July 1 - Aug 31 Reduced schedule. Les horaires de l 'été.
Please join me for summer practice:
lun 18h30-20h00 Niv I
mer 19h30-21h00 Niv II/III
jeu 19h30-21h00 Niv I/II
sam 10h00-11h30 Niv I/II
Namaste,
Michelle Jacobi
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Open all Summer - reduced schedule
Planning Ahead Le Centre reste ouvert.
July 1 - Aug 31 Reduced schedule. Les horaires de l 'été.
Please join me for summer practice:
lun 18h30-20h00 Niv I
mer 19h30-21h00 Niv II/III
jeu 19h30-21h00 Niv I/II
sam 10h00-11h30 Niv I/II
Namaste,
Michelle Jacobi
July 1 - Aug 31 Reduced schedule. Les horaires de l 'été.
Please join me for summer practice:
lun 18h30-20h00 Niv I
mer 19h30-21h00 Niv II/III
jeu 19h30-21h00 Niv I/II
sam 10h00-11h30 Niv I/II
Namaste,
Michelle Jacobi
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Yoga on the Road
Yoga on the Road. Taking your Practice with You
I was invited by Female Business Traveler to submit an article for their blog which you can see below.
It's a real nice blog and nice idea. Here is more: http://femalebusinesstraveller.com/category/activities/
On a recent quick turn-around trip to Milan I had in my light tote one change of clothing a few toiletry essentials and most importantly what I need to move my practice into a hotel room.
After several years of travel for business and pleasure, it’s as easy as a snap. Sometimes I find a local drop-in yoga class to join and sometimes I prefer to practice in my hotel. You can transform any hotel room into a sacred space with a few items that won’t even weigh 500 grams. I discovered this light weight roll out travel mat a few years ago that can roll or fold or be squished into your backpack or large purse. It weighs 400 grams and will protect your skin from the hotel room carpet.
http://www.yogamatters.com/product/704/matrav/ultra-light-travel-yoga-mat.html
Because we don’t have carpeting at home, I for one, love hotel room carpets and this particular one at the Best Western in Milan was extra thick and supportive and very clean. Also the hotels are happier when you don’t use their towels for your practice and you get all the qualities of a good sticky mat with support with this travel mat on a carpet or a floor.
To create a space to enter into your practice I bring a little votive candle and something close to my heart from my altar. It could be a photo of a loved one, a picture or object from nature. Anything that inspires you. I also bring a tiny vial of lavender essence which has the dual ability of relaxing you or energizing you and helps with jet lag, too. Put a little essence in your palms and rub them briskly, then place your palms gently over your eyes, this will also help move you from this hotel room to a wider broader experience of connection which is what we love about our practice. Mostly, once you are in your room it’s important to listen to what your body needs. Calls can easily be held at the desk and you also have the luxury of being called when you know your practice needs to finish.
There is so much wall space, usually and I like to begin by getting the heaviness out of my legs from the journey by legs up the wall pose. Hotels give you extra pillows and blankets which can be used as restorative props as well and they can be placed on your nice sticky mat rather than the floor. Heavy curtains dim the light and there you have a beginning to where the practice will take you.
For yoginis who like to do more advanced inversions, I also like the wall and carpet as a nice support in handstand and headstand, holding for several breaths in ujaii breathing. These are wonderful postures to move you into a time zone which may be different from the one you left. They leave you invigorated and refreshed.
Before going to sleep rather than falling asleep with the TV on, how about finding a quiet corner to sit and reflect on your day? From here you tune into the wave like rhythm of your breath and this can evolve to a breathing practice you like. Having a little ritual to blow out the candle each time helps you to remember to do this and you will have sweet dreams.
I found my 2 days feeling like 4 in Milan. Besides the meetings there was so much time to see the city to sit long hours at tables laden with delicious fresh food in restaurants and trattorias. I know I attribute this to taking the time I need for my practice.
If you are ever in Paris, and find it difficult practicing alone in your hotel or just want some company then we welcome any female business travellers for a drop-in yoga class.
Let me know how you do!
Yours on the mat,
Michelle Jacobi
I was invited by Female Business Traveler to submit an article for their blog which you can see below.
It's a real nice blog and nice idea. Here is more: http://femalebusinesstraveller.com/category/activities/
On a recent quick turn-around trip to Milan I had in my light tote one change of clothing a few toiletry essentials and most importantly what I need to move my practice into a hotel room.
After several years of travel for business and pleasure, it’s as easy as a snap. Sometimes I find a local drop-in yoga class to join and sometimes I prefer to practice in my hotel. You can transform any hotel room into a sacred space with a few items that won’t even weigh 500 grams. I discovered this light weight roll out travel mat a few years ago that can roll or fold or be squished into your backpack or large purse. It weighs 400 grams and will protect your skin from the hotel room carpet.
http://www.yogamatters.com/product/704/matrav/ultra-light-travel-yoga-mat.html
Because we don’t have carpeting at home, I for one, love hotel room carpets and this particular one at the Best Western in Milan was extra thick and supportive and very clean. Also the hotels are happier when you don’t use their towels for your practice and you get all the qualities of a good sticky mat with support with this travel mat on a carpet or a floor.
