Namaskar - Apr 2016 (1)

namaskar
A VOICE FOR THE YOGA COMMUNITY OF ASIA April 2016
BUILDING A YOGA FARM
A former banker now on the yogic path to building
a self-sustaining yoga community...................p19
FROM POSTURES TO PHILOSOPHY
How to make that first step from practicing yoga
to living yoga.................................................p22
FAMOUS YOGIS
Meet four yoga teachers who have profoundly
influenced our practice today.......................p28
Renee Lee in Natarajasana, photo by Melinda Juang

2 NAMASKAR

NAMASKAR - APRIL 2016
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR
As I get older , I understand
“letting go” is more a key to
happiness than “having more.”
On the cover - Renee is a yoga teacher based in Hong
Kong. reneejqk@yahoo.com.hk
When practicing yoga asana we have the
opportunity to identify our physical tension,
mental turmoil and emotional blockages.
Then when we are ready, we can practice different approaches to alleviating them. Yin yoga has
been invaluable for me in the process of identifying, then working on letting go of various
muscle tensions, negative or critical thought patterns and selfless and self-protective
emotions.
Chloe’s interview with noted yoga teacher Carlos Pomeda offer us insight on the link between
Hatha yoga and personal growth. Laurence’s journey from working at a bank in Singapore to
creating his own self-sustaining yoga community in Portugal is inspiring to say the least. How
many people have the courage to take that step off the ledge of financial stability into the abyss
of the unknown.
Chan updates us on the evidence that meditation can ward off Alzheimer’s and dementiarelated
illnesses. In an article particularly for yoga teachers, Jacqueline proposes a less
considered form of ahimsa.
Famous Yogis, our dristi this time proved to be a popular one with contributors. As we
received more articles than usual, we have saved some for July. Those famous yogis covered
are ones you will have heard of, and some you perhaps haven’t. Daniel, Gaelle, Hersha, Karen
and Paul introduce us to the teachers of their lineage inspiringly.
When we think of meditation, sitting in padmasana with eyes closed may come to mind, such
as those photographed by Melinda Juang on pages 14 - 15. However, there are lots of way to
meditate: chanting can be very meditative; starting unblinking at a candle, walking slowly in
circles; and even colouring, if done mindfully! Adult colouring books are all the rage these
days, with supporters claiming it helps to reduce stress, increase creativity, So just for fun,
we’ve included an image for you to colour on page 13.
In This Issue
DRISTI - FAMOUS YOGIS
B.K.S. IYENGAR 28
SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA 31
SWAMI KUVALAYANANDA 32
SHRI YOGENDRAJI 34
SPECIAL FEATURES
SWISS BANK TO YOGA FARM 19
Former banker on his way to building a
sustainable yoga farm & retreat in Portugal
YOGA & ALZHEIMER’S 22
Some evidence that yoga can ward off early
onset dementia
FROM ASANA TO PHILOSOPHY 22
Carlos Pomeda’s advice for taking that first
step off the mat
AHIMSA WHEN TEACHING 27
Some ways for yoga teachers to practice nonviolence
in the studio
REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS
KULA UPDATES, WORKSHOPS,
RETREATS, TEACHER TRAININGS 6
PHOTO ESSAY 14
MUDRAS IN BRIEF 39
BOOK REVIEW 39
FESTIVAL REVIEW 40
RECIPE 45 & 47
DIRECTORY 48
Scan and email me your finished artworks (fgairns@netvigator.com), and we’ll think of
something fun to do with them.
ABOUT NAMASKAR
ADMINISTRATION Carol Adams, carol@caroladams.hk
NEWS EDITOR Wai-Ling Tse, wailing.tse@gmail.com
CIRCULATION Angela Sun, angela.sun@gmail.com
EDITOR & PUBLISHER Frances Gairns, fgairns@netvigator.com
Namaskar provides a voice for the yoga community in Asia and
around the world. The publication is an opportunity for
practitioners on a yogic path to selflessly offer their knowledge,
learnings and experiences with others.
We welcome unsolicited submissions, therefore the opinions
expressed within these pages are not necessarily those of Namaskar or
its volunteers.
Articles and photographs in Namaskar are contributed at no
charge. Advertising income covers production, distribution,
administrative costs and discretionary contributions to selected
charities and causes.
Namaskar, is published quarterly in January, April, July and October.
About 5,000 copies are printed and distributed for free to yoga
studios, teachers, fitness centres, retail outlets, cafes and yogafriendly
outlets. Mostly distributed in Hong Kong, with 1,500 copies
mailed to readers in 32 other countries.
April 2016 3

CONTRIBUTORS
BOBSY
Chloe was born in Hong Kong,
moved to Australia, then to the
UK. She returned to Hong Kong to
work after university and teaches
yoga and ballet to children.
chloe.yy.yates@gmail.com
DANIEL FONSECA
Hersha is an authorised Integral
Yoga Raja Yoga Teacher Trainer
and provides lectures and courses
on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
info@hershayoga.com
JACQUELINE OSPOVAT
LAURENCE MANCHEE
Bobsy is a long-time ecoentrepreneur
living in Hong Kong.
The founder of MANA!, he is
committed to raising
environmental awareness in all
project he undertakes.
bobsy@mac.com
CHAN CUDENNEC
Daniel is the Co-founder &
Headmaster of Wise Living Yoga
Academy an affiliated center of
The Yoga Institute in Chiang Mai,
Thailand.
info@wiselivingyoga.com
GAELLE FOULON DAFFNER
Originally from South
Africa, Jacqueline, a Certified
Iyengar Yoga teacher has been
living and teaching in Singapore
since 1999.
ospovatjax@gmail.com
KAREN LAM
Laurence (with partner
Kimberley) is a yoga teacher
struggling to keep up his yoga
practice, reduce his carbon
footprint and be as healthy and
stress free as possible.
www.keelayogafarm.com
MELINDA JUANG
Chan is the founder of and holistic
practitioner at SOL Wellness, a
body-mind wellness centre in
Hong Kong. Chan is a certified KRI
Kundalini yoga teacher www.solwellness.com
CHLOE YATES
Gaelle studies life and yoga always
and teaches yoga at Yoga Central -
Iyengar Central and around the
South Side. gaelleinla@yahoo.com
HERSHA CHELLARAM
Karen is the Manager/Teacher at
Yoga Central-Iyengar Central, and
happy to share and explore yoga as
a subject with any interested
parties, any age group.
yogacentralhk@gmail.com
KRISHNAA KINKARIDAS
Krishnaa lives in London. She
studied with B.K.S. Iyengar in
Mumbai and Pune and now runs
classes in London and teaches
‘Sanskrit and Mudras for Yoga’ for
Yoga Alliance and British wheel of
Yoga trainee teachers. She has
written nine books on Bhakti Yoga.
kinkaridasi@hotmail.com
Melinda is a Taiwanese living in
Hong Kong. A freelance yoga
teacher, writer and photographer.
She believes that every single
4 NAMASKAR

photo taken is not meant to be
perfect but certainly evolving along
a path to a personal calling.
melinda.juang@gmail.com
NATALIE MACAM
MICHA CHAN
Micha was introduced to Yoga in
2001 and was certified through the
Yoga Vidyapeetham University, in
India, under YogVidyaGurukul. He
currently teaches at Flex Studio
and Physical, and leads 200-hour
Classical Hatha Teacher Training
in Cantonese.
yogahcim@yahoo.com
Natalie is a yoga teacher at Agoura
Power of Yoga and Malibu Beach
Yoga, California.
www.tigerwaveyoga.com
PAUL DALLAGHAN
namaskar
Now on-line at:
www.issuu.com/namaskarasia
Back issues still at:
www.issuu.com/caroladams
MOISES MEHL
Ashtangi Paul is the founder of
Samahita Retreat in Koh Samui,
Thailand. He is currently preparing
for a Ph.D. dallopaul@gmail.com
WAI-LING TSE
July’s dristi:
Famous Yogis, part 2
As we had received many articles on this dristi, we will run it again
in July. We have space for one or two more articles. If you would
like to contribute on any famous yogis other than the ones
mentioned in this issue and the ones we will present in July,
please contact fgairns@netvigator.com
Moy is a yoga teacher and advocate
of the raw vegan food lifestyle.
The head chef of Nood Food., he
was inspired by his grandmother,
who was an agro-ecologist,
vegetarian, soy and raw food
pioneer, yogi and writer in their
home of Mexico City. He qualified
as a certified Raw Vegan Chef and
is studying for a Master’s Degree in
Raw Vegan Spiritual Nutrition.
chef moy@allnood.com
Wai-Ling compiles the Kula
section of Namaskar. She teaches
and practices yoga, mindfulness
and yoga therapy.
yogawithling@gmail.com
If you would like to contribute an article on this subject, or others,
to Namaskar, please email Frances at fgairns@netvigator.com
with your thoughts first. That way we can let you know if another
contributor is already covering that angle. Final articles are
welcome before June 10.
April 2016 5

KULA
Updates
HONG KONG
Free Yoga Classes
for Indonesian
Domestic Helpers
Victoria Park, Causeway Bay
Free weekly Yoga classes led by
Lin Taran and Monita in
Indonesian on Sundays at 10am.
For more information
whatsapp (852) 9338 8931
Union Yoga from
Singapore opens
in Hong Kong
Union Yoga Ayurveda from
Singapore, has recently opened a
branch in Hong Kong at Flat 7A,
11 Cheung Shun Street, Great
Wall Factory Building, Kowloon.
Union focusses on yoga therapy
classes and teacher trainings.
For more information
www.unionyogaayurveda.com.hk
unionyogaayurvedahk@gmail.com
Kirtan with Dipa
13 April (7:30-9pm)
The Yoga Room, Sheung Wan
A special evening of Kirtan
and heart songs with Dipa from
Ubud, Bali. Kirtan is primarily a calland-response
type of meditationoriented
chanting. The ancient
practice of Yogesvara (The Yoga of
Sound) is a deep and meaningful
practice where universal sacred s
ounds of mantra guiding into the
heart for a return to self-love
and intimacy that begins with
the person and extends out into
the world. Cost: HK$150.
For more information
www.yogaroomhk.com /
(852) 2544 8398
Kirtan in Central
15 April
LuminusLink, Central
25 April, 30 May & 27 June (7-
8:15pm)
Alive Wellness, Central
Held on Monday evenings in
Central in two locations. Cost is
HK$120 per person. To book a
space at LuminusLink contact
mcrodenbeck @gmail.com or
Alive Wellness (852) 2541 8600 /
info@alivewellness.hk
Free Public
Lectures on
Spiritual
Knowledge with
Shweta Sean
Clarke
20 April (7-8:30pm)
Ruby Reflections Bookshop and
Resource Centre, Sheung Wan
24 April (7-8:30pm)
Life Management Yoga Centre
(LMYC), Tsimshatsui
Hosted by the Spiritual Science
Research Foundation (SSRF) ,
some of the topics covered
include: chanting techniques to
attain calmness of mind; where
we go after death and how to help
Shweta Sean Clarke
6 NAMASKAR
our departed ancestors; spiritual
techniques to manage stress and
anger; and seven powerful
spiritual self-healing techniques.
For more information
(852) 2504 1333 /
www.SpiritualResearch
Foundation.org.
Spirits in the
Material World
with Sravaniya
DiPecoraro
21 April (2:30 - 4:30)
Alive Wellness
A discussion of the similarities
between the 5,000 year old
Bhagavad Gita and the 19th
century Spiritism found Allan
Kardec. HK$50.
For more information
www.alivewellness.hk /
(852) 2541 8600.
Kirtan at
International
Yoga Institute
22 April & 27 May (7-8:30pm)
International Yoga Institute,
Tsimshatsui
An evening of kirtan followed by a
light vegetarian dinner. Cost is
HK$100 per person (includes
dinner).
For more information
Connie/Sitarani (852) 2369 6696
/ whatsapp (852) 9022 1445
Real Stone
Yogawear
launches Spring
collection
Sai Ying Pun
Japan’s Real Stone yogawear will
showcase their 2016 Spring
series in their new showroom in
Hong Kong. Their collection
of yoga outfits, mats and
accessories are for women who
enjoy a Yoga lifestyle. Their
designs are inspired by the
forest, with the theme of
connecting people with nature.
For more information
(852) 3151 7069 /
www.realstone.jp /
info@r-more.com.hk /
www.facebook.com/realstone.hk
International Day
of Yoga at
Iyengar-Central
June
Iyengar Central, Central
Free classes offered at Iyengar-
Central in honour of this day.
Send an email indicating your
interest in areas of learning.
For more information
yogacentralhk@gmail.com
New Yoga
Sadhana Class
with Yogananth
Andiappan
Anahata Yoga, Central
This is an intensive 120 minutes
class to deepen your yoga journey
and to explore your limits.
Suitable for seasoned
practitioners or teacher training
students and graduates. Nonmembers
are welcome.
For more information
www.anahatayoga.com.hk /
enquiry@anahatayoga.com.hk /
(852) 2905 1822

