Recently, my teacher from India, Arunji asked me to send him my notes from my studies with him last year in India. As I read through them, I cried softy, missing India, the people, the smells, colors, authenticity, and of course, classes with him. I was so inspired by my own notes that I decided to share my letter to him from me.
Picture Above of me and Arun at Yoga Niykaya, India January 2011
Dear Arun,
Here are some of my notes--as promised. These are just my notes specifically about you from my journal I kept while in India. If they are not exactly what you are looking for, feel free to let me know and I can write something more formal.
First Day:
"Yoga class at 6am with Arun was well received and attended. His studio in Bangalore located above his house was packed full with students. The smell of India, of the cool, fresh morning along with the colors and beautiful people was sweet, new and wonderful. We began class with an invocation to Patanjali. I cannot describe in words the experience of a full room of yogis, in India, actually chanting Om with just conviction and passion. The sensation of the vibration went right down to my soul and felt so exhilarating and justified after such a long journey. Women and men seem to practice in separate parts of the room--interesting..."
Same day, afternoon class:
"Argh, such a great practice with many twists, but I am just too exhausted from the long journey to keep up they way I want to and can't remember the entire sequence. I will pay more attention tomorrow so I can better document the practice."
Quotes and Gems from Arun during pranayama:
"Be doubly careful. If you do not practice pranayama properly it will eat you, and you may become sick."
"Be silent first to practice anything"
"The exhale is important. Life begins with exhale, ends with exhale. We sneeze, cough, talk and cry all with an exhale. And if you have good karma in the end your friends will cry for you."
"If your heart is dry, you become depressed as the chest closes."
"The inner teacher arrives during personal practice."
"The inner tambora comes out during pranayama; the inner vibration."
"Accept what you are and enjoy it."
"Practice kindness; have no enemies."
"We learn how to conquor our own sorrow through the holistic practice of yoga."
"Muhtita"
"Be content with what you have. Do not be greedy. Accept what your teachers give you without questions or wanting more."
I wish you well Dear Arunji. And thank you for asking me to do this. It brought tears to my eyes as I read through my journal and reminisced with the teachings from you. I feel truly blessed and privileged to know you and have you as my teacher.
With love and light,
Sandy
