january08

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Inside 

JANUARY 2008 

DRISTI SATYA 

Eas 

ase of f the Tan 

antric 

Heart, 7 

Is it possible to be happy with what we 

have when our world pushes us to have 

more? The concept of “Voluntary 

Simplicity” could help. 

Contentment, What a 

Feeling, 9 

It’s hard to strive for contentment / 

Santosha unless we know what it is. 

The Root of Happiness, 

10 

Does Patanjali’s view of happiness have any 

relevance in our modern world? 

SPECIAL FEATURES 

Yoga in Mali, 14 How one yogini is 

empowering people in Africa. 

One hundred and eight, 15 One 

hundred and eight is an often quoted 

number in yoga circles, here’s why. 

Not just Asana, 17 A quick reminder 

of Patanjali’s eight-fold path. 

Living Yoga, 27 Yoga has been a 

cornerstone of this businesswoman’s 

success. 

Teacher Training, 28 What’s 

involved if you want to become qualified as 

an Iyengar teacher. 

Yoga Poem, 29 An Ashtanga novice 

shares her experience. 

Back Pain, 30 One woman’s battle 

living with and treating with back pain. 

REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS 

WORKSHOPS, RETREATS & TEACHER 

TRAININGS, 4 

EVENTS, 12 

FOR TEACHERS, 18 As yoga teachers we must 

be careful to teach only what we know from 

our own experience. 

ANATOMY, 21 Piriformis Syndrome is often 

mistaken for Sciatica. How can we tell the 

difference and what’s the treatment? 

CLASSIC TEXTS, 23 You’ve heard it 

mentioned, but what is The Bhagavad Gita 

really about? 

AYURVEDA, 33 

RECIPES, 34 

WORKSHOP REVIEW, 36 

BOOK REVIEW, 37 

CROSSWORD, 38 

ASANA, 41 

TEACHER & STUDIO LISTINGS, 43 

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 

in Asia. 

For more information, to contribute or to order 

Namaskar, please contact: 

Frances, Editor at fgairns@netvigator.com /+ 852 

9460 1967 

Jenny, Deputy Editor at 

jenthomas@netvigator.com /+852 9889 2022 

Deadline for April 2008 issue: 

March 15, 2008 

3

namaskar 

4 

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

NEWS 

LOCAL YOGA TEACHERS JOIN 

ASIAN FITNESS EDUCATION EXPO, 

HONG KONG 

Dileep Puliyolly, Master Kamal 

and Patrick Creelman are the 

three yoga teachers who will 

joining Asia’s top fitness 

experts at Asian Fitness 

Education Expo 29 th – 30 th 

March at the Hong Kong 

Central Library Exhibition 

Gallery. Dileep, a yoga 

instructor at mYoga and 

California Fitness will be 

present Tantra Yoga – the 

Secret Doctrine. Planet Yoga’s 

Master Kamal will present 

Kryoga Warrior and Kryoga 

Ananda. If you take Pure 

Yoga’s founding teacher 

Patrick’s classes, you’ll either 

be Going with the Flow of 

Anusara Yoga or Struck by 

thunder doing backbends and 

handstands! For more 

information, visit 

www.afeex.org 

NEW TEACHER AT YOGA CENTRAL, 

HONG KONG 

Certified YogaKids teacher, 

Grace Hetherington joins Yoga 

Central this month. She will be 

teaching yoga for kids, teens, 

parents and teachers. For more 

information, visit 

www.yogacentral.com.hk 

FLEX, HONG KONG WELCOMES 

BACK CHILDREN’S TEACHER 

Hema Mirpuri Aswani is back to 

Flex to head up the children’s 

yoga programme, after her 

maternity leave during the 

autumn. Ever-popular with 

“child yogis,” Hema will teach 

yoga classes for children ages 4-7, 

and 8-12 at 4 pm and 5 pm 

respectively, on Mondays at Flex 

Stanley starting January 7 th . For 

younger children, Hema’s 

teaching method incorporates 

playful elements: movements 

are varied to allow for a young 

child’s attention span, often 

incorporating stories involving 

animals and nature. A wider 

range of movements requiring 

both physical strength and 

emotional maturity challenge 

older children, with emphasis 

placed on the ability to 

concentrate and focus. For more 

information, call (852) 2813 

2212. 

MORE ASHTANGA AT FLEX, 

HONG KONG 

Ever wanted to take an 

Ashtanga yoga class, but were 

intimidated to try? Not sure 

what the buzz about the 

“Primary Series” is all about? 

Flex is pleased to offer a new 

class on Thursdays from noon 

– 1:15 pm, led by Laura Walsh. 

This class is designed to take the 

mystery out of Ashtanga by 

leading participants step-by-step 

through the asanas which 

comprise the Primary Series, 

thus prepping them for 

independent or Mysore practice. 

Laura Walsh, a certified 

Ashtanga Yoga instructor, is an 

accomplished triathlete and 

gymnast, with extensive 

anatomical knowledge and deep 

understanding of the body’s 

biomechanics through her 

Pilates trainingLaura pays 

meticulous attention to detail 

and has extensive knowledge of 

asana flow. For more 

information call (852) 2813 

2212. 

SAVASANA FOR YOGASANA, 

HONG KONG 

Popular Hong Kong yoga 

studio, Yogasana, will close after 

5 ½ years in business due to 

increases in rent. The studio, 

which was a pioneer in Ashtanga 

yoga in Hong Kong was run by 

Michel Besnard. Michel will lead 

several teacher trainings in Koh 

Samui then return to his 

adopted Australia to 

contemplate his next move. 

IOGA STUDIO FOR SALE IN HAPPY 

VALLEY, HONG KONG 

Medi-Yoga, the only yoga studio 

in Happy Valley is available for 

sale. Conveniently located next 

to tram station, it was renovated 

just a year and a half ago and is 

in excellent condition with close 

to 100 regular clients. The studio 

is equipped with yoga ropes on 

the walls, straps, blocks, and is 

suitable for Iyengar or other 

styles of Yoga. There is a 

separate office as well as two 

toilets and one shower. The 

ambience is warm with 

adjustable lighting, remote 

ceiling fan and all new airconditioning 

system. The studio 

is being put up for sale because 

the partner in charge of 

operations is immigrating back 

to Canada next year. For more 

information please call Michael 

Cheung on (852) 9027 4455. 

A PARTING LETTER… 

To all those who passed 

through the studio at the 

Mandarin since my arrival in May 

last year...I just wanted to say 

thank you for the opportunity 

to teach and practice with you. 

In order for a teaching situation 

to arise, there has to be a 

student. Without a student 

there is no teacher, and no 

teaching. 

Teaching has become the most 

precious practice for me, as it is 

the gateway discovering what is 

important. What is important? 

Kindness, concern and care for 

one another. To give it a name: 

compassion. This does not 

always mean giving what is 

expected. Chogyam Trungpa 

Rinpoche coined the term, ‘Idiot 

Compassion” giving without 

HEMA ASWANI 

DEELIP PULIYOLLY 

LAURA WALSH 

5

YOGA SENSES, FULLY EQUIPPED 

ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY’S STUNNING POOL 

6 

wisdom. Giving heroin to an 

addict is idiot compassion. True 

compassion is about being fully 

present and awake, in all our 

humanness, and sharing that 

with others: being available to 

others. We share our strengths 

as well as our weaknesses, 

accepting the same in others. 

And when accepting becomes 

difficult, then we offer this as 

fuel to the fire for even deeper 

acceptance, and become grateful 

for the opportunity to grow. 

Thank you for your kind words, 

wishes, gestures and gifts. May 

peace and joy follow you always. 

With love 

Kim Roberts 

KIM ROBERTS 

YENGAR FURNISHED STUDIO 

AVAILABLE, HONG KONG 

Yoga Senses, a fully equipped 

Iyengar yoga studio located at 

Nathan Road in Tsimshatsui is 

available for take over in early 

April 2008. The 1,654 square 

foot studio can accommodate 

up to 20 students. It is fitted 

with long and short wall ropes, 

wall rings, D-rings, and other 

portable props like bolsters, 

blankets, foam blocks, and 

straps. The studio also has a 

mini bar, two shower rooms, 

two toilets, a changing room 

and lockers. For more 

information please call Kitty 

(852) 9438 9995 or e-mail 

001.happy@gmail.com 

ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY OPENS 

SOON, KOH SAMUI 

The owners of Thailand-based 

yoga chain Absolute Yoga are 

opening a full service spa and 

yoga facility in Koh Samui in 

early 2008. Absolute Sanctuary is 

a Moroccan-inspired boutique 

resort designed specifically for 

yoga and detox. The facilities 

include 38 rooms, a specialised 

detox and spa centre, a purposebuilt 

yoga centre, outdoor yoga 

shala, an organic restaurant 

serving delicious and nutritious 

food, a beautiful infinity-edged 

pool and views of the Gulf of 

Thailand. 

Absolute Sanctuary will have 

three signature detox 

programmes. “The Ultimate 

Detox” which claims to give the 

most dramatic results and is a 

structured fasting and colon 

hydrotherapy course. “The 

Living Foods Detox” is a 

modified fasting and colon 

hydrotherapy course with fresh 

“living/raw food” meals. “The 

Vegetarian Detox” includes light 

vegetarian meals. The Yoga 

centre’s facilities have custom 

heating and ventilation, woodfloored 

yoga room (capacity of 

50) stocked with mats and 

props, and locker and shower 

facilities. In addition, there is a 

manicured outdoor lawn area 

and covered shala perfect for 

meditation or yoga classes at 

sunrise. For more information, 

please email 

inquiries@absolutesanctuary.com.

WORKSHOPS 

SRI SRI YOGA WORKSHOP, HONG KONG 

99-year-old Swami Yoganand will be in 

Hong Kong 22 nd – 26 th January 22-26 

teaching a subtle form of yoga called 

Sukshma Yoga. The five-day course will be 

at the Caritas Centre, Caine Road, and 

consists of two hours per day (4 – 6 pm or 

7 – 9 pm) and cost HK$500, with all 

proceeds going to charity. Swani Yoganand 

started practicing yoga at the age of 17 and 

has been practicing Sukshma Vyayam since 

1948. This is an ancient and obscure regime 

which combines subtle yogic warm ups with 

gentle stretching, breathing and relaxation. 

For more information, visit 

www.artofliving.org.hk 

ANDREY LAPPA AT PURE YOGA 

Andrey Lappa, founder of Universal Yoga, 

will be touring all Pure Yoga’s studios ( 25 th 

– 27 th January Singapore, 28 th – 30 th January 

Hong Kong, 1 st – 3 rd February Taipei) 

offering two-day immersions and 

workshops. Universal Yoga is a logical, 

multi-faceted system that can be used by 

anyone living in the modern world. 

Regardless of your level of asana practice, 

this system provides all the techniques for 

the attainment of high spiritual aspirations 

and excellent physical health. For more 

information, please visit www.pureyoga.com 

BIRJOO MEHTA IYENGAR WORKSHOP, 

HONG KONG 

Birjoo Mehta will be leading a yoga 

workshop at The Iyengar Yoga Centre of 

Hong Kong from 25 th – 31 st January. From 

Mumbai, advanced senior practitioner 

Birjoo Mehta has studied with 

B.K.S.Iyengar throughout his life. He brings 

depth and precision to the practice. His 

workshops in Hong Kong are very wellattended. 


www.iyengaryogahongkong.com 

MASTER SUNIL, MACAU 

31 st January sees the long-anticipated arrival 

of Master Sunil at Yoga World, Macau. The 

founder, president and chief teacher of The 

Yoga Training Center in Varanasi, India, he 

is said to have trained hundreds of teachers 

in his unique and transformative style. 

