Mysore Magic, Mysore 24.01.12
Many people wonder why one should travel to Mysore, when Mysore Style can now be practiced in all the major countries around
the world.
Well, there is a certain energy and magic here at the source, where this system of yoga spread out of.
Yoga for Prisoners, Mysore 07.12.11
In this entry I would like to speak on yoga for prisoners. Why it is working and what are the transformative changes I’ve witnessed among the incarcerated. I would then like to address the practical aspects of yoga. When theory becomes an integrated practice and when the insights from yoga provides a new solid foundation for how we live our lives.
Les merRemembering Iceland, Oslo 1.11.11
There are a few places in the world that leaves such an impact on you that once you’ve left they continue to live within you. Iceland is such a place for sure and the potent energy of the land continues to flash in my memory like the constant flow of a healing waterfall. Thus I thought I’d share some more experiences from this great land of the north.
Les merOrcas, Iceland 28.10.11
The enchanted island of Iceland knows no limits. Like yesterday when we were out on a bout, suddenly 40 Orcas (killer whales) comes up to play next to us and flick their tails in the air and jump in and out of the water as if half bird half fish. It was an extraordinary experience beyond belief and unfortunately the sights of them are not as common anymore. Even our captain who’s been steering the ship for five years without ever seeing a live Orca, was equally gobsmacked and just stood in awe with a draw drop like all the rest of us.
Les merIceland 27.10.11
The privilege of being a yoga teacher is that sometimes you get invitations to come and teach in interesting places. Now I’m not really too keen on travelling too much and believe we do best service to yoga by staying in one place and remaining dedicated and committed to the students who are willing to put down some proper time to investigate this challenging practice we are doing.
Les merPatanjali vs. Pattabhi Jois - What are the actual similarities? Oslo 20.10.11
Ashtanga yoga is the name of the dynamic style of yoga popularized by Srî K. Pattabhi Jois. It is also the name of the eightfold path of yoga as systematized by sage Patanjali. Now what do the two have in common? Do they actually coalesce at all, apart from the word?
Les merNow the break is over! Oslo 19.10.11
Ok this blogging bit took the back burner for a while! Could give you many good reasons why and it has been great with a little break to focus on other projects, writings, the prison project and a trip to the Himalayas.
Les merYoga as Demonstration 28.07.11 BKK
Yoga is not about performance, comparison and demonstration. Yet still in the tradition and the lineage of Krishnamacharya, there has been a common practice to 'show off' some of the postures in order to attract and create greater awareness in the subject.
Les merThe Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Mysore 20.07.11
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is the defining text on yoga.They are difficult to fully understand and embody without the help
of the commentaries, but here follows a translation I've done of this principle text for those that may be interested to get
a better overview of how Classical Yoga is defined. Sage Patanjali (2nd Century BCE) was the compiler of a yoga tradition
and certainly not the originator of it. The origins of yoga is difficult to define, but we have all reasons to believe it
predates Patanjali with several centuries.
I'm sorry that this webpage does not accept the Sanskrit diacritic marks of some of the original Sanskrit words, but if you
would like to read them, please send me an email on omsri@earthlink.net and I'll send you the fonts to install in your fonts
folder for proper reading. Joyful reading to you all. RAM
The Kundali Upanishad, Mysore 12.07.11
The Yoga Kundali Upanishad is a text of 170 verses[1] divided over 3 chapters. It explains the awakening of the Kundalini and what happens internally as the ‘cosmic serpent’ makes it way from the base of the spine up the crown of the head. It is the concluding text of the Yoga Upanishads and glorifies the internal awakening that may come from a Hatha Yoga Practice as the superior way to reach the final goal of Vedanta.
Les merThe NadaBindu Upanishad, Mysore, 11.07.11
The Nadabindu Upanishad is a short work of only 56 verses. All written in the anustubh meter, apart from the last one written in Jagatî, explaining the final absorption in the sound of Brahman. The Nada-bindu means the ‘support of sound’ and main focus of this Upanisad is to explain the internal places to focus during the practice of Gayatrî shîrsa, a meditation in twelve stages that incorporate Pråñava (OM) with vyahrtiis (sacred utterances). Then main focus of the Upanishad is how a refined internal receptivity to sound may lead to a deeper integration in Yoga.
