Old Yoga Chicago Review

[Guest guest]

Have most of you already seen this?<br><br>I

didn't see Willem or Sting or any other famous faces at

JIVAMUKTI YOGA CENTER (404 Lafayette; 212-353-0214). The

fancy space, nicknamed "Jiva Las Vegas" by skeptics,

boasts a waterfall, a boutique, private meditation and

lesson spaces, three yoga studios, locker rooms with

showers, and a reservation system allowing members to call

ahead to secure space in classes, which fill up

quickly. Mat space was at a premium for co-founder David

Life's midday class, and the 65 parking spaces (marked

on the floor with yellow tape) filled up in no time;

it was a sold-out show. David began by playing a

harmonium and leading a chant. Then he turned on the

stereo. Throughout the vinyasa-based class he talked

about chitta-mind stuff-as he moved around the room

giving adjustments. Despite the hordes, he came my way

three or four times. The class was so big that the

middle rows practiced headstand while the students near

the walls did handstand and forearm stand. Then we

switched. Behind me, two people were taking in-class

private sessions in which an instructor helped them

through each pose. David drew the curtains for savasana,

and for a few minutes I forgot I was in lower

Manhattan. The studio offers free Kirtan on Monday nights

and free meditation on Wednesday. For a catalog call

800-295-6814, ext. 211.<br><br>Pardon my ignorance, but why is

David beginning the practice by playing the harmonium?

Is this customary?