits.
Inversions are very important because of the health of the brain but it is essential to go for softness so that the student doesn’t have eyes or throat bulging. For beginners inversions may first need to be done by just getting the legs in the air; proceed with caution. Some general points to bear in mind: Students should: - Do standings supported (trestler, wall, chair etc)
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Look down (for a cool brain) - Not hold asanas for too long - Do a full range of asanas using props where necessary Therapists should note: - If student shakes, switch to recuperative programme - When helping, do so with compassion and friendliness and teach from your heart so that they have a good experience And in particular: For yoga to be beneficial, it has eventually to become a daily practice.
My brother attended the classes and derived a lot of benefit. He was not a yoga practitioner but he is now doing little bits of what he learnt to keep himself stronger, more mobile and in touch with his body. He has already put the 2011 date in his
diary and has been in touch with Garth about changes to his diet. The classes we ran were attended by both students and teachers, mostly without MS but some had come specifically because of their MS or because they teach someone with the condition. Editor’s note: this article is written as a report of the workshop run by Garth and not as guidelines for teaching yoga to people with MS. No two people with this condition (or indeed any other medical condition) are the same and each student has to be taught as an individual by a teacher experienced enough to recognise what that student requires. Students with MS should ONLY go to classes taught by teachers qualified as yoga therapists; you can find therapy teachers in your area on our website: www.iyengaryoga.org.uk.
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When will there be an IYA (UK) convention near me? by Judith Richards IYA (UK) annual conventions are organised by the Events Committee, who generally take care to see that conventions take place around the country and when visiting teachers do a tour, to see that they cover a large area of UK and Ireland. Up until now, we have done this intuitively and, in the case of the tour venues, accepted the first offers that have come our way. Now we want to be more transparent, make sure we are equitable and give people the opportunity to plan ahead.
The table shows the teachers who have taught and the venues in which the BKSIYTA, LOYA and IYA conventions have been held since 2000 and up to 2011. The geographical centre of Great Britain is somewhere near Leicester, so taking that meridian as the dividing line between North and South, we have looked at the record and we’re gratified to find that so far the North/South divide is exactly equal!
Convention venues and teachers since 2000 Year Teacher and Location 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
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Rajiv and Swati Chanchani (BKSIYTA) in Crystal Palace - South Pixie Lilas ( LOYA) in York - North Birjoo (BKSIYTA) in Edinburgh - North Manouso (LOYA) in Penzance - South Geeta (BKSIYTA) in Crystal Palace - South Corine Biria (LOYA) in Sheffield - North Jawahar (BKSIYTA June) in Manchester - North Shirley Daventry-French (first IYA convention) in Leeds - North Rajvi and Birjoo Mehta. in Manchester - North Panel of UK teachers in Reading - South Rajiv and Swati Chanchani in Brunel - South Corine Biria in Bath - South Jawahar in Brunel - South Dr Rajlaxmi and Devki Desai in Brunel - South Birjoo inNewcastle - North Geeta in London - South Zubin in Nottingham - North Jawahar in Glasgow - North
We have also looked at where people are coming from when they attend conventions. Predominantly, attendance reflects the location. Our membership secretary, Brenda Noble-Nesbit, has looked at the attendance figures for the last few conventions (not including Billingsgate, which was exceptional) and found that approximately 80% of attendees were from the South in London
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London and South East NELIYI - SWLSIYI - Kent KIYI - Sussex IIYS
Ireland Dublin DIYI - Munster MIYI - Sligo - Belfast *Cambridge doesn’t fit neatly into any of the groups, so we’ll just have to make sure it doesn’t get left out! in 2007 and from the North in Newcastle in 2008. It must mean that people prefer not to travel too far, but there are cheap fares available. I just came by train from the North of Scotland to my home town in Surrey for the princely sum of £27.60! When we held the convention in Nottingham, not far North of Leicester in 2010 the North/South divide was approximately 50/50.
The other spread we have looked at is that of the IYA(UK) member institutes in order to plan future tours. In the last few years we have had the main convention plus three locations in Britain and one in Ireland. We have therefore delineated four UK groups of four and one Irish group. (For this purpose, we have put Northern Ireland in with the Republic and included two places – Sligo and Belfast - where, we believe, talks are being held on the subject of creating member institutes.) We know some institutes are not in with their nearest neighbours but, well… that’s the way it worked out.
Regarding the Affiliated Centres and Institutes: in the past there have been very good liaisons between member institutes and affiliated centres to run conventions and events, for example in Edinburgh, Sheffield and Bath. We would hope for such co-operation to continue and develop.
In 2012 we have booked Zubin Zarthoshtimanesh to come to Brunel University in West London for the weekend of 8th, 9th, 10th June. His tour has not yet been agreed, but will be announced when we have had discussions with him, the committee and, of course, the institutes. We are looking forward to many more conventions together!
