Namaskar - July 2009

namaskar 

A VOICE FOR THE YOGA COMMUNITY OF ASIA 

JULY2009 

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois 

Koh Pang Ngan 

Peace

Inside 

JULY 2009 

About Namaskar 

Namaskar provides a voice for the yoga 

community around Asia. The publication is a 

vehicle for practitioners on a yogic path to share 

their own knowledge, learnings and experiences 

with others. 

Namaskar, is published by Yoga Services Ltd, 

quarterly in January, April, July and October. 

We welcome unsolicited submissions, therefore 

the opinions expressed within these pages are 

not necessarily those of Yoga Services Ltd. 

Namaskar is distributed at no charge through 

yoga studios, fitness centres, retail outlets, food & 

beverage outlets and other yoga-friendly 

locations throughout Hong Kong and elsewhere. 

For more information, to contribute or to order 

Namaskar, please contact:: 

Rob, Advertising 

robfer@netvigator.com 

Ken, Advertising 

kentwo82@yahoo.com 

Jyothi, Advertising 

jyothifong@gmail.com 

Carol, News Editor & Administration 

kambotam@netvigator.com 

Wai Ling, News Editor & Copy Editor 

wailing.tse@gmail.com 

Joanna, Copy editor & Writer 

jomwilliams@hotmail.com 

Frances, Editor 

fgairns@netvigator.com /+ 852 9460 1967 

Deadline for October 2009 issue: 

September 15, 2009 

Dristi Guru 

The Guru-Disciple 

Relationship, 10 

Yogesvara explains why finding a guru is a 

fundamental part of yoga. 

Path of f the Studen 

udent, , 12 

Paul talks about the role of the student and 

how to find a guru. 

Guru Chants, 46 

Sivananda chants dedicated to the Guru. 

Regular Contributions 

NEWS, WORKSHOPS, RETREATS & TEACHER 

TRAININGS, 7 

TEACHER’S VOICE, 13 

ASANA, 27 

AYURVEDA, 31 

RECIPE, 38 

MUSIC REVIEW, 39 

RETREAT REVIEW, 40 

WORKSHOP REVIEW, 41 & 42 

TEACHER TRAINING, 43 

BOOK REVIEW, 44 

CROSSWORD, 45 

HATHI YOGI, 45 

TEACHER & STUDIO LISTINGS, 47 

Special Features 

Honoring Pattabhi Jois, 4 David 

Swenson’s celebration of his teacher and 

guru. 

BaliSpirit Festival, 13 Bobsy’s 

first-hand account of this festival of yoga, 

music & culture which took place in April/ 

May. 

Marathon Yoga, 16 A Hong Kongbased 

yoga teacher has become a Guiness 

World Record holder in Yoga. 

Consciousness, 17 Excerpts of a talk 

on consciousness at the Asia Consciousness 

Festival. 

Right Practice, 19 Why do we 

practice, how should we practice, what 

should we be aware of? Bhutan-based Kim 

explains. 

Ko Pha Ngan, 22 Adrian researches 

the yoga offering on this little-known Thai 

island. 

Opinion , 26 Sankirtana clears the air on 

Brahmacarya. 

If nothing matters, 30 Titti 

explores what would happen if things 

didn’t matter. 

Human Spirit, 32 Tiana’s terrible bike 

accident turns into a reason to live fully. 

Peace, 38 Cassandra looks at peace and 

humanity and what we can do to bring 

about world peace. 

2

We record the passing of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the primary teacher of Ashtanga vinyasa 

yoga, who left us on 18 th May 2009. He was arguably one of the most influential teachers of 

modern yoga, and it is only fitting that his gentle smile graces our cover this month. 

Two of his direct students, David Swenson and Paul Dallaghan, share their love and 

respect for him within these pages. 

namaskar 

It was his passing that prompted us to propose Guru as the dristi, and on this subject you 

will find two articles: one, from Yogesvara, on the importance of a finding a real guru and 

the other, from Paul, on the importance of being a good student. In keeping with this 

dristi, at the back of the magazine you will find several chants saluting the guru which Tia 

thoughtfully shared with us from the Sivananda Chant book. 

From the number of reviews of workshops, retreats and teacher trainings we received, it 

seems more people are taking advantage of these challenging economic times to deepen 

their yoga knowledge. 

Others too have been very generous in sharing their time and energy through these pages. 

For example Kim talks about the importance of how and why we practice yoga, Adrian 

introduces some of the many yoga studios and retreats on Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand, Tiana 

shares how she has grown from a terrible bike accident in India. 

We now have a strong team of volunteers in Hong Kong. And are looking for volunteers 

outside Hong Kong who are interested in representing Namaskar. We hope they will help 

us gather news about yoga communities around Asia and further away, as well as increase 

our distribution outside Hong Kong. If you are interested, please email me on 

fgairns@netvigator.com 

FRANCES GAIRNS 

Editor 

SOMETHING TO SHARE? 

IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE YOGA COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG AND 

ELSEWHERE (WE DISTRIBUTE AROUND ASIA AND EVEN FURTHER AFIELD), PLEASE EMAIL 

FGAIRNS@NETVIGATOR.COM 

3

Tribute 

Honoring K. 

Pat 

attabhi abhi Jois 

David Swenson 

K. Pattabhi Jois is one of those rare souls that are larger than life and electric in their 

presence. He had an incredible ability to bring joy to anyone near him and make 

that person feel an immediate tangible personal connection. It really did not matter 

if one met him for only a moment or knew him for decades. He made a lasting 

impression. There are no words truly befitting the impact Guruji has had on those that 

knew him directly or those that knew him only through his teachings. The vacuum left in 

this world by the departure of such a magnanimous soul cannot be measured. There are 

only a few rare entities that appear on this earth that have such an impact. Guruji is such a 

soul. I liken his presence to a great and magnificent tree growing in a forest. When this tree 

falls it leaves a large void where it once stood. That feeling of emptiness is the most evident 

result of it’s falling. Then as we look closer we see that the father tree has opened the 

canopy above to provide light for the young seedlings to grow toward. The grand old tree 

also left behind fertile earth upon which the new young tress are able to set deep roots. In 

this way the energy of the great and powerful tree provides sustenance and strength to 

generations of trees to follow. Yes it will take a forest to replace the void left by K. Pattabhi 

Jois yet maybe that was the plan all along! That is the benevolence of those that walk the 

path before us. They prepare the way so that we may more easily journey down the path. 

Thank you Guruji for the deep, rich and fertile teachings that you have left behind. Your 

physical presence will be missed at every moment while simultaneously the glory of your 

time spent with us will be celebrated and relished as we partake of the fruits of your 

presence and teachings! 

Happy journeys dear Guruji! 

4

In loving memory of Guruji 

16 th July 1915 – 18 th May 2009 

Paul Dallaghan 

The first time I heard his name I thought the teacher was talking about some Irish 

guy called Paddy Joyce. Being Irish myself, I was intrigued and caught up with the 

teacher, Sharon Gannon, after class to ask her about this “guru”. I got the name 

right but remained curious about who he was. 

In the early 1990s I lived in the East Village of Manhattan, New York City, above a young 

and vibrant yoga studio called Jivamukti, owned by Sharon. The yoga was Ashtanga and 

Jivamukti’s approach to vinyasa. Being quite devotional themselves there were always 

pictures up of the Gurus so I started to get to know Mr. Jois through the photo. 

I eventually formed a dedicated Ashtanga practice, initially with Eddie in downtown 

Manhattan. He is very devoted and traditional so I felt the strong force and influence of 

Guruji. That first year in the Ashtanga practice started to open me up and change my 

practice. Ironically, it centered me and gradually reigned in all my wild energies. Naturally I 

had doubts and many questions along the way but was always advised to keep at it. It takes 

time. It must go in. For a year in the late 1990s Manju, Guruji’s son, was teaching in New 

York so again I was drawn closer to this man. 

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois was born in a small village called Kowshika in the southern Indian state 

of Karnataka on the full moon day, aka Guru Purnima, in 1915. Twelve years later in the 

nearby town of Hassan he first met his guru, Krishnamacharya. This began a lifelong 

journey in the field of yoga. By the age of 15 Pattabhi Jois left to study Sanskrit in Mysore 

where he was again reunited with his guru. He arrived penniless and even had to beg for 

food from other Brahmin families for his first year there. His dedication to practices and 

study revealed itself, and by 1937 he was appointed by the Maharaja of Mysore to teach 

yoga at The Sanskrit College. His practice of yoga, which included asanas, pranayama and 

devotional practices continued as life moved along. Marriage, three children and family 

responsibilities came. 

Many times I tried to make it to India but limited funds and opportunities held me back. 

Then Guruji and family came to New York. Still intrigued and respectful, I was also weary 

of the whole Guru worship thing. As I reflected within about this I could see what he 

passed on to me and many others and how it strongly influenced my everyday back then. 

My wife Jutima, who then was my girlfriend, had also started the practice and I observed 

how it positively affected her. Together we went to our first visit with Guruji not knowing 

what to do. People were bowing down and touching his feet. Never in my life had I done 

such a thing but I was up for it. I found myself asking inside “what am I doing?’ as I 

approached, offered flowers and touched. He looked at me like “eh, who are you? Eh,” or 

at least that’s what I imagined. Somehow though the initial direct connection had been 

established. 

Soon after that first meeting I made one of 14 trips to Mysore to study with him and 

family. When Jutima and I realised we wanted to be between India and Thailand, Mysore 

almost became a home for us between 2001 and 2004. We started Yoga Thailand and had 

our first son. All along we kept visiting and practicing with Guruji, Sharath and Saraswati 

for four to five months a year. 

My love and respect for Guruji really grew from the time I started to practice with him in 

the old shala in Lakshmipuram, Mysore. Part of my practice had become bowing down and 

5

carefully touching his feet after savasana. I now did it with total surrender and felt good. I 

noticed the change just in the nerves along my spine allowing me to now freely bow down, 

from which before I had resisted. 

Guruji gave me blessing to teach and eventually, when I last saw him, two years ago in 

2007, certification. I am truly grateful. It has been a great and special connection. My 

personal experience with him was always extremely positive. He was cheerful, helpful and 

friendly with me. Though he always kept his space I felt he cared for me and took time to 

check in, just in how he said my name or tapped me on the back. As a student you had to 

go to him with an enquiring mind, ask and listen. 

Once we were talking about samskaras and the reason for being in practice in this life. I was 

keen to find out when that cycle began. If I am doing yoga now based on a previous 

impression (samskara) then what initiated the impression? Pushing him for an answer he 

looked at me quite sweetly and said “I don’t know, that is God.” This response has always 

remained with me. 

PAUL AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR PATTABHI 

JOIS 

Ashtanga vinyasa yoga was his trademark. What he taught he learned from his teacher 

Krishnamacharya. The science of the vinyasa approach with the sequencing of postures 

broken out into series. Pranayama was also taught but it came later. In addition his 

personal devotion in the lineage of Shankaracharya informed much if his teaching and 

practice. The name ashtanga arose direct from Sage Patanjali’s teaching of it. One of those 

limbs is asana. But you have to start somewhere and hatha yoga prescribes that traditionally 

one starts with asana. Of course as time went by this system of “ashtanga vinyasa” got 

limited, in the public’s eyes, to mainly asana, though the truth is all parts were taught. Life 

lessons, asana practice and higher internal cultivation. Mystery does surround the origin of 

the sequences and the public love mystery. The Yoga Korunta detailed the vinyasa approach 

to asana, all of this Krishnamacharya himself learnt from his guru Sri Ramamohan 

Brahmachari. Pattabhi Jois would emphasise this parampara and encourage us to follow 

with dedication and devotion. Naturally the practices were refined over time, and still are, 

but the tradition and method runs through it all. 

One of his biggest teachings was more about life than the method. He was very firm and 

clear about the yoga practice and necessity to do. This I imbibed. But he was more about 

not escaping from life. Many hide in a yoga practice to escape from life responsibilities. To 

him marriage and a family was an important factor. As I have ventured down this path 

myself I understand his teaching. He would say “Yoga is not easy.” Life is not easy. Years, 

decades, go by, keeping integrity, keeping a practice, honestly and caringly fulfilling your 

responsibilities. This longevity and balance is the teaching. Everyone is excited about yoga at 

first. It’s great. Keep it with you and deal with what’s in front of you for a lifetime, that is 

not easy. Only time can reveal it. 

This is ultimately why there are only a few real teachers around. From his first trip to the US 

in 1975 to his last in 2008, thousands of students studied with him. But only a few really 

have carried the thread through. And now his family, Sharath, son Manju, daughter 

Saraswati, carry on the tradition. 

Long live his soul and the legacy of his teachings which now embrace millions all over the 

world, many unaware of his hard work directly affecting them over the years. 

To you, Guruji, I bow down with love and respect, and wish peace and love in whatever 

this next stage holds. Om Namah Sivaya 

6

NEWS 

ASIA YOGA CONFERENCE 

Evolution, the Asia Yoga 

Conference took place last 

month in Hong Kong. Despite 

uncertain economic conditions, 

the event was very successful. 

Attendance was up about 20% 

over 2008 Students flew in from 

China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, 

Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, 

Australia, Thailand and the 

United States to attend one of 

the 155 classes taught by 30 

Western, Indian and Hong 

Kong-based teachers. There was 

a great vibe throughout the 

four-day event, and the Yoga 

Aid Challenge raised over 

HK$300,000 for charity. Next 

year, Evolution will be one 

month earlier, 14 th – 16 th May 

2010. Already confirmed to 

attend are Ana Forrest, John 

Friend, Seane Corn, Sharath 

Rangaswamy, Aadil Palkhivala, 

Ganesh & A.G. Mohan and 

Carlos Pomeda. For more 

information 

www.asiayogaconference.com 

YOGA LIMBS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS 

IN HONG KONG 

Yoga Limbs has been a familyrun 

business since it opened in 

1999. To celebrate their 10 th year 

they are offering 2 weeks of free 

classes along with limited special 

offers of 12 months of yoga 

classes for HK$2,888.00. For 

more information 

www.yogalimbs.com or call 

+852 2525-7415, email: 

dennis@yogalimbs.com. 

NEW TEACHER AT SPACE YOGA, 

TAIPEI 

SPACE Yoga welcomes Rachel 

Tsai back to her birthplace, 

Taipei. Rachel has been practicing 

yoga since 2001 and she holds 

qualifications in both Ayurveda 

and Yoga (Therapy). She also 

has advanced Sanskrit and 

Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) 

studies with teachers she sought 

privately. Rachel teaches regular 

classes in Ashtanga, Hatha and 

Yin Yoga at SPACE Yoga, as 

well as special courses and 

workshops in Ayurveda. 

YOGA UNDER THE STARS, 

SINGAPORE 

Following the success of Earth 

Hour Yoga, embrace and 

explore the freedom of being 

rooted but rising with outdoor 

yoga, once again! Yoga is as 

much about connecting with 

nature as it is about connecting 

with the breath and body. Join 

yoga teacher Ashley McGibeny 

on 9 September 2009 from 8 – 9 

pm in Singapore as they get 

barefoot in Fort Canning Park, 

and celebrate unity with Mother 

Earth for this donation-based 

yoga class, suitable for all levels. 

September is National Yoga 

Awareness Month in the USA. 

National Yoga Month was 

developed to raise awareness of 

yoga’s health benefits and 

provide people with guidance 

and tools to improve their wellbeing. 