To create a space to enter into your practice I bring a little votive candle and something close to my heart from my altar. It could be a photo of a loved one, a picture or object from nature. Anything that inspires you. I also bring a tiny vial of lavender essence which has the dual ability of relaxing you or energizing you and helps with jet lag, too. Put a little essence in your palms and rub them briskly, then place your palms gently over your eyes, this will also help move you from this hotel room to a wider broader experience of connection which is what we love about our practice. Mostly, once you are in your room it’s important to listen to what your body needs. Calls can easily be held at the desk and you also have the luxury of being called when you know your practice needs to finish.
There is so much wall space, usually and I like to begin by getting the heaviness out of my legs from the journey by legs up the wall pose. Hotels give you extra pillows and blankets which can be used as restorative props as well and they can be placed on your nice sticky mat rather than the floor. Heavy curtains dim the light and there you have a beginning to where the practice will take you.
For yoginis who like to do more advanced inversions, I also like the wall and carpet as a nice support in handstand and headstand, holding for several breaths in ujaii breathing. These are wonderful postures to move you into a time zone which may be different from the one you left. They leave you invigorated and refreshed.
Before going to sleep rather than falling asleep with the TV on, how about finding a quiet corner to sit and reflect on your day? From here you tune into the wave like rhythm of your breath and this can evolve to a breathing practice you like. Having a little ritual to blow out the candle each time helps you to remember to do this and you will have sweet dreams.
I found my 2 days feeling like 4 in Milan. Besides the meetings there was so much time to see the city to sit long hours at tables laden with delicious fresh food in restaurants and trattorias. I know I attribute this to taking the time I need for my practice.
If you are ever in Paris, and find it difficult practicing alone in your hotel or just want some company then we welcome any female business travellers for a drop-in yoga class.
Let me know how you do!
Yours on the mat,
Michelle Jacobi
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Hello Everyone,
Please refer to the blog here for all updates while the website is being worked on.
Update - There is a lunch time class every day. Suraja's 10h00 class on Wednesday will now be held at 12h30.
Update - The next mediation will be May 20, 17h30.
All classes will be held during the holidays this month.
Thank you
Please refer to the blog here for all updates while the website is being worked on.
Update - There is a lunch time class every day. Suraja's 10h00 class on Wednesday will now be held at 12h30.
Update - The next mediation will be May 20, 17h30.
All classes will be held during the holidays this month.
Thank you
Friday, 20 April 2012
Quoi de Neuf , Printemps
Quoi de neuf au Centre de Yoga du Marais, Printemps 2012
Salut tout le monde! (en français dessous)
As you are enjoying the longer light and bluer skies I just wanted to tell you that all the classes will be held during all the April and May holidays.
Many of you are making your summer plans already, too as are we. I will not be holding a retreat in Milos this summer but will wait until next summer to go back to my yoga holiday schedule. I will be taking a personal meditation retreat at Dechen Chöling the end of April, all the classes will be covered.
For the summer:
I will teach in July as well, with a reduced schedule which I will be posting later in the Spring. Keep your eyes on the website for a special week-long yoga workshop in Paris in August.
Also in August for those teachers who have completed a 200-hr training and would like to take the prenatal training, there will be an Integral Yoga Prenatal Teacher Training down in Portugal,
Dates: August 10-19, 2012
Prerequisite: 200 hour Teacher Training Certification
Trainers: Kali Morse and Beth Donelly-Caban (excellent and very experienced trainers from the Integral Yoga Institute of New York)
Tuition: 1030 euro
Room and Board: From 545 euro to 995 euro (Contact Quinta da Calma for details:admin@quintadacalma.com)
Early bird discount: 50 euro off tuition; 50 euro off room and board if you register by June 1
Contact for more information and application:
Ashram reservations phone number: 800.858.YOGA (9642)
For the fall:
A number of inspiring workshops are planned with some masterful yoga teachers. My special yoga teacher, Nadiya Nottingham, will be here September 9 to give a workshop on manifesting our Shamanic self, one of her lively practices that connect us to our animal world. Andrei Ram will also be back with us in mid-October, among other teachers coming in, too.
And finally looking ahead to next year!
I have updated the Yoga Immersion/Teacher Training page on the site with a special note to all of you who have studied at least a year at the Centre de Yoga du Marais, This would qualify you to take the 200-hr Teacher Training course offered in January of 2013. This is a 6-month intensive study for all who would like to go deeper into their personal practice and the understanding of the ancient yoga teachings. Whether or not you would like to go on to teach some day, this 6-month period allows us to cultivate inner growth and self-development through committed and regular practice and self-reflection. I feel honored and humbled each time I get to guide these teachings. I offer a fourth training with gratitude.