Scotland and North Glasgow GWSIYI - Edinburgh ESIYI - Newcastle NEIIY - Bradford BDIYI Northwest and Midlands Manchester MDIIY - Sheffield SADIYA Liverpool LIY - BirminghamMCIYI
South and West Oxford ORIYI - Dorset DHIYI - Avon AIYI Cornwall SWIYI - *Cambridge CIYI Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
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IYA (UK) Reports Chair
- Philippe Harari
Magazine packaging You will have noticed that this issue of IYN was posted to you encased in plastic! This is by far the most efficient way of doing the mailing and the plastic used is properly biodegradable, so we do not feel that we are compromising our environmental policy by making this change.
Chanting booklet We have now finished work on a booklet containing all the chants and invocations that Geetaji led at the convention in London in May 2009. The booklet contains three CDs with recordings of all of the chants. This publication is available from Yogamatters at a cost of £11.50.
Convention June 17-19 2011 This year’s convention in Glasgow with Jawahar Bangera as the visiting teacher; there are still places left so book now if you wish to come. The intention is to invite Zubin Zarthoshtimanesh to come again in 2012.
Becoming a limited company The current status of the IYA (UK) is that we are a membership organisation. Our intention is to become a limited company so that we are recognized as a legal entity. This means that we can own our domain names and the Certification Mark etc. instead of these things having to be registered in the names of individuals, as at present. It also provides more protection for Committee members should the IYA (UK) ever run into financial difficulties. We have been meaning to do this for some time now and are finally on the point of managing it. It won’t involve any real change in the way we operate or in our subscription rates. We will still be able to make decisions democratically and collectively, but we do need to re-write our constitution in order to satisfy the requirements of Companies House. We will be discussing our new Articles at the next Executive Council meeting in January 2011 and then these will need to be passed at the AGM in June. Website We are continuing to make improvements to our
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membership database and hopefully this was reflected in a smoother renewal process last year; we hope the online renewal process will be even easier this year. We are now able to focus on making the website itself a little more attractive to non-members so it can also serve as a way of telling the public about Iyengar Yoga; we have set up a small working group to look at this and you should be seeing improvements to the website soon.
Yoga Therapy We agreed a constitution for the new Therapy Committee at our last AGM and invited nominations from senior teachers to sit on that Committee. Only 5 people came forward and so the following people were elected unopposed: Ros Bell, Penny Chaplin, Lynda Ogle, Judi Sweeting and Tig Whattler. Several Junior teachers also volunteered to join this Committee, which does have the power to co-opt another 2 people but have decided that they do not need to do this at the moment. As well as being responsible for giving teachers ‘therapy’ status, one of the major tasks of this Committee will be to draw together all the rules, principles and guidelines regarding students with medical conditions, pregnancy etc. into a single comprehensive document. New honorary member Our congratulations go to Rayner Curtis who has been made an honorary member of the IYA (UK) in recognition of her years of devotion to Iyengar yoga in the UK and to her students.
Treasurer
- Pam Mackenzie
The Financial Accounts for 2009/10, which were due to be presented at the Executive Council meeting in September were delayed and will now be put forward to the meeting in January. The accounts for the 2010 Convention have been finalised and I am happy to announce that a profit of over £10,000 has been made and that there were no exceptional costs outside the original budget. I am also pleased to report that a donation of £6,700 has been made to Bellur Trust, thanks to everyone who contributed during 2010. I have listed the membership and assessment fees for 2011/12 that were previously reported in the Autumn.
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Membership fees £ Institute members 6.50 Individual members 17.00 Individual members overseas supplement 17.00 Individual teachers 17.00 Teachers supplement 36.00 Teachers concessionary rate 21.50 Affiliated centres 100.00 Assessments fees Introductory I Introductory II Junior intermediate Senior intermediate
Teacher training registration
62.00 98.00 98.00 98.00
35.00
The Certification Mark fee for 2011/12 is £31 (€35). The fee is currently based on US$50 and the exchange rate that was in place on 1st November 2010.
Secretary Report
- Helen White
In my last report for the IYN, I was asking for nominations for individual representatives to the Executive Council (EX). We are really pleased that we now have three new members: Ally Hill, Anna Macedo and Sev Kanay, who will be our Deputy Treasurer.
Emma Pinchin has been nominated as Vice Chair of the IYA (UK), to be confirmed at the AGM which takes place during our Convention in June.
We have also appointed Sasha Perryman to be the Appeals Officer and she has also become the new chair of the Ethics and Certification Committee, but still have a vacancy for a Chair of the Ethics and Certification Committee.
If anyone has any queries or questions, do get in touch at secretary@iyengaryoga.org.uk.
Membership Secretary
- Brenda Noble-Nesbitt
Membership Numbers - December 2010 Group Institute Members Individual Teachers 723 332 Non-Teachers 1192 218
Total 1055 1410
Teacher member numbers include: • UK 968 (32 New teachers) • Ireland 69 (1 New teacher) • Overseas 18 There are 33 new teachers in total and 26 teachers gave up teaching in March 2010. Non-teacher member numbers include: • 20 Overseas members
Membership Renewal: Membership renewal, starting in February 2010, was very successful with more than 800 members renewing on line and on time! This response was very much appreciated. If you are a teacher and belong to a Member Institute it is essential for you to renew your Institute membership at the same time that you renew your teacher membership of IYA (UK).
