Conference notes: February 3, 2013

On Santosha: When you do something bad to others you do not have Santosha within yourself.  People who do bad things do not have mind control. 

“Through practicing asanas, your mind should change.  That is the transformation that happens within you….Then you are a true Ashtanga practitioner, not just bending your body…Practice should not be just two hours, this practice must be for the whole day, whole life…Then there will be meaning to your practice.”  - Sharath

A student asked about the closing prayer – if we should only do on Fridays?  Sharath explained we should do after every practice, everyday.  This prayer is for the whole world, not just for ourselves.  Chanting it will help us to always be humble.  Mantra is for our well being – that is all.  It is not a religion to chant.  Yoga has no religion, it is for self transformation.

On teaching yoga to children: In response to a student’s question about what to start teaching yoga to children Sharath stated we should start children at 10-11 years.  Before that the body of a child is very tender.  When a child tries to imitate postures we might do in practice, we should not stop them – allow them to play and imitate, but do not teach them asanas until they are 10-11.

On teaching pregnant practitioners: No asana practice during first trimester.  From second trimester on, a woman can take her regular practice excluding twists.  Lots of deep long breaths during asana will be very good. Also, for women having trouble conceiving they should stop practice for some time as the heat of this practice can make it difficult for some women to get pregnant.

On practice: You should have a proper teacher to lean asanas.  Formally it should come teacher to student.  Practical experience is best.

On studying with many teachers: Studying with too many people will confuse the student.  Then you don’t know what is yoga.  Sharath quoted a statement Guruji often uttered: “If you have two Gurus one student is dead.  If you have two wives one husband is dead.  If you have two doctors one patient is dead.”

 “Sadhana is where you devote yourself to one Guru who gives you the foundation of your spiritual knowledge…Fundamentals should be strong within you; that only one Guru can give.  Then you can go learn from books.”  If we have one teacher to devote ourselves to, we will not get confused by the incoming information from many teachers, we can stand firm in our knowledge bestowed upon us from our Guru.  Once we have a strong foundation from our Guru, we can go forth and obtain more information from books, but then only we will not waiver in our beliefs and understanding of what is yoga and how it is helping us in this life.

On life distractions that take people away from their practice: A young practitioner asked if Sharath had advice for those who get distracted and leave their practice.  Sharath stated that distractions can happen anywhere – but its how we deal with distractions that matters.  Some get easily distracted and their practice suffers or falls away.  We have to make our practice priority, if it is then no distractions will take us from our practice because it will be of upmost importance to take practice each day.  Sharath mentioned that not everyone can be so dedicated to their practice, it takes a certain kind of mindset.  

“Don’t leave your practice!  It will help you judge what is correct, what is not correct….When you go deeper in your practice, your practice becomes everything.” Ultimately, practice must be a priority.  If a practitioner looks at their practice like this it will never suffer in spite of the limitless distractions around us.  Sharath noted that is it not being selfish to make your practice a priority because through practice we become stabilized so that we can be good for everyone else. 

We must develop this day by day, month by month, year by year.

Conference Notes: January 20, 2013

Conference today was refreshing, uplifting, funny and educational.  Sharath spoke of many things, took quite a few questions, demonstrated some simple breathing exercise, spoke of sacrifice, dedication, what is yoga and made time to fit in a few jokes too.  

