Had the privilege to spend five days here for a little work and sightseeing of some yoga centers. Although I’ve always found dog-yoga fascinating and wondered how they do the hands-on adjustments in a hot nude-yoga class, these were not the famous classes I visited while I was in the Big Apple.
The morning classes were spent at http://ayny.org/ where a good friend is teaching. A quite peculiar yoga studio like no other that has also been converted into a temple, http://broomestreettemple.org/ and it’s quite a little haven that embodies an exceptional spirit in the middle of Soho, in the lower part of Manhattan.
Having spent many years in Mysore, you always get to meet many interesting people. Sharon Gannon and David Life is a rare couple indeed and they have created something truly unique for NYC and wild spiritual consumerism that is America. Since they started in 1986 they have branched out with studios all over the world and have developed their own genuine style of yoga, based upon their studies with various Gurus in India. Check out their funky website on: http://www.jivamuktiyoga.com/
Barbare Verochi is another friend from Mysore and she has started a beautiful studio on Broadway between 11th and 12th street. Had a privilege to go there Friday night for a talk with Edwin Bryant on the Bhagavad Gita. http://theshala.com
Then had to visit http://www.pureyoga.com/en/newyork/ of course. The biggest conglomerate Yoga chain in the world that has now partnered up with http://www.equinox.com/ When you have 14 million US$ to spend on revamping a yoga studio the interior design and plush décor will be quite fascinating. Their main Mysore teacher, John Campbell, is not like the rest of the place, all fancy wrapping of an empty box, but actually a guy that has studied for many years and even earned himself a PhD in Tantric Buddhism. Although the rest of the place is still struggling to attract decent numbers, John pulls in 30 to 40 people every day for his Mysore classes. But considering the place has eight studios and need a monthly membership of 2000 people every month to break even they are in for a steep journey ahead.
Then I had to visit http://www.yogamayanewyork.com/home.php just to see the incredible woodwork they had brought back from India. Truly astonishing and it’s quite remarkable see how a concrete box can be transformed into such a warm place with the right materials and colors.
Then there is http://www.yogasutranyc.com/ and classes with Amy Priay Santos, who is worth mentioning, simply because she’s a cool woman and she manages to be a full time yoga teacher and full time dancer/artist at the same time.
Guy Donahaye deserves our respect for the latest book he brought out in Guruji. Unfortunately I missed his classes in East Village, http://www.ashtangayogashala.net/ but he’s a guy who keeps it real and does a great job.
Had also a quick visit of http://www.yogaworks.com/ three studios, but found the fitness mentality a little too overwhelming and felt out of place since I didn’t have the latest Lulu Lemon outfit and could not really to a good handstand against the wall.
When the weekend came Kirtan was offered at all the big studios and it is quite interesting to note that great singers like Krishna Das and many others, started their career from communal services at Jivamukti and other yoga studios in the city. Then it just grew and today there are many people like KD to be found that sings with a heart wide and open that pours over with devotion. I spent Saturday afternoon at http://broomestreettemple.org/ where local New Yorkers, former wrappers, gangsters and musicians tuned into the same vibes and elevated the heart of all the listeners.
There is no place like New York City and they may be setting the trends for year to come within yoga, music and fashion. Here in Norway, we try to focus on what is real and proven to work over time. In conclusion all I can really say is that I’m amazed to see all the people Sri K. Pattabhi Jois truly inspired and it’s great to see the various shapes and forms his legacy continues to have on people all over the world. As he used to say: “Yoga is nobodies property, it is one!” And as we remain steady and practice it, may numerous revelations continue to unfold from within.