The Passing of Guruji

It was with great sadness that I read this morning (Melbourne Australia time) that Guruji - Sri K Pattabhi Jois passed away yesterday - 18 May 2009. Being aware of his recent hospitalisation, and having recently been in Mysore, I was not totally surprised, but nevertheless shocked and saddened. Although I only did a couple of classes with him on my trip to Mysore in 2007, I feel blessed to have been in his presence, but most importantly to be fortunate to be given this beautiful practice. His years of dedication and teaching has made the world a better place with so many directly or indirectly the recipient of his gift of Ashtanga yoga.
On my trip to Mysore in 2007 he was often present in the shala, some mornings he would lead the prayer, and on a number of occasions lead the practice on a Sunday or Friday. A few times I given a spot in front of the office, and often I would see him through my dristi in dog pose sitting at the desk reading. I will treasure these memories and the few times I was fortunate enough to be in his company or class. My recent trip this year I did not see him, Saraswati providing little updates upon my enquiries of his health.
While the yoga and Ashtanga community are saddened and have lost our Guruji, we must continue to uphold his teachings and the practice, and feel blessed and thankful for what he has given, for the path that he walked.
Om shanti


These photos were taken on my 2007 trip to Mysore

If only I could touch................

Well after a month home, and a multitude of injuries - well actually my body is just seizing up or falling apart in this cold, I can barely touch in my poses let alone bind. Practice has been hard, compounded by the absence of my teacher, who now thankfully is back on these chilly shores. I put my back out in Garba Pindasana due to being cold to begin with (need more than a couple of heaters in the room on the coldest day in April in a trillion years) and then spraying cold water on my limbs. Errrgh!! Well off to the osteopath tonight who will have his work cut out - back, foot, ankle, knee, hand - other than that I'm dandy! Also coupled with my over zealous desire to eat everything within sight, people are even gifting me food - had a Barney Banana today - back by popular demand (yes I was part of that petition).

Nevertheless being home has been hard - I truly miss India - even the bad things - and for me there ain't that many of them anyway. But I miss the warmth, both the temperature and that of the people. I miss their tenacity, ingenuity, love of life, spirituality, overall beauty, I miss the children, particularly those at Bapuji in Mysore, I miss the carefree nature of my days, the food, the colors, smells and sights. I just miss it all. If my life was not here I would be there. But my life here make me appreciate India more - so each and every trip provides me with wonder and admiration. I'm counting the days til the next, am waiting for a friend to get married, or to win the lottery - whichever comes first. In the mean time I must stop eating, get back to physical capacity, and keep practicing - for to touch is to bind - and I want my binds back!