Namaste,
Michelle
Tandis ce que vous êtes en train de profiter des jours qui s’allongent et des ciels plus bleus, je vous informe que tous les cours seront maintenus durant les vacances d’avril et de mai.
Un grand nombre d’entre vous sont déjà en train de préparer leur été, et nous faisons de même. Il n’y aura pas de retraite estivale à Milos cette année, les séjours de vacances de yoga seront de retour l’année prochaine.
Je vais également faire une retraite personnelle dédiée à la méditation au centre Dechen Chöling à la fin du mois d’avril. Tous mes cours seront assurés pendant mon absence.
Cet été:
J’assurerai mes cours au mois de juillet, en suivant un planning plus restreint dont je vous ferai part à la fin du printemps. Gardez un œil sur le site internet pour découvrir un atelier de yoga évènement, qui se déroulera sur une semaine au mois d’août.
Egalement en août, une formation de professeur de yoga prénatal aura lieu au Portugal. Elle s’adresse aux professeurs ayant déjà suivi la formation de base 200 heures. Dates: du 10 au 19 août 2012. Pré requis: certificat de professeur de yoga 200 heures.
Formateurs : Kali Morse et Beth Donelly-Caban (excellentes formatrices de l’Integral Yoga Institute de New York, justifiant d’une grande expérience dans le domaine)
Coût de la formation : 1030 euros
Hébergement : de 545 à 995 euros, merci de contacter Quinta da Calma pour les détails: admin@quintadacalma.com
Offre promotionnelle : 50 euros de remise sur le prix de la formation ainsi que sur les frais d’hébergement pour toute inscription avant le 1er juin. Pour plus d’information et soumettre votre candidature, contactez le centre de réservation de l’ashram au 001 800 858 YOGA (9642).
Cet automne:
Plusieurs ateliers riches d’enseignement, en compagnie de professeurs aux parcours prestigieux, sont à venir.
Ma chère professeure de yoga, Nadiya Nottingham sera là le 9 septembre pour proposer un atelier dédié à la manifestation de notre être shamanique, une de ses pratiques vivantes pour nous connecter à notre monde animal.
Parmi les autres professeurs à nous rendre visite, Andrei Ram sera de retour à la mi-octobre.
Enfin, l’année prochaine (2013) :
J’ai mis à jour la rubrique « Yoga Immersion / Teacher Training » du site internet en précisant que tous ceux qui ont suivi des cours au Centre de Yoga du Marais depuis au moins un an, pourront être retenus pour faire partie de la formation de professeur de base de 200 heures qui débutera en janvier 2013. Il s’agit d’une formation intensive de 6 mois s'adressant à tous ceux qui souhaitent approfondir leur pratique personnelle et comprendre les enseignements ancestraux du yoga. Que vous souhaitiez enseigner ou non par la suite, cette formation de 6 mois vous guidera vers une transformation intérieure et un développement personnel à travers une pratique dédiée et régulière, ainsi qu’une réflexion sur soi. C’est pour moi à chaque fois un honneur et une preuve d’humilité de conduire ces enseignements. Avec gratitude, je propose aujourd’hui une quatrième session de formation.
Namaste,
Michelle
Centre de Yoga du Marais
yogamarais@sfr.fr
72, rue du Vertbois
75003 Paris
France
www.yogamarais.com
www.yogainparis.blogspot.com
Tel. +33.1.42.74.24.92
Cell. +33.6.31.91.92.12
Salut tout le monde! (en français dessous)
As you are enjoying the longer light and bluer skies I just wanted to tell you that all the classes will be held during all the April and May holidays.
Many of you are making your summer plans already, too as are we. I will not be holding a retreat in Milos this summer but will wait until next summer to go back to my yoga holiday schedule. I will be taking a personal meditation retreat at Dechen Chöling the end of April, all the classes will be covered.
For the summer:
I will teach in July as well, with a reduced schedule which I will be posting later in the Spring. Keep your eyes on the website for a special week-long yoga workshop in Paris in August.
Also in August for those teachers who have completed a 200-hr training and would like to take the prenatal training, there will be an Integral Yoga Prenatal Teacher Training down in Portugal,
Dates: August 10-19, 2012
Prerequisite: 200 hour Teacher Training Certification
Trainers: Kali Morse and Beth Donelly-Caban (excellent and very experienced trainers from the Integral Yoga Institute of New York)
Tuition: 1030 euro
Room and Board: From 545 euro to 995 euro (Contact Quinta da Calma for details:admin@quintadacalma.com)
Early bird discount: 50 euro off tuition; 50 euro off room and board if you register by June 1
Contact for more information and application:
Ashram reservations phone number: 800.858.YOGA (9642)
For the fall:
A number of inspiring workshops are planned with some masterful yoga teachers. My special yoga teacher, Nadiya Nottingham, will be here September 9 to give a workshop on manifesting our Shamanic self, one of her lively practices that connect us to our animal world. Andrei Ram will also be back with us in mid-October, among other teachers coming in, too.
