Iyengar Yoga Centre's magazine:
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Article highlights with links to full articles in pdf format

Volume 6 Issue 2: June, 2008 (pdf)

Studio director Linda Shevloff also shares some of her notes taken during Geeta's talk on Karma Yoga. The article titled "In the Midst of Darkness" reproduces inspirational quotations from the Yoga Benefit Workshop IYHK held last month for earthquake survivors in China.

We learn more about Father Joe Periera, a Catholic priest and senior Iyengar Yoga teacher from India. He will lead a workshop at the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong July 10 - 15. This section includes a reprint from when he was awarded the 2002 Karma Yoga Award from Yoga Journal Magazine, and excerpts from the Vancouver Sun's 2007 article on Father Joe.

In "The Teaching Dilemma," Angela Tam explores what is Yoga - discipline or product?

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Volume 6 Issue 1: February, 2008 (pdf)

Studio director Linda Shevloff's Reflections start with a Yoga Journal article in which the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong was featured highly. The author and photographer noted the differences between large Hong Kong studios and the more intimate IYHK.

The larger studios have watered down their yoga in an effort not to offend. On the other hand, the Iyengar studio has an altar, which Linda hopes does not cause anyone discomfort. Although she is not an Indian, Hindu or Buddhist, the altar depicts ancient knowledge and ideas in an artistic form.

Linda goes on to explain the meaning of each figure on the altar - it is a source of much inspiration.

Teacher trainer Andrew Horner explores the obstacles in his path to yoga with a touch of humour. Duhkha - pain or misery - is Andrew's key challenge: formerly, stiff hips, more recently stiff shoulders. His journey led to success, then, as Patanjali would classify it, viparyaya - the mistaken view which is observed after study. Mr. Iyengar describes it as bhranti darsana or false knowledge. He recommends the guidance of a teacher who can help the aspirant back to the right path. Practice is good, but it can be harmful if done the wrong way.

Andrew is grateful to be living in a community where he can tap into frequent, and clear, correction.

Father Joe, a Catholic priest and senior Iyengar Yoga teacher from India, will lead a workshop at the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong July 10 - 15. He is founder of the Kripa Foundation, an organization that uses Yoga asana and meditation along with a 12-step program to support people with addictions, who are HIV positive or living with AIDs.

Father Joe has worked closely with BKS Iyengar for many years. As well he spent many years working with Mother Theresa.

More stories from February '08

• An excerpt from a Geeta S. Iyengar audio transcript on the Patanjali Invocation.
• Angela To finds happiness and the meaning of happiness in the study of the ancient Yoga Sutras with three other students and instructor George Dovas. In conclusiuon, she summarizes the session on the subtle meaning of "Om"
An extensive report on the Birjoo Mehta workshop, January 25 - 31 - text and photos
• Hong Kong Iyengar Yoga teachers attended a Junior Intermediate workshop with Shirley French last August in Victoria, British Columbia
• Midas Yoga by Angela Tam - how consumerism has wrought its Midas touch on yoga

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Volume 5 Issue 2: September, 2007 (pdf)

Studio director Linda Shevloff's Reflections bring to mind that life doesn't always go according to the best laid plans. Yoga helps us during these transitory times.

Creating Harmony from Chaos is the first of several intriguing articles in our 12-page edition. Glowing in Hong Kong is a piece written by Lauren Cox - our very popular, visiting teacher from British Columbia, Canada. An interview with Angela Tam recaps the essence of her Holy Sacrum workshop held in June of this year. Alex Tang, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner takes a Leap of Faith and joins his wife for 40 consecutive early mornings of Sadhana at Iyengar Yoga Hong Kong studio. "The leap of faith," he concludes, "has changed my life forever."

In Aparigraha in Real Life, Lydia Tsang encourages us to consider the practice of non-coveting or non-collecting. At the end of her column she realizes buying less is not the answer - the answer is honesty. Finally, Kathy Cook pens an enthusiastic, two-page recollection of her month in Pune, India at the BKS Iyengar Institute.

