What is the sound of one hand clapping?
From a Brief History of Everything by Ken Wilber
You know the Zen koan, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” Usually, of course, we need two hands to clap—and that is the structure of typical experience. We have a sense of ourselves as a subject in here, and the world as an object out there. We have these “two hands” of experience, the subject and the object. And typical experience is a smashing of these two hands together to make a commotion, a sound. The object out there smashes into me as a subject, and I have an experience—the two hands clap together, and experience emerges.
And so the typical structure of experience is like a punch in the face. The ordinary self is the battered self—it is utterly battered by the universe “out there.” The ordinary self is a series of bruises, of scars, the results of these two hands of experience smashing together. This bruising is called duhkha, suffering. As Krishmamurti used to say, in that gap between the subject and the object lies the entire misery of humankind.
But with the nondual state, suddenly there are not two hands. Suddenly, the subject and the object are one hand. Suddenly, there is nothing outside of you to smash into you, bruise you, torment you. read more…
Introduction to Mysore
Are you interested in Mysore style Ashtanga Self Practice but have not yet made it over the hurdle to come along? If the idea of self practice feels too daunting for you, this 2-hour introduction will prepare you for an easy entry into a yoga method that can transform your life.
For many people who are new to yoga or don’t know the ashtanga series by memory, self practice might seem scary. No need to worry, mysore self-practice is for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. The only requirement is a willingness to learn.
“Should” and “could”
I was touched by this email I received from a very dear friend and Yoga student. I would like to share it with you…
Dear Teacher,
I have been wanting to write this to you for a few weeks now, but somehow never found the right moment.
Because of you and your teachings, I find my morning practice very soothing and invigorating at the same time, both physical and intellectually. Although you are teaching me about how to go about a certain asana, the words you say actually apply to a great many things in life, and they have helped me to overcome many problems I encounter in my daily life.
Ashtanga Teacher Training September 2011
The second set of graduates of the Ashtanga Teacher Training are now certified as of June. Now, looking forward to the next one in September!
If you are considering becoming a Yoga teacher or looking to take your Ashtanga practice to the next level join me for an insightful, informative and in-depth course. This training will awaken your body, mind and spirit and prepare you to become a confident and compassionate teacher.
You can find all course details here.
New Mysore Class July 4
Atman and Brahman
In the great tradition of Yoga and Vedanta we have the concepts Atman and Brahman.
The Atman is reading this sentence, the Self, the radical, mysterious Subject that is looking out of your eyes. Atman is the subjective nature of all beings, the amazing, inexplicable phenomenon of consciousness.
Brahman, the unqualifiable reality is the undeniable, impersonal truth of existence. It is the fact that there is something rather than nothing. At the deepest level, the ultimate or absolute level of reality, existence is a fact, yet it is impossible to say what it is, “vibrating strings”, “energy”, “the quantum field.” It is beyond description, beyond labels, beyond definable qualities, yet it is. read more…
Ashtanga Adjustment Training
The art of adjusting yoga postures is a unique skill. If done well, an adjustment can transform a yoga practitioner, offering immediate insight into the higher potentials of the body while triggering the inspiration to realize those potentials.
Performing adjustments is one my favorite ways to teach. It is direct. It cuts through the mental noise that so often gets in the way of the experience of Yoga. Over the many years that I have been teaching Ashtanga I have developed a fresh perspective on adjusting. My adjustments come from an intuitive understanding of the body stemming from my own practice, my training in massage and a natural talent for seeing the mechanics of posture and form.
Upcoming workshop dates - read more…
Yoga Philosophy group
One of my greatest joys is to share the profound teachings from the Yoga tradition. I have spent my life dedicated to understanding and living its truths. It’s working! Reflecting on the wisdom of this ancient tradition can bring a new level of self awareness, acceptance and aliveness to your life. It certainly has to mine.
The Yoga tradition has produced some of the world’s greatest spiritual literature, uncompromising pointers toward Self-realization and the ultimate nature of reality. These texts are timeless. They have enormous relevance and a practical application.
In this ongoing discussion group we will make our way through the classic texts in Yoga and Vedanta. We will take passages, discuss ideas and share from our own experience.
If you are serious about Yoga, Enlightenment and Life this is a great group for you.
read more…
