http://www.ihanuman.com/features Podcasts for the Yoga Community Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:19:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 iHanuman is a community of Yoga teachers sharing our love and passion for Yoga through technology. We offer a popular Yoga Podcast, a Yoga Download Store, and multimedia Features with today\'s most respected and inspiring Yoga teachers. Podcasts for the Yoga Community iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/files/2010/02/podcast_image.jpghttp://www.ihanuman.com/features yoga, health, wellness, meditation, spirituality, ayurveda, interviews, thai yoga massage no iHanuman info@ihanuman.com http://www.ihanuman.com/features/john-schumacher-on-the-yoga-of-teacher-trainings/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/john-schumacher-on-the-yoga-of-teacher-trainings/#comments Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:15:13 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=971 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/john-schumacher-on-the-yoga-of-teacher-trainings/feed/ 4 This month our featured offering is part of a series of discussions offered by Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, John Schumacher. Each quarter John hosts a free discussion at his Unity Woods Yoga Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This month the topic of discussion is the prevalence of Yoga Teacher Trainings and how to navigate these potentially murky waters. John references his own journey to become a teacher as well as a rather egregious example of a 5 hour workshop he came across which claimed to teach you everything there is to know about yoga and yoga therapy. John’s examples remind us of how precious this gift of yoga is as it offers us an avenue for self-discovery. In John’s most recent newsletter, he mentions the Yoga Sutra “sa tu dirghakala nairantarya satkara asevitah drdhabhumih: Long, uninterrupted, alert practice is the firm foundation for restraining the fluctuations of the mind (I:14).” This ultimately is the path of first the student and then the teacher. Some may be able to train to become teachers in a weekend, but the true teachers will make the practice and teachings of yoga a lifelong pursuit. May these teachers, like John, help guide us all on our own path of self discovery towards peace. Listen to John’s Introduction to the Discussion Listen to the Student’s Question and Answer Portion For more of John’s quarterly discussions, please visit his iHanuman teacher page. For downloads of his live yoga classes, please visit the iHanuman Download Store. This month our featured offering is part of a series of discussions offered by Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, John Schumacher. Each quarter John hosts a free discussion at his Unity Woods Yoga Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This month the topic of [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/the-yoga-of-sound-with-classical-indian-tabla-player-loren-oppenheimer/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/the-yoga-of-sound-with-classical-indian-tabla-player-loren-oppenheimer/#comments Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:48:30 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=955 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/the-yoga-of-sound-with-classical-indian-tabla-player-loren-oppenheimer/feed/ 0 On a cold day in December, iHanuman attended a special performance and class by a friend and up and coming Tabla star, Loren Oppenheimer. Loren is a tabla soloist and accompanist for music and Kathak dance and a member of the tabla ensembles Tabla Upaj and Tabla Triveni, which have performed throughout the US. And until now he has been a full time teacher at the Taalim School of Indian Music, which he helped to start with his Guru Pandit Divyang Vakil. Loren returned to Charlottesville to spread the gift of Indian Music and open the Virginia Branch of the Taalim School. In this class, Loren shares an incredible tabla solo as well as discusses the role of the guru, studying in India and becoming a teacher. This recording is part of an ongoing series of classes recorded with the Charlottesville Yoga School Teacher Training Program. Our intention in 2011 is to bring you more music for yoga, meditation and bodywork. Our first compilation dedicated to Ganesh, released in 2010, also includes Tabla performed by Loren. Listen the our recording of Loren’s recent class. On a cold day in December, iHanuman attended a special performance and class by a friend and up and coming Tabla star, Loren Oppenheimer. Loren is a tabla soloist and accompanist for music and Kathak dance and a member of the tabla ensembles Tabla [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/can-yoga-save-the-world-discussion-with-senior-iyengar-teacher-john-schumacher/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/can-yoga-save-the-world-discussion-with-senior-iyengar-teacher-john-schumacher/#comments Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:21:18 +0000 Sara Pope http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=941 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/can-yoga-save-the-world-discussion-with-senior-iyengar-teacher-john-schumacher/feed/ 0 Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, John Schumacher invites his students to engage in a free discussion on a topic related to yoga in his Unity Woods Yoga Center in Bethesda, Maryland.  In this discussion, John tackles the lofty question of whether Yoga can Save the World. The topics range from the BP oil spill and corporate greed to how to train teachers properly. We have broken the discussion into two parts which include John’s initial take on the topic. This first part is available as a podcast. The second part of the discussion includes several questions from John’s thoughtful and curious students and is available here in our Features Section. John also records most of his Live Yoga Class including workshops from the Yoga Journal Conferences. You can find those in our digital download store. As to the question of whether, Yoga can save the world, listen to John’s thoughts here and share with us your final analysis below. Listen to the Podcast*: *You can receive podcasts directly to your iTunes account or RSS Reader. Learn more and Subscribe. Listen to the Questions and Answers**: **There is no microphone on the students, so it is more difficult to hear without decent speakers. Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, John Schumacher invites his students to engage in a free discussion on a topic related to yoga in his Unity Woods Yoga Center in Bethesda, Maryland.  In this discussion, John tackles the lofty question of whether Yoga [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/introducing-pierce-salguero-ph-d-assistant-professor-of-asian-history-at-penn-state-university/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/introducing-pierce-salguero-ph-d-assistant-professor-of-asian-history-at-penn-state-university/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:58:50 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=902 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/introducing-pierce-salguero-ph-d-assistant-professor-of-asian-history-at-penn-state-university/feed/ 2 For many of you, Traditional Thai Massage may not be a tradition associated with the practice of Yoga. However, I had the honor and opportunity to travel to Thailand around the same time I began my practice and study of yoga and it became an immediate complement to my own personal practice. In fact, we practiced yoga every morning, in preparation for our studies of massage at the first school where I trained in Thai Massage. Thai Massage is often referred to as Thai Yoga Massage or Yoga for Two. Traditional Thai Massage developed in Thailand but its roots originated in the Golden Triangle of India, Tibet and China. One of our esteemed teachers has spent the first part of his young career studying this very topic. I met Pierce Salguero shortly after returning home from Thailand in 2002. Pierce was a graduate student who had started a school for Thai Massage in the University town of Charlottesville, Virginia, based on the teachings of the Old Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  After several years of operation, Pierce closed his physical school in Charlottesville to pursue a doctoral degree at Johns Hopkins University. Pierce continued to run his non-profit, Tao Mountain, and teach Thai Massage around the country. In early 2006, when iHanuman was just born, Pierce invited us up to northern Virginia to record some free lectures he was giving and we stayed around to record the entire week of training! Many exciting things have happened for Pierce since earning his Ph.D. He is now the Assistant Professor of Asian History.  