Namaskar Oct 2012

namaskar 

A VOICE FOR THE YOGA COMMUNITY OF ASIA OCTOBER 2012 

Handstand by Chris Chavez, photo by Eli Castson 

Death How to Om Happiness

2

Inside 

OCTOBER 2012 

Dristi Death 

At the time of Death, 12 

What we are thinking when we die is most 

important, explains Clayton. 

Serenity or Serendipty 

13 

Danny shares the lesson he learned from a 

cemetery and his dogs. 

Death & Dying, 14 

How we live is vital to how we’ll die, says 

Yogi. 

Postponing Death, 15 

Mihaiela says practicing Pratyahara can help 

us prepare for death. 

Teaching vs s Realit 

ality, , 16 

Nitai found what he learned about death 

had little bearing when he actually faced it. 

On the Cover 

CHRIS CHAVEZ 

photo by Eli Castson 

Chris Chavez first began practicing Iyengar 

Yoga in Ireland, where he was touring as a 

professional musician in the mid 1990’s. 

In 2001, he landed in Los Angeles, 

California, where he submerged himself 

into yoga and began to teach. He was 

certified as an Anusara Instructor between 

2006 and 2012. In addition to teaching 

yoga around the world, Chris maintains a 

music career. www.chrischavez.com 

Special Features 

Om: What’s all the Fuss, 18 

Andy explains Om and how to chant it. 

Kriya Yoga, 22 Allen traces a brief 

history of kriya yoga. 

Yin Yoga, 25 Dona watches some 

parts of her die in her Yin practice. 

Who reads Namaskar? 

4,500 copies are distributed for free to 

teachers and studios in: 

1. Australia 

2. Cambodia 

3. China 

4. Czech Republic 

5. France 

6. Finland 

7. Germany 

8. Hong Kong 

9. Iceland 

10. India 

11. Indonesia 

12. Ireland 

13. Israel 

14. Japan 

15. Macau 

16. Malaysia 

17. Netherlands 

18. Philippines 

19. Singapore 

20. South Korea 

21. Taiwan 

22. Thailand 

23. Turkey 

24. UK 

25. USA 

26. Vietnam 

If you would like to offer Namaskar to 

your students or customers, email 

fgairns@netvigator.com 

Regular Contributions 

NEWS, WORKSHOPS, RETREATS & TEACHER 

TRAININGS, 5 

TEACHER’S VOICE, 16 

MYTHOLOGY IN A MINUTE, 20 

POETRY, 20 

RETREAT REVIEW, 26 

CONFERENCE REVIEW, 31 

LECTURE REVIEW, 32 

FESTIVAL REVIEW, 35 

BOOK REVIEW, 36 & 39 

RECIPE, 40 

SSRF, 42 

TEACHER & STUDIO LISTINGS, 45 

About Namaskar 

Namaskar provides a voice for the yoga 

community around the world. The publication 

is a vehicle for practitioners on a yogic path to 

share their knowledge, learnings and 

experiences with others. 

Namaskar, is published quarterly in January, 

April, June (coinciding with Asia Yoga 

Conference) and October. 

We welcome unsolicited submissions, therefore 

the opinions expressed within these pages are 

not necessarily those of Namaskar or its 

volunteers. 

Namaskar is distributed at no charge through 

yoga studios, fitness centres, retail outlets, food 

& beverage outlets and other yoga-friendly 

locations. 

For more information, to contribute or to order 

Namaskar, please contact:: 

Carol, Administration 

carol@caroladams.hk 

Wai-Ling, News Editor & Copy Editor 

wailing.tse@gmail.com 

Frances, Editor & Publisher 

fgairns@netvigator.com /+ 852 9460 1967 

Deadline for January 2013 issue: 

December 15, 2012 

3

namaskar 

As we go to print with this issue, Hong Kong mourns the death of 38 people in the 

worst maritime disaster in over 40 years. What started out as cruise to watch the fireworks, 

ended in tragedy as two ferries collided. We dedicate the energy of this issue to those who 

lost their lives, their families, friends and to the staff of the two boats involved. Perhaps as 

you read this, you will respect a minute’s silence for those less fortunate. 

Regardless of our fortune, death is something all of us are destined to face. When it will 

come is less certain, as is how each of us will face it. The articles here by Clayton, Danny, 

Mihaiela, Nita and Yogi offer different perspectives on preparing for this certainty. The dristi 

also influenced Tia’s choice of book for review, Dona’s choice of style of yoga in 

comparing Yin and death, as well as Spiritual Science Research Foundation’s Dr. Zubin’s 

article. Even the cover image of Chris Chavez, taken by Eli Caston, speaks to this dristi. Its 

ethereal quality prompts me to ask ‘what’s the light on the other side?’ 

There are also many life affirming articles here too: Andy’s on Om is a must-read and a 

great lesson in yoga basics; Allen offers an outline of how Kriya yoga has been past down 

over the generations, I found the photos of the old yogis really interesting; Amy recounts 

her experience at the 10-day silent Vipassana retreat; Vicky shares her notes on Lama 

Marut’s Hong Kong happiness talk; Rachel reviews this year’s Asia Yoga Conference; Inna 

introduces us to a new yoga coffee table book and; Moosa makes our life a bit sweeter with 

his recipe for raw apple crisp. 

On a less sweet note, I want to tell you our advertising rates will increase just under 3% 

from January 2013. Our advertising principle remains the same - to provide individual 

teachers and small studios with an affordable avenue for communicating with the yoga 

community. Let me assure you Namaskar remains a volunteer-run magazine and operates 

on a break-even basis. All contributors, including Carol, Wai-Ling and I, donate our time 

and efforts freely. 

Frances Gairns 

Editor 

4 

SOMETHING TO SHARE? 

If you have something to share with the yoga community, please email 

fgairns@netvigator.com

NEWS 

YOGA TEACHERS WANTED 

Hong Kong 

Inspire Yoga is expanding its 

team of teachers. They are 

looking for certified instructors 

on a part time and full time 

basis, particularly those 

experienced in Yoga therapy 

and Iyengar Yoga. To apply, 

email your resume and teacher 

training certificate to 

info@inspire-yoga.com. 

For more information 

www.inspire-yoga.com 

GREEN FROG YOGA CLASSES FOR 

KIDS & FAMILIES 

Hong Kong 

Green Frog Kid’s Yoga 1 

(Age 2-3) 

Hong Kong Cricket Club 

20 September - 20 November 

Thursdays 10:45 - 11:15am 

HK$1,500 for members; 

HK$1,650 for non-members 

For more information contact 

Samson Lam on +852 3511 

8614/ 3511 8668. 

Green Frog Mummy and Me 

Yoga (Age 1 - 2) 

Bodywize Yoga, Hong Kong 

Fridays 11:30am-12:30pm 

For more information +852 

2838 5686; 

yoga@bodywize.com.hk 

Green Frog Family Yoga 

(Age 4 and up) 

Parkview Spa / Clubhouse, 

Hong Kong 

Saturdays 9:30-10:15am 

Members: HK$250 per class; 

Non-Members HK$325 per 

class (up to 4 family members) 


2812 3945 

For more information on 

Green Frog Yoga 

www.facebook.com/ 

greenfrogyoga; laura 

@greenfrog.com.hk; 

+852 9229 7785 

BUMP 4 JOY PREGNANCY 

PROGRAMME 

Maternity services expert A 

Mother’s Touch and health 

coaching provider Inspire 

Health have teamed up to 

create a new and unique 

pregnancy programme called 

Bump 4 Joy. 

The programme, suitable for 

any stage of pregnancy, includes 

a 2.5 hour interactive workshop 

held at White Lotus Centre in 

Central, Hong Kong which will 

teach expectant mothers how 

to manage, enjoy and thrive 

from conception through to 

birth. Loaded with tips, tools 

and ideas, Bump 4 Joy will 

empower mothers to gain 

confidence around the process 

of pregnancy, and support 

them in enjoying the pregnancy 

they have always envisioned – 

or never thought they could 

have. The first workshop took 

place on 22 September. 


www.bump4joy.com; program 

@bump4joy.com; 

+852 9769 2701/ 6341 3858 

COMPLIMENTARY CLASSES WITH 

LULULEMON 

lululemon, a yoga-inspired 

apparel company, offers 

Saturday complimentary class 

and bi-weekly run club. In 

addition, they hold events for 

all types of fitness lovers. In 

September, they hosted an 8 

km Bowen Road Fun Run for 

all running fans as well as a 

post workout yoga session to 

stretch out racers’ muscles. In 

October the lululemon Hong 

Kong Showroom will enter its 

four year in Hong Kong. 


www.lululemon.com.hk 

NEW INSTRUCTORS JOIN ANAHATA 

YOGA TEAM 

Four new instructors 

Mariappan, Yoko Kikuchi, Felix 

and Melissa joined Anahata 

Yoga, Central, Hong Kong. 

Mariappan started his yoga 

journey at the age of 5. He 

completed his Bachelor and 

Master in Yogic Science from 

Asana Andiappan College of 

Yoga and Naturopathy, 

studying under worldrenowned 

yoga masters Dr. 

Asana Andiappan, Swami 

Gitananda Giri, S. 

Sanmugasundaram, Yogacharya 

B. Dinagaran, and Yogacharya 

Kumaran, among others. 

Yoko Kikuchi moved from 

Tokyo, Japan to Hong Kong in 

1999. It was in 2009 that Yoko 

started doing yoga as training 

for a full marathon.Yoko has 

accomplished the 200 Hours 

Yoga Teacher Training 

Certificate Course accredited by 

India’s Tami Nadu Physical 

Education & Sport University, 

as well as Yogananth 

Andiappan’s 300 Hours 

Advanced Hatha Yoga Teacher 

Training. She won the 

International Yoga Gala 2012. 

Felix has 500 hours of teacher 

training experience under the 

guidance of Yogananth, he also 

completed the MSc in Yoga and 

Naturopathy from 

Manonmaniam Sundaranar 

University of India and 

training with Dharma Mittra in 

New York and Swami 

Vidyanand in Hong Kong. 

Melissa began practicing Yoga 

while attending university in 

the US in 2005. She underwent 

200 hours of foundation 

teacher training and another 

200 hours of advanced training 

at Anahata Yoga. 


www.anahatayoga.com.hk 

BUMP-2-BUMP 

White Lotus Centre, Hong 

Kong 

5 October 

An evening for bumps of all 

sizes to meet! Enjoy yummy 

healthy snacks and massage 

tasters, learn about different 

techniques to support yourself 

Yoko joins the Anahata team 

Felix brings a wealth of 

knowledge to Anahata 

Practicing since 5, Mariappan 

is now at Anahata 

New at Anahata is Melissa 

5

throughout pregnancy and 

birth and ask our supportive 

team of doula’s, coaches, and 

therapists all the questions you 

have had since your pregnancy 

test showed up positive! 

Cost: HK$100 

For more information: 

info@whitelotuscentre.com; 

www.whitelotuscentre.com 


2544 8398; 

www.yogaroomhk.com; info 

@yogaroomhk.com 

THE YOGA ROOM EXPANDS 

The Yoga Room will expand in 

October with the addition of a 

new studio on the 6/F, Xiu 

Ping Commercial Building, 104 

Jervois Street, Sheung Wan. 

considers sound and music’s 

universal appeal to be key to its 

broader acceptance among yoga 

lovers, “We’re already familiar 

with the transformational 

power of Kirtan and mantras. 

Sound healing widens the 

scope.” 


www.soundhealingbali.com 

FREE TALK ON SOMATIC 

MOVEMENT EXPLORATION 


Kong 


What is Somatic Movement? 

The word “somatic” means 

“of the body”. In Somatic 

Movement Education, a 

practitioner guides you to a 

deeper, lived experience of your 

posture, your organs, the flow 

of fluid, breath and energy in 

your body, how your body 

moves the mind and how your 

mind moves the body. 


info@whitelotuscentre.com 

CLASSES AT SOL WELLNESS 

Hong Kong 

Kundalini yoga class Tuesdays 

7-8:30 pm by donation; 

Saturdays 10-11:30 am HK$180 

drop-in class; HK$1,500 for 10 

classes. Medical Meditation on 

the first Wednesday of every 

month 7-8 pm by donation. 

“The tremendous power of 

medical meditation can heal not 

only the body but also the 

mind and soul. I strongly 

recommend it.” Deepak 

Chopra, MD. 


2581 9699; info@solwellness.com 

YOGA ON THE BEACH 

Repulse Bay, Hong Kong 


Organised by The Yoga Room, 

this free class is suitable for all 

ages (Members and nonmembers 

welcome). 5-6 pm. 

Deadline for registration: 19 

October. 

6 


2544 8398; 

www.yogaroomhk.com; info 

@yogaroomhk.com 

INFANT MASSAGE COURSE WITH 

LING-YEE LIU 

The Yoga Room, Hong Kong 

10 October-7 November 

Infant massage is an enjoyable 

way to help parents 

communicate and bonds with 

their baby. It promotes health 

and well being for the baby and 

the parents. This class is based 

on IAIM (International 

Association of Infant Massage) 

technique and is suitable for 

parents with infants below one 

year or mums to be. Held on 

every Wednesday 2:30-3:30pm; 

Cost: HK$1,600 for 5 classes. 


2544 8398; 

www.yogaroomhk.com 

SOUND HEALING ENLIVENS BALI 

YOGA COMMUNITY 

An alternative method of 

supporting physical, emotional 

and spiritual wellbeing, the 

practice of sound healing is 

growing in popularity 

worldwide, notably in Bali. 

One of the island’s yoga and 

healing arts center, Yoga Barn, 

recently unveiled a new Bali 

Sound Healers Collective to its 

list of offerings. 

Instruments for sound healing 

incllude: Tibetan bowls, sacred 

instrument journeys, mantra 

chants, Naad and Japa yoga, 

Zen flute, and multiinstrumental 

harmonizations. 

Daphne Tse, a member of the 

new Sound Healers team 

NAMASTE – INTERNATIONAL YOGA 

FESTIVAL 

The Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, 

Indonesia 

23-25 November 

Join the bazaar, music, and 

cultural performances, healing 

clinic, kids and family program, 

special yoga, healing & well 

being classes. There will be 12 

yoga classes, 8 healing classes, 4 

wellness classes, and 5 

community classes per day. As 

well as daily music and cultural 

performances, green living talk 

shows, Yoga demos, healing 

and wellness sessions. Plus an 

array of healthy food 

merchandises at the Bazaar. 

Private healing consultations by 

Indonesian master healers will 

be available for general public. 

Kids activities – kids yoga & 

meditation, kids martial arts, 

story readings and mappings, 

arts and crafts. 


www.namastefestival.com; info 

@namastefestival.com 

COMMUNITY KIRTAN TO SUPPORT 

YOGA CLASSICS INPUT PROJECT 

Cloud 9 Studio, Hong Kong 

16 November 

Join Natalie Macam, 

accompanied with 

percussionist, composer, 

producer, Mitu Tupas, 

and Jason Canoy in an 

exploration of passionate art, 

rhythm and chanting the divine 

names from the Bhakti 

Tradition. 

By donation only, proceeds 

collected will support the Yoga 

Classics Input Project whose 

goal is to identify, document, 

digitize, and freely distribute, 

Punnu Wasu, Bali Sound 

Healers Collective co-creator 

Natalie Mcam leads a kirtan in 

support of the Yoga Classics 

Input Project in Hong Kong 

the rapidly disappearing 

Sanskrit manuscripts of Yoga’s 

ancient Indian heritage. 


www.tigerwaveyoga.com; 

natrageous@gmail.com; 

+852 6408 4248 

FAMILY YOGA COMMUNITY 

CLASS 

Lullaby Yoga, Bangkok, 

Thailand 

1 December 

Open to all kids aged 3-9 with a 

parent or caregiver. From 4- 

5pm, an exciting hour of Yoga 

poses, games and adventures. 

By donation. All proceeds go 

to a local charity. 


www.lullaby-yoga.com; 

info@lullaby-yoga.com; +66 

22525824-5

WORKSHOPS 

KUNDALINI WORKSHOP SERIES 

WITH AMIR JAAN OF I-SKY UK 

SOL Wellness 

26-30 October 

Amir will explain the subtle, 

sophisticated but potent way 

Kundalini Yoga opens you up 

to the potential for deep 

physical, mental, emotional 

and spiritual transformation. 