Les merThe MandalaBrahmana Upanishad, Mysore 10.07.11
The MandalaBrahmana Upanishad is a work in prose over five short chapters. It is the only one of the Yoga Upanishad that was commented upon by Shankaracarya (788-820 CE) and it is a fascinating read that inquires into the essence of light and the internal visions a practitioner may experience as he reach the higher stages of yoga. Traditionally this text belongs to the Bråmaña portion of the Shukla Yajurveda. The Bråmañas are normally concerned with the proper execution of rituals, but here the practice of yoga is the internal sacrifice in aspirations for higher experience in the realms of light from within.
Les merThe Varaha Upanishad, Mysore 07.07.11
The Varaha Upanishad is the longest of all the Yoga Upanishads. The name Varaha means 'a wild boar' and is associated with the 3rd incarnation of Visnu when he fought the demon Hiranyaska and saved the Earth from destruction. This act symbolizes the resurrection of the earth from the great flood of despair and how Visnu was able to establish a new cosmic cycle. The central teachings of this Upanishads features the core principles of Vedanta and the practice of yoga is introduced in the final chapter for the purpose of Jivanmukta - to become liberated while living.
Les merThe Amrtanada Upanishad, Mysore 05.07.11
Amrtanada Upanishad may be translated as ‘teachings on the sound of immortality’. It is a short Upanishad of only 39 verses, all written in the anustubh meter, apart from the 25th which is written in the Vamshastha meter, describing the inmost essence of OM. It is a six limb practice and asanas are only considered a preparatory step and not included as one of the limbs. The first half of the Upanishads features the theoretical aspect of yoga and the later part gives the practical guidance.
Les merThe Hamsa Upanishad, Mysore 4.07.11
The Hamsa Upanishad is a short work in prose explaining the mystical nature of Hamsa (the inner swan), situated within all. A brief reference to Pranayama is there, but it is primarily a text on how to contemplate the Hamsa as the inmost essence of the heart and awaken the receptivity to the divine principle that has taken up residency in the body. The text is the instructions of Sanatkumara to Gautama. The later has approached Sanatkumar in hope of attaining the knowledge of Brahma Vidya.
Les merThe Dhyanabindu Upanishad, Mysore 2.07.11
Dhyana-bindu Upanishad may be translated as: ‘(secret) teachings on the support of meditation’. The standard translations for bindu are: ‘drop, globule, dot, spot, pearl or the colored mark some Hindus wear between their eyebrows. Within the context of this Upanishad bindu means the rootless support, the inmost essence of life, the elixir vita that supports our whole being.
Les merYoga Tattva Upanishad, Mysore 29.06.11
The Yoga Tattva Upanishad may be translated as the ‘Secret teachings of the essence of yoga’. Now, there are many styles and practices of yoga and ultimately whatever practice we do it is suppose to bring us closer to truth, alleviate suffering and awaken a higher consciousness to our inmost existence. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois was fond of quoting verses from this Upanishad and one of them reads: “I shall tell you the means to destroy ignorance and suffering. It is Yoga and true knowledge!” (verse 14).
Les merThe Yoga Upanishads, Mysore 27.06.11
The Yoga Upanishads are a total of 17 Upanishads that are included into the Muktika, a collection of 108 Upanishad. It includes the ten principles Upanishads as commented upon by Shankaracharya. In addition we find 21 on common Vedanta, 23 on Sanyasa (renunciation), 9 on Devi worship, 14 on Vishnu, 14 on Shiva and finally 17 on Yoga. The work predates 1656 CE since the Persian Prince Shahzada Dara Shikoh commented upon them and also translated 50 of them into Persian. For the next ten + days I"ll share some notes on nine of them.