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Volume 5 Issue 1: January, 2007 (pdf)

Studio director Linda Shevloff writes the lead story for this season's Svadhaya: Chanting the Invocation to Patanjali.

Who was Patanjali? Why is the ancient Sanskrit text recited in India and Iyengar centres across the globe. How does this practice benefit student - and teacher? Her article is followed by the Sanskrit and English versions of the chant.

Studio teacher George Dovas, reflects upon The Yoga Sutras Class. To further understand how yoga works, he endeavours to grasp the essence - the heart of yoga. "I practice so I can feel it and know it innately, intuitively, instinctively," he writes.

The Yoga Sutras Study class allows exploration of teachings that are thousands of years old and yet remain relevant in today's world.

Angela Tam, a Budhist and avid yoga practitioner at the Iyengar Yoga Hong Kong Centre, encourages readers to take the practice beyond the yoga mat.

Despite widespread misconception, she continues, the Sanskrit word "karma" does not mean "fate" it means "action." Instead of being victims of a destiny we cannot change, we are the authors of our stories. We can do something about air pollution and climate change ourselves - settling for a smaller tv, unplugging appliances when they're not in use and flying less can all make a huge difference.

Kitty Wong shares "secrets" from a Shirley Daventry French workshop, the third such workshop she's attended.

A page of workshop photos is followed by the pros and cons expressed by students regarding a possible Yoga holiday in Thailand this September. Chinese New Year End of the Year Workshop, Recycling days for Electronic Equipment and upcoming events are noted on the final two pages.

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Volume 4 Issue 3: November, 2006 (pdf)

This issue's first three articles are by IYHK teachers George Dovas, Kristine Hodge and Ursula Moser. Last summer, they spent one month at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Institute in Pune, India.

George recalls attending an early evening Pranayama class taught by Geeta Iyengar. This experience acted as catalyst for a deep practice, and contemplation of his life's purpose.

Soon after returning to Hong Kong, he came across a quote from Guruji. It affirmed the vehicle in which he will be true to this journey.

Krissey notes, "It was an amazing experience, one I will treasure and never forget."

Ursula attended her first classes with Prashant, the philosopher of the Iyengar family. She found his challenging sessions a wonderful learning experience: Do not get stuck, she writes. If conditions change, adjust quickly no matter what life brings us - even if it seems impossible!

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Volume 4 Issue 2: June, 2006 (pdf)

Early in the New Year, Iyengar Yoga HK faced a difficult turn of events. Their very existence seemed uncertain as rising rents would force them to leave their home of seven years. And yet, this distressing situation ended in an outpouring of gratitude and joy. The centre not only found a wonderful new home, but the opening of it perfectly coincided with the arrival of Faeq Biria. The much-loved director of the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Paris was in Hong Kong to teach a five day workshop.

And so, the celebrants turned to him to lead the puja. This Hindu ceremony is performed at life's significant milestones. Opening night at the new Centre was a time to remember. The Hong Kong Iyengar community was joined by faithful from Australia, Singapore, The Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and Mainland China.

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Volume 4 Issue 1: January, 2006 (pdf)

In the year's first, 20-page, issue of Svadhyaya, Linda Shevloff's editorial reminds us that the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, named his book Peace is Every Step. This brings to mind a Buddhist mediation practice in which one observes the quality of every step, the mind at every step. Even in our simplest undertakings and intentions, every step is a choice we make.

Linda relates why she cherishes Iyengar Yoga. The path is a highway with many diversions. She navigates them by turning to the foundation of her lessons: before taking each step, she pauses to become balanced, grounded and clear of thought.

The History of Yoga in Hong Kong is related in Linda's talk at the Passion For Yoga Conference. In September 2005, she was a guest speaker at the opening of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Spa.

Studio student Tina Pang writes of journeying to Dharamsala, India with fellow-student Rosi Ketxer. Their trip was a wealth of images: early morning, rooftop classes overlooking the Dharamsala Valley; maroon robes; prayer wheels; the Namgyal monastery and seat of the Dalai Lama; philosophy classes at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives . . . an intriguing mix of cultural isolation and Internet cafes.