Yoga Under the Stars 

supports this cause, celebrating 

it on a global level. For more 

information 

www.sacredfunk.com or email 

Ashley@sacredfunk.com 

KIDS, KUNDALINI & PRENATAL AT 

THE YOGA ROOM, HONG KONG 

Prenatal classes every Tuesday 

11:50 - 12:50 pm and Saturdays 

12:30 – 1:30 pm for HK$150 

per class. 

Nihal Singh leads a Kundalini 

class every Thursday from 7 - 

8.30 pm. 

Hema Aswani, a certified Yoga 

Kids teacher offers regular Yoga 

classes for children aged 3 - 14. 

For more information 

www.yogaroomhk.com or call 

+852 2544 8398 

NEW STUDIO ANAHATA YOGA, 

HONG KONG 

Anahata Yoga has opened a 

brand new studio in Lyndhurst 

Terrace, Central, Hong Kong. 


www.anahatayoga.com.hk or 

email: 

enquiry@anahatayoga.com.hk 

or call +852 2905 1822 

KIDS YOGA SUMMER PROGRAMME 

AT ANAHATA YOGA, HONG KONG 

Kids yoga summer program in 

July and August. Special 

concentration techniques will be 

taught. For more information 

www.anahatayoga.com.hk/ 

kids/kids.htm 

NEW TEACHER AT AMICO STUDIO, 

HONG KONG 

Amico Studio welcomes Wai- 

Ling Tse to their team. Wai- 

Ling is a Yoga Alliance certified 

teacher in the Sivananda 

tradition. She has been 

practising yoga since 2001 and 

been teaching since 2007. Wai- 

Ling will teach hot yoga classes 

on Wednesday 7 – 8:15 pm and 

Sunday 3 – 4:15 pm; as well as 

an Ashtanga Yoga class on 

Sunday 1:15 – 3:00 pm. For 


www.amico.com.hk or call +852 

2827 9233. 

YOGA TEACHER ASHLEY WILL BE KICKING IT IN UNDER THE STARS AT FORT 

CANNING PARK, SINGAPORE 

7

WORKSHOPS 

INTRODUCTION TO ASHTANGA 

YOGA AT YOGA MALA, HONG KONG 

Starting 5 th July Cheuk Na will 

lead a bilingual introductory 

workshop every Sunday for 10 

consecutive Sundays from 3 - 

4:30 pm. The cost is HK$1,450. 

This workshop introduces stepby-step 

guide to sun salutation, 

the standing, seated and 

finishing sequence of Ashtanga 

Yoga. 

CORE VINYASA, PURE YOGA, HONG 

KONG 

Learn how to find and use your 

core strength in this workshop 

with Tanya Bolton’s. Awakening 

your core can alleviate lower back 

pain, improve posture, aid 

digestion and release suppressed 

emotions. For more 

information www.pureyoga.com 

JOHN SCOTT AT YOGA MALA, HONG 

KONG 

Join certified Ashtanga Vinyasa 

Yoga teacher John Scott for a 5- 

day workshop. John 

incorporates design 

philosophies with yoga 

philosophies adding a very 

precise, detailed and colourful 

metaphorical presentation to his 

teachings. His highly individual, 

analytical and sensitive approach 

touches deeply the students 

who work with him. Tentative 

dates 20 th – 24 th September. For 

registration email 

info@yogamala.om.hk or for 


www.yogamala.com.hk 

FLATFOOT AND PIRIFORMIS 

SYNDROME WORKSHOPS AT 

MYOGA, HONG KONG 

How yoga helps people with 

flatfeet and piriformis syndrome 

is the title of two workshops to 

be help at mYoga on 18 th July 

(Saturday) 2:30 – 4 pm at their 

Causeway Bay Club and on 25 th 

July (Saturday) 1:45 – 3:15 pm at 

the Mong Kok club. The 

workshops will be conducted by 

Shirley Tse, and will cover: 

- Introduce flatfoot and 

piriformis syndrome and the 

common causes 

- Discuss the problems caused 

by flatfoot and piriformis 

syndrome 

- The physiology of the foot 

arch, and the position and 

functions of the piriformis 

muscle 

- How yoga helps prevent such 

problems 

Workshops are open to both 

mYoga members and nonmembers 

for free. For 

information or reservations call 

+852 2390 7788 (Mong Kok 

club) or +852 2576 9990 

(Causeway Bay club). 

IYENGAR WORKSHOP AT SHIZEN 

YOGA STUDIO, JAPAN 

Lead by Gabriella Giubillaro 25 th 

– 27 th July. For registration and 

information 

www.shizenyoga.com 

ANUSARA IMMERSION, TAIPEI 

Desiree Rumbaugh will be in 

Taipei, leading the part I of a 

three-part Immersion from 8 th – 

12 th August. The Immersion 

training is for any level of yoga 

students seeking a deeper 

understanding of their yoga 

practice. For more information 

www.withinspace.com 

ANUSARA IMMERSION, JAPAN 

Louis Nesbitt will be leading 

Anusara Yoga Immersions 

philosophy and asana 

workshops 3 rd - 4 th October at 

BeYoga, Tokyo. For more 

information visit: 

www.beyogajapan.com 

ANUSARA IMMERSION, CHINA 

Lois Nesbitt will be leading 

Anusara Yoga Immersion part 

I, bilingual classes at Fine-Yoga, 

Beijing 6 th – 12 th October. For 

more information www.fineyoga.com. 

Lois will also leading 

Anusara Yoga workshops at 

YPlus,, Shanghai during her 

October visit for more 

information www.yplus.com.cn 

TEACHER TRAININGS 

RADIANTLY ALIVE’S VIBRANT LIVING YOGA TEACHER TRAINING AND 

INTENSIVES, BALI 

New in 2009 – Yoga Alliance Certified, 14-day Intermediate 

Modules designed for the intermediate practitioner and those 

already teaching yoga. Each 14-day module stands alone as a 

complete experience, and any three may be combined to meet the 

requirements for 500 hour certification. Situated at Anahata Villas & 

Resort, Bali. For more information www.radiantlyalive.com/ 

training.php , ytt@radiantlyalive.com, +62 81 337 823 719. 

SPACE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING, TAIPEI 

Adnan Tahirovic and Basia Going will lead a Yoga Alliance certified 

comprehensive full-time course 200-hour teacher training 4 th - 26 th 

July at SPACE Yoga in Taipei. For more information visit 


8 

PAUL DALLAGHAN AND NEIL BARKER AT SPACE YOGA, TAIPEI 

Centered Yoga’s programme has been running for the past ten 

years. It is now offering a bilingual program at SPACE – with 

study material and classes in both English and Chinese. The 

course is conducted in three separate sessions with the first session 

from 5 th – 16 th September. For more information 


ANAHATA YOGA, HONG KONG 

Anahata Yoga’s teacher training starts in September 2009 and is 

offered in conjunction with and accredited by M.S. University in 

India. This is the first time outside of India that such a program 

is being offered. For more information 

www.anahatayoga.com.hk/teacher/teacher.htm 

Also being offered is an Advanced Hatha Yoga Teacher Training

RETREATS 

KAILASH AKHARA MOUNTAIN 

RETREAT, NORTHEASTERN 

THAILAND 

Center for the classical teachings 

of non-dual Tantrik Yoga. As 

well as the foundational aspect 

of all authentic yogic practice: the 

Guru-disciple 

relationship. Coming up at the 

end of the September they will 

be beginning a three-month 

extensive retreat on the Inner 

Yogas of non-dual Tantra. This 

retreat is for committed and 

practitioners and is application 

based. This is a rare opportunity 

to receive transmission of the 

esoteric practices of yoga from 

an authorized lineage 

holder, Tantracharya 

Dharmanidhi Sarasvati. For 

more information adiyoga.com - 

in unofficial association with 

the American based non-profit 

school for classical non-dual 

Tantra rikainstitute.org 

YOGA RETREAT IN SPIRITUAL 

NIKKO, JAPAN 

Held by EcoNikko, 18 th - 20 th 

July. Retreat is set in the 

surrounds of the sacred shrines 

and temples of Nikko City. 

This event will be hosted by the 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

of Nikko as part of the 10 th 

anniversary of the World 

Heritage designation 

celebrations. 

A wide variety of yoga teachers 

and specialists, never seen 

together in Japan before, 

includes Seane Corn, Ken 

Harakuma, Akira Watamoto, 

Naoko Yagyu, Toshiro Miura, 

Dominica Serigano, Duncan 

Wong and Nirmal Raj Gyawali. 

Chanting will be led by Ty 

Burhoe. The retreat caters for 

every level of student and bilingual 

class options are 

available. Cost: 46,000 yen for 

three day programme, Places 

limited to 250 people. 

Applications will be accepted via 

the website: 

www.econikko.com/ 

yoganikkoregistrationformE.html 

Travel and accommodation 

packages: www.tobutravel.co.jp/ 

maro-utsunomiya/ 

tobuyoganikk 

Schedule, additional 

information: 

www.econikko.com/ 

yoganikkohomeE.html 

YOGA RETREAT, TAIWAN 

Join Pure Yoga teacher Angel for 

a two-day retreat (26 th – 28 th 

September) outside Taipei. Here 

you will have time to address 

the central themes of your 

existence, and deepen your 

experience of inner peace. For 

more information www.pureyoga.com 

YOGA ANATOMY RETREAT, CHIANG 

MAI, THAILAND 

Join Michel Besnard (IYTA and 

Yoga Alliance accredited 500 

hour level senior trainer) and 

Michelle Lam (Physiotherapist) 

for this retreat at Tao Garden in 

Chiang Mai, Thailand 17 th - 24 th 

October. For more information 

visit www.yogasana.com.hk or 

call +852 2511 8892. 

course - Level 1 and 2. This intensive training takes teaching yoga 

postures to new limits. Students will practice, explore and learn to 

teach some of the most advanced Hatha Yoga postures. For more 

information www.anahatayoga.com.hk/hathayoga/ 

hathatt1_300409.htm 

PART-TIME HOT YOGA TRAINING AT PURE YOGA SINGAPORE 

Hot yoga specialist, Copper Crow leads a 6-week. 200-hour, parttime 

evening and weekend course which is Yoga Alliance certified. It 

will prepare students to teach a basic hot yoga class, and beginner 

hatha yoga classes. Also suitable for students wishing to deepen 

their own practice. For more information, www.pure-yoga.com 

MICHEL BESNARD 100-HOUR TT, HONG KONG 

Yogasana and Asian Academy of Sports and Fitness Professionals 

are teaming up to offer a 100 hour Yoga Alliance recognized teacher 

training 10 th October – 29 th November. For more information 

www.yogasana.com.hk or +852 2511 8892. 

THE FOUNDATION – PREPARING TO TEACH AT PURE YOGA TAIWAN 

This 23-day, full-time course (10 th October – 1 st November) will 

immerse students in the tradition of Anusara yoga, helping them 

to develop the fundamental skills necessary to teach. The course will 

be taught in English, with Chinese translation. For more 

information www.pure-yoga.com 

9

Dristi Guru 

The Guru-Disciple 

Relationship 

Yogesvara Sarasvati 

yoga began as a Gurudisciple 

tradition 

Yoga is a guru-disciple tradition. The 

Hatha Yoga Pradipika, states in 

chapter 1, verse 1: “Salutations to 

the glorious primal (original) guru, Sri 

Adinath, who instructed the knowledge of 

hatha yoga which shines forth as a stairway 

for those who wish to ascend to the highest 

stage of yoga, raja yoga.” 

In reading this verse a few things come to 

mind. One, yoga began as a Guru-disciple 

tradition, with Sri Adinath (also known as 

Shiva) as the original preceptor. Thus, it 

began so for good reason and it has been 

passed down from guru to disciple in 

unbroken succession since. This path is a 

“stairway for those who wish to ascend to 

the highest stage of yoga, raja yoga.” In 

other words, yoga is for enlightenment. 

This seems like it should be an obvious 

point but considering the vast majority of 

commercial and vanity yoga that dominates 

the modern market the comment is begging 

to made. Yoga being a vehicle for 

enlightenment, one cannot traverse the 

infinite array of obstacles on the path to 

Self-realization without a competent guide 

who has already been there and done that. 

Furthermore, it is highly necessary to not 

only have a Teacher on the path, but to also 

have a Teacher that one can interact with 

regularly. Without consistent feedback from 

an enlightened source, only those with rarely 

high capacity have the searing self-reflection 

and unwavering commitment necessary to 

penetrate the endless arising of egotistic 

The Western mind is conditioned to be very 

freaked out and put off by the whole guru thing 

projections that cloud the True Nature of 

our enlightened Mind. For the rest of us it 

is most helpful to have someone who is 

willing to get in our face in show us where 

we are stuck. 

But, how does one know that a Guru is 

competent? It’s a good question. It seems 

that many charlatans abound in the open 

market of yoga these days, where esoteric 

truths that were once kept secret within 

lineage are now available in books and 

weekend workshops. In deciding to walk 

the path of enlightenment one is very 

literally putting their sanity on the line. 

There is no doubt that if one authentically 

engages this path that one’s greatest fears 

will have to met and resolved. Suffering the 

path is optional, but pain is inevitable. 

Thus, with my marbles at stake, I am going 

with tradition when deciding to enter into 

the guru-disciple relationship. Tried and true 

lineages that date back thousands of years, 

with all sorts of checks and balances in place 

for authorizing competent lineage holders, 

acharyas and gurus – this is the way to go. 

On the other hand, the new-age eclectic selfproclaimed 

guru might be highly realised and 

transmitting very skilful teachings, but I’d 

rather wait a few hundred years to see if 

their “revelations” stand the test of time. 

After all, why reinvent the wheel? There are 

countless traditions that work. 

The Western mind is conditioned to be very 

freaked out and put off by the whole guru 

thing. We are jaded and find it extremely 

weird and difficult to “surrender” to 

another human in the flesh. The faithful of 

us find it much easier and safer to “give it all 

over” to “God.” So, we get what we 

bargain for: a distant god with all sorts of 

pie-in-the-sky promises that motivate us to 

be a bit better every day. It’s great. I’m all 

for any motivation that makes us want to 

be nicer, more loving, understanding, 

generous, compassionate, etc. But, these 

qualities can all be what some Buddhists 

call “near enemies” - ego compassion looks 

a lot like true compassion, but really it is 

self serving and manipulative. From the 

perspective of yoga-dharma even “kind” 

deeds performed by ego are divisive and 

bind us - and others - further in the karmic 

matrix of suffering. But, please don’t get 

me wrong: it is better to be a fully egoidentified 

nice person than one who kicks 

small puppies and spits on old ladies! 

That all being said, it takes a guru to provide 

the mirror of self-reflection for us to see for 

ourselves what is actually in harmony with 

10

our True Nature and what is not. And, in 

order for this relationship to bear the fruit 

of freedom, the alchemical agent of 

devotion is also imperative. This really 

freaks us out. Devotion? To a woman or 

man? Weird, huh? Well, honestly, yes it is a 

bit scary at times and conditioned-mind 

brings with it doubt and suspicion. 

you are tired, studying and making good 

use of the teacher’s time even when you feel 

lazy, etc. And, yes, it is also natural to have a 

healthy sense of reverence and a desire to 

show gratitude to one who has dedicated 

his life to serving and teaching scared and 

confused people like us. 

teachers of asana and perhaps even 

supportive mentors, but they should not be 

guiding people into the mysteries of 

spiritual Self-realization as a guru does. 

