Ep 203 Ramesh Bjonnes – The Intersection of Tantra and Vedic Traditions

"Everything has the possibility of yoga."

prama.org |

Ramesh Bjonnes is a Tantric scholar and author with a personal practice for over 50 years. He is the co-founder of the Prama Institute and the Director of the Prama Wellness Center. He lived and taught as a yogic monk for some years after studying in Nepal and India. He studied Ayurveda at California College of Ayurveda and is a certified yoga detox therapist from the Ananda Marga Wellness Center in Cebu, Philippines. He is the author of five books, including A Brief History of Yoga (InnerWorld), Sacred Body, Sacred Spirit (InnerWorld) and Tantra: The Yoga of Love and Awakening (Hay House India). He lives with his wife Radhika and Juno, a Great Pyrenees, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. 

In this conversation Adam and Ramesh discuss:

• ·      Ramesh Bjonnes presents a non-traditional view of yoga history.
• ·      The Two River Theory suggests yoga's roots in both Vedic and Shaiva traditions.
• ·      Tantra is often misunderstood in the West, conflated with Neo-Tantra.
• ·      Anandamurti's teachings challenge conventional views on yoga and history.
• ·      The Pashupati seal may indicate ancient yogic practices.
• ·      Mantra plays a crucial role in Tantric practices and spiritual awakening.
• ·      Ramesh emphasizes the importance of oral traditions in yoga.
• ·      Experiences of clairvoyance can arise from deep meditative states.
• ·      Yoga practices are not solely Vedic but include various traditions.
• ·      Ramesh's work blends health, yoga, and holistic living.

Listen on Podcast

Apple podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keen-on-yoga-podcast/id1509303411

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iM9lcw52JskHUZ2eFvVxN

Watch Episodes on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@keenonyoga

Support Keen on Yoga:

Subscribe, like and share our videos

Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf

Patrons €10 per month: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/

Follow Adam

Website: www.keenonyoga.com

Instagram:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Ep 202 Adam Keen – Exploring the Roots of Vinyasa

"Vinyasa is the root of modern yoga."

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Adam explores the foundational aspects of Vinyasa and its significance in modern yoga, tracing its roots back to Krishnamacharya. He discusses the evolution of yoga practices, the importance of breath and the diaphragm, and the contrast between ritual space and flow states in yoga. Adam emphasizes the need to understand the original intentions behind yoga practices and how they have transformed over time.

Key Points

·      Vinyasa is essential to understanding modern yoga.

·      Krishnamacharya was a pivotal figure in yoga's evolution.

·      Modern yoga often misinterprets the original concept of vinyasa.

·      Breath and diaphragm play crucial roles in yoga practice.

·      Rituals create a sacred space for transformation.

·      Movement and stillness are interconnected in yoga.

·      Vinyasa should focus on breathing rather than just flowing.

·      Understanding the diaphragm enhances yoga practice.

·      Yoga shapes require internal pressure to be effective.

·      The modern flow state may detract from yoga's original purpose.

www.prasadrangnekar.com | @yogaprasad_institute

“You can’t demonstrate a calm mind, but you can demonstrate a strong body

Key Topics

·      Blessing the dumb bells

·      Asana v yoga

·      Why is the yoga community against strength training

·      The shift from aerobics in the 90s

·      The circle from East to West and back

·      The history of body building in yoga

·      Vanity of body

·      Will asana get worse for building muscle?

·      Andropause

·      Giving attention to the body without being attached to the body

Ep 200 Adam Keen – Reflections on 200 Episodes: A Journey Through Yoga

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

"I felt like I was coming home."

In this reflective episode marking the 200th podcast, Adam shares his personal journey through yoga, mental health struggles, and the influence of Sharath and the Mysore tradition. He discusses the evolution of his practice, the challenges of teaching, and the balance between personal experience and traditional methods. The conversation highlights the importance of community, authority in practice, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery in yoga.