1. Take a Deep Breath (26 

October 6:30-8:30pm) 

2. Channel Zero (27 October 

10am-1pm, ) 

3. Just Be “You’tiful! (27 

October 10am-5pm for Young 

adults Tentative venue: Island 

School hall, Borrett School 

4. The Time is NOW (28 

October 10-noon) 

5. The Divine Romance (29 

October 6:30-8:30pm) 

6. Samadhi Now (30 October 

6:30-8:30pm) 

Sebastian Pucelle offers a Yin & 

Meditation workshop in KL 

Cost: 1 workshop HK$400; for 

2 workshops HK$752; for 3 

workshops HK$1,116; for 4 

workshops $1,472; for 5 

workshops HK$1,820 and; for 

6 workshops HK$2,160 


2581 9699; info@solwellness.com 

BUMP 4 JOY WORKSHOP 

8 & 12 October 


Kong 

Bump 4 Joy presents a new 

interactive workshop for 

pregnant mums. Loaded with 

tips, tools and ideas so you can 

make this your best pregnancy 

ever, we have developed this 

unique 2.5 hour workshop to 

empower you to take your 

pregnancy into your own 

hands, and to support you in 

enjoying a pregnancy you have 

always envisioned – or never 

thought you could have. Cost: 

HK$800 (early bird HK$750 

one week before / bring a 

friend HK$700). 

For more information: info 

@whitelotuscentre.com; 


YIN YOGA & MEDITATION 

WORKSHOP WITH SEBASTIAN 

PUCELLE 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 


The practice of Yin Yoga is 

naturally evolving toward 

meditation, as our effort on the 

path tends to go toward an 

understanding of the nature of 

the mind. Yin Yoga bring us 

closer to this understanding. 

The asanas are designed mainly 

to open the lower body which 

enable one to sit for longer 

time and lessen discomfort. 

Early Bird: MYR550 


www.yogshakti.com; 

shilpa@yogshakti.com; 

yogawithsebastian@gmail.com; 

www.sebastianpucelle.com 

FULL MOON KUNDALINI YOGA 

WORKSHOPS WITH NEIL IRWIN 

Shakti Healing Circle, Central, 

Hong Kong 

27 October - Full Moon in 

Taurus - Green Energy & 

Opportunity - the Yoga of 

abundance and prosperity. 

24 November - Full Moon in 

Gemini - Mind & 

Communication 

22 December - Full Moon in 

Cancer - Lunar Wisdom - yoga 

sets for the 2nd and 6th chakras 

All workshops 2-6pm; Cost: 

HK$500 


www.shaktihealingcircle; 

+852 2521 5099 

PRASANA PRACTICE: CREATIVE 

APPROACHES TO VINYASA YOGA 

WITH ERIC SHAW 

Pure Yoga Singapore – Ngee 

Ann City 


Prasana has two meanings: The 

“fulfilment” (pra) of asana, and 

“to throw” (prasana). Asana’s 

potential is fulfilled through 

creative exploration of poses 

and the “throws’” that link 

them. Prasana Yoga workshops 

provide principles for creating 

new asanas, transitions, and 

sequences in flow yoga. 


www.pure-yoga.com; 

events@pure-yoga.com 

INFANT MASSAGE COURSE 


Kong 

9, 16 & 30 October 

Learning infant massage is a 

parenting skill that not only 

enriches the life of your baby, 

but also enriches the lives of 

your whole family. This course 

is ideal soon to be parents, for 

parents, grandparents and/or 

carers. Cost: HK$1,750 




SOMATIC MOVEMENT 

EXPLORATION 


Kong 

10, 17 & 24 October – 7, 14, 21 

November 

Somatic means of the body. In 

Somatic Movement Education, 

a practitioner guides you to a 

deeper, lived experience of your 

posture, your organs, the flow 

of fluid, breath and energy in 

your body, how your body 

moves the mind and how your 

mind moves the body. The 

result is long-lasting 

improvements in your physical 

function, health, selfunderstanding 

and selfsufficiency. 

A sense of being at 

home with your body. Cost: 

HK$2,400 




TOOLBOX FOR BIRTH BY A 

MOTHER’S TOUCH 


Kong 

12 October & 9 November 

This class focuses making 

labour and birth as easy and 

safe as possible, and gives you 

plenty of time to explore ways 

of responding positively to the 

body’s urges using a variety of 

positions, movement and 

breathing, and other strategies 

such as acupressure, reflexology 

and massage, Homeopathy and 

Aromatherapy for coping with 

contractions with less reliance 

on drugs. You will learn about 

the part the baby plays in its 

own birth, and how to avoid 

the things that can be a 

hindrance. Cost: HK$1,000 




COMPLETE CHILD BIRTH 

EDUCATION BY A MOTHER’S 

TOUCH 


Kong 

14 & 21 October 

A childbirth class is a great way 

to prepare for labor and birth. 

These interactive and practical 

5x 2.5 hr antenatal sessions for 

you and your partner, will 

empower you to go through 

birth calmly and with 

confidence. The ideal time is 

from 22 to 34 weeks, though 

later is okay. Cost: HK$2,800 


info@whitelotuscentre.com; w 

ww.whitelotuscentre.com 

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE COURSE 


Kong 

4, 11 & 25 October 

Traditional Indian Head 

7

MORE WORKSHOPS 

massage is a wonderful relaxing 

therapy based on the ancient 

Ayurvedic healing system. 

Cost: HK$1,750 (group 

discount for 2 people, 

HK$1,500 per person) 




THERAPEUTIC YOGA SERIES WITH 

MELISSA VALENTINE 


Kong 

every Wednesday 10 October-28 

November, 7:00-8:30pm 

Enjoy this “hands-on” Yoga 

class where you will be able to 

learn more about your 

strengths, your weaknesses and 

how to improve your postural 

alignment for healthy and safe 

participation in Yoga and other 

recreational activities. Cost: 

HK$250 per 90 minute 

session, or HK$900 for 4 

sessions 




PERSONAL POWER WORKSHOP 

WITH LINDA FANCY 


Kong 

13 October (Part 1); 20 October 

(Part 2) 

The Personal Power workshop 

is designed to awaken people 

to their power of choice in how 

they respond to life. Linda 

Fancy introduces the 

heightened state of awareness 

called “MetaMind” that enables 

you to understand the 

foundations of your behaviour 

from a disassociated state. 

Cost: HK$3,300 




THE SECRETS OF HAPPINESS 

WITH VALERIE ARPEAU 


Kong 

every Thursday 1 November– 

20 December 

Secrets of Happiness (8-12 

years) – supporting the selfconfidence 

of your child 

This 8 week program presents 

age-old wisdom about 

happiness and is introduced to 

children in a playful and creative 

manner. Cost: HK$2,500 




HOT YOGA IMMERSION WITH 

COPPER CROW 

Pure Yoga Hong Kong – Tsim 

Sha Tsui 

3-11 November 

Hot Yoga is one of the most 

popular forms of yoga being 

practised and offered in studios 

today. Having the skills 

necessary to lead solid Hot 

classes will not only create new 

possibilities for teaching, but 

will also empower you with 

proven techniques to make a 

difference in the lives of others. 




ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF THE 

GROWING CHILD WITH GECKO 

YOGA 


Kong 

10, 13 & 17 November 

Introduction to the motor 

development, anatomy and 

physiology of children. Taught 

by Helen Binge, a chartered 

physiotherapist and 

developmental specialist from 

the UK. There are 3 courses: 

Course I: Development of the 

Child from Birth to Walking; 

Course II: Development of the 

Child from 1 to 7 years; Course 

III: Development of the Child 

from 8 to Teens. 




CAESARIAN SECTION COURSE 

WITH A MOTHER’S TOUCH 


Kong 

11 November 

Cost: HK$900 




INSIGHT YOGA INTENSIVE WITH 

SARAH POWERS 

Spirit Yoga Studio - Osaka, 

Japan 

3-4 November 


spirityogastudio.com/en/ 

event/workshop/post.html 

GO DEEP WITH YIN WORKSHOP 

SERIES 

Beyond Yoga, Manila, 

Philippines 

3, 10 & 17 November 

A 3-part series that allows us to 

experience a counterpoint to 

our active lifestyles and our 

regular dynamic practices 

through Yin Yoga. Led by 

Dona Tumacder-Esteban. 

Module 1: Yin Yoga, Yin Yang 

Theory and the Physical Body 

(3 November) 

Module 2: De-Stress, Rest and 

Renew (10 November) 

Module 3: Exploring the 

Energy Body (17 November) 


www.igobeyondyoga.com 

ASHTANGA YOGA WORKSHOP WITH 

JOHN SCOTT 

Yoga Mala, Hong Kong 

6-9 November 

99% Practice 1 % Theory, Is 

Asana alone Yoga? Ashtanga 

vinyasa yoga is more than 

exercise and producing more 

than a feel good factor. When 

practiced as per the teachings of 

Shri K Pattaabhi Jois, it is a 

transformative practice. Space 

will be secured upon first come 

first serve basis. 


www.yogamala.com.hk; 

info@yogamala.com.hk; +852 

2116-0894 

A wealth of knowledge & 

compassion - Ganesh Mohan 

will be at Pure Yoga in 

November 

INSIGHT YOGA WORKSHOP 

Under the Light Yoga School - 

Tokyo, Japan 

8-11 November 

Insight Yoga: The four jewels 

of an enduring practice: Asana, 

Pranayama, Insight Meditation 

and Compassion Meditation 


www.underthelight.jp/news/ 

2012/05/1811_201216.html 

INTRODUCTION TO BHAKTI YOGA 

WORKSHOP WITH NATALIE 


10 November 

Natalie will lead a Bhakti Yoga 

Workshop and Bhakti Vinyasa 

Flow Yoga Class. 9:30-12.30pm 

Morning; or 2-5pm afternoon. 

Cost: Regular HK$688 (Early 

bird HK$588 before 27 

October) 


2544 8398; 


SVASTHA YOGA THERAPY WITH DR 

GANESH MOHAN 


Sha Tsui 


In this professional 

programme on yoga therapy, 

the aim is to bring you the 

most effective aspects of 

traditional Yoga and Ayurveda 

8

combined with the discoveries 

of modern science. This 

programme is designed 

especially for Yoga teachers. Sign 

up before 15 October to catch 

the early-bird discount! 


www.pureyoga.com; 

events@pureyoga.com 

ENJOYING THE THERAPEUTIC 

USES OF YOGA WITH CHRIS 

KUMMER 


Sha Tsui - 24-25 November 

Pure Yoga Taipei – Pure Tower 

- 30 November-2 December 

In this series of workshops 

Chris will look from an 

integrated perspective at 

posture, yoga asana, 

movements and myofascial 

connections. Examining their 

component muscle action, 

bone, joint, nerve and ligament 

positions, and fascia directions. 

As well as how the different 

ways of utilising these 

components affect other 

functions of the body 

(digestive, neurological) and 

general health. Sign up before 

27 October to catch the earlybird 

discount! 




Sarah Powers is holding 

various workshops around Asia 

DEATH AND DYING: TANTRIK 

TEACHINGS ON DEATH 

26 November – 2 December 

Kailash Akhara, Phu Ruea, 

Thailand 

It is said in Tantra that you will 

die as you have lived. Any 

spiritual practice should 

practically prepare us for the 

only certainty that we all must 

face. Death is a powerful and 

mysterious force but it need 

not be such a great unknown. 

Fear of death is one of the 

main roots of suffering in its 

myriad forms. Yet, the yogin 

considers Death her greatest 

ally. Why? 

By going into our fear of 

Death we can unleash infinite 

amounts of power and energy 

previously bound up in this 

fear. When we encounter our 

fear of death through the 

practical, methodic and proven 

teachings and practices of 

Tantrik Yoga we become 

fearless in all aspects of life. 

Come learn how to navigate 

the death and dying process 

and how to empower your life 

to the fullest so you can die 

with peace and contentment. 

This training will give you a 

map of the territory of the 

dying process plus the realistic 

tools to traverse this territory 

for yourself. Through these 

teachings and practices you will 

also learn invaluable skills for 

assisting others in their dying 

process and become a 

grounded source of love and 

compassion for others. Cost: 

24,000 THB 


contact@dharmainc.org ; 

www.dharmainc.org 

ALIGNMENT & THERAPY 

WORKSHOP WITH KELLY HAAS 

Pure Yoga Hong Kong – 

Central 

27–29 November; 1–2 

December 

In each of the Mixed Level 

weekday classes, Kelly will 

explore how to use your yoga 

practice as a tool to create 

deeper connection, and clear 

out old seeds and patterns to 

positively manifest your 

highest intentions for the new 

cycle. 

This course is based on 

Anusara Yoga’s Universal 

Principles of Alignment geared 

for teachers and/or dedicated 

students who want to go 

deeper in their understanding 

of healthy alignment of bones 

and muscles, and/or to heal 

from injuries through applying 

this knowledge to their yoga 

practice. Sign up before 27 

October for early-bird discount! 




YOGA FOR THE SPINE WORKSHOP 

WITH ANN DA SILVA 


15 December 

Come and learn how to obtain 

relief from pain and nurture 

your spine to better health. 

Cost: HK$599 regular, (Early 

Bird HK$499 before 1 

December) 


2544 8398; 


INSIGHT YOGA INTENSIVE WITH 

SARAH POWERS 

Jivamukti Yoga, Sydney, 

Australia 

16-20 January 2013 


mindfullifeyoga.com.au/ 

insight-yoga-workshop-withsarah-powers/ 

INSIGHT YOGA: A YOGA AND 

MEDITATION INTENSIVE WITH 

SARAH POWERS 


Sha Tsui 

25-27 January 2013 

This weekend intensive will 

incorporate Sarah Powers’ 

unique approach: a practice of 

passive Yin poses balanced by 

an active or Yang flow practice, 

followed by Mindfulness and 

Loving-kindness meditations. 

Drawing from Buddhist 

teachings, Sarah will give brief 

talks before the sequences to 

encourage a greater capacity for 

emotional maturity and open 

awareness. We will also practice 

present moment awareness 

meditation, both with 

instruction and in silence 

throughout the weekend. Sign 

up before 2 January to catch the 

early-bird discount! 




WORKSHOPS AT AGAMA YOGA 

Koh Phangan, Thailand 

Tantra 1 - 17-21 December. 

Their most popular workshop 

exploring the basics of Tantric 

sexuality. 

Kashimiri Shaivism - 11-15 

January 2013. Enjoy these very 

rare to come by teachings about 

this almost extinct spiritual 

philosophy. 

Tantra 2 - 28 January-1 

February 2013. Reach a 

profound level of spiritual 

sexuality. 

Vira Training - 25 February-1 

March 2013. A training for men 

only. Become a real vira 

(spiritual hero)! 

Complete Femininity - 25 

February-1 March 2013. A 

training for women only. 

Explore the divine Shakti 

aspect! 

Art of Dying - 25-29 March 

2013. The spiritual preparation 

for death, one of life’s greatest 

passages. 


www.agamayoga.com; 

info@agamayoga.com; 

+66 892 330 217 

9

RETREATS 

YIN & YANG OF LIFE 

Lombok, Indonesia 


Join Kate and Donna as the 

sole guests at the beautiful 

Sepoi Villa in Lombok. Enjoy 

the beach side villa complex 

and stunning pool area. Staff 

will attend to every request and 

prepare meals based on the 

freshest food available locally 

every day. A combination of 

yin/yang classes, taught by 

Kate and Donna around the 

beautiful pool. Experience the 

deepening of your yoga practice 

as we increase your flexibility, 

strengthen your core. 


www.KatePorterYoga.com; 

MyMat@KatePorterYoga.com; 

+65 9781 3403 

PO LIN RETREAT FOR CHARITY 


A fund-raising charity Retreat 

will be held at the famous Po 

Lin Temple (Lantau Big 

Buddha) to benefit children 

requiring treatment for lifethreatening 

congenital heart 

disease (CHD). In recognition 

of this urgent need, Po Lin 

Temple, in cooperation with 

China Star Light Charity Fund 

Association, will for the first 

time ever, open its doors to 

host a weekend retreat 

providing accommodation and 

offering special activities such as 

teacher-led Yoga and 

meditation class at sunrise at 

the Big Buddha podium; 

10 

lectures on special topics related 

to Buddhism and Society; plus 

a special sponsored fundraising 

nature walk (pledge per 

distance walked - $10/km). 

All funds raised from this 

weekend event will be whollyused 

to provide financial 

assistance to needy children 

with CHD. Your participation 

in the Po Lin Retreat or 

donation in any amount can 

provide a lifeline. 