One student asked him why there is difference between how senior teachers who used to study with Guruji many years ago teach and how things are taught today.  Sharath couldn’t help but laugh and try to explain to this student that yoga isn’t about the postures; the postures are here to help us stabilize the body and the mind – that is all.  The student continued to ask the same question over and over because he was not getting the answer that he wanted…he kept missing the point…yoga is not about the postures, not about how one so called senior teacher may teach you to raise your arms straight up and he teaches us to raise our arms to the side…yoga is about coming and taking practice in order to steady the body and mind…that is all.  Again the student asked using an example, these senior teachers say they learned from Guruji and were allowed to start second series without having to stand up from backbends, why is it different now.  Sharath stated this is different because your body must be ready, and if you cannot stand up from backbends the system is not ready for second series postures; it is not safe, it is not yoga to do something more advanced simply because you want to, it is important for this yoga to go deep, to change you and you need time, dedication, surrender for this to happen.  This students persistence in getting a different answer somewhat annoyed Sharath who finally explained that just because someone came to Mysore to study for three months with Guruji in the 1980’s or the 1960’s does not necessarily make them a ‘senior teacher’ and if these teachers are boasting they teach differently, the way Guruji used to teach, they too are missing the point of yoga.  He briefly mentioned that many so called senior teachers never learned the asanas correctly, could not themselves do the postures correctly, and gives students too many postures at one time simply because they want to be liked or because the student wants them, regardless of if the student is ready to take them.  This is not yoga.  Sharath explained he teaches the way he does because he wants his students to understand yoga, the philosophy, the asanas, what it means to do yoga.  Perfection of asanas is important to him for his students because it ensures they have dedicated themselves to allowing this yoga to go deep, to be more than just movements.  It is important because the body must be ready for postures that come next, and a teacher is doing a student an injustice giving them many postures, ready or not.  Sharath also mentioned that when Guruji was young, he was a very strict teacher.  Some people, who no longer acknowledge the institute, boast they are senior teachers, perhaps boast they are better than Sharath, and perhaps are missing the point of yoga.  Sharath beautifully stated that he does not know everything; there is still so much to learn.

One student asked Sharath what one is to do if they cannot afford to come study in India, but want to have and maintain a dedicated practice.  I loved his answer to this question.  We can afford cell phones and nice meals, nice clothes, etc but we cannot afford yoga?  He spoke of so many of his students who make tremendous sacrifices to come study with him each year, bringing their children, sacrificing many things to ‘find’ the money to come to India and study with him b/c they want to learn the truth of what is yoga, they want to learn this practice properly under his guidance.  If so many of these people can do, everyone can do.    So many families coming now brining their children, uprooting their lives to come learn proper practice, to understand this yoga, to show their dedication for this practice, this lineage – if parents can make such tremendous sacrifices and bring their children, it is possible for anyone to do.  He chuckled and advised someone to skip one meal per day for some time until they saved enough for the trip.

Someone asked what they are to do when people speak ill words about their teacher.  Sharath sat back quietly for a moment and said, “When dogs bark it doesn’t bother the heavens.” Many people will speak ill words about many things.  We are to ignore those people and their words. 

He spoke of how some people will come to this practice and it will not help them because they do not want it to, or perhaps are not ready for it to…It is like giving a diamond to a monkey.  He will not understand how precious the gem is and will use it to play cricket.  Some will come to this practice, will not understand it, and they will use it for reasons other than for steadiness of mind and body.  And this is also the result of someone not learning the practice correctly.  If someone takes or is given too many postures they are not ready for, it will have negative effects on the body and mind, it will boast the ego, not soften it.  Thus it is not only important to truly master a posture so the body has the time to become steady and comfortable before moving on to the next, it is vital for the mind also.

One student asked how this practice has changed over the years, since the early days Guruji was teaching to now.  He said the yoga has not changed, not at all.  Yoga has been around since the beginning of time, since the existence of the Vedas.  Yoga has not changed at all, but perhaps some people are trying to change yoga.  Some people today use this practice for reasons other than what it is intended for – to steady the body and the mind.  Some people use this yoga to make YouTube videos and get many fans and show people how good they can do this asana or that asana.  This is not the purpose of yoga.  In these ways some people have changed yoga, why they do yoga, but the yoga itself has not.

On the topic of pranayama, Sharath explained pranayama should not be taught until asana is mastered, as it is stated in the yoga sutras.  Also, someone should not learn pranayama from a book because it must be learned from teacher to student, and ONLY when one is ready.  Otherwise it can have very negative effects on one’s mind.  He took time during conference to demonstrate simple alternate nostril breathing, with no kumbhaka.  After demonstration he instructed everyone to do with him.  He showed correct hand placement, and we each took inhalations through the left nostril and out the right five times, and then switched inhaling in the right and out the left five times.  He advised that we not hold the breath but let it flow.  This will help us with asana practice, with meditation practice, with prana movement.

