First Slackline Crossing of the Lost Arrow Spire (Beauty is Fearless and the Source of all Fear)

Video Archive: Sharath and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Demonstration

4-week Ashtanga Beginner Course June 4 - 28

The Albuquerque Ashtanga Yoga Shala is a unique space specializing in traditional Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga in the lineage of Shri K Pattabhi Jois. This method comes directly from Mysore, India and emphasizes personal development, dedication, and a strong student-teacher relationship. Mysore is ideal for beginning students.

Under the watchful eye of a highly trained instructor you will learn in a gentle, safe, and supportive environment. Students are taught gradually, ensuring correct understanding and time for integration of each asana, concept, and technique before the next is given. In this way, students progress on their own truly personal path of yoga.

All classes are taught by Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorized teacher Elise Espat. Students will work individually with Elise, slowly developing a daily Mysore practice according to their abilities. Each session will build upon the last. To receive the most benefit from the course, it is recommended that students attend classes 4 days per week. If this is not possible, at least once or twice per week will suffice.

TIME: 8:30 - 9:30 am
DATES: Monday, June 4th - Thursday, June 28th
DAYS: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
LOCATION: Albuquerque Ashtanga Yoga Shala 206 Dartmouth DR NE @Monte Vista in Nob Hill 
TUITION: $108

Pre-registration is required: eliseashtangayoga@gmail.com

AshtangaYogaAlbuquerque.com

{Archive} Outtakes: The Yoga Portfolio

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois: guru, Ashtanga yoga. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, 91, has been described as “fierce and compassionate” and “strict and loving” by his students, but it’s this kind of dichotomy that makes the teacher of Ashtanga so revered. Jois, who has been teaching for 70 years, started with a studio, or shala, in Mysore (Mysooru), India, that held only 15 students, and is now used to teaching groups that can number in the hundreds. He leads his students through a series of asanas that flow one into the next, synchronizing with the breath, and getting gradually more difficult, with the goal of producing an intense internal heat that detoxifies the body. Photographed at Sanskrit College in Mysore, India. 

 

High quality image at Govinda Kai's flickr page here

Article at Vanity Fair here

Ashtanga Yoga Retreat September 29 - October 6, 2012

1st Annual Ashtanga Yoga Adventure Retreat
with Krista Shirley and Elise Espat

at Xinalani Yoga Retreat (Near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)

September 29 - October 6, 2012

 

An unforgettable week of Ashtanga Yoga, relaxation, exploration, and adventure.

Connect with like-minded people, immerse yourself in nature, and deepen your Ashtanga Yoga practice under the guidance of Elise Espat and Krista Shirley, both infectiously adventurous level 2 authorized teachers by the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute. This week will open your eyes and heart to the secrets of abundant living as you find yourself surrounded with grace, love, happiness, fulfillment, appreciation, humility, gratitude and inspiration towards effort.

Each day begins with traditional Mysore practice with the rest of the day to be spent as you see fit. Relax on the beach, cozy up with a book, or participate in a group excursion... Swimming with dolphins, anyone? Parasailing? Zip lining? Rappelling down waterfalls? (You get the picture.)

No previous yoga or Ashtanga experience is necessary. Just bring your mat and a willingness to learn.

ABOUT THE TEACHERS

Krista Shirley is a dedicated student and practitioner of traditional Ashtanga yoga. She travels to Mysore, India each year to spend time studying at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI). Krista humbly gives thanks to her teachers, Sharath Jois and Saraswathi Jois, for their guidance and love. "It is a true honor to study with Sharath and Saraswathi so that my own practice and teachings may continue to grown on the right path under their tutelage." Krista is a Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga teacher and founder of The Yoga Shala in Winter Park, Florida where she teaches traditional Ashtanga yoga classes in the Mysore method.

Krista’s dedication to her personal yoga practice and the Ashtanga lineage shine through in her teaching. Her energy is contagious and inspiring! Krista specializes in providing all her students with a lot of personal attention. Krista is here to help you begin or advance your Ashtanga Yoga journey.

Krista will be returning to India and KPJAYI for her eighth trip in January 2013.

