Author Archives: Jean-Claude Garnier

Kollywood, the major movie studios to visit in Chennai

The major film studios are nicknamed Kollywood. They compete with those of Bombay …(Bollywood). There are the AVM studios and the Prasad studios. Unlike the Bombay studios, they are generally open to visitors.

You must have the luck to pass by on a day where there is a shooting.

I attended a filming in the Prasad studios, and found it very amusing, especially because of the contrast between some very basic logistics and some hyper sophisticated equipment. The cardboard decorations with the colour remaining stuck on my fingers were not bad either !

 

India remains the largest producer of films in the world.
The film industry in India is the largest in the world, 4 times that of Hollywood

These films have a huge success in India, but also in Indonesia, Iraq, Africa: Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria etc..

Why do we know almost nothing of this cinema, here?

It has the reputation of being superficial, kitsch, without artistic creativity. Always the same stories with variations on the theme of love or the struggle of good against evil, and the actors play very stereotypical roles. The characteristics of these movies are: they last over 3 hours; the scenarios are always interspersed with songs (5-6 songs), music and sumptuous choreographies, a finely tuned mixture as the spices in a curry

Movies, songs

Very commercial, this cinema meets the public expectations who require several dances, a love story, comedy, melodrama, all according to a carefully balanced mixture like the spices in a “masala” or a “curry”.
Unlike Hollywood where music is a genre in itself, in Indian cinema, songs and dances are an integral part of the unfolding of the story and screenplay.
It is a cinema, standardized to the extreme and famous for it’s kitsch. In fact, it is simply a different cinematic language to ours. As explained by Anne-Gaëlle Doshi, consultant in the seventh art of the subcontinent :
“Indian cinema has very strict and very Indian codes traveling poorly in the West, which is what causes the reluctance, but once these codes are acquired and have been accepted, it can be lots of fun.”

 

The year 2013 saw the centenary of the Indian film industry: “100 Years Of Indian Cinema industry.”

 

Photos :

Videos :

South India and music :

A glimpse on Madras – Chennai :

For Tamil movies :

And also the site :

Visit of the temple of Kapaleeswarar in Chennai.

The temple of Kapaleeswarar in Mylapore, from the Pallava era (8th century), was rebuilt by the Vijayanagara kings. The tower at the entrance of the temple or “Gopura” was erected in accordance with the architectural features of the Dravidian style: a pyramidal portico decorated with polychrome statues drawn from the Hindu mythology.

It refers to the story when Shiva got angry because of the disrespectful behaviour of Brahma towards his daughter Sarasvati, and cut off one of his five heads (cf. Matsyara-Purâna III, 32 and Bhâvagata-Purâna III).

Among the magnificent bronze sculptures are the 63 shivaist Saints, named Nayanmars.

It is worth noting under an old tree, Punnai, the sanctuary devoted to the goddess Parvathi in the form of a peacock, venerating Shiva. The name of Mylapore originated from this legend. “Mayil” which in Tamil means peacock and “ore” town.

Next to the temple, offerings (garlands of flowers, coconuts, incense and perfumes are on sale.

The religious festival of Arubathumoovar takes place every year in March-April at Mylapore. It lasts several days. There is a procession of a statue of Shiva around a sacred pool, mounted on a huge char (12 meters high), called Ratha, drawn by about a hundred Indian pilgrims in ecstasy.

Opening hours Phone
5 am to 11 am
4 pm to 21.30 pm		 24 94 16 70

 

The National Art Gallery in Chennai is a “must”.

The Government Museum, the National Art Gallery and the Connemara Library :

If there is one place to visit in Chennai, it is the National Art Gallery. It is a treat for amateurs of art, paintings and sculpture.

To day, the same site accommodates the Government Museum, the National Art Gallery and the Connemara Public Library.

The Government Museum was built in 1851. It houses an exceptional collection of bronzes from South India, ancient and modern, among them the superb statues of Shiva Nataraja, Parvathi, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman.

 

There are also sections dedicated to geology and anthropology, not very interesting

In the Amravati gallery, several rare marble sculptures dating back to the second century (CE) are exhibited. They show important events of Gautama Buddha’s his life. The sculptures were discovered during excavations on the site of Buddhist ruins in Amravati. Bronzes from the 10th to the 13th centuries and popular crafts from the 11th and 12th centuries are also to be found there.

In the National Art Gallery some magnificent paintings dating back to the 16th and 17th century from Rajasthan during the Mogul period are exhibited, along with Deccan art of the 18th century.