And finally looking ahead to next year!
I have updated the Yoga Immersion/Teacher Training page on the site with a special note to all of you who have studied at least a year at the Centre de Yoga du Marais, This would qualify you to take the 200-hr Teacher Training course offered in January of 2013. This is a 6-month intensive study for all who would like to go deeper into their personal practice and the understanding of the ancient yoga teachings. Whether or not you would like to go on to teach some day, this 6-month period allows us to cultivate inner growth and self-development through committed and regular practice and self-reflection. I feel honored and humbled each time I get to guide these teachings. I offer a fourth training with gratitude.
Namaste,
Michelle
Tandis ce que vous êtes en train de profiter des jours qui s’allongent et des ciels plus bleus, je vous informe que tous les cours seront maintenus durant les vacances d’avril et de mai.
Un grand nombre d’entre vous sont déjà en train de préparer leur été, et nous faisons de même. Il n’y aura pas de retraite estivale à Milos cette année, les séjours de vacances de yoga seront de retour l’année prochaine.
Je vais également faire une retraite personnelle dédiée à la méditation au centre Dechen Chöling à la fin du mois d’avril. Tous mes cours seront assurés pendant mon absence.
Cet été:
J’assurerai mes cours au mois de juillet, en suivant un planning plus restreint dont je vous ferai part à la fin du printemps. Gardez un œil sur le site internet pour découvrir un atelier de yoga évènement, qui se déroulera sur une semaine au mois d’août.
Egalement en août, une formation de professeur de yoga prénatal aura lieu au Portugal. Elle s’adresse aux professeurs ayant déjà suivi la formation de base 200 heures. Dates: du 10 au 19 août 2012. Pré requis: certificat de professeur de yoga 200 heures.
Formateurs : Kali Morse et Beth Donelly-Caban (excellentes formatrices de l’Integral Yoga Institute de New York, justifiant d’une grande expérience dans le domaine)
Coût de la formation : 1030 euros
Hébergement : de 545 à 995 euros, merci de contacter Quinta da Calma pour les détails: admin@quintadacalma.com
Offre promotionnelle : 50 euros de remise sur le prix de la formation ainsi que sur les frais d’hébergement pour toute inscription avant le 1er juin. Pour plus d’information et soumettre votre candidature, contactez le centre de réservation de l’ashram au 001 800 858 YOGA (9642).
Cet automne:
Plusieurs ateliers riches d’enseignement, en compagnie de professeurs aux parcours prestigieux, sont à venir.
Ma chère professeure de yoga, Nadiya Nottingham sera là le 9 septembre pour proposer un atelier dédié à la manifestation de notre être shamanique, une de ses pratiques vivantes pour nous connecter à notre monde animal.
Parmi les autres professeurs à nous rendre visite, Andrei Ram sera de retour à la mi-octobre.
Enfin, l’année prochaine (2013) :
J’ai mis à jour la rubrique « Yoga Immersion / Teacher Training » du site internet en précisant que tous ceux qui ont suivi des cours au Centre de Yoga du Marais depuis au moins un an, pourront être retenus pour faire partie de la formation de professeur de base de 200 heures qui débutera en janvier 2013. Il s’agit d’une formation intensive de 6 mois s'adressant à tous ceux qui souhaitent approfondir leur pratique personnelle et comprendre les enseignements ancestraux du yoga. Que vous souhaitiez enseigner ou non par la suite, cette formation de 6 mois vous guidera vers une transformation intérieure et un développement personnel à travers une pratique dédiée et régulière, ainsi qu’une réflexion sur soi. C’est pour moi à chaque fois un honneur et une preuve d’humilité de conduire ces enseignements. Avec gratitude, je propose aujourd’hui une quatrième session de formation.
Namaste,
Michelle
Centre de Yoga du Marais
yogamarais@sfr.fr
72, rue du Vertbois
75003 Paris
France
www.yogamarais.com
www.yogainparis.blogspot.com
Tel. +33.1.42.74.24.92
Cell. +33.6.31.91.92.12
Friday, 6 April 2012
Easter Weekend classes
All classes will be held on Saturday and Monday of Easter Weekend.
No community class this Sunday.
Thank you and Happy Holidays!
All classes run as scheduled throughout the holidays of April and May.
Tous les cours se delouera le weekend du Pâques et pendant les vacances d'avril et les fêtes en mai, aussi.
Merci et bon fête!
Michelle
No community class this Sunday.
Thank you and Happy Holidays!
All classes run as scheduled throughout the holidays of April and May.
Tous les cours se delouera le weekend du Pâques et pendant les vacances d'avril et les fêtes en mai, aussi.
Merci et bon fête!
Michelle
Monday, 19 March 2012
Hello All!