Kelsea Bangora &
Jessica Williams
join Flex
Jessica joins Flex Central with
two new classes including led
Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow.
Jessica has been teaching yoga
for over 10 years, and has a
background in wellness.
For more information
(852) 2813-2212 /
info@flexhk.com /
www.flexhk.com
Kelsea Bangora
Kelsea joins Flex One Island
South offering Teen Yoga in
the afternoon, and a stretch and
release practice in the evenings.
On Friday mornings, she leads a
new, dynamic Vinyasa flow
designed to challenge seasoned
practitioners. Trained in New
York under Master Charu, with a
dance background, Kelsea brings
a refreshing blend of classical
asana with functional movement
to her classes.
Jessica Williams
Donation-based
Yoga Classes at
Flex for
International Day
of Yoga
21 June
There will be donationbased
yoga classes offered all day
in both Flex studios in One Island
South and Central. All yoga
classes will be pay as you wish,
with proceeds going to Free to
Run’s Hong Kong Chapter. Flex
will also host a very special
evening class at One Island South
with one of their favourite yoga
partners.
For more information
(852) 2813-2212 /
info@flexhk.com /
www.flexhk.com
Seeking Yoga/
Pilates Instructors
Yoga Privates is an exclusive
provider of private Yoga and
Pilates sessions across Asia since
2008. They are seeking registered,
experienced instructors to
join their team.
For more information
www.yoga-privates.com /
info@yoga-privates.com /
(852) 6504 4280
Abhijata Iyengar
MALAYSIA
Iyengar Yoga Asia
Convention with
Abhijata Iyengar
4-8 May
Kuala Lumpur
Abhijata Iyengar, granddaughter
of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar will
be teaching at this five-day Asian
convention. The theme is
“Understanding Iyengar Yoga”
based on the unique features of
Iyengar Yoga, namely precision,
sequencing and timing.
For more information
iyengaryogaconventions.com /
info.iyahk@gmail.com /
yogacentralhk@gmail.com
SINGAPORE
Singapore Yoga
Teacher Sangha
Ongoing
Immerse yourself in a supportive,
inclusive, respectful, and
collaborative space for Yoga
teachers of various styles who
are based in Singapore. An
opportunity to gather, share and
learn from one another. An open
forum to discuss teaching yoga, a
place to share resources, ask
questions, give answers and build
community. Events are free but
RSVP is essential.
For more information
www.LisaDevi.com/Sangha /
SingaporeYogaTeacherSangha
@yahoo.com.sg
TAIWAN
Special Advanced
Iyengar Class with
Peter Scott
21 July
Space Yoga, Taipei
For students with an established
yoga practice who can do
Sirsasana (headstand) for 5
minutes and can push up into
Urdhva Dhanurasana (wheel
pose) with straight arms. It is a
complete practice and a variety of
poses will be covered that will
challenge you and deepen your
knowledge of asanas.
For more information
www.withinspace.com
April 2016 7

KULA
Workshops
CHINA
Inversions & Arm
Balances with
Dylan Werner
29 April - 1 May
Pure Yoga
Dylan is an inversion & arm
balance specialist. He also
focuses on yoga strength training
and body weight movement.
For more information
www.pure-yoga.com
HONG KONG
Meditation Workshop
with Kirti Daryanani
16 April (3-6pm)
The Yoga Room, Sheung Wan
Befriend your mind and
connect with your inner teacher
through the process of earnest
introspection. Learn four ways
to improve your meditation
practice and 10 ways to help
reduce common distractions in
your meditation practice. Lastly
studying the map of the mind
and use two simple practices
outlined in the scriptures to
better understand the unconscious
mind. These methods in turn
will help attain the keys to
working with thoughts (and
emotions) that are bound to
arise during meditation. Cost:
HK$600.
For more information
www.yogaroomhk.com /
(852) 2544 8398
Inversions & Arm
Balances with
Dylan Werner
6 - 8 May
Pure Yoga
Dylan is an inversion & arm
balance specialist. He also
focuses on yoga strength training
and body weight movement.
For more information
www.pure-yoga.com
Workshops with
Gokulacandra at
The Yoga Room
21 May (9:30am-12noon) -
Arm Balance Workshop
21 May (3-5:30pm) -
Forward Bend & Inversion Workshop
22 May (9:30am-12noon) -
Twists Workshop
22 May (3-5:30pm) -
Advanced Workshop
Join 2 workshops:
HK$1,200; 3 workshops:
HK$1,700; and 4 workshops:
HK$2,200.
For more information
www.yogaroomhk.com /
(852) 2544 8398
Svastha Yoga of
Krishnamacharya
Holistic Health and an
Integrative Approach to Yoga
Therapy with Dr. Ganesh Mohan
10-14 June (8am-4pm)
The Yoga Room, Sheung Wan
Introducing the most effective
aspects of traditional Yoga and
Ayurveda combined with modern
medicine. Specific guid elines for
different conditions and general
treatment principles will be
detailed, empowering you to safely an
d effectively address disabilities and
ill-health through Yoga. This
Yoga Therapy program is
delivered in 7 intensive modules.
Each module may be attended
independently.
Certificates will be issued for
each module. Early bird price by
29 April HK$6,500; Regular
HK$6,900.
For more information
info@yogaroomhk.com /
www.yogaroomhk.com /
(852) 2544 8398
Ayurvedic Yoga
Massage Training
AYM-ARYM with
Ananta Girard
11-12 June - Level 1 –
Foundation Course
13-14 June - Level 2 –
Deepening Course
The Yoga Room, Sheung Wan
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage AYM-
ARYM combine s modern Yoga
Therapy and traditional deep
tissue massage. It originates
from Yoga and Ayurveda. AYM-
ARYM therapy emphasizes deep
tissue massage given with
hands and feet and on assisted
Yoga-based stretching
derived from Iyengar Yoga.
Ayurvedic Yoga massage helps
yoga students to attain more
comfortable Asanas and
Pranayama. The AYM-ARYM
method can also help Yoga
teachers to provide safe and
effective adjustments to students,
to help en courage correct body
alignment and prevent/release
pains and aches. Cost for each
level HK$3,400.
For more information
www.yogaroomhk.com /
(852) 2544 8398
Energy Healing
Workshops with
Rahul Bharti
13 June - Self Grounding and
Defragmentation
14 June - Introduction to Chakra
Healing
15 June - Self Shamanic Journey
16 June - Tibetan Singing Bowl
Healing
18 June - Self Healing and
Grounding
19 June - Chakra Healing and
Energy Balancing with Tibetan
Bowls
Rahul has been an energy healer
from an early age. He has
received transmissions in the
arts of healing from learning and
living with healers in India,
Thailand and Sri Lanka. You will
learn the different methods
Rahul has practised in his life
andand sharing of his knowledge
through both theoretical and
practical experience.
For more information
ancientmassagehk.wix.com/
rahulbharti/
ancientmassagehk@gmail.com /
(852) 5321 1196
Ancient (Yoga)
Massage
International
Certificate Course
with Rahul Bharti
24-27 June - 20-hr Certificate
28-29 June - 6-hr Advanced
The Ancient (Yoga) Massage
Certificate course provides the
complete theoretical and
practical knowledge required to
perform a 1.5 hour Ancient Yoga
Massage. Through tuition and
practical massage techniques and
hands-on practise, you will learn
to relax into working with the
flow of energies in the body. The
classes run four hours a day and
8 NAMASKAR

include completion of the
massage instruction handbook as
well as practical technique with
the massage.
For more information
ancientmassagehk.wix.com/
rahulbharti/
ancientmassagehk@gmail.com /
(852) 5321 1196
INDIA
5-Day Spiritual
Workshops for
Rapid Spiritual
Growth
The Spiritual Research Centre
and Ashram, Goa
The Spiritual Science Research
Foundation (SSRF) and the
Maharshi University of
Spirituality are hosting 5-day
Spiritual Workshops in Goa
which are open to all. It gives you
a forum to participate in an
intensive program which paves
the way for deeper insights about
oneself and helps one to get
direction for rapid spiritual
growth.
For more information
www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org
SINGAPORE
Inversions & Arm
Balances with
Dylan Werner
13 - 15 May
Pure Yoga
Dylan is an inversion & arm
balance specialist. He also
focuses on yoga strength training
and body weight movement.
For more information
www.pure-yoga.com
Dylan Werner
TAIWAN
Alignment in Hot
Yoga with Adam
Armstrong
Adam Armstrong
14 and 21 May
Space Yoga, Taipei
In this four-hour theme class,
learn in-depth how to apply
Anusara’s five Universal
Principles of Alignment to the
classic 26 postures and breathing
exercises commonly known as
Bikram Yoga.
For more information
www.withinspace.com
Inversions & Arm
Balances with
Dylan Werner
20 - 22 May
Pure Yoga
Dylan is an inversion & arm
balance specialist. He also
focuses on yoga strength training
and body weight movement.
For more information
www.pure-yoga.com
Iyengar Yoga
Workshop with
Peter Scott
30-31 July
Peter Scott
Space Yoga, Taipei
Learn to penetrate your
awareness to where body, senses,
organs of action, mind and
intellect work together to give
lightness of body and calmness of
mind.
For more information
www.withinspace.com
Ashtanga Yoga
Summer Camp
with Adarsh
Williams
2-7 August; and 9-14 August -
Intensive and Weekend
Workshop
Experience Ashtanga like never
before with Adarsh and take away
practical lessons you can
immediately implement. Learn to
master the primary series, go
deep into the intermediate series,
incorporate the latest movement
research into your yoga practice,
and integrate the philosophical
keys of the Eight Limbs into your
daily life.
For more information
www.withinspace.com
April 2016 9

KULA
Teacher Trainings
AUSTRALIA
One-year TT for
International
Students
11 May, 19 August and 7
November
Byron Bay
Byron Yoga Centre offers the
fully accredited 800-hours
Certificate IV course - one of the
highest qualifications in yoga
teaching in Australia and
internationally. The one-year
part time option qualifies
participants for an international
student visa allowing students to
live, work and study in Byron
Bay. Students attend 2 days per
week and can work for up to 20
hours each week with the 12
month international student visa.
For more information
www.byronyoga.com
Non-Residential
60-hour Yoga
Alliance TT with
Sarah Powers
23-30 November
Sydney
Deepen your understanding of
the experiential, philosophical
and practical application of Yoga
and meditation. Suitable for
those with at least two years of
practice and have attended a
prior teacher training course, if
you intend to teach this material;
though not essential for those
interested in simply cultivating
their own practice.
For more information
www.sarahpowers.com/iyi/
schedule-2016/insight-yoga-
teacher-training-november-
2016/
HONG KONG
300-hr Advanced
Yoga TT (in
Chinese) with Ann
da Silva
30 April-8 May - Yoga Therapy
10-18 September - Yin and
Restorative Yoga
29 April-7 May 2017 -
Pregnancy Yoga
The Yoga Room, Sheung Wan
Suitable for Yoga teachers with
200-hour foundation training.
Training modules can be taken
individually without joining the
full program. Graduates of full
300-hr program will qualify as
RYT500 with the Yoga Alliance.
For more information
www.yogaroomhk.com /
(852) 2544 8398
108 – NavakaraGa
Vinysa with Dario
Calvaruso
2 May – 2 October – Pure Yoga
Hong Kong
Dario Calvaruso
NavakaraGa Vinysa is a method
developed by Dario Calvaruso
over 20 years of study, practice
and researches. It is the first
systematised methodology for a
tailor-made vinysa yoga practice
and teaching.
For more information
www.pure-yoga.com
200-hour Yoga TT
Certificate Course
10 May-30 June
Anahata Yoga, Central
This course gives yoga
practitioners, enthusiasts, and
aspiring instructors the chance
to deepen their self-knowledge of
yoga philosophy and improve on
various aspects of their practice.
It is an open-level training
programme, suitable for those
who have done little yoga as well
as those who have put in years of
practice.
For more information
www.anahatayoga.com.hk /
enquiry@anahatayoga.com.hk /
(852) 2905 1822
Kidding Around
Yoga TT with
Hersha Yoga
11-12 May
Platform Events, Sai Ying Pun
Kidding Around Yoga (KAY) is a
vibrant international community
dedicated to sharing the complete
science of yoga, music games,
activities, arts and crafts and
more with little yogis. The twoday
training accompanies online
training and a lifetime of support
by KAY staff and the KAY
community. Open to anyone who
wants to work with kids.
For more information
info@hershayoga.com
Kidding Around Yoga
(KAY) TT
14-15 May (1-7:30pm)
Flex Studio, One Island South
Led by Haris Lender, Foun der
of Kidding Around Yoga (KAY);
cost is US$650. Learn creative
instruction in meditation,
breathing practices, relaxation,
poses, games and activities,
stress management for kids, how
to run a kids Yoga day camp, kids
Yoga birthday parties and so
much more. KAY has a unique
approach to teaching children’s
Yoga and a series of original
music created by their tight knit
family of teachers and trainers.
Suitable for anyone who works
with kids on any level.
For more information
kiddingaroundyoga.com/kidsyoga-teacher-trainings/schedule/
hong-kong-2/
Upeksha
Immersions & TT
with Lawrence
Pradhan, Carlos
Pomeda & Ross
Rayburn
25 May - 18 November
Pure Yoga
Upeksha Yoga intends to provide
a bridge between the practitioner
and their highest purpose.
Igniting the fire and awakening
the intelligence within is the
objective of this programme.
Building confidence by having the
necessary tools to become a good
teacher. This is a 200-hour
programme, broken down into 5
10 NAMASKAR