For those who truly want to be free from 

samsara, we might do well by sticking to the 

ways of old and the texts of the yoga 

But, if one seeks to be unconditionally 

loving (i.e. enlightenment) then it is a good 

idea to start with one person before you can 

extend that out to all beings, everywhere. 

This is a basic premise of what is known as 

Guru-yoga. The disciple focuses all 

projections, hopes, fears, desires, neurosis, 

etc, onto the guru and if she can truly, 

unconditionally love and serve this one 

“person” then such love reflects back to the 

disciple and is recognized as the very nature 

of her own true Self. Then, having realized 

one’s Essence as open, spacious, all 

encompassing loving-awareness this 

authentic state of virtue automatically and 

effortlessly radiates out to include all beings 

and all things. 

But, what if you find yourself in 

relationship with a charlatan? How could 

you ever trust a human being so much? I 

don’t know the answers to these questions. 

Each person has to work this out for 

themselves. But, if you want 

enlightenment, choose wisely because this is 

the way it works. All the worlds traditions 

that actually still produce enlightened beings 

agree: one must surrender all, with love and 

devotion, to a master who can “introduce” 

the aspirant to their very own truly 

enlightened Self. 

In everyday reality, this doesn’t look as 

pathetic as it may sound to the rugged 

individualist mind of the average Westerner. 

In fact, if you have a real guru, she will 

quickly turn away those who are sycophantic 

rather than devoted. Devotion does not 

mean meagrely kissing the ground of a 

saviour’s feet. There are no saviours in yoga. 

Everyone must stumble along the path by 

the sweat of their own brow. Devotion in a 

real guru-disciple relationship means 

commitment, dedication, loyalty, continuing 

to apply the teachings even when it is hard, 

getting out of bed to practice even when 

one must surrender all, with love and devotion, to 

a master who can “introduce” the aspirant to 

their very own truly enlightened Self. 

Devotion also does not mean imitating the 

guru’s personality. Each of has a unique 

personality display that is an expression of 

our common base of Essence. Thus, 

devotion to the guru is devotion to Essence 

– “her’s” being the same as “ours.” The 

true disciple adheres to that, not to the 

habits and traits of the guru’s personality. 

The devotee who seeks enlightenment, as 

opposed to the one seeking shelter from the 

storm of life in the garment of some saint, 

is one who is devoted to remaining in 

flowing presence rather than reacting to the 

world of ego’s projections. A true guru 

does not want you to be more like him or 

her; a true guru only wants you to be more 

like you – minus all the bullshit we smear 

over our inherently enlightened state. 

In conclusion, yoga is a guru-disciple 

tradition. It always has been and it always 

will be. If there is no guru, there is no yoga. 

There is only the blind leading the blind. Of 

course, yoga for exercise or for relative peace 

of mind does not require this type of 

relationship. This type of yoga falls far 

short of yoga’s true potential, but there is 

nothing wrong with it. Thus, modern day 

pr actitioners and teachers of asana who do 

not partake of the grace of the guru are by 

and large physically fit and maybe even 

healthily self-possessed with a functional 

psychological persona… but, this is a far cry 

from the promise of yoga: the eternally 

arising, ever-fresh state of loving-awareness 

without limitation or boundary. As such, 

these people may be qualified to be good 

tradition. Hatha Yoga Pradipika, chapter 1, 

verse 2: “Prostrating first to the guru, Yogi 

Swatmarama instructs the knowledge of 

hatha yoga only for (raja yoga) the highest 

state of yoga (enlightenment).” 

May all beings be happy and free. May all 

beings know the grace of guru. 

Yogesvara is a student 

of Dharmanidhi 

Sarasvati, 

Tantracharya. He lives 

at Kailash Akhara, a 

retreat center Phu 

Rua, Thailand. THis is 

home of Adi-yoga, a 

system of Tantrik yoga 

dedicated to the 

teachings of yoga from the high Himalayas. 

It is related to the Trika Institute and Yoga 

Mandala studio, Berkeley, California. 

yogesvara.sarasvati@gmail.com 

11

Dristi Guru 

The Path of f the Studen 

udent 

Paul Dallaghan 

Iam a student and always will be. 

Though I have had the good fortune to 

teach others, it is only because I am a 

student. To continue being a student and 

thus continue growing is essential. This 

article explores the student’s path. 

There are many doors to enter yoga that excite and encourage. Many feel certain changes 

happen just from a few yoga classes a week. Without one even realising or planning for it, 

there comes a point where the next step to growth is unavoidable. It is at this point that 

one becomes a “student” and the impact of yoga will begin. This impact can not be 

thought of or imagined, it can only be experienced. Its effect is subtle yet powerfully 

transformational, where the personality of the student refines and grows. The signs are 

noticed in your behaviour, thoughts and actions. 

Where is this point of impact? And when does one really don the student’s shoes? From 

something within, one bows down to the teacher and teachings. Physically and mentally, 

one becomes ready to embark on the learning, unconditionally and studentship commence. 

Dedication and humility open our door, allowing what the teacher is giving to enter and 

have an impact. It is this that makes it an inner or spiritual process. At this point one 

becomes a student as opposed to a recreational practitioner. This is how the great sage 

Patanjali opens the science and study of yoga in the Yoga Sutras. “Atha Yoganushasanam” 

Dedication and humility open our door, allowing 

what the teacher is giving to enter 

(Yoga Sutra I.1) very powerfully states that now, having finished with one’s musings and 

frivolities, one is ready to embark on the complete practice and study of yoga. 

Paul Brunton’s A Search in Secret India is a beautiful account of his own search in the 1930s 

and the different spiritual (or not) characters he met. He clearly states that a certain 

discrimination was needed to weed through the self-styled masters, who are more a 

product of slick ego, self-delusion and group hysteria than real spirituality. He spent time 

looking at the different teachings with an open yet critical mind and heart. There were some 

real ones, and one stood out as his teacher. 

Paul’s cleverness, intelligent questioning and cynicism subsided and a strong desire to bow 

down and ready himself for experience became apparent. For it is only through practice 

under an experienced and authentic teacher that the impact of yoga can be experienced. 

How do we discern a teacher? Use your intelligence and learn how to read your heart. So, 

yes there will be feelings, accompanied by grounding or steadiness. One should ask what is 

this person’s background? How long have they studied, with who and what? What is the 

tradition behind it? How do they behave and live? Through this is revealed experience, 

knowledge, humility and reverence to their own teacher. Another indication is that they 

mention a main teacher as opposed to a string of the latest and greatest names. They 

themselves should be a student under an able teacher. Their attention and energy focused 

on practicing their teacher’s teachings, rather than running from one to the next. The 

journey inward is so subtle that at the key stages this teacher is needed. But it must be met 

with the readiness of the student. 

Shraddha is the Sanskrit word for a student embarking on the path. Consider it a full and 

12

Teacher’s Voice 

Wai Ling Tse 

complete embrace by the student to the teachings, with every cell of 

their being. As the student embraces the teachings with heart, mind 

and spirit, putting themselves in a place to learn from the teacher 

and that tradition, the impact begins to flow. 

In my own experience, unless dedication, devotion, humility rose, I 

made no progress. I realised I knew nothing and all my clever 

manoeuvers and mixings of teachings were having little impact. 

When I bowed down to the teacher and the teachings, the process 

flowed. The best way I can describe it is: a full embrace with all my 

being. This embrace, with determination, comes from the student 

and is anchored to authentic and good teachers and teachings. 

This is what I would hope for you as you grow, allowing yoga’s 

impact strike you. Search, then bow down and embrace it one 

hundred percent. Be strong and stick with it. No fear. 

In this modern era of yoga we are gifted with the true and authentic 

traditions of Krishnamacharya and Kuvalayananda. Indeed the 

search here is for one who has learnt, practiced, understood and 

experienced what these teachers have offered. 

There is a saying: when the student is ready the teacher appears. The 

key is that the student must make the initial effort. There are a 

variety of teachers along the way from whom to learn from them 

and establish a practice. Only after dedicating myself and growing in 

practice did I meet my guru. I was ready to hear what he had to say 

and do what he would teach me. I have followed his words and 

advice to the letter for the last 10 years. This has made the 

difference. Before that it was my own limitations, but finally ego 

was ready to bow down and let the learning occur. Even so it takes 

efforts by the student. This is how a “guru” shows up in one’s life. 

Paul is the director of Centered Yoga Institute 

& Yoga Thailand. www.centeredyoga.com, 

www.yoga-thailand.com 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING ASANA AND WHY? 

Sirsasana - headstand. When I first saw someone doing headstand, I 

was completely blown away. I was so impressed and fascinated that I 

wished I could do it. In my first attempt I was naturally afraid but 

also secretly and desperately hoped to achieve it. When I tried it I 

realised it was not as effortless as it looked, I was completely tense 

and very scared to go upside down. I gripped my fingers so tightly 

my palms sweat profusely. My approach and technique were all 

wrong! My shoulders were clenched, back was rounded, and I wasn’t 

able to lift up my hips and was putting all the weight onto my head. 

After my first attempt I was exhausted physically and mentally! I felt 

disorientated, gripped with fear by the thought of going upside 

down and became so dependent on the wall. 

It feels scary to have your whole world turned upside down, but 

once I let go of the fear and stopped trying so hard to get to the 

final pose and concentrated on where I was, I felt lighter and it 

became a little easier. I eventually managed this posture during my 

first teacher’s training course in India. It was an incredible feeling of 

lightness, freedom and joy. It took me three years to learn this asana. 

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THIS ASANA? 

That fear derives only from the mind. It’s because we are so attached 

to the body and mind that it’s impossible to detach ourselves from 

our fears. If we are able to let go of our fears, we are able to free 

ourselves and hopefully come closer to realising our full potential. 

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR PRACTICE? 

Finding contentment in everyday challenges of life. While practising 

yoga if the mind is calm and content then no matter how physically 

challenging the practise is it doesn’t disturb the mind. Every time I 

practise I have to remind myself to practise without judgement and 

not be affected by the result, this helps me to continue with my 

practise with a positive attitude even after many attempts and 

failures. I often tell my students about this but this is easier said 

than done, the mind always plays tricks on us. I find it lot easier to 

practise mental calmness, awareness, focus and balance on the mat 

than practising it off the mat in my everyday life. The times when we 

are faced with the challenges of the ordinary world are when we really 

need to put this practise into action. That is the real goal. 

Wai-Ling is a yoga student and teacher certified in the Sivananda 

tradition. She is a freelance yoga teacher in Hong Kong for the past 

two years, teaching private classes as well as in yoga studios.She is 

also a volunteer for Namaskar magazine helping with writing and 

editing. 

13

14

Yoga Event 

Bali Spirit Festiv 

tival 2009 - Gathering of 

the tribe 

Bobsy 

The tribe slowly gathered under the hot balmy Bali sun. They 

came from all over the world, from all races, creeds and 

colours to gather in a lush and green corner on the outskirts 

of Ubud. 

They came for the 2 nd annual Bali Spirit Festival of 

Dance & Music held from 28 th April until 3 rd May 

picturesque Purnati Space for the Arts. 

They gathered under the banner of yoga and 

culture. Yogis and yoginis, musicians and 

performers, teachers and students, parents 

and children all came to live the spirit of 

our times, uniting for a greater 

purpose aligned to the healing 

of the planet. 

The spirit of 

Unity in 

Diversity was 

very much alive in 

the air and could be 

sensed throughout those 

five magical days. 

A sea of dreadlocks and funky 

people with beaming smiles, 

flowers in hair, long flowing dresses 

mixed with yoga tank-tops and tights, 

laughing children running free on the 

grassy lawns, friends new and old sitting 

under the palm trees enjoying their raw 

lunches, sipping coconuts or downing fresh 

connect and recognize their common joy in 

Yoga, 

at the 

food 

juices as they 

this gathering. 

We nod and smile as we pass each other in a way that only Kindred 

souls can do. We recognize our commonality and the greater 

purpose in coming to this festival. 

Mesmerizing and charming traditional Balinese dance troops with 

their detailed costumes and their exotic moves added a strong 

element of culture to this festival. 

World class musicians like Rocky Dawuni from Ghana and Tom 

Freund from the USA, Daphne Tse and Yeshe from, well, the 

world, amongst many rocked the massive stage every night well into 

the late hours. As the tribe sat on the grass lawn opposite, under 

the clear starry nights sipping cold beers or dancing to the happy 

sounds, you could feel people’s joy permeate the balmy Bali nights. 

Well-kept and clean portable loos, recycling bins galore, an efficient 

media centre, a large fresh water swimming pool, clean showers, a 

first aid centre and helpful staff everywhere all helped to make this 

gathering such a pleasure to be part of and such a success for 

one and all. I salute the organizers for their 

efforts and their foresight and 

above all for their passion and 

commitment to leading the way in 

this beautiful land. 

The Bali Spirit Festival can proudly 

take its place amongst the many 

wonderful music and cultural 

festivals happening all over the 

world today and certainly claim its 

unique spot amongst the top yoga 

happenings globally. 

We will be back next year in larger 

numbers, for the word has spread, 

the tribe is ready, the time is right 

and our planet needs us more than 

ever. Until such time, Namaste. 

Bali Spirit Festival will take place 1 st – 5 th April 2010, for more 

information visit www.balispiritfestival.com 

Social entrepreneur, Bobsy is the owner of 

Bookworm Cafe on Lamma Island and Life Cafe 

in Central, Hong Kong. 

Floating around the grassy lawns, enjoying the lush tropical gardens 

full of laughing colourful flowers set to the background sound of 

the Gamalan musicians with their soothing tunes, the scene feels 

quite surreal. 

A plethora of Yoga, music and cultural workshops, African dance, 

Balinese dance, Hip Hop and poi classes to chose from, fresh 

yummy healthy food and market stalls all seamlessly blend into one 

big happy scene where the days rich in quality fly by and blend into 

one big festive experience not to be forgotten soon. 

15

Yoga Event 

New Guinness s World 

Rec 

ecor 

ord for Marathon 

athon 

Yoga set t by Hong Kong 

teacher 

acher, , Yogar 

ogaraj 

aj 

L. Shyam Narayanan 

On 14 th June, Hong Kong yoga 

teacher, Yogaraj C. Poovendiran 

of Living Yoga set a unique 

Guinness World Record for Marathon 

Yoga. In 28 hours he performed over 1,100 

asanas. Having personally witnessed this 

event I was delighted to interview Yogaraj 

about his achievement. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU ATTEMPT A GUINNESS 

WORLD RECORDS (GWR) AND WHEN DID YOU 

FIRST GET THIS IDEA? 

My first inspiration came when I saw GWR 

on tv as a teenager. After coming to Hong 

Kong in 2003, I wanted to bring yoga to 

GWR to propagate yoga to the whole 

world. In 2004 I did my first GWR attempt. 

Although I had successfully stayed in 

headstand for two hours and forty minutes, 

GWR didn’t acknowledge it as I had not 

followed their guidelines. GWR wrote to 

me saying standing on the head for more 

than 5 minutes can be dangerous to health! 

After seeing B.K.S. Iyengar doing more than 

500 postures in his book ‘Light on Yoga’, 

he became my new inspiration. I was 

inspired to do more than 1,000 Yoga 

postures and its variations continuously as 

my next attempt. Out of these 1,000 

postures I have invented around 300 

postures/variations of postures. It was 

GWR who suggested to me the idea of 

Marathon Yoga and to break the existing 

record of 24 hours. I took up both these 

challenges and completed my record in 28 

hours and performed more than 1,100 

postures. 