The unfolding of events related to Yoga in the U.S. in the month of February prompted me after much thought and reflection to respond as some are asking about my thoughts.
In response to recent articles in the U.S. publications, NY Times and Herald Tribune, regarding, and I paraphrase, the fall in the popularity of yoga due to the fall of some yoga "titans":
Every couple of decades or so another wake-up call comes from the yoga community at large. And I feel that is just what it is. A reminder that the practice is an internal one, between you and your inner teacher, your Sat-Guru, or your highest most intuitive teacher. It is as well, the relationship you have with your local community, with your teacher and friends who care about you and your well being and the recognition that this special tradition has been passed down for the past 5000 years. This inner teacher that Patanjali went into great detail describing in his Yoga Sutras or Yoga Darshanam has a timeless wisdom. It is here that we can trace back to the roots of yoga. This wisdom has also traveled the world since this time and yoga and hatha yoga is practiced in many forms all over the globe.
Scholars date another ancient text, the Bhagavad Gita , to the period between 200 BC and 200AD. Influences on this text came from Buddhism, Jainism and Yoga. Yoga in all these contexts refers back to Raja Yoga, the yoga of Patanjali based on the science and study of the mind and a simple beautifully written guideline on how we can live a happy life, fulfilling our spiritual potential. Our modern psychology dates all the way back to Raja Yoga. Patanjali wrote the sutras from the intellect, no mention of God is there nor even a verb. The aphorisms were put down rationally and logically, Patanjali's message being, use your intellect, be rational, be logical, don't become dependent on anything. Cultivate independence.
Note: Students, when you choose your teachers, they should know this, YOU should know this.
On Tantra
The exact time when the word tantra came to be used or when its practices were first introduced is unknown. Symbols related to fertility rituals and yoga postures go back to 3000BC. Some tantric rites are based on Vedic practices going back to 2000BC. Tantra also shows the influence of the Upanishads and the Epics. There are early references to tantrism in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain literatures, but tantric practices are older than these texts.
Tantrikas are broadly divided into various sects according to the deities they worship and their rituals. The principle sects are worshipers of Shiva, worshippers of Vishnu or of Shakti. These major groups are divided into sub-sects.
When asked whether Tantra is a form of religion or mysticism, here is the response from Sir John Woodroffe, a pioneering philosopher in this field;
.....tantra is a verifiable experience to the one who seeks; in so far as it is based upon human experience in the very act of living as a source of the amplification of consciousness.....However ephemeral life may me, everything that exists has its own positive dimension. Hence, instead of drawing away from manifested nature and its obstacles, the tantrika confronts them in a face-to-face relationship. Perfect experience results in the experience of the whole, i.e. consciousness as being and consciousness as the power to become.
Because of general ignorance regarding their real meaning, tantric rituals such as sexo-yogic practices which ought not to be confused with yoga postures have been misunderstood and distorted. Some tantric philosophical and ritualistic patterns were traditionally the possession of a few initiates who formed a close circle and who guarded the system with great care, permitting access to none but qualified aspirants.
By the beginning of the 20th century many scholars such as Woodroffe had cleared away the misconceptions that obscured the profound teachings. Tantra has highly elaborate systems of atomic theory, space-time relationship, astronomical observations, cosmology, palmistry, astrology, chemistry and alchemy.
Again from Woodroffe,
The basic tenets of tantra can be explained in either ascending or descending order. From the top, one can start at the cosmic plane, at tantra's precepts concerning the ultimate reality and come down to its notion of creation and of the objective world and finally arrive at its understanding of the human body and its properties and the psychic process which interlink man and the universe.
Conversely we may start from the tangible self and ascend in stages through man-world cosmos culminating in the nature of ultimate reality.
The Tantric Way, Art, Science Ritual
Ajot Mookerjee and Madhu Khanna
published by Thames and Hudson, New York, NY
Yoga arose in the great Upanishadic culture in a time before the concept of a 'holy personality" or any kind of personality for that matter.
It was a wisdom culture that recognized everything as Brahman and Brahman was everything. Joseph Campbell, notes from his lectures.
From this Upanishadic culture, here in the West we have managed to package yoga, trademark and put our own names on the practice to distinguish it from the others.
Doing this has created disparity rather than unity and distracted us from the ultimate union the sages encountered and transmitted to us through these teachings in a way that has truly tested time. This too shall pass. And we can always learn.
On Responsible Journalism and Readership:
I believe in addition to writing responsibly, one should also read responsibly.
Really look up where Hatha yoga came from and don't be satisfied with summaries and cursory explanations.
Consider the authorship and motive of what you currently read.
Ask questions, go to the source for clarification.
In action try to cultivate decency and responsibility and in those actions enjoy the fullness and richness of your life. Enjoy it all. Again, these words come from a timeless wisdom, Patanjali's.
In the end, it's your inner wisdom, the intuition you have cultivated through your practice that is your teacher.
