Friday, February 8, 2008

The Mysore Yoga Scene















Here in Mysore, India, we have an interesting array of world class Yoga teachers and schools. From the Western-populated, advanced Shala of the Jois family ("AYRI") to the more Integral and Alignment-minded yoga of "Yoga-India" (see links below) we have both flowing and static styles...Clearly, we have no shortage of hatha and ashtang... Many of these teachers generally teach just one or two hours per day, leaving people free for the rest of their time .... A number of certifications are available now as well...

As a student of "integral" yoga, in the coming time I will continue to research and try to elaborate on what is offered here... however, there is between 200-300 schools around, with some more prominent than others... including:

-http://www.ayri.org - This is the so called "Main Shala" where Patthabhi Jois resides and his family teaches. I could write a lot about this place. Only come here if you are highly experienced in Ashtanga and dont want much instruction... The shala is packed with yogis and it is the most expensive place around.


-Shri Patanajali Yoga Center, BNS Iyengar - BNS does not have a website right now. He is a direct student of Krishnamacharya (along with Deskichar, Indra Devi, BKS Iyengar and Jois, plus maybe one or two others). This makes him highly respected... He teaches at the Patanjali Shala, where Krishnamacharya taught. He focuses on Pranayama and also teaches the Ashtanga Vinyasa series as taught by the Jois family. I hear its nice that students can "ask him anything" and he has a good sense of humor. Perhaps this says something important: the Indians tend to study with him! (At the "main" shala, it is ALL Westerners in the morning classes working like hell while a few Indian students get semi-private instruction for less money in the afternoon and in a calm environment.) There are reports of Iyengar trying to take advantage of women, BEWARE!!! He offers a 30 hour teacher training centered around philosophy. He also offers Pranayama, Mudra, and Asana classes- each is costing RS 5,000. You have to pay up front before trying him out. So, you cant taste what he offers before committing. However, he will give a refund if your not satisfied in a few days - and money is not a real concern for him (so he says). The teacher training covers Kundalini and many topics. He is 81 years old and been taching for 60 years! Overall, he offers some taste of the light and dark sides of yoga... and is a powerfuly energetic presence with his huge belly and glowing face, humor and stories.

-http://www.sthalam8.com - Young teacher, former student of BNS. Offers teacher training.


-http://www.yoga-india.org - Teaching slow, peaceful Iyengar style yoga. I have only heard good things about this Shala. Its a little on the expensive side for Yoga in India, but the quality of instruction from Bharat is said to be quite good by all his students I have spoken with... 2 month teacher training is offered.

-http://mandala.ashtanga.org - Sha Shadri and his son are the main teachers here. I have heard very good things about this teacher. I have also heard mixed things, people saying that his adjustments are not as gentle as could be ideal. People have to let him knoe theyr limits. His center has a cafe and many other offerings.


Other schools:

Pranava Trust - mysoreyoga.com

Teacher was a diplomat and teaches at local university. Seems pretty okay. Yoga Alliance registered teacher training.


And other things to do here:
-Courses with students of AYRI or other shalas who also teach. We are surrounded by many experienced teachers and bodyworkers!
-Venkatesh teacher?
-Indian Music/instrumental teachers
-Indian Philosophy teachers
-Sanskrit and Chanting Classes at AYRI
-Various seminars on Nutrition, Tai Chi Etc. (set up by Int'l body of Yoga Students and Teachers here, versed in wholistic arts)
-Swimming
-Visit Swamis, drink coconuts, socialize, travel, day trips etc.
-Food: for Yoga students we have some nice little, inexpensive (100 RS meal) restaurants: Chakra House, Shakti House, Rishi's, Kate's, Santosha, Anu's here in the Gokulam town of Mysore City.
-housing here is about 3,000-8,ooo RS/Month. A scooter or motor bike can be rented for about 1,500 - ~4,000 RS/month. Many classes are in Lakshmipuram where AYRI used to be based.

Namaste,
Jake