ashtanga yoga what is up with you people?

[Guest guest]

I recently did a workshop in New York with Lino Miele.

I should mention that I am fairly new Astanga student

and while I can get into most postures from the

Primary Seriers, there are some that I just cannot do

yet. I asked Lino this exact question that everyone

seems so up-in-arms about - the should you modify

question. He basically said that no you should not

modify but you can ADAPT postures for the beginner

practitioner. He also said that he did this himself

when starting his practice. What I took away for

MYSELF is that since I have studies other types of

yoga for several years (Jivamukti, Bikram, Hatha) and

have the physical stamina to get through the full

primary series (with certain postures ADAPTED to what

my body is currently capable of) that I would rather

continue to do a full practice than to stop (for

instance) at Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana (I have less

that great hip flexibility) as I can get into most of

the rest of the postures that follow. Also I should

mention that I was recently in London and practiced at

a lovely place called Triyoga where several teachers

showed me some great ADAPTATIONS which I know will

help my body to eventually get into the full posture.

So if anyone out there is in London or will be

traveling to London, I recommend it highly.

--- Tonya Makowski <trmakowski wrote:

> Please be careful of what you call a "...charlatan

> teacher who wants

> to make a buck off of you by satisfying your ego and

> not teaching you

> correctly..." considering I am offering a method of

> postures to allow

> people to explore Ashtanga yoga through an internet

> message board.

> Last time I check this is a free service... well at

> least I don't get

> paid to offer my insight as a teacher on this site.

> Remember the

> philosophy guiding yoga, trancendence of ego.

> Sometimes you need to

> modify, plenty do and derive great benefits and

> progress in thier

> ASHTANGA practice. I admire the general idea of

> this site that

> everyone studying Ashtanga yoga needs to do so under

> guidance of a

> teacher. Now, studying under a teacher offers a

> deepening of

> practice, and insight into the philosphical aspects

> of yoga, but as a

> beginner taking time to work postures, explore a few

> public classes,

> read some texts and see different approaches and

> teaching methods

> allows the student to take yoga into thier life,

> assimilating it as

> they see fit. If a deep understanding and

> progression into the world

> of yoga is your desire, taking up practice with a

> teacher is highly

> reccommended. Beginners, begin where you may. "Do

> YOUR practice and

> all is coming", as Gurujii is popuarly quoted as

> saying.

>

> This message board has taught me that the yoga

> community is close-

> minded and splintered, hardly my hopes for a

> community with the basis

> of yoga. At no point have I attacked your personal

> method or

> approach. A beginner student asked where to start,

> unable to work

> under the guidance of a teacher, I simply offered my

> insight based on

> my exprience. You may do the same, but do not turn

> this into a name-

> calling, and discrediting forum. At least discuss

> things you feel

> strongly about, ask my reason for modifying. Have I

> noticed that

> beginners are able to get into thier practice by

> modifying? Did I

> begin my study of Ashtanga by modifying? If so,

> where is my practice

> now?

>

> Continue on with your study of yoga in your own

> means. Offer insight

> into others journey. Maintain the integrity of the

> yoga community.

> Reflect on the ultimate purpose of yoga...now are

> your comments

> congruent with all of this?

>

>

>

 

 

 

 

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