Introduced to yoga at the age of 5, he holds 

a BA in psychology and has complete a sixyear 

degree course in Iyengar yoga through 

the Indian Yoga Federation. For more 

information, please email 

admin@yogaworld.com.mo 

MAYA FIENNES: THE 7 CHAKRAS AT PURE YOGA 

Kundalini yoga teacher and classiscal pianist 

Maya Fiennes will be leading “The Seven 

Chakras through Kundalini Yoga” at Pure 

Yoga around Asia. 16 th – 18 th February in 

Taipei, 19 th – 22 nd February in Hong Kong, 

23 rd – 25 th February in Singapore. Maya will 

lead practitioners through her unique style 

based on the Kundalini method paired with 

original music to awaken the spirit. For 

more information, please email 

events@pure-yoga.com 

JIVAMUKTI SHARON GANNON AND DAVID LIFE 

AT PURE YOGA 

Vanity Fair, in an article titled Planet Yoga 

featured David and Sharon, calling 

Jivamukti Yoga “a bridge between the East 

and the West.” The Jivamukti Yoga Method 

is taught worldwide in Jivamukti Yoga 

Schools in New York, Berlin, Munich, 

London, Toronto, and Detroit. The 

Jivamukti Yoga method is recognized by 

TIME magazine as one of the nine major 

methods of hatha yoga taught in the world 

today, and is featured in the acclaimed 

documentary, “What is Yoga?”. Founders 

Sharon Gannon and David Life will be 

touring Pure Yoga (21 st – 23 rd March in 

Singapore, 24 th – 27 th March in Hong Kong, 

28 th – 31 st March in Taipei). For more 

information, please email events@pureyoga.com 

YOGA THERAPY FOR FEET, KNEES & HIPS, 

HONG KONG 

There will be three workshops hosted by 

Linda Shevloff on various aspects of 

balance at The Iyengar Yoga Centre of 

Hong Kong in January. On 7 th January, 

there’s Feet: Standing on a Firm 

Foundation. This workshop will focus on 

improving flexibility and stability in the feet. 

It will also address problems with fallen 

arches. Then on 14 th January, Knees: 

Aligning the Knees. Here participants will 

be shown therapeutic yoga methods to learn 

to strengthen, straighten and bend the 

knees properly. The knee is the most 

vulnerable joint in the body and is subject 

to wear and tear and various injuries. Reduce 

pain, protect the knee and use the knee 

correctly. The following week on 21 st January 

try Hips: The Key to Freedom of 

Movement in which you’ll learn how 

opening the hip joints is key to freeing 

movement in all areas of life. Tight hips 

block energy and reduce mobility. Weak hip 

muscles also create problems. Iyengar Yoga 

moves and strengthens the hips. Join the 

workshop and work your hips. All 

workshops are from 7:30 – 9:30 pm and 

cost HK$350 or do all three for $1,000. For 

more information, please visit 

www.iyengaryogahongkong.com or email 

info@iyengaryogahongkong.com 

Linda Shevloff is a certified Senior Iyengar 

Yoga instructor who has been teaching yoga 

for over 25 years. She studies in India with 

Guruji BKS Iyengar and his daughter Geeta 

Iyengar on a regular basis. Linda is the 

Director of The Iyengar Yoga Centre of 

Hong Kong 

PETER SCOTT AT YOGA CENTRAL, HONG KONG 

Peter Scott returns to Yoga Central in the 

second week of January to lead a series of 

Iyengar Intensive Workshops. This time he 

will be accompanied by his wife, Sue, a 

junior intermediate level 2 Iyengar 

instructor, who will be leading women’s 

only workshops. The topics of her 

workshops will be Menstration (including 

pre and post cycle practices) and Practicing 

for the Healthy Female Body. For more 

information visit www.yogacentral.com.hk. 

WORKSHOP WITH SHIVA REA PURE YOGA, 

SINGAPORE 

Pure Yoga Singapore welcomes Shiva Rea 

(14 th April) for a one-day , the leading 

teacher of transformational Vinyasa Flow 

yoga and yoga trance dance worldwide, 

leading a 7-day retreat at Bali’s Balispirit 

Festival (16 th – 22 nd April) and one-day 

Workshop at Pure Yoga Singapore (14 th 

April). For more information, please email 

events@pure-yoga.com or 

www.balispirit.com on the retreat site. 

7

RETREATS 

WOMEN’S YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREAT IN 

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND 

Enjoy Anusara-Inspired Yoga and 

Buddhist Meditation 12 th – 18 th January at 

Women’s Center for Peace and Justice with 

Sara Avant Stover and Ouyporn 

Kournkaew. The retreat will focus on the 

upliftment of the feminine heart at a 

tranquil retreat center for women just 

outside of Chiang Mai. In the presence of 

two skilled and inspirational teachers, 

partake in daily meditations, dharma talks, 

yoga sessions, organic vegetarian meals, 

quiet time in nature and the company of 

beautifully wise women. Come to 

replenish—leave radiant and inspired! For 

more information, please visit 

www.fourmermaids.com. 

SILENT RETREAT IN RISHIKESH, INDIA 

Join Kali von Koch and Sara Avant Stover 

7 th – 12 th March in Rishikesh. Delve into the 

boundless wisdom and compassion that 

already lives inside of you. This silent retreat 

is open to anyone who wants to get to 

know themselves better and to live a richer 

and more open-hearted life. In the magical 

venue of Rishikesh, enjoy daily dharma 

TEACHER TRAININGS 

talks, seated and walking meditations, yoga 

sessions and Ayurvedic meals. For more 

information, please visit 

www.fourmermaids.com. 

ANUSARA-INSPIRED YOGA, BANGKOK 

Sara Avant Stover will be at Yoga Elements 

21 st – 23 rd March to celebrate the arrival of 

Spring with the sacred art of hatha yoga. 

The Spring is a time to celebrate the playful 

revelation of inner beauty. Using Anusara 

Yoga’s Universal Principles of Alignment 

and life affirming Tantric philosophy as our 

guides, we will feel from the inside out how 

devotional embodiment can transform the 

seeds of your heart’s greatest gifts into 

flowers for the world. Come to take your 

practice, and your life, to the next level. For 

more information visit 

www.yogaelements.com or 

www.fourmermaids.com 

ASHTANGA RETREAT AT UMA UBUD, BALI 

Don Peers will be leading an Ashtanga 

retreat at Uma Ubud 20 th – 26 th April. The 

morning sessions will focus on pranayama 

and the complete primary series with 

modifications as necessary, while the 

afternoons will be devoted to developing 

individual asana and end with guided 

meditation. Retreat prices start at US$2,259. 

For more information, please visit 

www.comoshambhala.bz 

ASHTANGA YOGA RETREAT, YOGA THAILAND 

Clayton Horton will be leading an Ashtanga 

retreat at Yoga Thailand on Koh Samui, 3 rd 

– 10 th May and 17 th – 24 th May. For more 

information, please visit www.yogathailand.com. 

Then from 1 st – 30 th June, he 

will be at the Yoga Society of San Franciso’s 

Brahmanada Ashram leading a 200-hour 

residential teacher training. For more 

information, please visit 

www.greenpathyoga.org or www.yssf.com 

DAVID SWENSON AT BEGAWAN GIRI, BALI 

From 3 rd - 9 th June David Swenson and his 

wife Shelly Washington will be hosting the 

residential retreat, Bali Ashtanga Adventure. 

There will be two classes per day, mornings 

will focus on the traditional Ashtanga 

practice and afternoons will be a more 

general exploration of yoga, pranayama and 

balance. Retreat prices start from US$3,199. 


www.comoshamhala.bz 

JAMES BROWN AT MYOGA, HONG 

KONG 

YogaWorks yoga teacher James 

Brown will be returning to 

mYoga this time to lead a parttime 

teacher training March 26 th 

- to May 11 th . The progamme 

will be held on Wednesdays, 

Thursdays and Fridays 7 – 10:30 

pm and Saturdays and Sundays 

9 am – 6 pm. For more 

information please visit 

www.myogaonline.com 

TEACHER TRANING AT PURE YOGA 

HONG KONG & TAIPEI 

The Foundation - Preparing to 

Teach is a four-week (24 th March 

– 19 th April) full-time course in 

Hong Kong, which will 

immerse students in the 

tradition of Anusara Yoga and 

help to develop the 

fundamental skills necessary to 

teach. This comprehensive and 

life transformative programme 

will be lead by Pure Yoga’s 

Founding Teacher Patrick 

Creelman. Patrick brings his 

extensive background of 

Anusara Yoga training from 

John Friend, together with a 

international teachers who will 

present on a wide variety of 

topics including Yoga 

Philosophy, Sanskrit and 

Ayurveda. Also look out for 

Taipei Teacher Training Spring 

2008 and Part Time teacher 

training programs. For more 

information, please email 


200-HOUR TEACHER TRAINING, 

KOH SAMUI 

Michel Besnard will be leading a 

200-hour Yoga Alliance certified 

training at Absolute Yoga Koh 

Samui from 8 th March – 5 th 

April. This programme will 

consist of two parts: 

Fundamentals Level 1 (8 th March 

– 22 nd March) and Teaching 

Practicum Level 2 (22 nd March – 

5 th April). 

The Level 1, 100 hour 

component will cover yoga 

philosophy & history, the 

practice of asana, pranayama & 

kriyas, teaching techniques & 

adjustments and practicumassisting 

in classes. While the 

Level 2 part, which is also 100 

hours will cover structuring a 

class, anatomy & physiology, 

extensive teaching practice, 

ayurveda & yoga and Neuro- 

Linguistic Programing & yoga. 

For more information call (852) 

2511 8892 or (66) 77 430 290 

ASHTANGA AT YOGA@42, JAKARTA 

Caroline Klebl will be leading a 

40-hour Ashtanga Teacher 

Training 14 th – 18 th January at 

Yoga@42 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

The cost is US$500. For more 

info, visit http:// 

bikramyogajakarta.com/ 

workshops.htm 

8

EVENTS 

HIDDEN GLORIES OF INDIA, HONG KONG 

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is 

presenting six performances of traditional dance and music at Hong 

Kong Polytechnic University’s Jockey Club Auditorium 26 th and 27 th 

January. This will be the first show in Hong Kong by Viva Kultura 

of Poland and Manipuri traditional folk dance group of India. 

Tickets are just HK$100 and are available through ISKCON and 

various box offices. For more information, call (852) 2739 6818 or 

visit www.iskconhk.org 

YOGA IN UBUD 

40 DAYS TO PERSONAL REVOLUTION, HONG KONG 

Pure Yoga teacher Wendy Wyvil will be facilatating Baron Baptiste’s 

Book “40 Days to Personal Revolution”. From 21 st April – 30 th May, 

Wendy will lead committed students through their own personal 

revolution. The programme claims to help students achieve what 

needs to happen, whether that be to lose weight or become less 

reactive and more calm. For more information please email 


BALISPIRIT FESTIVAL, 8 TH – 16 TH MARCH, UBUD 

BaliSpirit Festival is a 12-day celebration of yoga, dance and music 

which divided into three parts: Silence; Inhale; Exhale. 

The first part Silence is actually a pre-festival option which coincides 

with the Balinese New Year Nyepi on 6 th & 7 th March. Festival goers 

will join three million Balinese in their annual rite of cleansing and 

renewal. The second part, Inhale, takes place from 8 th - 12 th March. 

