Much of the yoga taught in the west is somewhat superficial, focusing as it does on the physical, while important the physical aspect is only part of the story. In it’s original incarnation Yoga is The Science of Self Realisation. With each of the 840,000 asana (postures) designed to be “the sacrificial fire for the burning of neurosis”, or simply put… to still the mind. I have been most fortunate in that my introduction to Yoga was through an orthodox or classical teacher, Shanti Gowans and through her I can trace my yogic ancestry back centuries. We hail from the Ramakrishna order, the same lineage that produced the profound teacher Swami Vivekananda, that individual responsible for bringing yoga to the west. I truly believe that Yoga is the answer to the maladies of modern living. To apply yoga (Vedic) philosophy to your own life and it’s sometimes troubling circumstances will assist you in finding a broader perspective. One that will help ease the suffering. (Remembering the words of the Buddha that suffering is the nature of existence). To also apply the physical practice of yoga means that, not only will you have a mind that is still but accompanying it a body that is healthy, fit, strong and supportive. As profoundly beneficial as this practice is, it is also fun, I sincerely wish that you enjoy your practice. Take the time to experience and in doing so find the joyousness that is your nature. In the coming time we will be exploring both practice and philosophy and I welcome any questions or comments you may have. Namaste’ Yogi’D aka David Leneman