FPYK Yoga Newsletter of May 1, 2007

M. S. Viswanatha, Yoga Master and Director of
Foundation of Pathanjala Yoga Kendra
Bengaluru (Bangalore), India

Masterji

Visit with Guruji in Mysore

Master ji with his wife, Lakshmi and daughter, Archana went to Mysore on 22nd April 2007 to see Guruji, Yogasana Visharada, Vidwan K.Pattabhi Jois. He was with Guruji for a couple of hours who is recovering from the recent illness. Guruji was very calm and relaxed. Guruji needs good rest.

The family members are worried about the feelings and the eagerness of the students who want to see Guruji. A humble request to the students who will be going to the class at Mysore from 3rd May 2007 onwards is they should be patient and wait to see Guruji since the doctors have advised the family members not to allow any one to see him for a couple of more days. Every one will certainly meet Guruji soon he is ready and [cooperative] with the family members to look after him.

Let all of us hope that Guruji will be in the class soon and recite the opening prayer, VANDE GURUNAAM.

Yoga workshop at Whitefield, Bangalore.

A workshop in Yoga; asana and pranayama will be conducted in May 2007 at Whitefield, Bangalore (the famous place of Sri Sathya Sai Baba). Master ji will be leading the workshop. Those who are interested to attend the workshop may write to Kelly Armein at kpa at indiamrein plus dotcom

Master ji's Brazil tour program:

Master ji's Brazil tour program in September 2007 is in the following web pages. More information will follow.
yococen.com and yogateachers.com.br

Followup: Misconception about the Moon Days:-

Several e-mails were received asking for elaborating the observance of moon days. Here is a brief explanation about the subject. Those who need more information about the moon days may meet Master ji in person and ask for the same.

In the traditional learning and practice, what is called adhyayana, during every fortnight, the eighth, the day prior to full/new moon day, the full/new moon day and the day after the full/new moon day are called the days of ANADHYAYANA, meaning the days of intermission of study, (totally, four days in a fortnight or eight days in a month.) During these days, the teacher does not teach anything to the pupils because he has to perform certain rituals which require additional time during these days of anadhyana. So he takes a break to perform the rituals. Generally, all those who have to do the special rituals of these days do not teach but attend to other activities.

With regards to the energy during these days, the energy will be fine and robust. For that matter, we perform a number and different kinds of worship to the various deities during the full moon and new moon days. Many of our kamya karmas (the rituals to fulfill our desires) are performed during the full moon or new moon days. We do our japa to acquire strength and energy etc. All these activities need a lot of time. Some of the rituals are performed untill the late night. So, we have a break in our study. If there is no activity, we practice our regular activities.

The students, who have no special activities during the full moon or new moon days, need not waste their time. They can practice. The difference between study (adhyayana) and practice (abhyasa) --- in study there will be generally new instruction and in practice there will be no new instruction. The teacher gives the new instruction and since he is busy during the full moon or new moon days, there will be no new instructions but the student practices punaraavarthana (ie what he has already learnt) if he otherwise has no special rituals to perform during the full moon or new moon days.

Some think that it is very difficult to recover from the injury that occurs during the moon days. Is there any proof that only those who injure while practicing yoga during the full moon or new moon days do not recover easily? For that matter, a person who injures from any activities during the full moon or new moon days, too, may not recover easily?

Common sense is absolutely important and necessary. Use your [discerning] mind and decide.

Notable Events:-

Sri Buddha Purnima:-

02 May 2007

This is day when Gautama Buddha, known as Siddartha, was born.

Buddha means an enlightened person. In his teachings, Buddha emphasized on purity in every aspect of life. According to Him, the spirit of sacrifice is attaining Nirvana, liberation from mundane life.

"Buddham sharanam gachchami. Dharmam sharanam gachchami. Sangam sharanam gachchami."

Shashti days:-

08 and 21 May 2007

Full Moon day and Guru Dakshina day:-

02 May 2007

This full moon day, which is in the month of Magha according to Hindu calendar is also known as Vyasa Poornima. Magha masa (month of Magha) is a special month to Hindus for holy bath in the sacred rivers.

Guru Dakshina is an act of offering ones respect to the spiritual preceptor with reverence. Guru Dakshina continues the lamp of knowledge burning for ever.

New Moon day:-

16 May 2007