This comprises various intimate retreats on yoga and dance, 

spiritual and meditative practices, cleansing and rejuvenation 

programmes. The third part, Exhale, from 13 th – 16 th March is a 

yoga, music and dance festival at the Ubud Centre, the cultural heart 

of Bali. Join Shiva Rea and other world-renowned teachers at what 

is sure to be an experience of a lifetime. For more information, visit 

www.balispiritfestival.com 

WENDY WYVIL 

9

DRISTI SATYA 

Sat 

atya: a: To Be In 

Alignment With 

Realit 

ality 

FRANK JUDE BOCCIO 

THE SECOND YAMA MENTIONED 

by Patanjali, satya means “truth,” 

“truthfulness,” or “real,” and seeks to 

overcome moha (delusion), which along 

with anger and greed make up the “Three 

Poisons.” The ancients saw truthfulness as 

more than correct information. They saw it 

as a veritable force. 

Patanjali (2.36) says when a yogin is 

grounded in truthfulness, his actions bear 

appropriate fruit. Often interpreted as, 

“whatever he says comes true,” yoga scholar 

Georg Feurstein explains that more is 

meant, “Whatever he does is appropriate 

and will be successful.” Vyasa, in his 

commentary says our speech should not be 

deceitful, erroneous or barren, and must not 

cause damage to another person. In the 

Vedas, satya is closely connected to rita 

(Cosmic Order). When we are living in 

truthfulness, we reflect the cosmic order. 

Practicing satya, we aim to align ourselves 

with reality. 

The Buddha felt truthfulness is so 

important, he not only made it one of the 

Five Precepts (Mindfulness Trainings), but it 

is also one of the limbs of his Noble 

Eightfold Path: “Right Speech.” The 

following is how it is practiced according to 

the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh: 

“Aware of the suffering caused by 

unmindful speech and the inability to listen 

to others, I am committed to cultivating 

loving speech and deep listening in order to 

bring joy and happiness to others and 

...our speech should not be deceitful, erroneous 

or barren, and must not cause damage to another 

person. 

relieve others of their suffering. Knowing 

that words can create happiness or suffering, 

I am determined to speak truthfully, with 

words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and 

hope. 

I will not spread news that I do not know 

to be certain and will not criticize or 

condemn things of which I am not sure. I 

will refrain from uttering words that can 

cause division or discord, or that can cause 

the family or the community to break. I am 

determined to make all efforts to reconcile 

and resolve all conflicts, however small.” 

Like all the Trainings, we are being offered a 

deep experiential life koan, as each training 

offers us paradox and contradiction — as 

does life. For instance, as Steve Hagen, in his 

wonderful book, Buddhism Plain and 

Simple, points out, we are not prescribed 

specific actions, but we are encouraged to 

live by remaining awake in each moment. 

“If you were to attempt strictly to follow a 

moral rule, before long you’d be in real 

confusion because you would come up 

against a variety of contradictions and 

paradoxes...” He continues, “Suppose 

you’re harboring a family of Jews in your 

attic when two Gestapo officers come to 

your door. They ask you the whereabouts 

of the family. Do you say they’re in the 

attic?” 

In such circumstances, the wisest and most 

compassionate course of action will very 

likely be to lie. Yet if you felt compelled to 

follow satya as an absolute rule, then you’d 

have to say, “Oh, they’re upstairs.” Of 

course, this doesn’t imply that lying is 

generally the thing to do, but what it does 

mean is that to be moral we must observe 

the actual situation as well as our own cast 

of mind. Indeed, the state of our mind, 

and the motivation for speaking is 

ultimately of greater importance that what 

we say. For instance, speaking truth out of 

anger and an urge for revenge may be 

breaking the spirit of both satya and 

ahimsa! 

We may also break the precept of satya in 

our own inner monologue. How many 

times a day do you judge yourself harshly? 

Listen to the inner voice(s) that tell you that 

you are not good enough or unworthy. In 

yoga class, pay attention to what voices arise 

when you lose your balance in Tree, or if 

you cannot go as far as you’d like in a 

particular asana. Even when meditating, 

when the mind wonders, what is the quality 

of the mind’s voice that brings you back to 

the breath? Is it gentle, friendly, 

10

compassionate, or is it filled with judgment, 

self-deprecation? 

Feurstein writes there are four kinds of lies: 

1) outright lies, 2) white lies, 3) advertising, 

and 4) politics. This is not the cynical 

statement it may at first seem to be. 

Outright lies are obvious, but how many 

“white lies” do we allow ourselves in almost 

any given day? We know that advertising is 

based on arousing greed and desire, and 

works to a great extent by telling us we are 

lacking in some way the advertised product 

can fulfill. We know this is so and it is at 

heart a lie, yet we accept it with a shrug. 

Worse, how many times have we listened to 

a politician and known he is merely saying 

what he believes the majority of voters want 

to hear? We again shrug this off as 

“politics,” and in our shrug, allow such lies 

to persist. Are we not as culpable of 

breaking the spirit of satya in such a case as 

he who mouths the words? 

Another conundrum offered by this 

training is especially pertinent during these 

trying times. We may honestly aspire not to 

utter words that “can cause division or 

discord,” yet the very Buddhist/Yogic 

message of compassion has been known to 

cause division and discord at times. I 

remember how Richard Gere’s message of 

compassion at The Concert for New York, 

held to raise money for the families of the 

firemen killed on 9/11 received boos from 

the packed house. 

And finally, we must not forget the aspect 

of listening that relates to this training. The 

Bodhisattva of Compassion, 

Avalokiteshvara, (or in Chinese, Kwan Yin) 

whose name means, “Hearer of the World’s 

Cries,” offers us a model of how to practice 

this aspect of the Training: 

...four kinds of lies: 1) outright lies, 2) white lies, 

3) advertising, and 4) politics 

and listen so attentively that we will be able 

to hear what the other person is saying and 

also what is being left unsaid. We know that 

just by listening deeply we already alleviate a 

great deal of pain and suffering in the other 

person.” 

Through the long-term practice of deep 

listening in Sangha practice, many 

practitioners have found that the gift of 

listening deeply, invites “Deep Speech,” and 

“Deep Speech” is always “Truthful Speech,” 

as it comes from the heart of our lived 

experience. 

To begin to engage with this training, you 

may try to undertake for one week not to 

gossip (positively or negatively) or speak 

about anyone you know who is not present 

with you. Notice the pressure to bond with 

people over tales of someone absent. And 

be gentle with yourself! 

Frank is an Interfaith 

Minister, Yoga-Dharma 

teacher and author of 

Mindfulness Yoga: The 

Awakened Union of 

Breath, Body and Mind. 

frankjude@ 

mindfulnessyoga.net 

“We invoke your name, Avalokiteshvara. We 

aspire to learn your way of listening in order 

to help relieve the suffering in the world. 

You know how to listen in order to 

understand. We invoke your name in order 

to practice listening with all our attention 

and open-heartedness. We will sit and listen 

without any prejudice. We will sit and listen 

without judging or reacting. We will sit and 

listen in order to understand. We will sit 

11

DRISTI SATYA 

The Road Sign to Vir 

irtuous Living 

CLAYTON HORTON 

ONE FULL MOON MORNING, YOGI 

Hariananda Das was sitting on his 

meditation cushion. The yogin suddenly 

finds himself daydreaming of past events 

and cleaning the dirt from underneath his 

big toenail. He giggles and realizes he is not 

being true with his meditation’s intention 

of being focused, still and present. Being 

true to himself and his practice, Hariananda 

Das breathes deeply, closes his eyes and 

begins to internally chant his mantra and 

work his necklace of mala beads. In an 

effort to be genuine, he remains virtuous in 

his practice. 

The story of Hariananda Das might be 

quite familiar. Perhaps the greatest way the 

yama, satya (truthfulness) can be utilized in 

life is to consistently be involved with the 

process of self-observation. We remain 

vigilant towards our objective by asking, 

“Am I being honest with myself in my 

effort to accomplish the task at hand?” 

While practicing asana, consistent 

employment of dristhi, bandhas, correct 

alignment and full breath ensures the 

practice will be fruitful. In this process of 

distraction, simply recognize your digression 

and gently bring yourself back to the 

practice. 

Try to be real, 

that’s the deal. 

While working at your place of employment, are you doing the best job you can? What is 

getting in the way? Be honest to find your potential. Compassionately accept it is a natural 

phenomenon for focus to digress, but it is the road sign of satya that keeps us progressing 

on our path. 

Concerning thought and action, it is often recommended to not be in denial of the way 

things are. It is wise to be responsible for all your self-generated karmas and to take 

ownership of all mind/body conditions. Not observing or recognizing our shadow or 

dark side can be a tsunami of misfortune. 

Those of us who are inspired to make positive changes to the environment, towards 

sustainability and global health might want to check in with themselves to make sure they 

are leaving a light footprint on the earth. Are our actions and consumption patterns in line 

with how we consider ourselves as an environmentalist or green? 

The Sanskrit word Sat is defined as true. Sat is the root of the word Sattva. Sattva is one of 

the three gunas. These gunas are qualities or attributes of nature. Sattva guna is representative 

of clarity, illumination, steadiness, purity and harmony. These are primary attributes and 

fruit of a yogic lifestyle. 

As yoga practitioners, are we being honest in our commitment to cultivating sattva as a 

predominant way of being? Are we practicing early in the morning to reap the benefits of 

absorbing the sattvic atmospheric conditions that exist at sunrise? Are we eating light, pure 

and healthy food? Are we really conserving and refining our sexual and vital energy so that 

it can be directed towards our own internal development? 

When the light and clarity of sattva dawns, discrimination (viveka) between the true and the 

untrue manifests. Recognizing the eternal and the transitory becomes possible. The sword 

of viveka is sharp, cutting through ignorance, delusion and confusion. 

When discussing yoga Sutra ii:36, most commentaries explain for those who are 

established in satya whatever they desire or say will come true. Brahmananda Sarasvati, (Dr. 

Ramamurti S. Mishra) explains, “When the mind is firmly established in truth, every action 

performed will receive immediate results. In the ordinary state, when a man’s thoughts 

contain both truth and untruth, a man will take longer to obtain success in his actions, or 

he may fail even if he is performing his deeds. When one’s mind is purified through 

meditation and untruth is removed, one’s performed actions soon begin to bring results, 

even exceeding one’s expectations. When a yogin’s mind is established in nothing but truth, 

his every word becomes full of truth and his word is a blessing to others.” 

There are many facets to the gem of satya. Know thyself. Love thyself. Try to be real, that’s 

the deal. Satya is a guidepost to virtuous living. 

Clayton is the director of 

Greenpath Yoga Studio 

in San Francisco. 

www.greenpathyoga.org 

12

Honest & True 

PAUL DALLAGHAN 

SINCE THE DAWN OF TIME 

the refined mind has 

understood one’s behaviour and 

actions, speak loudest about the 

character of an individual. We 

are taught that “talk is cheap” 

and “actions speak louder than 

words”. The actualization of 

this is where satya lies. 

Satya literally translate as truth. 

By definition it refers to 

subjective truth. The ultimate or 

objective truth is ‘rta’. This is 

unchangeable and permanent 

and thus can only be attributed 

to our own true self. But as we 

look at this world and observe 

behaviour we relate to it 

through a subjective truth. 

one speaks the truth when... 

guided by good intention 

and justice... 

Paul is the director of Centered 

Yoga Institute & Yoga Thailand. 

www.centeredyoga.com, 

www.yoga-thailand.com 

It is true statement that I am a 

man, but in the ultimate reality 

of things I am pure 

consciousness, Brahman, and 

not in fact a man. This being a 

man is only determined by the 

physical form and certain mental 

notions associated with it. On a 

subjective level it is a true 

statement but on an ultimate 

level it too is false. 