parts. Each part will run for 5
days, each day will include 8
hours of yoga practice and
studies.
For more information
www.pure-yoga.com
Evolve Yourself
Counter Flow
200-hour Teacher
Training with
Marcus Leung
4 June-31 July
Pure Yoga
This programme will analyse the
concept of Counter Energy and
provide practical tips on how to
harness it to make your practice
more fluid, your body more
balanced in strength and
flexibility, and make weight
transfer during your practice
more effective.
For more information
www.pure-yoga.com
200-hr & 300-hr
Yin Yang Vinyasa
Yoga TT with
Janet Lau
27 June-9 July - 110-hr Yin Yang
27 July-6 August - 90-hr Living
our Yoga
23-29 October and 8-17
December 2017 - 150-hr
Mindfulness Yoga
6-12 November - 60-hr Healing
our Hearts
The Yoga Room, Sheung wan
This programme is for those who
want to teach, and those who
want to transform themselves
inside and out so they can share
the experience with others. Using
the essence of mindfulness and
spiritual teachings from different
lineages woven into the Yogic
teachings and everyday life, these
training modules aim to help
participatns learn to be a humble
student and an authentic teacher.
For more information
info@yogaroomhk.com /
www.yogaroomhk.com /
(852) 2544 8398
200-hr Vinyasa
Yoga TT with
Wai-Mei Yeung &
Robert Boswell
Module 1: 31 July-9 August
Module 2: 10-19 August
Grand Jete Dance Centre, HK
Participants will learn
philosophy, energy, alignment,
sequencing, hands-on adjustment
and teaching skills. Focusing on
both theory as well as practice of
teaching. Option to join Module 1
only or the full training.
For more information
www.facebook.com/
yoga.teacher.training.hk.barefootyoga
/ barefootyogadavis.com /
(852) 9686 8124
Classical Hatha Yoga
TT in Cantonese with
Micha Chan
September
Flex Studio
Senior instructor Micha will lead
this training in Cantonese.
Certification will be issued
directly from the Indian ashram
Yoga Yidya Gurukul
(www.yogapoint.com) and
training will be hosted by Flex
Studio.
Micha Chan
For more information Micha
(852) 9344 8589 /
yogahchim@yahoo.com
THAILAND
95-Hour
Children’s Yoga
TT Intensive
March and July
Eco-Logic Resort
Divine Light Yoga offers 12 days
of creativity, connection and
playfulness. For yoga teachers,
educational and healthcare
professionals interested in
exploring the therapeutic,
holistic world of children’s Yoga
and mindfulness. 30% of all
tuition fees will be donated to the
Thai Child Development
Foundation.
For more information
info@divine-light-yoga.com /
www.divine-light-yoga.com
200-hour Yoga TT
Course
1-27 May; 5 June-1 July; 10 July-5
August; 23 October-18
November; 27 November-23
December
Wise Living Yoga Academy,
Chiang Mai
A full immersion experience in
traditional Yoga studies in an
Ashram-like environment. This
course provides foundation on
Classical Yoga philosophy and
practices, including meditation,
asanas (postural training),
pranayamas (breathing
techniques) and simple kriyas
(cleansing techniques). All
programs are residential and
include vegetarian meals.
For more information
(66) 825467995 /
info@wiselivingyoga.com /
www.teachertraining.
wiselivingyoga.com
200-Hr Yoga
Alliance TT
5 June-10 July
Wild Rose Yoga Studio, Chiang
Mai
This training aims to be an
empowering, experiential and
integrative alignment-based
Hatha and Vinyasa style training.
Participants will be guided by a
supportive community as they
unveil the yoga teacher within, in
this comprehensive training with
progressive teaching practice.
For more information
www.pranaya.org /
pranayayoga@gmail.com
April 2016 11

KULA
Retreats
AUSTRALIA
Special Solstice
Retreats
Byron Bay
Byron Yoga Retreat Centre is
offering special winter solstice 3
or 8-day retreats starting 17
June. This is an amazing
opportunity to reconnect to self
at an auspicious time and
celebrate the solstice on 21 June.
The retreats are a flexible
program of Yoga, meditation,
wellness session plus time at the
beach and relaxing by the heated
pool. Much of the food is grown
in the organic gardens and can
enjoy delicious vegetarian
food. Tap into the natural rhythm
of the universe and allow the
magic of unseen forces to
revitalise your mind, body and
spirit.
For more
information www.byronyoga.com
INDONESIA
P.L.A.Y Retreat
with Tryphena
Chia
23-27 June
Sukawati, Bali
Tryphena invites participants to
“come away to beautiful,
mysterious and relaxing Bali to
P.L.A.Y! PLAY like a kid again.
LOVE yourself, your life, and life
itself.”
For more information
www.pure-yoga.com
PHILLIPINES
Yoga Vraja Eco
Village Trip
29 April-2 May
Manila
Organised by the International
Yoga Institute in Hong Kong, the
cost of this trip is HK$8,500
including accommodation, 3
vegetarian meals per day,
transportation, insurance, and
air tickets.
For more information
Connie/Sitarani (852) 2369 6696
/ whatsapp (852) 9022 1445
Inner & Outer
Reflections with
Francesca Regala
Francesca Regala
10 - 15 November
Dumaguete Island
A 5night/6day retreat to deepend
participants’ knowledge of yoga
as a path to wellness and well
being. Asana in the morning, with
pranayama, meditation and
philosophy in the evenings.
For more information
francescaregala@gmail.com /
+63 9178098174
SINGAPORE
The Mandala of
Wisdom Retreat
with Lama Marut
12 NAMASKAR
Lama Marut
& Cindy Lee
26-30 May
Bintan Agro Beach Resort
A retreat on the ”Five Buddha
Families”. Learn techniques of
transforming the stresses of
everyday life into an opportunity
for deeper connection, insight
and love. Retreat schedule
will include daily dharma talks,
kirtan, Yoga and meditation as
well as creative activities and
plenty of personal time for
relaxation and reflection.
For more information info@ascsg.org
/www.asc-sg.org
THAILAND
Hula Hoop and
Yoga Retreat with
Turning Circle
and Divine Light
Yoga
16-23 July
Vikasa, Koh Samui
A unique retreat offering daily
hula hoop classes, Yoga workshops
and meditation, for
absolute beginners and advanced
hooping yogis.
For more information
www.hoopingyogis@gmail.com
50-Hour Samkhya
Yoga Intensive
1-7 May; 5-11 June; 23-29
October; 27 November-3
December
Wise Living Yoga Academy,
Chiang Mai
People often speak about Yoga
without realizing it forms an
integral part of a composite
Samkhya-Yoga Philosophy, the
oldest philosophical system in
the world. Includes theory and
practice of Yoga techniques; and
vegetarian meals in residential
basis.
For more information
(66) 825467995 /
info@wiselivingyoga.com /
www.retreats.wiselivingyoga.com
100-Hour
Samkhya and
Bhagavad Gita
Intensive
1-14 May; 5-28 June; 10-23 July;
23 October-5 November; 27
November-10 December
Wise Living Yoga Academy,
Chiang Mai
In addition to the study of
Samkhya and many traditional
practices and techniques, will
also be exploring the Four Paths
of Yoga, namely Raja Yoga, Jnana
Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Karma
Yoga as explained in the Bhagavad
Gita. Includes theory and
practice; and vegetarian meals in
residential basis.
For more information
(66) 825467995 /
info@wiselivingyoga.com /
www.retreats.wiselivingyoga.com

Pick up some colours and let your creativity flow with this colouring page!
April 2016 13

“I sat half-lotus on the beach, and
gently watched the waves breathing
Two birds swiftly flew across my
eyes followed them but I did not
turn my head.” - Anonymous
This poem expresses the spirit of
meditation beautifully. Articulating
how we meditate in real life,
becomingaware of what is
happening around us, and
yet,staying undisturbed.
According to the Heart Sutra, a
famous sutra inMahâyâna
Buddhism, Buddha entered a deep
meditative state, Samadhi, while
the Bodhisattva Avalokitawas
giving a speech on the essence of
the wisdom gone beyond. At the
end of Avalokita’s speech, Buddha
arose from Samadhi and was able
to confirm and express his
thoughts of the words of Avalokita
clearly.
According to the eight limbs of yoga
defined in the Yoga Sutra by
Patanjali, Samadhi is the highest
spiritual state of consciousness. It
was evident that even in Samadhi,
Buddha wasmindful of
hissurrounding world rather than
being disconnected from it. This
demonstrated that transcendental
awareness is not an escape of
reality, however it is actionwith
deep stillness.
There are scientific studies that
prove meditation can help people
physically, mentally and
emotionally; and most importantly,
it can bring harmony in your
relationships with others. Even
though we all feel refreshed and
calm after a meditation session, the
purpose of meditation is beyond
being self-focused and not meant to
isolate oneself from the reality.
The ultimate goal is to be
meditative in stillness, in action,
and in real life. Are you willing to
try this on?
14 NAMASKAR

PHOTO ESSAY
MEDITATION IN REAL LIFE
Finding Stillness: Everyday,
Anywhere
PHOTOS & WORDS BY MELINDA JUANG
April 2016 15

