Politics of Ashtanga

The fixed sequences in Ashtanga Yoga help to create a sense of community. Once we have learned the Primary Series, we can go to an Ashtanga class anywhere in the world and fit right in. Yoga classes tend to bring good people together. Breathing and practicing together regularly can create a bond between people that cuts right through language barriers, cultural barriers, religious and political differences, and all sorts of things that usually get in the way. Etiquette is mentioned here because it can make the experience more enjoyable. The way to "fit right in" in any yoga class is to support to the teacher and practice, to the best of our ability, just as they are teaching. Feeling embarrassed about one's lack of ability is very natural in the beginning, but not necessary at all. We are all working from wherever we are at. When we accomplish a pose, we will be happy for a little while, but then there is always the next pose and the one after that. Never mind what we can or can't do. The point is to participate. A group of people practicing yoga together, regardless of who or where, falls into an ancient archetype. Something happens that is difficult to describe, but it lifts everyone's spirit.

The practice itself is the true teacher. The person standing there calling out poses, or assisting people as they practice, is only a facilitator of this. That person is playing a special role at that time however. For those who have some experience, it might be useful to mention that there is one sure way of gaining disfavor. That is to ignore the teacher and insist on doing postures the way you learned them with a different teacher. All teachers deserve respect and consideration regardless of their level of experience. We should respect the practice through them, even if we don't necessarily agree with everything they say. To remain open can be a much greater challenge than accomplishing the next pose. If we cannot give that support and respect, we shouldn't attend the class.

The way to gain any teacher's appreciation is to support them as they teach. In my opinion, the most important information in yoga is not verbal. This information has little to do with technique, yet it is reflected in everything the teacher says or does. It is transmitted like light or heat. This deeper sort of exchange only happens within the context of trust and friendship. We may study with many teachers, but the ones that impact us the most will inspire us and touch our hearts.

There are minor differences in the way the practice is done in every place, no matter how we all try to keep it the same. Wherever there is a strong, dedicated teacher, you will find that their students reflect their particular approach. Even Sri Pattabhi Jois himself occasionally introduces minor changes and fine tunings into the practice. Certainly his notorious statement "Don't change it method!" has echoed in everyone's ears. There are underlying principals that must remain intact in order to preserve the integrity of the practice. It is possible to distort it beyond recognition by inserting any and every silly idea that comes to us. As teachers, a distinction should be made between what we do in our own practices to overcome our difficulties and deepen our understanding, and what we pass on to our students as classical Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. However, all teachers evolve and grow as time passes and their knowledge and understanding increase. Stagnation is nothing to strive for. The techniques we discover and think of as new, are most likely not new at all. It is possible to grow without losing touch with the foundations of the practice.

My approach to the practice has always been eclectic. All over the world people practicing Ashtanga Yoga are faced with the same challenges. The postures are demanding and take time to accomplish. We must attempt them safely without injuring ourselves. The way one person deals with these challenges may not work for another person. That is where creativity comes in. In traveling around the world and practicing in many places, I have never met two teachers who teach everything in exactly the same way. I believe it is far better to embrace these differences and learn from them than to criticize them. Then we can enjoy learning from everyone without having to say "this teacher is right and that one is wrong." This leads to personal authority in one's own practice.

The structure and sequence of Primary Series holds us all together. It gives all Ashtanga Vinyasa practitioners a format to share. The clarity and intelligence with which it is constructed is undeniable. But without openness, humbleness, and consideration for each other, it can also drive us apart as we argue over small details and who is more traditional. The ideas which help us to come together as a global community of people sharing our interest in yoga are the right ideas. The ideas which cause us to bicker, quarrel, exclude and reproach one another are the wrong ideas. Some teachers have developed very harsh views toward even the slightest differences in technique. I think this is regrettable. Yoga has evolved over thousands of years and continues to grow and evolve today. No one's opinions or harsh views will stop this from happening. It is in the nature of yoga itself. These ancient practices work on universal principals.

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