Satya is presented as one of the 

Yamas by Patanjali and 

Vashistha. It is recommended 

so we may grow towards the 

ultimate truth, our true nature. 

Vashistha informs us that one 

speaks the truth when one 

fulfils three conditions: speech 

must be in accordance with fact; 

he/she must be guided by good 

intention and justice and; speech 

must be couched in agreeable 

words. It must be about 

something which one has 

directly perceived, inferred or 

learned from a reliable source. 

Gandhi is well known for his 

application of the first yama, 

ahimsa, non-violent behaviour, 

yet he named his organisation 

Satyagraha. This means 

“firmness to truth”. He built 

his entire approach on this 

quality. In its fullest it is 

complete, honest behaviour 

applied in all situations in life, 

returning one closer to one’s 

natural state. 

Yoga has emphasises satya 

because dishonesty leads to 

subtle and even gross 

disturbance in our minds, and 

ultimately outward actions. We 

cannot progress on this internal 

path if our words, thoughts or 

actions are misaligned. When we 

are aware we have been 

untruthful, it sets up large 

blocks in our own chitta 

(psyche), limiting spiritual 

growth. Even that famous 

British yogi, Shakespeare, 

advised “to thine own self be 

true.” You cannot lie to 

yourself, though you may get 

away with it with others. 

Sometimes when asked a 

question, we give answers which 

we think will make us look 

better than the truth might. Our 

ego and lower mind has 

circumvented the truth and 

presented a response purely for 

superficial reasons, how we look 

to the other. In spiritual terms, 

though only a white lie, this has 

added one more blockage to the 

list to be cleared. So to swallow 

our pride, think for a moment, 

and then say what is true will 

help us make more progresses 

internally, even though the 

external result may mean losing 

that deal or people seeing us as 

only ordinary. The choice comes 

down to where you place the 

priority – on your internal or 

external growth. 

How to speak the truth is 

governed by ahimsa. Tact and 

sensitivity to another individual 

is important here. There is no 

need to advertise their mistruths 

or preempt a question and tell 

everything. When asked, simply 

give an honest answer. Undo 

the counter pattern that cause us 

to respond with misalignment 

to the truth, to the facts. 

Satya also implies integrity. Do 

your actions live up to what you 

say? Alas, this is where the 

largest gap is in the world today. 

Humility provides the 

foundation for one to embody 

and express satya in word, 

thought and action. 

We are all in process and we will 

fall prey to a-satya at times. Our 

work lies in checking our actions 

and intentions. Is how we are 

living, standing up to what we 

say? Though we may not be able 

to choose what comes to us in 

life, we can choose how we 

respond. A strong counter 

pattern may exist, but an aware, 

mindful attitude can counter 

this. Stand up to the pull of 

your senses and lower mind. Let 

us not promise too much and 

deliver too little, or wallow in 

the realm of hypocrisy. 

If it is our aim in life to pursue 

satya – integrity, honesty and 

truth, then take heed. 

Yanjnavalkya calls the seventh, 

and final, loka satya loka, the 

abode of Brahman attainable 

through jnana and karma, direct 

experience or understanding 

plus true action. This in reality 

exists within us. 

May we all be satyavadi’s, speakers 

and embodiers of truth. 

13

14

KARMA YOGA 

The face looking at me was all smiles and 

immediately I knew no matter what 

happened over the next 40 minutes, we 

would be okay. It’s no small thing after all, 

agreeing to bring a meaningful yoga class to 

a group of 120 elementary school children 

in their gymnasium. As they all poured in, 

some were full of giggles, some were sullen, 

and some were already mentally moving 

into their quiet place. What they all had in 

common was they were very curious, about 

me and about what I was bringing to them. 

Yoga has become a phenomenon over the 

last few years in North America. Parents are 

coming home from yoga classes, and 

sharing their personal practice with their 

families. These children are being introduced 

to yoga as a part of their culture, something 

that you get to do to take care of yourself. 

Once everyone settled in, I asked them to 

sit criss cross,applesauce, I placed my hands 

on my knees and closed my eyes. Inviting 

them to do the same, we began to 

experiment with our breath. 

“Breathe through your nose, then make 

your belly big when you breath in, small 

when you breath out. How does it feel to 

you?” Peaceful, happy and quiet came out 

instantly. The realizations came quickly, and 

we were ready to move. 

We jumped up, and found our breath again. 

“Hands together in front of your chest, 

root your feet together into the floor, get 

taller. Now breathe into your belly again.” 

They were really beginning to understand 

the idea now, calm your breath to calm your 

mind and body. Every time you move, 

breathe. 

The programme that brought me to their 

school is YoGo 24, and 2007 is the pilot 

year for this initiative. We felt there was a 

strong need for yoga in our schools, and in 

developing the programme we saw the need 

for a service awareness. By fundraising for 

children living with the effects of HIV/ 

AIDS in Africa (through UNICEF) while 

bringing yoga into our schools here, we 

found a wonderful balance. Yoga studios 

across North America signed up and agreed 

to hold a yoga marathon fundraiser and/or 

send their teachers to schools with our 

curriculum. The schools that signed on were 

diverse and it was a brilliant testing ground 

to see if what we were offering could work 

in the mainstream school system. The 

curriculum for this year was three universal 

values taught through yoga position 

(asana), breath practice (pranayama), and 

hand movements (mudras). 

The values are universal, Patience, Giving 

and Focus. Another integral part of the 

curriculum is the Happiness Song and the 

Story of The Lady of All Directions & The 

Mountain Man, both written be renowned 

kids yoga teacher, Maalaa. Combining all the 

elements of movement with breath 

awareness, music, storytelling and stillness 

in silence proved to be a powerful experience 

for the children and adults alike. 

The studios practiced, some for 24 hours, 

from November 30 th - December 1 st , 

culminating on World Aids Day. To date, 

the studios and schools have raised 

CAD$80,000 for this pilot project. Just as 

important is the experience of our children, 

thousands of them now newly aware of 

yoga and its benefits. 

In the gymnasium, it was a very fast 35 

minutes, and we were coming to the end of 

our time together. The teachers were 

enjoying the movement with breath for 

themselves, but were still unsure if the 

whole room would be silent after so much 

learning and moving. 

We began to play the game of silence, 

moving from standing to sitting with 

absolutely no sound. No squeaks, burps, 

giggles or sudden movement. We all 

flowed like leaves falling in the autumn 

down to the earth, and suddenly there were 

120 school children, from kindergarten to 

Grade 7, sitting comfortably in the silence 

with their eyes closed. Unified as a group 

through experience, unified individually 

through breath awareness. 

A magical beginning we hope has no end. 

For more information, please visit 

www.yogo24.com 

Yoga in Action for kids! 

ANILA LACROIX 

Anila is a yoga teacher and mother. 

15

16

I have nothing new to 

teach the world. Truth 

and non-violence are as 

old as the hills. 

Mahatma Gandhi 

17

MY STORY 

Oneness: s: We are Par 

art t of 

Everything 

PEGGY CHIU 

FRIENDS IN NATURE 

LIVING IN HARMONY 

18 

“Oneness” is a concept I have been 

surrounded by over the past few years – 

from yoga teachers, readings and 

advertisements. But what does it means in a 

world where individuality is everything; 

where we want to be differentiated through 

countless outlets of self expression. 

For example creating a unique ring tone on 

our phones or adorning our bodies with 

tattoos that symbolize a discreet meaning 

photo courtesty of Tony Chan 

only a few will ever know. We all have the 

freedom to celebrate and express the Self in 

any way that suits us, setting us apart from 

each other. However, it was my recent 

experience in India that piqued my curiosity 

about the meaning of Oneness. Hence, my 

contemplation unravels. 

For thousands of years, humans have 

sought to understand the 

interconnectedness of all things through 

photo courtesty of Tony Chan 

intricate philosophical and psychological 

systems, literature, art, etc. When I was 

younger my first impression was that 

Oneness was about equality despite race, 

gender, culture and religion. This I learned 

from years living abroad surrounded by 

diverse friends of different colour and 

nationalities. I realised my friends and I 

were no different from one another. Our 

looks and upbringing were different, but 

there were conspicuous similarities in our 

personal ethics and morals, regardless of 

our background. 

My understanding of Oneness evolved 

when I started weaving yoga into my daily 

life. As I let the practice flow me back to the 

rhythm of my body and mind, realisations 

unfolded at a personal level. Yoga has 

taught me the light on life. The way we act, 

talk, behave, react has tremendous effects on 

our quality of life. More importantly, we are 

not confined to ourselves, but exert an 

influence on our friends, families and 

communities through our thoughts, words 

and actions. The interconnectedness of our 

body, mind and emotions are so powerful 

we can affect each other’s happiness and 

freedom and how this world is shaped. 

Everything is connected to everything. 

Two months ago, after a trip to India, that 

my perspective of Oneness deepened again. 

My husband and I spent almost two weeks 

in remote villages in northern India. Being 

close to nature, the resonate beauty of 

sharing the same living space with cows, 

peacocks, yaks, buffalos, monkeys surely 

flooded my senses and shredded my nerves. 

Everyday nature poured us an abundant 

supply of fresh sweet air and ample 

sunlight to replenish our bodies. Kids 

dodging cow dung, shepherds herding yaks, 

women and children fetching buckets of 

water at 5am, were daily chores of the locals. 

Humans and animals lived in total 

harmony, sharing one boundary less plain 

with no sign of jealousy, hatred or anger. 

For a split second, I thought my presence 

was invading nature and its peace. To make 

sure my presence did not cause any extra 

vibration against this natural beat of life, I 

became mindful of my actions. I moved 

and breathed slowly, heavily and steadily. 

Mesmerized by this beauty, I launched into

a state of total tranquillity. 

As I let go of my conditioned ideas about 

myself and Oneness and made space for the 

true heart to come forth, my environment 

grew quieter until all living things and I 

merged together in a remarkable harmony 

of silence and rapture. Time seemed to 

disappear. The heart of the universe and the 

pulsation of life were fully present in 

moments of such intense proximity to 

nature. I found myself in a profound state 

of concentration and absorption. I felt 

undivided, focussed and wholly present. In 

this transcendent moment, there seemed to 

be no separation between nature and its 

inhabitants. I was compelled by the sheer 

joy of having the privilege to experience 

total Oneness. 

What emerged was an intense 

interconnectedness with Oneness of 

everything. There is an inseparable 

relationship of the individual and the 

environment. The truth is, there’s no gap, 

no distinction between us and the person 

JOYOUS LIVES 

next to us or the animals or the trees. It is 

only in our concepts, and with our 

conceptual minds, that we separate 

ourselves from anyone and anything around 

us. This is when we become more egotistic, 

thinking we are all different than each other. 

Amidst our search in individuality, can we 

still be mindful of our actions and 

thoughts and how they could affect the 

world we live in. Can we coexist in the 

world with harmony? Let’s take this 

moment to pause and reflect on ourselves. 

Have we taken people or things for granted 

in the past? Can we see the world through a 

child’s eyes and learn to treat everyone and 

everything fairly? Can we appreciate nature 

and its living matter with care and heart? 

Let’s start the year by living right and practice 

Oneness in our daily lives. 

Peggy is a student of yoga with a passion in 

Jungian Psychology and Ayurveda. When she 

is not practicing, she teaches yoga privately 

or in small groups. peggy@ignitian.com. 