16 NAMASKAR

April 2016 17

18 NAMASKAR

OFF THE MAT
FROM SWISS BANK TO YOGA FARM
Building a self sustainable Yoga
community
BY LAURENCE MANCHEE
Kimberly and I met in Hong Kong back in
2012. I was working at Credit Suisse and
Kimberly was teaching at an international
school. Our jobs paid well but of course
involved hard work, long hours and chronic
stress. This all paid for expensive rent, overpriced
organic food and eating at
restaurants; a lifestyle to which we were
accustomed but which left us both
desperately wanting more.
Our first trip to a self-sustainable yoga
community in Argentina in 2013 was like the
missing piece of the puzzle. We thrived in an
environment where nature, yoga and
sustainable, organic living were integral to
our everyday lives. We knew immediately this
was what we wanted our lives to be and on
that very trip, we began fantasising about
how we would make the transition from cityliving
to setting up our own farm and yoga
retreat.
During our stay at ‘Eco Yoga Park’ in
Argentina, we realised yoga isn’t just about
asanas. The community members there
practiced Karma yoga daily where they would
put positive intentions into all of their
actions. One of the members mentioned
when he changed our sheets, he would focus
his mind entirely on what he was doing in the
hope it would be more comfortable for the
guests who slept there that night. We loved
his good intentions, despite the fact it was
below zero each night and not actually that
comfortable! The stay also introduced us to
sound healing and meditation, as well as
more practical skills such as natural building
and reusing waste materials. We were more
inspired with each day that passed.
Over the next year we visited many other yoga
retreat centres around Asia. As our yoga
practice evolved, so did our understanding of
how different sustainable communities were
organised and run effectively. However it
was the incredible people we encountered
who motivated us more than anything. They
shared ideas about how we could take the
leap of faith and start a yoga farm one day.
Their enthusiasm and encouragement for
our project remain invaluable to this day.
Eco Yoga Park in Argentina
In 2014, I was drawn to another selfsustainable
yoga community in Portugal. At
Rainbow City, we woke up at sunrise,
practiced yoga together, worked on the farm,
buildings and land, and ate organic, homegrown
food. Their philosophy was, “I would
rather enjoy my days and take a little longer
to complete each project rather than finish
them faster but not enjoy myself”’. This
resonated with me deeply. I’ve only ever lived
in London, Hong Kong and Singapore; I’ve
never known anything other than a fastpaced
life, but I know instinctively that it’s
not for me.
The guys at Rainbow City had bought a field
just 8 months previously and they had
already installed running water from a
borehole, a cesspit for the toilet and some
lovely eco-dome buildings. They took us to
visit land nearby to show me what was
available. In that area of Portugal it is
possible to buy 10 acres for about SGD
70,000. All I had wanted to do for three years
was start my own sustainable community,
with my girlfriend Kimberly, and what was
initially just a pipe dream was starting to
become a viability.
The next step for us was to qualify as
certified yoga teachers, so later in 2014,
Kimberly and I went to Sampoorna Yoga in
Goa, India to do our 200-hour Yoga teacher
training in Ashtanga Vinyasa. Doing a teacher
training really opened up opportunities for
us. Firstly we made around 40 life-long
friends who all continue to inspire us with
what they are doing around the world. We
also had the pleasure of meeting and getting
to know Rishi Sudhir who was a huge
inspiration for us on the Philosophies of
Yoga. Above all else, we learnt the value of
meditation; and that we needed to do more!
Back in Singapore, I was already a part-time
personal trainer, helping people get back into
shape, achieve sporting goals or rehabilitate
injuries. However, after the completion of
my yoga teacher training I began
incorporating more yoga into these sessions
and started teaching some classes at Kate
Porter Yoga under my mentor, Lisa Low.
Teaching yoga opened up a whole new world
to my practice. I spent time planning classes
and in preparation for each one, I would
study more anatomy and alignment and
spend time practicing the flows which led to a
solid daily practice.
My yoga practice started to improve very
quickly because after 10 years of practice, I
finally knew what I was supposed to do.
Before then it really was just a workout.
Kimberly also started teaching yoga in
Singapore where her classes turned out to be
April 2016 19

quite popular; she even ended up having to
turn some down. It is interesting to see that
now yoga is becoming more accessible, more
people from all types of backgrounds are
attracted to it.
We did further excellent teaching courses
with the likes of Chuck Miller, Noah Maze
and Kino McGregor on their visits to
Singapore which has really enriched our
teaching as well as our personal practice.
Each course has made me realise there is so
much more to learn. I always thought I was
quite knowledgeable but what I have realised
is this was based on my own body and the
injuries I’ve had over the years; the range of
body-types, injuries and individual quirks
out there are innumerable.
At times I feel it will take me a lifetime to
learn just a fraction of what I would like to
about anatomy, physiology and nutrition. I
reassure myself at these moments that this is
the western, “achieve-more” mentality
creeping back in. In these moments of selfdoubt,
I try to call on everything I have learnt
from meditation and yoga, and reassure
myself that we can never know everything;
that I am on the right path and am exactly
where I need to be.
The following summer in 2015, we made a
commitment to ourselves to research the
opportunities to buy some land in Portugal
where we would establish a farm, grow our
own food, generate our own energy and
create no waste. We had already been
practicing growing food in Singapore. Each
herb and vegetable I tried died the first time,
sometimes the second and third time too, but
after each attempt I learned a bit more from
various Facebook groups and online forums,
and eventually we managed to grow quite a lot
on our city rooftop.
Growing our own food was both relaxing and
rewarding. Most people I meet in Singapore
or Hong Kong say that they do not have green
fingers; well if you’re one of them, then I say
there is no such thing as not having green
fingers! Everyone needs to go through the
learning process of plants dying, learning
from it and then trying again. Our society is
so detached from nature that we have been
persuaded that we are not capable when in
fact, with effort, every single one of us has
the innate ability to live independently.
Late in 2015, we both handed in our notices
to our employers with solid plans to start a
self-sustainable community and yoga retreat
centre in Portugal. I had planned to quit for
over a year but officially handing my in notice
was a huge relief and I felt incredibly free. We
have had an enormous amount of
encouragement and praise for getting out of
the rat race, and it made me realise that so
many people want to do the same.
I write this having finished my full time job,
and whilst doing an 11-day fasting detox in
Thailand. This is to regenerate our bodies
and our lives before I head off to Cambodia
to teach yoga for one month at Angkor Zen
Gardens in Siem Reap. In April 2016 our new
lives will begin in Portugal where we will
learn how to run our own eco-yoga farm and
retreat centre. Who knows what the future
has in store for us, but I am extremely excited
to be on this new path.
For more information
www.keelayogafarm.com /
laurencemanchee@gmail.com
20 NAMASKAR

April 2016 21

HEALTH
FIGHT ALZHEIMER’S
WITH YOGA &
MEDITATION
Changing brain structure
BY CHAN CUDENNEC
Research led by Dr Dharma Khalsa Singh,
MD (President and Medical Director of the
Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention
Foundation in Tucson, Arizona)
have shown it is possible to prevent and
reverse early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
(AD) with the practice of Kirtan Kriya for 12
minutes daily for eight weeks.
What the good doctor found is that brain
scans show better blood flow to the part of
the brain called posterior cingulate gyrus
(PCG) that is responsible for episodic
memory retrieval. This is solid evidence that
Kirtan Kriya reduces the risk of dementia.
The brain can change with better connections
with cells and even grow new brain cells
(neuroplasticity and neurogenesis) with
Kirtan Kriya.
Dr Dharma Khalsa Singh, MD is a specialist
in anesthesiology for cardiac surgery and
obstetrics, TCM & Acupuncture, Mind/body
medicine, anti-ageing medicine practitioner
and also of advanced kundalini yoga and
meditation for four decades. He is based in
New Mexico. A doctor who is truly holistic
and understands the body a spiritual being
having a human experience. Thus the body
needs a multi-dimensional approach to be in
balance and recover completely.
In his research, he advocates the four pillar
way to wellness. They are:
1. A Mediterranean-style diet which is mainly
plant based
2. Stress management
3. Physical movement
4. Spiritual fitness
Items 2-4 can be accomplished through yoga
and meditation. Each of the above activity
reduces the risk of cognitive decline.
“For the 50% of us who are likely to develop
dementia in later life, the name of the game is
prevention. There is no pill, no magic bullet.
Lifestyle strategies like diet and exercise are
of enormous benefit. The practice of
meditation especially Kirtan Kriya is
emerging as a powerful tool for optimizing
brain capacity and improving mood” says Dr
Karen Koffler M.D. Medical Director,
Carillon Hotel and spa, (formerly Canyon
Ranch)
For more information
www.alzheimersprevention.org
Two-thirds of those suffering from
Alzheimers are women.
Alzheimers is the sixth leading cause
of death in the US.
One in six people in the UK over 80
suffer dementia.
One in three older people will die of
dementia-related illess.
22 NAMASKAR
PHILOSOPHY
HATHA
YOGA: A
SPRINGBOARD
INTO YOGA
PHILOSOPHY
Taking the
first step off
the yoga mat
BY CHLOE YATES
At the last Asia Yoga Conference in Hong
Kong, I had the pleasure of spending time
with yoga philosophy and meditation teacher
Carlos Pomeda. I wanted to know yoga
practictioners can start to delve into the
philosophy of yoga.
HOW DOES HATHA YOGA RELATE TO
THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOGA?
Originally it is very much part of the Tantric
tradition. It’s a system with several layers to
it in which the asana is only the first in a
series of many steps to get to meditation.
The end goal of Hatha yoga is meditation, it’s
always been. Because it’s within meditation
that we dive in to our own being and find out
whom we really are. So from the very
beginning Hatha yoga has had this depth, but
it’s only just very recently that it’s being
taught separate from meditation. In many
ways now we are coming full circle, more and
more people are discovering meditation
through Hatha yoga and it becomes a natural
progression.
You already have a Hatha practice and feel
wonderful,and then you discover there is a
whole world behind the hatha yoga practice.
It’s very much built into the character of yoga
itself.
WHAT SHOULD YOGA ASANA
PRACTITIONERS TRY TO LEARN ABOUT
YOGA PHILOSOPHY?
No matter what yoga tradition or branch of
yoga you practice, the ‘what’ is always the
same and that is the big question of existence
‘who am I?’ ‘Who am I, really?’ The body is a
male or female body but the soul; the
consciousness within is neither male nor
female. The body is a certain size, a certain

after you start clearing out your
system from all the accumulated
stress, you start feeling different
inside, a more centered,
happier sense of self
Carlos Pomeda
age but the consciousness within has no age
or size. So really if you think about it, the
most intriguing question we can ask
ourselves is ‘who am I, really?’ What is that
consciousness? What is that essence? I think
if you practice hatha yoga, just like if you
practice any other branch of yoga, that’s the
one ultimate question.
WHAT CAN YOGA ASANA
PRACTITIONERS LEARN ABOUT THE
PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECTS OF YOGA
FROM THEIR PRACTICE?
Very naturally I think what’s happening is
people experience that Hatha yoga goes
beyond the mere aspect of fitness, the
flexibility and the health is built in. The
principals that Hatha yoga works on are the
manipulation of prana (vital energy in the
body) that in turn triggers all sorts of very
profound results within the person, even if
you don’t know it.
When you do your asana correctly, what you
are doing is you is influencing the flow of
prana in different parts of your body, and
that results in a number of benefits. The
most important of those benefits is the
clearing of all the tension, all the accumulated
negative impressions and memories stored
all over the body. It’s something that happens
on a very profound level and for anybody who
takes their practice seriously knows this
deeper aspect of Hatha yoga. Even if they
don’t know exactly what they’re doing, as
long as they apply the method correctly they
will be experiencing these benefits.
What happens after you start clearing out
your system from all the accumulated stress
is you start feeling different inside, you start
having a more expanded sense of self, a more
centered, happier sense of self. The moment
you start discovering that, it becomes the
door for ‘what else does Hatha yoga have to
offer?’ Then you can go deeper, not only in
asana but learning a little bit of pranayama
and adding that to your practice, learning
more about mudras, bandhas and then of
course meditation.
In fact the original Hatha yoga tradition had
very specific methods of mediation, but
whatever method of mediation you learn you
find it is a natural progression of the asana
practice. As long as you are doing it properly
and following the teachings and methods, you
will experience the benefits and that in turn
will lead you into a deeper search at some
point when you are ready.
HOW CAN YOGA ASANA
PRACTITIONERS INCORPORATE THE
PHILOSOPHY INTO THEIR PRACTICE
AND THEN FURTHER INTO THEIR DAILY
LIVES?
Once you have this pillar of meditation, it
becomes the central axis around which you
can then base the rest of your day. This is
what gives you the center; it’s what connects
you to your essence.
Once you have that, the next step in
everybody’s life, the next challenge so to
speak, is how to integrate this with being
active, with the world and so on. And I think
there the most important thing is not to
create a false dichotomy between ‘my
practice’ and ‘the rest of my life.’
We only have one life and what we need to do
is first of all not to create this separation.
Secondly is to simply allow what we find, the
centeredness, deeper peace, clarity and
serenity within ourselves, and just allowing it
to spill over naturally into the rest of your
day.
In the beginning of course, we’re going to
forget, we’re going to get back into our old
mental patterns, but the more we make the
practice a presence in our lives, the more we
create reminders for ourselves and the more
the integration happens naturally. Here I also
find in addition to your practice, you keep
studying and reading, even in a small way,
even if you just read a little bit at night before
you go to sleep, it’s more about the
continuity and the presence of the practice in
your daily life. The more you develop that,
the stronger your practice becomes.
April 2016 23