Les merDrshti
There are many translations for the word drshti. Attitude, vision, eyesight, look, glimpse, point of view, intelligence, wisdom, to only mention a few! Its implementation in the practice of asanas is there primarily to prevent excessive fluctuations and improve our concentration. As one learns to improve the focus of the eyes it may also lead to greater stability of the mind and absorption in the self.
Les merThe practice of Vinyasa according to Krishnamacharya
The practice of Vinyasa is the link that ties many of the modern schools of physical yoga together. The various interpretations of yoga certainly vary, not to mention the many perspectives on what constitutes the ‘appropriate’ practice, together with ‘right’ sequencing of postures and how long to hold them etc. Yet the very linking sequence between postures for many of the modern schools is often referred to as vinyasa, and this is an interesting phenomenon.
Les merThe Happy Joyous Life. HK 13.06.11
It all depends on our Vision, Actions and Results, according to Tejomayanda.
Les mer
Moolabandha - The root support. 03.06.11
Moolabandha is the master key that unlocks the inner treasures of yoga and centers our mind in infinite bliss. As with everything regarding the intimate journey of yoga, it is hard to describe and should rather be felt and experienced. It is never quite what we think it to be, so fortunate is the one that can perceive it and utilize it.
Les merSome notes on Pranayama, Oslo 27.05.11
Here follows some notes on breath, pranayama and what some of the classical texts on yoga has to say about it. The practice of Pranayama is subtle and can leave us dazed and confused as well as clear, receptive to a deeper intelligence situated from within. Is all about how we approach it and find a clear and safe way in harnessing the breath and refining our senses. In areas of pranayama it is good to rely on the classical sources for an increased understanding of what it is and how it effects us. Not sure if i'm able to do justice to it all, but as the saying goes: "Practice, practice ....
Les merThe Prashna Upanishad, 18.05.11 Oslo
When a man knows the best and the greatest, he becomes the best and the greatest. The best and the greatest is breath (ChU 5.1).
Les merThe Svetashvatara Upanishad. Oslo 11.05.11
This is indeed another long one, but perhaps well worth the read if you are interested in knowing how yoga is being portrayed in the ancient Upanishads, the fountainhead of all Indian philosophy.
Les merKatha Upanishad 2. Oslo 3.05.11
Who can really define the essence of yoga and pinpoint what it is rather than make a mockery of it? Who can be clear, rooted in what is real and communicate words pregnant with truth rather than fanciful projections we have on the subject? Not many, and certainly not me, however this inquiry into yoga continues so we can hopefully become a littler clear of what is what in reference to what the ancient texts have to say. This week some selected verses of the last four chapters of the Katha Upanishad will be discussed.
Les merKatha Upanishad 1. 27.04.11 Oslo
Unfortunately this might be a little long, but the attempt was to encapsulate some of the great teachings of the Katha Upanishad. One of the principle Upanishads that first shows references to yoga as explained to us by Patanjali. This week I’ve covered the first two chapters and next week I'll cover the remaining four.
Les merYoga in the Early Upanishads 1. Oslo 21.04.11
In three blogs to follow I will make a brief survey of how the word yoga is being portrayed in the principle Upanishads. Many of the principle Upanishads embody elements of yoga within it.
Les merYoga as portrayed in the Vedas and the Ancient Indian Civilizations 13.04.11
In this entry I have tried to shed some lights on how yoga is portrayed in the early Vedas. In scholarly circles there is
an ongoing debate whether the practice of yoga evolved out of the Vedic tradition or as something independent of it, that
was already existent in India prior to the so-called Aryan invasion. As you will see, both views make perfect sense and the
intention with this is just to put things in context and hopefully plant some seeds for your further investigation into the
tradition and context of this beautiful thing we like to practice.
(I'm sorry about the confusion with some of the Sanskrit diacritical marks, but we'll try to correct this with the web-server
asap)
Norges Vakreste Yoga Senter!