Fee for Retreat: HK$888 per 

participant (accommodation 

and vegetarian meals provided). 

Any amount will be welcome 

for the Sponsored Fund 

Raising Walk. 


www.chinastarlight.org.hk/ 

home.php; Emmy +852 9877 

0099; Mr Yau +852 2868 5399; 

emmysfchan@yahoo.com.hk 

MASTERS OF MEDITATION 

WITH VIKAS MALKANI 

Soul Centre, Singapore 


This training is for everyone 

who wishes to live a life of 

freedom, inner power and 

celebration. Vikas will take you 

on a journey of wisdom that 

will reveal truths like never 

before. You will understand 

how we create our own reality, 

how thoughts affect our whole 

lives and how to effectively 

create change in any aspect of 

your life. Effective techniques 

Historic Po Lin Temple, Hong Kong opens it doors for a rare 

weekend retreat with yoga practice in front of the Big Buddha 

Mosquito-free practice shala at Kamalaya 

to create your own reality will 

be taught. You will enjoy a 

sense of inner power, freedom 

and celebration. The training 

will involve 10 weekly meetings 

for 2.5 hours each. 

Vikas Malkani is an 

internationally renowned 

meditation teacher with 

students worldwide. He has 

been trained in the ancient 

wisdom lineage of the elusive 

Himalayan Masters that 

involves the disciplines of 

meditation, spiritual 

philosophy and learning based 

on actual experience. He is an 

expert at maximizing inner 

potential, and teaching people 

how to live lives of happiness, 

joy and fulfilment. 


www.soulcentre.org; 

soulcentresingapore 

@yahoo.com.sg; 

+65-98752372; +65-81287418 

WOMEN’S ZEN RETREAT 

Avani Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka 


Daily Yin Yoga and 

meditation, workshops, 

kayaking, hiking, visit to caves 

and temples. 


jules@mountainhighme.com 

THAILAND YOGA RETREAT 

Kamalaya Koh Samui 


Join teachers David Kim and 

Jo Phee for a week’s long retreat 

in award winning spa resort, 

Kamalaya. Retreat includes 

twice daily Yoga - Vinyasa Flow 

and Yin and lots of free time 

to explore Koh Samui. Open 

to practitioners of all levels. 

Cost is USD1,625 per person. 


www.davidkimyoga.com; 

info@yinspiration.org 

YOGA FUSION RETREAT 

Chiang Mai, Thailand 


An Immersion into a fullspectrum 

of yoga practices 

including Anusara, Philosophy, 

Tantra, Pranayama, Meditation, 

Ritual, Mandala, Kirtan, Music, 

Voice, Touch and more with 

Jonas Westring, Emil Wendel 

and Geoffrey Gordon. 


www.shantaya.org 

YOGA RETREAT WITH HEIDI CHEN 

Pure Yoga Taipei 


Join this 5-day yoga retreat in 

Buluowan, Hualien City. It will 

provide an escape from life’s 

hustle and bustle, immersing 

you in the musical harmony of 

nature. With each breath, regain 

tranquility of mind and 

body. 



retreats@pureyoga.com

TEACHER TRAININGS 

KUNDALINI YOGA TT KRI - LEVEL 

ONE (I-SKY, UK) 

Cheng Chau, Hong Kong 

1-6 November 

This training is open for 

everybody. It is an adventure in 

personal consciousness and for 

those seeking personal 

development and growth. This 

level 1 training imparts 

everything needed for practicing 

and teaching Kundalini Yoga. 

Cost: HK$24,800; or before 21 

October HK$22,000. 


2581 9699/ 9189 

8050; info@sol-wellness.com 

HOM YOGA 200-HOUR TT 

Singapore 

3-23 November 

Hom Yoga, Singapore 

This is a comprehensive course 

which will transform your 

practice and deepen your 

understanding of yoga. The 

program is ideal for students 

looking to further their 

knowledge of yoga, aspiring 

teachers and curious 

practitioners. The training is a 

foundational program, which 

comprises 5 areas of study: 

Yoga Philosophy, Anatomy 

and Physiology, Teaching 

Methodology, Teaching 

Techniques and Practical. Cost: 

S$4,990 


training.homyoga.sg; 

Training@homyoga.sg 

RAINBOW KIDS YOGA (RKY) TTC 

Lullaby Yoga, Bangkok, 

Thailand 

30 November-2 December 

This RKY TT is a 

comprehensive, intensive and 

practical certification course. The 

course is 

for 

anyone who loves working 

with kids, and loves Yoga. It is 

for Yoga teachers wanting to 

specialize, and educators 

wanting to bring the benefits 

of Yoga to their classrooms. 

It’s also great for parents to 

find new ways to connect with 

their children and family, and 

share a healthy, fun, and noncompetitive 

movement-based 

activity. It is also for anyone 

who wants to expand a current 

related profession, or learn a 

new one! You do not need to 

be a Yoga teacher to take the 

course. 

The training is led by Lei 

Sadakari, a senior RKY trainer. 

The RKY certificate is 

recognized by the UK Yoga 

Alliance and is eligible for 

continuous education credits by 

the US Yoga Alliance. 

Cost: THB18,000 early bird 

before 9 November; regular 

THB21,000 


www.lullaby-yoga.com; 

info@lullaby-yoga.com; +66 

22525824/5 

UNIVERSAL YOGA TT WITH 

ANDREY LAPPA 

Pure Yoga Taipei – Pure Tower 

- 4-19 January 2013 

Pure Yoga Hong Kong – 

Langham Place - 20-31 January 

2013 

This TT is the second 100 

hours (Part 2) of the full 200- 

hour RYT Universal Yoga 

Teacher Training Programme. 

Through daily yoga asana 

classes, Shiva Nata practice and 

lectures, we will explore yogic 

concepts and methods to create 

a new approach to this ancient 

practice. Students will be 

challenged to explore & expand 

upon their personal yoga 

practice and encouraged to 

develop creative, conscious & 

intelligent teaching techniques. 

Sign up before 23 December 

for the early-bird discount! 




Yogananth teaches advanced asana TT in Hong Kong 

ADVANCED HATHA YOGA TT WITH 

YOGANANTH 

Hong Kong 

Level 1: 11 January-3 February 

2013 

Level 2: 22 February-24 March 

2013 

This intensive training takes 

teaching yoga postures to new 

limits. Practice, explore and 

learn to teach some of the 

most advanced Hata Yoga 

postures. 


2905 1822; 

www.anahatayoga.com.hk/ 

course.htm 

TT WITH CLAYTON HORTON 

29 April-24 May 2013 

Ashtanga Based 200 hour Yoga 

Teacher Training 

Boracay Island, Philippines 


www.greenpathyoga.org 

TRAININGS AT AGAMA YOGA 

Koh Phangan, Thailand 

500-Hour TT 

7 January-30 March & 27 May- 

17 August 2013 

Learn how to teach Yoga in this 

very intensive, 500 hrs.+ TT on 

a tropical island paradise! 

Mystical Dance TT 

4 March-13 April 2013 

Become a teacher of Mystical 

Dance classes in this 6-week 

long, immersive training with 

Shakti, Monika Nataraj. 

Tantra Instructor Training 

22 April-25 May 2013 

Get certified to teach Agama 

Yoga’s Tantra 1+2 workshops. 

Training for Yoga Therapist 

16 September-9 November 

2013 

Become a certified Yoga 

Therapist in this intensive 8- 

week long training. 


www.agamayoga.com; 

info@agamayoga.com; 

+66 892 330 217 

Wai-Ling compiles and edits this 

section of news, workshops, 

retreats & teacher trainings. 

Email her directly on 

wailing.tse@gmail.com 

11

Dristi Death 

What to Do at the Time of f Death 

ath? 

Clayton Horton 

Yoga teaches us to be present, non-attached, awake, clear, 

conscious, aware of the results of our actions and aware of the 

eternal Self within. A lifetime of yoga practice prepares us for the 

moment we leave our physical body. Many spiritual traditions and 

sacred texts say the content of our consciousness at the time of 

death determines our fate in the afterlife. 

What happens when we die? Do we have a choice to be born again 

or can we be liberated from the cycle of birth and death? We can 

look to many Eastern traditions for instructions, teachings and 

advice on what to do at this auspicious time. 

The Tibetan Book of the Dead encourages a fearless, clear and calm 

mind as one travels through the trials and tribulations of the 

afterlife. Instruction is given for skillful navigation through 

different lokas (celestial landscapes) and encounters with demonic 

and divine beings in the afterlife. Positive attributes learned and 

gained through spiritual practice could be forgotten in this 

transition if one is distracted by earthly attachments, has fear of the 

unknown or is numbed by pharmaceutical medication. 

The Vipassana meditation tradition of S. N. Goenka teaches the 

practitioner to reduce and thin their personal attachments and 

aversions (samskaras) by letting go of and not reacting to the 

content the mind that arises during the waking state of 

consciousness. Goenka explains in his teachings that this reservoir 

of samskaras can rise to the surface of the conscious mind, and is 

no different than someone’s “life flashing before their eyes” at the 

time of death or near death. If one has worked adequately to 

reduce their personal collection of attachments and aversions, this 

paves the way for a calm, clear, and peaceful mind at the time of 

death. An individual with an equanimous and peaceful mind is 

capable of focusing their awareness towards the divine, and 

consciously directing their soul in the afterlife without distraction 

or interruption. 

mind completely stilled, free of 

selfish passions and concentration 

fixed at the third eye, you will 

realise the supreme Lord 

The Bhagavad Gita’s eighth chapter is perhaps one of the most 

popular and well-read instructions on ascension. Here, Lord 

Krishna instructs Arjuna on what to do at the time of death, 

before he goes to war on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. 

Krishna tells Arjuna, “Those who remember me at the time of 

death will always come to me. Whatever occupies the mind at the 

time of death determines the destination of the dying. Therefore, 

remember me at all times. When you make the mind one-pointed 

through the practice of meditation, you will find the supreme glory 

of the Lord. With your mind completely stilled, free of selfish 

passions and your concentration fixed at the third eye between your 

eyebrows, you will realize the supreme Lord. Close down the doors 

of the senses and place your mind in the heart. 

“Then, while absorbed in meditation, focus all energy upwards to 

the head, repeating the sacred sound of OM, the sound of the 

eternal Godhead. You will go forth from the body and attain the 

supreme goal, union with me. At the time of death, there are two 

paths the soul may follow Arjuna. One, the path of darkness and 

rebirth, the other is of light and liberation. Attain this knowledge 

through perseverance in Yoga and you will never be deluded 

again.” 

In a similar tale of divine instruction from the Katha Upanishad, a 

young man by the name of Nachiketa asks Yama (the lord of 

death) what happens when one leaves the physical body. Yama 

explains the mystery of death. He tells Nachiketa, “Eternal peace 

and freedom from rebirth is attainable to those who recognize the 

Self in their own hearts. 

The wise, who still the mind and senses no longer chase after the 

objects of the senses and the world of change. Established in the 

Self, they enter the unitive state, never to be separate from divine 

source again. When all desires of the heart are renounced, mortals 

become immortal, free from the wheel of birth and death.” 

Yama continues, “the Self abides in the human heart in a form 

about the size of a human thumb and from this heart area, there 

are 101 energetic pathways (nadis) leading from the heart. One leads 

to the crown of the head. This pathway leads to immortality. The 

other pathways lead to death and rebirth. At the time of death, 

draw the Self up towards the crown of the head and out of the 

physical sheath. Know thyself to be pure and immortal!” 

The time of death is a great mystery. Spiritual traditions suggest we 

stay awake and alert, with our awareness in the unitive state and our 

mind focused on the divine. We must be prepared to let go of a 

lifetime of attachments and desires as our life could end at any 

moment. Such a task is ultimately challenging and could be 

considered the spadework of our soul. 

The Winter solstice (December 21) is a time for rebirth, a 

celebration of the days getting longer, symbolizing coming out of 

darkness and moving into light. Looking ahead to this years’ 

solstice, it is said to be an end or death of a larger time cycle in our 

planet’s evolution. We have the opportunity to create a new and 

12

SERENITY OR 

SERENDIPITY? 

Danny Pui-Lung Lau 

I have been living in this neighbourhood 

for five years. In the Summer, birds chirp 

from 5 in the morning till 9 at night. In the 

Fall, they start slightly later and finish an 

hour earlier. And all Winter and Spring it 

rains like a Banshee. This is Vancouver, BC 

afterall! Between the rain there’s the fog, 

which can make things spooky. But even 

more spooky, my neighbourhood is next 

to a cemetery. 

Vancouver has a huge Chinese population 

but my neighbourhood has only a handful 

of Chinese or Asian families. I guess it is 

because of its proximity to the cemetery. 

Chinese people prefer not to live close to 

the dead. 

When I first moved here with my partner, I 

was a little apprehensive of going to the 

cemetery. I felt I was disturbing them when 

I walked around their territory. But my 

dogs, possibly the most intuitive beings on 

the planet, love going into the cemetery. 

They play and run like wild animals, like the 

coyotes we hear howling at night. 

So I thought ‘dogs are intuitive and have 

heightened senses, so they would sense any 

negative energy. There is nothing to be 

scared about.’ Soon I learned to appreciate 

the serenity of this cemetery, and realized 

the people laying here were really good 

souls. In fact most of them sacrificed their 

lives during the wars, they were heroes. 

In the Bhagavad Gita death is portrayed as 

a process of rebirth. A soul does not just 

go away after the physical body is gone. 

That soul may have unfinished business 

which needs to be dealt with on his/her 

journey. Hence the soul may influence the 

journey to the next life. 

As a yogi, I learn to be aware of the 

presence of other being. I am also learning 

how to channel spirit guides when I need 

to communicate with others. Every time I 

am in the cemetery, I speak to “them”. I 

say hello when I come across a name on the 

stone. And sometimes, I sense their 

presence. I watch my dogs and how they 

behave when they are here. 

They stop to pee of course, thankfully 

mostly on the grass! I do my best to stop 

them peeing on tombstones, as I find it 

disrespectful. However, sometimes I sense 

a spirit saying “it’s okay. They are just being 

dogs”. In my heart, I apologize and thank 

them for letting us pass through. From 

this I have learned something of coexistence. 

Just like the co-existence of wild 

lives and humans in the city of Vancouver. 

The role of yogis with regard to death, as 

described in Bhagavad Gita, is to be 

mindful of the process of dying. Our 

mind can direct our consciousness to move 

from our physical bodies back to our souls. 

In the Yoga Sutras Patanjali says “yogis die 

at will”. (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter Eight). 

So we have the control. 

It is serendipity I ended up in this 

neighbourhood to discover the meaning 

of death and to realize it is a controlled 

passage. I have learned to appreciate the 

serenity in death. I have also learned to 

walk my path with an open mind and to be 

present with my mind. I have some control 

Danny’s dogs are at ease in the cemetery 

of my consciousness and can direct my 

mind to walk different paths. As long as 

my intention is directed by my heart, it’s all 

okay. 

Danny (E-RYT 200, 

Studio Owner, Local 

Radio Personality, Dog 

Lover) was born and 

raised in Hong Kong; 

educated in Hong 

Kong, China and 

Canada; and has been 

in radio broadcasting 

for almost 20 years, in 

Hong Kong and 

Vancouver. He owns 

SpiRe Wellness Yoga 

Studio in Vancouver. He has a Puggle, a 

German Shorthaired Pointer and a husband. 

beautiful world by focusing our attention on that which is centered 

in harmony, peace and unconditional love. The content of our 

minds during this period of transition is incredibly important: 

with our collective thoughts, we have the ability to co-create a mass 

evolution of planetary love, peace, unity and happiness for all 

beings. 

A verse from the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad is an appropriate prayer 

for our times: 

Om Asato Ma Sad Gamaya 

Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya 

Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya 

Om Shantih Shantih Shantih 

Oh Lord, Lead me 

From the unreal to the real 

From the darkness to the light 

From death to immortality 

OM Peace Peace Peace 

Clayton is director of Green Path Yoga. He 

teaches workshops and teacher trainings 

around the world. clayton@greenpathyoga.org 

13

Dristi Death 

DEATH & DYING 

Yogesvara Boyle 

My grandmother just died. So this issue’s topic is near and dear to me right now. Speaking with my mom during my grandmother’s 

passing she perfectly encapsulated the essence of the dharma teachings on death by saying, “You know, your Nonna is dying like she 

lived… hard. She’s fighting. And your Papa, he died like he lived: open and surrendered.” And there you have it. This is the key to the 

death and dying teachings from the yoga perspective: as you live, so shall you die. 

