Tag Archives: Ashtanga Yoga

Yoga teacher Marie Wittock

Sivananda Yoga is a traditional form of Haṭha Yoga from Northern India, which includes two breathing exercises, 12 main postures and relaxation episodes. The sequence is always the same, on a calm and progressive rhythm. The regularity of the postures invites you to a greater control of these, as well as to a clear evolution of your practice. The attention is put on the breathing and the relaxation, in order to relax the psychic and the body, to go deeper in each posture and to enter meditation. This type of Yoga is for all levels. A Sivananda course lasts 1h30.

Her passions for yoga and cooking have always guided Mary: yoga is what first awakened her the appetite for better nutrition. After living for 3 months in an ashram, his daily life completely changed! Apart from daily meditations and regular postures, healthy eating (vegetarian) is an aspect of yogic life she could discover. His interests in the philosophy of Yoga and the health of the body and mind encouraged him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (2016).

Marie has been teaching yoga since 2013 and continues to enrich her practice and knowledge through various learning experiences. She is currently training as a yoga teacher in Ashtanga Yoga, with Jean-Claude Garnier.

Marie Wittock – La Meilleure Part

Best of yourself with yoga & food

+32 474/53.82.93 –

www.lameilleurepart.com

 

Yoga alternate teacher, Alice Haumont, training

 

Trained in dance (classical and contemporary) in my childhood, graduate and researcher in Philosophy (Free University of Brussels, 1994-2004), I found in the practice of Ashtanga Yoga the meeting point of these two passions.

This discovery of Ashtanga Yoga constitutes for me a true discipline as well as a deep tool of self-knowledge. This led me to undertake the training of a teacher taught by Jean-Claude Garnier, of whom I have been faithful to the teaching for several years.

“Simply be present with your own shifting energies
and with unpredictability of life as it unfolds.”
K. Pattabhi Jois.

Contact information :

 

 

AshtangaNews

In this part “blog”, you can consult news directly or indirectly related to Yoga as well as articles in the press, talk with us by offering other articles, and reviews !

Complete Sanskrit: A Comprehensive Guide to Reading and Understanding Sanskrit, with Original Texts: (Book only) Learn to read, write, speak and understand a new language with Teach Yourself Paperback – 25 Jun 2010

Designed for complete beginners, and tested for years with real learners, Complete Sanskrit offers a bridge from the textbook to the real world, enabling you to learn the grammar, understand the vocabulary and even how to translate the inscriptions and texts from this ancient and religiously significant Indian language.

Structured around authentic material, and introducing the Devangari script for those who wish to take their understanding further, this first updated new edition for some twenty years also features:

 

Links page

On this page you will find the main links that we use, either for the purchase of equipment, or to visit Ashtanga Yoga teacher friends, etc.

Equipment

A specific nature of Ashtanga Yoga, it is that a carpet is enough to practice. Below a list with some addresses for you obtain this material :

  

Web sites on Ashtanga Yoga

Official website of Sri K.Pattabhi Jois, Krishnamacharya, BKS Iyengar

Other sites of our friends

Belgium :

France :

Paris

Rennes (Bretagne)

  • Cécile Dalibard Raout : La Basse Lande, 35190 CARDROC – Telephone : 99.45.82.09
  • http://www.aray.fr Yan & Anne-Marie Le Boucher, Luc Carimalo & Mireille Drouet, etc.

Fourmies (Nord of France)

Greece :

 

DVD or Videos on the traditional Yoga

There are many DVDs and videos concerning the practice of traditional Yoga, Sri T. Krisnamacharya, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, and Sri B.K.S. Iyengar

breath of the gods poster

  • Breath of the Gods. A film by Jan Schmidt-Garre.

