Why...

[Guest guest]

Yes. But my view is that "sociological awareness"

is not of much help in yoga - sorry if I may sound

conservative here. Sociological considerations don't lead

anywhere in this context. Let everyone find their one path

in yoga. And let everyone practise within their own

current limits and circumstances. That's my

opinion.<br><br>I also agree with Alan when he says that it should

be difficult, and it should require a lot of

sacrifice from the part of the aspirant to study with

Guruji in Mysore. Certification really should be

restricted to a limited number of aspirants, who are willing

and able to study with Sri Jois over a long period of

time, regardless of the difficulties and the sacrifices

this may involve. Sri Jois himself seems to be

perfectly aware of the fact that not everyone can afford a

trip to India. Why else do you think does he go on

world tours, to offer workshops for everyone willing to

study with him?<br><br>The practice of Astanga Yoga

itself is cheap, so that money really isn't much of an

issue here. If you don't have access to a good teacher

where you live, then a mat, a book and a video is just

all you need to get started.<br><br>But it's wrong to

assume that teacher certification is something only the

rich can afford. Certified teachers generally don't

come from rich backgrounds. More than sheer money,

it's probably a combination of talent, dedication,

stamina, a willingness to make enormous sacrifices, and

also some luck, that helps achieve the ultimate goal.

[Guest guest]

Jess, It's true some people are just not able to

go and many don't want to, which is also fine. It's

sort of like when people say, oh I don't have time to

practice or whatever, at the point where it becomes

important to them they find time. I think in most cases

(not all of course) money is like that. Lots of good

teachers are over here for people not wanting or able to

go. Thanks though for saying that there are great

people/yogis who are broke in America, because it's really

true and not always talked about.

[Guest guest]

I strongly agree that time will magically open up

when the time is right and you decide to make a

stronger commitment to yoga. Doesn't a lot of this

philosophy say that if your intention and desire is strong

enough it will manifest in the material world? It's a

hard one to swallow when you're the analytical type

but I have seen this happen in my very own life -- it

may take years but...ZAP...there it is...that thing I

was looking for - a trip to mysore or whatever.

<br><br>As for studying in Mysore, I am sure you can have a

fulfilling practice without it but I definitely see a real

spark in those who have had the good fortune to study

directly with guruji. it seems to have deepened their

devotion. Just an observation.

[Guest guest]

Very true.<br><br>Some people don't go cuz they

CAN'T; and for others there is just that element of "its

too much effort." (ie like saying they have no time

to practice, when they really do) , and then there

are the ones it doesn't matter much too.<br><br>If

someone wants to go to india, they should put whatever

they can into it. But sometimes they just can't. (once

again, Not me, for those of you who think i'm

complaining about a personal situation.)<br><br>thanks for

understanding,=.

[Guest guest]

Didn't want you to think only a clique of spoiled

yuppies go to Mysore--- not true.<br>Guruji is treating

people equally and if you think what people here will

pay for weekend workshops and worthless (my opinion)

yoga conferences racking up hours for yoga alliance or

something ---well.