A Beautiful Gift from Ashtanga Yoga Student to Teacher
The Connection Between Ashtanga Yoga Student and Teacher
I had the fortune of being an Ashtanga Yoga student at Jois Yoga in Greenwich before it closed recently. Two aspects that stood out at Jois were:
- Universal respect for the traditional yoga practice
- High degree of respect/reverence for the teachers
Sarath and Saraswathi Jois at Jois Yoga in Greenwich, CT
Most of the practitioners I befriended seemed to be extremely dedicated and well read. They followed Krishnamacharya/Pattabhi Jois guidelines such as:
- Practice Mysore Style Ashtanga each day (ideally first thing in the AM) with practice beginning at the same time each day
- Practice asana every day except Saturdays
- Follow the eight limbed path, live by the yamas and niyamas
- Teacher Led Ashtanga Primary Series on Fridays
- No asana practice on Full Moon or New Moon Days (click here to find out why)
- Practice mostly with one teacher and form an intimate student/teacher bond
The final bullet point on the list stood out to me the most. One of the students made a gift in the form of a Sanskrit mantra on a slab of wood for her teacher.
The Sanskrit yoga mantra translates to read:
Let us together be protected
Let us together be nourished and blessed
Let us together join our mental forces in strength for the benefit of all
Let our efforts be luminous and joyful
May there be no discord between us
Let there be peace in all realms
This mantra comes from the Jois family and is featured in Sharath Jois’ book (see book review here). This gift from student to teacher speaks volumes to the impact that the teacher has had on her life.
It’s a touching piece that beautifully articulates the importance of a harmonious relationship between the student and the teacher. The mantra also speaks to peace (in the final line) in a broader context, which I think is a beautiful intention. If you identify with this mantra, you’ll probably enjoy this version of the Ashtanga Yoga Opening Mantra.
If there’s been an important yoga teacher that you’ve had in your life, consider reaching out to him or her and express your feelings. A gesture like this can go a long way.