Featuring yoga legends B. K. S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, T. K. Sribhashyam, and T. Krishnamacharya.
Modern yoga, that is, the form practiced daily by tens of millions of people around the world, goes back directly to Lord Shiva according to Indian tradition. At the same time, however, modern yoga originated in the early 20th century, a creation of Indian savant T. Krishnamacharya (1888-1989). That story is far less known and is what this film is all about.
Krishnamacharya’s life and teachings are seen through the eyes of the director Jan Schmidt-Garre on his search for authentic yoga. His journey leads him from the legendary students and relatives of Krishnamacharya’s to the source of modern yoga, at the palace of the Maharaja of Mysore. From Pattabhi Jois Jan learns the “Sun salutation”, from Iyengar the “King of Asanas”, the headstand, and finally Sribhashyam reveals to him his father’s secret “Life Saving Yoga Session”.
35 mm, 105 minutes
Director : Jan Schmidt-Garre

Ashtanga Yoga (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois)

  • GURU DVD
    Produced by : Robert Wilkins
    Format : NTSC
    Region: All regions
    Language : English
    Number of Discs: 1
    DVD Release Date: 2006
    Run Time : 28 minutes plus extras

GURU offers never before seen insights into the life of celebrated 90-year-old Ashtanga yoga guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Jois, whose students include Madonna, and who is featured in the next issue of “Vanity Fair” magazine, is certainly a hip guru. But having devoted himself selflessly to yoga throughout his life, is he happy with the accolades of the past few years? What does he actually think of his “foreign” students with their yoga dreams? What do his Western devotees get out of traveling all the way to India to see him? Some would go as far as to say he is an enlightened being . . .

 

Mysore Magic

  • Mysore Magic : Yoga the Source – DVD, released 2012. Directed By R. Alexander Medin. Produced by R. Alexander Medin, James Kambeitz, Angie Swiec Kambeitz.

 

  • Ashtanga Yoga, série I
  • Ashtanga Yoga, série II
  • Ashtanga Yoga, série III & IV
    Very nice videos where one sees Guruji giving lessons, shot 11. 06 89, by Tom SEWELL : www.tomsewell.com
  • Yoga on Maui, with Tim Miller mauiyoga.com
  • Yoga, with Richard FREEMAN.
    A single video, where Richard shows the 1st series with a lot of grace. The instructions are clear and precise. Duration 126′, a 96-page booklet is included. yogaworkshop.com
  • ” The Practice ”, with David SWENSON – Ist series
  • ” The Practice ”, with David SWENSON – II & III séries
    amazon.fr

 

Shri T. Krisnamacharya

Cent ans de béatitude- DVD 

  • 100 Years of Beatitude – DVD edited by the CNRS Images. The ceremony of the 100th anniversary of Shri T. Krishamacharya, November 1998, Chennai.
    In November 1988, in Madras, Shri T. Krishnamacharya, scholar, philosopher, poet, musician, therapist and yoga master, will celebrate its 100 years. One hundred eight Brahman priests were invited to celebrate this anniversary by great sacrifices. The festivities (incantations, fumigations, recitations of prayers, various offerings) are presented in alternation with the practice and teaching of yoga by the great master Sri. T. Krishnamacharya, using archival documents. Is also evoked his exceptional life.
    A film by Jean-François Dars and Anne Papillault. © CNRS Images 2005 (€20)

 

 

  • Krishnamacharya DVD with historic footage now available – Was an Indian Yoga teacher, ayurvedic healer and scholar. Often referred to as “the father of modern yoga.

Krishnamacharya is widely regarded as one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century and is credited with the revival of Hatha Yoga. Some of his best know students were BKS Iyengar, K Pattabhi Jois, Indra Devi, His son TKV Desikachar, AG Mohan and Srivatsa Ramaswami.

http://www.yogahealthfoundation.org/blog/entry/krishnamacharya_dvd_with_historic_footage_now_available#sthash.pKmKASST.dpuf

 

B.K.S Iyengar

Le site officiel : www.bksiyengar.com

Park 5 DVD set

Yoga Journal Presents : Iyengar Intensive at Estes Park 5 DVD set

Live and uncut, over 25 hours of B.K.S Iyengar’s latest teaching from the Yoga Journal 2005 Estes Park Conference. An essential DVD for all Iyengar students and teachers!

In September 2005, Sri B.K.S. Iyengar participated in a much-heralded intensive dedicated to his teaching, held as part of Yoga Journal’s Estes Park Conference. Along with some of Mr. Iyengar’s senior teachers, he provided those assembled with his latest teachings in asana and pranayama. He also made himself accessible to his students through a variety of talks and question and answer sessions.

 

The five DVD set, incorporating 25 hours of content, captures each session of this important event. It displays Mr. Iyengar’s passion, vitality, and mastery of yoga. Blending humor and wisdom, Mr. Iyengar’s presence was even more astounding given his 86 years of age. It was possibly his last visit to the United States, and one that can be thoroughly savored and continually revisited in this DVD format.