Teachers are also advised to read the IYA (UK) Certification Mark Sub-Licence renewal details, before they renew. All teachers should have received a copy of these but they are also available on the website, when signedin.
Yoga Rahasya All members will be offered the opportunity to buy this magazine, which is published in India, at membership renewal time starting in February 2011. The facility to choose this option is available to everyone who renews on-line. However, non-members of Institutes (who pay for their IYA (UK) membership via the Institute) will be required to send a cheque for £16 to the Membership Office. See separate advert and details about this.
Website The facility to renew on-line is now well and truly in place and the Membership Office is looking forward to the third round of renewals to be processed through the new system. As usual thanks go to Katie, Jess and Jo, whose commitment and hard work is very much appreciated.
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Professional Development Days
South West SWIYI DHIYI West & South Wales AIYI Greater London & South East NELIYI IIYS
IYIMV IYISL
North West Region MDIIY & LDIYI
Organiser
Date
Moderator
Anita Butcher 0136 465 3012 peter.butcher@virgin.net
24 Sept
Judith Jones
Edgar Stringer 01249 716235 (Office hours) edgarstringer@gmail.com
22 May
Jayne Orton
Nancy Clarke 02084420617 nancyclarke@btinternet.com Brian Ingram 01444 236714 brianiyoga@tesco.net Barbara Norvell 02076243080 barbara.norvell@googlemail.com Glenys Shepherd 0208 6940155 iyisl@btclick.com
12 June
Penny Chaplin
26 Nov
Tricia Booth
Kim Trowell 01202558049 kimtrowellyoga@gmail.com
22 Oct
10 Sept 27 Nov
Sallie Sullivan
Sallie Sullivan
Marion Kilburn
Janice Yates 0161 368 3614 janice.Yates@sky.com
26 Nov
Richard Agar-Ward
26 Nov
Margaret Austin
North East & Cumbria NEIYI
Martell Linsdell 01943 870618 martell@talk21.com
Dorothea Irvin 0191 3888593 gdirvin@talktalk.net
11 June
Elaine Pidgeon
26 Nov
Judi Sweeting
South Central ORIYI
Jayne Orton 0121 608 2229 jayne@iyengaryoga.uk.com
Sheila Haswell 01494 521107 sheila@sarva.co.uk
26 Nov
Sheila Haswell
Marianne Farish 0131 454 0334 mazvingo@hotmail.com Liz Sumner 0141 586 9677 liz.sumner@ntlworld.com
7 May
11 Sept
Julie Brown
Meg Laing
Margaret Cashman 086 803 1885 margaret.cashman@gmail.com Helen Gillan 0719146171 helengillan@eircom.net Margaret Gunn-King 028 2586 1202 mcgk120@hotmail.com
3 Sept
Brenda Booth
East Central & North SADIYA & BDIYI
West Central MCIYI
Scotland Edinburgh Glasgow Ireland Dublin
County Sligo
Northern Ireland 32
20 Nov 7 May
Mary Heath
Dave Brown
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Classes at RIMYI
If you wish to attend classes at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune, you must apply through the IYA (UK). Individual applications sent directly to the RIMYI will not be accepted (people from some other countries with less well established national associations do apply directly to the Institute using a form that they download from the RIMYI website, but this option is not open to people from the UK, and definitely does not result in getting onto classes earlier). The application process is as follows: 1. Download an application form from the IYA (UK) website www.iyengaryoga.org.uk) or (w contact our Office Manager on 020 8269 2595 or at admin@iyengaryoga.org.uk
2. Fill out the form and send with a Bankers Draft for US$150 for each month made out to Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute" to: Penny Chaplin, Flat 1, St. Johns Court, Finchley Road, London NW3 6LL Please do not include photos or personal mail. Please note: For admission, the RIMYI requests that the student’s practice of eight years reflects an understanding of the foundation of Iyengar Yoga. This would include the regular practice of inverted poses (8-10 mins. in the inverted postures), and the regular practise of pranayama. Women should know what is to be practised during menstruation. All students should have read, at the minimum, the introIyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
ductory chapter to Light on Yoga and be familiar with the terms and principles covered in that chapter; RIMYI offers one or two months admission. No extensions beyond two months under any circumstances; The total cost is $US400 a month and a deposit of $150 for each month must be paid in advance, with the balance payable on arrival at the RIMYI. The advance deposit is part of the fees and hence not transferable to any other person or course. It is non-refundable. In additon to the balance of $US250 payable on arrival at the RIMYI, you will need to present your letter of confirmation and two photocopies of your passport and visa; Six classes are given per week, each for two hours duration. A schedule will be given on arrival; The last week of each month will be pranayama classes; The classes will be conducted by BKS Iyengar or his daughter or son or by staff members; When applying please include relevant bio-data with any health conditions; Certificates will not be issued at the end of the course; You will need to make your own arrangements for board and lodging; Applications are for individuals only - no groups. However, if you would like to go at the same time as a friend, you should both indicate this clearly on your application form.
3. If you would like a confirmation that your application form and
bankers draft has been sent to the RIMYI, please enclose a s.a.e.. All application forms are automatically forwarded to Pune and there is absolutely no selection process at this stage.
