Sharath Rangaswamy, grandson of Pattabhi Jois, and now director of the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India, was in Toronto recently. These are recordings of a conference he held during his visit, thanks to Rochelle and Paul Gold.

In the first video, Sharath talks about Parampara, a traditional Indian cultural practice where knowledge is passed down from one guru to the student. He stresses the importance of finding the right teacher from whom you can learn Ashtanga as it was meant to be.

In the second video, Sharath talks about his beloved grandfather, Pattabhi Jois, or as we all refer to him affectionately as Guruji, and his dedication to the Ashtanga practice.

If you are having issues watching the second video, here is a link to the video on You Tube.
R Sharath Conference 2 on You Tube

Again thank you to Rochelle and Paul Gold for sharing these recordings on YouTube with us.

A great little interview of Pattabhi Jois back from the 70’s. Guruji’s wise words on the practice of Ashtanga Yoga.

Many people are always trying to learn the closing chant. Even with it written down and translated, it’s not easy. So, here’s the video of Sharath reciting the chant, with subtitles. Hopefully you’ll find it helpful.

If there’s one Ashtanga movie many of us recommend, it’s Ashtanga New York. Filmed in 2001, during Guruji’s visit to New York City, it’s an inspirational portrayal of the Ashtanga practice.

Here’s a trailer to the movie. It’s a must see!

Back by popular demand, a third Transition Workshop was held on 08-15-09. Diana reviewed the pull through, along with chakrasana (backwards somersault), and many others. Here are some video clips of what was covered. Interested in more? Let us know and maybe Diana will conduct another workshop!

This clip contains brief demos of chakrasana (backward sommersault), Setu Bandhasana entrance, and traditional headstand entrance and exit.

An excerpt taken from a blog post at Barefoot Bhakti about her visit to Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala.

Yesterday, I thought I would jaunt down the street to Pacific Ashtanga. What could be better than yoga directly across from the bay at Dana Point? Plus, there’s something completely decadent about having a yoga studio within walking distance. Not that I walked.

…wandering into Pacific Astanga was like adding the frosting to a cupcake. The studio is presented with so much devoted attention: the altar with photos of Guruji, the beautiful statues, the candles and lanterns, the chanting, and the sheer dedication of the instructor to her own personal practice, was a cut above anything I could ask for.

For the entire original post: Click here to go to Barefoot Bhakti’s Blog

Thanks to Barefoot Bhakti’s for your kind words about our beloved Yoga Shala!

When Diana and Jeff Christinson opened Pacific Ashtanga in July, 2005, they envisioned creating a sacred space where people would learn to become stronger, lighter, more peaceful, grateful and in tune with their inner self.

What they didn’t expect was the experience of sangha, or spiritual community. When a group of people committed to a higher end work together, they’re said to create a field of grace, one that silently supports the whole. While it can be intimidating watching seasoned practitioners twist, bend, and gracefully move from one pose to the next – just know it’s what’s happening on the inside that counts and everyone, including beginners benefit from the power of sangha.

At Pacific Ashtanga’s fourth anniversary celebration, Diana told her students, “I’m honored to watch your paths…to watch you support each other. It’s not an accident you’re here. You found the practice exactly when you needed it.”

This year, more than ever – students faced uncertainty and challenges of all kinds.

Yet, by showing up to practice, by focusing on breath, softening instead of struggling, strengthening instead of quitting…the peaceful, candlelit jewel in the harbor provided a safe haven, keeping them grounded, encouraging new paths, practicing gratitude and to have faith in themselves.

And this year, more than ever – Ashtangis around the world will grow stronger, lighter, more peaceful and better able to navigate life’s uncertainties by remembering Guruji’s words, “Practice… and all is coming.”

Clips From The Transition Workshops

Diana talks about Surya Namaskara B (Sun Salutations B), how being present in your breath and movement is very important.

In this clip, Diana went over using your ever mysterious bandhas and core for the pickups. She also talked about my favorite transition (because I can do it, yeah yeah, I’ll stop bragging). Okay so I know everyone wants to see more, but you’ll just have to ask Diana to do another Transitions workshop for you guys!

WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME

Most people see Yoga as just another form of exercise or relaxation. Where going to a Yoga studio is like going to a new age gym. In my opinion, Pacific Ashtanga is much more than that.

Now let me allay any fears by saying that we’re not talking about a commune or something where we share cool aid, play tambourines, or chant Hare Krishna’s.  We’re not lighting up joints, having “trips”, or singing Kumbaya together. Nor are we some cult or special clique, with secret handshakes or passwords.

We’re more like Cheers. You remember the TV sitcom, right? I know, I’ve just dated myself. (Aren’t there still reruns?)  Like the show, where Norm is greeted with enthusiasm each time he steps through the door, every time you show up for class, someone, and not just the teacher or counter person, will greet you with sincerity. Sometimes it could be a very excited greeting, or it could be as simple as a wink, a smile, a tap on your shoulder, a tug on your ponytail, or a punch in the shoulder (for you manly types).  All of which you know is sincere, unlike the polite “How are you”, “I’m fine, thank you” ritual exchanges.  If you haven’t been coming for a while, and you return to the Shala (school), more often than not you’ll be greeted like a long lost friend.

People even have their favorite spots like Cliff and Norm have their barstools.

(Just so we’re clear, I’m not saying we’re boozing it up either. We are doing Yoga here.) 

Students congratulating Diana, our teacher during 4th Anniversary Celebration

 “So?” You say.  Remember those occasions where you skipped the gym, the yoga class, the run, the Pilates class, because you just can’t convince yourself to go? Everyone says the hardest part is the “going” part.  Hey, I’ve been there.  But for many of us, the reverse has become true. Honestly, wouldn’t you want to see your friends, or go somewhere you know you’ll be warmly welcomed? There are times when our teacher has to tell students they should take a day of rest and go home.  Imagine that.

Here’s the theme song to Cheers, it describes us to the tee. 

Makin’ your way in the world today
Takes everything you’ve got
Taking a break from all your worries
Sure would help a lot
Wouldn’t you like to get away?

Sometimes you wanna go
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
And they’re always glad you came
You wanna be where you can see
Our troubles are all the same
You wanna be Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Be glad there’s one place in the world
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
And they’re always glad you came
You wanna go where people know
People are all the same
You wanna go Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Everyone is welcomed by the students to our Shala. (Well, if you’re raving lunatic brandishing a knife, not so much.) We don’t care if you’re brand new or an old pro. Can’t touch your toes? No problem. The students are so diverse you almost won’t believe it. Folks from their 20’s all the way to the 70’s. Male and female, from all walks of life, beliefs and political outlooks. Some who’re super fit triathlon addicts, and some who’re working on getting fit.  Many good friends I would otherwise have never met.

We don’t leer or scoff at you critically if you can’t quite stay balanced, bend so far forward, or even if you sweat like the Niagara Falls. (If you smell like a manure pile, we might ask you to take a shower, politely.) We would instead support you in your efforts.  We do because we’ve all been there. People get encouragement often from their fellow classmates, and when you have a break through, you will hear cheers and clapping from us.

We know people are all the same.

So, to stop my rambling, I’m going to borrow a phrase from our beloved Guruji, (read it with a thick Indian accent) “No Fear! You Come!”