 

Mr. Iyengar’s teaching and presence is incorporated in every session of this DVD, including :

 

  1. Three asana classes (580 minutes)
  2. The pranayama classes (282 minutes)
  3. Q&A session with Mr. Iyengar (150 minutes)
  4. Iyengar’s Conference Keynote (62 minutes)
  5. Conversation with Mr. Iyengar (92 minutes)
  6. Master classes with master teachers Manouso Manos and Patricia Walden, which include Mr. Iyengar (257 minutes)
  7. Performance by The Yoga Troup (40 minutes)

http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Journal-Presents-Iyengar-Intensive/dp/B000FI99CW

 

Books on traditional Yoga

There are now many books concerning the practice of traditional Yoga.

  • Ashtanga Yoga (Yoga Korunta) that was taught by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois
  • Shri T. Krisnamacharya
  • K.S. Iyengar

 

Ashtanga Yoga

book_Yoga Mala  Ashtanga Yoga, Le Guide Pratique-David Swenson_

  • Yoga Mala, by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois.

Translation in English of the work written in 1958 by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois in Kanada (the language of Karnataka). Explanations on the philosophy and discipline of yoga, breathing system and questions about the practice of yoga and the benefits of this practice.

  • Guruji : A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Through the Eyes of His Students, by Eddie Stern & Guy Donahaye
    It is a rare and remarkable soul who becomes legendary during the course of his life by virtue of great service to others. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois was such a soul, and through his teaching of yoga, he transformed the lives of countless people. The school in Mysore that he founded and ran for more than sixty years trained students who, through the knowledge they received and their devotion, have helped to spread the daily practice of traditional Ashtanga yoga to tens of thousands around the world…
    Editeur : Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc, Reprint (5 octobre 2012)
    ISBN-10 : 0374532834 
  • Ashtanga Yoga, The Practice Manual, by David Swenson. Personnellement, c’est le livre que je préfère…
    Editeur : Ashtanga Yoga Productions, Édition : 2 Spi (3 février 2007)
    ISBN-10 :     1891252089 
  • Ashtanga Yoga : The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga, by de John C. Scott
    John Scott’s Ashtanga Yoga draws on his expertise as a teacher of this most energetic form of yoga.
    Editeur : Harmony (15 mai 2001)
    ISBN-10 : 0609807862
  • ASHTANGA YOGA, Practice and Philosophy  by Gregor Maehle. An extensive explanation of the fundamental techniques of breath, bandhas and drishti is followed by a detailed and comprehensive study of each posture of the Primary Series,
    Editeur : New World Library – 1 (31 août 2007)
    ISBN-10: 1577316061

 41YDCEFWS1L._SX353_BO1,204,203,200_  ASHTANGA YOGA,-Gregor Maehle

Shri T. Krisnamacharya

Sri T. Krishnamacharya 

  • Nathamuni’s Yoga Rahasya de Sri, presented by Sri T. Krishnamacharya and translated by K. V. Desikachar,
    Editeur : Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, july 1998
    ISBN : 81-87847-18-2

 IMG_1468

  • Yoga Yajnavalkya, by G. Mohan & and Ganesh Mohan, The Yoga Yajnavalkya was considered by the great yogi Sri T. Krishnamacharya to be the most important and authentic classical text on yoga after the Yogasutras of Patanjali. Many other yoga texts, including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita have borrowed verses from this text. The Yoga Yajnavalkya takes the form of a conversation between the sage Yajnavalkya and his wife Gargi. The book is a well-structured presentation, following the eight limbs of yoga. An important feature of this text is the in-depth discussion of the kundalini and sound pranayama practices.
    Publisher : Svastha Yoga, 2nd edition (July 5, 2013)
    ISBN-10 : 9810716486 
  • The Heart of Yoga, by K. V. Desikachar.
    Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who lived to be over 100 years old, was one of the greatest yogis of the modern era. Elements of Krishnamacharya’s teaching have become well known around the world through the work of B. K. S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi, who all studied with Krishnamacharya.
    Editeur : Inner Traditions, 2nd Edition, Revised Edition (1 mars 1999).
    ISBN-10 : 089281764X
  • Krishnamacharya : His Life and Teachings, by G. Mohan & and Ganesh Mohan, In this book, the author, A. G. Mohan, a well-respected yoga teacher and yoga therapist, draws on his own memories and Krishnamacharya’s diaries and recorded material, to present a fascinating view of the man and his teachings, and Mohan’s own warm and inspiring relationship with the master. This portrait of the great teacher is a compelling and informative read for yoga teachers and students who truly want to understand the source of their tradition and practice.
    Publisher : Shambhala, 1 edition (July 13, 2010)
    ISBN-10 : 159030800X
  • The Yoga of the Yogi : The Legacy of T. Krishnamacharya, by Kausthub Desikachar.
    The Yoga of the Yogi This deeply personal biographical tribute by Krishnamacharya’s grandson includes photographs, archival materials, and family recollections that have never been published elsewhere, as well as unique insights into the “master of masters” by some of his most famous students-Indra Devi, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, and T.K.V. Desikachar.
    Editeur : North Point Press, Original (13 septembre 2011)
    ISBN-10: 0865477531

