Namaskar - Oct 2006

Namaskar • A Voice for Yoga in Asia
Continued here
Teacher’s Voice
from page 33
physical, mental and spiritual concept.
At one point Guruji said “ God is the
median line.” In seeking balance, we
are seeking the Supreme. This thought
adds an extra dimension to my yoga
practice.
What is the most difficult aspect of
your practice?
I don’t think of my practice as difficult,
though the poses I am doing may be
difficult for me to perform. I enjoy the
time I have to do my practice and I
have learned to approach poses as an
ongoing journey into my self.
One of Hong Kong’
ong’s s fir
irst t yoga
teachers, Linda is the director and
principal teacher of the Iyengar
Yoga oga Cen
entr
tre e of Hong Kong.
Yoga Retreats
from page 21
programmes and the number of local
teachers in the region. Previously,
yoga in Asia was the bastion of the
expatriate community which has now
become part of the local landscape. It
has morphed from an unpopular form
of exercise and esoteric form of
spirituality, into an understanding that
yoga is a holistic approach to a
healthier lifestyle.
While Qigong and Taichi have always
had a place in Asian culture, yoga
outside India has not had a broad
following until recently. I believe the
physical component of the practice
gives people the chance to workout
with yoga and pursue a greater
spirituality or deeper physical practice
at their own pace. Also, our society is
34
experiencing greater levels of stress in
daily life due to technological
improvements, and increased
productivity in the business world. As a
result, people have realised one’s job
does not give one the same
satisfaction as in the past and are
searching for greater meaning in life.
Yoga provides a doorway for such a
journey.
What are the catalysts
of the yoga explosion
in Asia?
ML: In the late 1990’s, the Yoga Society
of Hong Kong regularly organised
teacher workshops at local venues
featuring international teachers such
as Rodney Yee, David Life and Sarah
Powers. Hong Kong was blessed that
Rodne
odney y Yee
ee
these renowned teachers were
interested in helping grow and educate
the local population by making our city
a favorite destination spot.
Yoga’s popularity took a huge leap
forward when mega studios began to
pop up a few years ago. These studios
were backed by successful
entrepreneurs with a vision to convert
yoga from a teacher-owned studio to a
financially-scalable business.
Who are the luxury
retreat organisers and
retreat goers?
ML: It is the joint effort between luxury
spas and resorts, and international
celebrities teachers. Rodney Yee is the
obvious example. He has been
teaching retreats at Christina Ong’s
famous Parrot Cay resort in the
Caribbean for years and has attracted
a following of celebrities including
Donna Karan and Demi Moore. When
Christina began to develop the Como
Hotel and Resort Spas in her backyard,
it was natural that she turn to Rodney
for support. Teachers like Rodney Yee
attract many followers and although
his students come from all walks of life,
they are not adverse to spending a lot
of money. These types of luxury
retreats are becoming ever more
popular as busy, corporate executives
look for ways to reduce stress, live a
healthier lifestyle, and who don’t want
to compromise the luxuries a top
facility can offer.
Alice has been practicing Iyengar
yoga for 6 years. She has recently
quit her corporate job for the
wellne
ellness s path through a Yoga
oga
Retr
treat at and Raw w Food business.
All Life...
from page 25
based on. Finally, Joyous Growth was
the most natural method for evolution.
So folks, please remember there is
never any pain or struggle involved.
Karen was introduced to Sri
Aur
urobindo
obindo’s s teachings two year
ars
ago, , but only after er Sraddhalu’
addhalu’s s fir
irst
visit in February
ebruary, , did the integr
egrat
ated
nature of this yoga become
apparent. She has been practicing
yoga for the past four years and
holds classes at the Healing Circle.