Which ever way you listen and respond to your inner wisdom or truth is the right path for you. It's been distilled in the beautiful expression:
Truth is One, Paths are Many.
On Gratitude
I am still and will always be grateful that beautiful places exist all over the world and are lovingly sustained through the strongest acts of all, service and love.
I have met strong, wise and inspirational teachers there.
On Compassion
I know many fellow teachers are angry and hurting right now and I feel compassion for them and feel sorry for their suffering.
At least, thankfully, the words at the end of Bill Broad's article were these:
But perhaps — if students and teachers knew more about what Hatha can do, and what it was designed to do — they would find themselves less prone to surprise and unyogalike distress.
The unfolding of events related to Yoga in the U.S. in the month of February prompted me after much thought and reflection to respond as some are asking about my thoughts.
In response to recent articles in the U.S. publications, NY Times and Herald Tribune, regarding, and I paraphrase, the fall in the popularity of yoga due to the fall of some yoga "titans":
Every couple of decades or so another wake-up call comes from the yoga community at large. And I feel that is just what it is. A reminder that the practice is an internal one, between you and your inner teacher, your Sat-Guru, or your highest most intuitive teacher. It is as well, the relationship you have with your local community, with your teacher and friends who care about you and your well being and the recognition that this special tradition has been passed down for the past 5000 years. This inner teacher that Patanjali went into great detail describing in his Yoga Sutras or Yoga Darshanam has a timeless wisdom. It is here that we can trace back to the roots of yoga. This wisdom has also traveled the world since this time and yoga and hatha yoga is practiced in many forms all over the globe.
Scholars date another ancient text, the Bhagavad Gita , to the period between 200 BC and 200AD. Influences on this text came from Buddhism, Jainism and Yoga. Yoga in all these contexts refers back to Raja Yoga, the yoga of Patanjali based on the science and study of the mind and a simple beautifully written guideline on how we can live a happy life, fulfilling our spiritual potential. Our modern psychology dates all the way back to Raja Yoga. Patanjali wrote the sutras from the intellect, no mention of God is there nor even a verb. The aphorisms were put down rationally and logically, Patanjali's message being, use your intellect, be rational, be logical, don't become dependent on anything. Cultivate independence.
Note: Students, when you choose your teachers, they should know this, YOU should know this.
On Tantra
The exact time when the word tantra came to be used or when its practices were first introduced is unknown. Symbols related to fertility rituals and yoga postures go back to 3000BC. Some tantric rites are based on Vedic practices going back to 2000BC. Tantra also shows the influence of the Upanishads and the Epics. There are early references to tantrism in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain literatures, but tantric practices are older than these texts.
Tantrikas are broadly divided into various sects according to the deities they worship and their rituals. The principle sects are worshipers of Shiva, worshippers of Vishnu or of Shakti. These major groups are divided into sub-sects.
When asked whether Tantra is a form of religion or mysticism, here is the response from Sir John Woodroffe, a pioneering philosopher in this field;
.....tantra is a verifiable experience to the one who seeks; in so far as it is based upon human experience in the very act of living as a source of the amplification of consciousness.....However ephemeral life may me, everything that exists has its own positive dimension. Hence, instead of drawing away from manifested nature and its obstacles, the tantrika confronts them in a face-to-face relationship. Perfect experience results in the experience of the whole, i.e. consciousness as being and consciousness as the power to become.
Because of general ignorance regarding their real meaning, tantric rituals such as sexo-yogic practices which ought not to be confused with yoga postures have been misunderstood and distorted. Some tantric philosophical and ritualistic patterns were traditionally the possession of a few initiates who formed a close circle and who guarded the system with great care, permitting access to none but qualified aspirants.
By the beginning of the 20th century many scholars such as Woodroffe had cleared away the misconceptions that obscured the profound teachings. Tantra has highly elaborate systems of atomic theory, space-time relationship, astronomical observations, cosmology, palmistry, astrology, chemistry and alchemy.
Again from Woodroffe,
The basic tenets of tantra can be explained in either ascending or descending order. From the top, one can start at the cosmic plane, at tantra's precepts concerning the ultimate reality and come down to its notion of creation and of the objective world and finally arrive at its understanding of the human body and its properties and the psychic process which interlink man and the universe.
Conversely we may start from the tangible self and ascend in stages through man-world cosmos culminating in the nature of ultimate reality.
The Tantric Way, Art, Science Ritual
Ajot Mookerjee and Madhu Khanna
published by Thames and Hudson, New York, NY
Yoga arose in the great Upanishadic culture in a time before the concept of a 'holy personality" or any kind of personality for that matter.
It was a wisdom culture that recognized everything as Brahman and Brahman was everything. Joseph Campbell, notes from his lectures.
From this Upanishadic culture, here in the West we have managed to package yoga, trademark and put our own names on the practice to distinguish it from the others.
Doing this has created disparity rather than unity and distracted us from the ultimate union the sages encountered and transmitted to us through these teachings in a way that has truly tested time. This too shall pass. And we can always learn.