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF YOUR 

GWR FEAT? 

The most difficult part was staying up 

overnight. Earlier when I was rehearsing on 

my own I was unable to complete 24 hours. 

Early morning I woke up to find myself 

sleeping in the posture. I was rehearsing 

alone, so although I had energy I didn’t 

have anyone watching or supporting me, I 

lost my focus and fell asleep. During the 

GWR I was very fortunate to have my 

friends from the Tamil Association, 

students from Living Yoga and other 

friends who cheered me on throughout the 

night. Without their energy I couldn’t have 

made it, thanks to them. 

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM THIS GWR? 

Firstly I learnt how to organise a big event 

and how important it is to plan everything 

beforehand. I have also learnt some new 

Yoga postures, some of which I invented 

during the GWR. I have learnt that good 

effort never fails. And lastly I learnt from 

what Swami Vivekananda said ‘What you 

think so you become’ is true. I have always 

believed in these words, the positive 

thought that I had ‘that one day I will be a 

GWR holder’ has been the driving force 

behind my achievement today. 

WHAT DO YOU REPLY TO PEOPLE WHO SAY YOGA 

COMPETITION AND GWR ARE NOT YOGIC AND 

THAT YOGA IS NOT A SPORT BUT A PRACTICE? 

I believe competition doesn’t have to be 

about competing and winning. I came to 

know Yoga through Yoga competition. 

Although I started off as a competitor I 

later discovered the real essence of Yoga. 

Competition is for inspiring the youngsters. 

Like in academic study, there is a grading 

system to motivate students to put in extra 

effort. That is the kind of inspiration I got 

from Yoga when I was kid. Moreover GWR 

is not a competition. I have only achieved 

something with the energy/power that 

Yoga has given me. I want to inspire others 

into thinking that ‘If a person can do 1,100 

postures why can’t I do 10 or even 100 

postures?’ Only when this happens, my 

Guinness feat is a real success. 

HOW MANY POSTURES HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED 

BY GWR? 

GWR has recognised only 1,019 postures, 

since we were able to produce photographs 

of only 1,019 postures at the time. 

16 

(l to r) Jenny Karoampoiki (GWR London), Narayanamoorthy (Tamil Association HK), Ram 

(Tamil Association HK), Yogaraj and Sam (Tamil Association HK)

Yoga Event 

SINCE YOGA IS A SPIRITUAL PRACTISE, WHAT 

HAVE YOU GAINED SPIRITUALLY FROM THIS 

ACHIEVEMENT AND HOW DO YOU THINK IT 

SUPPORTS YOU TO ATTAIN THE HIGHER 

SPIRITUAL GOAL OF ENLIGHTENMENT? 

This achievement is more of a physical 

challenge than spiritual attainment. So I 

have gained nothing spiritually, but 

spiritually speaking sincere dedication and 

determination will take us to 

enlightenment. I practised with dedication 

and determination and achieved the GWR. 

If we put the same effort spiritually we can 

all eventually attain Enlightenment. 

HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER ACHIEVING THIS 

RECORD? 

The moment I completed the event, I saw I 

was surrounded by many people who had 

encouraged me, many were crying. When I 

saw that, for a second I felt like I 

was….enlightened. Their love gave me so 

much joy I had never experienced before, 

happiness I cannot express in words, it 

physically felt blissfulness. I don’t know 

how to say but I felt like I was enlightened. 

DO YOU PLAN TO DO ANOTHER GWR IN THE 

FUTURE? WHAT WILL IT BE AND WHEN? 

Definitely, I will do another GWR. Six 

months from now, I would like to do 

‘Yoga on the rope’ (Rope Yoga) for a few 

hours. I hope to propagate this ancient 

yogic art, where yoga poses are done on a 

single rope hanging in the air. 

TO WHOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO DEDICATE THIS 

RECORD TO? 

I would like to dedicate this record to my 

mother in India. She stayed up the whole 28 

hours while I was trying for this GWR, 

performing pujas (worship) for my success 

without sleeping. And 

I am so thankful to my 

wife Akiko Matsumoto 

that I can hardly 

express it through 

words. 

Shyam teaches at Pure 

Yoga in Hong Kong. 

SHUBHRAJI (SECOND FROM RIGHT) SPEAKS AT THE OPENING PANEL DISCUSSION OF ASIA 

CONSCIOUSNESS FESTIVAL 

What is Consciousness? 

Shivina Harjani 

Vedanta teacher, Shubhraji participated in the 1 st Asia Consciousness Festival, hosted 

by Hong Kong Polytechnic University last month. She was part of a panel 

discussion on the nature of consciousness, alongside Dr. Stuart Hameroff from 

the Center for Consciousness Studies in Tucson, the Venerable Hin Hung Sik from the 

Hong Kong Centre of Buddhist Studies and Dr. Eric Pearl, an internationally recognised 

healer. Also at the Festival, Shubhraji also spoke on: What is Consciousness? Is there a way 

to know it? Can it be experienced in a way that enhances our lives? Following is an excerpt: 

WHAT IS CONSCIOUSNESS? 

Shubhraji drew from Advaita Vedanta, the ageless and universal philosophy of the Vedas 

which teaches the science of living. As she defined Consciousness in her delivery, she often 

quoted the Upanishads: Yan mansa na manute, Yenahur mano matam, Tadeva brahma tvam vidhi, 

Nedam yad idam upasate - (Kenopanishad 1/5) 

Shubhraji explained the meaning of the verse in simple terms, “Consciousness is that 

which one cannot feel by the mind but because of which the mind feels.” Consciousness, 

she elaborated, is the ever-present awareness from which the mind itself arises; it is the very 

source and substratum of the mind. She pointed out this Consciousness, or life principle, 

is a constant centre that runs through all beings, eternally, self-luminously, and changelessly. 

Shubhraji recalled a famous story in Upanishadic literature. Consider a lump of clay 

moulded into several pots. “How many clays are there?” she asked. One. Though the pots 

may be many, the clay itself is one, unifying essence. Consciousness, like the clay, she 

expounded, is a non-dual unity that births many forms but which is nonetheless constant 

and absolute despite the apparent separation of the forms it gives rise to. 

Shubhraji continued, there are three elements required for creation: an efficient cause, a 

material cause and an instrumental cause, which we may see as a potter, clay and a pottery 

wheel. She pointed out Consciousness is all three. If Consciousness created the universe, 

out of what did it create if not Consciousness? If the material of creation was separate 

from the Creator, this imply more than one Consciousness. There can be no such duality. 

17

IS THERE A WAY TO KNOW IT? 

Is there a way to realise this all-pervading Consciousness? Is there a 

way for the mind to seek its own source? “You are already that 

which you seek” Shubhraji exclaimed, because the infinitude of joy 

we endlessly search for is inherent in our own Being. It is the 

spiritual ignorance of our true nature and our perpetual 

identification with limited things such as the body, mind and 

intellect that provoke a feeling of incompleteness and which divert 

us from our blissful nature. 

Consciousness alone is the Absolute Reality. It is a truth which 

never ceases to be. It must be conceived as the source of all things 

and beings, whose existence does not depend upon anything but 

on whom all other things depend on for their existence. 

Shubhraji explained our current concepts of ourselves amount to 

relative identities: son, father, daughter, photographer, lawyer etc. 

She elaborated, we are Consciousness that is beyond words, objects, 

emotions and thoughts. A Consciousness which the Vedas point 

out through the language of negation, because any description of 

what it really is would be insufficient. Our true identity rests in the 

Absolute Reality or Consciousness that forms the substratum of 

our Being. This identity by its very nature is free. 

CAN IT BE EXPERIENCED IN A WAY THAT ENHANCES OUR LIVES? 

So central to Vedanta is the assertion that one must abide in this 

Consciousness, the Absolute which is our true nature. In light of 

this, Shubhraji offered a practical approach to experiencing the 

freedom and joy that is the essence of this Self. There is no need to 

empty the mind of thoughts, as if often pointed out in meditation 

techniques. Instead, we must learn to recognise this Consciousness 

in spite of the torrent of thoughts we experience. The task is not to 

empty the mind of thoughts, but to observe, silently and without 

attachment, the rise and fall of thought in our minds. Only if we 

find such quiet do we have a chance of glimpsing the Truth. 

Shubhraji offered a thought experiment: Think of a table and on it 

put an orange cloth. Now, place a crystal over the orange cloth. The 

crystal will appear orange, but its apparent orange colour belongs to 

the cloth and not to the crystal. In a similar way, though various 

qualities appear on Pure Consciousness or on the Self, they are mere 

appearances and are not actually there. 

The recognition of Consciousness requires a subtle shift in our 

perception, for it is the recognition of that which we already are. 

Shubhraji gave another example. “What is the state of your mind 

between the fulfillment of one desire and the 

beginning of the next?” It is a state of silence 

and contentment, a state of joyfulness- that, is 

your true Self. A state which we so endlessly 

seek everywhere, but resides within our Self. 

Shivina is a Vedanta student in Hong Kong. 

18

Yoga Practice 

Is Your 

Practic 

actice 

Working 

orking? 

Kim Roberts 

In our normal view of the world, we 

create an image of ourselves and then 

put our energies into maintaining this 

image: our ego. We practice first to learn the 

boundaries of ego so we can disassemble it, 

or rather see that it has never existed. The 

first step on the path then starts with seeing 

the illusory nature of ego. 

In order to have an experience of this, we 

need the right view. Correct view ensures 

our intent is in accord with our practice. If 

our view is incorrect or incomplete, then so 

will our path be. If we are practicing simply 

to attain a state of bliss for ourselves, or if 

we use a concept of emptiness to justify the 

whims of ego, then we are missing a 

fundamental understanding of the laws of 

nature, namely that we don’t exist as we 

appear. We are simply a conglomerate of 

phenomena, or if you prefer, space and 

light. A lightshow. So what use to devote all 

this time to practice for something that will 

be over in the blink of an eye? 

We practice out of compassion. Our 

awakening benefits others. Then here is the 

magic: once we begin to help others, this 

actually benefits us. So the practice is 

twofold: to reduce self-importance and to 

benefit others. 

According to the Buddha, there are 84,000 

different doors to enlightenment. It doesn’t 

matter if you subscribe to Buddhist belief, 

or Hindu belief, Christian belief, or no 

belief: we all have wisdom deep within that 

is hidden by our obscured view of reality. 

We practice to clarify the view and uncover 

our brilliant original true nature. 

We do not all need to follow the same path. 

Whatever practice we do is only relevant in 

the sense that it should create some benefit. 

So we should be alert to the effects of the 

KIM’S VIEW OF BHUTAN 

practice. If we have been doing a particular 

practice for many years and don’t see 

positive results in our lives, then we should 

question whether that is the appropriate 

practice for us, in our particular time and 

circumstance. 

The Dalai Lama notes: 

“When we take medicine, it is not the taste, 

color, or quantity of the medicine that 

matters; the important thing is the beneficial 

effect on our body. If in spite of having 

taken a certain medicine for a long time we 

see no effect, there is no point in continuing 

to take it. Regardless of whether your 

practice is elaborate or short, above all, it 

should be effective in bringing about some 

kind of a transformation, a change for the 

better, within you.” 

This is why we practice: to free ourselves of 

delusion, so we may be of some benefit to 

others. Sometimes I hear modern yoga 

teachers make promises like, “you will feel 

better, your bad habits will go away, your 

relationships will change as a result of 

practice.” This is possible. It is, however, 

entirely possible to use practice in the service 

of ego. With unclear intent, wrong 

understanding or lack of awareness, we can 

use anything, even spiritual practice, to 

reinforce our self-serving habits. 

With unclear intent, we may practice to 

enhance our position, confusing success or 

popularity with understanding. Wrong 

understanding can lead to solidifying 

experience into concepts or dogmatism. 

Without awareness, we are blind to the 

subtle details of our experience. We practice 

to cultivate this awareness - not just on the 

mat or cushion, but in every single moment 

of our lives. If awareness is not translating 

into our lives, our practice is misguided, and 

we should look again at what we are doing, 

or rather how we are doing. 

Practice provides a technique to watch our 

responses (or reactions) to failure, success, 

ambition, hopes, drives, fears, 

disappointments. How we respond to the 

rules suddenly being changed, or to rules 

period. Can we see deeply into the core of 

our experience of how we view and interact 

with the world? Until we recognise our 

own little thingy – that habitual pattern, 

whether physical, emotional or mental, that 

obstructs our complete opening – then we 

won’t be able to release it. And if we can’t 

let go of our thingy, then it will rule us. We 

will carry it around with us our whole lives, 

like dead skin we no longer need, but refuse 

to shed. 

The point is the practice itself is not “It.” 

There is no prize for having an “advanced” 

practice, especially if we are using the practice 

to boost our ego. Practice is the tool; it is 

not the result we are seeking. 

We should check in with our practice 

periodically to see: are we increasing wisdom 

and compassion, lessening self-centeredness 

and attachment? Is the practice working? If 

we listen, practice will show us the way: to 

living more fully and compassionately with 

awareness of the vivid and fleeting present 

moment, the here and now, with all of its 

inconvenient and beautiful truths 

Kim currently teaches yoga and meditation 

in Bhutan. papayayoga.com 

19

20

21

Yoga Destination 

Stepping out of the 

mainstream in Ko 

Pha-ngan, Thailand 

Adrian Blackhurst 

For thousands of years in India and 

Thailand people have taken time to 

step out of the mainstream and 

dedicate themselves to developing their 

knowledge of the inner-self. In Thailand it 

is a requirement for every young man to 

spend some months in a Buddhist 

monastery learning about the mind and 

practicing meditation. I find this fascinating 

about ancient Asia - their culture prizes the 

quiet mind, controlled emotions and the 

peaceful way that Buddha called ‘the middle 

path.’ 

The path I have chosen is yoga and in this 

article we will explore the many amazing 

yoga, health and healing centers that Ko 

Pha-ngan currently offers. Thailand is also 

known as ‘The Land of Smiles’ and I 

recently spent five months on the small 

tropical island of Ko Pha-ngan. This island 

is located about 10 hours south of Bangkok 

by train followed by an hour and a half ferry 

ride. The island was uninhabited until 

about 600 years ago when passing monks 

decided to settle there because of its 

tranquility and spiritual importance. There 

are still a few monasteries on Ko Pha-ngan 

but another spiritual practice is rapidly 

expanding there - yoga! 

There are lots of activities on the island 

including snorkeling, scuba diving, trekking 

and wind-surfing. The island is currently 

host to six yoga centers. I came to Ko Phangan 

for a yoga teacher training at one of 

the most respected yoga schools in the 

world, Agama Yoga. After nine months 

traveling in India sampling various yoga 

schools and styles, I chose to do their 500 

hour, 3-month Hatha yoga course because it 

is an extremely thorough programme. They 

teach the ancient kundalini and tantric form 

of Hatha yoga which emphasizes the 

awareness of the chakras during the asanas, 

as well as the full teachings of the eight 

22

limbs of yoga. This deeply spiritual and 

subtle style is said to be the original form of 

this yogic science, which unfortunately is a 

lost art compared to some of the more 

modern versions that focus solely on the 

physical body. 

kashmir shaivism, taoism, tibetan 

buddhism, sufism, gnostic christianity, 

complete femininity, tantra 1 & 2 and a 

monthly 10-day silent meditation retreat. 

