Surely by now you’ve seen the original, if not minorly scandalous Equinox yoga video, featuring Briohny Smyth. Well, it’s a great week for the yoga world now that humorist Michael A. Stusser (“The Dead Guy Interviews”) takes his yoga skills to the next level with a spot on parody of the original.

The Parody…

VS.

The Original…

Stusser’s interview about the video with Well+GoodNYC has some great lines…

W+G: As a humorist, was doing a parody an immediate idea or did it occur to you during savasana epiphany?

MS: I’m sure I got the idea while stoned out of my mind and blaring Deer Tick but I seriously don’t remember. Before I even did the video, a lot of people had mentioned how much my practice looked like this woman, Briohny Smyth’s – who I’d never heard of. So it might have had something to do with that…

I think they look just about the same, yes/no? Good fun though…

Blending history with a dash of yogic humor, Boonchu Tanti’s Ashtanga yoga illustrations capture the essence of the joy and playfulness of yoga.

If you enjoyed the first clip you may be interested in checking out Maria’s

Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series

Ashtanga Yoga teacher Maria Villella demonstrates the entire Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series with strength, grace and control. As you watch, and listen, to the video you will hear the vinyasas for each posture counted, the names of the postures as well as the opening and closing prayers all spoken in Sanskrit.

The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga is known for hip-openers, forward bends as well as Ashtanga Yoga’s trademark ‘jumping back’ and ‘jumping through’ vinyasas to connect the seated postures. Movement coordinated with proper breathing, bandha (internal energy locks) and drishti (gaze) is emphasized in this practice. The Primary Series begins with five Surya Namaskara A’s and B’s followed by the Fundamental Asana which are often referred to as the “standing postures”. Following the standing postures is a series of Seated Postures, and finally the Finishing Postures. In the Ashtanga Yoga system, the First or Primary Series is performed by all beginners and also intermediate and advanced students at least one day per week.

Maria Villella was filmed as she performed her personal practice in a Yoga studio in Santa Monica, California. None of the video was enhanced by special effects such as slow-motion, etc. Maria Villella has been practicing Ashtanga Yoga since 2001 and teaching since 2003. The Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series that Maria is seen performing in this documentary style video represents the practice as she learned it from her teacher.

Available for digital download here.

From Yoga to the People’s homepage:

Something to think about.

Hinduism, as a faith tradition, stands at this pass a victim of overt intellectual property theft, absence of trademark protections and the facile complicity of generations of Hindu yogis, gurus, swamis and others that offered up a religion’s spiritual wealth at the altar of crass commercialism.

“Facile complicity” sounds very bad.  A bold assertion that goes a bit far, I believe, in questioning the intent of the early pioneers and yogis who helped establish a uniquely American yoga tradition, which was certainly influenced just as much by early adopters in America as those few Indians who left home to share an ancient, yet new philosophy and way of life.  Nonetheless, questions remain about the “ownership” of the true origins of yoga.

Of course, no one stands to argue that yoga hasn’t commercialized itself in true capitalistic fashion and sold itself to the masses; however, I’m curious to know how Daily Cup of Yoga’s faithful readers feel about the melting pot of American yoga, the blending of Western thought/religion/heritage with an Eastern (oops…dare I say Hindu…) philosophical tradition.  In the age of the hybrid vehicle, it seems as if yoga easily lends itself to those open to hybrid religion.

Finally, despite his annoyance with what he believes to be intellectual and historical blindness, Mr. Shukla appears to soften, and perhaps weaken, his argument when he acknowledges the universal benefits yoga has for those from any religious background.

All of this is not to contend, of course, that yoga is only for Hindus. Yoga is Hinduism’s gift to humanity to follow, practice and experience. No one can ever be asked to leave their own religion or reject their own theologies or to convert to a pluralistic tradition such as Hinduism. Yoga asks only that one follow the path of yoga for it will necessarily lead one to become a better Hindu, Christian, Jew or Muslim. Yoga, like its Hindu origins, does not offer ways to believe in God; it offers ways to know God.

As for myself, I don’t really know who owns yoga or whether the little yogi stick figures carved into the Mohenjo-Daro stones were Hindus or not, but I’m definitely a hybrid guy who’s happy to have discovered the beautiful and unique, perhaps one-of-a-kind unifying gem, called yoga.