A highlight of their stay was a public audience with Karmapa, the third most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Regardless of a person's faith, it is a privilege to make an offering of a white scarf to such an important religious leader. In return, they each received a knotted red string blessed by Karmapa.

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Volume 3 Issue 3: October, 2005 (pdf)

This issue of Svadhyaya opens with a beautiful photograph of B.K.S. Iyengar. It's gracing the cover of Light on Life, the latest book by Guruji.

Hong Kong's Iyengar Yoga Centre founder and teacher Linda Shevloff starts her book review by rating the volume as a "must read" for all Iyengar students. "It is a practical and inspirational guide to help us deepen our understanding of yoga . . . ," she continues in her three-page review.

Following Linda's story are four articles, written by four of her trainee Iyengar teachers - they take us around the world and back.

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Volume 3 Issue 2: May, 2005 (pdf)

• B.K.S. Iyengar: quotes from his 1976 talk at Oxford University
• practice, the heart of Yoga
• setting up a Yoga practice forum
• practicing self inquiry
• description and illustrations of a Yoga sequence
• eco yoga: Georg Feuerstein in his text Sacred Paths discusses our responsibility for the environment
• Exploring the similarities between the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras: the root message is the same
• yoga workshop with Birjoo Mehta

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Volume 3 Issue 1: January, 2005 (pdf)

• 14 Hong Kong studio students and teachers travel to Pune, India to celebrate the 60th birthday of Geeta Iyengar. About 550 well wishers from 25 countries attended her five-day yoga sadhana. The 14 are thrilled to be invited to join over 1,000 other guests at Mr. Iyengar's 86th birthday dinner
• photo journal of Mrs. Iyengar's birthday celebrations
• thoughts on Shirley Daventry French's recent workshop
• a new Iyengar teacher leaves Hong Kong and moves to Yemen where she sets up her home-based yoga studio
• Hong Kong studio teacher trainer goes on a dive trip to Sulawesi Indonesia and finds similarities in both practices

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Volume 2 Issue 2: September, 2004 (pdf)

• Pune India, with the Iyengars
• France to attend workshop led by Faeq Biria
• Our studio is certified as the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong
• Shirley Daventry French to return
• special needs yoga for medical and therapeutic reasons

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Volume 2 Issue 1: February, 2004 (pdf)

• B.K.S. Iyengar celebrates his 85th birthday by giving six days of classes in Pune, India
• Articles by Shobhna Chellaram and about Shirley Daventry French's latest workshops in Hong Kong
• yoga sequence for home-practice: 20 positions

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Volume 1 Issue 3: October, 2003 (pdf)

• Faeq Biria's workshop and message
• B.K.S. Iyengar's 85th birthday
• studio to receive Iyengar certification
• Shirley Daventry French workshop
• exploration of "the good and the pleasant"
• yoga for a healthy back

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Volume 1 Issue 2: May, 2003 (pdf)

• yoga ethics: iyengar yoga based on an eight-limbed system first described two-three thousand years ago. The first tier, or limb, addresses five personal moral principles to be observed by yoga practitioners.
• Yoga for strengthening immune system: 12 steps
• Arjuna, hero of the Bhagavad Gita from one of the worlds finest mystical scriptures
• Faeq Biria Announcement-yoga workshop level II and III
• Shirley Daventry French, respected Canadian teacher comes to Hong Kong each year with inspiration and well-grounded instruction
• on yoga teachers: thoughts from B.K.S. Iyengar

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Volume 1 Issue 1: January, 2003 (pdf)

• Explores the journey of becoming an Iyengar yoga teacher;
• explanation of the Patanjali invocation chanted at the start of asana classes
• OM: what is the meaning of this ancient, holy sound
• Tadasana the foundation for all poses
• Setting up a home practice: can you find time for 30-60 minutes of yoga a day? If so, read on!
• Shirley Daventry French back for her annual trip to Hong Kong from Canada where she's been teaching over 30 years

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