Competitive Yoga? Olympics?

http://s.nyt.com/u/Cod

Read this recently published NY Times story and see the included video.


What do you think? Should Yoga become an Olympics event?

Patanjali's Sutras - Unplugged and Deconstructed

Although more than familiar with the 196 sutras of Patanjali's these past 25 years, of most immediate interest is the different ways in which they connect (and disconnect).

First, select 3-5 different translations and commentaries.
Then, read and reflect on the translations themselves.
Only then, consider the commentaries.
Next, perform a comparative study, referencing and cross-referencing.

What did you learn?

My sense is that we, as sincere students and practitioners of Yoga (Yuj/Union), have an obligation to ourselves and each other to balance "holy writ" with life practice. I have come to believe that Yoga practice (and philosophical study) can be indispensable instruments for not only coping, but succeeding in realizing a transformative and transcendent life experience.

Gandhiji Appears on Google

www.labnol.org/internet/google-gandhi-logo/10171/



Not since the appearance of modern India's other beloved transformative figure, Rabindrinath Tagore, has Google included a representative from South Central Asia in their icon.



As cultural icons, how do you think the two compare? One as a key political figure in the liberation of India; the other as a recipient of the Nobel Peace Price in Literature?



What similar historical figures existed for you in the 20th century US?



What can we learn from Gandhiji and how can we apply it to the 21st century?

Bandhas/Mula Bandha

Over the past several weeks, we have been integrating Bandha practice into our Asana/Pranayama practice. First, we started with the Mula (Root) Bandha and then have worked our way upward through the body, including Uddayani, Jihva and Jalandhara Bandha. There has also been an emphasis on Ujjayi Pranayama.

As requested, I am posting one of many articles that may be found online regarding Bandha practice. I especially want to recommend the last paragraph. In particular, please consider the two concepts of Antara and Bahya Sadhana.

The link to the article is www.doashtanga.com/mula.

Your Yoga Poses Aren't 5,000 Years Old...

Your Yoga Poses Aren't 5,000 Years Old: A New Perspective On "Old " Yoga





http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sadie-nadini/your-yoga-poses-arent-500_b_272821.html





Thanks, W!

Life and Music/Alan Watts

Life and Music, From Recordings of Alan Watts

http://www.neticons.net/music_life/

Does this seem strangely familiar?


Thanks J!

Top 10 Reasons Not To Do Yoga

Top 10 Reasons Not To Do Yoga


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sadie-nandini/top-10-reasons-not-to-do_b_260935.html


Thanks W!