Death, personified as Lord Yama in the 

yoga tradition, teaches us the value of 

sobriety. It is very useful to re-evaluate our 

life through this lens. What are our 

priorities? Why do we do what we do? 

Where are we going? Where did we come 

from? Who are we? What do we really want 

out of life? 

I don’t want my face to wear a look of horror [at 

my time of death] that scares my loved ones, 

who are hopefully by my side 

Yogins of the Sakta-Saiva Dharma keep 

“remembrance of death” as a daily, living 

precept. The intent of this practice is not 

drudgery, nor is it’s fruit contrived guilt and 

darkness. Rather, this practice of 

remembering enriches and enlivens life, 

while lending us the courage to detach 

from the aspects of ourselves that are not 

congruent with our purpose and direction. 

One of the hallmarks of authentic spiritual 

practice is “practicing where we are at” and 

not where some highbrow philosophy says 

we should be. Where most of us “are at” 

in regards to death is scared shitless. Being 

real with this fear and preparing for what is 

inevitable is not a drag. It is practical and 

honest. 

Or at least I think so, because I really don’t 

want to panic when my time comes – and I 

don’t know when my time is coming. I 

don’t want to be flailing in terror like my 

Nonna has been. I don’t want my face to 

wear a look of horror that scares my loved 

ones, who are hopefully by my side. Forget 

what the teachings say about what happens 

after death. Before it, I don’t want to live 

my life with an undercurrent of anxiety 

about something so natural and certain. 

So, then, there are things I need to 

confront, accept and perhaps transform 

about my situation right here and now. 

There are things I need to deal with. I 

cannot run away from any aspect of life… 

because I know… as I live, so I shall die. 

How do I show up in life? 

At the moment of death will I be relaxed, 

surrendered, and at peace? Am I going to 

be at ease? Am I going to be in a state of 

love and grace? All of that depends. Am I 

in that state now? How often have I been 

in that state recently? How about as a habit 

throughout most of my life? What about 

in stressful situations when the shit hits 

the fan? Do I crumble in fear, freeze in 

panic, run away, deny, avoid, look for 

something to not feel the pain, to buffer 

the discomfort? 

Or, do I remain in state of peace and love 

even when things are hard? I have to ask 

myself these questions because, frankly, I 

don’t always like the answers. I have to 

keep it real. Because if I am not so 

surrendered when I can’t pay my bills, or 

when my child’s fever spikes, or when I am 

filled with regret for things I did, or didn’t 

do… then how can I expect the measure of 

contentment I hope to die with? How can 

I hope to not be as terrified as I think I 

might be? 

These are questions the yogin ponders as 

she must. This is why the “Cremation 

Ground Siva” is an Icon of Essence we 

look to with reverence. This is why the 

practice of living fully in every moment, or 

realizing our ultimate human creative 

potential is the same thing as saying every 

moment is a practice for death and dying. 

I am so grateful every Autumn our school 

of Sakta-Saiva Dharma makes it a priority 

to revisit the teachings on death and dying. 

We can never answer all our rational 

questions about something as mysterious 

as death. But, there are a lot more answers 

than most people think. We can learn 

about how we dissolve - body, mind and 

spirit - and how to best prepare for and 

navigate that process. There are tools for 

practicing now, which simultaneously 

enhance living and serve as trial runs for the 

moment of dying. 

There are even very practical views and 

methods we can learn to better assist 

others, our loved ones, who are living their 

final moments and might otherwise suffer 

in a state of confusion and fear. Certainly, 

we can never control a force such as death 

and any conscious efforts to work with it 

are best practiced with humility. But there 

are things we can do. We are not helpless. 

We are empowered beings endowed with 

greatness and responsibility. What good is 

a spiritual practice if it is not giving us the 

best chance we’ve got to experience 

everything about life, most especially death, 

with a masterful touch? 

I am grateful for the taste of sobriety reawakened 

in me in the wake of my 

grandmother’s death. May all beings be free 

from the fear of death and in so becoming, 

be truly and fully alive. And may my 

Nonna rest in peace. 

Yogi is co-founder of 

Energy of Mind 

Therapy 

(www.energyofmind 

therapy.com), works 

with clients online and 

at Kailash Askhara 

retreat 

(www.adiyoga.com) in 

Northeast Thailand. 

14

Postponing Death 

Dr. Mihaiela Pentiuc 

It may seem as if we can write easily about our passions, hopes, 

dreams, expectations, life. But when it comes to death, words 

escape us and inspiration seems beyond reach. It does not matter 

how certain death is, we keep on postponing its reality in our 

minds. It does not matter how often we have met death – through 

loved ones who have left, or even events in the news – we keep 

thinking: It’s not about me. In order to live happily we build an 

entire coping system that takes the mind away from the frightening 

certitude of our own deadline. 

Medical books describe a very rare disease that causes people to 

think they are dead or that parts of their body are missing or 

rotten. It is called Walking Corpse Syndrome (Cotard’s Syndrome) 

and its source can be partially found in a disconnection between the 

areas in the brain that process information from the sense organs 

and the site of their emotional processing. It is like seeing, feeling, 

tasting the body, but being unable to appreciate this is me, mine, or 

normal. What does the mind do when confronted with this odd 

separation? Usually it makes up a story, an explanation that will 

solve the dilemma, but most commonly does not match reality. 

Generally speaking, when our sense of identity is not associated 

with our sensory perceptions, we feel as if we are dead. 

to live happily we build a coping 

system to take the mind away from 

our own deadline 

In Yoga, pratyahara, the fifth of the eight stages of Patanjali’s 

traditional system, advises the sadhaka to train in the “withdrawal 

of the senses,” the voluntary separation of the internal activity of 

the mind from external disturbances. In this practice smell, taste, 

sight, touch, and hearing are not processed anymore in their 

respective centers in the brain; the sense organs are totally 

functional while the brain does not acknowledge their activity. 

Pratyahara is the essential turning point that takes the practitioner 

to the superior levels of yoga – dharana (concentration), dhyana 

(meditation), and samadhi. 

Stretching the analogy a little, we can say before reaching samadhi the 

yogi must change the habitudes of his brain activity, which is in a 

way like undergoing death. It is very common before entering 

samadhi to experience a certain amount of fear – either a fear of 

death or fear of insanity. Many practitioners stop at this point, 

while others spend a lot of time roaming to the edge of this range, 

which reveals the extinction of the ego. Unfortunately there is no 

other way to gain passage to greater depths but by passing through 

this gateway, a necessary step that changes the psychological focus 

but also imprints on our biology. The brain has to be trained; our 

body has to face what will normally be translated as death and 

destruction in order to accommodate the higher stages of sadhana. 

How does the yogi know he or she is not going mad, is not 

damaging the brain, and won’t become a zombie like the severe 

sufferers of Cotard’s Syndrome? 

It is a common procedure in neuroscience to observe pathological 

conditions in order to understand the function of the normal 

brain. For a yogi it is even more fascinating to recognize the effects 

of yoga practice in what science describes. 

Yoga and meditation change both our body and brain. Pathology 

and disease are also based on sometimes similar changes of the 

brain. Why does one lead to bliss while the other to misery? Are 

there signs that tell us clearly in which direction we are heading? 

If I want to taste the exquisiteness of infinity I have to accept the 

need to courageously look into the face of death. On the verge of 

extinction’s abyss, is there something that can reassure me of an 

afterlife of samadhi? Unfortunately the answer is no. Facing death 

means facing no compromises, no half-doses, and no selfcomforting. 

From outside, the guru or teacher can appreciate the 

signs but inside it is just that: a solitary confrontation with the dark 

night. The only real, reliable, guiding light is gradual consistent 

practice: pratyahara – withdrawal from the ongoing processing of 

external sensory stimulation – and one-pointed concentration of 

the mind leading to deep levels of meditation. 

This is no easy step and dreaming about bliss without the courage 

to confront death is like suffering from thirst while being averse to 

drinking. Speaking about abhinivesha – the fear of death, or the 

excessive attachment to life – Patanjali himself acknowledged this 

describing it as being “deeply rooted even in the sages.” 

All those who hold the ambition to reach the highest yogic 

achievements are bound to bear witness to the very deep 

transformation brought about by one’s confrontation with death. 

It starts with the effort of the mind to redirect its attention and 

concludes with physiological changes of the brain. Meanwhile a 

wide range of emotional and philosophical challenges can surge up. 

We do need to apply new processing terms, to learn new 

translation skills or new emotional values. Seeing must be replaced 

by inner vision, external consistency exchanged for the certainty of 

internal perceptions, permanent sensorial bombardment easily 

turned into awakened calmness. 

This is how the advanced stages of yoga become the realm of 

heroes, men and women with determination and real longing for 

truth and freedom. From this perspective we can understand why 

Shiva, the archetypal image of the yoga guru, also received the name 

Bhairava, the terrible one. 

Some who initially feel an enthusiastic attraction to yoga may feel 

discouraged at this point. Isn’t there an escape, a shortcut, a 

“happy-go-lucky” path to samadhi? We want the bliss but not the 

confrontation. Let’s look around: Is there a place where death can 

be avoided? Is it possible by facing it courageously we can stop 

fearing it and understand death as transformation? Yogic wisdom 

provides answers and practical solutions, showing again how this 

ancient system is reliable for much more than healthy stretching or 

relaxation. 

Mihaiela is a senior yoga teacher at Agama 

Yoga, Thailand. mihaiela@agamayoga.com 

Agama Yoga offers its ‘Art of Dying’ workshop 

25-29 March 2013 www.agamayoga.com 

15

Dristi Death 

Death: Teachings vs Reality 

Nityananda Rama Das 

Pot Pot was showing signs of pain, she became less active and no 

longer had an appetite. We took her to our veterinarian and her test 

results were not good. I knew this day would come since the first 

time she snuggled up on my chest purring and resting her paw on 

my chin, she always reached out to touch people. 

She was a rescue cat, along with her two siblings. We offered her a 

life of love and affection, and given the chance I would do it all over 

again. The vet gave us her options - to prolong her life with surgery 

and medication, or accept that she lived a full life. 

According to my upbringing as a yogi I should have never become 

involved in the first place, yet the act of kindness many years ago 

felt right. In Gurukula I was taught to detach from worldly life 

intellectual philosophy had no 

weight next to the heart 

forms to avoid becoming karmicly entangled and thus limit or even 

halt spiritual progress. It seems the teachings I learned were mostly 

to avoid suffering through detachment or simply by avoiding 

involvement all together to prepare for transcending the material 

plain of existence. Yet, building and maintaining awareness of the 

divinity within all is our main goal. Thus involvement, connection, 

love and affection to all is the recommended conduct of a yogi, and 

what feels right in the heart. 

The vet gave me some time to be with Pot Pot as she passed away. I 

prayed for her, offered Mantras and blessings only to realize none 

were needed. What comes to be is what’s meant to be. The intensity 

of the emotions did not mix with the teaching of scriptures and 

knowledge of the Spirit Self, Higher Self as well as the Afterlife did 

not matter. The intellectual philosophy and cold detachment had 

no weight next to the heart and my sadness in witnessing the 

departure of a loved one, or gratitude for all we shared. 

According to Krsna within the Bhagavad Gita “ the Self or Spirit 

Soul is consciousness, bliss and truth, unchanging, eternal, present 

everywhere, immovable and can not be harmed in any way, it is not 

bound to the material world”. Karma being action-reaction, is 

limited to the material world and is impartial. So according to these 

teachings the Eternal Self is not of this world, whereas karma is the 

guiding principle of this material world. Since karma and the 

experience of pleasure and pain do not change the Self, karma is not 

important in the context of the Self. So perhaps we could allow the 

mind and body to live out its biological purpose, fulfilling our 

family and cultural evolution by fully embracing each aspect of this 

existence, instead of hiding behind detached spiritual-afterlife 

concepts as a method of avoiding the unpleasant times. 

Embracing the fullness of the emotions and experience, honoring 

and cherishing in my heart, feels right. Being conscious of the 

divinity within all, in truth, in life and death I allowed the fullness 

of emotions to wash over me and the tears 

of sadness mixed with joy flowed freely. 

Nitai is a second generation Vaishnava and 

Yoga Teacher. He grew up following the 

Vedic teachings and later found the balance 

of Veda and Tantra. Now as a family man he 

draws his inspiration from loved ones and 

life’s lessons. Nitai teaches at Pure Yoga. 

richard@pure-yoga.com 

Teacher’s Voice 

Ardash Williams 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING 

ASANA AND WHY? 

The asanas that have given me 

the most challenge have to be 

balancing postures, especially 

16 

Sirsasana (headstand). Sirsasana 

took two years for me to 

become proficient in (i.e. not fall 

over) and was the source of so 

much frustration as a yoga 

beginner. 

Unlike some postures, 

headstand does not require a 

huge amount of flexibility but 

it does require a successful 

organization of the various 

body parts - especially an 

awareness of the center (dan 

tian). My challenge was in 

finding my center and “putting 

in all together.” 

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM 

THIS? 

The process of learning 

headstand taught me many of 

the yoga lessons I remind 

myself of everyday; themes like 

patience and perseverance, 

concentration and the balancing 

of opposing forces. 

The biggest thing related to 

asana is the idea of mastering 

small things. For example, 

moving into headstand requires 

many of the same techniques 

found in Tadasana (mountain 

pose). The trick is to put it all 

together while upside down. 

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING 

PART OF YOUR PRACTICE? 

The most challenging part of 

my practice is finding time to get 

it all in. I really enjoy practicing 

yoga and want my session to go 

on forever! However, I always 

have to finish on time, even if 

that means cutting it short. So, I 

wake up very early every 

morning to get everything in - 

asana, pranayama, meditation - 

then I need to finish up and 

begin teaching early Mysore class. 

On top of that, my two small 

children keep me on my toes, so 

life is always busy. 

Adarsh is a faculty teacher at 

Samahita Yoga Thailand, Space 

Yoga Taipei and director of the 

Monterey Yoga Shala in 

California. 

www.smartstretch.com

17

Yoga 101 

OM: What 

hat’s all the Fus 

uss s about? 

Andrew Willner 

“Aum iti evam dhyayat atmanam….Svasti va paraya tamasah parastat” 

Meditate on the Aum as your inner self….may you cross over the darkness to the other 

side. Mandukya Upanishad 

Your Om is too loud, your Om is too soft, your Om is too short on the ‘mmmmm’, in 

fact your Om really sucks! So is there a right way to chant Om? Will I be a more 

enlightened being if I can just get my Om spot om? 

Aum is the sound of 

creation...quantum 

physicists are now 

confirming...as all 

things are energy 

vibrating 

Let’s start by going back in time to identify the roots of this mantra and then try to 

comprehend its meaning and determine whether there is any basis of argument on how 

an Om should sound. 

SOME HISTORY 

Om or Aum, as I shall henceforth refer to 

it being more correct, does not appear in 

the Vedas other than indirectly in the Yajur 

Veda. Also there have been no examples 

found from the Indus civilization of the 

Aum symbol on any seals or cave drawings. 

(Some scholars have argued that, just as the 

ancient Hebrews would never express the 

word “Yahweh” as it was too holy to 

speak, similarly maybe Aum was too sacred 

to be spoken of or written about). So the 

first direct reference is found in the 

Upanishads (800BCE-200CE) and in 

particular the Mandukya Upanishad which 

is devoted to this one topic! Thereafter we 

find plenty of references in the Puranas, in 

the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita and 

other Vedantic texts. 

WHAT IS IT? 

Aum is called the Mahat (great) Mantra. It 

symbolizes everything. It is the sound of 

creation and ultimate reality. It is the 

cosmic vibration behind all of the manifest 

universe, which quantum physicists and 

super string theorists are now 

confirming… as all ‘things’ are just energy 

vibrating . It is Brahman i.e. it’s a pretty 

important and far out concept. 

18

the point above the 

crescent moon 

represents pure 

consciousness 

Unlike all other sounds, which require air 

movement to create their sound, in the case 

of Aum the fourth syllable is silent, the 

unstruck sound (anahat nada), and we shall 

come back to this when we examine how 

to chant Aum. 