4. When the administrator at RIMYI, Mr Pandurang Rao, receives your application form he will automatically place you on the next available course and send you a confirmation letter. Please note: The RIMYI receives many applications from all over the world; the waiting list for classes is around two years; You may have to wait from three months to a year to receive your confirmation letter; If your confirmation letter comes direct from India please let Penny know. You will know the letter has come direct from India by the stamp and postmark. If you receive a photocopied letter posted from London then your confirmation letter has gone through Penny and you don’t need to inform her. (Pandu sometimes sends a group of confirmation letters to Penny for her to forward to applicants); Do not ask to change the date you are given unless you have a serious need to do so on compassionate grounds. Please note that there is a $100 charge for changing the date you have booked.
Check the IYA (UK) website for more information, travel details, contact numbers for accommodation etc. www.iyengaryoga.org.uk
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Teacher Trainers NAME Kirsten Agar Ward Richard Agar Ward Gordon Austin Margaret Austin Rosamund Bell Brenda Booth Tricia Booth Alan Brown Julie Brown David Browne Joe Burn Eileen Cameron Sophie Carrington Margaret Cashman Gerry Chambers Penny Chaplin Diane Coats Lyn Farquhar Helen Gillan George Glen Helen Graham Sheila Green Aisling Guirke Cecilia Harrison Sheila Haswell Julie Hodges Dawn Hodgson Frances Homewood Judith Jones Marion Kilburn Meg Laing Susan Long Alaric Newcombe Christina Niewola Jayne Orton Laurence O'Toole Sasha Perryman Elaine Pidgeon Lynda Purvis Judith Richards Ursula Schoonraad Judith Soffa 34
Italics indicate those still training to be Teacher Trainers.
AREA Bath & North East Somerset Bath & North East Somerset Tyne and Wear Tyne and Wear London Kent Derbyshire West Yorkshire Cheshire Tyne and Wear Aberdeen Co. Dublin London Co. Dublin Bristol London Tyne and Wear Perthshire Co.Sligo Midlothian Glasgow Herefordshire Co.Dublin Nottinghamshire Buckinghamshire London County Durham South Yorkshire Berkshire Manchester MidLothian Essex London Cheshire West Midlands Region tbc Cambridgeshire MidLothian Bristol Surrey London Merseyside
EMAIL TELEPHONE office@bath-iyengar-yoga.com 01225319699 office@bath-iyengar-yoga.com 01225319699 yoga.austin@talktalk.net 01915487457 yoga.austin@talktalk.net 01915487457 r.j.bell@open.ac.uk 02083409899 brendaboothkent@aol.com 01892740876 tricia@booth1.plus.com 01663732927 alan@dianalan.plus.com 01535637359 julie.brown61@o2.co.uk 01625879090 davebrowne100@yahoo.co.uk 01915213470 joe.burn@virgin.net 01224591271 eileencameron@eircom.net 0312841799 sophie_am_carrington@yahoo.com 02087787640 margaret.cashman@gmail.com 03868031885 office@yogawest.co.uk 01179243330 pennyyoga@btopenworld.com 02076244287 coats@ukonline.co.uk 01914154132 No email address 01786823174 helengillan@eircom.net 00353719146171 georgeglenok@yahoo.co.uk 01875320765 helengraham88@mac.com 01416420476 sheilagreenyoga@hotmail.co.uk 01981580081 aislingguirke@eircom.net 00353872891664 cissyharrison@googlemail.com 01159857692 sheila@sarva.co.uk 01494521107 julieyogaputney@yahoo.co.uk 02087045454 dawnlesleyhodgson@btinternet.com 01325721518 franceshomewood@hotmail.com 01142335753 jjyoga@btinternet.com 0148871838 marionkilburnyoga@hotmail.com 01614429003 m.laing@ed.ac.uk 01316677790 susan@iyce.com 01245421496 alaricnewcombe@yahoo.co.uk 02072819491 chris@niewola.com 01260 279565 info@iyengaryoga.uk.com 01216082229 laurence-otoole@online.de 0049264179921 sashaperryman@yahoo.co.uk 01223515929 elaine.pidgeon@virgin.net 01315529871 office@yogawest.co.uk 01179243330 judithrich@btinternet.com 02083981741 enquiries@iyyoga.com 02086727315 mail@yogastudio.f9.co.uk 01517094923 Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
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Teacher Trainers NAME Sallie Sullivan Judi Sweeting Elizabeth Tonner Judith Van Dop Sue Vassar Ros Wakeford
Italics indicate those still training to be Teacher Trainers.
AREA East Sussex Gloucestershire West Yorkshire Cornwall Somerset Hampshire
EMAIL sallie.sullivan@virgin.net ciyc@talk21.com liztonner@hotmail.com judithvandop@hotmail.com susan.vassar@btinternet.com ros@slomotion.com.au
TELEPHONE 01273478271 01285653742 01484315736 01736360880 01643704260 07860189099
All teachers who are working towards Junior or Senior certificates or who are teaching others need to be familiar with the up-to-date syllabuses for the relevant level. This information is available on the IYA website in the ‘Policy Documents’ section or from the IYA office.