19

CLASSIC TEXTS 

Hatha Yoga Pradipik 

adipika 

R. ALEXANDER MEDIN 

Alongside the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and The Bhagavad Gita, the 

Hatha Yoga Pradipika is commonly viewed as one of th key texts of 

yoga. In this second of three articles, Sanskrit scholar and Vendanta 

student Alex Medin introduces us to these important books. 

the surrender of the mind involve awakening the inner hearing of 

various subtle sounds until all association with them finally lapses. 

When that happens the mind is finally free. 

The text stresses the importance of a proper Guru from whom to 

learn the exercises. Without the favor of the guru, these exercises 

cannot be utilized to their full potential. The true meaning of Yoga 

is not something that can be gained from reading textbooks, but 

must rather come from personal experience that may be awakened 

under the grace of a guru. 

20 

Hatha Yoga Pradipika (HYP) is 

one of the foremost texts on 

Hatha Yoga. It is divided into 

four chapters: Asana, 

Pranayama, Mudra and 

Samadhi. It is a sincere attempt 

to document the various 

practices of Hatha Yoga together 

with the benefits that may come 

from a consistent practice. 

An important feature is that 

Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga are 

not considered separate entities, 

one of a physical nature and the 

other of spiritual nature. Both 

form a part in an integrated 

whole, they are dependent upon 

each other. Raja Yoga is mere 

theory unless embodied and 

practically understood, whilst 

the practice of Hatha Yoga is 

fixed in the corporal sphere 

unless a deeper integration of 

spirit is infused into it. 

The text ensures us that as long 

as there is life force in the body; 

the mind will fluctuate and 

operate according to its patterns. 

These patterns may be 

restrained, however, by first 

learning to sit comfortably in 

various postures and then 

gradually learning to restrain the 

patterns of the breath. From the 

internalizing of this process and 

when Prana (the life breath) 

eventually flows into the middle 

channel (Sushumna) all external 

associations of the senses will 

be pacified. The final stages in 

Svatmarama, the author of HYP, claims to belong to the same 

lineage as the famous Goraksha and Mastyendra and traces this 

lineage through 31 teachers back to Lord Shiva himself. The date of 

the text has been established somewhere between the 13 th and 15 th 

centuries. Below is a list with a brief overview of each chapter. 

Chapter 1 lists the names and descriptions of the asanas along with 

proper dietary habits that support the practice. 

Chapter 2 explains Pranayama: the effects it has on the mind and 

the nadis (patterns of energy). Also introduced are the Six Karmas 

(acts of purification) which are preparatory exercises for the practice. 

Chapter 3 explains the 10 different Mudras. 

Chapter 4, the final chapter, discusses Samadhi, laya and Nada and 

the four stages of greater integration. 

CHAPTER 1: INJUNCTIONS ON HOW TO PERFORM ASANAS 

Certain principles are given for the successful outcome of the 

practice of Asanas. After descriptions of the proper place of 

practice, the author then advises us on six negative and six positive 

behaviours which diminish or cultivate greater success in Yoga. 

Six causes that make a yoga practice futile (1.15): 

1. Over-eating 

2. Over-exertion 

3. Talking too much 

4. Severe austerities 

5. Public contact 

6. Fickleness of mind 

The six that bring speedy success are (1.16): 

1. Enthusiasm 

2. Courage 

3. Perseverance 

4. Proper understanding 

5. Determination 

6. Avoiding excessive contact with people 

Here, as well as in many other Yoga texts, it is a six limb practice 

that begins with Asana. It stresses practical exercises, but the Yamas 

and Niyamas are not abolished altogether: they act as a grounding 

influence to make the mind receptive to Yoga within the postures. 

Some manuscripts of HYP include Yamas and Niyamas whilst 

others do not. All manuscripts agree however over the purpose of 

Asanas: “It is the first limb of Hatha Yoga and Asanas are therefore

described first. It should be practiced for steadiness of posture, 

health and lightness of body.” (1.17 or 1.19, depending on the 

edition). The rich traditions of numerous postures originating 

from the seers and sages are merely referred to in brief numbers 

and only 15 are mentioned in total. The four postures for 

meditation are considered most important namely: Siddhasana, 

Padmasana, Simhasana, and Bhadrasana (1.36). A brief description 

is given for each of 15 postures and their benefits. 

In addition, the author suggests they should be complemented 

with practice of Mudras for proper cleansing of the Nadis to take 

place. Close attention to Nada is also suggested together with 

proper observation of food patterns and curbing the senses in 

general. In short, food is to be taken moderately. It should be well 

cooked, supplemented with ghee and sweets, and always offered up 

to the Lord Shiva. Food that may be disturbing to the practice is 

described as: bitter, sour, salty, or hot. Also mentioned are: too 

many green vegetables, sour gruel oil, mustard and sesame. 

Consumption of alcohol, fish, meat, yoghurt, buttermilk, plums, 

oil-cakes, asafetida, garlic, onion, etc. are also said to be bad for the 

practitioner of Yoga (1.61). 

Anyone, young, old, sick or lean, may take to the practice of Hatha 

Yoga, but eliminating laziness is the common criteria for all. What 

is considered most important is to engage in the practice. Success in 

Yoga is not achieved by reading texts, wearing particular clothing, 

nor engaging in endless debate. Practice alone is what brings 

success, culminating in the final goal of Raja Yoga (1.66-1.69). 

postures is expected. In order to awaken the more subtle patterns 

of the breath Svatmarama optionally suggests six Karmas for the 

removal of phlegm, constipation, and general sluggishness that 

cause disturbance to the mind and nervous system. These are: 

Six Karmas (Shat Karmas): 

1. Dhauti 

2. Basti 

3. Neti 

4. Trataka 

5. Nauli 

6. Kapalabhati 

The main purpose of Pranayama is to: 1) rid the practitioner of the 

fear of death, 2) to purify the Nadis, and 3) to cause the breath to 

enter the Sushumna. The state of Manonmani - steadiness of 

mind - is then brought about. This may be brought about by the 

practice of retention (Khumbhakas). These Khumbhakas are to be 

practiced together with the three bandhas. 

CHAPTER 3: THE EXPOSITION OF THE MUDRAS 

The aim of all Yogic practices is to awaken the dormant Kundalini 

power. She is said to support all the Tantra and Yoga practices. 

CHAPTER 2: INJUNCTIONS ON HOW TO PERFORM PRANAYAMA 

Instruction from a proper Guru is of paramount importance to 

the practice of Pranayama. Svatmarama explains how disturbance in 

the mind may be related to disturbances in the breath and how 

learning to restrain the latter may bring about greater steadiness of 

mind. As long as the vital air (five pranas) operates within the body, 

there is life. When they cease to, there is death. A restraint of the 

breath is therefore necessary to gain a greater experience of that 

which lies beyond and is free from the effect of the senses. The 

practice of Pranayama is geared towards purifying the Nadis - all the 

nerve patterns - so Prana can ultimately pass through the 

Sushumna, the middle channel, and awaken the practitioner to his/ 

her true identity - which is beyond name and form. 

The first method listed is alternate nostril breathing. This is 

gradually supplemented with the practice of Kumbhakas 

(retentions), but caution is given so the practitioner does bring 

about his own ruin: 

“Just as lions, elephants and tigers are controlled by degrees, 

similarly the breath is to be controlled gradually, otherwise it may 

kill the practitioner. By proper practice of Pranayama, all disease are 

eradicated, but an improper practice gives rise to all sorts of 

disease.” (2.15-16) 

Great care should therefore be taken when one engages in 

Pranayama practice. First good grounding in the practice of 

21

22

When she is awakened - 

through the grace of a Guru - all 

the centers and knots (the 

different chakras) are pierced by 

Prana. When the middle channel 

(Sushumna) becomes the main 

pathway for Prana it is said the 

mind becomes free from all 

connections with its objects of 

enjoyment and death is 

surpassed. (2.1-2.3) 

The final goal of Yoga is 

therefore not enjoyment of this 

world or even the world to 

come, but freedom from 

transmigration. What is to be 

awakened is the inner receptivity 

to a life force within. This force 

is not simply mere association 

with the senses but an 

internalized refinement which 

may bring about an awakening 

to this mystic power. 

The practice, which starts from 

the gross with Asanas and 

Pranayama, now moves to the 

subtle realm of sealing or 

locking (Mudra) the energy from 

within. The text states clearly the 

main purpose of all the 10 

Mudras is to awaken the 

Kundalini. 

Three most common Mudras: 

1. Uddiyana Bandha 

2. Mula Bandha 

3. Jalanddhara Bhandha 

The other seven Mudras: 

1. Maha Mudra 

2. Maha Vedha 

3. Maha Bandha 

4. Khechari 

5. Viparita Karani 

6. Vajroli 

7. Shakti Chalana 

The true meaning of Yoga... must rather come from 

personal experience that may be awakened 

under the grace of a guru. 

CHAPTER 4: THE SIGNS OF 

SAMADHI 

There are many definitions of 

Samadhi (among them 

surpassing of death and 

conferral of eternal happiness), 

but none can do justice to the 

actual experience of it. This text 

lists three definitions of 

Samadhi: 

1) “When the Atma and mind 

become one”; 

2) “when the prana becomes 

dissolved and the mind 

becomes absorbed”; and finally 

3) “when al impulses to be 

anything just cease and there is 

the equality and oneness of self 

and super-self ”. (4.5 - 4.7) 

The main focus of the 

practitioner is therefore not to 

hoard knowledge in the realm 

of the senses, but to dissolve 

the operating patterns of the 

mind until the inner essence of 

it is all that remains. The two 

causes of the mind are said to 

be: 

1) the operating life force (prana) 

and 

2) its operating vasanas 

(subliminal impressions). 

The destruction of one will lead 

to the destruction of the other. 

Proper restraint of the breath is 

the quickest way to utilize this 

process. When the breath is 

controlled, the mind will also be 

controlled since both influence 

each other (4.21 -4.23). The 

mind is unruly and unsteady by 

nature, but once the subtle 

patterns of the breath which 

cause the fluctuations of the 

mind are stilled, greater mind 

control may be possible. 

However, the proposition of 

these practices is to be taken to 

heart as seeds planted in a field 

of commitment to Yoga. In 

these final stages of Samadhi, 

no contact with the senses are 

experienced and the practitioner 

is neither aware of himself nor 

others. He is neither conscious 

nor unconscious. He is simply 

liberated from all contact with 

“another” and verily becomes 

Brahma himself. The final verse 

of the text concludes: 

“As long as the moving Prana 

has not entered the middle path 

(Sushumna Nadi), and until the 

Bindu has not become steady by 

the harmonizing of the Pranavata, 

and until the Supreme 

Reality does not manifest itself 

in the effortlessness of 

meditation, until then, all talk 

about the knowledge of Yoga is 

nothing but the mad ramblings 

of mad men.” (4.114) 

So, let us not think we have 

understood the “essence” of 

Yoga. Yoga is not bound by the 

limited scope of our 

understanding. All our efforts to 

define it may bring us closer or 

yet further away from the true 

meaning of Yoga. Our senses 

may fluctuate according to our 

disposition, but in the midst of 

the wild flights of the mind, 

Yoga remains the same - if only 

we are able to see it! 

These Mudras are advised to be 

kept secret like a box of jewelry 

and are best conveyed under the 

grace of a Guru. 

Reading the Hatha Yoga 

Pradipika it becomes apparent 

that no explicit instruction to 

the practices is given. The inner 

mystical union comes from the 

grace and guidance of the Guru. 

Alex has been a student of yoga 

and Sanskrit for the past 12 years 

and divides his time been Hong 

Kong and India. 