Dr. Salguero has also merged his school with the formidable Thai Institute of Healing Arts (TIHA) in Northern Virginia where he now serves as its Director of Research. And to top it all off, the TIHA has just received an incredible distinction and ” has been granted by the Old Medicine Hospital recognition as the only official Seat of the Shivagakomarpaj Lineage in the USA. This is the fruit of many years of efforts, and an honor that has not been bestowed on any Thai massage school outside of Thailand.” Read more about this exciting news through TIHA. In honor of all of these exciting pieces of news, we have decided to offer our original recordings ( previously sold as a correspondence course for Tao Mountain ) as FREE DOWNLOADS. The recordings include: An Introduction to Advanced Thai Massage A History of Asian Medicine A History of Indian Medicine A History of Thai Medicine Tantra and Vessel Theory Hot and Cold Therapy Four Element Theory A History of Jivaka Komarabaccha -Founder of Traditional Thai Massage A Wai Khru Ceremony – Traditional Ceremony to Start Your Thai Massage Study and Practice Metta Bhavana – Loving Kindness Meditation All you have to do is sign up for or sign into your iHanuman Store Account. Go there now to listen to and download all TEN FREE AUDIO FILES… You can also listen to three of these very special short files here: Jivaka Komarabaccha History Wai Khru Ceremony Metta Bhavana : Loving Kindness Meditation For many of you, Traditional Thai Massage may not be a tradition associated with the practice of Yoga. However, I had the honor and opportunity to travel to Thailand around the same time I began my practice and study of yoga and it became an [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/mystical-nature-poetry-and-music-by-gerry-ramakrishna-sackett-and-sam-eberle/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/mystical-nature-poetry-and-music-by-gerry-ramakrishna-sackett-and-sam-eberle/#comments Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:12:31 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=833 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/mystical-nature-poetry-and-music-by-gerry-ramakrishna-sackett-and-sam-eberle/feed/ 1 This week’s feature is a very powerful and special offering of music and mystical nature poetry by Gerry Ramakrishna Sackett and Sam Eberle of Yogaville. We first heard this beautiful piece at a Satsang at the Satchidananda Ashram this past winter, and Ramakrishna and Sam graciously agreed to come record it at Monkeyclaus Recording Studio so that we could share it with all of our podcast listeners around the world. Nature has always been a source of inner and outer connection and re-tuning for Ramakrishna, and this theme echoes throughout his poetry. When he stepped out of his truck at the recording studio, the first thing he did was take off his work boots to scuff up his heels with dirt and grass, and then spent some time under a tree and lying upon the earth. Later he shared: What I love the most about the teachings of Swami Satchidananda is when he talks about the Nature’s Way, as nature has been my teacher and my link. To be in the elements, to feel the water, to feel the air and all the sounds, everything simultaneous, creates such a feeling of vastness. That’s what I seek. That’s what I would like to experience every moment. Yoga has helped me to quiet my mind and open my heart, to feel that pulse more. The poetry recited here is from an unpublished collection, “One Leaf Among All”, by Gerry Ramakrishna Sackett, with musical improvisations by Sam Eberle. We hope that the words and music will root you in Nature’s Way and connect you to a very deep place inside yourself and with all those around you. Namaste! This week’s feature is a very powerful and special offering of music and mystical nature poetry by Gerry Ramakrishna Sackett and Sam Eberle of Yogaville. We first heard this beautiful piece at a Satsang at the Satchidananda Ashram this past [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/prahaladan-mandelkorn-discusses-the-bhagavad-gita/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/prahaladan-mandelkorn-discusses-the-bhagavad-gita/#comments Thu, 27 May 2010 18:45:27 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=766 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/prahaladan-mandelkorn-discusses-the-bhagavad-gita/feed/ 3 We are honored to present an introduction and talk on the Bhagavad Gita, given by Prahaladan Mandelkorn, Former Director of the Yoga Teacher Training program at Integral Yoga in Yogaville. The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient spiritual text of the Indian Tradition which discusses ones relationship to one’s Dharma or Duty in life as told through the Indian God, Krishna, and the Great Warrior, Arjuna. Many people have spent the greater part of their lives reading, reciting, contemplating, and in Prahaladan’s case, translating, this ancient spiritual text. Prahaladan had the great honor of working with Sri Swami Satchidananda on his translation of the Gita, called The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita-A Commentary for Modern Readers. Sri Swami Satchidananda is the disciple of Swami Sivananda, of the Divine Life Society. He is famous for speaking at the Great Woodstock Festival of 1969 and is responsible for creating the Integral Yoga School and an Ashram in central Virginia, which is lovingly called, Yogaville. He was an enlightened being with a light and beautiful heart. Luckily, his legacy is carried on through his devotees and you can view video clips of some of his talks through a previous iHanuman Feature. Prahaladan takes a lighthearted and jovial approach to the Gita and shares songs of devotion and discusses portions of the Gita with a modern day twist. We hope you enjoy. This lecture was sponsored by the Guerrilla Yoga Project. Prahaladan is the Former director of the Yoga Teacher Training program at Integral Yoga in Yogaville, Prahaladan has the distinction of having collaborated with Swami Satchidananda in writing The Living Gita, a book on applying spiritual wisdom in daily life, and is uniquely qualified to lecture on this beloved spiritual text of the yoga tradition.  Prahaladan has also served as a Navy Seal Team Platoon Commander, a Time Magazine Correspondent and a Senator Robert Kennedy Speechwriter. We are honored to present an introduction and talk on the Bhagavad Gita, given by Prahaladan Mandelkorn, Former Director of the Yoga Teacher Training program at Integral Yoga in Yogaville. The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient spiritual text of the [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yin-yoga-class-with-jen-fleisher/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yin-yoga-class-with-jen-fleisher/#comments Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:35:44 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=773 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yin-yoga-class-with-jen-fleisher/feed/ 7 Yin Yoga is a practice unlike any other yoga practice because once you find the shape of the pose, you let go of any muscular effort and the effects are profound. You can feel the access to the deeper connective tissue and the theory is that it is in the connective tissue that you begin to really flush out the meridians where prana or chi flows in the body. Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers are both prominent teachers in the Yin Yoga Tradition, although Paulie Zink is credited with founding the style of Yin Yoga. Paul Grilley’s background is in anatomy so he brings a great deal of scientific perspective into the physical structure of the body and Sarah’s training is in Yoga, extensively, and in Buddhist Meditation and Philosophy so she brings that level of insight to the practice. The poses are held for 5 to 10 to 15 to even 30 minutes. In this class, Jen is gentle and asks you to hold the poses for about 5 minutes. You may want to look at Paul Grilley’s book, Yin Yoga – Outline of a Quiet Practice. ( Available Through Our Library Resources Page. )  The poses are similar to traditional yoga poses, but just different enough that it is helpful to see the poses.  Another great resource is Insight Yoga with Sarah Powers Jen uses Biff Mithoefer’s Yin Yoga Kit to infuse the imagery and theories of the chakras as a way to stay present with the practices. So grab your yoga mat, some blankets, and set aside an hour and a half for this fantastic practice today. Remember that this may be your first experience of yin yoga, so take it slowly. The duration of time in the pose can sometimes feel like the yang aspect of this practice. When practicing yoga in this way with long holds for several minutes at a time, one feels the sensations more intensely in the body. Remember to listen to your own breath and body and come out of the poses carefully to rest in Savasana or practice Adho Mukha Svanasana between poses. We hope you enjoy. This class is part of a series of classes hosted by the Guerilla Yoga Project. Yin Yoga is a practice unlike any other yoga practice because once you find the shape of the pose, you let go of any muscular effort and the effects are profound. You can feel the access to the deeper connective tissue and the theory is that it is [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/introduction-to-the-history-and-philosopy-of-yoga-with-kate-hallahan/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/introduction-to-the-history-and-philosopy-of-yoga-with-kate-hallahan/#comments Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:23:56 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=754 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/introduction-to-the-history-and-philosopy-of-yoga-with-kate-hallahan/feed/ 4 This week’s feature is a lecture on the History and Philosophy of Yoga with Charlottesville Yoga Teacher, Kate Hallahan. Kate is the Founder of the Guerrilla Yoga Project which offers Donation-Only Yoga Classes to all sectors of the community and Co-Director of the Charlottesville Yoga School. Kate has studied extensively with Kofia Busia, one of the world’s foremost Iyengar teachers, as well as other senior teachers in both the Iyengar and Anusara Traditions. Kate is devoted to her daily yoga practice and has a background deeply rooted in the philosophy of yoga. Kate has provided her diligent research and insight into the History and Philosophy of Hatha Yoga, reminding us of the roots of this great practice of yoga. Please note that when Kate mentions the specific number of asanas, kriyas, etc. in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, those numbers actually correspond to another seminal text of hatha yoga, the Gheranda Samhita. She has also recorded a standing pose workshop called “Standing on Your Own Two Feet“. This workshop is available in our download store as part of our Karma Collection with proceeds going towards the Westhaven Clinic in Charlottesville, Virginia. Thank you Kate for all of your offerings. Remember to subscribe to our podcast at iHanuman.com/podcasts to be sure you receive other great new features for your yoga practice. The music from the podcast comes from Abel Okugawa of Monkeyclaus Recording Studio. Abel has a compilation coming out soon for your yoga music collection. This first compilation is dedicated to Ganesh. So stay tuned and thanks for helping to build the bridge with iHanuman.  