Sharath also spoke of how it is important to be a good teacher, anyone can do asana well, but one teaching yoga to others must also learn and teach correctly.  It is very hard because everyone is different, with a different body.  We are all humans, but we come from different places, look different, and we all take to the practice differently.  To some Kapotasana will come easy, others must work for a very long time.  The importance is in working very hard at the asanas for a long time, learning proper method, and respecting the teachings.  If someone cannot do the posture, the teacher should not give them more just because they want more.  He told a funny story regarding Ramesh, Guruji’s son who passed many years ago.  Sharath so lovingly spoke of how Ramesh was so dedicated to this practice, the teachings, teaching yoga.  He was a very spiritual man and very dedicated to teaching correct method.  Guruji was a very strict teacher back then and so Ramesh taught as Guruji taught him.  There was an Indian student who wanted new asanas everyday!  One day Ramesh was teaching and this fellow told Ramesh he wanted another postures.  Ramesh knew that this student was not ready for any new postures (both his mind and his body), and he would not go against Guruji and give him the next asana.  Instead he said he was going to give this student a very special posture, Rangasana.  He instructed the student to lie on his side with his hand holding his head, then do the other side, and repeat five times.  The student was very excited to get a new posture.  Guruji comes in and asks this student what he is doing, and he tells Guruji that Ramesh gave him Rangasana.  Guruji laughed….there is no such asana.  But there is a god, Ranganatha, well known in South India.  This deity is a resting form of lord Vishnu.

Let us be dedicated students working diligently each day on our practice(s) so that we may take the right action at the right time.  Let us make the necessary sacrifices to get to the motherland to study correct method under the guidance of Sharath so we can practice correct method and teach correct method and maintain a connection and deep seated respect for our teachers and this lineage.  

Kaiden wants Coco Juice :)

Kaiden doing yoga in India

Kaiden wanted to do some yoga, so we got out the mat and did some sun salutations. I think that soon he'll be teaching mommy!

Mysore Zoo!

Yesterday Kaiden, Kwang and I went to the Mysore Zoo! It was totally awesome :) Little Kaiden was pretty knackered by the time we arrived at the zoo because he's still adjusting to the time change and wanting to party his face off at 1am in the morning. But even though he was tired, he still managed to muster the energy to make the most of our very first zoo going experience. He enjoyed all the animals but was especially fond of the giraffes, gorilla, and elephants.

I went to the Mysore zoo once back in 2007 and it is well worth the trip when in Mysore. They have wonderful conservation programs and education programs so your foreign fee to get in seems to be put to very good use. It's a definite must do when you bring your wee ones with you to Mysore, along with the train museum, Mysore Palace, Regalis pool, and water park (all of which are on my and Kaiden's to do list this year :)

This is a whole new experience for me having my little guy in India...I've made this trip so many times now, but this time feels like the first time in alot of ways. Without a doubt, I highly recommend all parents bring their kids with them to India! It is a magical experience for everyone!




Kaiden, Kwang and I send love and joy your way :) until next time...

Enjoying Mysore

Our first few days in Mysore have been wonderful, apart from a wicked bout of jet lag, and a wee bit of delhi belly. Kaiden and I both dealing with it, but of course Mr. G.I. of steal, Kwang, is just fine and dandy eating anything his heart desires! He's always been that way though, and whenever he and I travel ANYWHERE I usually get a little off and he's perfectly fine..well except that one time in Thailand but that story is for another day :)

Its crazy how the days are already starting to sort of mesh together like one big moment. Kaiden is so adorable I just can't stand it - he loves coconuts, cows, rickshaws, horns, pigs, traffic...all the little details of India that make her so unique.

No words can truly express my gratitude for this moment in time, I shall truly savor these days for the rest of my life! I selfishly wish so deeply that Kwang could stay longer...he leaves us on Wednesday. I cannot describe how amazing it has been to be in Mysore with Kaiden and Kwang - to be away from the busy busy busy days in America, teaching at the Shala, Ivy Hawn, privates, managing the shala, meetings and phone calls...its been a blessing a curse that I'm without a good internet connection or phone services here, but certainly more a blessing while in India...Kwang, Kaiden and I have spent more quality time as a family these last few days than we ever have. I wish I could bottle this time and keep it forever. I feel lucky and grateful Kaiden and I will have another two months together here - i know it will be very magical, I only wish Kwang could be here too.

Landed in India

Ah, we have finally arrived in Mysore. As I sit in my flat on the floor trying to quietly type, my family is getting some much deserved rest. We had a very interesting trek from Orlando to Mysore, one that I will never forget. This is technically Kaiden's first trip, but he was in my tummy when I came in 2010 so I like to think it's his second. It's also Kwang's second trip, he hasn't been here since 2006. I know he has been looking forward to returning for some time now, and I'm really grateful he was able to come with us this year.