Hadde det store privilegium å ta turen til Stavanger i helgen og dele litt med meg av det lille jeg kan om Yoga. Nå er ikke det noe særlig å snakke om og heller ikke at jeg representerte Puro Yoga fra hovedstaden her i Oslo – som jeg trodde var Norges flotteste Yoga senter. Men til min store glede og forbauselse...
Les merThe heritage of Yoga
Now ‘What Yoga really is?’ is a question that has fascinated me for quite some time. In the mid 90’s I was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga, for mere physical reasons. I practiced it diligently five to six times a week, while smoking and drinking....
Les merYoga in NYC 27.03.2011
New York City is always full of surprises, funky events and colorful people. So why should the practice of yoga here be any different? With 30 million Americans now practicing yoga, you can be certain that in NYC there are styles and practices that suits every need, mentality and preference.
Les merBouncing Back. London 22.03.11
Gosh, have really slipped with this bloggelyblogg since I got back home, but will make up for it now in months to come. Travelling again now for a week and will make a few posts in between meetings, practice and being a tourist and will try to investigate a little further into what this thing called yoga really is.
Les merAt the feet of a Master. Phukhet, Thailand 26.02.2011
Once in a while one has that rear opportunity to meet a remarkable person that leaves an imprint on you for life and changes your perspective on things quite profoundly.
Les merA little effort is required, Mysore 14.02.2011
Last week I promised to post a little more with reference to Krishnamacharya (KM), and particularly his views on effort, and the importance thereof in order to ripe the true benefits of yoga. That you will find in a few lines, but first a little on this thing called yoga in general.
Les merHvorfor ikke på Norsk? Mysore 12.02.2011
Ok, har fått et par klager fra noen venner som synes jeg bør skrive på norsk, men saken er den at jeg ikke kan stave ordentlig på norsk lenger etter å ha bodd syv år i Sverige, syv år i London og åtte år i Asia. Har ikke norskt tangentbord på mac´n en gang. Glem spell check og berget med nød og neppe en 4´er norsk skriftlig så må desverre si at jeg ikke er helt stø på stavinga. Hadde desverre for mye andre vilde aktiviteter som tok all konsentrasjon i ungdomsåra.
Les merWhat is Yoga? Mysore 07.02.2011
Ai, a tricky question to answer indeed. Because when we look around us in the modern world of yoga there are so many different styles to choose from. So many juxtaposed ideas and opinions of what is good for you and what you need to be doing. Ok, if anybody tells you to do anything else but creating greater awareness in what you do and find time to do your practice they are full of hogybogy.
Les merThus said a Master, Mysore 31.01.2011
Since I’m here at the source in Myosre I thought I’d report a little from a book that was published here in 1935. Why it is of particular interest is because the author was T. Krishnamacharya who was the legendary guru of Pattabhi Jois, BKS Iyengar etc. Since I have the privilege of being the scribe for one of my teachers here that are translating it, I thought I could share some extracts with you.
Les merConference 24.1.2011
Every Sunday from four to five it is normally a little ‘Conference’ here in Mysore. That means all the yoga students throng together in the shala and try to figure out what that 1 % theory really means. In short, Sharath normally speaks on a topic and people are free to ask questions afterwards. While I’m here until the 20th of February I’ll try to write a little report every week and let you know the latest words here from the source.
Les merUnder Water 22.01.2011
This yoga that we do is suppose to make us more flexible in body and mind, but the last ten days I’ve found myself lying down most of the time and complaining about a sever back pain.
Les merBKS Iyengar 15.01.2011
When I practice, I am a philosopher,
When I teach, I am a scientist,
When I demonstrate, I am an artist!”
Mental Health 11.01.2011
Last week was a little difficult here in Mysore. One of the yoga students had some sever mental problems and it affected all of us directly or indirectly.
Les merHere we go - Mysore 21.12.10
Yoga is infinitely beautiful and strengthening on all levels. When practiced properly, its inherent transformative powers may transform a pauper into a king and a fool into a sage of great wisdom. It all depends on what we choose to see, venerate and give prominence in our own mind.
Les mer