Assessment Passes
Congratulations to all those who gained success in their assessments Introductory Level 2 James Abbott Suki Ali Cathy Alison Adrian Attey Helen Ayling Clare Bateman Gerda Baylis Jennifer Bellamy Clare Bingham Ruth Boland Cara Bowen Lynn Conway Suzanne CordnerHussain Sophie Cowley Una Creed Raymond Davies Samantha Davies Eithne Doyle Toni Elliott Geoffrey Fielding Rosemary FloydNicoll Sarah Frost Ruth Gertig Ajipeleka Giddings Olwen Golden Kimberley Grace
Susan Grainger Teri Shanahan Stewart Hamblin Nicky Smailes Tricia Hard Jayny Stock Claire (Star) Hobby Tracy Stuart Lindsay Jones Helen Stylianou Satwant Kaur Jenny Taylor Khaled Kendsi Jacqui Tomlinson Nevin Kestelli Tamar Travers Hazel Kinchlea Helena Trippe Toby Lockyer Carolyn Usher Helen Lowe Penelope Venning Penny Mackey Liz Ward Daniel McAlister Karen Wheeler Katrina McDonald Sarah White Neil McDonald AudreyWilliams Vicki Metcalfe Alles Wilson Vanita Mistry Svetlana Molnarova Rita Mori Bridget Moriarty Sara Morrissey Sandra Murphy Julie Ann Murray Andrew Paine Mohini Patel Clare Preston Guillaume Sacchini Dimitra Sakkatou Nandini Shah
Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
INTERMEDIATE JUNIOR and SENIOR ASSESSMENTS
If you wish to take the Junior Intermediate assessment, please contact Jess Wallwork (jess@iyengaryoga.org.uk), who will send you the relevant forms; your application form and fee needs to be returned by 30 September. For Senior Intermediate assessments, please contact Penny Chaplin (pennyyoga@btopenworld.com); the deadline for these applications is 1 May.
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Chairperson Treasurer Secretary Membership Sec. Vice Chairperson Chair of EC Chair of AT
Dep. Secretary
Dep. Treasurer
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Rep.
AIYI BDIYI CIYI DHIYI ESIYI GWSIYI IIYS KIYI LIYI MCIYI MDIIY MDIIY NEIIY NELIYI ORIYI SADIYA SWIYI SWLSIYI RoI Rep RoI Rep Hon Mem Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual
IYA (UK) Executive Council
Name
Philippe Harari Pam Mackenzie Helen White
Telephone
chair@iyengaryoga.org.uk 01223523410 pammackenzie@live.co.uk 02083738356 secretary@iyengaryoga.org.uk 01132746463 Brenda Noble-Nesbitt membership@iyengaryoga.org.uk 01913884118 Ros Bell vicechair@iyengaryoga.org.uk 02083409899 Sasha Perryman sashaperryman@yahoo.co.uk 01223515929 Sheila Haswell sheila@sarva.co.uk 01494711589 Edgar Stringer edgarstringer@googlemail.com 01249716235 Martell Linsdell martell@talk21.com 01943870618 Vacancy Elaine Rees elainerees@europe.com 01202483951 Linda Head head1@blueyonder.co.uk 01315552651 Liz Sumner lizsumneryoga@googlemail.com 01415869677 Mary Mulligan mulligan558@btinternet.com 01273604588 Brenda Booth brendaboothkent@aol.com Helen Green helengreen124@hotmail.com 01517287207 Vacancy Joan Abrams joanabrams@hotmail.com 01457 763048 Robert Leyland robert.leyland3@virgin.net 0161 440 9941 Gael Henry
Tessa Bull Emma Pinchin
Wendy Weller Davies
Janice Chesher Anita Phillips Aisling Guirke Eileen Cameron Elaine Pidgeon Ally Hill Sev Kanay Anna Macedo Sharon Klaff Judith Richards
gaelhenry@btinternet.com
tessabull@onetel.com emz40@hotmail.com wendy@wellerdavies.co.uk janicechesher@waitrose.com anita.phillips@btinternet.com aisling_guirke@hotmail.com eileencameron@eircom.net elaine.pidgeon@virgin.net ally@sarva.co.uk sev.neliyi@yahoo.com annamacedo@clara.co.uk sharon.klaff@btopenworld.com judithrich@iyengaryoga.org.uk
01914775904
02083402091 01235820223 01142363039 01872552867 00353872891664
0035312841799 01315529871 01494521107 02083687898 01903242150 02083981741
Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
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IYA (UK) Committee Members Committee chairs are in bold. Co-opted (i.e. non-Executive Council) members are in italics.