Entrance fees Opening time Closed on Telephone
Adult 15,00 INR 9h30 till 17h30 Friday 28193238
Child 10,00 INR

 

 

Visiting the manufacturing company of the famous Royal Enfield motorbikes.

In a time of mass production, a ROYAL ENFIELD is a rare product. It is an old-style motorbike, manually assembled with love, developed and conceived with mastery in such a away that each item is a unique design. Originally fabricated in the UK, it is now made in South India.

Its timeless line and its splendid mechanics are elements that have made it prosper in the suburbs of Chennai. The film, “Handcrafted In Chennai” is a tribute to the people who manifacture the beloved Enfield…

 

SITUATION : The manufacturing company is located in Thiruvottiyur, north Chennai.

WHEN : Only the second and the fourth Saturday of each month.

SCHEDULE : The factory tour starts at 9:15 am, followed by a « briefing » at 9: 30. The tour of the factory starts at 10: 15 am.

PRICE : Actually, 600 INR / pers. Please give a tip to your « guide ».

SUBSCRIPTION : there are many visitors so subscription is required in advance.

Video :

Website :

By car, two hours and a half away from Mahābalipuram

We recommend that you visit Chennai, a big sprawling town, near Mahābalipuram.

Chennai,

Like many other large towns in India, Madras which has been renamed “Chennai” in 1996 (7 millions inhabitants), may seem at first disconcerting and hostile for the traveller who has just arrived.

Road traffic as in any other Indian town is dense, noisy and colourful. Notwithstanding the town has some charm. The cultural life is vibrant and the beaches are beautiful.

The gateway to South India

In fact to appreciate Chennai one has to accept to spend some time, enough to discover the wealth of its cultural heritage. Though the absence of major monuments means few tourists visit the capital of Dravidian art.

Some of the great and exciting things to do and see in Chennai:

  • Going for a stroll on the immense Marina Beach on a Friday or Saturday after sunset. It attracts a huge crowd of Indians in festive mood. On offer are: shooting, riding horse, foodstalls, drinks (sugar cane juice), merry-go-round for children and adults, shops with flashy and twinkling gadgets. One can also have his or her photograph taken with a cardboard cut effigy of a Bollywood star. Expect a long queue, etc…
  • The Governement Art Gallery, a must see
  • The temple of Kapaleeswarar
  • the Theosophical Society, south of Chennai
  • the Kollywood Studios which compete with Bollywood in Mombai. The first silent film in Tamil was shot in 1916. The AVM and Prasad Studios are opened to the public.
  • The factory of the legendray Royal Enfield motorbikes
  • San Thome Cathedral (St. Thomas), Mount St. Thomas (for its view of the city of Chennai and Little Mount.


Little Mount.

Individual yoga classes for pregnant women

In Brussels, an Individual prenatal yoga class will allow you to interact with your body and your unborn child, alone or in a small group of friends (reservation required)

Prenatal Ashtanga Yoga: you will have the opportunity to get accurate answers to all the questions you might have.

Yoga is an ancient art coming from India. It promotes self-discovery through simple gestures and postures, breathing awareness, relaxation and mind calming.

Taught by Jean Claude Garnier, the prenatal yoga is a special time to take care of yourself and your unborn child.

These classes are adapted to all women – at any stage of their pregnancy (the sooner, the better of course) – who want, thanks to their practice of Ashtanga yoga, to :

  • Relax and release tension
  • Get a better postural balance in everyday life
  • Learn how to synchronize breathing and body movement, and to learn how to listen to themself.
  • Build a strong relationship with themself and their future child.
  • An individual course is tailored to personal needs, body, breath and coordination abilities. A session designed to meet your specific needs with an individual follow-up.
  • Help and facilitate the delivery
  • A fast recovery

This practice enables you to relax and stay focused while working on your body through a number of specific postures. You’ll fully and smoothly experience your pregnancy and its transformation process. You’ll work to get ready for your delivery thanks to specific breathing exercises and the strengthening of your perineum.

 Getting to know your baby

From the beginning of your practice, you’ll feel your baby moving more and more in your belly. Both you and your baby will benefit from these moments of well-being. During these individual classes for pregnant women, you will learn the basics of haptonomy that will help you to bond with your baby. In utero, the baby is already whole person. This class will enable you to dialogue with your future child.

After delivery, Yoga enables you to stay connected with yourself

Birth is a very rich but often a very intense experience. You may want to relax and focus on yourself. Depending on your experience and your personal needs, Yoga classes can resume quickly after delivery. Through private lessons you’ll be able to progressively regain energy and strength in your body. Particular attention will be paid to toning your muscles (the control of the pelvic floor is a significant aspect of Ashtanga Yoga)

For further info concerning pregnancy:

Individual yoga classes for beginners or for advanced practitioners (wishing to get specific coaching)

An individual class is accessible to everyone, especially beginners.