The pictograph of Aum, which is familiar 

to most yogis (and anyone who happens 

to have seen the tattoo on my back) also 

symbolizes different aspects of our 

consciousness a) the waking state : jagrathaavastha 

“A”, b) the subconscious dream 

state: svapna-avastha “U” and c) the 

unconscious state: susupta-avastha “M’ and 

these states are represented by the three 

curves that combined look a bit like the 

number 30. 

Now for the really interesting bit - the 

point (bindu – which in metaphysics 

represents the point where multiplicity 

merges back into unity) above the crescent 

moon represents the unstruck sound I 

referred to earlier in this article. It represents 

the fourth state of consciousness called 

Turiya which is pure consciousness and 

transcends the other three states. In Turiya 

there are no thoughts and no “I” and no 

relative existence. 

The crescent moon below the bindu 

represents maya, (which in Vedanta is the 

illusion of the ‘reality’ of the manifest and 

in Tantra is the veil that cloaks the absolute 

from the relative). But let’s move on to 

consider how to chant. 

HOW TO CHANT AUM 

So once we are sitting comfortably we can 

commence our Aum japa. The first syllable 

is the “A” and is pronounced as ‘ahhh’ 

somewhat like the sound made when the 

doctor wishes to inspect your tonsils! It 

should come from the back of the throat 

with the lips in a quite wide horizontal 

elliptical shape akin to a wide-mouthed 

frog (if you ever happen to have spotted 

one)! It refers to the gross world i.e. the 

physical world. 

Then comes the “U” as the second syllable 

and is pronounced somewhere between an 

‘oo’ and an ‘or’ with the lips closing slightly 

into an oval shape and resembles the 

sound you might make if the doctor then 

took your temperature using a very cold 

rectoral thermometer! It refers to the subtle 

astral world. 

Then comes the third syllable, the “M”, 

pronounced ‘mmm’ with the lips gently 

closed (which intensifies the vibratory 

resonance in the brain per Sri Dharma 

Mittra, whom many readers will know as a 

remarkable teacher of yoga with over half a 

century of experience). The sound is similar 

to that made after your first sip of hot 

coffee on a cold winter’s day. It refers to the 

causal realm and can be imagined as the 

canvas on which the subtle and gross 

realms are painted. 

Finally, last but by no means least, we arrive 

at the fourth syllable referred to earlier, 

which is the unstruck sound of silence, 

which does not sound like any other sound 

in the manifest world, wherein the 

practitioner may experience absolute reality 

which encompasses all three of the prior 

realms above. This last realm is the most 

esoteric and probably the one most 

students will take time to fully appreciate, 

but during the silence the practitioner can 

still experience the vibration of the mantra 

in the higher chakras, particularly in ajna 

(third eye) and sahasrara (crown) chakras. 

RATIOS 

There does not appear to be any scriptural 

text that defines the ratio of time of each 

syllable of the mantra, but typically most 

gurus and swamis (e.g. Swami Jnaneshvara 

Bharati), who have commented on this 

topic, suggest the “M” should be longer 

than the “A” and “U” but to varying 

degrees. Personally I think after practicing 

for a while, one develops a sense of what 

feels right for you, although in a class 

situation it is respectful to follow the lead 

of the teacher. Typically beginners with 

limited lung capacity may find their “M” is 

too short because they run out of breath, 

so unless you are an ex-deep sea pearl diver 

then try not to get carried away with the 

“AU” parts. 

DECIBELS 

So is there any guidance on how loud the 

Aum should be? Again, different traditions 

seem to have different approaches from 

soft to loud. In Sanskrit the word japa 

(repetition) derives from the root ‘jap’ 

which means ‘to utter in a low voice, repeat 

internally or mutter’, so that would suggest 

a softer Aum is appropriate. However, a 

louder chant can be invigorating and (per 

Omved) gives the practitioner a sense of 

the omnipotence of the Supreme. I would 

also add that chanting silently does not give 

me the physical experience of feeling the 

vibration of the sounds, not to mention in 

a group setting it would seem a bit solitary! 

So the only conclusion I can draw on this 

point is that the fourth syllable, the 

unstruck sound, should be silent, no 

matter which tradition you follow. 

FINAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna highlights 

the importance of chanting Aum at the 

time of one’s death: “Repeating in this 

state (of meditation) the divine name, the 

syllable Om that represents the changeless 

Brahman, you will go forth from the body 

and attain the supreme goal.” (Ch 8.13) 

But for those of you in more of a hurry to 

reach samadhi, I should like to refer you to 

the Shiva Purana which apparently states 

1,080,000,000 recitations of Aum purify 

our mind and lead us automatically to 

salvation. By my calculations, assuming 30 

seconds per Aum, if you chant 12 hours a 

day uninterruptedly for just over 2,000 

years you will have reached the requisite 

number of recitations! 

Off I go….1,2,3….oh darn, there goes my 

Blackberry again! 

Andy is an 

enthusiastic yoga 

practitioner and now 

teacher too with a 

background in 

aerobics and martial 

arts. Outside work as 

a headhunter and 

practising yoga, he 

plays the saxophone 

for pleasure...his, 

rather than the 

neighbours’! 

19

Mythology in a Minute 

Pleased with all of Yudhishthir’s answers, the Yaksha revealed 

himself to be none other than Yudhishthir’s father, Dharmaraja, 

Yama, the Lord of Death. Yama restored the four brothers to life. 

He then granted three boons to Yudhishthir. The brahmin’s 

implements were returned. The five Pandavas princes were granted 

the boon of a safe year in exile when no one would be able to 

recognize them. And finally, Yudhishtir was granted his wish of 

victory over greed, anger and delusion and 

constant abidance in generosity, austerity and 

truth. 

This story comes from Veda Vyasa’s 

Mahabharata. 

Tia, a yoga teacher, writes from India. 

Poetry of Yoga 

Flying At Night 

Krishna Das 

Questions from a Crane 

Tia Sinha 

Yudhishtir, the just king, was thirsty. He and his four Pandava 

brothers had been chasing, in vain, a deer that had run away with 

implements stuck on its antlers. The brahmin ascetic to whom 

those implements belonged had appealed to the Pandava brothers 

to retrieve them. 

The youngest brother, Nakula, spotted some cranes from the top 

of a tree in the forest and went towards them in search of water. 

Upon reaching a beautiful lake adorned with lotus blossoms, 

Nakula ventured close to quench his own thirst and fetch some 

water for his brothers. Suddenly, a voice rang out, asking him to 

stop and answer some questions before drinking from the lake. 

There were only cranes in the lake. Overcome with thirst, Nakula 

disobeyed the command and promptly died. Soon after, one by 

one, Yudhishtir sent his three other brothers to investigate the 

delay and to fetch water. The same fate befell each of the brothers. 

When Yudhishthir himself reached the lake, he was distraught to 

find his four valiant brothers lying dead on the shore. Realizing 

that this was the handiwork of no ordinary creature, Yudhishthir 

pleaded that the murderer reveal himself. Then, a crane asked 

Yudhishthir to answer some questions. The crane then revealed 

itself to be a gigantic and frightening Yaksha whose questions 

Yudhishthir was prepared to answer before quenching his thirst. 

The Yaksha asked dozens of philosophical questions. When he 

asked what was surprising, Yudhishthir replied that everyday 

people die, but everyone believes they will live forever. In short, no 

one is prepared to die. No one is prepared for death. 

From up here, I can see clearly. 

Faint flickering lights hint at the path of a winding road 

That stretches out across the land. 

Dice thrown on the table of the night. 

The light of a town glares in the distance, 

A burning ember held in the black palm of the night. 

People are drawn to this cold fire 

to live near others of their kind. 

I can see their lives from here. 

Another faint spark flickers 

in the dark distance. 

An outpost at the edge of what men know... 

Let me live there, 

on that edge that swallows men 

and their electricity. 

Embracing all in silent wonder. 

Fearless. 

Gigantic. 

Invisible. 

From Poetry of Yoga, A Contemporary Anthology, 

Volume 1 Edited by HawaH, 2011 

Reproduced with permission 

20

Steve Merkley 

21

Yoga Styles 

God-Realiz 

alization ation through Kriya Yoga 

Allen Yao 

“You are walking on the earth as in a dream. Our world is a dream within a dream; you must realize that to find God 

is the only goal, the only purpose, for which you are here. For Him alone you exist. Him you must find.” 

Paramahansa Yogananda 

22 

In the Katha Upanishad (one 

of India’s most widely read 

ancient scriptures), Yama, the 

Lord of Death, explained to 

Nachiketa, the teenage spiritual 

aspirant, that the Self (God) 

cannot be known through the 

Kriya Yoga takes one to God by the 

universal highway: the spine 

study of scriptures nor 

through the intellect, nor 

through hearing discourses 

about it. He asserted, “The Self 

cannot be known by anyone 

who desists not from 

unrighteous ways, controls not 

his senses, stills not his mind, 

and practises not meditation.” 

Paramahansa Yogananda, the 

famed author of the spiritual 

classic “Autobiography of a 

Yogi”, described meditation as 

the science of God Realization. 

He said, “It is the most 

practical science in the world, 

and most people would want 

to meditate if they understood 

its value and experienced its 

beneficial effects. The ultimate 

object of meditation is to 

attain conscious awareness of 

God, and the soul’s eternal 

oneness with Him.” 

He once explained, “You can be 

in a room 20 years, trying to get 

out through the walls, the 

ceiling, the floor. It is when you 

finally discover the door that 

you find your way out. That’s 

how it is with the soul. The 

average devotee may struggle 

his whole life trying to escape 

the bodily limitations by 

unscientific means, and by the 

paths only of devotion or 

discrimination. By Kriya Yoga, 

however, if he is sincere, he can 

escape quickly. Kriya Yoga takes 

one to God by the universal 

highway: the spine.” 

Kriya Yoga is a powerful and 

scientific meditation technique 

for spiritual evolution. 

Yogananda said the Sanskrit 

word Kriya derives from the 

root “Kri”—”to do, act and 

react”. Yoga derives from 

“yuj”—”to unite, join, 

connect”. Yogananda stated 

Kriya Yoga is the supreme yoga 

science for the attainment of 

union or oneness with God. 

This technique focuses on the 

growth of inner awareness and 

the experiencing of the 

indwelling Divinity, and leads 

ultimately to God-realization. 

Sri Yukteswar (1855-1936), 

Yogananda’s guru, asserted 

human evolution could be 

accelerated through the practice 

of Kriya Yoga. He said the 

ancient yogis discovered the 

secret of cosmic consciousness 

to be intimately linked with 

breath mastery. By this method 

of calming and stilling the 

ceaseless demands of the 

breath, the life force ordinarily 

absorbed in maintaining heart 

action, would be freed for 

higher activities. 

Its roots go back to antiquity, 

as saints and sages had been 

practising this technique since 

time immemorial. The ageless 

Mahavatar Babaji reintroduced 

it in 1861 to the illustrious sage 

Lahiri Mahasaya (1828-1895) 

with instructions to 

disseminate it for the benefit 

of mankind. 

He told the sage, “The Kriya 

Yoga I am giving to the world 

through you in this nineteenth 

century, is a revival of the same 

science that Krishna gave 

The Direct Lineage of 

Kriya Yoga Gurus 

Mahavatar Babaji, date of birth 

and death unknown 

Lahiri Mahasaya 1828 -1895 

Shriyukteshwarji 1855 - 1936

Sanyal Mahasaya 1877 - 1962 

Paramahamsa Prajnanananda 

1960 - present 

millenniums ago to Arjuna, 

and was later known to 

Patanjali, to Christ, St. John, St. 

Paul, and other disciples.” 

Kriya Yoga was transmitted 

directly from guru to disciple, 

and passed down to 

practitioners through the Kriya 

Yoga lineage of masters. It is 

taught in this manner by 

properly trained and authorised 

teachers to pupils to this day. 

Yoganandaji 1893 -1952 

Swami Satyananda 1896-1971 

Kriya Yoga is particularly 

suitable for householders or 

laypersons with worldly duties 

and responsibilities. The 

technique does not involve any 

forced or unnatural 

withholding of breath, or 

putting the practitioner 

through torturous or 

uncomfortable bodily postures. 

It teaches a simple and easy 

method of breath control 

based on natural inhalation and 

exhalation, for purifying the 

body’s internal mechanism, 

bringing thought under control 

and attaining stillness of the 

mind and inner peace. 

Regular practice enhances health 

through the increase of oxygen 

flow to vital organs and better 

blood circulation, resulting in 

more efficient bodily functions 

of assimilation and digestion. 

This technique also prevents 

the accumulation of venous 

blood thereby lessening the 

decay of tissues. 

Hariharananda 1907- 2002 

Allen is a member of Kriya 

Yoga HK www.kriya.org 

23

24

Yoga Styles 

Dying from the 

Yin-side 

Dona Tumacder-Esteban 

As a child, part of my fervent prayers was 

to die ahead of everyone else in my family. 

I didn’t fear dying as much as I feared 

being left alone dealing with the remnants 

and the changes that came with it. 

When I began to explore the spiritual path 

through dance, yoga, and meditation, I 

found myself praying for death once again 

– this time as an escape from the mundane 

daily grind into “something more” that I 

thought existed only when the physical 

body dies. 

One day, after months of taking sanctuary 

in the dynamic silence that followed 

meditative dance and asana practice, an 

energy seized my belly and grew from there 

into a spontaneous explosion I could not 

contain. I got out of my bed, ran to my 

mother’s room and exclaimed, “I close my 

eyes and I see God. I open my eyes and I 

still see God. Am I going insane?” It was a 

glimpse of “something more.” I knew 

right there, heart pumping and all, that 

something inside me had died. 

And something inside me had also been 

born again. 

Since then, life has been a constant stream 

of deaths and rebirths. Sometimes death is 

painful like broken hearts, lost friendships, 

and unfulfilled dreams. Sometimes death is 

a welcome refuge – the death of each and 

every moment which, just as inevitable as 

death itself, gives way for a new and 

hopefully better moment to be born. 

Without a doubt, each “death” was 

transformative. 

GOING DEEP WITH YIN 

The idea of death as a transformative force 

became more concrete when I dove deeply 

into the practice of Yin Yoga, a healing and 

calming practice where we come into asanas 

with relaxed muscles and stay in stillness 

for 3-5 minutes. Through Yin Yoga which 

fuses both yoga and Taoist philosophy 

with the practice of mindfulness, I witness 

the process of death and birth happening 

in the different layers of my being. 

The Taoists were great observers of nature 

and its birth and death cycles – from 

seasonal changes, to the movement from 

day to night and back to day, to the 

sprouting of a seed and the falling of its 

fruit. They noticed how each phase reflected 

the forces they called Yin and Yang. 

Moreover, these ancient sages noticed that 

rather than absolutes, yin and yang energies 

are contained in each other in varying 

degrees depending on where they are within 

the cycle. Eventually, one gives way 

seamlessly to the other. Human beings, as 

part of nature, go through the same birth 

and death cycles. 

The word Yin by itself is closely linked with 

death. As the counterbalance to the more 

active, dynamic, and creative Yang energy, 

Yin is contracting, passive, dead still. 

But to say that Yin is death is incomplete. 

Professor Mac Cueto, a therapeutic 

consultant and Traditional Chinese 

Medicine practitioner from Manila, explains 

“death of the physical body can be seen as 

the separation of yin and yang. The yang 

gets liberated as shen or spirit, and the yin is 

consumed and begins to consolidate, 

getting ready for the next cycle of 

embodiment and rebirth, hopefully this 

time more refined.” 

Victor Chng, Asia’s leading Yin Yoga 

teacher and teacher trainer, states it clearly. 

“Yin is not only about death. Yin is about 

renewal. It is an opportunity for the old to 

die and the new to be born. This is how we 

heal and how we obtain new energy.” In 

the Yin state, energy is conserved and 

preserved in a state of pure potentiality, 

ready for new growth. 

This is most apparent in the physical body, 

for example, which renews itself fully every 

seven years. The deep connective tissues 

which are the focus areas of the Yin practice 

are no exception. As we stress the tendons 

and the ligaments through Yin Yoga’s 

passive stretches with relaxed muscles, we 

create micro tears which allow the connective 

tissues to continuously regenerate and 

remain young resulting in more suppleness 

and flexibility in the body. 

According to Dr. JP Prado, a medical doctor 

and osteopath in Manila who advises his 

patients to cultivate a Yin practice to 

complement dynamic exercise and help heal 

the body, these micro tears are akin to cells 

dying giving space for new cells to be born. 