Management Committee
Philippe Harari, Ros Bell, Sheila Haswell, Helen White, Pam Mackenzie, Brenda Noble-Nesbitt, Sasha Perryman
Planning
Ros Bell, Sheila Haswell, Philippe Harari, Sev Kanay, Pam Mackenzie, Brenda Noble-Nesbitt, Sasha Perryman, Emma Pinchin, Helen White
Ethics and Certification
Judith Jones, Elaine Pidgeon, Ros Bell, Penny Chaplin, Judy Lynn, Sasha Perryman (Appeals Officer), Judi Soffa, Judi Sweeting
Assessment and Teacher Training
Margaret Austin, Alan Brown, Debbie Bartholomew, Penny Chaplin, Diane Coats, Sheila Green, Sheila Haswell, Judy Lynn, Sallie Sullivan
Communications & Public Relations
Philippe Harari, John Cotgreave (IYN), Judith Jones (IYN), Lucy Osman (IYN), Elaine Rees, Tehira Taylor (IYN)
Moderators
Richard Agar Ward, Margaret Austin, Brenda Booth, Tricia Booth, Julie Brown, Dave Browne, Penny Chaplin, Diane Coats, Sheila Haswell, Judith Jones, Marian Kilburn, Meg Laing, Sasha Perryman, Elaine Pidgeon, Jayne Orton, Judi Sweeting
Professional Development Days Co-ordinator
Judi Sweeting
Senior Intermediate Assessment Organiser
Penny Chaplin
Junior Intermediate Assessment Organiser
Judy Lynn
Introductory Assessment Organiser
Sheila Green (level 1), Sallie Sullivan (level 2)
Therapy Ros Bell, Penny Chaplin, Lynda Ogle, Judi Sweeting, Tig Whattler
Finance and Membership
Pam Mackenzie, Brenda Noble-Nesbitt, Sev Kanay
Archives/Research
Debbie Bartholomew, Suzanne Newcombe, Janice Yates
Conventions/Events
Patsy Sparksman, Isabel Fielding Jones, Mary Mulligan, Judith Richards
Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
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Iyengar Institutes & Events Listings Unless otherwise listed please contact the events organiser for details of events and classes, or see the ‘events’ page on the IYA (UK) website: www.iyengaryoga.org.uk Avon (AIYI)
Bob Philips yogabob@homecall.co.uk 0117 963006 www.aiyi.org.uk
Bradford and District (BDIYI)
with Jawahar
Cambridge (CIYI)
Judi Soffa info@yoga-studio.co.uk 0151 7094923 www.yoga-studio.co.uk
Alan Brown events@bdiyi.org.uk 01535 637359 www.bdiyi.org.uk
Sasha Perryman sashaperryman@yahoo.co.uk 01223 515929 www.cambridgeyoga.co.uk
Dorset and Hampshire (DHIYI)
Kim Trowell 01202 558049 www.dhiyi.co.uk
All at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Bournemouth BH6 5AQ 18 September 2011, 10am-4.30pm - Jayne Orton
Dublin (DIYI)
Eileen Cameron 00353 12841799 dubliniyengaryoga@gmail.com www.yoga-ireland.com/Iyengar 29 April 2011 – Bobby Clennell, Teachers Day 30 April & 1 May 2011 – Bobby Clennell workshop
East of Scotland (ESIYI)
Liverpool (LIYI)
Manchester and District (MDIIY)
Janice Yates janice.yates@sky.com 01613 683614 www.mdiiy.org.uk
Midland Counties (MCIYI)
Prabhakara prabhakara@freeuk.com 01214 490413 www.mciyi.co.uk
Saturday morning workshops at Birmingham Yoga Studio
Munster (MIYI)
Dorothy Walshe, dorothy.walshe@gmail.com
North East (NEIIY)
www.eastscotlandyoga.org
Gael Henry 0191 477 5804 gaelhenry@btinternet.com
Glasgow and West of Scotland (GWSIYI)
Nancy Clarke
www.gwsiyi.org 38
Kent (KIYI)
Louise Robson: weezrob@googlemail.com Genie Hammond: 01689 836706 www.kentyoga.org.uk 4 & 5 June 2011 – Weekend convention
North East London (NELIYI)
nancyclarke@btinternet.com
0208 44 20617 www.neliyi.org.uk
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Oxford and Region (ORIYI)
Jenny Furby jenny.yoga@btinternet.com 01264 324104 www.oriyi.org.uk O . R . I . Y. I . 19 March 2011, Kirsten Agar-Ward 14 & 15 May 2011, Bobby Clennell
Sheffield and District (SADIYA)
Dominic Batten dominic.batten@btinternet.com 0114 264 9418 www.yogasheffield.org
South West (SWIYI)
Jean Kutz jeankutz@hotmail.co.uk 01872 572807 www.swijengaryoga.ukf.net
South West London & Surrey (SWLSIYI)
Jane Howard 07504 126078 swlsiyi@gmail.com
Sussex (IIYS)
Sallie Sullivan sallie.sullivan@virgin.net www.iiys.org.uk
Affliated Centres
Bath Iyengar Yoga Centre www.bath-iyengar-yoga.com Kirsten & Richard Agar Ward 01225 319699
Cotswold Iyengar Yoga Centre www.cotswoldiyengar.co.uk Judy Sweeting, Tig Whattler 01285 653742
The Iyengar Yoga Studio East Finchley www.theiyengaryogastudio.co.uk Genevieve Dicker, Patsy Sparksman, Wendy Sykes 020 8815 1918 Edinburgh Iyengar Yoga Centre www.yoga-edinburgh.com Elaine Pidgeon 0131 229 6000
Iyengar Yoga Institute Maida Vale www.iyi.org.uk Alan Reynolds 020 7624 3080 Knutsford Iyengar Yoga Centre www.KnutsfordYoga.co.uk Margaret Carter 01925 758382 Maidstone Yoga Centre www.iyengar-yoga.co.uk Lin Craddock 01622 820190
North Surrey Centre for Iyengar Yoga www.yogadham.co.uk Judith Richards 0208 398 1741
Putney Iyengar Yoga Centre julieyogaputney@yahoo.co.uk Julie Hodges 0208 704 5454
Sarva Iyengar Yoga Institute www.sarva.co.uk Sheila Haswell or Ally Hill 01494 521107
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YOGA RAHASYA MAGAZINE Yoga Rahasya is a quarterly publication of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI), Pune and the Light on Yoga Research Trust (LOYRT), Mumbai, India. It is published on the occasions of the Annual Day of RIMYI, Hanuman Jayanti, Guru Purnima and Patanjali Jayanti. The aim of Yoga Rahasya is to share the essence of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar's teachings. This journal contains original articles and transcripts of talks by Guruji Iyengar, Geeta and Prashant Iyengar on philosophy, psychology, science and art of yoga and life. It also includes articles by his students on their experiences, practical details on the practice of asanas as well as treating chronic ailments through yoga.