24 NAMASKAR

April 2016 25

26 NAMASKAR

FOR TEACHERS
LEARNING WHILE TEACHING
Subtle lessons on ahimsa for teachers
BY JACQUELINE OSPOVAT
The first word yoga is “Ahimsa”, meaning
non-violence, or cause no injury, do no harm.
In all major religions there is a reference to
living a non-violent life.
When we hear the word violence we
immediately think of physical violence but
there are so many other ways to be violent:
words, actions, tone of voice, volume of voice
and looks, for example, who has not heard
the expression ‘If looks could kill’? Violence
can be very subtle and take many forms.
TONE OF VOICE
Just our voices alone can be violent or harsh.
The tone we choose; whether we keep it
strident and aggressive, or whether we
choose to have it carrying clearly yet gentle.
Nobody enjoys being shouted at, this just
creates defensiveness and resistance. Not
only is the teacher committing a violent act
with his/her shouting but he/she is inciting a
negative reaction in the student.
The pitch of your voice can also affect the
energy of a class. Is it too high and strident,
making it sound like you are shouting, or too
low that nobody can hear? Either case can
cause irritability and frustration.
If you are teaching in a studio where there is
loud music blaring which can be heard inside
the yoga room, avoid adding to this by playing
your own music and having to resort a
microphone to call out your instructions -
not the most stress free environment. The
place where we practice our yoga should be
clean, pure and quiet. (Saucha)
CHOICE OF WORDS
Choosing your words carefully is important,
especially if you, the teacher, are having a bad
day. You can’t let your feelings enter into the
studio space in any form whatsoever. The
second you walk through that door you smile
and leave your personal feelings outside.
Smiling and greeting people warmly has an
incredibly positive effect not just on the
students but on you your-self.
Just imagine the response you will receive if
you, the teacher, walk into the studio looking
like thunder with no smile or greeting for
your students and start barking out
instructions like an army sergeant!
What kind of atmosphere are you setting
with an aggressive attitude? Not one that
people will want to return to.
Each word that is said can have an effect on a
student, making things personal and picking
on a particular student is in its own way a
form of violence. Always try to find
something positive to say to each student
whatever their level and capabilities.
HANDLE WITH CARE
A yoga teacher should never say, for example,
“you look like you can do better than that”
and make adjustments that can lead to
serious injury. Also, forcing students into
unsupported inversions or backbends when
they are fearful of these poses is not good
practice. If you have a student who is
convinced her head will drop off in ustrasana
give her a supported pose so that eventually
she loses the fear and can one day confidently
achieve this pose without assistance.
Do you really have to grip the part of the body
you are adjusting tightly or will a light touch
be enough? A gentle but firm guiding touch
with a few carefully chosen words is much
better than just grabbing and pulling or
pushing things around.
WHERE DO YOU PLACE YOUR HANDS?
Some areas are inappropriate for you to be
touching. It is better just to use words and
indicate the area rather than touching it. So
when it comes to inner groins for example,
use words to describe the area or touch the
area on your own body to be clear.
Male teachers need to be extra sensitive. Not
all women are comfortable being touched by
men, and especially not in sensitive areas like
the chest, groin or inner thighs.
How long do your hands stay there?
Do you have to use your hands all the time?
You could use a blanket, a strap a belt or a
block. With new students it is always best to
approach them and inform them adjustments
can possibly be made and ask whether they
are comfortable with that.
SACRED SPACE
If during a class a sexual reference is made,
however shocked you may be make sure you
control your reactions. Gather the students
around you and inform them these sorts of
remarks are extremely inappropriate in a
yoga class. Is it not taken for granted in a
yoga class we have absolute trust and safety
regarding gender issues? Considering the
positions we end up in, we should feel safe.
Keep sex outside of the building!
COMPLACENCY
Another form of violence is being a lazy
teacher. Not adjusting a student in a pose
where it is needed to the extent a student may
injure herself is also a form of violence. In
addition, not giving assistance in poses such
as handstands could be viewed in this way.
Appropriate assistance from the teacher can
instil confidence.
Ensure you are not pushing a student into a
pose she is not ready for. Give them
modifications to help them on the path to the
final pose.
A COMPASSIONATE APPROACH
How we approach our own practice will be
reflected in our teaching. Do we have
patience and forgiveness for ourselves on
our mats or do we push ourselves into poses
we are not ready for? Are we just doing a
pose to feel great that we accomplished it?
Do we show off in the class?
Practicing yoga encourages us to face our
inner demons/darkness and deal with them
compassionately. Negative thoughts of anger,
shame, resentment, disappointment, fear all
have violence embedded in them.
The thoughts come, then as in the practice of
meditation, let them go, it is in the holding on
to these negative thoughts that the mind can
brood and the violence takes root in our
thoughts, words and actions.
One of the greatest lessons of life I learned
through my yoga practice has been to not be
reactive, but rather responsive. To not allow
the first impulse to take over, to not act out
of anger or fear but out of knowledge and
compassion gained through practice.
April 2016 27

DRISTI - FAMOUS YOGIS
B. K. S. IYENGAR
1918 - 2014
BY GAELLE FOULON DAFFNER & KAREN LAM
SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA
Trail blazer....................................................31
SWAMI KUVALAYANANDA
Teacher to gurus & politicians.......................32
SHRI YOGENDRAJI
The householder’s yogi.................................34
28 NAMASKAR

April 2016 29

The definition of a yogi is a man proficient in
yoga. BKS Iyengar was not only proficient in
yoga, he was a prolific yogi. Over his 70 years
teaching yoga, he changed the way the world
practices yoga, wrote best sellers like Light
on Yoga, the modern yoga bible, converted
thousands to his own system and inspired
millions. And yet when asked about “Iyengar
Yoga” he used to reply “you call it Iyengar
yoga, I practice and teach yoga”
Relentless practitioner, fierce teacher, joyful
man…this article attempts to give a glimpse of
who this timeless yogi was and why we, chose
and continue to call him Guruji.
Science and art: the practioner:
Iyengar’s love of yoga was rooted into the
fact he owed his life to his yoga practice:
many times sick as a child, his body had been
rendered weak when he started yoga at 15.
“My arms were thin, my legs were spindly,
and my stomach protruded in an ungainly
manner,” he wrote. “My head used to hang
down, and I had to lift it with great effort.”
It is well known that his apprenticeship
under his guru and brother-in-law
Krishnamacharya was not easy and he would
have had good reasons to give up: ignored,
asked to concentrate on house chore and
struggling with difficult physical condition,
his destiny as a yogi did not seem so obvious
in 1934!
But he exemplified what he taught his entire
life: that yoga is a path to transcendence
which “enables man to rise above physical,
poverty, frailty, despair” – Marian Garfinkel,
Iyengar the Yoga Master. Zealous practice
(tapas) together with Self study (Svadhyaya)
and surrender (Ishvara Pranidhana) is one
of the three pillars of Patanjali Yoga, the root
of Iyengar’s teaching and practice.
Practice was the nervous centre to Iyengar’s
life and probably the source of his incredible
longevity and energy. Even well in his 90’s his
daily routine involved at least one hour
pranayama before sunrise, three-hour asana
practice in morning including inversions and
supported backbends, and 2-3 hours
reading/writing/researching into the subject
of yoga in his library. He was incandescent
with desire to learn and go as deep as
possible into the science and art of yoga.
His body was a laboratory which he
experimented on with Asanas and
Pranayamas. This gave him knowledge of the
physical and physiological effects of each
asana and their interaction through
sequencing and timing.
Practicing at the Ramamani Institute in Pune
meant to come away with this image of Mr
Iyengar marching through the practice room,
dressed in his white dhotar, sweeping it off
before coming into an opening supported
backbend like a charismatic conductor or
virtuoso, entering a stage.
And virtuoso he was for he drew an
incredible creativity from his own practice
and teaching observation. This creativity
manifested in one of Iyengar’s major
contribution to our practice: the yoga props.
Just like Magritte’s painted “this is not a
pipe”, chairs, bench, bricks were not mere
objects under Iyengar’s eyes but became
tools to open our body and transcend
physical limitations.
Compassion and passion: the teacher
If Iyengar’s practice was the brain of his life,
teaching was its heart. Roaring, slapping,
exerting…people used very strong words to
describe Iyengar’s unique teaching style…to
which he replied “I am awakening the
dormant consciousness within you”. Iyengar
was demanding because he knew first-hand
how hard one has to work to “connect to the
divine spark”. In return of their dedication
and hard work he knew no limit to help his
students: he would observe their difficulties
in class, then in his own practice he would
imitate those difficulties - often to the
detriment of his own body - in order to
understand how to help them come through.
His medical abilities were legendary, treating
inner ear dysfunction with headstand,
broken back with backbend…he could
dispense asanas and pranayama like a
physicians dispenses medicines and potions.
Iyengar teacher trainees are taught to “ be
bold, be cautious” because ultimately Iyengar
wanted the teachers to give their best while
protecting the students from the teachers
ego. Thus he created a worldwide
certification system in order to transmit his
lineage and produce quality.
Joanne White writes about her first class
with Guruji: “as soon as he started to teach, I
felt my intellectual self completely let go. He
spoke, I opened my mind and listened and my
body listened and reacted. I realized I was in
the presence of a master teacher”.
Family, music and humor. The man
It’s telling that Iyengar named his Pune
Intitute, the fruit of his teaching success
after his late wife. Ramamani. Together they
battled poverty, raised six children and “
lived without conflict as if our two souls
were one”. Iyengar lived surrounded by his
family until his death and was said to lavish
his grandchildren with affection. Watching
him and his granddaughter Abhijata teach the
women’s class towards the end of his life
made this love almost tangible: Bent over in a
supported backbend, he would observe the
class from his practice corner while Abhijata
was teaching. Together they would have this
incredible dance of the spirit where she
would go to him, receive his advice, turn to us
and teach. Love could be seen in their eye
exchange, heard in their whispering and seen
in Abhi’s mobilization to make her
grandfather’s teaching passed on and
through us.
Marianne Garfunkel in Iyengar the Yoga
Master describes him a “true renaissance
man”, a lover of art, music especially whose
latest Light on Yoga edition is prefaced by the
virtuoso and his long time friend and student
Yehudi Menuhin. Iyengar often spoke of yoga
as being “like music. The rhythm of the body,
the melody of the mind and the harmony of
the soul, create the symphony of life and of
Asana “, showing a profound communion
between his yogic and musical sensibilities.
Perhaps what is most surprising about this
man who commanded devotion and respect,
who could silent thousands of students by
walking into a teaching hall was his
simplicity, lightness of being and love of
humor. Annette Bennings who interviewed
him in LA describes him as laughing and
chuckling when she asked “how important is
a sense of humor for a yoga practitioner” to
which he replied, “If there is no sense of
humor, then life is not worth living.”
We had the opportunity to experience his
simplicity at the opening class of the China
summit in 2011. Standing in front of
thousands, Iyengar held a leaf and told us
how, that simple leaf could be the very source
of our practice since it could show us how to
work our feet in every asanas. That man who
published a commentary of the Yoga Sutras
and was able to penetrate to the chore of his
being could also humbly still bow and listen
to nature.
A yogi is a man proficient in yoga. Simple isn’
it? Don’t we think of yogis as wise,
extraordinary heros who achieves impossible
traits? And yet, to look at Mr Iyengar’s life
and his different facet, perhaps his
dedication to simplicity made him a man as
much as a yogi: a cup of coffee. family around
and his two feet, spreading evenly like the
vein of a leaf. He, summarizes it best in his
last words: “Live happily, die majestically”.
30 NAMASKAR