23

24

RETREAT REVIEW 

A Yoga Retr 

treat In Italy 

ANN GOWING 

I’m confused – it’s my first day on a yoga 

retreat and I’ve completed five hours of 

practice. But hey, there was no down dog 

pose? Actually come to think about it, I did 

not even stand up on my mat! Then there 

was wine (which I was informed was rather 

good) at the four-course lunch and coco 

pops at breakfast! But then this was Italy - 

fine wine, fine food, fine company. And, as 

I was soon to discover, a more than fine 

teacher, who was to lead me through a very 

challenging and insightful week in the 

rolling hills of Umbria. 

Recently I had been attracted to Yin yoga, as 

I needed to slow things down in my life. 

After a busy year of moving countries, new 

challenges and big life events, my body and 

mind wanted a quiet and grounding practice 

– a practice that would help my frazzled 

brain wind down. I found staying in 

restorative or yin-style poses for a good 

length of time in utter stillness was 

extremely soothing and comforting for my 

mind. I was going deeper into my practice 

than I had for some while – not only deeper 

in a physical sense, but also psychologically. 

My awareness felt heightened, I felt deeply 

new yoga space and a beautiful small spa. I 

had come here with a very close friend who 

now lives near Rome – a friend who had 

never been to a yoga retreat before, but 

whom had put her trust in me as to my 

choice of our teacher. I hoped she would 

enjoy herself. 

I did not let her down. The first evening, 

around 25 students gathered in an opening 

circle and shared why we had come. My 

friend, a counselor, later told me how 

impressed she was at how Sarah and her 

husband, Ty, immediately inspired a safe, 

accepting and nurturing environment for us. 

Why? Because they shared with the group 

first – they shared a very personal and 

emotional experience from that day. I felt 

...I was in the presence of a great teacher, one 

who was real, human and down-to-earth... 

THE GROUP HAD TO ENDURE GREAT HARDSHIPS AT THIS RETREAT, LIKE BEING LOST IN THE WOODS 

had had a frantic year and I wanted to be 

kind to myself as opposed to critical. I was 

told I was in the perfect place, as Sarah 

explained, the week would focus on insight 

meditation and loving-kindness practices. 

It took only five days before I had a 

complete meltdown. And if you have ever 

sobbed out loud during a meditation 

session, you will know what I mean! This 

is not my first experience of this happening, 

sensitive, reflective and peaceful. Yin practice 

was allowing me to re-connect with my wellbeing 

and was drawing me more to the mat 

than more familiar vinyasa-based practice. I 

wanted to find out more. 

A yoga colleague of mine told me about her 

teacher training with Sarah Powers, who I 

had met when she hosted some workshops 

in Hong Kong some time ago. I had really 

enjoyed her blend of Vinyasa with long 

held poses, plus the insights and teachings 

from Buddhism. 

Now, I found myself in Italy at a Sarah 

Powers retreat. We were staying at a lovely 

and well-equipped farmhouse, with a bright 

touched by this openness to share with the 

group. I also felt an inner knowing that I 

had led my friend to a wonderful week, in 

which she would experience a connection 

between her body, mind and heart. I also 

knew I was in the presence of a great 

teacher, one who was real, human and 

down-to-earth, which I found refreshing! 

My answer to Sarah’s question of why I was 

there? Simple. I wanted to learn the art of 

self-kindness, true kindness, deep friendly 

kindness. My presence had nothing to do 

with learning about asana, or pranayama, it 

was a deeper need. I needed to re-connect 

with my being, my self and my heart after a 

busy year of adjusting to many changes. I 

25

ut it certainly was the most powerful. Sarah 

had mentioned the first day that ‘stuff ’ 

would come up as we sit – but how will we 

choose to respond this time? Could we 

attend to the pain/discomfort/negative 

traits as opposed to closing down in our 

normal conditioned patterns? Could we 

allow everything in for examination – 

staying with all parts of ourselves a bit 

longer? She said pain, fear and resistance will 

always arise with a force when we sit, 

however it is our momentum and 

motivation that needs to be stronger. We 

need to try and stay anchored when stuff 

THEN THERE WAS THE DREADED ITALIAN WATER TORTURE 

arises - to stay a friend to ourselves through 

all conditions – to allow total inclusiveness. 

I remember sitting there as my stuff came 

up and telling myself to stay a little longer 

than I was comfortable with, as per Sarah’s 

instructions. To stay and see what would 

happen in the next moment, rather than 

becoming fearful, defensive or closing 

down. I was totally mindful of all the voices 

inside and the tears felt coming and kept 

repeating Sarah’s simple (I wish) 

instructions that morning to stay “open and 

awake” - and awakened by my emotions 

was I! I was totally overwhelmed by them, 

but, I let them come without interfering or 

shutting down. Although I left the room a 

few minutes later in need of tissues and a 

louder sob, I was reassured by Sarah and 

Ty’s footsteps right behind me – they were 

not going to let me get away so easily and 

once again I was touched by their concern. 

Meditation explained Ty, is an opportunity 

to narrow the gap between the true-self and 

the false-self, a practice that helps you move 

beyond your patterns of defenses, fear and 

angst. During meditation and the yin poses 

we were instructed to repeat specific phrases 

of unconditional well wishing, which is 

known as ‘Metta’. Sarah explained Metta 

offers us a way to positively re-track our 

thoughts. To plant seeds of wisdom within 

and help train our minds to stay connected 

to our heart space. In the Buddhist tradition 

Metta is practiced to soak firstly your own 

being in pure loving-kindness, then it is 

wished for others who are near and dear, 

then far and unknown helping cultivate 

compassion for all other beings. 

My longer staying-power in meditation that 

week, the practices of mindfulness and 

Metta all allowed me to see some 

unfinished stuff in my life and in my heart. 

Things that needed to be further 

recognized, processed, loved, allowed and 

above all accepted. Through the exploration 

of mindfulness and the process of 

recognizing, accepting and letting go, Sarah 

informed us our stuff would dissipate and 

no longer have any hold over us. This 

made total sense to me, but I also know 

this process takes courage, commitment and 

practice. However, when we do persevere, 

we become more awake - aware and in touch 

with our being - our presence, the moment 

- and life becomes far more rich, real and 

juicy. Then there is simply no going back to 

the way we were. That evening I felt crystal 

clear, so light, so alive and so relieved. 

Most days we spent one to two hours 

meditating with a further two to three 

hours of yin practice. We also practiced 

vinyasa/yang practice and pranayama. The 

yin practice was generally comfortable with 

certain poses taking me to my outer physical 

AND FINALLY THE HOUR-LONG “SAY CHEESE” 

26

limits. These poses allow blockages in the 

physical body to open and Sarah encouraged 

us to surrender and give in to the pose – 

but not to give up. 

Yin poses allow us to drop in to a more 

subtle energy field, widening our acceptance 

of our physical field. Sarah explained the 

benefits to our internal organs in each pose 

and the meridian theory. Each pose was 

held for up to six minutes and focused on 

the meridian energy channels that affected 

either the kidneys or the liver. The best bit 

by far was not the technical or anatomical 

reflection of the pose, but on listening and 

reflecting on the teachings Sarah offered. 

However, it was the meditation sessions 

that resonated most profoundly and 

powerfully within me and I found myself 

soaking up each teaching Sarah and Ty 

offered like I was a dried-out old sponge! 

Each teaching felt like pure gold being 

poured in to my soul, every word caressed 

my mind, every mantra spoke to my heart, 

every breathe nourished me. Never before 

have I witnessed such a strong sense of 

understanding, understanding about selfkindness, 

acceptance and to simply be open 

and vulnerable. Thank you Sarah, Ty, my 

friend Irena and the whole group. 

Ann offers personalized 

yoga and Pilates 

instruction in Singapore. 

She can be contacted at 

(65) 9777 6632 

DYLAN STARTED YOGA AROUND THE SAME AGE AS DAVID SWENSON AND IS ALMOST AS BENDY 

Down on the Dock 

DYLAN HADDOCK 

Remember the introduction on David Swenson’s DVD where he practices on a dock by the 

lake? Oh so idyllic compared with practicing in a packed, sweaty studio. Well here’s your 

chance to experience yoga in nature. Some of the yoga teachers living on Koh Lanta, 

Thailand, invite you to come practice with them by the beach. By the time you get home, 

you too will be able to float from Adho Mukha Vrksasana to Parvsa Kukkutasana with the 

grace of Dave! 

Located in Krabi Province, Koh Lanta is an island in southern Thailand. Smaller and 

quieter than the better known islands of Phuket, Samui and Pha Ngan, it is just starting to 

become developed as a destination for visitors. 

One resort which offers year-round yoga is Relax Bay (www.relaxbay.com), where I [Dylan], 

a Canadian, teach vinyasa classes on a platform by the beach. I also teach at Pimalai 

(www.pimalai.com) which is at the south end of the island. 

Mona, and American, has been on Lanta for a few seasons and has taught at a few different 

resorts in previous years, including the Sanctuary and Relax Bay. She now teaches at the 

Andaman Sunflower resort ( www.andaman-sunflower.com) also at Phra Ae beach and has 

a shala on the beach. 

Annelie is Swedish and is in her third season on Koh Lanta. She teaches beginners 

Ashtanga Vinyasa, doing the primary series to around Navasana at her own shala close to 

Klong Dao beach not far from the ferry onto Koh Lanta. Her business is The Retreat 

(www.lantayogameditation.com). 

Stefan from Austria teaches at the Sanctuary, also at Phra Ae and has a shala on the beach. 

He teaches the Ashtanga Vinyasa sequence with an open minded approach, including 

modifications, and also incorporates some Pilates into the routine around Navasana. He 

calls his system Beyond Ashtanga Yoga, and can be reached through www.astangayoga.at. It 

is his second season on the island and he plans to stay until March. 

All of the shalas/yoga platforms here can hold around 12-18 people or so, and so you can 

be assured plenty of personal attention. All locations are open air so you will be blessed 

with fresh ocean breezes while you practice, giving you lots of prana, and the sounds of 

nature to soothe you. Relax Bay, Pimalai, the Andaman Sunflower, and the Sanctuary all 

have accommodation available as well as Yoga, and also welcome you to practice Yoga if 

you are staying in another resort. 

Dylan is originally from 

Canada and has been 

practicing yoga since he 

was 13 and teaching for 

about 5 years. 

27

Salutations 

YOGA 101 

Build your Asana Foundations 

ALLEN FU 

A 7-day yoga retreat with Divya 

Rishikesh, India 

March 21 st - 28 th 2008 

Ideal for beginners and advanced practitioners alike, this 

seven-day retreat in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains 

will lead you through a transformational journey in the 

birthplace of yoga. Experience yogic living in an ashram 

complete with a sattvic vegetarian diet while being led and 

guided by Divya through daily practices of asana, 

pranayama, satkarma, mantras and meditation. Participants 

will also enjoy yoga philosophy discussions, topics for 

reflection and evening kirtans. 

You will have the opportunity to take part in spiritual 

ceremonies on the Ganges River and put your blessings 

afloat on the sacred river while chanting mantras along with 

fellow yogis from around the globe. Spend your free time 

exploring the holy city. Visit the exciting colorful marketplace 

and shop for yoga books, deities, malas, singing bowls, 

jewelry, incense and much more. Don’t miss this opportunity 

to take part in this exciting spiritually enriching week. 

The cost for the retreat is US$1,000 which includes airport 

pick-up, transfer to the Ashram, three daily vegetarian meals, 

a semi-private room, daily guided yoga practice, yoga 

philosophy lectures, local ceremonies and city orientation. 

