The power adapter of my notebook computer went kaput. I cannot be online or use my computer for anything else. Just when I was getting to amp up my job search in my regular day job of software development, it goes dead. All of a sudden I have so much time on hand, now I have to figure out a different plan for my day. I cannot believe how addicted I am to the internet, it is never enough.

I can picture myself being on the internet when Mr.Yama (not to be confused with yama/niyama of  Yoga Sutras), the Lord of death shows up and tells me  that it is time to close all connections and leave. I will be pleading for 5  more minutes online. Wait, I actually hear someone telling me the time is up.  I look up, the person looks quite normal. He tells me I need to leave this terminal at the library, my time is over. Damn, I am addicted to this.

In a Kalari class, one can often hear the gurukkal say that one must embody the spirit of an animal. It is so beautiful to watch the students who have been practicing for a few years to see this in action. The way they stay and move in a pose is exactly like an animal, ready to charge. There are a lot of poses in Kalari based on animals. Sort of similar to yoga in that way, but it is done with more vigor and precision is given a lot of importance. After all, one is getting trained to fight, not meditate. One of the poses is based on the form of a lion called Simha vadivu.

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I was quite surprised to find that my Bhujangasana has improved so much, all of a sudden. I was not even working on it. Then I figured out it is a side effect. I have been practicing a lot of upward facing dog in the Surya namaskar. So it made me wonder if I need to practice both. Can I avoid the somewhat boring Cobra?

One of my teachers had mentioned that upward facing dog was like Golden Gate bridge.  You balance only with your hands and the tops of the feet. The rest of your body is suspended between this strong support of the hands and the feet. What a great visual! This image stuck with me forever, for there are not too many things more beautiful than GG bridge.

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By Kausthub Desikachar

I was spell bound at the spectacle that beheld me. A couple of years ago, I was invited to witness a baseball match in San Diego. Never having watched one before, I presumed that it was one of those super bowl matches, and was all excited at the prospect. I accepted immediately and soon the day arrived. My hosts were busy preparing for the game – packing lunches, water and other things that they may come in needy. Soon we left and were on our way to the “stadium”. It turned out to be a park with loads of picnic benches around and we soon occupied those “treasured seats” with the best-promised view of the game. When the teams soon arrived, and play began, it was the moment when I turned pale with shock. The game was between “Iyengar Yogis” and “Ashtanga Yogis”, and it was probably one of the most aggressive sports matches I had ever witnessed. The animosity between the two teams went beyond just the game. This pained me deeply. (more…)

This film was made in 1938. Sri Krishnamacharya was 50 years at that time.

I absolutely loved this film by Nina Paley. I agree with Nina, why is Rama the perfect man? Awesome work, Nina!

Thanks Papi, for the link.

I used to buy Yoga Journal when I was a yoga novice. I subscribed to the magazine for a year and soon realized I did not want it. But, this magazine charged me $120 on my credit card for the next year when I did not even choose to extend. I could not talk to anyone on their support as there really was no support. The call would get redirected to some cowboy magazine and I lost all that money. I am happy yogadawg has made this awesome video. Check it out.

Checkout the word clouds for this page. I got this tip from rantlust.