DRISTI
SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA
1914 - 2002
BY HERSHA CHELLARAM
The year 2016 marks the 50 th anniversary of
Integral Yoga, a classical system of Yoga
developed by Sri Swami Satchidananda.
Affectionately known as the Woodstock
Guru, he was the enlightening voice of East
meets West in the 1960s. Originally from a
small village in South India, Swami
Satchidananda went on to give the opening
address at the famed Woodstock Festival, to
half a million young people — and at that
moment ignited a movement of inner
exploration that is thriving today.
While Swami Satchidananda was not the first
Guru to come to America, his message of
mind-body-spirit integration accelerated
awareness among Western culture and
influenced many fields including science,
spirituality, and humanitarian service.
Although the hippie era of the 1960s faded,
his influence shaped a generation and
beyond, as more people than ever participate
in the six-billion-dollar-a-year Yoga industry,
meditate and read books from theEast. His
translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is
the world’s best selling version of this text —
a testament to life and legacy.
Swami Satchidananda founded Integral Yoga
50 years ago and remains one of the most
influential Yoga masters of our time. Integral
Yoga is a holistic system whose goal was
explained by Swami Satchidananda this way:
“The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birthright
of every individual, is to realise the spiritual
unity behind all the diversities in the entire
creation and to live harmoniously as
members of one universal family. This goal is
achieved by maintaining our natural
condition of a body of optimum health and
strength, senses under total control, a mind
well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect
April 2016 31

millions of lives have been lost
in the name of God and religion;
more than those killed by
natural or manmade calamities.
as sharp as a razor, a will as strong and
pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional
love and compassion, an ego as pure as a
crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace
and Joy.”
Integral Yoga has six branches of practice,
five of which go beyond the popular physical
practice of Yoga. Integral Yoga is inclusive
and adaptive, emphasising that everyone’s
birthright is to have “an easeful body, a
peaceful mind, and a useful life.” Starting in
the 1970s, Swami Satchidananda addressed
many scientists and medical professionals,
defining disease essentially as a state of “disease”
that could be remedied and prevented
by: a vegetarian diet; stress reduction
through Yoga practices and philosophy; and
selfless service. This holistic approach
sparkeda revolution in evidence-based Yoga
therapy treatment programs for cancer,
heart disease, immune diseases, physical
disabilities, PTSD, addictions and more.
Integral Yoga is the foundation for Dr. Dean
Ornish’s pioneering work in reversing heart
disease, Dr. Michael Lerner’s Commonweal
Cancer Help program, and Sonia Sumar’s
Yoga for the Special Child, in addition to
many more applications for specialised
populations by numerous of Swami
Satchidananda’s students.Integral Yoga
advises on many of Yoga’s main accrediting
bodies including Yoga Alliance and
International Association of Yoga
Therapists.
In 1986, one of Swami Satchidananda’s
grandest dreams became a reality. The Light
Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS) was
opened in Virginia. LOTUS is a place where
people of all faiths (spiritual and secular
alike) come together to pray, meditate or find
peace in their own way. This beautiful temple
— his gift to the world — is a perfect
representation of his life work. In 2014, a
second LOTUS opened in his birth village,
Chettipalayam in Tamil Nadu, South India
tocelebrate his 100th birth anniversary.
Hospitals, clinics, schools, teaching centres
and temples have all been opened in the name
of Swami Satchidananda. He met with popes
and presidents and spoke at famous
cathedrals and great halls of learning. His
message was simple: millions of lives have
been lost in the name of God and religion;
more than those killed by natural or
manmade calamities. Improper
understanding of religion causes this
divide.We are all members of one universal
family. Spiritual unity is the basis of all
beliefs. If a person did not believe in God or
follow religion, he simply advised to “make
peace your God.”
Today, there are over 30 Integral Yoga
Institutes and Centres on six continents with
international headquarters at Satchidananda
Ashram — Yogaville® Virginia, USA. The
Integral Yoga global community includes
over 5000 Integral Yoga teachers, many of
whom have become leaders in the changing
paradigm ofmodern Yoga and healthcare, and
making Yoga accessible to all people. His
students have created Service in
Satchidananda, a network of international
charities to promote his teachings of selfless
service, that support programs such as
books on Yoga in prisons, food and supplies
to the poor and to disaster stricken
communities, providing education
sponsorships to children around the world,
and much more.
Swami Satchidananda was the coolest Guru
of his time. Even the most rebellious
personalities would find peace in his
presence. He was open and approachable and
never limited himself to one organisation,
nationality or religion. He provided spiritual
guidance to thousands of people from the
downtrodden to celebrities and world
leaders. He recognised the unifying Spirit
within each person and his life was always
dedicated to the service of humanity. His
beautiful message is that we can do this too
and experience the real peace and joy that is
our true nature.
DRISTI
SWAMI KUVALAYANANDA
1883 – 1966
BY PAUL DALLAGHAN
Founder of Kaivalyadham Yoga Research
Institute, 1924 and pioneer in scientific and
literary research on yoga since 1917, Swami
Kuvalayananda was a prolific, but largely
unknown figure in yoga in the first half of the
20 th century. Jagganath Gune, later to be
known as Swami Kuvalayananda.
A yogi par excellence, his work and teachings
had profound influence on the entire yoga
revival, understanding and subsequent
teaching in India and worldwide. His modus
operandi was to shrink from publicity
around him and push the publication and
promotion on yoga as a genuine spiritual
practice, one of physical and psychological
value. He was the teacher to Gandhiji of his
yoga practices as well as the Nehru family.
32 NAMASKAR

Other great yoga luminaries would also spend
time with him or learn from him. Indra Devi
started her studies with him, Krishnamurthi
came for practice, Paul Brunton honored his
wisdom, Swami Sivananda would send the
first edition of every book he wrote to him,
signed, “for my guru”, and Krishnamacharya
made several trips to him at his institute for
guidance in teaching and the practices, first
urged by the Maharaja of Mysore before the
setting up of the shala there.
Gune was born in Gujarat in 1883. By the age
of 14 both his parents had died and he was
orphaned. He was fortunate to receive some
help and be schooled in Pune. From there he
studied Sanskrit at university level and
becoming a gold medalist in it. By his late
teens he had met his initial teacher
Mannakrao. Mannakrao was one of the few
masters of Indian martial arts, gymnastics
and wrestling. Interestingly, incorporated
into such a routine was the practice of asana,
but not as a workout, as it most often is
today, but as a powerful nervous conditioning
practice, done separate to the physical
workouts, with asanas held, promoting
stability in body and mind and nurturing the
body and its maintenance.
Gune studied and practiced everyday with
him, even running the vyayam (training hall),
devoted to his teacher. For his own reasons
by the age of 18 he had decided to remain a
bachelor, as a sannyasi, dedicating himself to
study, practice, and teaching. While Gune
continued to train physically, practice asana
separately, he was introduced to other
aspects of spirituality. His nature was
spiritually inclined and as he fulfilled his part
in the world the subtle growth was going on
inside. He had become a school teacher and
eventually headmaster to a boys’ school in
Gujarat. Here he lived in a small constructed
hut, surrounded by a fence, that he had
named Kaivalyadham (place of liberation) in
1916. It was in his educating role and his
active involvement with the Free India
movement, that he became acquainted with
other intellectuals and scientists of the day.
They encouraged him to begin experiments
on yogic exercises.
The first study on yoga involved the practice
of nauli, observed with physiological
equipment and x-ray. One should keep in
mind the time. WWI and its aftermath issued
an explosion in scientific knowledge. The aim
to study yoga was far from a self-serving
approach of “yes, it works, everybody should
do”, which is bad science, but rather one of
let us understand yoga and its processes and
by 18 he decided
to remain a
bachelor,
sannyasi,
dedicating
himself to study,
practice &
teaching
Swami Kuvalayananda (second from right) and Jawaharlal Nehru (far right) watch a Nauli experiment
April 2016 33

purported effects better, thereby enhancing
the explanation of it as is found in the texts,
giving validation to genuine statements about
yoga as well as weeding out much of the oversensationalized
and fraudulent claims that
had grown up around the practice of yoga.
Gune blossomed into Kuvalayananda upon
the meeting with his guru, the then 100+ year
old master, Madhavadas, in Malzar, Gujarat.
As is the case within a parampara, the teacher
and disciple had a unique connection.
Madhavadas instructed him in pranayama
and internal practices, to a point of unique
transformation, of which many of the texts
describe but a dedicated few achieve in this
current life. It was Madhavadas that
requested him to not become a meditating
recluse in the Himalayas but rather go and
study the practices, introduce them to
science, teach others. As is the nature of such
a relationship, he followed his teacher’s
words to the ‘t’, embarking on such a mission
that influenced the appreciation and
increased understanding of yoga in both
India and across the world.
With great effort but much inspiration,
Kuvalayananda set about conducting studies,
publishing a journal, establishing an
institute, writing books, and, through
government requests, setting the standard
for yoga teaching nationwide. He was asked
to produce yoga asana curriculum for many
of the school systems.
In some of these publications one finds the
asanas detailed for a physical practice,
involving jump back and through movements,
and asanas as part of one’s overall spiritual
practice, with savasana in between each
asana. It should be noted these were
published before the Mysore shala opened
and before Krishnamacharya visited him. At
that time the interest in India in physical
activity especially included indigenous
systems. These systems were influenced by
foreign gymnastic movements, the burpee
being one. So one started to find such
movements, vinyasas, show up in asana
routines.
However, Kuvalayanada was very clear that,
though wonderful physical practices, such
movements were best in a physical training
aspect and asanas done methodically,
mindful, on the breath, were a part of yoga
for spiritual means, as part of the meditative
process, to be practiced separately. We find
value in physical work out, value in asana,
value in spiritual practices. The first books in
English on yoga were penned by
Kuvalayananda by 1930 and were found in
Europe and America.
The legacy of his parampara is the clear and
traditional teaching and understanding of
pranayama, one continued by his dedicated
student, Tiwariji at the Kaivalyadham.
DRISTI
SHRI YOGENDRAJI
1897 – 1989
BY DANIEL FONSECA
THE DISCIPLE MEETS THE MASTER
It was an providential happening the meeting
of Shri Yogendra (by that time a young
college student named Mani Desai) with his
Guru Pujya Shri Paramahamsa Madhavdasaji
(a centenarian Yogi and a well-known saint of
India).
In his own words, he described the meeting:
“On the night of Saturday 26 August 1916
Ambalal and I set out for the Dharamshala of
Madhav Baug. I had mixed feelings even as I
was going there. As soon as I saw
Paramahamsaji I felt that here was a great
man. My early thoughts of belittling seemed
to go away, as our eyes met. There was a
feeling of complete understanding and I felt
humble and greatly drawn to the Master.
Madhavadasaji’s eyes were glued on me. This
was on the night of the 26th. I prostrated
myself at the feet of the Master. On the
following day, Sunday, I went back. It was on
this auspicious day that he initiated me into
the trance experience – Samadhi. He praised
my body and pure nature and appreciated
the discipline and self control.”
34 NAMASKAR

I know not how Nature disclosed her
secrets to me, but I found knowledge
pouring in rapid continuity
like a waterfall.
BECOMING A YOGI
The young man would decide then to go with
the master to his Ashram at the banks of the
Narmada River in rural Gujarat. There he
would spend about two years learning the
secrets of Yoga in the traditional ‘Guru-
Shishya Parampara (denoting the
succession of teachers and disciples in
traditional Vedic culture) relationship. In
this tradition a true master would only
impart the highest knowledge of Yoga to a
worthy and totally dedicated student. So that
was by no means an ordinary type of study.
Under the direct guidance of his Guru,
Mani’s mind became so still and his focus so
sharp that all knowledge continuously surged
to him. Of this extraordinary experience (a
revelation akin to the Rishis receiving the
Vedas) he soon later wrote:
“I know not how Nature disclosed her secrets
to me, but I found knowledge pouring in rapid
continuity like a waterfall. My hands were too
small to contain it. I cried. I struggled and
extended my hands. I found some scattered
drops. My palm is again empty, for I give
them.”
BRINGING YOGA TO THE WORLD
True to his words, at the end of his formal
training, and with the blessings of his Guru,
Mani then returned to society to selflessly
guide the common people on the practice of
Yoga as the ultimate science for perfect
health and path for self-development and
spiritual awakening. He later became known
as Shri Yogendra - the Father of Modern
Yoga Renaissance.
On 25 December 1918 he founded The Yoga
Institute in Mumbai, the world’s first center
to impart practical and scientific knowledge
on Yoga to the general public. It was the first
institute of its kind in the world, solely
organized to impart practical knowledge on
Yoga on scientific basis; to cure the ailing and
simultaneously collect clinical and laboratory
data to establish the claims of practical Yoga
as a science. He saw his life mission as to
bring Yoga out of the forests and Himalayan
caves and make it freely accessible to the
masses - man and women, young and old, sick
and healthy, people of all communities, in all
parts of the world.
He traveled to USA where he also established
a center. There he went to lecture and
perform research in cooperation with
leading medical authorities and research
institutions. Over 2,000 cases were treated
and reported. X-ray was used for
investigation on Neti, Dhouti and Basti (some
of the purificatory yogic processes called
Shatkarmas). Experiments were made on
nervous system, bio-energy and therapy.
Back in India, Shri Yogendra continued
engaging himself in research in Yoga,
particularly in the field of Yoga therapy for
various ailments and devising modern
methods to impart Yoga education.
In 1927 he married Sita Devi, who tirelessly
worked with him to spread the message of
Yoga in India and abroad. He showed the
world a ‘householder’ can be a Yogi, reviving
a tradition dating to the Vedic period.
THE LEGACY
Shri Yogendra became a prolific writer. In
1930 the Manuscript ‘Yoga Personal
Hygiene’ was completed. It would become
the first book to clarify intricate Yoga
processes and techniques. People all over the
world who were concerned with human
values found his writings illuminative. The
books ‘Hatha Yoga Simplifed’, ‘Asanas
Simplified’, and ‘Hygiene Simplified’ written
by Shri Yogendra along with ‘Yoga Physical
Education for Women’ by Smt Sita Devi are
of immense historical significance. They
elucidate on less complex methods of
performing Yoga techniques, making them
safe to be taught and performed by the
masses. These books were microfilmed in
1940 and found a place in the ‘Crypt of
Civilization’ (a time-capsule project by the
Oglethorpe University in USA) and are now
buried underground and are therefore a
treasure for future generations to discover.
The colossal work and enormous efforts
done by Shri Yogendra to make Yoga
scientific and available to the world were
faithfully carried on by his son Dr. Jayadeva
Yogendra and his daughter-in-law Smt
Hansaji J. Yogendra, who are another two
authentic Yogis. The Yoga Institute under
their care and management has pioneered the
teachings and the spreading of Yoga in many
different ways: publications, events,
research and practical training.
In the 50s the Yoga Teacher Training
programs were introduced and thousands of
people have come from around to world and
now share Yoga in its traditional way back in
their countries. If the reader is not
acquainted with the name and work of the
Yogendra family and The Yoga Institute it is
because of their complete altruistic, selfless
and non-commercial approach to Yoga. At
the Institute, Yoga is not talked about only in
terms of postural exercises or ‘styles’. No
surname, no Sanskrit word and no brand
name were attached to the word Yoga. What
is preserved and taught there is Classical
Yoga in its purest form.
Shri Yogendra emphatically emphasized that
Yoga is a “Science of Living” and that every
human being should be taught this science.
April 2016 35

