Primary Series Questions

[Guest guest]

I am not near a teacher, and must glean what I

can from books, videos, and when possible,

workshops.<br><br>I've noticed some minor discrepencies in the standing

sequence among what I consider well respected sources. The

posters and responders to this forum seem very

experienced, and I'd be interested any comments you

have.<br><br>Both David Swenson and Tim Miller teach Parivritta

Parsvakonasana after Utthita Parsvakonasana, but Richard Freeman

and BBB omit it.<br><br>David Swenson teaches Utthita

Hasa Padangusthasana in a set of 4 asanas (A-D), while

RF, TM, and BBB omit one of these and only teach 3.

<br><br>I realize that some senior teachers modify the

sequence somewhat using their personal experience and

judgement. Thats fine. But I would like to know the sequence

as currently prescribed by KPJ.<br>Thanks for any

light you can shed.

[Guest guest]

I can't count all the different astanga teachers

I've had, plus what I've seen of the way senior

astanga teachers present the series on video.<br><br>I've

yet to find 2 -- TWO -- that teach any series the

exact same way.<br><br>And I'm speaking here of those

who've been to India to study with guruji.<br><br>What

am I to conclude from this? All astanga teachers are

renegades from teaching the "right" way? The way the yoga

is taught varies from year to year? The vagaries of

instruction lead instructors to conclude that small

variations in the practice are okay? <br><br>Or is this

astanga yoga stuff just movement with breath, and not to

be taken all that seriously anyway?

[Guest guest]

Thank you Trayam, for about the most sensible

answer anybody could have given to that

question.<br><br>I've studied with a few teachers too -- although I

guess nowhere near as many as you -- including at least

six who have studied with Patthabi Jois in Mysore.

And yes, you're right, no two of them teach primary

series exactly the same way. I just do whatever my

current teacher says and don't worry about it.<br><br>I'm

interested to note that Mcstroh says Richard Freeeman

doesn't show Parivritta Parsvakonasana in his video.

Annie Pace didn't do it in a workshop I did with her

either. Maybe it's a Colorado thing - is that asana

particularly unwise to do at high altitudes?

[Guest guest]

Neither Parivritta Parsvakonasana nor

Trivikramasana (uthita Hasata Padangustasana 4) belong in the

primary series as taught by SKP

Jois.<br><br>Trivikramasana is a third series posture which is sometimes

included for more flexible students.<br><br>Although AVY

is a standardised form, postures are introduced

slightly differently depending on the ability of the

student. This is why "led" classes are not so good for

beginners, nor is learning from books or videos.

[Guest guest]

According to Sharath Parivritta Parsvakonasana is

given individually, once you master Marichasana C and

D.<br><br>This makes a lot of sence to me, since Parivritta

Parsvakonasana is very early in the sequence and if you can not

get into it in one (max 2) breaths you loose your

flow already that early in the practice.<br><br>PS: As

a reference to how guruji is teaching the sequence,

just use your Yoga Mala.<br><br>tutu

[Guest guest]

that old renegade yogi siddhartha gotama

shakyamuni refers to five gross and four subtle fetters that

hang between delusion and enlightenment<br>1. belief

in the reality of the self.<br>2. doubt in the

teachings and their objective<br>3. DEPENDENCY ON

FORM<br>4. sensual desire<br>5. ill will<br><br>6. craving

for form<br>7. craving for formlessness<br>8.

conceit<br>9. ignorance<br><br>he say only need to dissolve the

first three to be initially enlightened (stream winner)

, at second stage (once returner) ill will and

sensual desire still exist but are deeply weakened. at

third stage (no more to be reborn) those two are gone,

at the final stage the last four also....<br>so all

thanks to trayam for another piece of uncommon

sense.........

[Guest guest]

I think its very unlikely Sharth told you this.

If you look at Yoga Mala or any video of Guruji

teaching I know of, you will not find Parivritta

Parsvakonasana. <br><br>Sharath does not practice it, and when

Lino produced the new version of his book with photos

of Sharath instead of John Scott's drawings, you

will notice that there is a photo of Lino in this pose

as Sharath did not know it.

[Guest guest]

Okay, I thought I was having blackouts or

something because my latest ashtanga teacher (who just

returned from Mysore) has been skipping Parivritta

Parsvakonasana in the led classes and I couldn't figure out

where it had gone. I mean, it's a challenging posture,

but I love the twist and you can always just do it in

the abbreviated "namaste" position. Anyway, I like

Alan Little's advice about just doing whatever you

current teacher says and not worrying about it. So I'll

do that, and sneak in a little PP on the side at

home with the curtains closed.<br><br>By the way,

everyone who contributes to these conversations is

awesome! And I mean that with all of my sweaty little

heart.<br><br>edenlotus