Aug 29, 2012

Shala Etiquette by Elise Espat

Here are some guidelines that we use at the Albuquerque Ashtanga Yoga Shala for a pleasant and productive practice environment.  Every Shala and teacher is unique, so if you are going some place new, be sure to check in with them about suggestions for practice.


Please respect the lineage, the teacher, other students, and yourself by following these guidelines.

Arrive to practice on an empty stomach. Do not bring any drinks into the Shala.

Turn off all electronic devices before entering the Shala.

Wear clean, comfortable, stretchy clothing similar to what one would wear to the gym. Avoid wearing jewelry and tie back long hair. Shoes are not worn inside the Shala, we practice with bare feet. Do not wear anything with perfumes and shower before practice.

Bring a clean towel and your own clean yoga mat. You may also rent a mat or purchase one at the Shala.

Settle your tuition before you begin your practice.

Notify your teacher well and before you begin practice of any pain, soreness, injury, past surgeries, pregnancy, illness, fasting, etc.  

If you are an experienced Mysore student, on your first day at the Shala practice the primary series.

Do not skip, add, or modify the traditional sequence unless requested.

Do not add any new asanas unless they are given.

Maintain silence and if necessary, speak quietly.

There are no classes on Moon Days or Saturdays. The first three days of menstruation are also a time for rest.

Practice at home if you are sick, take rest if you have a fever.

Everyone sweats. Clean any moisture left on the floor around your mat before you leave.



-An excellent list from Angela Jamison of Ashtanga Yoga Ann Arbor (also here).

Aug 21, 2012

Should I practice if... by Elise Espat

I'm sick?
Yes, practice at home.  You don't want to get anyone else sick.  Just do what you can.
If you have a fever, just rest.

I'm injured?
Yes.  Talk with your teacher in person, they'll be able to give you specific instruction on what to do and how to proceed.  Practice is effort toward steadiness of mind.  It really isn't about the asanas.  Your asana practice might be a bit different when you are working with an injury.  That is really totally ok.

I'm menstruating?
No.  Rest during your first three days of menstruation.

I'm pregnant?
Maybe.  Talk with your teacher in person.

I'm feeling sad/tired/scared/angry/upset/happy/etc.?
Yes.  See "effort toward steadiness of mind".

I'm sore?
Yes.  Let your teacher know.   

I'm unsure of what to do/forgot what to do?
Yes.  Just show up and try to remember.  If nothing comes to you, your teacher will.  However, nothing will happen if you don't show up.

I'm a beginner?
Yes.  Just show up.  Your teacher will show you what to do.

It is a moon day?
No.  Just rest.

I missed days and dread what will happen?
Yes.  Just show up and see what happens.  No fear. 

I don't like it/am not comfortable?
Yes.  It is okay to feel confused, emotional, uncomfortable, etc.  If you trust your teacher and have faith in the practice, it will pass.  If you don't trust your teacher and don't have faith in the practice, find a new teacher and maybe a new practice.

I'm hungover/constipated/hungry/ate something right before?
Yes.  Just show up and see what happens.  That is how we learn.



Right, so yoga is the cessation of the thinking mind so that one can see the true nature of the self.  Practice is effort toward steadiness of mind.  It all starts to come together through consistent, dedicated, uninterrupted practice, done over a LONG period of time.  So really, you are practicing 24/7.  The asana bit, the ritual where you show up to work on the tristhana happens "every day".  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and then rest on either Saturday or Sunday and moon days.  This system works pretty well because some days you'll be like "Yay yoga!" and it will be easy to show up and other days you'll be like "Snooze!"  If you have designated rest days, then when the mind starts setting up obstacles, you can say "that's cool, we'll rest on Saturday, today I'm going to practice no matter what!"  And then when you hit snooze anyway, show up the next day for sure.  And then when it happens again and again and you think you can't go back, let the feelings go.  Turn that passion toward getting back tomorrow.

It is sort of like maintaining a long-term relationship...it can't only be about the physical.  Looks fade.  Get interested in what can't really be seen, the inside stuff.  Try to figure out this steady mind thing.  Let go of the asanas.

Of course, you can't learn yoga from a website.  Ask your teacher about this stuff.  Do what they say.  See what happens.





Aug 19, 2012

Hatha Yoga Pradipika Online

"There exists at present a good deal of misconception with regard to the practices of the Haṭha Yoga. People easily believe in the stories told by those who themselves heard them second hand, and no attempt is made to find out the truth by a direct reference to any good treatise."
Whether young, old or too old, sick or lean, one who discards laziness, gets success if he practises Yoga. 2.66

Success comes to him who is engaged in the practice. How can one get success without practice; for by merely reading books on Yoga, one can never get success. 2.67

Success cannot be attained by adopting a particular dress (Veṣa). It cannot be gained by telling tales. Practice alone is the means to success. This is true, there is no doubt. 2.68
 
Full copy of the "Hatha Yoga Pradipika" translated by Pancham Sinh
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/hyp/index.htm

AAYS Holiday Class Schedule Labor Day Weekend 2012

LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Fri 31 Aug Moon Day, no class

Sat 1 Sep rest day, no class

Sun 2 Sep
6:30 am Door Opens
8:15 am Mantra / Mysore
10:00 am Door Closes

Mon 3 Sep Labor Day
6:30 am Door Opens
8:15 am Mantra / Mysore
10:00 am Door Closes

Tue 4 Sep
Regular Schedule
Beginner Course Starts

Aug 18, 2012

Gheranda Samhita Online

"(Having closed the eyes) let him contemplate that there is a sea of nectar in his heart: that in the midst of that sea there is an island of precious stones, the very sand of which is pulverized diamonds and rubies. That on all sides of it there are Kadamba trees, laden with sweet flowers; that, next to these trees, like a rampart, there is a row of flowering trees, such as the malati, jati, kesara, champaka, parijata and padmas, and that the fragrance of these flowers is spread all round, in every quarter. In the middle of this garden, let the Yogi imagine that there stands a beautiful Kalpa tree, having four branches, representing the four Vedas, and that it is full of flowers and fruits. Insects are humming there and cuckoos singing. Beneath that tree, let him imagine a rich platform of precious gems, and on that a costly throne inlaid with jewels, and that on the throne sits his particular Deity, as taught to him by his Guru. Let him contemplate on the appropriate form, ornaments and vehicle of that Deity.” 
 
Full copy of "Gheranda Samhita" Translation and commentary by Rai Bahadur Srisa Chandra Vasu

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