Legends of Yoga: The First Guru

Shiva as Nataraja

Tradition says that Shiva is the Adi-Guru or first teacher of Hatha Yoga. 

Wanna hear the story of how yoga first came to human beings?

Shiva's first student was Parvati, the Mother of the World and his beloved consort.  She was saddened by the suffering of human beings.  Out of compassion, Shiva shared these teachings with her.

Some stories say they went to a small island or a remote riverbank or a deserted beach.  Others claim they had a beautiful bubble lair at the bottom of the ocean. 

(Lol!  This always makes me think of Maxwell Smart's "Cone of Silence".)

As Shiva spoke, a fish (Matsya in Sanskrit) overheard.  Shiva turned the fish into a Siddha, or realized being who became known as Matsyendranath or the Lord of the Fishes.

Others say that Matsyendranath was swallowed by a fish when he was just a boy.  The fish happened to be resting near the divine couple as they were discussing the secret wisdom of yoga.  From within the belly of the fish, Matsyendranath overheard.  He practiced what he learned with vigor and determination.  When he escaped from the fish belly twelve years later, became a fully realized master and a liberated soul.

Either way, Matsyendranath became the second teacher of yoga, the one who brought it to humanity.  He is revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike as a Guru in both paramparas, or lineages of yoga.

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Image Source: Yoga Vidya)

As the first human guru was known for meditating in a particular asana, the position became known as Matsyendrasana, or the Seated Spinal Twist, one of the few postures described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

Ardha Matsyendrasana, or the Half Spinal Twist is one of the twelve basic postures in a traditional Sivananda yoga class.  It has numerous benefits for the abdominal organs and the spine, and helps to rouse latent spiritual energy.

Some versions claim that Parvati fell asleep and missed the whole teaching.  Perhaps this is a metaphor for the human condition.  The yogis say we spend most of our lives unaware of our own potential and therefore unable to fulfill it. 

Or perhaps it is a reference to Kundalini Shakti, the spiritual force that lies dormant or "asleep" in the Muladhara chakra at the base of the spine waiting to be channeled upward.

However you interpret this mighty fish tale, it highlights the power of yoga to transform.

Intermediate Hatha Yoga

For the very first time, Intermediate Hatha Yoga classes continue all through the summer at Yoga for Today in Sherwood Park, Alberta, on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings!

Sunday Mornings:  Untangle "knots" and stimulate the flow of prana with intervals of asana and vinyasa.  Balance the chakras as you strengthen and relax.

Wednesday Evenings:  Practice relaxation, meditation, and seated asanas while learning basic Sanskrit, the Yoga Sutras and the eight limbs of yoga.

Hatha yoga is so much more than just asanas! 

These classes are an opportunity to explore some of the highlights of the Hatha Yoga path.

All yogis and yoginis are welcome!

These classes will not be "too hard" if you can say "yes" to most of the following:

• You have some experience in Yoga already. 
• You're familiar with the basic postures.
• You enjoy trying new modifications, variations and less common poses.
• You remember to breathe deeply.  (Don't worry, I'll still remind you!)
• You honor the wisdom and signals of your own body.  If it hurts, you don't do it!
• You feel the benefits of yoga and are eager for more.
• You accept that yoga or "union" is both a goal and a practice.
• You recognize that every body, every pose and every day are different. 
• You listen to your body and adapt the intensity of your practice accordingly.
• You allow others to practice according to their own needs and preferences.
• You appreciate the diversity and variety of yoga styles and techniques.
• You desire health, happiness and peace of mind.
• You want to develop physical and mental flexibility, strength and endurance.
• You are open to pranayama, meditation, mantras, mudras, stories and songs!

See you soon!

Curvy Girls Do Yoga Too

 

Wide-Leg Seated Forward Fold (Upavista Konasana)



Modified Child's Pose (Balasana)


I hate to admit it, but these photos have been hanging around in my files since Autumn of 2008. 

My Mom took them for a project that never quite saw the light of day.

Although I could have posted them here long ago, I didn't.

Why not?

Downward Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Well, frankly, I didn't like the way I looked so I didn't want anyone to see them. 

In fact, I didn't want to have to look at them myself.

But yesterday I came across some inspiration - a community of  curvy yoginis who practice with passion and ahimsa, look awesome and aren't afraid to show it!



Anna Guest-Jelley of Curvy Yoga in Nashville is gathering photos for her gallery as a loving response to the lack of representation we curvy girls (and big guys for that matter) get in yoga magazines and marketing.

Reading her body-positive posts and the feedback from her readers inspired me to send a few for her to choose from. 

She selected this one of me in the Bear Pose which she called "Totally fab!". 

Thank you Anna!  Namaste!  I really REALLY needed that!

Drawing on her courage and community I decided to, as Anna puts it, "grab life by the curves" and share them here too.
 

Bear Pose (Urdhva Upavista Konasana)

Wonder where the name of the asana comes from?  Nature, of course!  Need some proof?

Photo by : Meta Penca/BNPS

Look at Santra the Bear practicing one of several yoga asanas that are part of her personal stretching routine at Ahtari Zoo in Finland!

Click here to read more about Santra the Bear's Yoga routine!

I guess curvy bears do yoga too!  Jai!