2011 Subscription for Non-Teacher Members of IYA (UK) Member Institutes ORDER DEADLINE 1 JULY 2011 Please use this form if you are a member of a Member Institute of IYA (UK). Teachers and individual non-teacher members can subscribe when renewing their membership with IYA (UK) using the online or paper renewal form. To subscribe to Yoga Rahasya for 2011 please complete this form and send with your payment of £16 to IYA (UK), PO Box 4730, Sheffield S8 2HE by 1 July 2011. Visit http://bksiyengar.com/modules/Referen/YR/yr.htm for information about previous issues. IYA Membership No (if known) Name Address
Postcode Please circle your institute: BDIYI, CIYI, DHIYI, DIYI (DUBLIN), MIYI (MUNSTER), ESIYI, GWSIYI, IIYS, KIYI, LIYI, MDIIY, MCIYI, NEIIY, NELIYI, ORIYI, SADIYA, SWIYI, SWLSIYI. All other Institutes and yoga centres are not Member Institutes. I enclose a cheque for £16 payable to IYA (UK)
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IYENGAR® YOGA ASSOCIATION (UK) President: Yogacharya Sri B. K. S. Iyengar
IYA (UK) Membership Office, PO Box 4730, Sheffield, S8 2HE Tel: 07510 326997 e-mail: admin@iyengaryoga.org.uk ® used with permission of BKS IYENGAR, Trade Mark Owner
Non-Teacher Membership Application and Renewal 2011/12 As a non-teaching member of IYA (UK) you receive 2 magazines per year (February and September) and regular updates by e-mail on all upcoming Iyengar Yoga events, workshops, conventions, Yoga holidays etc. IYA (UK)’s subscription year runs from 1st April to 31st March. This form is for membership year ending 31st March 2012 only. Please visit our website to join or renew: www.iyengaryoga.org.uk Members of IYA (UK) Member Institutes If you have joined one of the following IYA (UK) Member Institutes you do not need to renew as an individual member as your Institute will pay your IYA (UK) fee out of your subscription to them. If you do not renew your Institute membership, your IYA (UK) membership will also expire. The Member Institutes are: AIYI, BDIYI, CIYI, DHIYI, DIYI (DUBLIN), MIYI (MUNSTER), ESIYI, GWSIYI, IIYS, KIYI, LIYI, MDIIY, MCIYI, NEIIY, NELIYI, ORIYI, SADIYA, SWIYI, SWLSIYI. Your membership of IYA (UK) is paid by these Institutes. All other Institutes and yoga centres are not Member Institutes. Members of Affiliated Centres, or organisations not listed above are required to pay the IYA (UK) membership fee to be a member.
If you are not a member of an IYA (UK) Member Institute and do not wish to use our website to join or renew, please complete this form and return to the address below.
Name: Address: Telephone No
Membership No (If known)
e-mail Name of your Iyengar Yoga teacher (if you have one): ……………….……….…………..………….. If you live in the UK or Republic of Ireland and it is not possible for you to renew online, please return this completed form and cheque, made payable to IYA (UK), to the address below. Cheques in Euros can only be accepted from members in the Republic of Ireland. The Overseas non-teacher membership fee is £33 and application online is required.