On Responsible Journalism and Readership:
I believe in addition to writing responsibly, one should also read responsibly.
Really look up where Hatha yoga came from and don't be satisfied with summaries and cursory explanations.
Consider the authorship and motive of what you currently read.
Ask questions, go to the source for clarification.
In action try to cultivate decency and responsibility and in those actions enjoy the fullness and richness of your life. Enjoy it all. Again, these words come from a timeless wisdom, Patanjali's.
In the end, it's your inner wisdom, the intuition you have cultivated through your practice that is your teacher.
Which ever way you listen and respond to your inner wisdom or truth is the right path for you. It's been distilled in the beautiful expression:
Truth is One, Paths are Many.
On Gratitude
I am still and will always be grateful that beautiful places exist all over the world and are lovingly sustained through the strongest acts of all, service and love.
I have met strong, wise and inspirational teachers there.
On Compassion
I know many fellow teachers are angry and hurting right now and I feel compassion for them and feel sorry for their suffering.
At least, thankfully, the words at the end of Bill Broad's article were these:
But perhaps — if students and teachers knew more about what Hatha can do, and what it was designed to do — they would find themselves less prone to surprise and unyogalike distress.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Detox for Spring
Dear Everyone, (en français dessous)
March is the month we look forward to Spring coming. It's also the month associated with green, budding and new beginnings and if you find yourself restless your mind and body is waking you up from the winter slumber and sending you messages, quite possibly to change some things.
It's also a great time not to just purify the body but to also examine where our thoughts are sitting or stuck and encouraging healthy forward momentum. Purifying our environment, getting rid of old habits and old things that are not serving us anymore is also a springtime tradition. Little things we can do for our practice like cleaning our mat really well and creating a clean space at home and at our work uplifts our mood, too. All these little gestures not only clean the environment but clean psychic space as well.
What else to do?
More workshops are available this time of year and I recommend infusing your practices with more information. I have a detox workshop on March 11, Sunday 13h30-16h30, we will have a vinyasa practice of continuous flow to detoxify the body through asana and nauli. Vinyasa means connected movement, all are welcome and are encouraged to practice at their own pace. Your place is reserved upon receipt of payment for the workshop. Place is limited so please reserve soon. Workshop fee is 45 euros and your check can be sent to the Centre made out to Michelle Jacobi.
Cultivating some kind habits toward ourselves and others. I have noticed more and more that students are coming to class after the start time of the class. All the teachers encourage their students to come early so that you can change, settle into the space and on your mat and even start to warm up your muscles a bit before we begin. This warm up time is valuable for the advanced classes. If you know you habitually run late, please come early and give yourself that time and be kind to those who have come early and on time for the class so that we can all begin together. In rare emergencies when you have to be late please wait outside the door until the teacher can open up a space for you.
I thank you very much for this and look forward to seeing you on the mat!
namaste,
Michelle
Chers tous,
Mars est le mois que nous attendons pour voir le printemps arriver. c'est aussi le mois associé au vert, aux bourgeons et à ces nouveaux départs. Votre esprit va sortir de l'hibernation, et va vous envoyer des messages, très probablement pour changer des choses.
C'est aussi un bon moment pour purifier simplement le corps, examiner là où nos pensées sont posées, et les encourager à aller de l'avant.
Purifier notre environnement, sortir des vieilles habitudes et de toutes ces choses qui ne nous aident pas sont dans la tradition de l'approche du printemps. Il y a toutes ces choses que nous faisons pour nettoyer et faire de place nette autour de nous (maison, travail), et cela réveille notre humeur.
Toutes ces petites choses ne nettoient pas que ce qui nous entoure, mais aussi notre espace psychic.
Comment en faire plus ?
Il y aura davantage d'ateliers cette saison et je recommande vivement de compléter votre pratique par plus d'information.
je vous propose une séance de détox le dimanche 11 mars de 13h30 à 16h30.
Il y aura une pratique Vinyasa basée sur les flux continus pour nettoyer le corps par les méthodes Asana et Nauli. Vinyasa signifie les mouvements connectés. Vous êtes tous les bienvenus pour une pratique à votre rythme. Une place vous sera réservée à réception de votre paiement. Les places étant limitées, réservez-vite ! L'atelier coûte 45 euros ; paiement par chèque adressés au centre acceptés (libellez votre chèque à Michelle Jacobi).
Gardons de bonnes habitudes entre nous et vis-à-vis des autres.
J'ai remarqué de plus en plus que les élèves viennent en classe après l'heure de début de la classe.
Tous les enseignants encouragent leurs élèves à venir plus tôt afin de s'installer, de faire connaissance, et de placer votre tapis pour vous échauffer un peu avant de commencer. Ce temps de préchauffage est également valable pour les classes avancées.
Si vous savez que vous habituellement du retard, s'il vous plaît venez un peu plus tôt et donnez-vous le temps d'être respecteux avec ceux qui sont venus au début et à temps, afin que la classe puisse commencer à l'heure.