Key Points

Yoga became a healing tool for my mental health.

The journey to yoga started with a search for meaning.

Ashtanga practice shifted my understanding of yoga.

Mysore offered a sense of authority and accountability.

Teaching requires adapting methods to different students.

The modern yoga landscape is saturated with teachers.

Personal experience in yoga is essential for authenticity.

Sharath's influence shaped my understanding of practice.

Navigating the balance between tradition and personal experience is challenging.

Community support is vital in the yoga journey.

"It's a time for us all, very sad." 

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

Adam reflects on the profound impact of Sharath Jois on his Ashtanga practice and the yoga community. He shares personal anecdotes from his experiences in Mysore, exploring the emotional complexities of practicing under Sharath's guidance, the challenges of teaching, and the legacy left behind. Adam navigates through feelings of admiration, disappointment, and unresolved emotions, ultimately expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the community built around their shared practice. 

Key Points

·      Sharath was a pivotal figure in the Ashtanga community.

·      Practicing in Mysore evokes deep emotional experiences.

·      The journey of growth in Ashtanga is often filled with challenges.

·      Teaching in Mysore requires navigating complex relationships.

·      Expectations can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction in practice.

·      The pressure of performance in Mysore can be overwhelming.

·      Sharath's unique teaching style fostered personal growth.

·      Conflicted emotions about legacy are common among practitioners.

·      Community support is essential in the healing process.

·      Moving forward requires reconciling past experiences with present realities.

"The rules are just the wrapping paper."

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

Adam discusses the complex themes of trust and surrender within the context of yoga practice, particularly Ashtanga. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal autonomy and critical thinking when engaging with teachers and the practice itself. Adam warns against the dangers of surrendering blindly to a teacher's authority and advocates for a more inclusive and supportive environment in yoga classes. He highlights the need for trust to be built incrementally and the significance of creating space for individual expression and growth in yoga practice.

Key Points

·      Trust should never be given blindly to a teacher.

·      Surrendering one's autonomy can lead to negative experiences.

·      The teacher-student relationship should be supportive and inclusive.

·      Commitment to practice does not equate to surrendering to authority.

·      Space in yoga allows for personal growth and self-exploration.

·      Adjustments should be approached with caution and respect for individual limits.

·      Trust is built through consistent and supportive interactions.

·      The Ashtanga method is a tool for personal development, not a strict dogma.

·      Critical thinking is essential in the practice of yoga.

·      The rules of yoga are guidelines, not absolute mandates.

"Asana is beneficial, but context is everything."

www.truthofyoga.com   | @danielcsimpson

The Truth of Yoga Course Nov 2024 

Adam and Daniel explore the complexities of modern yoga practice, particularly the push for performance in asana and the confusion surrounding its original purpose. They discuss the emotional journey that practitioners undergo, the disconnect between asana and traditional yoga philosophy, and the addictive nature of striving for progress. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding objectives in practice and the need for emotional awareness in yoga, ultimately advocating for a reframing of how yoga is taught and experienced. They also touch on the modern yoga landscape, the commodification of yoga, and the search for deeper meaning beyond superficial happiness.

Key Points

·      Modern yoga often emphasizes performance over original objectives.

·      The confusion in asana practice stems from a lack of clear aims.

·      Asana was originally about sitting comfortably, not performing shapes.

·      Emotional processes are integral to the yoga experience.

·      Striving in practice can lead to addiction and desensitization.

·      Progress in yoga is often perceived linearly, which is misleading.

·      Conditioning affects how we approach yoga and our expectations.

·      Advanced asanas do not necessarily correlate with emotional well-being.

·      The pursuit of satisfaction in yoga can lead to suffering.

·      Reframing yoga practice can enhance emotional awareness and understanding. Reframing Ashtanga Yoga can lead to a deeper understanding of its benefits.

·      Context is crucial in evaluating the practice of asana.

·      Yoga originally aimed for a state of being, not just physical practice.