Overall our trip here was good, the usual delay getting out of Orlando, and delay taking off the runway in Frankfort, but those are always to be expected making a long journey like this. But, I must say I'm really used to such hicups, Kwang isn't, but he didn't seem to mind at all. Kaiden did awesome the first leg of the trip! He was in good spirits until he passed out, and he managed to sleep a couple hours on the plane.







We had a quick stop in Frankfort and very quickly boarded our flight to Bangalore, but then we sat, and sat, and sat as they needed to check out an issue with the plane. That's when Kaiden started to get really antsy and his poor little body started to really get exhausted. He was still quite good and still ended up getting a few more hours of sleep on the second leg, but I felt so bad for him. He's a real champ though!

When we finally landed in Bangalore all three of us were so ready to get to Mysore. We got our luggage, went outside to our car waiting for us, and got on the road. It was very dark and extremely foggy at 3am in the morning in Bangalore. Poor Kaiden got wicked motion sickness about 1 1/2 hours into the car ride (it's quite a bumpy and crazy ride from Bangalore to Mysore) and threw up all over me. We stopped and got cleaned up, then back in the car....About 45 minutes later he threw up all over me again. Luckily it was just motion sickness and nothing else, luckily he didn't throw up in the car, just on mommy, and luckily I had extra clothes easily accessible for both of us. Poor little guy!! But once we arrive in Mysore and were out of the car he was great!

First day was wonderful and extremely rough all at the same time b/c I was so exhausted. Normally I'd be uber tired from the journey but this trip was different, I think b/c I had to be 150% all eyes on Kaiden and all about Kaiden in the airports, planes, car. For all my mommies out there planning your trip to Mysore, it is doable, it is well worth it, but do try to really mentally prepare yourself and know you will not get any sleep your first few days.

Once we got in the house and unpacked, showered up and dressed, we headed over to Tina's for breakfast. She happens to be one of my favorite people in Mysore and her food is delicious! Kwang and Kaiden were able to get some really good sleep in during the day and night yesterday, but I had to get the house clean and organized and all of us unpacked, and get items we needed from the store and exchange money, pay for car, house, shala fees, register, etc....... And because I'm super clean freak Krista and as Shanna calls me, Swifta, I couldn't put any of that off til tomorrow and get sleep instead, I had to do it day one. Sitting here on my bed day two with my men napping next to me, I'm really glad I got all that done yesterday :) and hopeful I'll be able to fall asleep easily and get some good rest this evening.






I registered yesterday afternoon and felt so much comfort walking into the shala, seeing Saraswati and Sharath. It made me take a big sigh. I had trouble sleeping last night, partially jetlag I'm sure, partially fear that a different alarm would not wake me, and partially because I was afraid if I slept too deeply I'd not get up for practice. But Kaiden woke up around 2am and was up to party hard so I got up too. He played and played and played well past when I left at 4:15am for practice. He and Kwang walked me out and Kaiden said bye bye as I walked to the shala :)

Practice was wonderful but awfully hard this morning. I felt so shaky from lack of sleep, and my body felt really weak. Nonetheless is was amazing to take practice in the shala this morning being immersed in the energy of the institute, Guruji's spirit, and Saraswati and Sharath. Since I practice alone 99% of the time I never get that sweaty because it's only my heat in the room, but man oh man how nice it is to sweat buckets doing primary in the shala here - felt wonderful! Sharath did very gentle ankle binding with me this morning, and I was rather grateful for that. He's worried about my energy at the moment and can obviously sense my exhaustion. He seemed concerned yesterday when I registered, and told me yesterday to come to primary on Sunday if I felt I needed to. You are supposed to do primary your first full week at the shala regardless of what series you work on normally, as you travel such a long distance and the body needs yoga chikitsa - yoga therapy - primary series. But since I'm starting on a Wednesday that is only three days of Primary before day of rest on Saturday and led intermediate on Sunday. I'm playing all that by ear and will see how I feel come Sunday.

Well, I wish you a wonderful afternoon, morning or evening - wherever you are in the world :) more updates soon.