Namaste. Listen to the Discussion and Enjoy! This week’s feature is a lecture on the History and Philosophy of Yoga with Charlottesville Yoga Teacher, Kate Hallahan. Kate is the Founder of the Guerrilla Yoga Project which offers Donation-Only Yoga Classes to all sectors of the community and [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/govindas-bhakti-vinyasa-yoga-and-the-path-of-heart/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/govindas-bhakti-vinyasa-yoga-and-the-path-of-heart/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:29:29 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=743 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/govindas-bhakti-vinyasa-yoga-and-the-path-of-heart/feed/ 0 Govindas is a yoga teacher and kirtanist based in Santa Monica, Califorinia. He teaches a unique style that he calls “Bhakti Vinyasa”, which is a soulful, bhakti-based, devotionally infused yoga experience that incorporates chanting, pranayama, purifying vinyasa flows, and free-form movement to open the heart and dance with spirit. Living in the hot-bed of yoga in Southern California, he has spent many years studying the healing power of yoga with such renowned teachers as Shiva Rea, Bryan Kest, Saul David Raye, and Mark Whitwell. He is a devotee of Neem Karoli Baba and has been led deeper into the sacred tradition or kirtan and the paths of devotion and service by Jai Uttal, Krishna Das, Bhagavan Das, and Ram Dass. In 2009 Govindas and his wife Radha opened Bhakti Yoga Shala, a donation-based yoga studio in Santa Monica that emphasizes their devotional approach. They have released two CDs: Waves of Love and Endless Surrender Kirtan Experience. For more information, please visit Govindas’ website: www.kirtanwithgovindas.com, and if you’re ever in Santa Monica, treat yourself to one of his classes. Listen to the Interview. Govindas is a yoga teacher and kirtanist based in Santa Monica, Califorinia. He teaches a unique style that he calls “Bhakti Vinyasa”, which is a soulful, bhakti-based, devotionally infused yoga experience that incorporates chanting, pranayama, [...] iHanuman ihanuman, govindas, bhakti yoga shala, yoga, kirtan no http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-and-awareness-discussion-with-john-schumacher/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-and-awareness-discussion-with-john-schumacher/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:53:06 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=612 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-and-awareness-discussion-with-john-schumacher/feed/ 1 Every Quarter Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, John Schumacher, offers a lecture and discussion to his students which is free and open to the public. These talks are held in his Bethesda, Maryland Unity Woods Yoga Center. This lecture, held in the summer of 2009 is on the topic of Yoga and Awareness. John tackles the concept that anyone can do the physical poses of yoga asanas, but what makes yoga yoga is really the sense of awareness one brings to the practice. John asks us to “Tune In, Turn On and Drop Out”, but quite a bit differently than the original use of the term as described by Timothy Leary. To find out how, listen to the audio recording below or subscribe to our podcast in iTunes or through your favorite feed reader. Are you new to podcasting? Find out more information on Our Podcasts Page. To subscribe to the Newsletter John references in his discussion, please visit his UnityWoods.com Studio Website. Enjoy! John is Featured in the February 2010 Issue of Yoga Journal. A PDF copy of the article is available here. John also gave the Keynote Address for the First Ever Regional New England Conference of Iyengar Yoga. You can read the full keynote address here. Every Quarter Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, John Schumacher, offers a lecture and discussion to his students which is free and open to the public. These talks are held in his Bethesda, Maryland Unity Woods Yoga Center. This lecture, held in the [...] iHanuman yoga, awareness, john schumacher, unity woods yoga center no http://www.ihanuman.com/features/upanishads_lecture_neil_bhatt/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/upanishads_lecture_neil_bhatt/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:30:07 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=552 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/upanishads_lecture_neil_bhatt/feed/ 1 Join philosopher and lecturer Neil Bhatt as he uses contemporary stories to illustrate the important philosophical principles introduced in the Upanishads. Neil’s knowledgeable and engaging approach logically combines abstract philosophical concepts with tangible scientific and cultural facts, making challenging texts easy to understand and useful for self-development. This workshop is appropriate for all levels of yoga students, as well as anyone interested in exploring key concepts in Indian philosophy. Thank you Neil for offering your thoughts on the Upanishads and thank you to the Charlottesville Yoga School for allowing us to record this talk and provide it free to the public. Enjoy the full recording as a podcast, by subscribing to the iHanuman Podcast. See our iHanuman Library Suggestions for our recommendation of a translation of the Upanishads, by Eknath Eswaran. Listen to the Discussion Join philosopher and lecturer Neil Bhatt as he uses contemporary stories to illustrate the important philosophical principles introduced in the Upanishads. Neil’s knowledgeable and engaging approach logically combines abstract philosophical [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-and-health-discussion-with-john-schumacher/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-and-health-discussion-with-john-schumacher/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:24:23 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=388 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-and-health-discussion-with-john-schumacher/feed/ 1 We are honored to offer you the quarterly discussion Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher John Schumacher holds in his Unity Woods Yoga Center. John offers a forum every session which is free and open to the public. This discussion held last Fall 2008 and is on the topic of Yoga and Health. John shares some of his personal experience and how yoga has had an impact on his health. Some time ago, he realized that health is ephemeral and that our best position is to be proactive now while we are in good health. Those with dis-ease will often speak of how you never appreciate your health until you are sick. At the same time, we all have different capabilities and needs so each person’s health requirements are unique. Our daily yoga practice begins to present to us our own strengths AND weaknesses. John’s Bethesda, Maryland studio is at the center of a mecca for research on yoga and its impact on health with his proximity to the formidable Research Institution, the National Institutes of Health,” is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research”. They currently have 32 studies focusing on yoga as a form of treatment. John also mentions beloved Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Mary Dunn. Mary was a longtime practitioner of Yoga who recently passed away after struggling with peritoneal cancer. And we would like to recognize the life and contributions of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, the founder of Ashtanga Yoga. They remind us that even those who take care and passionately practice yoga their entire lives will inevitably pass from this physical realm. They will be missed. Listen to the Discussion We are honored to offer you the quarterly discussion Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher John Schumacher holds in his Unity Woods Yoga Center. John offers a forum every session which is free and open to the public. This discussion held last Fall 2008 and [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-heather-tiddens/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-heather-tiddens/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 