Their classes are very well attended and they 

are the biggest yoga center on the island. 

My impression is that Agama Yoga will 

soon be a household name in the world of 

Yoga. Their main center is located on the 

West side of the island in Ao Hin Kong, or 

you can check online to locate other 

affiliated centers at www.agamayoga.com . 

THE SANCTUARY is another popular yoga 

center on the island and is located in Haad 

Thian on the remote eastern side, accessible 

by boat taxi or four-wheel drive vehicle on 

very rugged roads. Besides yoga courses, 

they have a wonderful restaurant serving 

vegetarian meals or seafood and they offer 

an array of workshops on massage and 

healing. They also offer full spa treatments 

including fasting, colonic irrigation and 

body cleansing programmes. 

‘walls’ so it is consistently cool and airy. It 

also has a nice view of the lush jungle 

nature all around which is a bit different 

from the typical sweaty mirror-walled gym 

back home! This center offers Hatha yoga, 

Yoga Nidra (art of relaxation and psychic 

sleep) and teacher training courses. 

MONTE VISTA RETREAT CENTER offers 

cleansing, detox and fasting programs with 

colonic treatments. They also offer stress 

reduction and self healing programs which 

include reiki, energy and chakra work, 

massage, counseling, life-coaching and daily 

yoga either in combined packages or as 

individual sessions. The peaceful location 

offers spectacular views of Ang Thong 

Marine Park, Ko Samui, and Ko Tao islands 

in the horizon. I can vouch for this place 

being a ‘gem’ as I taught five yoga classes 

here and was very impressed with the 

beautiful location up on the hill, the 

facilities, the staff and everything that they 

offer. Visit www.montevistathailand.com 

for more details. 

AGAMA YOGA is regaining popularity with 

many ‘heart-core’ yogis as it is said to be an 

accelerated path to reach samadhi or 

enlightenment. Every day they offer lectures 

and yoga in the morning and evening, not 

only for teacher training students but also 

for those taking part in one month 

intensive courses. They charge 250 baht a 

day and the first day is free of charge. This 

school is really like a yoga college that offers 

an impressive curriculum of up to 24 

months of yoga studies. 

The founder of the school, Swami 

Vivekananda is a walking library of 

knowledge on yoga and Eastern spirituality. 

He, along with many of the advanced 

teachers and students, hosts many 

workshops on a variety of topics including 

RECONNECT WITH NATURE - BLOOMING LOTUS YOGA 

BLOOMING LOTUS YOGA, located in quiet Haad 

Yuan, is one of the newest yoga centers on 

the island. Just minutes behind the popular 

Bamboo Hut restaurant, Blooming Lotus is 

a small cozy studio. The building is 

distinctly traditional Thai style with dark 

teak wood and open-air netting for the 

THE YOGA RETREAT is located on the 

northwest side of Ko Pha-ngan, up in the 

mountains about five minutes away from 

Haad Salad beach. It is a family business run 

by highly qualified instructors with courses 

available at every level from the basic 

elements, chakra healing, Pilates or the 

Alexander technique. They are all taught in 

23

24

peaceful jungle surroundings and there is a 

restaurant that offers a wide range of 

healthy drinks and vegetarian food. They 

offer retreats ranging from 5 to 14 days and 

they have three bungalows, an herbal steam 

room and plunge pool. More details can be 

found at www.yogaretreat-kohphangan.com 

PYRAMID YOGA CENTER is located 

approximately 150 meters above Haad Salad 

and Haad Yao up on the mountain-side. 

They have an impressive 24 buildings 

including a huge bamboo pyramid hall, a 

sound temple where devotional chanting or 

bhajans are held on Sundays, an amazing 

vegetarian restaurant, and many bungalows 

for rent. They offer daily hatha yoga and 

annual teacher training programs, as well as 

AAAH, PARTNER WORK AT PYRAMID YOGA 

other interesting workshops on massage 

and healing. Please check their website before 

visiting as I hear the place is up for sale. 

Hopefully another yogi buys it and keeps up 

the Pyramid Yoga spirit as this place is truly 

in an amazing place to practice yoga! 

www.pyramidyoga.com 

ORION HEALING CENTER was the destination 

of my grand finale on this voyage of health 

and healing. I took it upon myself to try my 

first ever colonic detox programme and did 

this at this small family center which 

specializes in alternative healing therapies, 

detox, colonics and weight loss 

programmes. For 7 days I fasted on juice 

and broth, took herbal supplements and 

cleansing herbs, as well as the legendary 

colema twice a day. I can attest that this 

unique treatment balances, attunes and 

charges your body to leave you feeling 

completely revitalized! I had heard so much 

about the healing effects of these 

treatments, and now I understand the 

reason why so many places around here 

offer this. It does make you feel fantastic 

and completely cleansed, after the torture of 

fasting is over! 

For those who like a good balance of fun 

with their self-development, there are many 

opportunities for that as well! Ko Pha-ngan 

has become internationally known for its 

partying, especially the legendary full moon 

raves at Hat Rin which bring an extra 10- 

30,000 people to the otherwise modest 

population of 10,500 for the island. There 

is normally a very quiet and serene 

atmosphere all over the island, with the 

exception of these parties which now 

happen every week, although only the full 

moon ones in December through to 

February attract the large crowds. One can 

choose from many of the beach bungalows, 

starting at US$3 night for the ramshackle 

basics, to renting your own little home with 

kitchen for about US$300 per month and 

up, or staying at some of the mid-range 

resorts. 

Compared to its over-developed and much 

busier neighbor Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan is 

generally a place of tranquility for nature 

lovers and budget to middle price-ranged 

vagabonds. It is said to be a casual laid-back 

place which is a haven for backpackers, 

honeymooners, families, yogi’s and yes, 

even party animals! The lack of an airport 

and poor road connections have spared it 

from package-tour development, although 

the island is changing rapidly and apparently 

top-end resorts are on the way. In my 

opinion, what gives the island its unique 

character is the current lack of high end 

resorts and the many colorfully painted 

original beach bars and restaurants, all family 

owned and one of a kind! Where else can 

you find places such as the “Chocolate Bar” 

or “Pirate Bar”? 

My time here is drawing to a close and soon 

I will head back home to Hawaii (yeah, I 

know, poor me going from one tropical 

island to the next). I will forever be grateful 

for my many months spent here tuning-in 

and stepping out of the mainstream. I 

didn’t actually make it to one of the 

legendary parties but I feel I really didn’t 

miss anything there. In fact, the beautiful 

thing about going deeper into the inner-self 

with arts such as yoga and meditation is 

realizing you never miss anything. 

Fulfillment is always there in you, waiting 

for you to rediscover it. There is nothing to 

find as what we have all been seeking is truly 

inside, like buried treasure! It just takes the 

persistence of a daily practice to create that 

stillness of mind where peace and 

equanimity remain. It helps to have a 

paradise like Ko Pha-ngan for the journey as 

well! 

Adrian Blackhurst is a 

globe-trotting 

wandering yogi who 

currently resides in 

Hawaii. He is a 

contributing author to 

the book “To North 

India With Love”, due 

out in late 2009, and is 

currently working on 

his new book, which is 

top secret! He is available for teaching 

yoga & healing sessions for spiritual 

retreats & events. bioniclove@gmail.com 

25

In My Opinion 

Clarifying Brahmac 

ahmacary 

arya 

Sankirtana Dasa 

I’d like to comment on the articles on Brahmacarya (April issue of 

Namaskar). Frances’s editorial said that the topic of brahmacarya 

was delayed because she “didn’t understand what it was all 

about”. This implies that the present contributions made it clear. 

BUT DID THEY REALLY? 

I’m concerned that sincere readers of Namaskar will reach 

misleading conclusions after reading them. Why? Because the 

essential message I got was that moderate (“conscious”) sex is part 

of yoga sadhana. This type of sex certainly seems better than reckless 

indulgence, but it is a compromised standard according to timehonoured 

understandings of spiritual growth. 

Is this bad news? I don’t delight in imposing rigorous restrictions. 

If celibacy is seen as a restriction 

on our path to happiness, then 

the contributors did a good job 

of lifting this weighty limitation, 

and my comments may appear 

damaging to their efforts. 

But the good news is celibacy is 

not meant as a restriction without 

purpose. It helps us attain 

freedom. My guru introduced me 

in my youth to Sri Swami 

Sivananda’s book on Brahmacarya. 

This Swami was a medical doctor 

and an advanced practitioner of 

yoga. I applied what I learned from his extensive research and 

found that celibacy is sublime and leads to autonomy. It naturally 

makes you feel good, just as overcoming an addiction would. 

Yes, addiction! The nature of this world is that it dictates to us to 

act out our drives and urges. In animal species, the female allures 

the male (or vice versa) with fragrances, colours, sounds, 

movements and tastes. Their play is the basis of physical existence. 

desires drive us to enjoy with each 

other, but, improperly performed 

sex reinforces our identification 

with our external bodies and tends 

to create more craving. 

Our desires drive us to enjoy with each other, but, improperly 

performed sex reinforces our identification with our external bodies 

and tends to create more craving. The stronger an emotional 

experience, the stronger the impressions (samskaras) it makes on 

our subtle bodies. Mind is the repository of countless impressions, 

and we fortify our false, egoistic identity as female or male by sex 

indulgence, be it reckless or moderate. This makes us addicts. 

While yoga traditionally emphasizes voluntary celibacy for the 

attainment of eternal freedom and endless love, we find in the 

Bhagavad-gita that Krishna speaks of a type of sex life that is not 

contrary to dharma, or yogic principles. So spiritual communion 

with another through sex is not condemned, but the act is 

performed only for the sake of having God-conscious children. 

There are many cautionary tales in various literatures about heros 

and heroines who loved recklessly and without restraint. Inevitably 

they underwent intense suffering and met tragic deaths or pitiful 

ends. Such stories can remind 

us of the constant frustration 

of mundane love, and we can 

learn that there is no adequate 

object for our love in this 

world. 

How should we invest our 

propensity to love without fear 

that we will end up injured? 

The fact we long for love 

without limits clearly indicates 

we are not temporary beings 

but eternal and spiritual. But 

whomever we can relate to in 

this world seems to be only temporary and embodied. 

Yoga writings reveal the spiritual dimension of transcendental, 

unrestricted love. The factual Purusa (enjoyer) is not us, the puny 

atmas. Eternally the ultimate object of affection, the supreme 

Purusa’s personality, is expressed in infinitely diverse exchanges of 

love. When we take a serious interest in the Purusa, our loving 

propensity transfers from the confines of matter to rejoin that evernew 

and endless loving exchange. 

BUT IS IT LOVE OR LUST? 

The prakriti-purusa (female-male) principle points to the 

metaphysical or divine dimension, wherein we find the pure 

exchanges of love between Sakti and Siva, Laxmi and Narayana or 

Radha and Krishna. 

Embodied living entities in our physical realm, including humans, 

are not really female or male. We are originally souls (atmas) who 

were temporarily given the identification of female and male by 

material nature. So our play is not divine. It is just an illusory 

(temporary) imitation of the divine principle. 

26 

The perfection of Yoga is to reach this spiritual platform. 

This realm is beyond bodily identification. To get there does not 

require the tantric practises now prominent in yoga circles. We 

simply need a pure unselfish heart. When this 

state of life is attained, celibacy is as natural as 

breathing. 

Sankirtana holds a degree as Yoga teacher 

from the VIHE (Vrindavan Institute for Higher 

Education) He works with a travel agent in 

Beijing to take Chinese yoga students to 

Risikesh, Bodhgaya and other holy places in 

India. Sankirtana.lok@pamho.net

Asana Adjustment 

Pas 

aschimo 

chimottanas 

anasana 

Valerie Wilson Trower 

Iwant to share an adjustment I learned from a yoga teacher friend, which feels great. My friend 

modestly refuses to allow me to credit her, saying she just put some things she learned from other 

teachers together. 

The student is seated and 

moves in to Paschimottananasa, 

seated front bend. 

Kneeling behind the student, 

place your hands, fingertips 

towards the floor, under his/her 

butt and lift upwards and push 

forwards. This stretches the 

hamstrings and helps him/her 

to bend from the hip crease 

rather than the waist. 

Place your hands on the S1/L5 

joint, where the lumber spine 

joins the hips. Slowly walk your 

hands using your thumbs and 

index fingers up the spine 

pressing gently. 

Take a medium sized towel and 

lay it across the student’s back. 

Bring your stomach forward 

inch-by-inch, pushing forwards 

as you do so, so that your 

stomach is pressing against the 

student’s back, pushing his or 

her back towards his/her flexed 

toes. Keep your belly soft, 

relaxing the muscles in your 

stomach, catch each edge of the 

towel with each hand, and pull 

down towards the mat. This 

helps flatten the student’s back. 

Breathe slowly and deeply in 

synchronism with the student. 

Gradually increase the 

downward pressure on the 

student’s back with each 

exhalation. 

Lastly, you can reach forward and 

catch the student’s toes, checking 

they areas flexed as possible. 

Hold for 10 breaths. Relax and 

gently release. 

Valerie 

practices 

Ashtanga 

yoga, 

Mysore 

style, and 

leads Hatha 

yoga 

stretches 

for the 

Siddha Meditation Path. 

27

28

29

Perspective 

If Nothing 

Matters 

Titti Ho 

What would happen if 

nothing we did 

mattered? If nothing 

had any intrinsic meaning, if 

everything became insignificant. 

Whether you achieved your task 

or not would neither create any 

expectation nor generate any 

impact. 

Would getting up on Adho 

Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand); 

dropping back into Chakrasana 

(Wheel); going from Pincha 

Mayurasana to Bakasana (Crow), 

down into Salamba Sirsasana II 

(Tripod Handstand) and land 

into high plank matter any 

more? Would your yoga practice 

be easier, if nothing mattered? 

Whether you accomplish the 

pose or not would make no 

difference. Would you still 

continue your yoga practice? 

Why would you practise yoga? 

We attach a meaning to 

everything we think, say or do. 

What is a perfect pose; what 

makes a bad posture? Why does 

good make you feel happy, 

when bad upsets you? If you 

look at everything in the bigger 

picture, you hardly make any 

difference or impact on others. 

For instance, the fact you can do 

a handstand does not make you 

a better person. Neither would it 

get you a bigger salary, nor give 

you a fulfilling life. 

Nothing matters and everything 

is insignificant could imply 

liberation for us all. At a basic 

level, we would no longer be 

concerned about perfecting our 

yoga practice; and taking a wider 

perspective we would no be so 

concerned about the way we act 

or lead our lives. Whether we do 

it or not, the potential 

consequence is there. We need 

not take everything so seriously. 

Nothing changes; nothing 

matters. When we practise, we 

need not have expectations. If 

we fall out a pose, it does not 

matter. When we achieve a 

difficult pose, it has no 

significance. After all it is not the 

result we are aiming for, rather 

the process we go through. Our 

yoga practice is transformed. 

If nothing matters, how we deal 

with our lives would be 

different. We would still 

experience emotions – 

happiness, joyfulness, sorrow, 

stress. The difference is we 

would no longer be attached to 

these feelings, as we appreciate 

they are just part of the journey. 

Perhaps we would feel things 

around us more fully. Maybe we 

would become more thankful 

and appreciative of everything 

around us. We would shine 

from within. 

Titti (bhasana) Ho (below), yogi 

aspiring to inspire all to 

transform their lives with yoga. 