Visit www.AshtangaYogini.com for more information about Krista.

Elise Espat is dedicated to the ongoing practice and study of the traditional Ashtanga yoga method. She is one of the few teachers worldwide to have received Level 2 Authorization, enabling her to teach both the primary and intermediate series of Ashtanga yoga. She is a student of many subjects including Sanskrit, philosophy, and anatomy and maintains an ongoing practice at the Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India with R. Sharath Jois and R. Saraswathi Jois and in New York with Guy Donahaye. Elise currently lives in New Mexico where she teaches at the Albuquerque Ashtanga Yoga Shala.

LOCATION

Xinalani Yoga Retreat is an intimate eco-conscious retreat center located on a private beach just south of Puerto Vallarta...

"Xinalani Retreat is about discovery, admiration, love for yoga, nature, magic, conscious travel, eco-adventure, wellness, serenity and mindful living. We aim to reveal the beauty of an unknown Mexico and share with our guests eye-opening vacations that inspire transformation.

We are an Eco Resort. We attempt to minimize our environmental impact. All guest accommodations have low consumption lights (LEDs) and are equipped with two outlets to reload cell phones and camera batteries. Our construction method was extremely organic: no concrete, no land modification, very little footprint. All guests are provided with high-end eco-friendly soaps and shampoo. Toilets are low-flow, and all water is recycled and used to irrigate our gardens. We use natural and biodegradable cleaning products, we recycle, and compost wherever possible."

more information

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

7:00-9:00am Mysore Practice

9:00-9:30am Chanting

9:30-11:00am Breakfast

1:30-2:30 Lunch

Optional Group Excursion

5-7pm Lecture, Meditation, Chanting

7:30-8:30pm Dinner

ROOMS

All accommodation options are beachfront, spacious, palm-thatched cabins floating on stilts. The suites were designed with refined elegance and built and furnished by local artisans. Their cozy interiors inspire feelings of calm and serenity. Enjoy the closeness of the natural elements, the stimulation of the open-air private showers and the stunning views of Puerto Vallarta and the Pacific Ocean directly from your terrace.

more information

ACTIVITIES
WATER: Swimming, surfing, snorkeling, dolphins, whales, scuba diving, kayaking, bodyboarding, boating
LAND: Hiking, zip-lining, horses, cooking, spa treatments, volunteering, visit Yelapa, visit Boca de Tomatlán, donkeys, waterfalls
more information

Everything you wanted to know about Xinalani that wasn't included here
Xinalani Yoga Retreat
FAQs
Flickr  

More information and registration:
www.EliseAshtangaYoga.com

MYSORE STYLE ASHTANGA YOGA: Summer 2012

MYSORE STYLE ASHTANGA YOGA: Summer 2012
Beginners and new students are always welcome.

Sunday
6:30 am Door Opens
8:15 am Mantra / Mysore
10:00 am Door Closes

Monday - Friday
6:00 am Door Opens
6:30 am Mantra / Mysore
9:00 am Door Closes (Friday)
10:00 am Door Closes (Monday-Thursday)

Moon Days (No Class)
June 3rd, Sunday
June 19th, Tuesday
July 3rd, Tuesday
July 18th, Wednesday
August 1st, Wednesday
August 17th, Friday
August 31st, Friday

More information:
http://www.eliseashtangayoga.com/Classes

Interview with Guy Donahaye, Author of "Guruji: A Portrait"

Last year I had this idea to interview Guy Donahaye - my long-time teacher in New York City - about his process in creating his book "Guruji: A Portrait".  Our process went on for months and led down many roads.  By the end we had more than fifty pages of dialogue and a feeling that we were only getting started and perhaps we ought to just start over.  And yet, there is something interesting in the bumps and stumbles.  Perhaps it tells us just as much and maybe more than a polished finished product.  So here it is, piece by piece, one by one, the first question and an answer.  More to come, maybe.

Reflections on "Guruji: A Portrait"
Interview with Guy Donahaye by Elise Espat - Part I
http://yogamindmedicine.blogspot.com/2012/04/reflections-on-guruji-portrait.html

How and why did you choose to ask the questions you asked for the interviews?