·      Honesty in practice is essential for growth and understanding.

·      Cultural perspectives on shame and guilt influence modern yoga practices.

·      The modern yoga landscape often prioritizes performance over true practice.

·      Finding meaning in yoga goes beyond achieving physical postures.

·      The commodification of yoga can detract from its philosophical roots.

·      Self-identity plays a significant role in how we approach yoga.

·      True contentment in yoga comes from understanding and relationships.

Ep 196 Adam Keen – The Struggles of a Modern Yoga Teacher

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga

Adam explores the struggles faced by modern yoga teachers. He discusses the complexities of defining the role of a yoga teacher, the pressures and expectations from students, and the crisis of integrity that can arise in the profession. Adam emphasizes the importance of holding space for students and the emotional landscape of yoga practice, while also addressing the challenges of teaching in modern studios and the need for professionalism. He concludes by reflecting on the ambivalence of student expectations and the complexities of being a yoga teacher in today's world.

Key Notes

·      The modern yoga teacher faces unique challenges and expectations.

·      Defining the role of a yoga teacher is complex and ambiguous.

·      Teachers often feel pressure to meet student expectations.

·      Integrity can be compromised in the pursuit of student retention.

·      Holding space for students is a crucial aspect of teaching.

·      The structure of modern yoga studios can hinder teacher-student relationships.

·      Emotional dynamics play a significant role in yoga practice.

·      Professionalism is essential for yoga teachers to be taken seriously.

·      Students often have conflicting expectations of their teachers.

·      The journey of a yoga teacher is filled with both rewards and challenges.

Ep 195 Eddie Stern - From Ashtanga to Exploration

www.eddiestern.com | @eddiestern

Eddie Stern discusses his evolving relationship with yoga, moving from a strict Ashtanga practice to a more holistic approach that incorporates various elements of yoga, spirituality, and personal well-being. He emphasizes the importance of community, the role of the temple in his spiritual life, and the need to adapt practices to suit individual needs. Eddie also reflects on the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, advocating for a personalized yoga experience that fosters growth and self-discovery

Key Points

 ·    Eddie's yoga practice has evolved significantly over the years.

·  The temple serves as a vital space for spiritual expression.

·      Transitioning from Ashtanga allowed Eddie to explore a more holistic approach to yoga.

·      Community and relationships play a crucial role in the yoga journey.

·      Listening to one's body is essential for a sustainable practice.

·      Eddie integrates scientific research into his yoga teachings.

·      Personal growth is a continuous journey in yoga and life.

·      Diversity in yoga practices is important for individual needs.

·      Eddie emphasizes the importance of joy and creativity in practice.

·      The future of yoga lies in embracing change and personal exploration.

Adam discusses the pervasive issue of systemic abuse within the yoga community, particularly in Ashtanga yoga. He explores the impact of hierarchy and control, the role of language in perpetuating abuse, and the various forms of psychological and physical abuse that can occur in yoga spaces. Adam emphasizes the need for accountability among teachers, the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, and the necessity for change within the community to address discrimination and gaslighting. He concludes with a call to action for teachers and students alike to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment in yoga.

www.keenonyoga.com | @adam_keen_ashtanga 

"Language can mean different things to different people."

Key Points

• ·      Systemic abuse exists in the yoga world, particularly in Ashtanga.
• ·      Hierarchy and control can lead to psychological and physical abuse.
• ·      Language used in yoga can have different meanings and implications.
• ·      Psychological abuse is often more prevalent than physical abuse.
• ·      Discrimination and ableism are significant issues in yoga spaces.
• ·      Teachers have a responsibility to create safe environments for students.
• ·      Gaslighting and denial are common responses from teachers when confronted with abuse.
• ·      There is a lack of accountability and transparency in yoga teaching.
• ·      Creating avenues for feedback is essential for improvement.
• ·      We must encourage open dialogue to address these issues.