Happily, I recently discovered that every single page of Yoga Journal, all the way from issue number 1, which was 10 pages and cost 75 cents back in 1975, to the glossy-covered December 2008 issue, are chronicled on Google Books for our reading pleasure.  Hundreds of issues available at the click of a button.  The entire issue, for free!   Certainly makes the eventual separation from the physical copy less difficult.  I highly recommend checking out Yoga Journal on Google Books and enjoying a veritable journey through the history of yoga in the United States over the last 35 years.  It’s definitely interesting to observe the evolution of the magazine cover.

In order to gain the unsurpassable bliss of the Self, the yogin willingly adopts a life of strict discipline.  The aspirant begins by carefully regulating his or her moral behavior.  This forms the bedrock of all types of Yoga.  Reduced to its bare bones, yogic morality is the recognition of the universal Self in all other beings.  The various moral rules expounded in the Yoga scriptures are a symbolic bow to the Self within the other person.  Thus Yoga morality is inseparable from Yoga metaphysics.  In their moral conduct, the yogins aspire to preserve the moral order of the cosmos within the limited orbit of their personal existence.  In other words, they seek to uphold the ideals of harmony and balance.  This endeavor is by no means unique to Yoga.  Rather the moral code followed by its practitioners is universal and can be found in all the great religious traditions of the world.

As the American social critic Theodore Roszak correctly understood, the yogin’s first step must necessarily be a moral one:

“[H]igher consciousness is born out of conscience.  ‘Consciousness’/'conscience’: the very words are related, reminding us that we cannot expect to expand spiritual awareness unless we also expand our moral awareness of right and wrong, good and evil.  Later perhaps there will be ecstatic harmonies beyond the description of words in which the good and the evil of the world will be revealed as, mysteriously, the two hands of God.  But only the soul that has honestly cast out violence, greed, and deception may begin the ascent to that lofty vision…

“Surely too many Western practitioners of yoga are playing trivial games with the psychic and physiological spin-off of the divine science.  They learn to clearn their sinuses, to mitigate their migraine, to flirt with the joys of the kundalini.  Perhaps, besides achieving an enviable muscle tone, they even happen upon occasional intimations of samadhi.  But all these achievements become barbarous trifles if we forget that yoga, like all spiritual culture, is a life discipline and a moral wisdom.”

A few thoughts on staying inspired…

And by the way, the Authentic Yoga app just keeps getting better. Version 1.3 now lets you create your own yoga routines.

Namaste!

Find out more about B.K.S. Iyengar’s remarkable life at his official B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga website or at the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States website.

Yoga is an art, a science and a philosophy. It touches the life of man at every level: physical, mental, spiritual. It is a practical method for making one’s life purposeful, useful and noble. — B.K.S. Iyengar

The book that made Iyengar a yoga icon:  Light on Yoga

The Ashtanga Method:

Opening Prayer

Fundamental Asanas

Primary Asanas

Finishing Asanas

Closing Prayer

ashtanga yoga

The Ashtanga Yoga system is a living lineage that dates back nearly five thousand years in an unbroken line of teachers, sages and gurus that culminates in the life of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, his grandson Sharath Rangaswamy and every Ashtanga practitioner today. Developed by TKV Krishnamacharya and his student Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois who tells us that it was derived from the ancient indian text, the Yoga Kurunta, written by Vamana Rishi. Krishnamacharya is one of the world’s most legendary masters of yoga. He was initiated into the science of Yoga by his Guru, Rama Mohan Brahmachari. Among Krishnamacharya’s students we find TKV Desikachar (his son), BKS Iyengar and Indra Devi along side Jois who studied with him from 1927 and into the 1950’s. Jois, or Guruji as he is affectionately called by his students, continued the lineage of these teachings, sharing them with thousands of practitioners around the world (learn more HERE).

the practice

The Ashtanga Yoga Vinyasa system is sequences of postures that vary in difficulty and benefit. The flow between each posture is an integral part of the practice.

asana

There are three groups of movement sequences and six series in total: The Primary Series, Yoga Chikitsa, cleanses and tunes especially the physical body. The Intermediate Series, Nadi Shodhana, purifies the nervous system, opening up for more subtle experiences of our energies and mind. The Advanced Series A, B, C and D, Sthira Bhaga, literally meaning strength and grace, which further explores flexibility, vigor and tranquility as an integrated synergy, requiring higher levels of humility and dedication. Each series of postures must be accomplished before proceeding to the next. The practice is cumulative and it is essential to follow the order of postures (asanas) meticulously as each individual asana builds on the previous one and prepares practitioners for the next. The sequential process of learning Ashtanga Yoga allows its practitioners to develop the concentration, strength, flexibility and stamina needed to progress in a safe and balanced manner. Each asana, or group of asanas, has a specific effect that is counter balanced by the previous asana, or group of asanas.

