5th Practice Day.......

Editing Note: Sorry but no pics., today. There was another power-cut when I wrote this, so I did it in 'Word'. The Blog's editing facility really hates cutting and pasting and I've had to wing it a bit. Photos won't import for some reason. Ah well... Tomorrow is another day.

LIFE

I think I’m adjusting to the local way of life now and starting to feel really comfortable with the psyche of the locals. I’ve spent a lot of time in Thailand and, in the tourist areas; everybody seems to want a piece of you. It takes a long, long time before they become invisible to you and you feel that you can function normally. Here in Gokulam though, it’s not like that. Those that ask for money, or business, seem more genuinely needy. You feel less of a need to be on the defensive. When faced with a short wait while, say, someone runs out for change, they’re keen to know where you are from and if you are enjoying India. They generally then add to your list of things to do by throwing in some recommendations.

 

The novelty value of this place continues to entertain, even once you are settled. It’s naturally entertaining to walk down a busy street, dodging motorbikes, auto-rickshaws and buses, yet come across one woman, easily in her eighties, herding 10 or 15 goats. Colours stand out too because 80% is dusty grey but the 20% balance are of almost cartoon quality.

 

I’d better write about food soon, because life here revolves around the delicious vegetarian dals, the butter nans and the dosas. It’s easy to fill your belly for one pound. Where are we going wrong in the UK? It seems that there is no culinary creativity anymore. Maybe sunshine expands mind.

 

PRACTICE

For Primary Series practitioners, here are some observations that I’ve noted from Sharath’s current teaching:

• No more Pashimottanasana B (Hands over feet)
• No more Baddha Konasana C (No rest for the wicked)
• No more dropping the head back and arching the spine in between Yoga Mudra & Padmasana.

 

The breath counts are different in the finishing sequence too. I was taught 25 breaths in Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand), Sirsasana (Headstand)*, Padmasana (Lotus)  & Utpluthi, then 10 breaths for the other finishing postures. Sharath is currently using 10 for the long holds and 8 for the shorter ones. Don’t forget though, that he counts slowwwwwwly.

 

CHANTING

The chant class was just great. The charge for it is 700 rupees and that’s for 12 thirty-minute classes that are spread over the month.  We chanted solidly in Sanskrit throughout that time and all materials were included. The uninitiated might gripe “what’s the use of that?” but actually it is a work out for the mind. In my opinion, whatever part of the mind it is that produces worries, stress, doubt & negativity gets dampened when you chant and 30 minutes puts some sunshine into your life.

 

On a lighter note, the incredibly knowledgeable chap that is leading us through the chants is a dead ringer for a Bollywood Mr Bean. No offence intended.