00:03:28 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=595 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-heather-tiddens/feed/ 1 Heather Tiddens teaches yoga and leads ceremony to support people in embodying their most authentic selves. Her teaching is grounded in her training and studies integrating Yin and Yang Yoga, hands-on healing, mindfulness practices and indigenous ceremony ways. Her classes are known for their physical intensity and detailed instruction, as well as being a safe, compassionate space for students to explore their spiritual, emotional and physical healing and growth. Heather’s life-long athletic experience, deep connection with the elements of nature, and exploration of indigenous culture and ceremony ways greatly influence her work. Since 1979, she has been an avid and skilled surfer, previously competing on the Professional World Tour. She is featured in the recent documentary The Women and the Waves, exploring the experience of women surfers. In 1988, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara. Her studies culminated in a focus on the impact of land development and the California Environmental Quality Act and related legislation on Chumash sacred sites and cultural heritage. Heather is based in Santa Barbara, CA, teaching locally at Santa Barbara Yoga Center, Yoga Soup and at Satya House, her private studio. She also travels nationally teaching courses, workshops and retreats. For more information on Heather and and her teaching schedule, please visit her website at www.heathertiddensyoga.com. This interview with Heather is a conversation about her introduction to yoga, her incorporation of ceremony, Yin and Meditation practice, her profound affection for nature and its affect on our bodies, finding balance in our lives, and more. Enjoy! Listen to the Interview Heather Tiddens teaches yoga and leads ceremony to support people in embodying their most authentic selves. Her teaching is grounded in her training and studies integrating Yin and Yang Yoga, hands-on healing, mindfulness practices and indigenous [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-kira-ryder/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-kira-ryder/#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:42:46 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=590 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-kira-ryder/feed/ 1 Kira Ryder is a yogini living and teaching in California’s beautiful Ojai Valley. She is the owner of Lulu Bandha’s, a bright and nurturing yoga studio in the heart of downtown Ojai. In addition to teaching yoga, every year Kira and the community at Lulu’s organize the famous Ojai Yoga Crib, a celebrated annual yoga event that offers people the opportunity to study in a magical and intimate setting with some of the best teachers in the world. In this interview Kira talks about her path to yoga, her influences, and shares insights on the issues of trust, authenticity, community, following the inner teacher, and more! Listen to the Interview! Kira Ryder is a yogini living and teaching in California’s beautiful Ojai Valley. She is the owner of Lulu Bandha’s, a bright and nurturing yoga studio in the heart of downtown Ojai. In addition to teaching yoga, every year Kira and the [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/john-schumacher-on-practice/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/john-schumacher-on-practice/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:40:10 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=37 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/john-schumacher-on-practice/feed/ 3 The holidays and end of the year inventory can be a particularly difficult time for many people for many reasons, not least of which is the stress which it tends to bring.  In the spirit of the holidays, iHanuman would like to offer you a few end of the year gifts in hopes of reducing your stress levels. First, a sequence of asanas taught in the Iyengar Tradition in honor of Mr. Iyengar’s 90th birthday celebration being held this week in Pune, India. For twelve days in a row we will post a new asana. An opportunity to practice with one of the world’s most senior Iyengar Teachers, John Schumacher.  Enjoy! Second, one of John’s quarterly discussions held at his Iyengar Studio, Unity Woods.  This free talk discusses what may be the most important topic in any yoga discussion, Practice.  John reminds us that even when times are stressful and busier than usual, “If we practice just one pose a day, we have a yoga practice.”  If you can commit to practicing one pose a day, you have begun your daily yoga practice. W hat a wonderful new year’s resolution!   Start with the standing poses and inversions John has offered.  Do one or do them all!  Thanks John! Listen to the Discussion on Practice The holidays and end of the year inventory can be a particularly difficult time for many people for many reasons, not least of which is the stress which it tends to bring.  In the spirit of the holidays, iHanuman would like to offer you a few end [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-bo-lozoff/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-bo-lozoff/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:19:32 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=598 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-bo-lozoff/feed/ 10 Bo Lozoff started the Prison Ashram Project with Ram Dass in 1973, which has grown into the largest interfaith prison ministry in the world. Bo’s book, We’re All Doing Time, now in its 17th printing, is widely referred to as “the convicts’ bible” and was named by Village Voice as “one of the ten books everyone in the world should read.” For over 30 years Bo has traveled around the world giving talks in thousands of prisons, churches, and community centers. His many roles include author, spiritual teacher, friend, counselor, musician, and modern day mystic. In this interview Bo talks about the catalysts in his spiritual journey, the history of the Prison Ashram Project, a critique of today’s spiritual market place, and dying into service. For more information on the work of Bo, his wife Sita, and the Human Kindness Foundation, please visit www.humankindness.org Listen to the Interview with Bo Lozoff Bo Lozoff started the Prison Ashram Project with Ram Dass in 1973, which has grown into the largest interfaith prison ministry in the world. Bo’s book, We’re All Doing Time, now in its 17th printing, is widely referred to as “the convicts’ [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/dr-timothy-mccall-yoga-as-medicine/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/dr-timothy-mccall-yoga-as-medicine/#comments Mon, 29 Sep 2008 01:52:50 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=34 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/dr-timothy-mccall-yoga-as-medicine/feed/ 3 iHanuman is honored to offer you the third in our series of lectures from the First Annual NIH Yoga Week. Timothy McCall, M.D. is a board-certified internist, the Medical Editor of Yoga Journal, and the author of two books, including Yoga as Medicine. Since 2000, his main focus has been examining the therapeutic aspects of yoga from a scientific perspective. His most recent book,Yoga As Medicine, begins to address the question which the NIH Yoga Week asks: “How can doctors and researchers bring Yoga into the main stream as a therapeutic modality with scientific support?” Dr. McCall is a critical spokesperson as a researcher AND practitioner of yoga for over 10 years. He is the medical contributor to Yoga Journal. In addition to the writings he generously shares on his website, you can also listen to audio recordings from Yoga Journal Conferences. Listen to Dr. Timothy McCall “Yoga As Medicine” Thanks to all of the organizers and participants of the first annual Yoga Week. We look forward to the second Annual Yoga Week in September 2009. Yoga Week would not have been possible with out the following individual: Dr. Rachel Permuth-Levine (NIH), Virginia Hill (NIH), Sheria Washington (NIH)- cocreators of NIH Yoga Week 2008 Ms. Virginia Hill – Director, Public Relations Dr. Rhonda Moore, Director, Community Outreach Ms. Lauren Toussaint, Creative Outreach Ms. Pamela Jenkins, Mr. Christopher Gaines, Mr. Randy Schools iHanuman is honored to offer you the third in our series of lectures from the First Annual NIH Yoga Week. Timothy McCall, M.D. is a board-certified internist, the Medical Editor of Yoga Journal, and the author of two books, including Yoga as [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/alan-finger-the-integrated-yogic-sciences/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/alan-finger-the-integrated-yogic-sciences/#comments Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:05:48 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=30 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/alan-finger-the-integrated-yogic-sciences/feed/ 1 This recording of Yogiraj Alan Finger is from a week that iHanuman spent covering the first Annual National Institutes of Health Yoga Week. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. Dr. Rachel Permuth Levine and her colleagues at NIH put on quite a show with live yoga demonstrations, yoga for the office classes, and incredible speakers each day. The event was free and open to the public and Rachel has just informed us that the 2nd Annual NIH Yoga Week is in the works for September 2009, so stay tuned. In this talk please enjoy listening to the meditative wisdom of Yogiraj Alan Finger as he describes to you the system of yoga he developed called ISHTA YOGA, an acronym for the Integrated Sciences of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda. It is also a beautiful sanskrit word meaning that which resonates with an individual’s spirit. Yogiraj Alan Finger, was a wonderful opening speaker with his 47 years of yoga experience to share within 45 minutes. His presence is peaceful, his intelligence bright and he resonates with the essence of yoga. We hope this comes across in the recorded selections. Listen to the entire recorded talk here or subscribe to our podcast and receive the entire recording as a download. Alan Finger Speaks at the National Institutes of Health Kudos to Rachel and all of the incredible folks at NIH for putting such a gathering together and we were honored to cover to the event and be part of the sankalpa of recognizing yoga as an integrative approach to health and well being. www.youtube.com/watch?v=A05PEjHe5oE For more video clips from Alan’s Talk, please visit his iHanuman Teacher page. Listen to the Introductions by Dr. Randy Schools, the NIH Director for the Center for Recreation and Welfare, and Dr. Rachel Permuth-Levine, Organizer of the Yoga Week, and Susan Bowen, Owner of Thrive Yoga Rockville. Introductions from the National Institutes of Health Yoga Week would not have been possible with out the following individuals: Dr. Rachel Permuth-Levine (NIH), Virginia Hill (NIH), Sheria Washington (NIH)- cocreators of NIH Yoga Week 2008 Ms. Virginia Hill -- Director, Public Relations Dr. Rhonda Moore, Director, Community Outreach Ms. Lauren Toussaint, Creative Outreach Ms. Pamela Jenkins, Mr. Christopher Gaines, Mr. Randy Schools -- “We are indebted to these individuals. Without their assistance, Yoga Week would have only been in our imagination” This recording of Yogiraj Alan Finger is from a week that iHanuman spent covering the first Annual National Institutes of Health Yoga Week. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-john-schumacher/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-john-schumacher/#comments Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:37:33 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=29 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-john-schumacher/feed/ 1 Our featured offering this week is an interview with Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, John Schumacher. John is the Founder and Director of Unity Woods Yoga Center in Bethesda, Maryland and one of only a handful of Senior Iyengar Yoga Teachers in the world. John is the beloved teacher to countless students and in this interview, John shares with us some of his insights from over 35 years of teaching yoga, including a memory of his first time studying with Yogacharya BKS Iyengar and what the Iyengar method has to offer beginning and more advanced practitioners of yoga from any tradition. John discusses the fragmentation and commodification of yoga with one of his apprentice students and Iyengar Yoga teacher, Shaaron Honeycutt. iHanuman is also honored to offer three volumes of John’s audio classes in our Digital Download Store, and we are pleased to announce that we will be adding new live classes recorded by John later this month. For more information on John you can visit his iHanuman Teacher Page. For more information on John’s Unity Woods studio network in the Virginia, Maryland and DC area, and all of the incredible teachers and classes available there, please visit UnityWoods.com. You can listen to the entire audio interview here or subscribe to our podcast and receive the entire audio as a download. Listen to the Interview with John Schumacher For video clips from John’s Interview, please visit Our YouTube Channel. Our featured offering this week is an interview with Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, John Schumacher. John is the Founder and Director of Unity Woods Yoga Center in Bethesda, Maryland and one of only a handful of Senior Iyengar Yoga Teachers in the [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/bliss-class-with-diane-malaspina/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/bliss-class-with-diane-malaspina/#comments Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:59:46 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=27 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/bliss-class-with-diane-malaspina/feed/ 3 Diane Malaspina was asked to sub for her teacher, Angela Phillips’ , Bliss class in 2004 and her path as a teacher blossomed from there, working one-on-one under Angela’s tutelage. In 2007, Diane completed Shiva Rea’s 200 hour Prana Vinyasa Flow program, a dynamic, organic approach based on Krishnamacharya’s lineage, integrating ayurveda, tantra, and energetic alignment to enhance the flow of prana. Diane is currently an assistant professor of Psychology and a PhD in Educational Psychology and brings this experience into her yoga classes creating a safe and structured environment. Diane was asked again by Angela to substitute this class which iHanuman recorded and we received a gem. This class is a multilevel gentle class suitable for any yoga practitioner and Diane offers modifications to build upon. This class was recorded at Angela Phillip’s Yoga Studio on First Colonial Road in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach is also home to Langley Airforce Base so we are reminded of our fellow Americans in the military every few minutes with the sound of jet noise overhead. Diane however, holds the space so you do not become too distracted with the outside sounds. For more information on Diane Malaspina, you can visit her iHanuman Teacher Page or you visit her at Angela Phillips Yoga Studio. Please enjoy this blissful offering. Bliss Class with Diane Malaspina Diane Malaspina was asked to sub for her teacher, Angela Phillips’ , Bliss class in 2004 and her path as a teacher blossomed from there, working one-on-one under Angela’s tutelage. In 2007, Diane completed Shiva Rea’s 200 hour Prana Vinyasa [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-deke-cripe/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-deke-cripe/#comments Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:11:06 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=26 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-deke-cripe/feed/ 2 After his fifth heart attack, Deke Cripe was left with very few medical options and very little hope. In desperation he decided to try yoga and meditation, and he credits these, in addition to diet and lifestyle changes, with the remarkable recovery and healing of his heart disease that followed. His belief in the power of yoga led Deke to become a Certified Cardiac Yoga Teacher, and today he shares his gift with others at the Augusta Medical Center’s Lifetime Center in Fishersville, Virginia. In addition to regular yoga classes, he teaches several specialized classes including Cardiac Yoga, Cancer Recovery Yoga, Yoga for Fibromyalgia, and assists at Cardiac Yoga Teacher Trainings. He is featured with Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Mehmet Oz in the upcoming documentary: Living Yoga: The Life and Teachings of Swami Satchidananda. In this interview Deke shares his insights and unique perspective on yoga, health, integrative medicine, and healing. Listen to the Interview After his fifth heart attack, Deke Cripe was left with very few medical options and very little hope. In desperation he decided to try yoga and meditation, and he credits these, in addition to diet and lifestyle changes, with the remarkable [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/love-serve-and-remember-peter-malakoff/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/love-serve-and-remember-peter-malakoff/#comments Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:28:28 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=604 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/love-serve-and-remember-peter-malakoff/feed/ 1 Peter Malakoff is a poet, storyteller, Ayurvedic consultant, Ghee maker, meditation teacher, and woodworker living in Bolinas, CA. Several years ago he attended a gathering with Ram Dass in Marin County, California, and offered a story in gratitude for all that he has meant and given to countless seekers throughout the years. The story, “Love, Serve and Remember: A Hanuman Story for Ram Dass,” is a beautiful retelling of one of Hanumans exploits in the Ramayana, one that wonderfully illuminates the oft seen image of Hanuman ripping open his chest to reveal Rama and Sita. Ram Dass commented that there were parts in Peter’s version that he had never heard before, and Peter promised to record and send it to him. This week’s iHanuman Feature is that special recording for Ram Dass, a story that beautifully expresses the heart of Hanuman and artfully points to the mystery underlying all of our lives. The background music is Hanuman Chaleesa by Bhagavan Das. If you would like to view the text version of this story with accompanying images, please visit Peter’s website. There you will also find more information on him and a wealth of additional stories, poetry, and video. Love, Serve and Remember: A Hanuman Story for Ram Dass Peter Malakoff is a poet, storyteller, Ayurvedic consultant, Ghee maker, meditation teacher, and woodworker living in Bolinas, CA. Several years ago he attended a gathering with Ram