36 NAMASKAR

April 2016 37

38 NAMASKAR

IN BRIEF
MUDRAS
Grounding Gestures
BY KRISHNAA KINKARI
We have all met many teachers throughout
our lifetime! At least we should have done,
because there is a lesson to be learnt from
everybody and every situation that is given to
us as part of the curriculum in this School of
Life, an Akademi that we all attend.
back of the right hand.
• Use the left thumb to further reinforce
the touch by resting on top of the right
thumb.
• The other four fingers gently embrace the
whole of the right hand.
• The other three fingers of the right hand
are extended but relaxed.
BOOK REVIEW
A YEAR OF
MINDFUL
LIVING
by Randi Ragan
REVIEWED BY NATALIE MACAM
Think of all the creatures that become our
teachers when we assume their posture along
with the great sages from time-honoured
traditional scriptures ,like Vashishta,
Valmiki, Bharadvaj, Marichi, Ashtavakra and
others.
Three qualities need to be present in the
student: Patience, humility and clarity. After
pondering upon the received teachings they
can be absorbed into the innermost heart and
then put into actions that are appropriate
reactions to every day challenges. That
strength is necessary and fundamental to
yoga practice.
This month’s mudras can help to facilitate
the required mindset which arises from a
regular and balanced practice as well as
tranquil sitting.
PRITHAVI MUDRA, THE EARTH
GESTURE
• Both hands palm up (rest them on the
knees). Join the tips of the thumb and the
earth (4 th, index) finger.
• As usual, be sat comfortably and steady,
breath is regular, deep and even.
The earth element of the body is associated
with the root, muladhara, chakra and its
sense of smell. This mudra meditation can
generate stability, nourishment for growth,
and the patience and generosity needed for a
fulfilled life.
VAYU MUDRA
• With the right hand, palm facing in, put
the tip of the 5 th little finger to the ball of the
right thumb.
• Use the thumb to secure the touch by
placing it over the little finger and
maintaining the contact.
• Put the left hand (palm in) round the
Excess of the air element can lead to
flatulence, belching, gurgling stomach etc,
but mostly to the flitting of the mind which
moves like the wind: we call those who have
challenged memories and disturbed focus
‘air-heads’.
Our purpose here is to bring about a state of
mind for unshaken concentration whereby
the steadiness needed for the dawn of natural
bliss and the capacity for undivided
attention, keys to success in yoga and indeed
in all aspects of life, are attained.
Wind travels and is present everywhere and
remains unburdened by its contact. Similarly
one should be able to be in many situations
but never negatively affected by them;
perfecting the ‘witness attitude’
DHYANI MUDRA FOR TRANQUILITY
• With both palms up rest the right hand
on top of the left palm with the fingers of
both hands pointing to their opposite side
(back of right fingers to palm heel of left and
left fingers resting under the right wrist).
• Touch together the tips of both thumbs.
Keep the whole mudra comfortably in the
lap.
Thus all the elements are balanced and the
consciousness is tranquil which thus invites
clarity and patience.
I have always felt in deepest peace when I
have been immersed in nature and been
always found the beauty in viewing everyday
actions into divine rituals. This book had me
at the first page.
A Year of Mindful Living at its heart guides
people to find the divine nature in daily
actions, to connect to the full arc of nature’s
seasonal transitions, and to live in rhythm
with nature. The central organizing
principle of the book is inspired by the
Medicine Wheel, a central component of an
ancient Native American symbol.
The author, Randi Ragan, guides us to
understand the full arc of nature’s seasonal
cycles, how to live in accordance with the
greater rhythms of the universe, and to move
in unison with the natural cycles. She not
only offers instructions on how to embody
this with your daily life through story telling
of ancient cultures, journaling exercises,
guided meditations, rituals, and recipes, but
also how-to tips for yoga, herbal healing,
aromatherapy, diet and nutrition, natural
beauty and self-care treatments, sustainable
home living, and community activism all
informed and organized by seasonal patterns
within nature from various ancient and
spiritual traditions.
What I loved most about the book is how one
can cultivate everyday tasks and objects in
daily life into deeper meaningful purpose,
and how we feed and nurture our bodies,
minds, spirits, and souls can be an art in and
April 2016 39

of itself. The author’s suggestions are
merely just inspirations for one to develop
their own sense of style, routine and rhythm
unique to each individual.
Randi Ragan says “Treating each day as an
opportunity for sacred and holy ritual, and
immersing ourselves in rituals of holistic
living, are central endeavors in the pursuit of
a more meaningful life.”
FESTIVAL REVIEW
ONE WORLD
ONE FAMILY
First International
Traditional Yoga
Festival
BY MICHA CHAN
Yoga VidyaGurukul (YVG) was founded in
1978 by Yogacharya Vishwas Mandlik,
inspired and guided by the spiritual master
Swami Satyananda (a disciple of Swami
Sivananda) of Bihar School of Yoga. YVG
teaches Indian Traditional Yoga, which is a
synthesis of Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga,
Karma yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and is
based on ancient texts of Patanjali’s Yoga
Sutras (Ashtanga), Hatha Yoga Pradipika,
GherandSamhita, BhagvadGita, Upnishadas,
Vedas and Tantra.
Since opening 38 years ago, YVG has
established a presence in most Indian states
through its Centers and branches, and has
recognized centers to conduct Teacher
Training Courses in Thailand, Australia,
Hong Kong and Singapore. Today there are
over 6,000 teachers working selflessly
around the world.
With so many teaching alumni and students
scattered around the globe, Yoga
VidyaGurukul wanted to bring “the family”
together, hence they launched the
International Traditional Yoga Festival (29
January - 2 February 2016). As most
teachers teach in urban centres, YVG felt it
important for those affiliated with their
school to experience Indian ashram lifestyle.
In addition to the beautiful natural setting of
the ashram, the nearly 300 Festival attendees
were treated to an amazing schedule of daily
mantra chanting, asana practice, inspiring
lectures and cultural performances by
visiting VIPs, and incredible ashram food.
Eighteen Senior Instructors taught daily
asana andpranayama classes. Classes ranged
from beginner to advanced levels, and
included:Prana Flow, Thai authentic yoga,
Sunrise/Sunset suryanamaskar
practices,Inversion & balance, Yoga with
music, Chakra flow, Kundalini, Yoga on
Panchakosha (5-sheaths of the body) and
other different aspects aimed at improving
and balancing physical and mental health. In
total, 25 people from Hong Kong joined the
Festival, all students of Micha and Michelle.
Many VIPs from India joined the Festival,
including Dr. H R Nagendra, Chairman,
International Yoga Day, Government of
India, and ShripadNaik, First Minister of
Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani,
Siddha& Homoeopathy, Government of
India.
Finally, I must write about the food. From
my view, the best food in the world! Meals
are all cooked according toAyurveda recipes;
in one meal, food should include solid food,
liquid/watery food and the five elements
which are:Aakash (Ether), Vayu (Air), Agni
(Fire), Jala (Water) &P rithvi (Earth).
It is amazing to think over 100 volunteers
worked together to organize the Festival, and
attracted over 250 seekers from around the
world – all of whom stayed together in the
ashram, truly embodying‘One World One
Family.’
40 NAMASKAR

April 2016 41

42 NAMASKAR

April 2016 43

44 NAMASKAR

RECIPE
THE STORY OF THE LIFE SALAD
This well-loved dish gets around!
BY BOBSY
We were all shocked and bummed out about the recent closure of the
cafe, Life, in Hong Kong.
Situated on the escalator in the heart of Soho with a 12-year history in
that location, Life was a pioneer, serving some of the city’s best
vegetarian fare at reasonable prices in quite generous portions.
Life opened her doors back in April 2004 as an off shoot of the iconic
and pioneering Bookworm Cafe on Lamma Island - that small island that
has given us so much from Yoga to Organic health food eateries to music
festivals to name a few - and served the yogi and health conscious
hipster community beautifully from its early days right until December 3,
2009.
Sadly Life closed her doors on December 12, 2015 for the last time.
However, it kept its iconic Life Salad. Some good things don’t always
have to change. Now, perhaps most readers don’t know the Life Salad
which was initially called the ‘Life Live Salad’ for obvious reasons, was an
off shoot of the original iconic salad in HK : “The Vegan Salad Bowl”. The
recipes differ slightly but their spirit remains the same.
Needless to say the Vegan Salad Bowl became our best seller and was
enjoyed by many lucky Lamma-ites and tourists alike visiting on those
very busy weekends. At only HK$65 for a large bowl it was a steal. The
demand for such healthy food was growing substantially in HK and hence
the move from Lamma to eventually open Life after four years of trying.
So, all you Life Salad lovers out there, despair not because we are relaunching
the same salad at MANA! Cafe on Pound Lane and we are
calling it the MANA! Salad. It will be exactly the same recipe as the Life
Salad and I am happy to share it with you below exactly as we used to
make it.
In a nutshell this is the history of this iconic Hong Kong salad:
1. The Vegan Salad Bowl, the Grand Daddy of all salads in HK, circa 1998 -
First created in the Bookworm Cafe by Bobsy & Sunshine.
2. The Life Salad 2004 - 2015 - Modified and improved by Bobsy, Marian
& Francois
3. The MANA! Salad available now only at MANA! Cafe - reborn again
due to popular demand and above all out of respect for this stellar salad.
Here is the Vegan Salad Bowl as it was worded in the Bookworm Cafe
Menu in 2000 - The Vegan Salad Bowl a generous bowl for salad lovers,
filled with our freshest selection of dark green leafy vegetables, roasted
eggplant, shredded beetroot and carrot, walnuts , pumpkin and
sunflower seeds, topped with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and a dollop
of hummus. Served with warm wholewheat baguette. @ 65$
Here is the Life Salad as it was worded in the Life Menu in 2004 - Life’s
Live Salad with mixed leaves, sprouted organic chickpea dip, mixed nuts ,
nutritional yeast, shredded carrot and beetroot, topped with mung bean
and alfalfa sprouts. Served with home-made raw flaxseed crackers. @
Small $60 Large $98
THE RECIPE
I have never been one for measurements and have always thrown
ingredients in by instinct.
• Take a bowl and fill it up three quarters of the way with your
favourite mixed greens including rocket & baby spinach.
• Shred the carrots & beetroot into very thin lines, Julienne style and
place on top.
• Roughly cut your cherry tomatoes and place next.
• Chop your nuts coarsely and add sesame seeds. You want almonds,
cashews, hazelnuts , pumpkin & sunflower seeds. Add them on top of
your shredded veggies. About two handfuls. We are basically building
layers here.
• Place a handful of sprouted mung bean shoots on top.
• Then add a handful of alfalfa sprouts.
• A generous dollop or two of sprouted raw hummus goes on next. Or
more if you need extra energy.
• Finally sprinkle generous amounts of nutritional yeast all over the
salad. You can go wild here! It is so yummy and healthy that you can’t go
wrong with this food.
• A raw flaxseed cracker came next. You can substitute this with any
raw or not cracker of your choice. Finally drizzle generous amounts of the
Life Salad dressing on your bowl.
THE DRESSING
• Washed and finely chopped basil, flat & Italian parsley , rosemary &
thyme.
• Add the herbs in a blender with extra virgin cold pressed olive oil,
tahini, wholesome brown sugar, wholegrain mustard, fresh lemon juice,
salt pepper & nutritional yeast.
• Blend all together.
Et voila you have the Life Salad. Bon Appetite!
April 2016 45