When I arrived in Mysore in the early '90s Guruji used to give regular theory classes, but his ability to communicate was often thwarted by language problems.

Guruji spoke a little English but he had a strong accent which was often hard for English speakers to understand and mostly impossible to understand for non-native English speakers when he started to talk about philosophy.

In the first few years I was there, there were 15-20 students at his theory classes. We were French, German, English, American, Dutch, Swiss… a jumble of languages with varying limitations on the grasp of Guruji's broken English and Sanskrit. So his efforts were often mired in frustration. I felt for him (and for myself - I was also frustrated we were unable to learn more from him in this forum).

There were also increasing numbers of students who did not want to think too deeply. For them being in India with Guruji was perhaps a bit of a lark and not an opportunity to absorb the fullness of what he had to offer. Often they turned Guruji's theory classes into a bit of a circus.

Guruji was a scholar and had the desire to share the gems of the Upanishads or the Yoga Sutra with his students, but as time went by, the quality of the interest was often brought down to a lowest common denominator by questions such as "Guruji, what is the best kind of yoga clothing or mat to use?" or other perhaps important, yet mundane subjects.

In the end Guruji would often shake his head in frustration and resignation and say "You don't understand! Just do your practice and all is coming!" This was accepted by increasing numbers as a motto, and for some, as an invitation not to question any deeper. But I felt it was said in the context of frustration that direct teaching through the mind was not possible.

"Sat tu dirgha kala…" - perhaps Guruji's favorite words - "you practice for a long time! 10 years, 20 years, your life long, you practice!" He was able to convey this aspect of his teaching with absolute effectiveness - but what did he mean by "all is coming"? I think this is the subject of much of the book.

So my first motivation was to give Guruji a voice and to try to share his philosophy. Of course it is not his philosophy, it is the eternal teaching of the Vedas, Upanishads and other sacred literature of India, but unique in the way it came to expression through him.

Originally the interviews were part of a video documentary project. What I had in mind was to paint a portrait of Guruji, an Impressionistic image or collage, by juxtaposing different shades and hues of answers to the same questions. My questions were designed to be cut from the end result, leaving the interviewees to speak for themselves. You will notice there are very few questions which evoke a yes/no response.

I wanted to make the interviews as comprehensive as possible because I was not sure which parts I was going to want to use. When the interviews first started to take shape as an idea Guruji was still relatively unknown (Yoga Mala had not been translated into English) but by the time I started asking the first questions (1999), he was already traveling and teaching extensively and had become well known in the West.

While I had been motivated to write a book myself, I felt that the voices of others would give much greater authority and weight - and as it turns out also wisdom, eloquence and insight! The questions covered several areas such as: Guruji as teacher, the practice, theory, Guruji as family man, origins of the series and the individual experiences of the interviewees. As time went by the question list became more comprehensive, but it changed with each interview as I noted particular areas of interest or expertise. If I found the subject going in an interesting direction, I would follow it.

I have always known yoga as a spiritual practice, but many I have met on the path are more interested in the material benefits. Although the book is called "Guruji" and does contain biographical and anecdotal stories about his life, the larger part of the book is devoted to what he was teaching. What is yoga? And how should practice be applied? What are the benefits? And what is the metaphysical viewpoint which underpins the yogic knowledge? Guruji is the lens, the teacher,  but the main object of interest is yoga itself. Because there was no clearly (or universally) understood "Ashtanga Yoga Philosophy" amongst his students, his philosophy became summed up by many as 99% practice, 1% theory, do you practice and all is coming etc - and that was about it. I felt this imbalance needed correcting.

Guy Interview

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

ASHTANGA YOGA / MYSORE FAQs

Real student questions...



Q: I don't know any of the series in order, I don't have a cheat sheet and I know Mysore is without instruction, how will I know what I'm doing?