Spaces are limited so reserve your spot today. Contact Divya 

for registration form at: divyakeith@gmail.com 

How great it is to have a New Year’s countdown with fireworks 

exploding every second down the side of the International Finance 

Centre buildings in Hong Kong. There are many factors which 

enable Two IFC (Hong Kong’s tallest building) to stand so tall and 

straight, but the main thing is a good foundation. If a building is 

even slightly misaligned, it would not be able to rise tall and firm. 

Similarly in yoga asana, the part of the body that touches the 

ground forms the foundation of the pose. Good foundations 

enable a firm, balance, stable and comfortable poses. 

STANDING 

In standing poses, like Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Utthita 

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) or Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II), 

the feet form the foundation. A lot of fundamental principles can 

be learned from one of the most basic of asana, Tadasana. 

1 Place feet with big toes and inner heels touching. 

2 Spread all toes wide. 

3 Do not scrunch up or grip the floor with the toes. 

4 Lift and lengthen the soles of the feet from the middle of the 

arch of the foot forwards. 

5 Maximize contact of the feet with the floor or sticky mat. 

6 Allow the feet to be soft. 

7 Bring your body weight equally to all four corners (the base of 

the big toe, the base of the little toe, the inner heel and the 

outer heel) of the feet. 

8 Feel the weight of the body sink evenly into the feet. 

9 If the inner parts of the foot feel heavy, the arch of the foot is 

probably collapsing. 

10 If the outer part of the foot is heavy, the big toe is probably 

lifting and the outer ankle may feel tense. 

11 If the body weight is shifting forward, the toes tend to grip the 

floor and the body tends to tilt forward. 

12 And if the body weight shifts backward, the toes will lift off the 

floor and the torso is away from the centre line of the body. 

13 As much as possible be centered on the bottom of each foot to 

maintain a balanced foundation for all standing poses and 

enables the pose to grow upward. 

SITTING 

In sitting asana like Sukhasana (cross-legged sitting pose), Dandasana 

(staff pose) or Padmasana (full lotus pose), the body weight should 

evenly distributed on sitting bones. The sitting bones in these asana 

are like the feet in Tadasana. The pelvis should be in a neutral 

position, level both side-to-side and from front-to-back. This 

allows groins to relax and lessen the effort in keeping torso erect. 

This is the foundation. 

ARM BALANCING 

In arm balances like Adho Mukha Vrkasana (hand stand), Bakasana 

28

(crane pose) or Eka Pada Koundinyasana, hands form the base of the 

pose. 

1 Place hands on the mat or floor shoulder width or slighter 

wider. 

2 Widely spread the fingers, flatten the palms and press into the 

floor. 

3 Keep body weight out of the wrist, but distributed evenly on 

the hands. 

4 Resist upward with forearms. 

5 These form the foundation of support for your torso. 

Remember the part of the body that touches the ground or mat 

forms the foundation of the pose. And many of the things you 

practice and learn from your feet in Tadasana can be applied to each 

of other asana. 

Allen is a certified personal fitness trainer and 

yoga teacher who has been practicing yoga for 

over 10 years. He teaches at charitable 

organizations. 

PATRICK CREELMAN IN BAKASANA 

29

THERAPY 

Thai Massage, More than a Stretch 

GABRIEL AZOULAY 

If you’ve ever watched a group of children engaged in play, you’ve 

surely noticed how carefree and unhindered their range of motion 

is. They run, they jump, they swing their arms. Their entire existence 

is all about movement. 

Now, compare the beauty of their free-flowing movement to that 

of most adults, many of whom have lived a sedentary existence 

since they said good-bye to their own carefree – and physically active 

– days of childhood. Stiffness, muscle tenderness and joint pain 

have replaced flexibility and free range of motion. 

The fact is, from the moment we are born, forces such as gravity 

and lifestyle conspire against our bodies to inhibits the natural flow 

of energy which exhibits itself as stiffness and physical stress. But, 

the good news is, something as simple as stretching can help 

combat inflexibility as we age. 

The benefits of stretching are numerous: increased energy, more 

flexibility, less risk of injury, decreased stress, greater blood and 

nutrient flow to tissues, improved range of motion and better 

posture. Stretching is a wonderful warm-up or cool-down and 

improves muscular coordination, as well as prevents soreness and 

promotes faster recovery. 

Thai massage and yoga are two Eastern practices that are gaining 

popularity in Western cultures where people are looking for ways to 

increase flexibility as they age. Both rely heavily on stretching to 

increase range of motion, improve deep-breathing, stimulate 

circulation and reduce stress. 

Thai yoga massage, an ancient practice that originated around the 

time of Buddha, in India, has it’s roots in yoga. It features an 

interactive partnership between the giver and the receiver. Muscle 

stretches and gently applied pressure along the body’s energy lines 

30

produce an effect that’s simultaneously invigorating and calming. 

Unlike many other forms of massage, Thai yoga massage is 

performed with the recipient fully-clothed lying on a comfortable 

floor mat. It has been described as a form of “assisted yoga,” where 

the giver enables the receiver to achieve maximum stretching 

potential. 

Thai yoga massage is beneficial to anyone seeking improved mental 

balance, flexibility and overall well being, including golfers, office 

workers and weekend athletes. 

Muscle stretches ...along the body’s 

energy lines produce an effect that’s 

simultaneously invigorating 

and calming. 

Like Thai yoga massage, yoga also is centered around a sequence of 

stretches. According to yoga philosophy, it’s the flexibility of the 

spine, rather than the number of years, that determines a person’s 

age. Yoga helps combat the effects of aging by giving elasticity to 

the spine, removing tension from the body, rejuvenating the glands 

and nervous system and stimulating a positive mental and 

emotional state. 

Now you know the amazing benefits of Thai yoga massage and 

yoga, how should you begin your own personal, self-care regimen? 

First, start slowly. Ask around to find a yoga class or Thai yoga 

massage studio that fits your needs and your comfort zone. 

Once you find a class or studio where you feel comfortable, 

continue your own practice regularly. Daily is optimal – it’s called a 

practice for a reason. You must practice in order to improve and in 

order to achieve maximum benefit. However, even once a week is 

better than nothing. 

And finally, realize that aging is an inevitable part of living. And like 

life, how you approach it makes all the difference. 

SPIRULINA 

Sun-dried spirulina from the community of 

Auroville, India. 

Gabriel is a founding partner of Rejuvenation 

Thai Massage and Yoga in Arizona, USA. He has 

been teaching yoga since 1992, and Thai yoga 

since 2007. www.gabrielazoulay.com 

$80 for 100 gram powder/crunchy or 

$90 for 100 vege-capsules for Namaskar 

readers. 

CONTACT (852) 2982 2807 or 

peter@holistichongkong.com 

31

BOOK REVIEW 

Cave in the Snow 

by Vicki Mackenzie 

REVIEWED BY TIA SINHA 

32 

The reason why we are not Enlightened is 

because we are lazy. There’s no other reason. 

We do not bother to bring ourselves back to 

the present because we’re too fascinated by 

the games the mind is playing. 

- Tenzin Palmo 

A western Buddhist nun who meditated in 

a cave for 12 years? That was the 

achievement of Englishwoman Diane Perry, 

known as Tenzin Palmo after her ordination 

as a Tibetan Buddhist nun in 1964 at the 

age of 21. 

What would make a pretty young woman 

forego the joys and comforts of worldly life 

for the cold solitude of a Himalayan cave? A 

restless spirit that sought perfection, that 

wanted to peel away the layers of the 

conditioned mind, revealing the 

unconditioned core of spontaneity and 

perfection within. In the race between will 

and desire, like the one described in the 

Katha Upanishad, the will triumphed. It is 

interesting to read how Tenzin Palmo 

resolved the conflict between the need for 

physical and emotional intimacy and the call 

of the spirit. 

Tenzin realized her samsaric ties had 

ultimately resulted in unhappiness over 

countless lifetimes. This was her chance to 

cut worldly ties and make a go for 

enlightenment. Under the guidance of 

Khamtrul Rinpoche, she opted for a 

solitary, meditative life not as an escape from 

worldly responsibilities, but because she 

believed prolonged retreat would be her 

best aid, the path of least distraction in her 

quest for perfection. 

Tenzin faced obvious as well as insidious 

obstacles to her meditation. She grew her 

own food and slept in a traditional threefoot 

square wooden meditation box, never 

lying down. At 13,200 feet up in the 

Himalayas, nature can and did turn hostile. 

She faced mind-numbing cold, wild animals 

and near death. Then there were obstacles 

put up by her mind. Tenzin says she may 

not have had heavy negative karma, but her 

problems did exist, less transparent, 

therefore more difficult to grasp. She 

identifies her fundamental obstacle as a 

subtle laziness, a low grade effort, not really 

doing one’s best, much more serious than 

having a bad temper. “The times when I 

have genuinely put my whole self into 

something, the results have surprised even 

me.” 

Tenzin’s efforts are reminiscent of the great 

cave meditator, Milarepa. Yet, Cave in the 

Snow is far more than an account of her 

cave-dwelling years. It offers Tenzin’s deep 

yet practical insights into the predicament of 

samsara, specially the human predicament, 

suggestions for spiritual practitioners and 

her vision and concern for the plight of 

other Buddhist nuns. And it is an easy, 

gripping read. 

Journalist Vickie Mackenzie’s book vividly 

portrays Tenzin Palmo’s purity of motive, 

unpretentious honesty, clarity of mind and 

her gentle, unassuming nature. Drawing 

upon the tremendous willpower and 

capability that were within her, taking 

responsibility for her evolution and gaining 

an insight into the workings of her mind, 

Tenzin Palmo’s life is testimony to the 

transformation that a genuine quest for 

enlightenment can bring about in one’s 

mind and heart. To call this book inspiring 

even for those who have not opted for the 

monastic way, nor wish to, would be an 

understatement. 

RELATED READING 

1. Dialogue with Death (a commentary on 

the Katha Upanishad) by Eknath Easwaran 

2. Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva 

(Translated by the Padmakara Translation 

Group) 

3. The Life of Milarepa, Tibet’s Great Yogi 

by Lobzang Jivaka 

Tia is a student of 

Sanskrit, Yoga and 

Buddhism. When in Delhi 

she teachers at the 

Sivananda Yoga Centre.

Walking aimlessly trying to find 

Ways to calm my monkey mind 

Beneath a strange tree I sat to rest 

My senses all being put to test 

A wizened, old monk appeared before me 

Smiled and said, “I am Patanjali.” 

Whispered “You’re standing under my Yoga Tree 

To know the secrets to set you free 

Look up at the branches and you will find 

Ways to calm your troubled mind 

I stepped away and looked around 

A Yoga tree! Seemed profound! 

Eight limbs grew out of the strong trunk 

A story on each, whispered the monk 

Eight branches appeared to wave at me 

Come and explore our mystery 

I walked to the first branch that looked alive 

“Yamas” the leaves whispered,” Morals, there are five!” 

Hey! I Bumped 

into Pat 

atanjali 

anjali 

SANJUKTA SHARMA 

Ahimsa-non violence to others and to you 

Satya- both words and thoughts, try to be true 

Asteya- do not steal, also others’ time 

Or take their energy, it’s a crime 

Brahmacharya-moderation and self- restraint it brings 

Aparigraha-do not covet or eye other’s things! 

The second branch reached out and waved out now 

“Niyamas” the leaves rustled, Restraints will show how 

Saucha- be pure to your body and mind 

Santosha-be content but without a bind 

Tapas-test your beliefs through the trial of fire 

Svadhyaya-self- study relentlessly and do not tire 

Ishvar-Pranidhana, surrender to God 

Offer without attachment your all to the Lord 

The third branch waved and bowed down low 

“Asanas” or postures is another way to grow 

Your body houses your precious soul 

So nurture it with care, see it as whole 

“Pranayamas” the leaves now rustled before I was ready 

The breath is everything, so make it steady 

Allow the breath to be your guide 

It can calm the mind’s most turbulent tide 

My head began to spin, I thought I’d drop 

But the leaves sent another message and just wouldn’t stop! 