He adds no two cells can occupy the same 

space so the old has to die to give birth to 

the new. Even in the living body, death is 

necessary for life to flourish. 

Although in the beginning of a Yin Yoga 

practice, physical sensations are the most 

noticeable, these sensations subside and 

other layers of our being take center stage. 

Yin Yoga done in the spirit of Svadhyaya or 

self-inquiry allows us to keenly observe our 

thoughts and emotional reactions within 

the inherent stillness and silence of the 

asana. Just as our cells die and renew, 

thoughts and emotions also come and go. 

Through this witnessing, we are able to 

authenticate our experiences and cultivate 

awareness of habitual thinking and feeling 

caused by impressions deep in our 

consciousness. Without the distraction of 

movement, we are confronted with the 

truth of who we are at this moment, giving 

us a blessed opportunity to let go of habits 

that no longer serve us, to make space for 

new and better impressions. Yin Yoga has 

helped me drop my tendency towards 

reactivity. In its place came responsiveness. 

Again, death and rebirth. 

YANG BECOMES YIN, YIN BECOMES YANG 

Yin and Yang is a cycle without a beginning 

and an end. As we move through Yang, we 

consume and eventually destroy leading us 

towards death. As we move through Yin, 

we repair, renew, regenerate, and prepare the 

ground for new embodiment. While Yin is 

death, it is also a passage so that life can start 

anew. Everything changes is the inherent 

promise of this cycle. 

Yet even with this promise, we so 

desperately hold on to that which are 

transient in life, that which are continuously 

changing. As a teacher and practitioner of 

Yin Yoga, I perceive this desperation as 

muscles refusing to yield, almost as if the 

validation of its existence only happens the 

tighter it grips the bones. I feel it in practice 

each time I latch onto a thought and follow 

its story until I am entangled in events that 

have been, or stories that have yet to be. 

For this reason, I find solace in chanting this 

mantra as I surrender into a Yin asana. 

Asato ma sat gamaya 

(From the unreal to the real) 

Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya 

(From darkness to light) 

Mrtyor ma amrtam gamaya 

(From death to immortality) 

25

Just as death of the physical body is 

inevitable, coming into the light of truth is 

also unavoidable with abhyasa - devoted, 

consistent practice. Yin Yoga has helped me 

examine myself and the different layers of 

my being, courageously shedding off 

untruths, embracing shadows with 

compassion, shattering continuously, dying 

constantly unto my own self so I can, in 

this lifetime, constantly transform and be 

born again. 

Retreat 

The Power of f Silence 

Amy Doffegnies 

The technique you are learning here is called the art of living, and life can 

only really be lived in the present. S.N Goekna 

The cultivation of awareness that comes 

with the yoga practice, both Yin and Yang, 

ultimately allows us to observe the 

impermanence of life and its contents. 

And with this knowledge comes the death 

of ignorance, a movement from the unreal 

and constantly changing to the real and 

unchanging. And when this ignorance – 

avidya – dies taking with it the fear of death 

itself – abhinivesah – we are closer to resting 

in peace with that which is unchanging and 

immortal, that elusive something more. 

Dona is a Manila-based 

stress management 

consultant, yoga 

instructor, student at 

the Institute for 

Integrative Nutrition, 

volunteer for the Art 

of Living Foundation, a 

wife and a hands-on 

mom. She co-founded 

OneSpark,Co., the 

holistic partner of organizations in igniting 

and aligning their human capital through 

integrated, innovative, and fun wellbeing 

and team development programs. 

dtesteban@yahoo.com 

Ominous? Life changing? Stunning? Excruciating? So did it live 

up to expectations? I found its message essentially affirmative, 

helpful and loving. I came away believing the technique is a real 

tool to enhance one’s ability to encounter everyday life. Vipassana 

blew open up my faculty for awareness and responsiveness - to 

myself, the world around and other human beings. 

The word Vipassana has become synonymous with a mysterious 

vow of silence and an intensive 10-day schedule of disciplined 

meditation. This 10-day course has proven to be the experience 

people find most unimaginable about my year spent in Asia. 

Amused whispers ripple throughout my friends as the first 

question people seemed to ask upon my return became ‘How did 

you not speak for 10 days?’ Funny, I thought, and touching in a 

way- that 10 days without communication strikes such universal 

fear in people’s hearts. Perhaps it is surprising then; that I came out 

of Vipassana feeling more responsive to the power of 

communion with others than ever, even in relationships that were 

nurtured in silence. 

‘The participant learns how to free the mind of the tensions and 

prejudices that disturb the flow of daily life. By doing so one 

begins to discover how to live each moment peacefully, 

productively, happily.’ 

I will not attempt to detail what Vipassana course entails here, as it 

is in its very nature an experiential practice, structured over a 10-day 

period. I entered it with a vague understanding of what I was 

undertaking …I knew I would not be able to speak for 10 days, or 

read, or write, or do anything but meditate. I was pledging to get 

up at 4 am every day for hours of meditation. And I also knew 

several of my most trusted friends had done Vipassana, and hated 

every minute. 

Still, Vipassana, as taught by S.N. Goenka, draw in a steady flow of 

anybodies, from hippies to high flyers, year round, in 90 countries 

the world over. With trepidation I entered it seeking a bit of an 

antidote to the mania of the city. Frenzied but happy, at the start 

of Vipassana, I was more than ready for an injection of peace and 

mindfulness. For what a friend once described as a heavy handed 

grounding and a boatload of peace. 

My journey to the Centre in New Territories of Hong Kong 

comprised the strangest taxi ride of my time here. The driver spoke 

animated English through a massive smile…until I told him 

specifically where I was going. Unsuccessfully, he tried to mask his 

alarm. Upon arrival my new friend avidly helped me out with my 

bags and kissed me on the cheek…as if a blessing. His worry was at 

once affecting and absolutely alarming. Suspicion of the course 

seems oddly widespread. 

26

27

To give one example, the root teaching of anicca strives to instil the 

truth that everything, good or bad is impermanent. Rather than 

freak out in the face of duress, Vipassana encourages you to calmly 

remember it will pass, and remain more level, competent and able 

to deal with situations of stress. A few gems of 

understanding such as this seem to have remained 

with me, resurfacing at odd and unanticipated 

moments. Goenka’s technique is held up as the way 

in which the Buddha attained enlightenment, but is 

determinedly stripped of any religious doctrine or 

‘ism’ to offer a universal path to happiness. 

Essentially, I’m not sure if the course left me 

feeling wonderful because I spent 10 days in the 

quiet appreciating and reflecting, or because the magic of 

Vippassana brings old students back to the course time and time 

again. One of the most incredible outcomes of the experience was 

the family of strangers it forged. The end of the course involves 

time to reconnect with people before being let loose on the outside 

world. This metta day (loving kindness) is most vivid to me now. 

The laughter and humanity were almost tangible in the air, such 

mass relief that 10 days were over, but so grateful they had 

happened. 

Hours upon hours of meditation left me especially sensitive to 

sounds, tastes, touch and people. Retrospectively, I think the basis 

for connection occurred surreptitiously throughout the course. 

I want to finish with a little anecdote about a lovely Hong Kong 

lady on my course. The bond was first forged when a spider bit me 

on the leg in the meditation hall. Sitting down for what felt like the 

millionth time, I flinched at a sharp pin in my leg. Looking around, 

the lady sat behind me, about 20 years my senior, was brushing 

away the spider. I smiled. This began a conspiracy of smiles and I 

was met with a huge grin every time our eyes met over breakfast. 

Vipassana is free, made possible by 

students who have such an 

experience they dedicate money or 

time to strangers for the course 

photos of our families. Such a strange and beautiful circumstance. 

I am massively grateful for the chance I got to do Vipassana and 

although its trial should not be underestimated, it sent me back 

out into life 

feeling 

recharged and 

reawakened 

and 

reaffirmed. 

Vipassana is 

free, it is 

made 

possible 

entirely by students who have such an experience they choose to 

dedicate money or time to the food and care of strangers for the 

duration of the course. Every person’s response seems to be 

different, and I am certainly happy I did. 

the root teaching of anicca strives 

to instil the truth that everything, 

good or bad is impermanent 

Amy has just moved back to Edinburgh from 

Hong Kong to complete a degree in 

International Relations. She is loving being 

back in sunny Scotland and continues to 

practice Ashtanga Yoga. 

amydoffegnies@gmail.com 

Vipassana Information in Hong Kong 

G.P.O. Box 5185, Hong Kong 

t: +852 2671 7031 

f: + 852 8147 3312 

e: info@hk.dhamma.org 

w: www.hk.dhamma.org 

Although any communication is forbidden, I reasoned to myself 

that these few tiny gestures of warmth, surely, cannot be 

detrimental to the aims of the course. The lady took on a motherly 

role, when on the last day over breakfast she took the plate out of 

my hands- to my bemusement, and washed it for me. After nine 

days of no human contact, this small gesture of kindness reduced 

me to the brink of tears. When the silence ended I eagerly 

wandered over and was received in her huge embrace, but we didn’t 

speak a word of each-others languages. Later, with our possessions 

returned, I offered her a little key chain of a Buddha which 

someone had given me once…The ripples seemed to be felt 

around the camp…suddenly a cackle of Cantonese greeted me as 

ladies congregated and looked at me as I bumbled to the 

bathroom. Later she came to me with a red packet and a new friend 

translated some sentiments between us. We showed each other 

28

29

30

Conference 

A Reminder on Yoga & Happiness at Asia Yoga Conference 

Rachel Jacqueline 

“Am I happy with what I am doing? Is 

what I’m doing contributing to confusion, 

to happiness, to peace? What will I be 

remembered for when I die?” questions 

Danny Paradise to a group of budding 

yogis on a Saturday afternoon during the 

Asia Yoga Conference in June. 

His long, greying hair - pulled forward over 

his blue tie-dyed shirt and swept off his 

face with a fading bandana – is the only 

physical sign he’s been practicing yoga for 

over 36 years. He speaks and moves with a 

childlike energy of someone half his age. 

Danny Paradise 

Along with 40 other students sitting on 

odd yoga mats – splashes of colour against 

the gray of Hong Kong’s Convention and 

Exhibition Centre – I quietly contemplate 

the words of the vibrant yogi. 

To be honest, happiness was not my first 

reaction to the inconceivable number of 

yoga offerings in the AYC schedule. 

Instead, I was overwhelmed. How was I 

going to make the most out of the 

weekend of yoga from the mind-boggling 

selection on offer? 

Bernie Clark’s Yin Yoga, or Scott Blossom’s 

Shadow Yoga? Or listen to Bo Forbes 

speak on Yoga Therapy? What is Jivamukti 

Yoga, Karma Yoga, OM yoga, or the 

Kaivalya Method? And how could I miss 

Shri Rajpal’s final lecture outside of India? 

For those of you not in the know, the 

AYC offers four days of inspirational yoga 

practice, philosophy and psychology in 

Hong Kong each year. One may choose to 

attend single days or indulge in a full 

weekend emersion into everything yoga. 

This year 46 yoga teachers gathered from 

around the globe to share their love, 

passion and insights over 7 - 10 June. 

The brilliance of the AYC is it brings the 

world of yoga in its differing forms and 

interpretations together in one place over 

one weekend: Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, 

Sivananda, Bikram, Anusara, Vini, 

Kundalini – the list goes on. 

The frustration, however, is the volume on 

offer, forcing choices and sacrifices. In some 

ways, it also seems like the world of yoga 

has become divided, commercial and, well, 

at times a little confusing. 

Reading the AYC schedule also reinforced 

just how little I seemed to know. Yoga has 

always been in my life since the age of ten 

when my mother (now an Iyengar yoga 

teacher) started practicing, but I hadn’t even 

heard of or contemplated some of the 

classes and teachings. I was curious, but at 

the same time, there was a silly, ego-led 

anxiousness in my stomach: would I be 

out of my depth amongst a sea of yoginis 

on another plane of consciousness? 

My worries had quickly dissipated during 

my first session: a talk on Yoga Philosophy 

by Carlos Pomeda. No knowledge was 

assumed – only one’s passion for yoga - as 

Cindy Lee 

Carlos led us playfully through the world 

of yogic Gods. He explained everything in 

an engaging and insightful way, with a 

humour and approachability entwined into 

his teaching like his neatly folded legs. 

Bernie Clark’s session on Yin Yoga further 

melted my concerns. Bernie took us 

through the most inspiring and soothing 

two hour journey through the world of 

Yin Yoga – the opposite of the more 

intense yoga our busy lives tend to gravitate 

towards. We created balls of energy with 

our hands and relaxed into a calm space not 

often possible when practicing higher 

energy Yang forms of yoga. 

And Cindy Lee’s Om Yoga, which lead me 

through a very mindful yoga practice, 

brought me back to the fundamentals: the 

breathe and remaining ever in the present. 

The AYC unifies the many possibilities of 

yoga in one forum, allowing for play and 

discovery. While it may seem that there are a 

myriad of teachers, teachings and practices 

on offer, each practice I attended was 

another way to unlock and tap into another 

layer of myself. Though the mediums may 

be different, the messages were universal. 

Danny’s parting words that afternoon were 

full of encouragement and gentle 

reminders: 

Happiness is something 

that you create within 

yourself 

But, leaving the weekend equipped with 

new yogic chants, balls of energy in my 

palms to tap into at any time, the feeling of 

lifting from prasarita into a handstand 

(assisted, thanks Danny!) and a smile, I was 

also reminded of the importance of having 

yoga along for that inner journey. Yoga – 

whichever way you like it – is always there 

to lead a helping hand towards the creation 

of happiness and, ultimately, a better you. 

Rachel threw in the 

life of a lawyer earlier 

this year to pursue 

her passion for 

writing, the outdoors 

and a healthy 

lifestyle, which she 

believes includes a 

regular yoga practice. 

www.hkadventurebaby.com 

31

Lecture 

Can 

an’t Buy Happiness 

Vicky Wong 

Lama Marut’s book, A Spiritual Renegade’s 

Guide to the Good Life a blueprint for 

creating and sustaining happiness in this 

modern age of consumerism, selfabsorption, 

and stress. 

He recently came to Hong Kong and gave a 

talk on the subject of happiness. “Hong 

Kong is full of talented, educated, driven 

accomplishment-oriented people who are 

depleted and often depressed,” Lama 

Marut says. “Because there is no correlation 

between money and happiness.” 

If happiness cannot be found in a good 

job and money, nor in exotic holidays, 

nights out or expensive dinners, then 

without having to look far, happiness lies 

in satisfaction. “We achieve contentment 

only when we stop being discontent,” he 

says. “Who is not content with 

contentment?” 

Only you have the power to make yourself happy. Real happiness is not a series of ethereal 

pleasures connected to the five senses. We cannot find it in consumer capitalism which is 

the mainstream ideology that rules the world: the heart and soul of capitalism is to keep 

you dissatisfied and miserable. 

Lama Marut described the YouTube clips, “Will it Blend?” as consumer capitalist 

pornography in which Tom, the presenter, blends the latest iPad and iPhone. He basically 

speeds time up because every gadget will eventually become a piece of junk anyhow, so why 

are people so crazy about them? He claims renunciation is the key to happiness. “Let go of 

things that hurt you and that can’t deliver. Nothing lasts forever. Get wiser and hipper and 

don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” he says. 

Happiness comes from generosity. The essence of a spiritual life is to stop thinking about 

yourself and start thinking about what you can do for someone else. The real causes of 

things are: if you want something, make sure someone else gets it first. Nothing goes 

around, nothing comes around. Work for others and their happiness; don’t do harm to 

others. Selfishness has been hardwired in human beings and is exacerbated by 

consumerism; if you want to keep something, share it, give it away and keep it in 

circulation. 

If there is less selfishness, there will be more selflessness. The best thing you can do for 

yourself is to stop thinking about yourself, stop thinking about your own happiness, 

which is the opposite of capitalism. True love is possessive, i.e. “you’re mine!” but, real 

love means “I just want everyone to be happy.” 

Lama Marut, and many others believe, the secret to happiness is loving kindness. Both 

misery and happiness love company. We must achieve that state first in order to help 

others. Some of the top regrets people have when they die are: having worked too hard 

and lived the life others expected them to. Love and compassion is the morphine to our 

suffering because we are focusing on others’ happiness and not our own. “Actions done 

for others have a momentum when done with enlightened self-interest.” 