A: Actually, Mysore is completely with instruction. Each student is taught a sequence of asanas appropriate to their individual abilities. Every day one comes to practice and repeats that same sequence of asanas until they are mastered. The teacher is always supervising and assisting as necessary. When the moment is right the teacher adds the next asana and the process is repeated. So it is not necessary to know anything on your first day. You will be taught what you need to do. You don't need a cheat sheet. Each person learns gradually. The only thing you need is a sincere interest and commitment to practice.

Q: 6:15 am is really early, do I have to show up right at 6:15?

A: Students are welcome to arrive at their convenience within the designated practice hours. What this means is that students may arrive for practice as early as six am when the doors open -- the teacher is in the classroom from 6:30-9:30 am -- and they must be finished by 10am when the doors close. So if someone has a practice of one hour, they must begin their practice no later than 8:45 am to make sure they are finished by 10 am.

Q: How long will I be there for practice every morning? (I need to know so I can plan the rest of my morning accordingly.)

A: Budget 45 minutes to 1 hour per day for your first month. It might be less than that, but it is good to have the extra time just in case.

Q: I'm a little overweight / out of shape / weak / not flexible / old / young / etc... Can I still do this practice?

A: Absolutely anyone can do this practice. Come as you are!

Q: What should I wear?

A: Close-fitting breathable clothing. Whatever you are comfortable in. Just be sure it is clean and fresh every day.

Q: What do I bring with me?

A: A yoga mat if you have one or you can purchase one here at the Shala. $30-$100 depending on which you choose.

Q: Do I buy a month at a time? Do I come everyday or is there a 3 day a week card?

A: Tuition is paid monthly. You'll receive the most benefit the more you practice. So try to come as often as possible. You take Saturdays, moon days, and the first three days of your period off from practice.

Q: What do I eat/drink before I come? Can I drink water during practice?

A: Try to arrive on an empty stomach. It is best to not take water during practice.

Got a question? Email eliseashtangayoga@gmail.com

Video: How Yoga Can Help in California's Overcrowded Prisons

But really, a video about practice.

Video Intro to the Bhagavad Gita

Full video on learner.org
featuring Sandy Crawford, Douglas Cuomo, David Damrosch, Gadadhara Pandit Dasa, Vishakha Desai, Philip Glass, Jack Hawley, Amitav Kaul, and Sheldon Pollock.

Guruji clip from "Yoga Unveiled"

Guruji Singing The Upanishads at Chateau Renault, France 1991

Asana Labs

ASANA LABS
Primary Series asanas dissected


DETAILS
Sundays 3/25, 4/15, 5/13, 6/10
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Sunday, March 25 surya namaskar, standing asanas, tristhana
Sunday, April 15 seated asanas, vinyasa
Sunday, May 13 bandha, balance, backbending
Sunday, June 10 the space between

ABOUT
Primary Series asanas dissected. Part practice, part theory.

Themes include:
Alignment and essential anatomy
What to look for and what to avoid
Healthy and happy knees and shoulders
How to create more space in the body and mind
Overcoming obstacles
The benefits and therapeutic indications of the asanas
Maximum benefit with minimum effort (working smarter instead of harder)

more info and sign-up

Should you lock your knees in Yoga? by Leslie Kaminoff

Event: Mary Jo Mulligan

YOGA CHIKITSA : MARY JO MULLIGAN
A special practice with KPJAYI Certified teacher Mary Jo Mulligan

DETAILS
Sunday, March 11, 2012
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Albuquerque Ashtanga Yoga Shala

206 Dartmouth Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

ABOUT
Mary Jo started practicing yoga in 1990 and teaching Ashtanga Yoga since 1997. She achieved her formal Authorization to teach Ashtanga Yoga in July of 2003 by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Certification by Sharath Jois in September of 2009, after completing her 10th trip to Mysore, India.

Mary Jo studies chanting at the Vedic Chant Center with Sonia Nelson in Santa Fe, NM, where she currently resides. Other yoga training includes workshops with several world-recognized teachers from the Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga traditions. Mary Jo has also accomplished the following: Masters of Arts in Eastern Philosophy from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM; Yoga Works Teacher Training Program in Santa Monica, CA; Certification of Instruction in Exercise Science from University of California, San Diego, CA; Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance at the 500 hour certification level.