breath

Breathing cannot be overemphasized in the Ashtanga system. When we are born we breathe in and when we die we breathe out – in between these two breathes our life spans. Guruji says: ‘Ashtanga practice is a breathing practice … the rest is just bending’. The breath is the key to the realm of tranquility and power and with it we can regulate and control our nervous system. The breath is the door between our body and our mind, the portal between meditation and asana practice and often the first step on the way to a more spiritual, soulful and happy lifestyle. Breathing is our most fundamental and vital act and holds a divine essence.

vinyasa

Postures are linked together through flowing movement (vinyasa). Vinyasa means breath synchronized with movement. In Ashtanga Yoga the movement is always synchronized with the breath and there is never a separation between the two actions. When the synchronization of movement and breathing is an integral part of the yoga practice and the three body locks (Moolabandha, Udiyanabandha and jalandarabandha) are applied, an internal, purifying heat is generated in the body. Unwanted toxins are released and disposed of, vital hormones and minerals flow into the bloodstream and the nervous system is purified. The result is a light and strong body.

tristana

Ashtanga Yoga utilizes a three-pronged approach called Tristana. Tristana consists of correct breathing (Ujjayi)*, yoga postures/asanas (including correct use of the bandhas)**, and the precise gazing (dristi)***. This is both a method and a state and practitioners develop control of the senses, a deep awareness of themsleves and their inner sensations, emotions and workings of the mind. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion, practitioners develop steadiness of body and mind.

heart of yoga

Ashtanga literally means eight limbs. All yoga is technically speaking ashtanga yoga as all yoga follows the eight limbs described by Patanjali. But these days the term is commonly used to describe the method taught by Jois. The eight limbs are described by Patanjali as:

• Yama (ethical discipline):
  ahimsa (non-violence)
  satya (truthfulness)
  asteya (non-stealing)
  brahmacharya (refraining from sexual indulgence)
  aparigraha (detachment)
• Niyama (observation & purification):
  sauca (cleanliness, purity) santosha (contentment)
  tapah (austerity)
  svadhyaya (study towards self-knowledge)
  ishwara-pranidhana (surrender to God/higher self)
• Asana (postures)
• Pranayama (breath control)
• Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
• Dharana (concentration)
• Dhyana (meditation)
• Samadhi (consciousness itself)

The eight branches mutually support each other and are to be learned and taken into daily committed action. An established asana practice prepares dedicated yogis for a balanced practice of the more subtle limbs such as pranayama which are the key to embodying the yamas and niyamas. The heart of yoga is ethical living, honesty and compassion.

how to learn

Please note that you should learn only from a traditionally trained teacher who follows the lineage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to ensure a safe and healthy journey for the body and mind into the science of the Ashtanga Method to yoga.

* Ujjayi breath (breath of victory): The core of the practice. Facilitates movement in the physical body, creating ‘room to roam‘ between your bones underneath your skin. Quiets the mind from unnecessary entanglements, distributes appropriate energy through-out your body and unifies the physical, mental and energetic bodies to one solid entity of motion, transformation and power. Generates purifying heat in the body.

** Bandha (valves or locks): Moolabandha, Uddiyanabandha and Jalandarabandha helps you integrate your physical and energy bodies. Through the use of the three bandhas in your practice, the body comes together to one entity, creating bounce, flow and grace. It accumulates the generation of purifying heat deep in your body and, yet again, makes for a strong internal focus point for your mind to rest.

*** Dristi (focus): The eyes as a help to focus the mind, instigating a more internal and potentially meditative practice. Helps keep your mind and senses within the parameters of your physical body.

[Source: YogaJoy]

Here’s a few podcasts that I downloaded (you can right-click on the links to save the files to your computer):

Yoga as a Spiritual Path Miami Friday Night Workshop Talk 2010 Part 1.

Guided Full Primary Series Richmond.

Miami Old Shala Q&A with Kino & Tim – The Ashtanga Yoga Method and Teaching Beginners.

In addition to the podcast page, the rest of the Miami Life Center website is chock-full of  yogic wisdom for those seeking deeper insight into yoga practice.  I plan on spending quite a bit of time there.  Too bad I’m not closer to Miami so I could actually take some classes there.  Not much Ashtanga yoga going on in my neck of the Florida panhandle…as far as I know…

In a perfect world (or in a world where money grows from trees), yoga would be freely accessible to all. There would be no such thing as $100 spandex pants or exorbitant yearly pass prices. Unfortunately, the world is not a perfect place – nor does money grow from trees.