46 NAMASKAR

RECIPE
COCONUT CHIA
PORRIDGE
For a sweet &
healthy start
BY MOISES MEHL
A satisfying nibbler for every kind of sweet-tooth—and it’s all raw,
dairy-free and vegan, so guilt-free and nutrient-packed!
WHAT YOU NEED
1 High Speed Blender
1 250ml Mason Jar
1 Kitchen Knife
1 Cutting Board
5 Tablespoons
RAW COCONUT MILK
Ingredients
300 ml Coconut Water
100g Coconut Pulp
1 drop Vanilla Extract
Method
• Place all ingredients into a high speed blender, and blend until
smooth white texture occurs.
• Refrigerate in a glass container. Shelf life chilled: 3-4 days.
RAW COCONUT CHIA PORRIDGE
Ingredients
300 ml Coconut Milk
30g Chia Seeds
Method
• Stir in the chia seeds with the coconut milk for around 2 minutes,
avoid mixing any crumbs.
• Set in the fridge for at least 15 minutes inside a glass container.
• The longer the time, the more water the chia seeds will absorb.
• Shelf life chilled: 2-3 days.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Raw Coconut Chia Porridge Parfait (250 ml jar)
Ingredients
200ml Coconut Chia Porridge
20g Strawberries
30g Blueberries
30g Mango Dices
10g Cacao Nibs
10g Coconut Flakes
Method
• Dice strawberries into 2-3mm thick slices and placing them at the
bottom of the jar
• Pour into jar around 1cm of Coconut Chia Porridge
• Add the first fruit layer (blueberries)
• Add second layer of Chia Porridge to cover
• Add second layer of fruit (mango)
• Add the last layer of chia porridge
• Top with dry items (i.e. cacao nibs and coconut flakes. You may also
add more strawberry slices, or mint, for decoration.
• Shelf life refrigerated: 1-2 days.
April 2016 47

DIRECTORY
Guide to yoga studios
& teachers
ANAHATA VILLAS & SPA
RESORT
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
s: group retreats, yoga for
private & corporates. Yoga
studio
available for rent.
l: Indonesian & English
t: +62 361 8987 991/ 8987 992 /
+62 21 70743366
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
ANANDA YOGA
33 & 34/F, 69 Jervois Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
s: Private and Group Classes :
Yoga Therapy (neck, shoulder,
back, hip, knee and joints),
Hatha, Power, Ashtanga,
Vinyasa, Detox, Yin Yang,
Kundalini, Chakra Balancing,
Pranayama, Meditation
l: English
t: (825)35639371
e:
adm.anandayoga.hk@gmail.com
w: www.anandayoga.hk
Anna Ng
Privates
d: Hong Kong
s: Hatha yoga
l: Cantonese
t: (852) 9483 1167
e: gazebofl@netvigator.com
BEING IN YOGA –
SINGAPORE
Teaching yoga in the tradition of
T Krishnamacharya and TKV
Desikachar.
s: yoga therapy (customized
personal practice), teacher
training (Yoga Alliance RYS 500
hours+), in-depth yoga studies,
small group classes for children
and adults, workshops,
meditation classes, Vedic
chanting, continuing education
for yoga teachers. Certified
Teacher Trainer – Yoga
Therapist - E-RYT 500
RYS 500
t: +65-9830-3808
e: beinginyoga@gmail.com
w: www.beinginyoga.com
B.K.S. IYENGAR YOGA
ASSOCIATION 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.net
w:www.iyengar-yoga-macauchina.com
Chloe Yates
Private and Group Kid’s Yoga,
Mindfulness and Meditation
d: Hong Kong, Kowloon, New
Territories and Outlying Islands
s: Kid’s Yoga, Mindfulness and
Meditation Mummy and Baby
Yoga, Dance Therapy
l: English, Cantonese
t: 9543 1524
e: chloe.yy.yates@gmail.com
w: www.facebook.com/
humblewarrioryogaanddance
Corinne Konrad
Luxe Nova 68 Wellington Street,
Central, Hong Kong & home
visits
s:Pre and Post-natal yoga, home
classes as boutique yoga classes
for beginners
t: +852 9633 5573
e: corinne@rawandrich.com
w: www.rawandrich.com
David Kim Yoga
E-RYT 500+, Senior YogaWorks
and Yin Yoga Teacher Trainer;
International TTs, Workshops &
Retreats
d: Korea, Japan, Vietnam,
Philippines, Sweden, Norway,
USA
s: Yin Yoga, YogaWorks, Vinyasa
Flow
l: English, limited Korean
t: +1 310 480 5277
e: david@davidkimyoga.com
w: www.davidkimyoga.com
FLEX STUDIO
Island South
Shops 308-310 One Island
South, 2 Heung Yip Road,
Aberdeen, Hong Kong
s: Vinyasa, Power, Detox, Hatha,
Pre-Natal, Kids Yoga
t: + 852 2813 2212
f: + 852 2813 2281
e: info@flexhk.com
Central
3/F Man Cheung Building, 15- 17
Wyndham Street, Central, Hong
Kong
s: Detox, Power, Pre-Natal Yoga
t: + 852 2813-2399
f: + 852 2812 6708
e: central@flexhk.com
www.flexhk.com
PURE YOGA
China
L6-615 iapm mall, 999 Huai Hai
Zhong Road, Xuhui District
Shanghai
t: +86 21 5466 1266
Hong Kong
16/F The Centrium, 60
Wyndham Street, Central
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
2/F Asia Standard Tower, 59
Queen’s Road, Central
t: + 852 3524 7108
Level 1 The Pulse, 28 Beach
Road, Repulse Bay
t: +852 8200 0908
3/f Hutchison House, 10
Harcourt Road, Admiralty
t: +852 8105 5838
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
4/f Urban One, 1 Qingcheng St,
Taipei
t: +886 02 8161 7868
Ling
Yoga and Wellbeing, Private
Yoga Teacher, Privates, Groups,
Corporates, Free Yoga
Community Event: Yoga in the
Park with Ling
www.meetup.com/
yogaintheparkhk
d: Hong Kong, China
s: Yoga Therapy, Sivananda,
Hatha, Svastha, Mindfulness,
Yin, Breathing (Pranayama),
Guided Meditation, Total
Relaxation (Yoga Nidra)
l: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
t: +852 9465 6461
e: yogawithling@gmail.com
w: www.facebook.com/
yogawithling
RED DOORS STUDIO
21/f, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Rd
s. Gong meditation and training,
labyrinth facilitation and
construction, kundalini
therapeutic yoga and
complementary practices to
elevate energy. Multiple studio
spaces available to rent.
t. +852 21110 0152
e. info@red-doors.com
w. www.red-doors.com
SPACE YOGA
s: Hatha, Ashtanga, Advanced,
Flow, Yin, Yin Yang, Restorative,
Hot, Yin/Meditation,
Pranayama, Mat Pilates,
Jivamukti, Universal, Myofascial
Release Yoga, Mindful
Yoga, Rope Wall Yoga, Yoga
Nidra and Yoga Therapy
l: English and Mandarin
w: www.withinspace.com
An-Ho Studio
16 F, No. 27, An-Ho Road,
Section 1
48 NAMASKAR

Taipei, Taiwan
t: +886.2.2773.8108
Tien-Mu Studio
#5, Lane 43, Tian-Mu E. Road,
Taipei, Taiwan
t: +886.2.28772108
Kathy Cook
Wellness Retreats, Workshops,
Private Groups and Privates
d: Hong Kong, Bali & Thailand
s: Iyengar Certified (Junior
Intermediate III)
l: English
t: +852 6292 5440 / +62 811
387781
e:kcinasia@gmail.com
w: www.yogawithkathy.com
THE YOGA ROOM
3, 4, 6, 16/F (Studios) & 15/F
(Office) Xiu Ping Commercial
Bldg, 104 Jervois St, Sheung
Wan, Hong Kong
s: Hatha, Hot, Ashtanga,
Vinyasa, Candlelight Yin, Yoga
Therapy, Jivamukti, Hammock
Yoga, Mindfulness Yoga, Detox
Yoga, Pre-natal Yoga, Pre-natal
Pilates, Mat Pilates, TRX, Kids
Yoga and Mum & Baby Yoga
l: English, Cantonese
t: + 852 2544 8398
e: info@yogaroomhk.com
w: www.yogaroomhk.com
KUNDALINI @SHAKTI
7/F Glenealy Tower, 1 Glenealy,
Central, Hong Kong.
s: Kundalini, Reik healing, life
coaching, Shamanic healing,
Bowen Therapy, Angel Cards
t: +852 2521 5099
e: info@shaktihealingcircle.com
w: www.shaktihealingcircle.com
THE COLLECTIVE, DESA SENI
SCHOOL OF YOGA
Jl. Subak Sari #13, Canggu, Bali,
Indonesia
s: Full service resort, Ashtanga,
Embodied Flow, Hatha,
Kundalini,
Restorative, Tantra,
Therapeutics, Yin, Yang,
Vinyasa, Buddhist Meditation,
Vedic Meditation, all on a
regular basis. Teacher
Trainings, Intensives, Privates,
Workshops, specialising in
hosting retreats.
t: +62 361 844 6392
e: info@desaseni.com
w: www.desaseni.com
TRUE YOGA
Singapore
9 Scotts Road, Level 4, Pacific
Plaza, Singapore 228210
t: +65 6733 9555
9 Scotts Road, Level 5, Pacific
Plaza (Bikram Original Hot
Yoga), Singapore 228210
t: +65 6735 9555
Taiwan
337 Nanking East Road
Section 3, 9 & 10/F, Taipei
T: +886 22716 1234
68 Gongyi Road, West District
12 & 13/F, Taichung
t: +886 43700 0000
s: Ashtanga, Bikram, Flow,
Gentle, Hatha, Kids, Power, Pre-
Natal, Vinyasa, Yin, Yoga Dance
e: operations@trueyoga.com.sg
w: www.trueyoga.com.sg /
www.trueyoga.com.tw
Ursula Moser
The Iyengar Yoga Centre of
Hong Kong
d: Central
s: Iyengar Certified (Junior
Intermediate III)
l: English
t: +852 2918 1798 / 9456 2149
e: uschi.moser51@gmail.com
WISE LIVING YOGA
ACADEMY
198 Moo 2, Luang Nuea, Doi
Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand
s: Classical Yoga, Hatha Yoga,
Yoga Therapy
t: +66 8254 67995
e: info@wiselivingyoga.com
w: www.wiselivingyoga.com
YOGA CENTRAL – IYENGAR
CENTRAL
s: Boutique studio with Iyengar
Yoga classes; flexible timings for
corporate wellness, small
groups, and privates
l: English, Cantonese, Mandarin,
French, Malay
t: +852 2982 4308
e: yogacentralhk@gmail.com
w: www.yogacentral.com.hk
fb: Iyengar-Central
namaskar
4 times a year
6,000 yoga practitioners
32 countries
DISPLAY ADVERTISING RATES & SIZES
Outside back cover HK$24,300 210 mm x 297 mm
Inside front cover HK$3,400 210 mm x 297 mm
Inside back cover HK$2,600 210 mm x 297 mm
Full page HK$2,100 210 mm x 297 mm
1/2 page (horizontal) HK$1,400 180 mm x 133.5 mm
1/2 page (vertical) HK$1,400 88 mm x 275 mm
1/4 page HK$690 88 mm X 133.5 mm
1/8 page HK$420 88 mm x 66 mm
LISTINGS
Individual listing HK$610 for full or partial year
Studio listing HK$1,270 for full or partial year
PUBLICATION DATES, BOOKING & MATERIAL DEADLINES
Publication date Booking Deadline Material Deadline
January December 1 December 10
April March 1 March 10
July June 1 June 10
October September 1 September 10
NOTES
Advertising materials should in black & white and submitted as 300
dpi high resolution .tif files (no pdf or ai files please)
Listings should be submitted as text only (approx 35 words)
PAYMENT
Payments should be made in Hong Kong dollars to:
Namaskar c/o Carol Adams, Flat 101, Block L, Telford Gardens,
Kowloon, Hong Kong
INFORMATION
Carol +44 75432 55886 / carol@caroladams.hk
Frances +852 9460 1967 / fgairns@netvigator.com
April 2016 49

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April 2016 51

52 NAMASKAR