Hi !
Welcome to the first Ashtanga Brighton newsletter. Every issue we hope to include one of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and if you're interested in yogic philosophy, don't miss Bhavani Maki's workshops at the BNHC in October, a rare opportunity to practice and learn from this international yogini.
We hope you find the newsletter an interesting read. It's a group effort and we'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Email us at news@ashtangabrighton.com
Happy reading!
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In This Issue:
- News in Brief
- Forthcoming Workshops
- Workshop Reviews
- Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
- The Opening Mantra
- Jargon Corner - Darshan
- Coming Soon!
News in Brief
We said goodbye to Sarah on Thurs 1st Oct. She'll be practising with Rolf Naujokat in Goa for 3 months before returning to us in the New Year (we hope!)
Nick Evans will be taking over Sarah's classes while she's gone. He's an authorised teacher who lived in Mysore for about 5 years following recovery from a serious illness. He currently teaches at a Shala in NW Spain and his partner, Katya, will be joining him in December.
We have 5 pregnancies in the shala at the moment - it was 6 but Heather recently gave birth to a little girl weighing in at 7lb 2oz, so congratulations Heather!
Manju gave us an interesting video interview after his workshops, which will be edited and published on the website soon, so watch this space!
Forthcoming Workshops
- Intermediate Workshop with Nancy Gilgoff, Slaters Barn, Haytesbury, Wiltshire, Oct 9th-11th. Contact virabadrasana@hotmail.com for more info.
- Patanjali's Yoga masterclasses with Bhavani Maki at BNHC, Brighton, Oct 16th-18th. Click here for more info.
- Take Darshan with Amma (Sri Mata Amritanandamayi) in London, Oct 21st-23rd. Click here for more info.
- Ashtanga Yoga Intensive with David Swenson, Edinburgh, Nov 13th-15th. Click here for more info.
- Jivamukti Yoga Workshops with Sharon Gannon and David Life in London, Nov 13th-15th. Click here for more info.
- Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga 1-day intensive with Michael Gannon, East Grinstead, Nov 14th. Click here for more info.
- AcroYoga with Jaqui Wan at BNHC, Brighton, Nov 14th-15th. Click here for more info.
Workshop Reviews
There have been so many workshops over the summer that we only have space for 2 in this edition: Manju Jois and Danny Paradise. Next issue we'll report back on Sharath's visit to London and Nancy Gilgoff's workshops in Berlin.
Manju in Brighton
(30th Aug - 3rd Sep)
Manju Jois, son of the late Sri K Pattabhi Jois, led two workshops at the BNHC on Sun 30th and Mon 31st Aug, with Mysore classes from Tues 1st-Thurs 3rd Sep. My first image was of him humbly walking into a room full of eagerly awaiting students and simply asking "Are we ready to start our morning practice?" before reciting the opening prayer (at extra high speed to my inexperienced Western ears) and launching straight into a counted primary series. Having only ever practised full primary led by a Westerner, I was slightly disappointed not to receive any direction or technical advice during the practice, but I had to remind myself that’s how Ashtanga was originally taught.
The Monday workshop included a mixture of primary and intermediate postures, which many students struggled with (including me!), but there was definitely an air of playfulness in the room on this second day. Both workshops included some pranayama and chanting with Q&A sessions at the end. It was very interesting to hear Manju's answers to our questions and his take on the Mysore situation was particularly controversial! I experienced some very strong adjustments from him and thoroughly enjoyed both the workshops and the morning classes. My lasting impression is that he is a very friendly, very relaxed and very witty man and I look forward to practising with him again.
- Hannah Moss
Danny Paradise in East Grinstead
(28th-30th Aug)
On Sun 30th Aug I attended Day 3 of Danny Paradise's workshop in East Grinstead. I kind of knew what to expect but there's always a few surprises with Danny! He welcomed us all and talked but it was interactive, not just a lecture - the not-so-minor topic was the meaning life! Then followed a masterclass with 1st and 2nd series, and quite a few of the more esoteric asana from 3rd thrown in for those who could. And those who couldn't could look on with awe, but without envy. In fact there was a very warm 'all in this together let's hear it for each other' atmosphere that afternoon.
Danny brings a lot of laughs, fun and irreverence to his workshops. He would suggest a change of hand position in trikonasana - sideways rather than facing direction of foot - but then he added "... and if anyone queries why you are doing this, say John Scott told you to do it!" Danny always takes care to break down a complicated asana so you can do the bits that are available to you that day. I thought £30 for 4 1/2 hours was very good value from an inspirational teacher who seems to have no end of variety in asana up his hippy sleeves! And always taught with a sense of fun, kindness, and no pressure but help if you want it. Yoga Akasha at East Grinstead is well worth a visit, and the workshop was organised by the very friendly and welcoming Scott Johnson there.
- Janaki
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are considered one of the most influential texts on yogic philosophy. In each issue we'll reveal a sutra for your reflection.
This month's sutra: 1:33
Tranquility of mind results from the constant practice of friendliness towards the fortunate, compassion to those who are suffering, joy in the performance of good deeds and equilibrium in the face of evil.
Translation provided by Hilary Macrae
Hilary has taught yoga and trained yoga teachers for many years in the tradition of Sri Krishnamacharya and his son Desikachar.
She has an MA in Sanskrit Literature and teaches the philosophy of yoga and Vedic chant. She can be contacted for individual lessons on 01273 710505 or email her.
This newsletter is lovingly prepared by ashtangis for ashtangis. But we need your help! If you have any information about forthcoming workshops, a review or article you have written or anything you would like to see in the next issue, please