 

B.K.S Iyengar

And of course all the works of Shri B.K.S. Iyengar
Official Website : www.bksiyengar.com

Bible du Yoga

  • Light on Yoga : Yoga Dipika, by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar
    The definitive guide to the philosophy and practice of Yoga–the ancient healing discipline for body and mind–by its greatest living teacher. Light on Yoga provides complete descriptions and illustrations of all the positions and breathing exercises. Features a foreword by Yehudi Menuhin.
    Publisher : Schocken; Revised edition (1979)
    ISBN-10 : 0805210318
  • Light on Prãnãyãma : The Yogic Art of Breathing, by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar
    n this classic yoga best-seller a world-renowned yoga master shares the techniques of breathing together with a comprehensive background of yoga philosophy.
    Publisher : The Crossroad Publishing Company (June 1, 1985)
    ISBN-10: 0824506863
  • Light on Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar,
    BKS Iyengar’s translation and commentary on these ancient yoga sutras has been described as the “bible” of yoga.
    Publisher : Thorsons, New edition edition (October 21, 2002)
    ISBN-10 : 0007145160
  • The Tree of Yoga (Shambhala Classics), by B.K.S. Iyengar
    Iyengar developed a form of yoga that focuses on developing strength, endurance, correct body alignment, as well as flexibility and relaxation. The Iyengar method integrates philosophy, spirituality, and the practice of yoga into everyday living. In The Tree of Yoga, Iyengar offers his thoughts on many practical and philosophical subjects including family life, love and sexuality, health and the healing arts, meditation, death, and Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras.
    Publisher : Shambhala (March 26, 2002)
    ISBN-10 : 1570629013
  • Light on Life : The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom, by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar
    K.S. Iyengar―hailed as “the Michelangelo of yoga” (BBC) and considered by many to be the most important living yoga master―has spent much of his life introducing the modern world to the ancient practice of yoga. Yoga’s popularity is soaring, but its widespread acceptance as an exercise for physical fitness and the recognition of its health benefits have not been matched by an understanding of the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development that the yogic tradition can also offer.
    Publisher : Rodale Books, Reprint edition (September 19, 2006)
    ISBN-10: 1594865248
  • ETC.

cover_nr04_big

 

Green Woods Beach Resort

“Any European who comes to India acquires patience
if he has none, but if he had some, he loses it”

Green Woods Beach Resort
Situated Ottaivadai Cross Street (See the Map)
Mahãbalipuram – 603 104 Tamil Nadu
Fax : 00 91 – 41 14 – 243 318
Mobile : 0091 98 40 29 71 52
Price: between 700 Rs and Rs 800 per day
Mail : greenwoods.resort@yahoo.com

It was here, in 1991 on the highest terrace of the hotel that I lead my first sessions of Ashtanga Yoga in Mahabalipuram, with a “tent” to shelter from the rain and the sun… What memories… There is always this magnificent Ganesh who welcomes you in the centre of the Court.

The Greenwoods Beach Resort is the perfect place to be in the centre of activity in Mahabalipuram, very close to the ocean (3′) and restaurants, but therefore a bit noisy. Unfortunately, only a few trees are left in the beautiful garden.

The 20 rooms of the hotel are divided into standard and executive (low-level). Cleanliness is Indian, which means very average…

Restaurant on the first floor, but without any real charm or flavour.