Lama Marut says we can start to be happy 

when we can say ‘I have enough’ 

As a spiritual goal, we desire the end of 

desire, as opposed to making happiness a 

condition of ‘if only I have XYZ, then I’ll 

be content’ because we will always want 

more. Lama Marut offers us a mantra, 

“Om, I have enough (______).” He claims 

we have no excuse to not say we have 

enough when billions of people are 

illiterate and starving. “No one is bombing 

us, so what’s your problem?” he asks. 

When we look for happiness externally like, 

money, jobs, relationships and someone 

who would make you happy, you are 

setting yourself and others up for failure. 

LAMA MARUT’S 10 THINGS TO BRING HAPPINESS 

1. Do at least one good thing and keep track of it. For example, be a secret agent and sneak 

money into someone’s purse if you know they need it, but don’t wait around for 

acknowledgement as it undercuts the virtues. 

2. Every night, get a good night sleep or you will wake up cranky. 

3. Wake up without an alarm clock. 

4. Lull around in bed upon waking and think of things that you are grateful for: your 

prosperity, friends and education. Log onto www.globalrichlist.com, punch in your salary 

and you will realize you are better off than most people in the world. 

5. Remember your own mortality: we don’t know when and how we are going to die, so 

what is going to matter when we die? Live as though it is your last day everyday, and one 

day you will be right. This way it saves you stress and makes you happy. 

6. Meditate for 15-20 minutes a day. 

7. Spend some quiet time alone – no phone, no music. 

8. Every three hours or 6-times-a-day book, write down the negative and positive actions 

you have taken and what actions you could take to neutralize the karmic effect. 

9. Do ‘coffee meditation’ – think about what it would feel like when 

you are completely happy – with your heart open, wishing all beings 

well. Visualize your own utopia. 

10. Study a sacred text everyday, be it the Bible, the Koran or Dharma. 

Vicky has been a journalist since 2003. She specialised in travel and 

lifestyle journalism, then she shifted her focus on social and 

environmental issues. Since she started practising yoga in 2008, she 

documents teachings on Tibetan buddhism and yoga as she attends 

the classes. wickyvong@gmail.com 

32

33

34

Festival 

Yoga, Music & Magic in the Mountains 

Frances Gairns 

Krishna Das at Wanderlust 

Festival Whistler 

YYoga Northshore Elements’ 

Nico Luce 

By winter Whistler is one of 

the top ski resorts in North 

America. By summer, it’s a 

wilderness adventure 

playground for mountain 

bikers, runners, climbers, with 

just enough spas, restaurants 

and shops to keep the less 

active partners very happy. The 

permanent population is 

10,000, but with its proximity 

to Vancouver, this number can 

increase tenfold for special 

events or 15 cm plus powder 

days. 

There are just four small yoga 

studios in Whistler. The oldest, 

NeoAlpine Yoga (now part of 

the YYoga group) was founded 

about 13 years ago by Patrick 

Creelman and Stephen 

Thomas. Initially Whistler 

seems an unlikely venue for a 

Wanderlust Festival, but with 

the large and enthusiastic yoga 

community of Vancouver just 

two hours down the road, it 

becomes an obvious choice for 

the first Wanderlust Festival 

outside the US. 

Wanderlust was created by 

husband and wife Jeff Krasno 

and Schuyler Grant, and Jeff ’s 

business partner Sean Hoess. It 

aims to bring together yoga 

teachers, musical acts and DJs, 

speakers, chefs and winemakers, 

in settings of natural beauty. 

left Chris Chavez 

below Eoin Finn’s workshop is a 

big bliss party 

There are already Wanderlust Festivals in Vermont, Colorado and 

California. As well as Wanderlust in the City events in Los Angeles, 

New York and San Francisco. 

The Greater Vancouver area has a population of about 2 million 

people, is home to ubiquitous yoga brand lululemon, at least 100 

yoga studios and an estimated 20,000 regular yoga practitioners. 

Combine that with all the fitness centres offering yoga classes and 

freelance teachers, and you’ve got a sizeable market of aspiring yogis 

close by. 

Teachers at the Whistler event (23 – 26 August 2012) were mostly 

North American - headliners like Krishna Das, Baron Baptiste, Sean 

Corne and local yoga teachers, like Whistlerite and former Hong 

Kong-teacher Julia McCabe. While yoga asana classes are the 

definitely the mainstay of the Festival, there’s also lots of fun and 

alternative classes like hoola hoop, paddle board and slack line 

balancing, mountain walks, live music, DJ music, lectures, debates, 

meditation, food and wine! 

For such a wide offering, I was surprised to find the ticketing 

options quite limited - one, three or four-day passes only. Great for 

single festival goers, but not so for a mother-of-two. It’s priced at 

US$160 a day which includes up to three classes or activities, and 

US$475 for all four days, which is about half the price of an average 

Yoga Journal three-day conference pass. And compared with Asia 

Yoga Conference, it’s a little bit less than their early bird price. 

I started off at 8 am to the dulcet tones of Nico Luce. An 

Argentinian who teaches at YYoga Northshore Elements in 

Vancouver with wife Chloe. It was a mellow class, with music and 

inspiring readings interspersed in the asana sequence. Nico’s 

assistants were very attentive and generous to the needs of the class. 

Immediately after, I attended Chris Chavez’ intermediate/advanced 

class. A striking contrast to Nico’s gentle approach, but just as 

rewarding. There was a live cellist on hand to accompany the intense 

practice. We did a fun assisted handstand exercise which focussed 

on pushing down through our arms to lift up to handstand from 

Prasarita, rather than hopping up. A good reminder how much 

strength that transition requires. And the third class I took was 

with surfer/yogi Eoin Finn. A very well known and loved British 

Columbia teacher. His class started with lots of free form 

movement around the hall. He took us off our mats (shock, 

horror) connecting with nature, imitating animals and water, before 

segueing into a more traditional vinyasa practice. I thoroughly 

enjoyed all three classes and would recommend all three teachers. 

That connection to nature and the best of all things yogic 

continued into the evening for me at an outdoor Krishna Das 

concert. Sitting with Philippe on real grass under a clear night sky, 

filled with more stars than you could count, our children running 

around freely and happily, a community of like-minded people 

chanting and swaying to the beautiful music – a magical moment 

which I hope to hold in my heart long after I return to the city. 

photo by Ali Kaukas 

Frances is editor of Namaskar. 

35

Book Review 

Dialogue with Death 

by Eknath Easwaran 

When the gods want to 

punish us, they grant us 

our desires 

Tia, a yoga teacher, 

writes from India. 

Reviewed by Tia Sinha 

We begin to take life seriously when we take 

death seriously. Otherwise, as Thoreau said, we 

run the risk of discovering, when we come to die, 

that we have never lived. Eknath Easwaran 

Dialogue with Death is not really a book 

on death and dying. It is a book about life 

and living: what life is for, who we are as 

human beings, why we are here. 

Easwaran says the first part of our lives 

merely sets the stage for the drama we were 

born to play. This is the time for 

experimentation, when we play with life’s 

toys – money, pleasure, power, 

possessions, prestige – and learn for 

ourselves what they are worth. 

Many never go beyond this phase. Nothing 

in modern civilization, with its cult of 

youth, encourages us to look further. But it 

is only when we throw these toys away and 

begin to search for answers to those 

essential questions – Who am I? Why am I 

here? What is life for? – that we really begin 

to live. 

For these are the years in which each of us 

is meant to grow to our full stature as a 

human being. These are the years when 

profound personal discoveries and great 

contributions are made, which can only 

come when a person turns inward. For 

those who take up this challenge, life holds 

unique promise - the fulfillment of living 

for a lofty goal, and of finally discovering 

within themselves, a deathless presence. 

Dialogue with Death is a commentary on 

the Katha Upanishad. It also carries the late 

Eknath Easwaran’s translation of the 

Katha Upanishad into English. 

The dialogue is between a teenager in 

ancient India called Nachiketa, and the King 

of Death, Yama, whom he approaches to 

learn the meaning of life. Nachiketa was a 

seeker of tremendous courage, keen 

intellect and rare discernment. He could see 

right through superficial behavior and the 

passing pleasures of this world that 

promised satisfaction but only brought 

pain. He was willing to go all the way in 

search of truth. 

to liberation in a way that is easy to relate to 

and often humorous. Only by learning to 

meditate can we actually get inside the mind 

and begin to clean things up. On the other 

hand, when we live in a world of 

appearances, we think appearance is the 

whole of living. Easwaran also touches 

upon the pitfalls encountered in 

meditation and discusses ingenious ways 

to overcome them. 

Easwaran points out that we live in a sea 

of media conditioning that reflects back to 

us what we value, and the false message we 

are saturated with is: “You are your body. 

The human being is a purely physical 

creature whose needs can be satisfied on the 

physical level.” 

The Katha Upanishad talks of the struggle 

between preya (worldly desires stemming 

from the false self) and shreya (aspiration to 

discover our true divine nature). 

Modern civilization believes the purpose of 

the body is to enjoy pleasure. The idea 

pleasure brings security is a cruel illusion. 

The ancient Greeks had a saying: “When 

the gods want to punish us, they grant us 

our desires.” Where has the religion of 

pleasure taken us? Has there ever been a 

time in history when it was followed with 

greater fervor? Yet there has never been a 

time such as now when human beings felt 

more alienated, more desolate, more cut 

off from those around them. For the same 

force that fulfills man’s desires, points out 

Easwaran, brings also all the fruits of 

selfish craving: loneliness, alienation, 

broken relationships, the inability to love. 

It is of utmost importance, therefore, that 

we have some control over what we desire, 

and the key to desire is will. 

Real higher education, according to 

Easwaran, should develop the higher 

mind. It should teach us how to choose, 

how to master desires and strengthen the 

will, how to protect the mind from 

insecurity and the body from stress. 

Instead, the young still leave universities 

essentially the same as they were when they 

arrived – the will no stronger, vision no 

clearer and no better idea of how to 

transform anger into compassion and 

hatred into love. 

36 

Peppered with examples from modern 

living, this book lays down the entire path 

Dialogue with Death is eminently readable 

and thought provoking.

37

38

Book Review 

Yoga In India 

A Journey to the Top 24 Yoga Places 

by Otto Stricker & Coni Horler 

Reviewed by Inna Constantini 

In a market flooded by an array of books 

on yoga – from practice based guides to 

philosophy and anatomy books – Yoga in 

India has found its niche. 

Photographed over the course of six 

months in India, the book is an up to date, 

comprehensive and informative overview 

of some of the ‘top places to practice in 

India’. Whilst it can obviously not include 

every single retreat or ashram in the sub 

continent, the authors selected a wide range 

of locations (both in terms of geography 

and traditions), to offer a fairly honest 

insight into the many methods of yoga in 

India. In a further jest of authenticity they 

designed a website (free to access) 

associated with the book, where many 

more places for quality yoga courses, 

retreats or workshops are listed in detail. 

This is a wonderful source of information 

for yoga enthusiasts and those curious 

about the practice in India. 

With a foreword from BKS Iyengar 

himself, Yoga in India starts on a high note. 

The master himself says of the book: “It is 

heartening to note that the authors are in 

touch with almost all yoga ashrams and 

yoga institutes in order to present Yoga in 

India to the rest of the world. As yoga is 

taking people like a gale, lots of people call 

themselves ‘yogacharyas’. In this 

environment maintaining the purity, clarity 

and sanctity of the subject of yoga is 

essential. Herein, the authors present 

genuine yoga centres of India…” 

This is a beautiful coffee table book that 

honours the traditions of yoga at its very 

source. Going beyond the aesthetic imagery, 

travellers and seekers alike will find some 

useful information to guide them through 

their journeys. More practiced yogis will 

most likely value the non-dogmatic and 

open-minded vision this book provides. 

After all, we are all on the same path, the 

methods may differ, but the minds are in 

unison. As BKS Iyengar re-iterates, ‘the 

trunk (of a tree) is one but the branches are 

many, bending and moulding in different 

directions. It is the same with yoga. The 

root of yoga is the same as the trunk but 

One of the top 24 yoga places in India - the Iyengar Centre in Pune, India. Shown above, a 

class being taught by Geeta Iyengar 

the branches have grown in different 

directions. Today this is how yoga has been 

understood: to have many diverse 

branches.” 

So whether one simply wants to discover 

more on the various branches of yoga in 

India or find the ‘right’ place to learn or 

practice, this book tackles both. 

As a visually stunning guide to the some 

of the best places to study yoga, the book 

includes all the key travel information for 

visitors, as well as an honest and accurate 

view on each center. 

‘Yoga in India - A Journey to the Top 24 

Yoga places’ is indeed a must for any 

dreamer who seeks spiritual truth and a 

taste of a truly Indian experience. 

It is available as an e-book or as a paperback 

via amazon.com 

Inna is a yoga teacher 

and freelance writer 

currently based in 

London. With a 

background in media 

and PR, she 

experimented with a 

variety of yoga paths, 

before deciding to 

trade her desk for a 

yoga mat, and embark 

on an intensive Yoga & 

Ayurveda teacher 

training course in India. 

innayoga@gmail.com 

39

Recipe 

Raw Apple Crisp 

Moosa Al-Issa 

Raw, gluten free, sugar free and delicious! 

INGREDIENTS 

2 Granny Smith Apples, cored and peeled 

3 Gala Apples, cored and peeled 

½ cup Dates, chopped and soaked in warm water 

1 Vanilla Bean, split and seeds reserved 

1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder 

1 cup Almonds, coarsely ground 

1 cup Walnuts, coarsely ground 

2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar 

1 cup Raisins 

1 pinch of Sea Salt 

PROCEDURE 

Place the almonds and walnuts in a food processor or blender and process till coarsely 

ground. Add raisins, two to three tablespoons of water and salt and process further until 

mixture comes together into a firm dough, remove and reserve on a plate. 

Fill a medium bowl with water and one tsp of apple cider vinegar. Thinly slice apples and 

place in water so they don’t discolor. 

In a blender combine half of one Gala apple, the cinnamon, dates, vanilla bean seeds and 

four tablespoons of the water the dates soaked in and process till the mixture is a smooth 

puree. 

Drain the water from the apples and return to the bowl. Add the puree to the apples in 

the bowl and carefully toss the apple slices with the puree till evenly coated 

Moosa is Executive 

Director of Life Cafe 

and Director of Just 

Green Convenience 

Stores in Hong Kong 

In a square-baking pan lay down the apple slices in overlapping rows 

When all the apple slices are in the pan, spread the nut mixture evenly over the apples and 

then lightly press the mixture down to create the crust. 

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours so the crust sets and the flavors come 

together. Enough for 6. Store refrigerated for up to two days. 

40

41

Spiritual Science Research Foundation 

Life after Death 

Dr Zubin Nalladaru 

Most humans are so busy with their everyday they fail to address a 

very important question ‘What happens after one sheds this 

physical body?’ 

Scriptures and traditions have something to say. They prescribe 

rituals or prayers for departed family members. For example, 

Parsees offer prayers for their ancestors for a fortnight in the month 

of August and Catholics celebrate All Souls Day when they pray for 

their departed loved ones. But the inquiring and doubting mind 

requires proof of the type of existence after death. If one 

contemplates the issue, one realizes the way one lives today, 

determines one’s tomorrow. If we are good students, we will most 

probably have good careers; if we are good to people they will likely 

be good to us. 

The Divine created the laws of nature which operate irrespective of 

our faith in them. We are part of nature and nature’s laws also 

apply to us. However what baffles the mind is when doing good 

leads to bad consequences, which is when good people suffer. The 

only answer is there are accounts from previous lives that have to 

be settled. That is why we see good people suffering in this life. 

SUBTLE BODY AND REGIONS OF EXISTENCE 

Members of the Spiritual Science Research Foundation who have 

an activated sixth sense have found when a person dies, only the 

physical body ceases to exist. However, the rest of his existence or 

consciousness continues. The existence of the person minus the 

physical body is known as the subtle body (linga deha) and 

comprises of the mental, causal (intellect) and supra-causal (subtle 

ego) bodies. (These bodies are similar to the layers of an onion.) 

After death, this subtle body goes to one of 13 subtle planes of 

existence, other than the Earth plane, and depending on the deeds 

and desires of the individual during their lifetime. There are seven 

negative planes and seven positive planes. The Earth plane is the 

only physical plane of existence and also the first plane in the 

hierarchy of positive planes. 

