Ashtanga
Yoga Research Institute
Gokulum, Mysore
Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois
Sharath Rangaswamy
by
Paul Dallaghan
Whether you realise
it or not, either directly or indirectly, the reason for pulling you towards
Mysore is the work done by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and his guru Sri. Krishnamacharya
over the past 75 years. Mysore is known as the home of ashtanga vinyasa
yoga. It is here that Jois has dedicated his life to the practice and
teaching of this approach to yoga. This approach is also responsible for
the current global yoga popularity, though watered down in many off-shoot
forms. One thing is for sure, Sri Jois has stayed true and committed to
its teaching in a very clear and thorough manner over the past 65+ years.
A visit to Mysore and the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute will reveal
this fact. Studying with Pattabhi Jois, or Guruji, and his grandson Sharath,
gives one the real flavour of how the practice is. January 2003 saw the
AYRI open its doors at a new location after 50 or so years at the "old
shala". This new shala is a magnificent structure with a large and
bright practice space. Focus, calm and joy permeates through Guruji's
and Sharath's teaching. These qualities are the product of yoga and can
easily be felt. We are aware that yoga is not merely about the physical.
It becomes clear in this approach and their teaching. Patience, focus
and dedication lead one to growth and advancement. The ambience created
in this space tends to nurture these qualities. If not, the result is
one's own personal anguish and disappointment. Guruji will just simply
say "yes, you come, you do". The maxim "practice, practice,
practice and all is coming" is to be realized here. Although Guruji
is in his late 80s his strength and vitality is great to see and experience.
The practicals: the
shala is open to all levels, from the absolute beginner to the seasoned,
returning practitioner. Practice begins at 6am with space for about 30-35
students at a time. If one is arriving new there will probably be a wait
time. As the first group finishes up the next fills the spots. If you
like to watch others practicing you may sit there for an hour, otherwise
wait time could be 5 to 15 minutes. A look into the room will find a very
vibrant and active Guruji and Sharath teaching and adjusting. The approach
to teaching here is the "Mysore" style or self practice. Every
student learns the sequence of postures, combining the linking movement
known as vinyasa. If you are new to the practice, do not know the sequence
or have difficulty in poses, you will receive ample attention as is required.
Those more familiar and adept with the series will be let practice on.
Adjustments are given when needed and not for the sake of trying to satisfy
every student's desires. Through yoga one becomes non-dependent. Teaching
is ultimately subtle. Hands on when needed. Sharath will carefully monitor
your practice and let you know when you're ready for new poses or to begin
a new series. Commitment and time in practice are required. The key to
the best experience there is to come each day and just practice, no expectations.
After all, this is yoga and it's our own inner experience. One thing is
for sure, both Guruji and Sharath care about yoga, the practice and the
student. They are not there to try to push people on or satisfy individual
wants. The integrity of the practice is highlighted. And this is why we
go to such experienced teachers.
In addition to practicing
and studying under the ashtanga masters themselves, Guruji and Sharath
have also made Sanskrit chanting available to students in the afternoon
and Sanskrit language in the morning. This takes place in the shala for
registered students at 300 Rps or $6 for the month. The aim of all the
teaching is to help a student progress down the path of yoga, removing
the obstacles and impurities that are in the way. Given the time and honest
and pure approach from the student this progress can happen. It is counterproductive
to run around to others in Mysore who offer teachings. Typically this
comes from a distracted mind or the overactive ego to try and push open
the back or get on to a new series. It results ultimately in too much
stress on the system, damage to the nerves and ultimately confusing and
clouding to the mind by receiving too many teachings and approaches. It
is for this reason that the policy at the shala is that if you study there
you commit to your teachers and their guidelines. Stay focused and allow
the process to happen. If you decide to go to other teachers you'll be
asked not to study at the shala anymore as it is counterproductive to
them investing their time in teaching you.
The monthly fee is
US$350 with an additional $200 registration fee the first month you come.
So basically that means you pay $550 for the first month and $350 for
every month after that. To get the most out of your time there a three
month stay at least is recommended, longer if you can is great, and if
you only have one month then you are also most welcome. You can register
from 4:30-5:30pm, Monday to Friday. Bring a passport photo. If you know
for sure you are coming then it is recommended to write in advance and
let them know. To get to the shala just give any rickshaw driver the following
address. This is also where you will write. Enjoy the experience.
Ashtanga Yoga Research
Institute
235 8th Cross,
Gokulum 3rd Stage
Mysore 570 002
Karnataka State
India
©
2003 - 2007 Yoga Thailand
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