30

Ayurveda 

Ayurvedic approach to disease 

Mahesh Sabade 

Ayurveda means the natural way to balance the laws of 

nature. When a person is suffering from a disease it is 

thought that this shows an imbalance in the equilibrium of 

the human body. The human body is a terrific creation of Divine 

Power that works relentlessly throughout our life. In a diseased 

state, the imbalance that gets 

created could be due to external 

factors or inner reasons that are 

generated mainly by overlooking 

the laws of nature. 

The body is constantly striving 

to perform various functions. 

Factors that influence the 

equilibrium of our body include 

food, seasons, age, mental 

condition, behavioral patterns 

and occupational habits. Our 

lifestyles need to be modified 

according to the seasons and the 

time. This includes eating habits 

as well as behavioral patterns. 

The modern system of 

medicine defines bacteria, viruses 

and parasites as the cause of 

many ailments. It has developed 

an extensive range of medicines 

to counteract these harmful 

Ayurveda treats all pathological 

conditions by altering the levels of 

the doshas with the help of agni and 

thus clears the environment the 

organisms and parasites favour. 

organisms. These medicines 

include antibiotics which attack 

bacteria, microbes, viruses and 

parasites to free the body from 

disease. This is a remarkable 

discovery and has helped 

mankind extensively. 

In Ayurvedic texts, you will not 

find any descriptions of 

organisms and viruses. The 

reason is not the lack of modern 

techniques, but the philosophy 

for treating a disease. 

Ayurvedic practitioners believe 

disease is an imbalance created in 

the body. Moreover Ayurvedic 

treatment focus entirely on 

correcting the imbalance and reestablishing 

the equilibrium. 

The Ayurvedic system includes 

three doshas called Vata, Pitta and 

Kapha. These are the basic 

components of the body. When 

the equilibrium is disturbed, the 

levels of the doshas change and 

there is a possibility 

microorganisms may attack the 

body and symptoms of disease 

begin. Ayurvedic philosophy 

believes pathogenesis starts 

from the imbalance, whereas 

modern pathology focuses on 

the organisms themselves. 

Therefore, modern pathology is 

constantly being replenished 

with new medicines when new 

organisms arise. Most of the 

time, the removal or 

destruction of organisms from 

the body, with the help of 

antibiotics and other such 

medicines, may not be a 

complete treatment. The 

environment where these 

organisms thrive remains the 

same, which may leave room 

for a recurrence of the disease. 

This is commonly observed in 

various conditions where two 

or three courses of antibiotics 

are given. 

Ayurveda treats all pathological 

conditions by altering the levels 

of the doshas with the help of 

agni (the digestive fire) and thus 

clears the environment the 

organisms and parasites favour. 

Lowered agni leads to ‘Aam’ 

formation, which is responsible 

for most ailments. This 

unnatural metabolite is properly 

metabolized and simultaneously 

dosha levels are maintained. 

Nowhere in the line of 

treatment are any organisms 

considered and yet still the best 

results are achieved. There is an 

Ayurvedic treatment for every 

pathological condition and the 

approach is 

to balance 

the laws of 

nature to 

achieve 

equilibrium. 

31

My Story 

The Human 

Spirit 

Tiana Harilela 

32 

On January 5 th around 11am, I was 

riding my bike at moderate speed 

on my way to meet a friend for 

breakfast. Out of what seemed no where, a 

man on a bike impatiently, driving in the 

opposite lane towards me, overtook the car 

in front of him and headed straight 

towards me. He was not backing off as he 

came closer. I swerved to avoid him, 

perhaps a little late. 

The moments that followed shortly after are 

still a little bit of a blur. All I know is that I 

lost control in this swerve. I flew 2 feet up 

in the air and landed on the road on the side 

of my right face - slam. I then skidded and 

slammed my face again onto his now 

stationary bike and hit the right side of my 

I flew 2 feet up in the 

air and landed on the 

road on the side of my 

right face 

face again on his bike guard- SMACK. He 

sped off. And I lay there bleeding. I think I 

was out at this point, and felt myself being 

dragged off the road by my leg by someone 

so I would not be run over. This someone 

turned out to be a nice man called 

Mohammed. 

I am not sure how long I lay there for but I 

don’t think it was long. I felt a serge of 

adrenaline fire through my body and I 

bolted upright and straight onto my feet, 

shocked faces all around. Blood pouring. I 

calmly said: “Give me my phone” I kept 

saying “phone, phone, phone” until 

someone passed it to me. It was a few feet 

away and must have fallen out of my bag. 

My immediate reaction was to call this friend 

of mine as I was not going to go to any 

Indian hospital with any of the million 

Indians now standing all around me in 

horror. I knew this was the right reaction. I 

told my friend I was in an accident, my 

rough location and then fell back onto the 

ground, now shaking in shock. No pain yet, 

just complete shock at the amount of 

blood pouring from my face. 

I was taken to the nearest hospital, seen too, 

as I rebelled and fought a little with the 

nurses and doctors that were trying to clean 

me up. Pain was starting now but I 

was agitated and confused and every time 

they touched me I wanted to hit them, 

because the pain was something I had never 

experienced before. I didn’t whimper or cry, 

I suppose I still had a vast amount of 

survival adrenaline pumping through my 

body. I am also the worst patient. This I 

know, in somewhat denial as to what 

happened and just wanting to stand up and 

walk away as if nothing had happened. 

As we left the hospital, and, as things 

started to fall into place, as the shock wore 

off, I was in disbelief and pain. I had not 

yet seen properly what I looked like nor did 

I really know the injuries I sustained. These 

injuries included a chipped, bruised, and 

battered right hip, whip lash, a sprained 

back and worst of all, a haematoma on the 

right side of my face. 

The next few hours were filled with mixed 

emotions more of shock than anything 

else. I was lucky to have four friends in 

particular who were with me the entire time, 

one stayed over for the next few days as he 

Love has been the 

healing factor in 

getting back to myself 

nursed me back to semi normalcy. Feeding 

me, loving me, helping me get dressed and 

just generally being there as I woke from 

nightmares in the middle of the night. 

As the days progressed, and still unable to 

look at myself, I began to surrender to the 

pain. I also began a very drastic healing 

process. I kept telling myself it was over. I 

kept telling myself I was healed. This I 

believe is why I am healing as fast as I am,

that and the fact that I have been given an 

abundance of love by those few who have 

been diligently by my side, through the 

really bad moments and the good. I went 

from drinking with a straw, unable to speak 

properly, to eating pureed food, to slowly 

opening my mouth then eating solids and 

half smiling again (even though it hurts like 

nothing ever before). Love has been the 

healing factor in getting back to myself, that 

and the unbelievable strength I have found 

within me. My Human Spirit. 

It is amazing how much of ourselves that 

we use to identify ourself with by the way 

we look and by the way others perceive us. 

When one strips this away, suddenly with 

no choice whatsoever, we are left with our 

soul only, the Atman. I found something 

very powerful in me, a determination I 

never thought I had, a positive way of 

looking at the situation, for let’s face it, it 

could have been far worse. I may not be 

writing this piece at all. 

I also learnt eight days later, why it 

happened. I do not believe in accidents. 

Only coincidence and reasons for why things 

happen. The Universe was sending me a 

very loud and clear message. To slow down, 

but more importantly, for me to be able to 

surrender to things beyond my control, and 

to accept. It also was teaching me the simple 

art of loving myself with everything that I 

am and to focus on ME. I have spent far 

too much time focusing on others and now 

I was being taught a very valuable lesson. 

The preciousness of life and all that I have. 

This has been my yoga. It has certainly 

cleansed some karma. I am wide awake and 

embracing life. A very humbling experience. 

It is true that pain is growth. In whatever 

shape, dimension or aspect it comes into in 

our lives. The human spirit is built on 

survival and getting over things. I have not 

dwelled. I have had no anger at that man, it 

is his karma and mine that were interlaced in 

that very moment. I have seen how 

incredibly strong I am inwards. I knew I 

had strength, but I did not know to what 

level until now. 

Through all the gasps from people as they 

see me walking down the street (sometimes 

hobbling), I have lifted my head up and 

smiled (however I can) back. Not to have 

sympathy for me and not to dwell. Sure, 

there were moments where I wanted to kick 

and scream at them and stop them from 

The Universe was sending me a very loud and 

clear message. To slow down, to surrender to 

things beyond my control, and to accept 

asking me what happened, for I did not 

want to relive it at all as I felt it would stop 

me in my healing process, but, this was also 

a lesson to be learned. To just embrace their 

own natural human instinct for care and 

concern. 

I have also learnt to cut out the rubbish 

from my life, in times like this one really 

knows who cares and who is just of 

the superficial caring level - I will try not 

judge. I had calls from all over the world: 

From Bali to Argentina, but I also know 

who to put more energy into and what to 

put more energy into. 

And so as I wake up everyday, a new face 

everyday, as bruises, scars swellings and 

pains shift and change, I am grateful to be 

alive, and to really give this year everything 

that I am with sincerity, I thank God for 

giving me the strength to really open my 

heart. And to just accept this circumstance. 

As new injuries come about with every 

waking day following the crash, I try to say 

“oh well” a minute at a time. I have no 

choice but to be positive. I am determined 

to be 100% again, however long it takes. 

And, even though my body sometimes 

screams in pain, I am now on my mat. Just 

like I said I would be. In the exact time 

frame I said I would be. Slowly, slowly. 

Doing what ever I can, under the loving 

attention and compassion of my teacher. It 

will be some time (or maybe not) before I 

am practicing the way I was. And, after 

some time, I will get back on a bike. I do 

not want to live my life in fear. Its far too 

great for that nonsense. 

Tiana currently teaches 

at the Landmark 

Mandarin Oriental Spa 

and Private Classes at 

the homes of her 

students. 

33

34

35

Perspective 

Is Peac 

ace 

Possible 

sible? 

Cassandra Kish 

Lokaha samasta sukhino bhavanthu. May 

all beings, everywhere, be peaceful 

and free. This simple mantra is 

repeated daily by many a yogi, it is used to 

invoke vibrations of peace. Is it wishful 

thinking on the part of the person who 

repeats this chant that sending a certain 

vibration out into the atmosphere could 

actually have an effect? Is world peace 

possible? Is it something that humanity 

actually desires, to live among people of 

different origins and beliefs and not let 

these differences bother you? Does the 

human race tend to accept people who are 

“not in the group”? 

At a glance, war has been part of human history since time immemorial. In general the best 

predictor of the future is the past, so one would conclude peace is not possible. You don’t 

need to be an incredibly educated scholar to see the majority of humanity thinks and acts 

with a team mentality, excluding a person or group and setting themselves against the 

others. Inevitably arguments erupt within the groups, further segregating and ostracizing 

people seen as different. We have been walking the Earth for many years, you’d think we 

would be a little further along in the patience and acceptance departments. 

THE LARGER QUESTION AT HAND - “IS PEACE DESIRED BY HUMANITY?” 

It isn’t necessary to plumb the depths of history to come to the conclusion that conflict 

seems to be the desired outcome and here we are..... War, Genocide, Revolution on the 

world scale... divorce, pub brawls, and suicide on a small scale. 

We, as a society, talk a good game. Meaning we speak of World Peace, donate money, 

participate in the yogic practices hoping to bring about peace and then, not 5 minutes off 

of our mats we are criticizing something or someone for being unacceptable or different. 

If we look at current events we gravitate towards the extreme. It seems we have become 

immune to the scenes of horror that are flashed on the nightly news as the commentators 

pontificate about their version of what is right and wrong. The level of violence and bad 

behavior we are willing to accept is quite high. We don’t recognize the damage done when 

we speak negatively about someone, when we team build against someone that we 

consider different. This somehow makes being in the middle of a conflict okay. 

WORLD PEACE BEGINS WITH YOUR THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS 

If there were a “Fear-ometer” attached to every single person, we would be more closely 

familiar with the bully who demeans and criticizes because his level of Fear is so high it is 

impossible for him to have a decent thought, a positive thought unless someone else is 

being demeaned. This is where we begin, the rule is simple… if you are having a negative 

thought, change the thought. If you have a negative thought and you have voiced this 

opinion to someone, you are team building and your thought is not based in reality. If you 

find yourself defending your negative thoughts and actions as though you were defending 

your child or best mate, now you are in trouble. It is necessary to divorce your self from 

this thought process. These little things that seem harmless have a huge effect on the 

energy we put out. 

One person or a small group can cause huge change in society at large. When one person 

gives blood, it makes a difference to the whole, when one family recycles paper and plastics, 

it makes a difference, when one person decides to stay quiet when a negative thought comes 

to mind, it contributes to world peace. We have examples in history of people who have 

vigilantly stuck to their positive ideals and morals… they are the men and women who 

changed the world. 

A closer look at world history reveals these “Guardians of Peace” who have devoted their 

lives to non-violence in an effort to uphold ideals of mutual respect and human rights. 

These great souls are found in every generation and are from every continent. In general the 

Peacemakers are not accepted in society at large. It would seem that militaristic, warring 

leaders are more within our comfort zone. 

Wayne Dyer says “We honor our living conformists and our dead trouble makers.” This 

statement hits home when we consider the lives of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, 

Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Rosa Parks, Henry David 

Thoreau and Jesus Christ, to name only a few. All of them were either beaten, jailed or put 

36

to death because of their ideals. Most of 

them have lost their lives due to their 

unyielding allegiance to non-violent ways. 

The effectiveness of non-violent protests 

has been tested through the centuries and 

proven to be successful. In general, as the 

peace warrior begins to make headway 

among the masses, the resistance against 

peace becomes greater and then tragedy 

strikes and the peaceful leader is gone. The 

untimely deaths of these peaceful leaders 

seems to propel their efforts forward and 

over time the change occurs. This is not the 

outcome that was desired by the oppressor. 

But considering most of these guardians 

had millions of people following them, it 

makes sense. 

The conclusion is that a good brain enema 

is quite necessary if we are going to become 

positive forces in society rather than the 

television caricatures we have settled into. 

Every popular book at the moment deals 

with the same material… as you think, so 

shall you be. You think it, you become it. If 

you ponder having positive and fun 

relationships with your neighbors and 

friends, the situation will appear. When you 

spend time thinking about the way a 

television character puts her husband in his 

place and how cool she is because she is so 

cheeky, you become it, the problem is that 

the situation does not work in real life. 

The 14th Dalai Lama outlines a path to 

peace in his millennium message: 

“It is my belief that the lack of 

understanding of the true cause of 

happiness is the principal reason why people 

inflict suffering on others. Some people 

think that causing pain to others may lead 

to their own happiness or their own 

happiness is of such importance that the 

pain of others is of no importance.” 

goods from all over the world and the color, 

religion, and beliefs of the seller don’t even 

cross our minds. We brag about an E-bay 

purchase that came from the other side of 

the world, while at the same time holding 

many grudges against the prevailing 

religious beliefs of the region. 

But when it comes to 

actually 

living 

alongside 

someone of a different race, 

color or creed, there is a 

problem. When we 

can see the 

differences, 

our 

minds 

run 

amok 

with fear and hatred and a desire to 

eradicate the 

other 

human, 

with no 

There is a Paradox of our age: 

We have more conveniences and less time 

knowledge 

whatsoever of the true nature of the 

person. 

To strive towards peace in the world, strive 

towards peace in your life. Think before you 

speak, keep your mind free of negativity. 

Practice being silent and listening to others. 

Really hearing what they have to say. 