Si exceptionnellement et en cas d'urgence rare, s'il vous plait attendez à l'extérieur jusqu'à ce que l'enseignant vienne vous ouvrir.
Je vous remercie tous et espère vous voir prochainement sur votre tapis de yoga !
namaste,
Michelle
Centre de Yoga du Marais
yogamarais@sfr.fr
72, rue du Vertbois
75003 Paris
France
www.yogamarais.com
www.yogainparis.blogspot.com
Tel. +33.1.42.74.24.92
Cell. +33.6.31.91.92.12
March is the month we look forward to Spring coming. It's also the month associated with green, budding and new beginnings and if you find yourself restless your mind and body is waking you up from the winter slumber and sending you messages, quite possibly to change some things.
It's also a great time not to just purify the body but to also examine where our thoughts are sitting or stuck and encouraging healthy forward momentum. Purifying our environment, getting rid of old habits and old things that are not serving us anymore is also a springtime tradition. Little things we can do for our practice like cleaning our mat really well and creating a clean space at home and at our work uplifts our mood, too. All these little gestures not only clean the environment but clean psychic space as well.
What else to do?
More workshops are available this time of year and I recommend infusing your practices with more information. I have a detox workshop on March 11, Sunday 13h30-16h30, we will have a vinyasa practice of continuous flow to detoxify the body through asana and nauli. Vinyasa means connected movement, all are welcome and are encouraged to practice at their own pace. Your place is reserved upon receipt of payment for the workshop. Place is limited so please reserve soon. Workshop fee is 45 euros and your check can be sent to the Centre made out to Michelle Jacobi.
Cultivating some kind habits toward ourselves and others. I have noticed more and more that students are coming to class after the start time of the class. All the teachers encourage their students to come early so that you can change, settle into the space and on your mat and even start to warm up your muscles a bit before we begin. This warm up time is valuable for the advanced classes. If you know you habitually run late, please come early and give yourself that time and be kind to those who have come early and on time for the class so that we can all begin together. In rare emergencies when you have to be late please wait outside the door until the teacher can open up a space for you.
I thank you very much for this and look forward to seeing you on the mat!
namaste,
Michelle
Chers tous,
Mars est le mois que nous attendons pour voir le printemps arriver. c'est aussi le mois associé au vert, aux bourgeons et à ces nouveaux départs. Votre esprit va sortir de l'hibernation, et va vous envoyer des messages, très probablement pour changer des choses.
C'est aussi un bon moment pour purifier simplement le corps, examiner là où nos pensées sont posées, et les encourager à aller de l'avant.
Purifier notre environnement, sortir des vieilles habitudes et de toutes ces choses qui ne nous aident pas sont dans la tradition de l'approche du printemps. Il y a toutes ces choses que nous faisons pour nettoyer et faire de place nette autour de nous (maison, travail), et cela réveille notre humeur.
Toutes ces petites choses ne nettoient pas que ce qui nous entoure, mais aussi notre espace psychic.
Comment en faire plus ?
Il y aura davantage d'ateliers cette saison et je recommande vivement de compléter votre pratique par plus d'information.
je vous propose une séance de détox le dimanche 11 mars de 13h30 à 16h30.
Il y aura une pratique Vinyasa basée sur les flux continus pour nettoyer le corps par les méthodes Asana et Nauli. Vinyasa signifie les mouvements connectés. Vous êtes tous les bienvenus pour une pratique à votre rythme. Une place vous sera réservée à réception de votre paiement. Les places étant limitées, réservez-vite ! L'atelier coûte 45 euros ; paiement par chèque adressés au centre acceptés (libellez votre chèque à Michelle Jacobi).
Gardons de bonnes habitudes entre nous et vis-à-vis des autres.
J'ai remarqué de plus en plus que les élèves viennent en classe après l'heure de début de la classe.
Tous les enseignants encouragent leurs élèves à venir plus tôt afin de s'installer, de faire connaissance, et de placer votre tapis pour vous échauffer un peu avant de commencer. Ce temps de préchauffage est également valable pour les classes avancées.
Si vous savez que vous habituellement du retard, s'il vous plaît venez un peu plus tôt et donnez-vous le temps d'être respecteux avec ceux qui sont venus au début et à temps, afin que la classe puisse commencer à l'heure.
Si exceptionnellement et en cas d'urgence rare, s'il vous plait attendez à l'extérieur jusqu'à ce que l'enseignant vienne vous ouvrir.
Je vous remercie tous et espère vous voir prochainement sur votre tapis de yoga !
namaste,
Michelle
Centre de Yoga du Marais
yogamarais@sfr.fr
72, rue du Vertbois
75003 Paris
France
www.yogamarais.com
www.yogainparis.blogspot.com
Tel. +33.1.42.74.24.92
Cell. +33.6.31.91.92.12
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