Yoga. Ego? A circular rant.

I have found myself a bit overwhelmed lately about the path of yoga in so many classes I attend and media I watch and read. I don't strive nor claim to be a "purist" by any means, yet I still cannot shake the notion that so much of the yoga "for sale" today is somewhat removed from the meditative, contemplative, ego-controlling practice I have come to know and love. So many times, rather than teaching students how to relieve themselves of the control of the ego, many teachers are allowing themselves being controlled and driven by their egos--whether it be through their clothes, how many students they have in class, how many "master teachers" they've studied with, how many students "like" them on Facebook, or how many views they get on YouTube. They are driven by these phenomena, rather than being motivated purely by the reliability and effectiveness of the teachings they are striving to share. By the time a student arrives to a teacher, all these external influences, the desire to "succeed" and become a much-loved yoga teacher, have somewhat tainted the original message.

What are we missing here?

The overwhelming popularity of yoga in the West is partially responsible for the shift in focus. With so many people becoming interested in getting their weekly yoga fix, usually in less than an hour's time, teachers are trying to deliver the message to a larger, more diverse population, and trying to keep everyone happy in the process. With so many new students, many of whom are somewhat concerned that the teachings of yoga may conflict with their own spiritual beliefs, teachers are avoiding the spiritual, psychological aspects of the practice altogether. Left with only asana to teach, instructors are left with more space to worry about wardrobe, soundtrack and inspirational quotes, rather than delivering the scientific facts that yoga practice is designed to teach us to withdraw our senses in order to see the truth.

So, if yoga is truly a deeper, more powerful, more meditative practice than simply asana. If it truly is about recognition of the ego as the driver behind our thoughts, words and actions, what does it say that so many of today's "up and coming" yoga teachers allow themselves to fall victim to the very ego yoga is designed to help us vanquish? I've been so saddened to see some truly beautiful and inspirational yogis follow the path of celebrity, popularity, and the almighty dollar, seeming to forget the true meaning and practice of yoga. And yet, perhaps it's a case of "when in Rome..." I know many teachers who also claim that they are using their celebrity-yoga-teacher, best-that-money-can-buy status to further propagate the teachings; because they're famous, they'll be able to get the message to more people. This may be true, but I also think that only a true master of yoga can walk the fine line between Guru and Celebrity Yoga Model without losing some connection to the true Self, without letting the Ego regain a bit (if not a lot) of control. Can a yoga teacher become a yoga celebrity and still walk the yogic talk? The teachings of yoga have been around for centuries—they speak for themselves. But is the teacher capable of living the teachings they're committed to delivering?

It shouldn’t matter if the conveyor of the message is wearing pink and blue designer yoga capris or sweats and a t-shirt; it shouldn’t matter if they’ve studied with 8 big name yoga “masters” or one true nameless guru; if they’ve traveled to exotic, far-off shalas or if they’ve taught upstairs at a natural grocer: if the teachings are true to the source, seek to shed the ego, aim to reveal the true nature of the Self—if the teacher walks the talk, then that ‘s all I need to know.

What is the primary series?

"Ashtanga yoga is for all. Everyone can benefit from this practice." ~Sri K Pattabhi Jois

Ashtanga. The primary series. What's there to love?

The primary series of ashtanga yoga is known as "yoga chikitsa" or yoga therapy (this should be the first clue as to why I love it). The first of six progressively challenging series, it is set sequence of postures and vinyasas designed to "unlock" the body part by part, like a combination lock with the purpose of internal cleansing and healing. Starting from basic sequences that focus on major muscle groups (such as forward bends and side stretches), the primary series progresses toward more and more refined postures, requiring attention to smaller groups of muscles and more specific movements(including spinal twists and inversions). Ashtangis fly and float from posture to posture, carried by the breath and fully focused on the present moment. The internal heat created from the continuous flow from one posture to the next, as well as the twists and inversions, acts as a personalized detoxifying agent, aiding in eliminating impurities and inconsistencies from the body. Translated-you'll sweat and wring out whatever bad stuff might be in you.

Asana practice has often been explained to newcomers as "moving meditation," but it takes more than a class or two to gain an inkling as to where the meditation part comes into play. The beauty of the primary series, though, is in its accessibility to all practitioners. Even those new to the universe of yoga can benefit from the practice, as it was designed to be a naturally flowing progression from start to finish. For beginners, their first exposure to the primary series may simply be through the sun salutations and a few standing postures. And yes, it may take a class or three before they're flowing, being carried by their breath. But, due to the very nature of the primary series, the fact that there is a pre-determined sequence, it won't be too long before newcomers are fully experiencing the breath, bandhas and dristi through those first introductory asanas, allowing them a glimpse of what is meant by "moving meditation."

I know of people who get bored with the primary series. They say it's too predictable and they want a class where they don't know what's coming next--the element of surprise and mystery, perhaps? I understand this perspective, because I've been in similar places myself. I've attended classes where all I could think was, "could we please just do something different?" Or, I've wanted to slow down and experience each posture more deeply, but by the time I could engage my bandhas, we were moving through the next vinyasa. It's taken time-some of it more challenging that others. But, I'm happy that, through it all, I've stuck with the primary series and I've been witness as it's taken me to a place where I am able to experience each posture differently, more deeply each time we meet. It is the very fact that I don't have to think about what's next that allows me to be fully present and focus on the experience of each moment.

So, to those yogis who are out there, seeking mystery and adventure both on and off the mat, I would invite you to return to the primary series. Dare yourselves to dive further into the practice and revisit the tried and true sequence. Rather than just jumping about from posture to posture, the primary series offers a beautiful opportunity to take your yoga practice deeper and to a different level each time you step onto your mat.