Let’s face it – I’m far from rich. In fact, I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum. I’m a student. In other words, I survive off student loans and the clearance rack at the grocery store, which offers brown bananas and bread that expires that day. Living on a student budget and immersing myself in yoga has been challenging, to say the least. There have been times when I have neglected my practice completely for weeks due to financial or time constraints. At these moments, I feel guilty; guilty for putting yoga on the back burner and not making my practice a priority in my life.

Lately, I’ve been hit hard by a wave of yogic desire, and I’m itching to start a regular practice again. I spend most of my free time researching yoga studios, festivals and workshops, and then staring sadly at my empty bank account. I’m a bad yogini, I tell myself. Real yogis and yoginis travel to Yoga Journal conferences and study with master teachers. Real yogis and yoginis do asana practice at real studios with real teachers.

Then, suddenly, I came to a realization. I realized that my definition of yoga had been tainted and warped by the influence of the modern world. Yoga isn’t only about sporting the top-of-the-line clothing and accessories, and studying with “yoga celebrities”. That’s probably the worst interpretation of yoga there is. Yoga is a lifestyle, a conscious decision to make the world around you a better place. Just because I practice to online videos on a mat in my room doesn’t make it any less worthwhile. I am living my yoga when I do kind things, when I act with mindfulness and intention. Each day I embrace the true principles of the yamas and niyamas, I am engaging myself in the practice of yoga. So what did I learn today? I learned yoga doesn’t equate to dollar signs, and that I can be a true yogini after all.

In the first edition (which corresponds to the March 2010 issue of the magazine), you can practice along with the video versions of the Home Practice and Master Class columns and watch a demo of a few of the Sun Salutation variations highlighted in the feature story “Shine on Me.”

Based on initial impression, LiveMag looks to be a great complementary feature to the printed asana instruction in the physical magazine.  I definitely look forward to this and future editions.  Here’s the videos of the Yoga Journal Editor’s introduction to LiveMag as well as the featured Home Practice article.

What do you think?  Is this a useful feature for you?

Introduction to LiveMag | Yoga Journal Editor Kaitlin Quistgaard

Home Practice Video Sequence | YogaJournal

Any recommendations for iPhone yoga apps?  I’m possibly in the market, but don’t want to waste money on something that’s not top-notch.

If you’re looking for a little motivation to re-jumpstart your New Year’s intention to make yoga a habit, this weekend, 23 January 2010, to be specific, looks like an excellent time to head over to the local yoga studio for Yoga Day USA.  Read more about Yoga Day USA and find a “free – or nearly free” yoga class in your neighborhood.

Here are 10 really great reasons for cultivating the yoga habit:

1. Stress relief
2. Pain relief
3. Better breathing
4. Flexibility
5. Increased strength
6. Weight management
7. Improved circulation
8. Cardiovascular conditioning
9. Focus on the present
10. Inner peace

Also, check out this snazzy Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga poster.  I love cool yoga posters.

Question of the day:  Can Yoga Save the World?

Er, maybe not, but you’re more than welcome to enjoy the singular experience of brushing up on your Sun Salutation skills with everyone’s favorite frog.

.

There’s more where that came from….

[inspired by YogaDork]

Related products

• Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual
• Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice–First Series With David Swenson

For the last couple weeks, both myself and my four year old daughter, Kennedy, have enjoyed lining up our yoga mats and practicing to the DVD.  It’s not too long and it’s not too short.  Kennedy is a great yoga buddy and it makes me laugh every time she calls downward facing dog “hot dog.”

One of the interesting things about Hillary’s new DVD is that I didn’t really pay attention to the title of the practice, “Yoga Foundations,” until after I was partway through it the first time and started thinking to myself how grounded my body felt as I implemented the various corrections Hillary suggested.  I was surprised at how some of the subtle adjustments Hillary recommended entirely changed the way certain poses felt.  While the main practice is not too complex or physically demanding, it effectively does what it sets out to do:  create and cultivate a strong foundation.  Highly recommended for those looking for an easy-to-follow introducation to yoga.  Kennedy gives it two thumbs up.

The Evolution of Asana, originally uploaded by Claire Rose.

Posted in art, yoga Tagged: asana, evolution of asana, yoga ]]> http://dailycupofyoga.com/2009/01/18/the-evolution-of-asana/feed/ 2 evolution_of_asana bc call evolution_of_asana