This podcast discusses the delicate balance between following rules and embracing freedom in yoga and life. Using Ashtanga yoga as a focal point, I highlight the necessity of structure for safety, grace, and empowerment while also exploring the pitfalls of rigid rule-following. I challenge the idea that rules are inherently restrictive or harmful, and address the danger of adopting a “do what feels good” approach without discernment.
Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Vasistha, I delve into the messy nuances of navigating right action, creativity, and flexibility within a system. The discussion examines the limitations of rigid practices, such as strict adherence to Ashtanga’s set sequences, while emphasizing the importance of allowing for personalization and adaptability.
By addressing the harm of extremes—having no rules versus rigidly following them—I advocate for embracing complexity and balance in both yoga and teaching. Ultimately, yoga points us toward total freedom: the ability to respond spontaneously and skillfully to the moment, transcending outdated ideas and rigid structures. This conversation provides thoughtful insights for yoga practitioners, teachers, and anyone seeking to navigate life’s complexities with grace and wisdom.
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36:44
Sharath Jois
So sad that Sharath has departed so suddenly and so soon from this world. I’m thankful to have known him. I will remember him as a strong lineage holder, I will draw upon him for continued inspiration as a loving soul who carried on the torch of Ashtanga yoga with all his heart! The first and third photos were taken when I had the honor of hosting the family in Seattle in 2002. I offer my love and prayers to the Jois family and the whole world wide Ashtanga community.
Here are my thoughts.
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16:29
Asana & Awakening Kundalini
In this podcast, David defines the grand concept of Kundalini and how this main concept is associated with more familiar terms such as Prana, Shakti, Nadis, Shushumna, Mudra, Prana and Apana Vayu, as well as Mula, Uddiyana, and Jalandhara Bandhas.
He outlines the classic tantric imagery that is ubiquitous to many of the sacred texts and discusses the relevance of this important schemata to the practice of asana, vinyasa, and pranayama.
David reads from such sacred Hatha Yoga texts as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Geranda Samhita, and Prasna Upanishad to give examples how the kundalini language and schemata are inherently embedded in these texts.
He also gives examples of how the 7 asana principles are a secret, disguised road map to kundalini awakening. The asana principles: 1) Samasthiti is every pose, 2)crouch and spring to transition 3) ground legs and arms 4) awaken spine 5) tap breath 6 ) seal in energy 7) play with opposites
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50:44
Ask Me Anything, 4 Questions from Students
In this month's podcast David answers four questions from students:
1) How do I balance Yoga and Family obligations?
2) How did David start teaching and what were some struggles in the beginning?
3) Should Ashtanga evolve?
4) Why are there some postures and vinyasas I struggle to do without your (DG's) instruction?
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59:34
Indriyas: Mastery Over the Senses
Using Yoga Sutras 3:48 and 3:49, David breaks down the indriyas and discusses how to explore them on the mat.
David Garrigues is an internationally recognized yoga teacher and creator of the Asana Kitchen, an acclaimed yoga instruction channel on YouTube. The goal of the Asana Kitchen podcast is to teach yoga philosophy and hatha yoga techniques that can be applied directly to the daily practice.
Ireland