Taught by Jean Claude Garnier, private classes offer an ideal opportunity to better understand the subtle mechanisms of yoga and enjoy its numerous benefits.

These courses are particularly suitable for people who have stopped their sport and physical activity, and who wish to regain it through the practice of Ashtanga yoga :

  • Tonus, relaxation, tension relief
  • Better postural balance
  • Synchronization of breath and body movement that will help you listen to yourself and build a healthy relationship with yourself, and with others
  • An individual class completely tailored to your personal/body capacities, breathing and coordination. A session designed to meet your needs with an individual follow-up.

This individual practice will allow you to gain :

Harmonization:

The basic practice will facilitate a harmonious relationship body/breath.

 

Restructuration :

  • It allows beginners and experienced practitioners, through a proper use of breath, to improve postural and breathing practices.
  • A personalized therapeutic support to relieve discomfort and injury

Individual classes for advanced practitioners

You will improve/deepen your Ashtanga Yoga practice. This class will enable you to receive a personal “training” focused on a better adjustment in the advanced series (second, third and fourth series …), both in the postures and in the Vinyasa.

You will be able to get precise answers to all the questions you may have

Prices for the lessons Yoga Ashtanga Institute 2024/2025

Single course
Required membership
1 lesson / trial lesson
1 private lesson		Price
30 €
30 €
100 €		 
Valid 1 year from September to September
1h30
1h only by appointment
Card
10 lessons
20 lessons
30 lessons		Price
180 €
300 €
410 €
Or 18 € the course Valid 3 months
Or 15 € the course Valid 3 months
Or 13,6 € the course Valid 3 months
Subscription
Annual 1 class / week
Annual 2 class / week
Annual 2 class / week		Price  
670 €
1200 €
1600 €
Valid 1 year from September to september
Valid 1 year from September to september
Valid 1 year from September to september
Intensive Morning
1 morning
2 mornings
10 mornings		Price
60 €
115 € 
540 €
3h
3h x 2 the samee week-end
Valid 1 year from September to June
Workshop in India
Half session
One session
Two sessions
Three sessions
Trainning		Price
280 €
460 €
850 €
1250 €
1460 €
One week from monday to friday (morning)
Two weeks from monday to friday (morning)
Three weeks from monday to friday (morning)
Six weeks from monday to friday (morning)
Four weeks from monday to friday (morning+afternoon)
Workshop in Greece
Athens – October / November
Athens – April
Athens – June / July		Price
Ask
Ask
Ask
nikzog70@gmail.com  00 30 69 77 80 92 21
nikzog70@gmail.com  00 30 69 77 80 92 21
katarizou@gmail.com  00 30 69 97 90 22 90

The room is equipped with a ventilation system, an air purifier device that measures the air quality with UV treatment

To offer a lesson, go too “Go” boutique ! 

Payment in Euros by :
International postal order (Very low cost) addressed to :
JCG – SCS, Ashtanga Yoga Institute
Chaussée d’Alsemberg, 610
1180 Brussels – Belgium
Bank transfer – Bank :
ING – Uccle DE BUE – 1180 Brussels –
Telephone: 00.32.2 348 47 80 – Fax: 00.32.2 348 47 89
SWIFT or BIC de la ING : BB RU BE BB 
IBAN: BE 34 3630 0145 0390
Account n° ING 363-0014503-90Cancellation fee: 100 € per person

You can gather a small group of friends (3 or 4 people) and discover Ashtanga Yoga together. Choose the time of your lesson and organize a session adapted to your needs, learn the basics or go deeper into the method.

The instruction given at the Ashtanga Yoga of Brussels is true to the Yoga Korunta transmitted by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at the l’Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore – Karnataka South India.

Teachers who regularly gives classes at the Ashtanga Yoga Institute are: Jean Claude Garnier, Jan Janssen, Sergine Laloux, and the team of substitute teachers: Annette, Bernadette, Catherine, Ivan, Mary, Simon …

Gaja Lakshmi

Gaja Lakshmi

Financial difficulty ! So it is not an obstacle, contact the Institute by mail or letter.

The sequence of rhythmic postures: the sun salutation

The Sun Salutation or Sūryanamaskāra is a dynamic sequence of postures; it is a ritual in honor of the rising sun. This prepares the postural work that gives warmth to the body, the heart and soul.

Sunrise at Mahabalipuram

Sunrise at Mahabalipuram

Originally, the Sun Salutation is a ritual, a morning prayer, in honor of the rising sun.