Relinquish control of situations, let them 

play out as naturally as possible. The 

outcome of your life is designed in your 

mind, keep steady with your goals and think 

of them often. Your goal can be big or 

small…. world peace or lose ½ a stone… 

the size of the goal doesn’t matter. Plant 

the seed in your mind, visualize it, keep 

your thoughts clean and shiny, do your 

practice with good intention, eat healthy 

food and all good things are coming. 

More degrees and less sense 

More knowledge and less judgment 

We have been to the moon and back but 

can’t cross the street to meet our neighbor 

These are times of fast food and slow digestion 

Tall men and short character 

Steep profits and shallow relationships 

It is a time where there is much in the window 

and nothing in the room. 

The Dalai Lama has assured the 

continuation of his teachings by 

empowering individuals with information 

and stressing education as a remedy for our 

current global situation. 

We have quickly and happily moved to a 

world acceptance view when it comes to 

spending money. We happily purchase 

Born in an orphanage 

in the US to an Italian 

mother, Cassandra was 

adopted two years 

later by an American 

family. She currently 

teaches in France, 

where she and her 

daughter live. 

miisasmom@yahoo.com 

37

Recipe 

Raw Power Zucchini 

Moosa Al-Issa 

When customers at Life Café 

started to ask about raw food, I 

jumped at the chance to include 

a raw main course dish on our 

new summer menu. For a raw 

food dish to be truly great it 

must look good, be full of flavor 

and possess interesting and 

complimentary textures. The 

following dish is satisfying of on 

all of these levels; the zucchini 

is cut into strands and looks like 

pasta, the pesto adds color and 

richness, the pumpkin seeds and 

Chinese chives add textures and 

crunch, and the dehydrated 

tomatoes add an element of 

sweetness to the dish. 

MAIN INGREDIENTS 

6 cups zucchini grated or cut 

into long strands 

1 carrot finely grated 

1/2 cup Chinese chives cut into 

1 inch sticks 

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved 

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes 

dehydrated* 

1/4 cup organic pumpkin seeds 

*Tomatoes can be dehydrated in 

a gas oven using the heat 

generated by the pilot light. Cut 

the tomatoes in half and placing 

them on a non-stick baking 

sheet skin side down and let 

them slowly dehydrate in the 

oven overnight. An easy 

alternative is to purchase good 

quality sun dried tomatoes 

PESTO 

1/4 cup lemon juice 

1 cup organic pumpkin seeds 

1/2 tsp raw garlic 

1 cup fresh basil 

1 cup fresh parsley 

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 

2 tbsp nutritional yeast 

Lemon zest from one lemon 

Fresh ground pepper to taste 

Combine all ingredients in a 

blender or food processor and 

process till smooth 

ALMOND CHEESE 

1 cup almonds 

1/4 cup nutritional yeast 

Lemon zest from one lemon 

1 tsp sea salt 

Small pitch cayenne pepper 

Grind all ingredients in a food 

processor. Continue to process 

until oil begins to release from 

the almonds and the mixture 

develops a slightly crumbly 

texture. The mixture should 

38

Music 

resemble dried Parmesan cheese. 

FINAL PREPARATION 

In a large stainless steel bowl 

combine all the vegetable 

ingredients except pumpkin 

seeds. 

Add pesto sauce in an amount 

that thoroughly coats the 

vegetables. 

Portion the vegetable and pesto 

mixture onto four dinner plates 

Sprinkle with dish with two 

tablespoons of almond cheese 

and a small handful of 

pumpkin seeds. 

Garnish with fresh basil leaves 

and serve. 

Moosa is Executive Chef at Life 

Cafe, an eco-friendly organic 

vegetarian restaurant at 10 

Shelley Street, Central, Hong 

Kong. FOr more information 

www.lifecafe.com.hk or +852 

2810 9777 

Inspired by the Mother, Mata, by Daphne Tse 

American-born, Ubud-based Daphne Tse has re-mastered and 

released a soulful album called Mata. Mata is Sanskrit for mother 

and all six songs on the album are dedicated to the Divine Mother 

spirit. Daphne says she has been inspired by her own mother, who 

raised six children, Mother Teresa, after whom the first song is 

named and her 89-year-old Chinese grandmother whom she says 

personifies longevity, love and life. 

The songs are a blend of spiritual and contemporary folk. Daphne 

studied music at The University of Texas in Austin, The Old Town 

School of Folk Music in Chicago and kirtan music with Jai Uttal in 

Guatemala. She was formerly Shiva Rea’s manager. 

Mata is available in Hong Kong from all Pure Yoga boutiques, Life 

Café, New Age Bookshop. It is also available for download from 

iTunes, Amazon.com, CdBaby.com 

Crossword Solution 

ACROSS 

1. Maalaasana, 6. Dhanuraasana, 

7. Lolaasana, 8. Setu, 11. Bandhaasana 

12. Paashaasana, 14. Tola, 16. Gomukha, 18. Naava, 19. Parvata, 20. 

Parighaasana 

DOWN 

1. Mandalaasana, 2. Dandaasana, 3. Laghuvajraasana, 4. Halaasana, 5. 

Paryankaasana, 8. Urdhva , 10. Utkata, 13. Chakra, 15. Yoga, 17. 

Vajra 

39

Retreat Review 

Yogini Power! 

Joanna Pearce 

One meaning of the word ‘retreat’ is 

‘to step back’. This was certainly 

applicable to my first yoga retreat 

in Chiang Mai, Thailand in January. As one 

Chinese lunar year drew to a close, and 

another began, a group of yoginis from all 

corners of the globe gathered for the annual 

women’s yoga and meditation retreat led by 

Sara Avant Stover and Ouyporn 

Kournkaew. For those living in Hong 

Kong, we are so often drawn into the hectic 

and energetic vibration of our city that we 

sometimes lose sight of the inner peace we 

seek in our yoga practice. A yoga retreat is 

the perfect opportunity to step back and reconnect. 

The retreat was held at the centre created by 

the International Women’s Partnership for 

Peace and Justice founded by Ouyporn 

Kournkaew and Ginger Norwood. This is a 

local, spiritual-based feminist organisation 

working to support grass roots women’s 

activism in Thailand and Asia. The village is 

located 40 minutes north of Chiang Mai 

and the land surrounding the village has a 

long history as a gathering place for female 

healers. All the mud buildings within the 

centre, including the guest house, were built 

solely by women. 

We soon settled into the spirit of 

communal living and opened the retreat 

with a candlelit circle on the first night. Each 

woman shared her hopes and intentions for 

the retreat and you could already feel the 

potential for growth and discovery within 

the group. Our daily routine for the 

duration of the 10-day retreat began with a 

self-led dawn meditation, followed by a 

dynamic morning yoga session led by Sara. 

After a delicious authentic Thai breakfast, we 

met with Ouyporn to discuss the emotional 

blocks we experience in our lives and how 

Buddhist teachings and meditation practices 

can help us to overcome the problems we 

face. Each woman opened her heart to 

express the struggles she has faced in her life 

and, as a group, we helped each other to 

release and let go. At first, it was difficult to 

open up with people that we had only just 

met but gradually we bonded and 

supported each other in our own unique 

ways. Every woman brought her own 

strengths to the group and it was truly 

humbling to come together in a circle and 

share our love and compassion. 

Women have been gathering in circles for 

centuries and it is a very powerful experience. 

During the afternoon break we were free to 

explore the local village where Ouyporn was 

born and enjoy traditional Thai massage 

from the local women. We gathered for late 

afternoon sessions daily with Sara including 

yin yoga, women’s health, ecstatic dance and 

sacred feminine rituals. At sunset, we began 

our practise of noble silence on beautiful 

walks through the surrounding rice fields. 

This is such a magical time of day and now 

that I am back in Hong Kong, I close my 

eyes whenever I am at that busy zebra 

crossing in Central and imagine myself back 

in the serenity of the rice fields at sunset 

walking with my fellow goddesses. We 

closed each day of the retreat with a 

meditation session led by Ouyporn in the 

temple, including a powerful ‘loving 

kindness’ meditation on the final night. 

Having the opportunity to connect with so 

many inspiring women and fully participate 

in a community of feminine energy was 

wonderful. We laughed together, cried 

together, danced together, and, most of all, 

we supported each other along the journey. 

If, like me, you have never been on retreat 

before and are nervous about making the 

leap then I encourage you to have 

confidence and self-belief. At the end of the 

retreat, we all agreed that there truly is a deep 

valley of feminine power within each of us 

and we rejoiced in being women! 

For information visit: 

www.fourmermaids.com / 

www.womenforpeaceandjustice.org 

Joanna has recently 

completed a yoga 

teacher training and is 

a volunteer writer and 

editor for Namaskar. 

40

Workshop Review 

Joy & Love with Faeq Biria 

Karen Lam 

Faeq Biria, one of the closest disciples of Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar, comes to Hong Kong 

every two or three years and his recent visit was a five-day intensive workshop at the 

Iyengar Yoga Center of Hong Kong. It was the first time I had attended a workshop 

with him and had been told students celebrate the completion of his intensives by printing 

t-shirts reading ‘I survived Faeq Biria’s Intensives!’ Although I was intimidated before the 

workshop, Faeq made his entrance with a 

big smile and shiny eyes. I had no time to 

tackle my fear as I was so exhausted after 

the first day I began to wonder if I would 

be able to print the same t-shirt! 

Faeq did not break for lunch or rest until he 

had finished his teaching for each session. 

His daily routine consisted of awakening 

the body, asana practice and pranayama in 

the morning, followed by restorative poses, 

asana, backbends, inversions and relaxation 

in the afternoon. 

There were mini-sequences on shoulder 

openings in seated poses or on ropes, and 

hip openings with variations in supine 

poses, inversions and backbends. Faeq 

explained most practitioners have a lot of 

energy stored in their shoulders and hips. 

He carefully and thoughtfully built up the asana practices to cleanse the body and remove 

our energy blocks. His initial cleansing process was at the anatomical level and he gave us 

lots of tips to open up the body. For instance, he pointed us to the vector on our hands 

when doing adho mukha svanasana (downward dog). He explained while aligning the arms 

with the middle finger is the classical pose, those with tight shoulders may practice with 

alignment along the index finger to feel a greater opening. To deepen this pose, he 

suggested we try bifurcating from the elbow and knee to stretch the upper and lower arm, 

thigh and calf in the opposite direction in order to relax and stretch further and further! 

FAEQ (CENTER) INTRODUCES YOGA KURUNTA 

Karen’s been practicing 

since 1999 and manages 

Yoga Central in Hong 

Kong. She enjoys 

working with teachers 

from different lineages. 


www.yogacentral.com.hk 

To speed up the opening of the body, Faeq introduced Yoga Kurunta (yoga on ropes) on 

the second day. These wall rope asanas helped us to open up and align the inner body with 

spinal movements and shoulder opening stretches. Movements in quick succession created 

an energy circulation like keeping the fire on after the water has boiled. 

Each day Faeq gave us a mini-lecture before pranayama. As the space between skin and 

flesh, flesh and bone began to open, the inner body or the energy sheath started to unfold. 

I still remember Faeq said there were four dimensions for extension of the breath: vertical, 

horizontal, depth and circumferential. We were taught to sensitize the breath in our lower 

back in addition to our diaphragm and chest. Eventually the whole body, including the 

skin, could breathe in pranayama. 

Faeq has sharp eyes and was quick to move and adjust us while holding an asana. If we 

showed signs of fatigue he ignited our interest with his funny incidents when practicing 

with Mr. Iyengar, or with myths about the sages related to the pose. My personal favorite is 

that yogis are never meant to be rich financially as a result of a curse by Lakshmi. Hopefully 

that implies yogis are rich in the mind, body and spirit! 

41

Workshop Review 

Gently Does it 

Valerie Wilson Trower 

Dylan’s Ashtanga workshop, at Pure 

Yoga in Hong Kong recently, was 

one of the gentlest I could ever 

imagine for students in terms of 

developing their practice. He stressed that 

yoga is a form of meditation, and the focus 

of a yoga practice was the practice of stilling 

the mind. 

Reassuring students there was no need to 

practice yoga to lose weight, he told them 

two handfuls of fat was fine. Each student 

gave their name and described their yoga 

practice, one confessed trepidation at being 

in the class at all! Starting gently in Child’s 

pose, the class moved through Down dog 

whilst Dylan talked to them, explaining 

linking the breathe to movement, the Sun 

Salutations, and the first standing poses. 

leg at a time was okay if it was ‘too much.’ 

A variation with hands on the mat was 

offered for the Bridge, and Dylan took great 

42 

Describing the vinyasa as their first 

challenge, Dylan made it sound easy, 

effortless, and with a little joking on the 

side, even fun. Instead of the flexed 

description of toes in the seated poses he 

used ‘Toes are up!’ - much easier to 

understand. A variation in Maricharasana B - 

with the calf on the opposite thigh, instead 

of tucked in half-lotus allowed those with 

tight knees to feel that they were getting the 

pose. Students were encouraged to attempt 

Maricharasana D, or to repeat C if it was a bit 

too much. This was followed by Dylan’s 

description of Navasana: ‘A pose we can all 

enjoy!’ The pace was easy, not rushed, but 

students moved through the sequence at a 

reasonable pace: although the room was 

full, no one was dripping wet and the 

windows were not steamed up as they often 

become during morning Mysore practice. 

Occasionally, Dylan demonstrated to make 

students laugh and feel better about their 

efforts, showing the full vinyasa with a 

handstand as an example of not allowing 

yoga to inflate the ego. As the vinyasa began 

to get exhausting for many students he 

demonstrated the lift between poses, and 

described Chaturanga, repeated so frequently, 

as ‘your new best friend.’ After 

Bhujapindasana, Dylan skipped Kurmasana 

and Supta Kurmasana, but encouraged 

students to drop their legs from Supta 

Konasana to the mat, explaining bending 

their knees was counter-intuitive, but one 

DYLAN HELPS A STUDENT WITH HER PRASARITA 

care to ensure students were careful in the 

Headstand, skipping some of the other 

inverted closing sequence to finish with a 

‘nice vinyasa’, and the last three poses. I 

watched students attempting poses that 

they hadn’t previously in an encouraging 

atmosphere, and observed how hard some 

tried to master a pose. In three hours Dylan 

showed students what an Ashtanga practice 

might be and gave most of them 

something to aim for. As one student in 

the changing room told me afterwards: 

“You do Hatha and Power and you think 

you are fit, and then you come to 

Ashtanga!” She looked into the distance 

clearly seeing a whole different level of 

practice! Dylan’s gentle three-hour workshop 

was enough for most students, but not too 

long that it deterred them from coming to 

an Ashtanga class. 

Valerie practices 

Ashtanga yoga, Mysore 

style, and leads Hatha 

yoga stretches for the 

Siddha Meditation 

Path.

Teacher Training Review 

Planting the Seed 

Virginia Morris 

With much anticipation, 25 yoga enthusiasts arrived from all corners of the world in Koh Samui on 1 st March for a four-week 

intensive Yoga Teacher Training with Michel Besnard of Yogasana. Sitting in the discussion circle on that first night, I was struck 

by the diversity of the group – in age, experience, background and philosophy. Students from around Asia were joined by 

others who had travelled from as far afield as South Africa, Canada, UK, Denmark and Sweden. 

Some had found the courage to embrace their passion for yoga, quitting their job to attend the course. Others were already instructors 

looking to deepen their practice. Many, like me, were there to achieve a life goal – to become a certified yoga teacher. All were present for 

their love of yoga and looking to dedicate themselves to the four weeks ahead. 