Dass in Marin County, California, and offered a story in gratitude [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-and-satsang-with-shantimayi/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-and-satsang-with-shantimayi/#comments Sun, 06 Jan 2008 01:55:32 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=24 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-and-satsang-with-shantimayi/feed/ 1 ShantiMayi is a lineage holder and an awakened master from the Sacha Lineage of India, “which exists solely for the purpose of enlightenment of all beings.” ShantiMayi is a direct disciple of Sri Swami Hans Maharajji. Maharajji’s ashram, Sacha Dham Ashram in Laxman Jhulla, India is near Rishikesh, where ShantiMayi spends several months of the year, when she is not spreading the Sacha (Truth) Dharma (Way) on her international tours or at home in the Pyrenees. While ShantiMayi says she does not align herself with any particular religions of the world, she draws on many of the world’s philosophies in her teachings and believes “whatever awakens us to the Truth is the Way.” ShantiMayi brought the tradition of satsang to her student, Suzie Hurley’s, Willow Street Yoga Center in Takoma Park, MD, and iHanuman was there to participate. Sat is translated as truth in Sanskrit and Sanga is community. Satsang can be translated as “in the community of truth”. ShantiMayi prefers to call it a “Sacred Circle”, and likens it to the ringing of a Dharma Drum. From her website: “In Ch’an temples, the Dharma Drum is struck and everyone eagerly comes to hear the sound of emptiness again and again and again. After ‘the teachings’, the hall is vacated, serenity fills that place, the people have returned to their lives, to live out their inspiration, the dharma of everyday life. This is how I view our time together, a great resonance, like the drum and its booming call. Empty and heart-full. We gather to enliven a dedication to the dharma of spiritual excellence in the center of common living.” The gathering was truly a coming together as another of Shantimayi’s students, Sara Avant Stover, interviewed Shantimayi on the subjects of her journey to meet her Master, the role of the Guru, and the spiritual climate in America. This week’s feature is an audio offering of both the interview and satsang with ShantiMayi. In addition to the audio, you can watch video selections from both on Our YouTube Channel. And ShantiMayi is not only an enlightened master; she is also a creative artist. Please visit her home page for beautiful recordings, poetry and photographs. Namaste. Interview with ShantiMayi October 14, 2007 Satsang with ShantiMayi ShantiMayi is a lineage holder and an awakened master from the Sacha Lineage of India, “which exists solely for the purpose of enlightenment of all beings.” ShantiMayi is a direct disciple of Sri Swami Hans Maharajji. Maharajji’s ashram, [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-class-with-betsey-downing/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-class-with-betsey-downing/#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:49:42 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=18 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-class-with-betsey-downing/feed/ 0 Betsey Downing is a Senior Anusara Yoga Teacher living in Sarasota, Florida. She has been practicing yoga since 1972 and studying with John Friend as her primary teacher since 1994. Betsey is the Director of Garden of the Heart Yoga Center in Sarasota, Florida and she teaches workshops to teachers and students nationally and internationally. Betsey also holds a Ph.D in Sports Psychology from the University of Virginia and is listed in the World’s Who’s Who of Women. iHanuman was honored to record her weekend workshop in Charlottesville, Virginia earlier this year. This class was the Friday night introduction to the workshop and is a challenging 2 hour vinyasa class culminating in the pose Vasisthasana. Please enjoy listening to this class, but please take care to listen to your own body by following your breath when engaging in this or any yoga practice. If you are interested in more audio recordings of Betsey Downing, the following Saturday Morning Handstand Workshop is available in our download store. And after all of the vigorous asana practice, Betsey also has a Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) audio download available in our store. For Betsey’s upcoming 2008 workshop schedule please visit her website and you can always find her through her iHanuman Teacher Page. Make sure to check out her new asana photos. Enjoy! Yoga Class with Betsey Downing Remember to subscribe to our podcast by copying and pasting this link in your favorite feedreader so you can receive these features automatically! Betsey Downing is a Senior Anusara Yoga Teacher living in Sarasota, Florida. She has been practicing yoga since 1972 and studying with John Friend as her primary teacher since 1994. Betsey is the Director of Garden of the Heart Yoga Center in [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-suzie-hurley/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-suzie-hurley/#comments Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:47:26 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=17 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-suzie-hurley/feed/ 1 Suzie Hurley is a certified Senior Anusara Yoga Teacher and Director of the Willow Street Yoga Center in Takoma Park, Maryland. In this interview, Suzie shares with us her fated journey from student to teacher and her early beginnings as a reluctant teacher at Pope Airforce Base in Fayetteville, NC. Suzie has been a student of yoga since 1977, a teacher since 1981 and she is also a certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist.Suzie found her teacher, John Friend, in 1994 and was one of the first certified Anusara Yoga Teachers. Today she shares with us some of the philosophy of Anusara Yoga, as well as how she recognizes the impact that her yoga practice has had on her life off the mat. For video clips from this interview, please visit Our YouTube Channel. Suzie’s CD, “A Daily Anusara Practice for Beginners”, is available for download from our digital store. Thanks for helping to build the bridge with iHanuman. Namaste! Interview with Suzie Hurley Suzie Hurley is a certified Senior Anusara Yoga Teacher and Director of the Willow Street Yoga Center in Takoma Park, Maryland. In this interview, Suzie shares with us her fated journey from student to teacher and her early beginnings as a [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/introduction-to-the-history-of-hatha-yoga-with-richard-rosen/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/introduction-to-the-history-of-hatha-yoga-with-richard-rosen/#comments Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:44:35 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=16 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/introduction-to-the-history-of-hatha-yoga-with-richard-rosen/feed/ 1 Richard Rosen is the Director of the Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland, CA. He is a regular contributor to Yoga Journal and is the author of The Yoga of Breath, a beginner’s guide to pranayama, and Yoga for 50+, an instructional manual for older beginners. Our feature was recorded live at a teacher training workshop at Yoga Source in Richmond, VA where Richard shared with us some of the history of how yoga arrived in the west, as well as how it has changed from its original form. For additional recordings on some of the classical poses found in the ancient yoga text, the Gheranda Samhita, as well as an introductory pranayama practice, please visit Richard’s iHanuman Teacher Page. You can receive this audio automatically by subscribing to our podcast on the homepage of iHanuman. Enjoy! Richard Rosen: Introduction to the History of Hatha Yoga Richard Rosen is the Director of the Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland, CA. He is a regular contributor to Yoga Journal and is the author of The Yoga of Breath, a beginner’s guide to pranayama, and Yoga for 50+, an instructional manual for older [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-chandra-om/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-chandra-om/#comments Fri, 14 Dec 2007 03:40:17 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=15 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-chandra-om/feed/ 5 Chandra Om is the senior disciple of the much loved and respected Sri Dharma Mittra, and founder of the North Carolina School of Yoga in Raleigh, NC. Chandra teaches traditional classical yoga in the lineage of her Guru, and has dedicated her life to spiritual practice and service to humanity. In this interview Chandra tells the story of her journey with Sri Dharma Mittra, and shares her wisdom and perspective on guru bhakti and the necessity of living masters, the spiritual import of asana, karma yoga, and the history and impetus behind the NC School of Yoga. You can also visit her iHanuman teacher page for video selections from the interview. Interview with Chandra Om Chandra Om is the senior disciple of the much loved and respected Sri Dharma Mittra, and founder of the North Carolina School of Yoga in Raleigh, NC. Chandra teaches traditional classical yoga in the lineage of her Guru, and has dedicated her life [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/prabhavati-dwabha/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/prabhavati-dwabha/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:34:40 