£17
/ €20
£16
/ €18
Membership fee for the UK
£17
Membership fee for the Republic of Ireland Yoga in2011 Pune) Four copies per year IyengarRahasya Yoga News(Published No. 18 - Spring
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Signature………………………………………………………………… Date…………….….……………………….. In order to comply with the provisions of the UK’s Data Protection Act 1998, IYA (UK) agrees not to release the details you give us here to any external party without first seeking your permission. This information is collected, stored and processed for the
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Instructional Iyengar Yoga DVD/Video
DO YOU NEED HELP TO PRACTICE YOGA AT HOME? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Practice and Enjoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with Julie Brown
Designed to help you practice yoga at home as well as in your class. For beginners and experienced students alike. 5 sessions of 15-20 minutes each. Includes a relaxation session, plus limbering-in poses for the beginning of each session.
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To order â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Practice and Enjoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with Julie Brown or for fur ther information : 01625 879090 julie.brown61@o2.co.uk £12.99 each plus P&P (Discounts for bulk orders) Julie Brown has taught for over 25 years and is a Qualified Senior Teacher of Iyengar Yoga Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
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Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
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The Practice of Women during the Whole Month We are grateful Dr Geeta S. Iyengar for allowing us to publish the lecture she gave in Poland during her visit to Europe in 2002. She kindly gave permission for us to publish it to coincide with her visit to London in 2009 where it was sold in aid of the Bellur Trust. With her usual generosity and care she has edited and added to the lecture for this purpose. Succinctly and clearly she explains how women should adjust their practice to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. All teachers, men and women, and all female practitioners will find this lecture an invaluable source of knowledge and wisdom which will enhance their practice and understanding of the marvellous and vast subject of Yoga. If you would like to download a free copy of this publication, go to: http://www.iyengaryoga.org.uk/miclient/media/documents/practice_of_women.pdf 44
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Iyengar Yoga Holiday 18-25 September 2011 Angels Garden Hotel,Turkey Experienced Intermediate Level 3 Yoga Teachers, Lesley Johnston & Clare Stephen from Edinburgh will teach a week of yoga in the beautiful and peaceful surrondings of southern Turkey. Suitable for all levels - this inclusive and great value package includesfull tuition from 2 Teachers; all yoga equipment provided with en-suite accommodation in stylish detached Chalets; healthy and lavish breakfasts and full 3 course delicious evening meals.
Guests have free access to hotel swimming pool & stunning traditional Turkish Baths - with massage & other treatments available for small additional charge.
Hotel arranges pick up from nearest airport at Antalya & organises optional excursions to nearby areas of natural beauty. For more information go to www.clarestephenyoga.com or phone Lesley on 07981678836 or 0131 332 0099
A d v e rCURRACLOE t i s i n g i n t hHOUSE e I y e YOGA n g a r CENTRE Yo ga New s
We only print quarter page adverts (80mmTO wide by OPPORTUNITY FOR YOGA TEACHERS ARRANGE 118mm high); you can either send the completed HOLIDAYS FOR THEIR STUDENTS artwork (as a ‘press quality’ PDF, a high resolution JPEG or a Warm, purpose-built, fully-equipped Iyengar Centre(as in QuarkXpress document) OR you can send Yoga the images sunny south-east of Ireland available for hire. high res. JPEGs) and wording and we will make the advert Accommodation teachers and students at and near the up for you. Pleasefornote: ·
centre.
Advertisements for yoga classes, events, holidays etc. -
Ideal location beside sandy beaches and forest, 5 miles from will be only be accepted from certificated Iyengar Yoga Wexford town.
teachers · Easy Advertisements for Yogavia Centres willand onlybybeair from access by rail/boat Rosslare accepted from official yoga organisations London to Iyengar Dublin/Waterford. · Where yoga equipment is itemised in an advert, this Weekly or week-end rates Suitable up to 15 will only be accepted foravailable. equipment whichfor is used students. within the Iyengar method. The name ‘Iyengar’ must not be used as an adjective attached to specific items Curracloe Yoga Centre is owned and run by Christine Fiske, of equipment e.g. use ‘blocks for Iyengar practice’ Intermediate Junior Level 3, teaching yoga in Wexford for 16 rather than ‘Iyengar blocks’ etc. years. · Goods or services which are not used in yoga and/or which are notinformation, acceptableplease within contact the Iyengar method For further Christine: will not be advertised in IYN tel: 353 87goods 639 5671 · Advertisements for+ other (e.g. Books/CD email: will curracloeyoga@gmail.com ROMS/videos) only be published if they concern website: www.curracloeyoga.com the Iyengar method or have otherwise been approved by the Ethics & Certification Committee of the IYA (UK) If you wish to advertise in the next issue of Iyengar Yoga News, please send all text, photographs or artwork by the next issue deadline of 1 July 2011 to jbcotgreave@hotmail.co.uk
Advertising rates Circulation: 2800. Quarter page: £40; Small ads: 50p per word NB. the Editorial Board reserves the right to refuse to accept advertisements or parts of advertisements that are deemed to be at variance with the stated aims of the Iyengar Yoga Association (UK). IYA (UK) does not necessarily endorse any products etc. advertised in this magazine.
Yoga Supplies Inexpensive
INDIAN YOGA BELTS, BANDAGES, BOLSTER SETS, PRANAYAMA SETS, ROPES. Call: 01225 319699 or E-mail: kirsten@bath-iyengar-yoga.com for prices Iyengar Yoga News No. 18 - Spring 2011
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