Michel’s teaching philosophy was evident from that first evening. Over the month he led us on our yoga journey with clear and sensitive 

guidance, encouraging us to listen to the needs of our bodies without pushing or straining, ensuring we made space for our own 

understanding. Daily we heard his guidance 

of “create space for yourself ”, “let the breath 

lead the posture” and ultimately, “teach 

what you practice”. 

I had chosen this course over others as I had 

practiced with Michel at his Yogasana studio 

in Hong Kong and many of my favourite 

teachers were taught by Michel. His energy, 

charisma and compassion combined with a 

fiery passion, makes him an inspiring and 

motivating teacher. Michel is highly 

knowledgeable, intuitive and approachable 

and provided us with a safe and trusting 

environment to learn and grow in our yoga 

practice and beyond. 

MICHEL EXPLAINS THE FINER POINTS OF SETU BANDHASANA 

Having practised yoga for over 10 years, I 

had been exposed to many styles of yoga 

with dedication to Ashtanga from 2006. As 

a direct student of both B.K.S. Iyengar and 

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Michel brings a unique 

approach to the study of Ashtanga – 

combining this beautiful practice of 

synchronising the flow of breath and 

movement with a keen focus on alignment. 

Ultimately, Michel encouraged everyone to 

take the practice seriously, but never 

themselves. The ego was not a welcome 

partner in our training. 

The intensity of the programme built up over the weeks with the various teaching faculty arriving to engage us in 

their specialty topics. We learnt through our own experience of asana, bandhas, shat karma, pranayama, functional 

anatomy, sequencing, adjusting, Ayurveda, engaging debates on yoga philosophy plus the unusual and intriguing 

topic of Neuro Linguistic Programming for yoga teachers. 

The intensity of the experience will stay with us all as an important milestone in our journeys of both yoga and life. 

In 200 hours the seed was planted. Our task now is to practice and germinate it. 

Virginia is the Director of Vie Vision Yoga in Hong Kong. yoga@vievision.com 

43

Book Review 

In the Sanctuary of the 

Soul, A Guide to Effective 

Prayer 

by Paramahansa Yogananda 

Reviewed by Tia Sinha 

In this slim book, Paramahansa Yogananda, 

one of the greatest yogis India has ever 

seen, 

teaches us to pray the way saints, sages and 

mystics have prayed over the centuries, the 

way that brings life-transforming responses. 

The hallmark of Pramahansa Yogananda’s 

teaching is that God is not remote or 

unapproachable. Indeed, that Divine One is 

‘the nearest of the near, dearest of the dear, 

closer than the closest, just behind our 

thoughts and feelings, just behind the 

words with which we pray’. 

Prayer is a demand of the soul. For 

Paramahansa Yogananda, faith and prayer 

to God were not wishful thinking or 

unprovable belief. His was a scientific 

approach to prayer, which yields direct 

results and experience. True prayer is an 

expression of, and urge from, the soul. It is 

a hunger for God that arises from within. 

According to Yogananda, the secret of 

effective prayer is to change one’s status 

from beggar to child of God. When one 

appeals to God from that consciousness, an 

intimate relationship is established with 

God and prayer has power and wisdom. 

The question arises, what does one pray for? 

Isn’t the law of karma, of cause and effect, 

unchangeable? Yogananda answers the law 

of karma is immutable. God cannot be 

moved by flattery or by praise to change the 

course of His unchangeable, immutable 

laws. Yet, God is both law and love. The 

devotee who with pure devotion and faith, 

seeks the unconditional love of God, and 

who also brings his actions into harmony 

with divine law, or dharma, will surely 

receive the purifying and mitigating touch 

of God. 

One must remove from one’s mind all 

doubt God will answer. Most people don’t 

get any response because of their disbelief. 

Every prayer uttered represents a desire. But 

when one finds God, all desires vanish and 

there is no need for prayer. But till one finds 

God, it helps to pray! The highest prayer is 

for God himself. We think that we want 

human love and prosperity, but behind 

these, it is God who is calling us. If we 

realize that He is greater than all His gifts, 

we will find Him. 

Every page of this book brims with words 

spoken from the depths of Paramahansa 

Yogananda’s heart. 

Tia writes to us from 

Dharamshala in the 

Himalayas, where she is 

studying Buddhist texts 

and the Tibetan 

language at the Library 

of Tibetan Works and 

Archives. 

NAMASKAR LISTING AND DISPLAY ADVERTISING RATES FOR 2009 

Outside back cover HK$20,000 210 mm x 297 mm 

Inside front cover HK$2,500 210 mm x 297 mm 

Inside back cover HK$2,000 210 mm x 297 mm 

Full page HK$1,500 210 mm x 297 mm 

1/2 page HK$900 188 mm x 130.5 mm horizontal 

92 mm x 275 mm vertical 

1/4 page HK$500 92 mm X 130.5 mm 

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Teacher listing HK$500 (January - October 2009) 

Studio listing HK$1,000 (January - October 2009) 

Advertisements should be submitted as high resolution .tiff or .jpg format(no .ai files please). 

Advertising fees are payable in Hong Kong dollars only to: 

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For more information call (852) 9460 1967 or email: fgairns@netvigator.com 

44

Tia’s Crossword 

Our ancient yogis saw the Divine in all 

beings and in all things. This crossword 

contains names of asanas inspired by 

inanimate objects. 

For the first time ever in these yoga 

crosswords, there’s a cryptic clue hiding 

somewhere! Good luck! 

But in case you need a little help, the 

solution can be found on page 39. 

ACROSS 

1. Posture named after a garland. (10) 

6. Posture named after a boat. (12) 

7. Jumble ‘a nasal AOL’ to give a posture 

inspired by an earring. (9) 

9. & 11 ACROSS. Bridge pose from 

jumbling ‘Satan a husband? Ee!’ (4,11) 

11. See 9 ACROSS. 

12. Posture inspired by a noose. (11) 

14. Jumble ‘a lot’ to give a pan of a scale, an 

inspiration for an asana. (4) 

16. Jumble ‘hug amok’ to give a musical 

instrument and also a cow. (7) 

18. Turbulent Havana loses initially to give a 

boat in Sanskrit. (5) 

19. Jumble ‘trap Ava’ to give a mountain, an 

inspiration for a certain asana. (7) 

20. Side stretch inspired by a locked gate. 

(12) 

DOWN 

1. Jumble ‘Aaa! A man lands’ to give a 

posture inspired by a ring. (12) 

2. Jumble ‘a sad Ananda’ to give the staff 

pose. (10) 

3. Jumble ‘laugh as a van ajar’ to give a 

backbend inspired by a little thunderbolt. 

(15) 

4. ‘A nasal aha’, when jumbled, gives the 

plough pose. (9) 

5. Jumble ‘any parka asana’ to give a 

postured inspired by a bed. (13) 

8. & 6 ACROSS. Urdhva Dhanuraasana – 

Upward facing bow or wheel pose. (6,12) 

10. …… asana or chair pose. (6) 

13. …… asana or wheel pose. (6) 

15 & 2 DOWN. ‘Dandy as a Goan? Aa!’ 

Jumble to give an arm balance named after 

the staff of a yogin. (4,10) 

17. …… asana or diamond pose. (5) 

45

Chants 

Following are some chants saluting the 

Guru from the Sivananda Chant Book 

courtesy of Tia Sinha. 

brahmaanandam paramsukhadam kevalam gyaanamurtim 

dvandvaateetam gagansadrisham 

tattvamasyaadilakshyam 

ekam nityam vimalamachalam sarvadheesaakshibhootam 

bhaavaateetam trigunarahitam 

sadgurum tam namaami 

Embodiment of supreme bliss, bestower of bliss, embodiment of the highest wisdom, 

unaffected by pairs of opposites, vast and accommodative as space, 

whose teaching is based on the statement, That Thou Art, 

one without a second, eternal, pure and unmoving, the witness, 

beyond our common thinking, possessing not the three qualities, 

I offer all my efforts to that Teacher. 

chaitanyam shaashvatam shaantam niraakaaram niranjanam ? 

naadabindu kalaateetam tasmai shree gurve namah 

Consciousness, eternal, peaceful, formless, taintless, 

beyond space and sound, I offer all my efforts to that Teacher. 

agyyaana timiraandhasya gyaanaanjan shalaakayaa 

chakshurunmeeleetam yena tasmai shree gurve namah 

The embodiment of prosperity, who has opened, with the anointing stick of knowledge, 

my eyes blinded by ignorance, I offer all my efforts to that Teacher. 

dhyaanamoolam gurormoortim poojaamoolam gurorpadam 

mantramoolam gurorvaakyam mokshamoolam gurorkripaa 

The Guru’s form (or image) is to be meditated upon first, 

the feet of the Guru should be worshipped first, 

the Guru’s words should be regarded as mantra or Gospel Truth 

and the Guru’s grace will bestow liberation on us. 

gururbrahmaa gururvishnuh gururdevo maheshwarah 

gurusaakshaat param brahma tasmai shree gurve namah 

Creator, sustainer, destroyer, 

the absolute supreme reality, I offer all my efforts to that Teacher. 

46 

om sahanaavavatu, sahanau bhunaktu sahaveeryam karavaavahai 

tejasvinaa vadheetamastu maa vidhvishaavahai 

om shaantih shaantih shaantih 

May the Lord indeed, protect both (teacher and me) of us. 

May he indeed nourish both of us. 

May we together acquire the capacity to study and understand the scriptures. 

May our study be brilliant. 

May we not disagree with each other.

Yoga Teachers & Studios 

Sangeeta Ahuja 

Life Management Yoga Centre 

Non-profit Classical Yoga School 

d: TST 

s: Patanjali yoga, Kids yoga, 

Seniors yoga, Corporates 

l: English, Cantonese 

t: (852) 2191 9651 

e: life@yoga.org.hk 

w: www.yoga.org.hk 

Michel Besnard 

Yogasana 

s: Ashtanga 

l: English 

t: (852)2511 8892 / 9527 6691 

e: info@yogasana.com.hk 

Kathy Cook 

The Iyengar Yoga Centre of 

Hong Kong, LRC, Privates, 

workshops 

d: Hong Kong 

s: Iyengar (Junior Intermediate 

Certification) 

l: English 

t: (852) 6292 5440 

e: kcinasia@netvigator.com 

w: www.yogawithkathy.com 

FURLA YOGA 

FURLA Aoyama Boutique 4F, 

Kita-Aoyama 3-5-20, Minato-ku, 

Tokyo, Japan 107-0061 

s: Hatha, Anusara-Inspired, 

Prenatal & Postnatal, Meditation 

e: yoga@furlajapan.com 

w: www.furla.co.jp/yoga 

IYENGAR YOGA CENTRE 

INDONESIA 

Ruko Simprug Gallery 

Jl. Teuku Nyak Arif No 10W 

Jakarta 12220, Indonesia 

s: Iyengar 

t:(6221)739 6904 & (6281)110 

7880 

e:info@iyengaryogaindonesia.com 

w:iyengaryogaindonesia.com 


OF HONG KONG 

Room 406 New 

Victory House, 93- 103 Wing Lok 

St., Sheung Wan, Hong Kong 

s: Iyengar 

t: (852) 2541 0401 

e: info@iyengaryogahongkong.com 

w: iyengaryogahongkong.com 


SINGAPORE 

149B Neil Road 

Singapore 088875 

s: Iyengar 

t:(65) 9052 3102 & 6220 4048 

e:info@iyengaryogasingapore.com 

w: iyengaryogasingapore.com 

Hari Amrit Kaur (Kaldora) 

Privates, workshops 

d: Central, Discovery Bay 

s: Kundalini Yoga, Radiant Child 

Yoga 


t: (852) 6428 5168 

e: kaldora_lee@hotmail.com 

w: kaldora.wordpress.com 

Ming Lee 

Privates, workshops 

s: Iyengar Certified teacher 

l: English, Cantonese, Putonghua 

t: (852) 9188 1277 

e: minglee@yogawithming.com 

Ursula Moser 


Hong Kong 

d: Central 

s: Iyengar certified 

l: English, German 

t: (852) 2918 1798 

e: umoser@netvigator.com 

MYOGETSU-BO YOGA 

STUDIO 

2381 Sannai, Nikko-City, Tochigi, 

Japan 321-1431 

s: Hatha classes, retreats, weekend 

packages 

t: (81) 02 8853 1541 

t: (81) 03 3452 0334 

f: (81) 03 5730 8452 

e: info@econikko.com 

w: www.econikko.com/e/ 

Anna Ng 

Privates 

d: Hong Kong 

s: Hatha yoga 

l: Cantonese 

t: (852) 9483 1167 

e: gazebofl@netvigator.com 

PRIYA YOGA 

Unit 312 My Loft, No.9 Hoi Wing 

Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong 

s: Ashtanga,Hatha,Pranayama & 

Meditation, Prenatal & Postnatal, 

Kids, Yin & Dance 

t: (852) 6051-3213 

e: info@priyayoga.com 

w: www.priyayoga.com.hk 

PURE YOGA 

16/F The Centrium, 60 

Wyndham Street, Central, Hong 

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t: (852) 2971 0055 

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Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 

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14/F The Peninsula Office Tower 

18 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 

Kowloon, Hong Kong 

t: (852) 8129 8800 

9/F Langham Place Office Tower, 

8 Argyle Street, Kowloon, Hong 

Kong 

t: (852) 3691 3691 

9/F Langham Place Office Tower, 

8 Argyle Street, Kowloon, Hong 

Kong 

t: (852) 3691 3691 

4/F Lincoln House, TaiKoo Place, 

979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, 

Hong Kong 

t: (852) 8129 1188 

391A Orchard Road, #18-00 Ngee 

Ann City Tower A, Singapore 

t: (65) 6733 8863 

30 Raffles Place, 04-00 Chevron 

House, Singapore 

t: (65) 6304 2257 

151 Chung Hsiao East Road, Sec 

4, Taipei, Taiwan 

t: (886) 02 8161 7888 

s: Hot, Power, Hatha, Yin, 

Ashtanga, Dance, Kids 


e: info@pure-yoga.com 

Linda Shevloff 


Hong Kong 

d: Sheung Wan 

s: Iyengar Certified (Senior 

Intermediate I) 

t: (852) 2541 0401 

e: linda@ 

iyengaryogahongkong.com 

SPACE YOGA 

26 F, No. 27, An-Ho Road, 

Section 1, Taipei 106, Taiwan 

s: Hatha, Ashtanga, Anusara 

Inspired, Flow, Yin, Restorative, 

Power, Hot, Meditation, 

Pranayama, Virya Sadhana, and 

Yoga Dance 

l: English and Mandarin 

t: +886 2 2773.8108 

e: info@withinspace.com 

w: www.withinspace.com 

THE YOGA ROOM 

3/F Xiu Ping Building, 104 

Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong 

Kong 

s:Hatha, Ashtanga, Kids yoga, 

Meditation 

t: (852) 2544 8398 

e: info@yogaroomhk.com 

w: www.yogaroomhk.com 

YOGA CENTRAL 

4/F Kai Kwong House, 13 

Wyndham Street, Central, Hong 

Kong 

s: Iyengar, Hatha Vinyasa, 

Acroyoga, Mat-based Pilates, 

Privates, Corporate and Studio 

rental available. 

t: (852) 2982 4308 

e: yogacentralhk@yahoo.com 

w: yogacentral.com.hk 

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47

48

Namaskar - July 2009

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