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=13 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/prabhavati-dwabha/feed/ 0 Dr. Prabhavati Dwabha traveled around the world in search of purpose and meaning, and eventually found it in the lives of India’s poorest children. Dr. Prabahvati is the founder of Ramana’s Garden, an orphanage in the mountains of Northern India that provides food, shelter, clothing, education, and a future to abandoned, orphaned, and destitute children. In addition to the orphanage, she has also created programs that provide medical, vocational, and educational assistance to those living in these remote mountain villages. iHanuman had the privilege of attending and recording an intimate living room talk by Dr. Prabhavati on May 29, 2007, during her most recent visit to the United States. At this special gathering she shared the history of Ramana’s Garden, inspiring success stories, and the personal lessons about hope, resilience, and divine abundance that she has learned from her greatest teachers: her kids. If you would like more information on Dr. Prabhavati and Ramana’s Garden, please visit her website at www.sayyesnow.org. If you would like to financially support the work she and the other dedicated volunteers are doing there, you can make a tax-deductible donation through the U.S. non-profit group Friends of Ramana’s Garden. Talk by Dr. Prabhavati Also, please watch this excellent short film on Ramana’s Garden by Explore, a philanthropic multimedia project of the Annenberg Foundation. Dr. Prabhavati Dwabha traveled around the world in search of purpose and meaning, and eventually found it in the lives of India’s poorest children. Dr. Prabahvati is the founder of Ramana’s Garden, an orphanage in the mountains of Northern [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-stephanie-keach/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-stephanie-keach/#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:06:16 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=11 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/interview-with-stephanie-keach/feed/ 0 Stephanie Keach is one of today’s inspiring and authentic voices in Yoga. With an uncanny ability to combine intensity with playfulness, unflinching awareness with deep compassion and humor, Stephanie blends elements of Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga, Core Strengthening, Zen Buddhism, and ecstatic chanting into her classes, creating an experience and teaching style that is uniquely her own.After living and practicing in Southern California with some of yoga’s best teachers, she and her husband Sunny moved to Asheville, NC to raise their family. Together they created the Asheville Yoga Center, where Stephanie teaches weekly classes as well as offering her highly-regarded Teacher Training Programs. The following interview was recorded on May 4, 2007, at her studio in Asheville. During this conversation Stephanie shares the story of her personal journey into Yoga, her fascination with pranayama and bandhas, her love of chanting, and how pregnancy and motherhood helped shape her practice. You can also visit OurYouTube Channel for video selections from the interview. Interview with Stephanie Keach Stephanie Keach is one of today’s inspiring and authentic voices in Yoga. With an uncanny ability to combine intensity with playfulness, unflinching awareness with deep compassion and humor, Stephanie blends elements of Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga, [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/erich-schiffmann-the-internet-of-mind/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/erich-schiffmann-the-internet-of-mind/#comments Sun, 09 Dec 2007 03:00:18 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=10 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/erich-schiffmann-the-internet-of-mind/feed/ 0 Erich Schiffmann has taught yoga and meditation for over 30 years, and is a major influence for many of today’s leading teachers. He is the author of the highly acclaimed book Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness as well as eight yoga DVDs. Erich is known throughout the yoga world as a master of creative sequencing, and for his ability to take the most complex yoga philosophy and make it accessible through simple yet profoundly insightful analogies. His primary teaching is the art of “listening for inner guidance, and daring to do as the energy guides you,” both on the mat and in life. Erich lives and teaches in Santa Monica, CA and gives workshops nationally. Erich’s Moving Into Stillness Discussion Board is an online community forum with over 2000 registered members. With yogis from around the world and across the range of styles and backgrounds, it is very valuable resource for both teachers and students. The following discussion was recorded on April 28, 2007, at an informal gathering of discussion board participants at the Camp Allen Retreat Center in Navasota, Texas. In this talk Erich introduces his “Internet of Mind” analogy, as well as touching on other topics, including the predicament of language, how teaching has changed, being versus doing, and the paralleling of technology and consciousness. For more information on Erich, visit his website at www.movingintostillness.com, as well as his iHanuman teacher page, where you can find additional video clips from this retreat. Internet of Mind Discussion Erich Schiffmann has taught yoga and meditation for over 30 years, and is a major influence for many of today’s leading teachers. He is the author of the highly acclaimed book Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness as well as [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/tim-miller-introduced-the-yoga-sutras/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/tim-miller-introduced-the-yoga-sutras/#comments Sat, 08 Dec 2007 02:55:14 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=8 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/tim-miller-introduced-the-yoga-sutras/feed/ 3 Tim Miller was the first American certified to teach Ashtanga Yoga by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Center in Mysore, India. That was over 25 years ago. He claims he was “hooked” ever since. After several trips to India and many years of personal practice, Tim opened the Ashtanga Yoga Center in Encinitas, California. Encinitas holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga thanks to the work of David Williams who sponsored Pattabhi Jois on his first trip to the US in 1975. Tim Miller met Pattabhi Jois when he returned to Encinitas in 1978. Tim took over the Ashtanga Yoga Nilayam in 1981 and has inspired countless students on their path. Jennifer Elliott is one of those inspired by the dedication and teaching of Tim Miller. Jennifer brought Tim Miller to her Yoga Barn this April where he engaged local practitioners in a teacher training workshop. Part of his traditional teacher training includes a discussion on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. iHanuman has created a podcast of this discussion for your listening pleasure this week. You can stream the audio here or subscribe to the podcast in itunes or any other of your favorite feed readers. For more information on Tim Miller and his yoga center, visit the Ashtanga Yoga Center Website. Thanks for helping to build the bridge with iHanuman. Namaste. Tim Miller Introduces the Yoga Sutras Tim Miller was the first American certified to teach Ashtanga Yoga by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Center in Mysore, India. That was over 25 years ago. He claims he was “hooked” ever since. After several trips to India and [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/christy-brock-on-teaching-yoga-to-teenagers/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/christy-brock-on-teaching-yoga-to-teenagers/#comments Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:33:42 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=21 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/christy-brock-on-teaching-yoga-to-teenagers/feed/ 4 Christy Brock began her studies of yoga while an investment banker in New York City. Her life quickly changed from there into that of a full time yoga teacher. Now she is changing the lives of teens through forging the path of teaching teen yoga. iHanuman caught up with her during a Teen Yoga Teacher Training at Spiral Flight Yoga in Washington, DC. Christy sat down with us to offer her insight into the challenges and delights of teaching teen yoga and training others to do the same. She also shared a short asana sequence specifically for teens. For more information on teaching teens, including where to find a teen yoga teacher or teen yoga teacher training, visit Christy’s website: www.yogaminded.com. Interview with Christy Brock on Teaching Yoga to Teens Asana Sequence for Teens Christy Brock began her studies of yoga while an investment banker in New York City. Her life quickly changed from there into that of a full time yoga teacher. Now she is changing the lives of teens through forging the path of teaching teen yoga. [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-class-dedicated-to-hanuman/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-class-dedicated-to-hanuman/#comments Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:36:50 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=5 