Friendly home

Rooms are air-conditioned or not, but a little dark.

Wi-Fi available

Down on the ground floor at the rear, is our friend Krishna and his team who give massages and Ayurveda quality treatments.

Ashtanga Yoga News Letter 3 : march 2019

Yoga « way to fullness » … 

The "Hindu Trinity", Brahma, Vishnū, Ćiva.

The “Hindu Trinity”, Brahma, Vishnū, Ćiva.

On the way to the intuition of “non-duality”, we try to be coherent yet if we are honest with ourselves we know how hard it is. For example, you are asked to stand up straight, we think and feel that we are vertical, but if we look in a mirror, we will see that this is an illusion, we have a shoulder higher than the other, the head inclined to one side, the pelvis rotated, a knee bent, the belly forward or backward, more support on one foot, etc.. In short, we are twisted. It is the same in postural yoga practice “asana” (Devanāgarī: आसन). We need an outside perspective to straighten, untwist and align ourselves, in order to go vertical.

During his first meeting with Guruji (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois), Anne expressed “it’s strange, but for the first time in my life I experienced a person other than myself you knew better than me what was good for me … and I trusted … “him.

Transmission of Yoga exists in this relational quality. It is a relationship of love, without love there is nothing of value, we cannot achieve the “Kingdom of Heaven” for a Christian, or what we call “Deep Reality” in Yoga.

The practice of Yoga Mala is a precision work (from the Latin praecisus), i.e. “no split” without division of breathing, movement, concentration, rhythm etc.. It is a work of unification. Hindus, like Christians might say  to live a relationship state of “Trinity.”

Three not two, two is not  one… The Trinity is not a duality and non-duality “advaïta” (Devanāgarī: अ त) is not unity. This is articulated One between “I” and “you” of ourselves, a … A relational One 

«Oh yoguin, ne pratique pas le Yoga sans vinyāsa…»
Vāmana Ṛṣi (devanāgarī : वामन ऋषि)
Yoga Korunta

Forth yoga Korunta  śloka express :

« Trī stanam avalokayé

Āsanam prānāyāma dristhihi »

Translation

The three key points of the method are: posture, breathing and concentration of the gaze.

Shri K. Pattabhi Jois’s comment

The method of yoga Korunta consists of three simultaneously performed points, that are:

a. Posture Āsana : to lengthen and stretch the spine back to ensure good blood circulation;

b. Breathing Pranayama : The wide opened rib cage so that breathing is good, long and soft;

c. Dristhihi : The head in alignment and directed towards one of the nine focus points so that the mind is concentrated. In this way, in your practice, you will not be troubled by what is happening around you and within you.


Guruji (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois), Laksmi Puram, Mysore

Om Shanti,

JC Garnier

The “Pongal”, Arul or with “Tourism Office”…

In Mahābalipuram, you will have the choice between two possibilities to participate in this wonderful celebration, Pongal, one of the most colourful in South India.

Indeed, during your session of Ashtanga Yoga in the month of January you may participate in this rich in colours and music event.

  • The Tourism Office organizes each year for these festivities of Pongal, a visit to a traditional village some km from Mahābalipuram (singing, dancing, puja, etc.).

Pongal in Arul familly

Pongal in Arul familly

  • If you prefer, you can live this event in a traditional Indian family in a small village 4 km from Mahābalipuram, one of our Indian friends “Arul” invites the participants to the session of Ashtanga Yoga to share the Puja ceremony and share the typical Pongal meal.

Masala Dosa (for 2-3 people)

Ingredients:

  • 2 onions
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 2 Green Chile
  • 2 or 3 potatoes
  • Curry leaves
  • Mustard seeds
  • Dal, a handful
  • Turmeric, a pinch
  • Salt

 

 

Preparation:

1 Boil potatoes

 

  1. Cut the vegetables into cubes
  2. Heat oil in a frying pan then add in the order:

a. Mustard
b .Small curry leaves
c .Dal
d. Onion and chilli
e. Tomatoes
f. Turmeric

4.  Cook dosas in a pancake pan
5.  Crush the potatoes by hand and add them to the preparation
6.  Warm all by adding a little water to make a sort of “paste” a bit sticky!

Put preparation on dosa and serve

DOSA(S) :

Dough made from rice and dal powder