“Surya” (sun) and “Namaskara” (salutation), and “prostration” are Sanskrit terms. This dynamic sequence of postures is native to Iran; it arrived in India with the Parsi, who consider the Sun Salutation as a religious duty.

The sun salutation is used in the Ashtanga Yoga

The notorious Mysore salutations, called “A” & “B” have been transmitted by Sri Krishnamacharya & Sri Pattabhi Jois. These greetings serve as a transition between postures and as a postural preparation.

  • Warm-up (muscles)
  • Release of large articulations
  • Limbering up of the spine
  • Exercises done with the synchronization of the breath (Viniyasa)

“ if the government itself understood its usefulness, and made the practice of yogāsana, the Sūryanamaskāra, and their traditions compulsory for all students in all educational institutions, boys and girls, it would help to render their lives pure, it would be render a great service to the world ”.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

 Sūrya Namaskāra A :

Tadāsana, Uttanāsana A, Uttanāsana B, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Ûrdhva Mukha Svanāsana, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Adhomukha Svanāsana, Uttanāsana B, Uttanāsana A, Tadāsana, Samasthitiḥ.

Salutation au soleil A

Sūrya Namaskāra B :

Tadāsana, Utkatâsana, Uttanāsana A, Uttanāsana B, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Ûrdhva Mukha Svanâsana, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Adhomukha Svanâsana, Vīrabhadrāsana A, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Ûrdhva Mukha Svanāsana, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Adhomukha Svanâsana, Vīrabhadrāsana A, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Ûrdhva Mukha Svanāsana, Chaturanga Dandāsana, Adhomukha Svanâsana, Uttanāsana B, Uttanāsana A, Utkatâsana, Samasthitiḥ.

There is therefore always a movement during which we inhale followed by one during which we exhale.

Salutation au soleil B

Benefits of practicing Sūryanamaskāra (The Sun Salutation)

Regular rhythmic practice (every day) will gradually provide you with perfect health:

  • It softens and strengthens the muscles of the body
  • It activates intestinal regulation by increasing digestive fire
  • It purifies and develops the lungs and heart

Sūryanamaskāra will help you develop willpower, stamina, mental strength; all of them are qualities that are essential to achieve the goal of Yoga. It is a meditation in action.

All yoga practitioners know the Sun Salutation

Power Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Vinyasa Flow and other Yoga methods use the Salutation.

This is “the” Yoga technique that uses the cardiovascular system. It provides heat and considerable energy. André Van Lysebeth quickly taught the sun salutation to increase heartbeat and heat.

Sūryanamaskā, André Van Lysebeth

Sūryanamaskā, André Van Lysebeth

 

Other forms of salutations according to traditions

There are Buddhist or Muslim salutations, the Tibetan prostrations (“The Five Tibetans”). In India there is the Raja Aundh salutation, originating from Sivananda, which is well known in Europe thanks to André Van Lysebeth.

Finally, less known, is the Moon Salutation used in the Tantric tradition (Chandra Namaskara)

Information about Ashtanga Yoga classes

You should arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the class starts. Registration and payment is done with the teacher after the class.

All classes last an hour and a half. Classes are given throughout the year from September to July. They are progressive but it is possible to join a class at any time during the year.

The intensive mornings last three hours.

Before joining an advanced class, please contact us.

Please contact the Institute by phone or email for any general information or for details of private or prenatal classes or about starting a new class. (DO NOT COME TO THE INSTITUTE)

tapis-de-yoga 

Some reminders about the practice of Ashtanga Yoga

  • It is essential that you arrive on time. The series starts with the warm-up.
  • You must have to practice on an empty stomach.
  • Your clothing needs to be comfortable, light and flexible. You will practise barefoot.
  • You don’t need to be supple, it is the yoga that will make you supple
  • Please turn off your phone.
  • If you have injures, are pregnant or are under medical treatment, please inform the teacher before the class.
  • Avoid wearing strong perfume.
  • Flip-flops or shoes are not allowed in the yoga studio.
  • It is not Bikram Yoga; it is preferable not to drink any water just before or during class. After class it is recommended to wait 20 to 30 minutes before drinking water
  • Be prepared to sweat !
    If you are lucky enough to sweat a lot, it is necessary to have a personal yoga towel ( Taille : 183 cm X 60 cm) to place on the mat to protect it. The towel can be washed after each practice easily … The Yoga towel has a microfiber side, which will absorb perspiration during practice and a rubber face to avoid slipping during postures of supports etc. Attention: Washing of a microfibre towel: 40 ° maximum – No dryer or dry cleaning, no bleach or softener.