The fifth branch spoke of Pratyahara - “withdrawal of senses” 

Curb your desires and place them in fences 

The sixth branch whispered Dharana, focus your mind 

A controlled mind brings Happiness, you will soon find 

Dhyana, the seventh branch seemed to say 

Meditation illumines, and lights up The Way 

The eight branch said nothing, the tree stood tall 

But I’d unlocked the mystery, and connected it all 

Samadhi -Unite with the Divine, Bliss in being One 

Patanjali looked at me and asked if I was done 

It was my turn to smile as I could clearly see the way 

“Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha”, I heard him say. 

When the body is in balance, comfort and ease 

The breath is steady and the senses at peace 

Ethics to follow, restraints to keep 

Focus and Meditate to awaken from your sleep 

Merging with Bliss is the end 

Thank you Patanjali, you have been a true friend! 

Sanju was introduced to 

yoga as a child, but 

only recently has found 

the time to devote 

herself to yoga studies. 

The picture is so clear, there remains no strife 

That Yoga is truly a framework for life! 

I made my way home, with my mind so still 

A sense of determination and a stronger will 

My life is changing, I am aware of that 

I just couldn’t wait to unroll my Yoga Mat! 

33

TIA’S CROSSWORD 

This crossword pays homage to 

sacred texts, treasure troves of 

agama, the wisdom that has 

come down to us from sages and 

seers. Their wisdom shows us the 

way in times of uncertainty and 

distraction. The solution can be 

found on page 37. 

ACROSS 

1. A poem composed in 

Sanskrit by Indian Buddhist 

monk, Shantideva translated 

into English as The Way of the 

Bodhisattva. A verse from this 

poem: 

Just as when a man who’s tortured in 

a fire, 

Remains unmoved by little favours 

done to him, 

There’s no way to delight the great 

compassionate buddhas, 

While we ourselves are causes of 

another’s pain. (17) 

6 & 14 ACROSS. In the Song of 

the Lord, Shri Krishna describes 

four paths to liberation – the 

way of devotion, the way of 

knowledge and the way of 

unselfish action i.e., to do 

something for the sake of doing 

it, without expecting anything in 

return and the fourth way of 

Raja Yoga. (8, 4) 

7 & 15 ACROSS. The holy book 

of the Sikhs, considered revealed 

scripture and revered as a living 

Master, is known as the ….. 

Granth …… (4, 5) 

10. Bardot Thotrol or The 

Tibetan Book of the …., a 

guide to liberation, was 

composed by Padmasambhava, 

written by his wife and hidden 

in the Gampo hills of Tibet. (4) 

12. An example of Hindu 

‘Smriti’ (remembered) literature. 

These 18 major books, 18 

minor ones and several more 

bring to us legends and myths 

about gods and sages. (7) 

14. See 6 ACROSS. 


16. Anagram of ‘miss a hat’ 

gives the first of the 4 sections 

of 3 DOWN. Derived from the 

Sanskrit term for ‘putting 

together’, these texts contain 

hymns and mantras. (8) 

21. Anagram of ‘as a yak ran’ 

gives the third of the 4 sections 

of 3 DOWN. Derived from the 

Sanskrit term for ‘forest’, these 

texts give instructions for 

householders who have 

renounced their worldly lives 

and retired to the forests. (9) 

22 ACROSS & 20 DOWN – Tri 

pitaka – Three baskets of 

learning that comprise the 

Buddhist Pali canon. They 

contain texts on doctrine 

(Sutra), ethics (Vinaya) and 

thought (Abhidharma). (3, 6) 

23. In Islam, the Word of 

God, the book of God’s 

revelation to Muhammad, 

revered as a faithful copy of an 

eternal text engraved on a tablet 

in heaven. Its short first chapter 

is repeated over and over again 

in Arabic in the daily prayers by 

Muslims all over the world. (5) 

25. The scripture of 

Zoroastrianism. It includes the 

Gathas (poems reminiscent of 

Vedic hymns), attributed to 

Zoroaster himself. (6) 

26. One of the 4 books of the 

Ju (Confucian) canon. It 

contains the essence of 

Confucius’ teaching and is 

believed to have been compiled 

70 years after his death in the 5 th 

century B.C. (8) 

28. An important text of the 

Kabbalah with whose help 

hidden, secret meanings of 24 

DOWN are found. (5) 

DOWN 

1. Where Job, Isaac, Abraham, 

and Mathew can be found. (5) 

2. Meaning the path of truth, 

the essence of the Buddha’s 

teachings preserved in haunting 

poetry by his immediate 

disciples. It begins with the twin 

verses – 

Our life is shaped by our mind; we 

become what we think. 

Suffering follows an evil thought as 

the wheels of a cart follow the oxen 

that draw it. 

34

Our life is shaped by our mind; we 

become what we think. 

Joy follows a pure thought like a 

shadow that never leaves. (10) 

3. Rik, Sama, Atharva and Yajus! 

Derived from the Sanskrit root 

“vid” which means “to know”, 

these texts are considered 

‘Shruti’, divine knowledge heard 

by or revealed to sages. (5) 

4. Two vast collections of 

writing, Palestinian and 

Babylonian, containing the 

teachings of rabbis. (6) 

5. Jumble ‘Aryan maa’ to give an 

epic composed by Valmiki, 

starring an incarnation of 

Vishnu, a devoted wife born of 

the earth and Hanuman. (8) 

8. Anagram of ‘push nadia’ 

gives the final section of the 4 

sections of 3 DOWN. This text 

(one of over 280), deals with 

metaphysics. Sri Aurobindo 

called these texts “the supreme 

work of the Indian mind”. (9) 

9. Jumble ‘brahma aahat’ for an 

epic composed by Veda Vyasa. 

The song in 6 & 14 ACROSS is 

a part of this book. The epic 

tells the story of the battle of 

Kurukshetra, which is a 

metaphor for the battle between 

tendencies towards evil and 

good in every human mind. (11) 

11 & 27 DOWN. The …. ... 

Ching (the Classic of the Way 

and its Power), written by a royal 

archivist at the request of a 

frontier guard, stresses the 

importance of taking no action 

contrary to nature and of 

finding one’s place in the natural 

order of things. (3, 2) 

13. Anagram of ‘a brash man’ 

gives the second section of the 4 

sections of 3 DOWN. These 

contain instructions for priests 

for performing sacrifices. (9) 

17. Hindu as well as Buddhist 

texts, laying down practices to 

transform negativities within the 

mind, to gain control over 

nature, to gain the power to 

help all beings and to unite with 

the Supreme. (6) 

18. Patanjali’s Yoga …., an 

ancient source of the 

philosophy of yoga condensed 

in 196 terse, pithy phrases. (5) 

19. Part of the Pali Canon, a 

collection of over 500 stories of 

Sakyamuni Buddha’s previous 

lives as a bodhisattva, i.e., a 

future Buddha. Many of these 

moral fables, like Aesop’s Fables 

and the Panchatantra, have 

animal characters. (6) 


24. Revealed scripture of the 

Jews, referring to the Five Books 

of Moses - Genesis, Exodus, 

Leviticus, Numbers and 

Deuteronomy. It also refers to 

the entire Jewish bible (the Old 

Testament or Tanakh), and 

sometimes, to the whole body 

of Jewish law and teachings. (5) 

27. See 11 DOWN. 

35

RECIPE 

Back-Bending Cookies 

R. ALEXANDER MEDIN 

INGREDIENTS 

4 oz/120g Butter 

½ cup Brown Sugar 

¼ cup White sugar 

1 Egg 

1 teaspoon Vanilla essence 

¾ cup Whole Wheat flour 

½ tea spoon Baking Soda 

¼ tea spoon Salt 

1 teaspoon Cinnamon 

1 teaspoon Cardamom 

1 ½ cups Oatmeal 

½ cup Raisins or Chopped dates 

½ cup nuts (pine nuts/ sun 

flower seeds/ almonds) 

½ cup Dark Chocolate chunks 

METHOD 

Start churning the butter with a 

ladle until a creamy texture arise. 

Then gradually add the sugar 

and work until the texture 

becomes fluffy. 

Mix in the egg and vanilla 

essence. 

In a separate bowl, mix the flour 

the spices, the salt and the 

baking soda and then add this 

to the butter-mix batter slowly. 

Then finally add the oatmeal, 

dried fruit, nuts and chocolate 

and mix until a steady 

consistency. Use hands or mixer. 

Cool the dough for at least half 

an hour in the fridge or freezer 

so the batter will become harder. 

Then cover a tray with baking 

sheet and smear some oil on 

top to prevent sticking. 

Then take out the dough, roll 

into balls and place in the oven 

@ 180 degrees Celsius for 10 – 

15 minutes. 

Please check on the cookies to 

make sure they don’t become 

too brown on the top. This will 

make them too crunchy and pull 

them out when they have a 

golden color on top and 

brownish color at the bottom. 

PS: A little sweetness in our lives 

is necessary to remind us of the 

infinite sweetness from within. 

While making the dough try to 

be in a balanced state of mind 

and everything will taste much 

better. As we become happier 

our tensions will dissolve and 

who knows, maybe even your 

backbends will improve? 

36

ON LOCATION 

Sat 

atya a in Mysor 

ore 

JULIE CHOI 

Julie, an Ashtanga student, currently studying in Mysore, India asked a few people there 

what they think satya means: 

But what is the truth? The only thing I can be truthful about is my 

own inner world, but I am not sure if I have captured it correctly 

anyway. 

Jonasis an Ashtanga student currently studying in Mysore. 

Satya means ‘truth’ or ‘right knowledge’. It comes from direct 

experience rather than hearsay or second-hand learning so, for example, 

practicing asanas gives you deep first-hand knowledge of anatomy 

which cannot be properly gleaned from a book or tutor. 

Julian is studying yoga in Mysore and a teacher from the UK. 

To tell you the truth.... its plain truth. 

Ganesh runs an internet café in Mysore. 

CROSSWORD SOLUTION 

from page 35 

SATYA 

“Truth”, “reality”, “that which exists”. Sat is the present participle of 

the verb root as (“to be”). Satyagraha, which is derived from this root, means “holding 

onto the truth”. In India, Gandhi instituted a campagin of Satyagraha, or “Insistence on 

Truth”, the most famous example of which was his model of nonviolent civil 

disobedience, in which he incorporated the principle of ahimsa (nonviolence) from the 

Eight Limbs of Yoga practice. 

From Sacred Sanskrit Words by Leza Lowitz and Reema Datta 

37

YOGA TEACHERS & STUDIOS 

Sangeeta Ahuja 

Life Management Yoga Centre 

d: TST, Hong Kong Island 

s: Classical yoga, Kids yoga, 

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l: English, Cantonese, Putonghua 

t: (852) 9188 1277 

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The Iyengar Yoga Centre of 

Hong Kong 

d: Central 

s: Iyengar certified 

l: English, German 

t: (852) 2918 1798 

e: umoser@netvigator.com 

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Privates 

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t: (852) 9483 1167 

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The Iyengar Yoga Centre of 

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d: Sheung Wan 

s: Iyengar Certified (Senior 

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t: (852) 2541 0401 

e: linda@ 

iyengaryogahongkong.com 

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4/F Kai Kwong House, 13 

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Room 406 New 

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