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/yoga-class-dedicated-to-hanuman/feed/ 1 Hanuman is the monkey god most renowned for his service, strength and devotion. His story is told as part of the Hindu Mythological Epic, The Ramayana. This week, we would like to offer a free audio download of a yoga class dedicated to Hanuman, called Hanumanasana. Cynthia Woodring is a hatha yoga teacher living outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. She generously allowed iHanuman to record her hour and a half class September 17, 2006 at Studio 206 in downtown Charlottesville. Cynthia has studied Hindu mythology in addition to her study of yoga over the past 15 years, and in this class she beautifully interweaves the story of Hanuman, culminating in the pose dedicated to him: Hanumanasana. The full pose, Hanumanasana, is quite a challenging pose, but Cynthia takes you gently into the full pose through several hip openers and hamstring lengtheners before asking you to try the full pose. So find a quiet space on the floor with your yoga mat and a few blankets. Do what you can or just enjoy listening to the story. If you miss the feature, you can always bookmark the link to the mp3 or visit Cynthia’s new web-page on iHanuman at www.ihanuman.com/cynthiawoodring. You will find more information on her and her class schedule there. Jai Hanuman ! Cynthia Woodring’s Yoga Class Dedicated to Hanuman Hanuman is the monkey god most renowned for his service, strength and devotion. His story is told as part of the Hindu Mythological Epic, The Ramayana. This week, we would like to offer a free audio download of a yoga class dedicated to Hanuman, [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/satsang-with-swami-satchidananda/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/satsang-with-swami-satchidananda/#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:27:27 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=20 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/satsang-with-swami-satchidananda/feed/ 2 Swami Satchidananda is a spiritual teacher and yoga master who influenced the lives of millions of people around the world. He first came to the United States in 1966 and quickly became known for his combination of practical wisdom and deep spiritual insight. He gained wide public recognition for opening the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969, and spent the rest of his life dedicated to sharing the teachings of yoga and working to promote peace and interfaith understanding. He founded the Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Virginia and established Integral Yoga Institutes around the world. He wrote several important books on yoga, chief among them his highly praised commentary on the Yoga Sutras. The following was recorded during a satsang with Swami Satchidananda on Septemer 8, 1990. iHanuman offers these in appreciation for his 40 years of service in the West. Special thanks to Shakticom and the Satchidananda Ashram. What was Master Sivanandaji’s method of correcting weaknesses in his disciples? What is your perception of the devil versus good or evil? How has the Woodstock generation grown and changed? What has that generation shown to the world? In our spiritual search for the Truth, is Jesus Christ the final Truth? How does a person know they have become enlightened, especially when they do not have a guru to ask? After one becomes enlightened, can they go into a samadhi trance or thoughtless state at will, at any time? I used to be regular in my meditation, but for the past several months, each morning when I sit I become overcome by drowsiness. I have tried several techniques, but nothing seems to affect it. Please help. Swami Satchidananda is a spiritual teacher and yoga master who influenced the lives of millions of people around the world. He first came to the United States in 1966 and quickly became known for his combination of practical wisdom and deep [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/angela-and-victor-on-jarvis-jay-masters/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/angela-and-victor-on-jarvis-jay-masters/#comments Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:16:57 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=19 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/angela-and-victor-on-jarvis-jay-masters/feed/ 1 Jarvis Jay Masters is an African American Buddhist writer currently on Death Row at San Quentin State Prison. He was incarcerated for armed robbery as a teenager and sentenced to death for alleged involvement in the death of a prison guard. He became a Buddhist while in prison, taking vows from Tibetan teacher Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, and has since published many essays and stories about life in prison, most notably his highly acclaimed collection Finding Freedom: Writings from Death Row. Jarvis has inspired people around the world for living a life of hope and peace in one of the most depressing and violent places, and many prominent teachers and community leaders have added their voices to the growing effort to reverse his wrongful conviction. Among them are Angela Farmer and Victor van Kooten, two of todays most respected yoga teachers. In this talk, Angela and Victor share their personal stories about Jarvis, their friendship, and their impressions of him as a person. For more information about Jarvis, the details of his case, and efforts to free him, please visit www.freejarvis.org. There you can also find excerpts of his writing and learn more about how you can help support his cause. Listen to Part 2 of the Interview Jarvis Jay Masters is an African American Buddhist writer currently on Death Row at San Quentin State Prison. He was incarcerated for armed robbery as a teenager and sentenced to death for alleged involvement in the death of a prison guard. He [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/victor-van-kooten-the-breathing-body/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/victor-van-kooten-the-breathing-body/#comments Sun, 02 Dec 2007 02:00:20 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=3 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/victor-van-kooten-the-breathing-body/feed/ 2 Victor Van Kooten was born in Holland and began practicing yoga in 1966 with renowned teacher Dona Holleman. He moved to Pune, India to study with B.K.S. Iyengar and became one of the first certified Senior Advanced Iyengar teachers in the world. Following a traumatic experience that left him partially paralyzed, he became fascinated with the energy body and began to explore its subtle wisdom and healing power. The insights that accompanied his eventual recovery caused him to look anew at how yoga was being taught and to question the efficacy of forceful practices and methods. After leaving India he found a kindred spirit in Angela Farmer, and since 1984 they have been sharing their unique approach to yoga, an approach based on releasing tension, creating space, and listening to the body’s intuitive wisdom. Victor is an amazing artist, a creative, conceptual genius whose artistic vision deeply shapes his experience and expression of yoga. He has created a series of books called From The Inside Out, which are a combination of “visionary images of elemental energy patterns” and “evocative text, written in his own incomparable linguistic style” to illustrate he and Angela’s essential teachings. When studying with Victor, one is impressed by his deep understanding of the body, his compassion, his insightful adjustments, and his authenticity. The following talk was recorded by iHanuman at the Satchidananda Ashram on November 4, 2006, where Victor was giving a workshop titled “The Breathing Body.” In this talk he discusses the breathing body, quiet mind, finding your inner teacher, and the institutionalization and certification of yoga. Enjoy! Victor Van Kooten: The Breathing Body Victor Van Kooten was born in Holland and began practicing yoga in 1966 with renowned teacher Dona Holleman. He moved to Pune, India to study with B.K.S. Iyengar and became one of the first certified Senior Advanced Iyengar teachers in the world. [...] http://www.ihanuman.com/features/led-primary-series-class-with-jennifer-elliott/ http://www.ihanuman.com/features/led-primary-series-class-with-jennifer-elliott/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 22:44:01 +0000 iHanuman http://www.ihanuman.com/features/?p=566 http://www.ihanuman.com/features/led-primary-series-class-with-jennifer-elliott/feed/ 1 Jennifer is a senior teacher and director of Ashtanga Yoga of Charlottesville and the Charlottesville Yoga School, Virginia. She studied yoga for 25 years and taught for 15. Jennifer has studied intensively with Richard Freeman and Tim Miller, as well as Pattabhi Jois in India. She can be reached at tjelliott@earthlink.net. The Primary Series is the first of six series of yoga asana sequences as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga Yoga and one of the three most well-known students of Krishnamacharya. We offer this free class in honor of Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois who passed away in 2009 for all he has given to the teaching and study of yoga. Jennifer is a senior teacher and director of Ashtanga Yoga of Charlottesville and the Charlottesville Yoga School, Virginia. She studied yoga for 25 years and taught for 15. Jennifer has studied intensively with Richard Freeman and Tim Miller, as [...]