See Mary Jo’s website at www.ashtangawithdetail.com for further information and testimonials to her teaching ability.

SIGN UP

Yoga Sutras Online

"Man wants truth, wants to experience truth for himself; when he has grasped it, realised it, felt it within his heart of hearts, then alone, declare the Vedas, would all doubts vanish, all darkness be scattered, and all crookedness be made straight...The science of Raja-Yoga proposes to put before humanity a practical and scientifically worked out method of reaching truth." -Swami Vivekananda, Raja Yoga 1896(?)

Full copy of "Conquering the Internal Nature:  Raja Yoga" Yoga Sutra commentary by Swami Vivekananda

http://www.vivekananda.net/PDFBooks/RajaYoga1899.pdf

Sanskrit Alphabet

Movie: Mysore Magic

http://www.mysoremagicfilm.com/

The Fuzz Speech

Don't be confused. You aren't getting old, you're just fuzzed over. Why it is important to practice every day - through thick and thin and why getting started/restarted after time off can be a bit of an uphill battle. "Take responsibility for melting the fuzz"!

Magnolia's Conference Notes: Obstacles in Yoga Practice

'Yogis should be honest.' Conference notes Nov 6, 2011 w/ Sharath Jois
By Magnolia Zuniga
Posted 11/8/11
Source blog.mysoresf.com

Every Sunday afternoon at 4pm (shala time) is conference with Sharath Jois. This is a time for him to talk about the practice, the philosophy, etc and answer questions from students. Conference on Nov 6th, 2011 Sharath spoke on the many obstacles that come along the path. I touch on just a few...  

Obstacles in Yoga practice...

On Doubt - The practice of Hatha Yoga is not easy and requires sacrifice of many things. Many people have doubt about the practice, the lineage. Instead of surrendering they want to argue. As life changes we have new doubts and new challenges. Guruji used to say 'Practice and all is coming' but if there is no practice how will doubt be cleared? 

In college we must prepare and study. To find answers we read books. But in yoga we practice to find answers. We can read Bhagavad Gita, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika but this is intellectual knowledge. We continue practicing Hatha Yoga to find better answers to the questions...

What is God?

What is yoga?

What is spirituality?

What is life?

On Carelessness - Our carelessness brings lots of problems and our minds get distracted. When we're careless we're not thinking properly. Students come to Mysore, do yoga one month and turns into a gym. If you come to surrender yourself to practice, the effect will be totally different. When you come to Mysore your aim should be to practice yoga. Then mind is clear and focused. Many times it happens students lose energy...

too much talking...losing energy...

too much talking...losing energy...at coconut stand...talking, talking.

On Confusion - Confusion kills yoga practice. Students learn tradition and someone tells them 'oh what they are teaching there is not correct, do this yoga, this is better yoga' then 6 months same thing, and they do another type yoga, then 6 months later another type yoga, and it's like this. Then they say 'Oh I did this yoga, and that yoga and this yoga.' They should also say they are confused. Yogis should be honest.

Question: 'Sharath, why if we're supposed to be relaxed in a posture do you push our limits?'

Answer: [Smiling] You're misunderstanding relaxation. Relaxation in a posture means that if I count it for 2 hours you can stay. You have to reach your limitations longer. You should steadily take to your posture. Bring stability then you can hold for long time.  

[laughing] I feel happy for you Guruji is not there. 

Magnolia started practicing various styles of yoga in 1991. She began practicing Mysore Ashtanga Yoga in 1997 with certified teacher Noah Williams and authorized teacher Kimberly Flynn. She first met and studied with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois in 2004 on her first trip to India. Since then she has traveled and studied in Mysore 7 times and taught Mysore Ashtanga Yoga in Hong Kong, Tokyo, France and is currently running a traditional Mysore Ashtanga School 'Mysore SF' in San Francisco. She continues her studies with Sharath Jois in Mysore South India each year.

Magnolia received blessings to teach in 2007 and is now an authorized level 2 teacher.

For more information about Magnolia please visit her website www.magnoliashtanga.com

republished with permission

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