The subtle bodies of individuals who have done righteous deeds 

and engaged in spiritual practice for God-realisation go to one of 

the positive planes of existence. On the other hand individuals 

who’ve indulged in unrighteous acts or spiritual practice for the 

control or detriment of others, go to one of the seven negative 

planes of existence. Subtle bodies that go to any of the negative 

become ghosts. 

The importance of the Earth plane of existence 

Earth is the only plane where we can make rapid spiritual growth 

and settle our give-and-take account of previous births, because 

having a physical body enhances our spiritual growth. 

WHAT DECIDES WHERE WE GO AFTER DEATH? 

At the time of death the physical body becomes inactive and the 

vital energy used for the functioning of the physical body is 

liberated into the Universe. This vital energy at the time of death 

propels the subtle body away from the Earth. Just as the weight of 

a projectile decides how far a rocket will propel it, similarly the 

weight of the subtle body decides which plane of existence it goes 

42 

to after death. 

The following characteristics add to our weight and increase the 

probability of our going to one of the lower regions of existence: 

• Excessive attachment to worldly things and selfishness 

• Abundance of unfulfilled desires 

• Feelings of revenge 

• Too many personality defects such as anger, greed, fear, etc. 

• A large ego wherein a person identifies himself with his body, 

mind and intellect as opposed to the soul within. 

These characteristics can be reduced with sustained spiritual practice 

according to six basic laws of spiritual practice. Psychological 

improvements with self-help books or trying to be nice are 

temporary. 

Acts to attain positive planes of existence are those done with the 

objective of God-realisation. They are acts done: 

• Without doer-ship, i.e. doing activities in life with belief that 

God Himself is getting it done for me and hence I cannot claim 

any credit. 

• Without expectation of appreciation. 

• Without expectation of results. 

• More than the acts themselves, it is the attitude or outlook 

behind the acts that count. 

• The mental state at the time of death 

If a person is actually doing spiritual practice such as chanting the 

name of God at the time of death, then the influence of desires, 

attachments, ghosts, etc. are minimal compared to his state when 

not chanting. This makes his subtle body lighter. Hence, if he 

passes away while chanting, he attains a higher plane of existence. 

Also, if at the time of death the person is in a state of surrender to 

God’s will, then he attains higher plane of existence. This is 

because the person who is in a state of surrender on earth is less 

likely to increase his ego after death. Also, the responsibility of his 

well-being in his life after death is undertaken by his spiritual guide 

or Guru. 

Due to lack of spiritual practice, most people in the current era go 

to either the Nether world or one of the lower planes of existence 

after death because the proportion of demerits (incurred due to 

wrong doings on Earth) is approximately 30%. Demerits typically 

include malice towards others and an over abundance of desires. 

Hence following a path shown by an evolved spiritual guide 

removes or reduces suffering in this life and ensures we go to a 

plane conducive to continuing spiritual practice until we reach the 

final goal of merging with our Creator. 

As we go further into the current Era of Strife (Kaliyug), there is 

less likelihood of people going to the higher planes of existence. 

Once we go to the lower planes, we stay there and experience severe 

unhappiness for centuries until we completely pay for our demerits 

and get a chance to be reincarnated on Earth. 

Dr Zubin is a member of the Spiritual Science 

Research Foundation, a non-profit 

organisation in the US and Australia which 

aims to educate society on the spiritual 

dimension and how it affects our lives. 

dr.zubin@spiritualresearchfoundation.org/ 

www.SpiritualResearchFoundation.org

43

44

Yoga Teachers & Studios 

AGAMA YOGA SCHOOL 

& ANANDA WELLNESS 

RESORT 

42/4, Moo 8, Srithanu, Koh 

Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, 

Thailand 

s: Tantra, Kundalini, workshops, 

retreats, meditation 

l: English 

t: (66) 892 330 217 

e: info@agamayoga.com 

w: www.agamayayoga.com 

AMICO STUDIO 

2/4/F, 167 - 169 Hennessy Rd, 

Wanchai, Hong Kong 

s: Hot, Hatha, Ashtanga 

l: English, Cantonese 

t: (852) 2827 9233 

e: studio@amico.com.hk 

w: www.amico.com.hk 

ANAHATA VILLAS & 

SPA RESORT 

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia 

s: group retreats, yoga for 

privates & corporates. Studio 

rental available. 

l: Indonesian & English 

t: (62) 361 8987 991 / 8987 992 

f: (62) 361 8987 804 

e: sm@anahataresort.com / 

info@anahataresort.com 

w: www.anahataresort.com 

ANAHATA YOGA 

18/F Lyndhurst Tower, 1 

Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong 

Kong 

s: Hatha, Ashtanga, Yoga 

therapy, Yin and more. Groups 

& privates 

t: (852) 2905 1922 

e: enquiry@anahatayoga.com.hk 

w: www.anahatayoga.com.hk 

B.K.S. IYENGAR YOGA 

INSTITUTE OF MACAU 

174 Rua de Pequim, Edif. Centro 

Com. Kong Fat, 7A, Macau 

s:Iyengar 

t:(853) 2882 3210 / 6662 0386 

e:yoga@macau.ctm.netw: 

www.iyengar-yoga-macauchina.com 

BEING IN YOGA 

4 Turf Club Road, Singapore 

s: tradition of Krishnamacharya 

and TKV Desikachar (Chennai, 

India). Accredited by KHYF 

(Krishnamacharya Healing Yoga 

Foundation). Offers yoga 

therapy (customized home 

programs), teacher training, yoga 

studies, group classes for children 

and adults, family program, pre 

& post natal yoga, sound 

meditation, Vedic chanting, free 

lectures, evening sanga. 

t: (65) 9830 3808 

e: valerie@beinginyoga.com 

w: www.beinginyoga.com 

BODYWIZE YOGA & 

DAY SPA 

G/F & 2/F, 1 Wong Nai Chung 

Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong 

s: Private and group classes, Yoga 

for stress management, Couple 

yoga, Tantra yoga for couple, 

Jivamukti, workshops, retreats, 

spa, wellness consulting, holistic 

therapy, nutritional advice. 

l: English 

t: (852) 2838 5686 

e: yoga@bodywize.com.hk 

w: www.bodywize.com.hk 

Dario Calvaruso 

d: Hong Kong, Bali, Thailand, 

Europe 

s: Hatha, Vinyasa, Detox, Yoga 

Therapy, Yoga for Stress 

Management, Partner Yoga, 

Tantra Yoga for couples 

l: English, Italian 

t: (852) 9247 3938 

e: info@dariocalvaruso.com 

w: www.dariocalvaruso.com 

Kathy Cook 

Retreats, workshops, privates 

d: Hong Kong, Bali &Thailand 

s: Iyengar (Junior Intermediate 2) 

l: English 

t: (852) 6292 5440/(62) 811 387781 

e: kcinasia@gmail.com 

w: www.yogawithkathy.com 

Misa Derhy 

Yoga teacher and life coach in 

Dublin & worlwide 

Classes, retreats, workshops 

s: Hatha, Yin 

l: English, French, Czech, 

Spanish 

t: (353) 427 9117 

e: freehugyoga@yahoo.fr 

w: www.freehugyoga.com / 

fhytimes.com 

FLEX 

1/F Regency Centre (Phase II), 

43 Wong Chuk Hang Road, 

Aberdeen, Hong Kong 

s: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin Yang, 

Core Power Flow, Kids Yoga, 

Yoga for special needs 

t: (852) 2813 2212 

f: (852) 2813 2281 

e: info@flexhk.com 

w: www.flexhk.com 

IYENGAR YOGA 

CENTRE INDONESIA 

Kemang Centre, Jl Kemang Raya 

No. 18 D, Jakarta 12730, 

Indonesia 

s: Iyengar 

t:(62) 21 739 3101 / (62) 21 3582 

1000 

e:info@iyengaryogaindonesia.com 

w: www.iyengaryogaindonesia.com 

IYENGAR YOGA 

CENTRE OF HONG 

KONG 

Room 406 New Victory House, 

93- 103 Wing Lok St., Sheung 

Wan, Hong Kong 

s: Iyengar 

t: (852) 2541 0401 

e: info@iyengaryoga 

hongkong.com 

w: www.iyengaryoga 

hongkong.com 

IYENGAR YOGA 

CENTRE SINGAPORE 

149B Neil Road 

Singapore 088875 

s: Iyengar 

t:(65) 9052 3102 & 6220 4048 

e:info@iyengaryogasingapore.com 

w: iyengaryogasingapore.com 

KUNDALINI YOGA @ 

SOL WELLNESS 

16/F Tin On Sing Commercial 

Building, 41-43 Graham St, 

Central, Hong Kong 

s: Kundalini Yoga, Detox, Raw 

& Living Food Nutrition, 

Holographic Health Scan, 

Ultrasonic Acupuncture, 

Corporate Wellness, Children’s 

Health, Body treatments, 

Homeopathy, Counselling, 

Kinesiology 

t: (852) 2581 9699 

e: info@sol-wellness.com 

w: www.sol-wellness.com 

Ming Lee 

Privates, workshops 

s: Iyengar Certified teacher 

l: English, Cantonese, 

Putonghua 

t: (852) 9188 1277 

e: minglee@yogawithming.com 

LIFE MANAGEMENT 

YOGA CENTRE HK 

Non-profit Classical Yoga School 

d: Tsim Sha Tsui 

s: Patanjali yoga, Kids yoga, 

Seniors yoga, Corporates 


t: (852) 2191 9651 

t: (852) 6349 0639 (Chinese) 

e: life@yoga.org.hk 

w: www.yoga.org.hk 

Ursula Moser 

The Iyengar Yoga Centre of 

Hong Kong 

d: Central 

s: Iyengar Certified (Junior 

Intermediate II) 

l: English 

t: (852) 2918 1798 / 9456 2149 

e: uschi.moser51@gmail.com 

Anna Ng 

Privates 

d: Hong Kong 

s: Hatha yoga 

l: Cantonese 

t: (852) 9483 1167 

e: gazebofl@netvigator.com 

PURE YOGA 

Hong Kong 

16/F The Centrium, 60 

Wyndham Street 

t: (852) 2971 0055 

25/F Soundwill Plaza, 38 Russell 

St, Causeway Bay 

t: (852) 2970 2299 

14/F Peninsula Office Tower, 18 

Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 

Kowloon 

t: (852) 8129 8800 

9/F Langham Place Office 

Tower, 8 Argyle Street, Kowloon 

t: (852) 3691 3691 

4/F Lincoln House, TaiKoo 

Place, 979 King’s Rd, Quarry Bay 

t: (852) 8129 1188 

Singapore 

391A Orchard Road, #18-00 

Ngee Ann City Tower A 

t: (65) 6733 8863 

30 Raffles Place, 04-00 Chevron 

House 

t: (65) 6304 2257 

Taiwan 

151 Chung Hsiao East Road, Sec 

4, Taipei 

t: (886) 02 8161 7888 

Jenny Rockowitz 

Group and privates at Flex 

d: Wong Chuk Hang 

s:Yin Yang, Vinyasa, Hatha 

l: English 

e: info@flexhk.com 

w: www.flexhk.com 

Jenny Smith 

s:Children’s Yoga teacher: Hatha 

RYT200 & Radiant Child Yoga 

Program (RCYP) Facilitator- 

Kundalini 

l: English 

t: +852 6973 1792 

45

e: info@geckogyoga.com 

w: www.geckoyoga.com 

SHAKTI HEALING 

CIRCLE 

3/F 34 Wyndham Street, Central, 

Hong Kong 

s: Kundalini, Qigong, Guided 

Kundalini meditation, Yoga for 

beginners, Restorative 

t: (852) 2521 5099 

e: info@shaktihealingcircle.com 

w: www.shaktihealingcircle.com 

SPACE YOGA 

16/F, 27 An-Ho Road, Section 

1, Taipei 106, Taiwan 

s: Hatha, Ashtanga, Anusara 

Inspired, Flow, Yin, Restorative, 

Power, Hot, Meditation, 

Pranayama, Pilates, Sivananda, 

Jivamukti and Yoga Nidra 

l: English, Mandarin 

t: (886) 2 2773 8108 

e: 

teachertraining@withinspace.com 

w: www.withinspace.com 

THE BREATHING ROOM 

42A Joo Chiat Place, 

Singapore 427766 

s: Prenatal, Vinyasa, Yin, Kids, 

and AromaYoga. 

t: (65) 8112 5827 

e: ashley@sacredfunk.com 

w: www.sacredfunk.com 

THE YOGA ROOM 

3 & 4/F Xiu Ping Commercial 

Bld, 104 Jervois St, Sheung Wan, 

Hong Kong 

s:Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin, Yin 

Yang, Hota, Vinyasa, Asana & 

Pranayama, Yoga Therapy, Pilate, 

Pre- & Post-natal, Mom & Baby, 

Yoga Kids, Belly dance & more 

t: (852) 2544 8398 

e: info@yogaroomhk.com 

w: www.yogaroomhk.com 

TRUE YOGA 

Singapore 

9 Scotts Road, Level 4, Pacific 

Plaza 228210 

t: (65) 6733 9555 

10 Collyer Quay, Level 4, Ocean 

Financial Centre 049315 

t: (65) 6536 3390 

Taiwan 

563 Chung Hsiao East Road, 

Section 4, 1st & 2nd floor 

Taipei 

t :(886) 22764 8888 

337 Nanking East Road 

Section 3, 9/ & 10/F, Taipei 

t: (886) 22716 1234 

s: Hatha, Power, Ashtanga, 

Vinyasa, Yin, Gentle, Flow, Yoga 

Dance, Pre-natal 

e: operations@trueyoga.com.sg 

w: www.trueyoga.com.sg / 

www.trueyoga.com.tw 

Wai-Ling Tse 

Privates and Groups 

d: Hong Kong 

s: Sivananda certified, Hatha, 

Svastha Yoga, Therapy, Yoga 

Nidra, Yin, Pranayama and 

Meditation 


t: (852) 9465 6461 

e: wltse11@yahoo.com 

YOGA CENTRAL 

4/F Kai Kwong House, 13 

Wyndham St, Hong Kong 

s: Hatha/Iyengar clases, yoga 

teacher training workshops, 

private group classes, corporate 

health programs. 

t: (852) 2982 4308 

e: yogacentralhk@yahoo.com 

w: www.yogacentral.com.hk 

YOGA on CAINE ROAD 

@ COSMO KIDS 

1/F Jadestone Court, 138 Caine 

Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong 

s: Kids, Privates, Meditation & 

healing, studio rental 

t: (852) 2915 8138 

e: ask@cosmokids.net 

w: www.cosmokids.nets 

Yoga with YoYo 

Yoga Alliance ERYT200 & 

RYT200. Offering asana, 

pranayama, meditation and 

scripture study. 

d: Sai Kung, San Po Kong 

s: Sivananda and YogaPrasadinfluenced 

asana, pranayama, 

meditation and scripture study 

for small groups and privates 


t: (852) 9302 3931 

e: info@yoyoyoga.net 

w: www.yoyoyoga.net 

To list t your details here e for all four issue 

sues s of f 2013 (January 

January, , April, June & October 

ober), 

pleas 

ase email Franc 

ances on fgairns@ne 

gairns@netvigat 

vigator 

or.com 

om 

Cost is unchanged HK$530 for individual teacher & HK$1,050 for studio. 

NAMASKAR LISTING AND DISPLAY Y ADVER 

VERTISING RATE 

TES S FOR OR 2013 

013 

(IN HK DOLLARS) 

Sizes & Prices 

Outside back cover $21,200 210 mm x 297 mm 

Inside front cover $2,880 210 mm x 297 mm 

Inside back cover $2,370 210 mm x 297 mm 

Full page $1,850 210 mm x 297 mm 

1/2 page $1,100 horizontal - 188 mm x 137.5 mm 

vertical - 90 mm x 275 mm vertical 

1/4 page $590 90 mm x 137.5 mm 

1/8 page $380 90 mm x 63 mm 

Teacher listing $530 (January - October 2013) 

Studio listing $1,050 (January - October 2013) 

Notes 

Advertisements should be submitted as high resolution (300 dpi) tif 

files (no pdf or ai files please). 

Payment 

Advertising fees are payable in Hong Kong dollars only to: 

Namaskar 

c/o Carol Adams, 1/F 46 Leung Fai Ting Lower Road, 

Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong 

Information 

Carol (852) 9137 9992 /carol@caroladams.hk 

Frances (852) 9460 1967 / fgairns@netvigator.com 

46

47

48

Namaskar Oct 2012

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?