Guru Purnima - with Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar

The room was more then packed at the institute to pay respects on this night of Guru Purnima. 

Guruji gave a wonderful speech full of wisdom and compassion reminding us all not to erode out bodies and minds like a brook, but to remain guided like a river. 

Namaste. 

Pamela Nelson 

Www.plnyoga.vpweb.com

Le Meridian Hotel

Had a wonderful buffet lunch at Le Meridian Hotel in Pune for my birthday. 

Thanks for the great lunch!

Namaste. 

Pamela Nelson

Www.plnyoga.vpweb.com

Equanimity and Skillfulness in Action

This week, like all the weeks here have been a learning experience on and off the mat. 

The cars, scooters and rickshaws speed like crazy but the pace of most everything else is quite slow.  

Even waking down the street to the institute after it rains takes me a bit as the cobble is slippery and I'm trying to be mindful to not slip and fall.

Sunday is the kids class at the institute. 

You would not believe the number of kids that attend. 

My best guess at a head count was 150 kids filling the upstairs room and main level room. So wonderful to see and watch. 

Guruji's grand daughter trains with him most every morning. On Monday her new baby daughter was brought up to see her and Mr. Iyengar. Such an adorable baby and so special to see a family closely interacting in front of us all. 

Classes and practice this week have opened a reveled even more things I need to be reminded of and work on. 

Looking forward to early class tomorrow!

Namaste. 

Pamela Nelson

Www.plnyoga.vpweb.com 

Day 12 at the Iyengar institute - Pune, India

Tonight we have pranayama with Geeta Iyengar. Last week was amazing, as have all the classes been. Some days are broken up with classes and/or practice and then evening classes or observing classes. 

The classes are packed. 150 or more in the main hall and 60 or more upstairs. 

When the room fills the mats are folded. 

Makes one really appreciate the space we have at home. The "I"ness really dissolves when that many people are chanting and even practicing so close side by side. 

Prashant Iyengar asked us all "How do we prepare for the day?"

"Do we prepare with the breath?"

So as my family and friends start waking soon to start their Friday, I hope they begin the day enjoying each breath. 

On a side note- I had a latte and bottle of water for 75 rupees today. Won't get that back home. 

Namaste. 

Pamela Nelson

Www.plnyoga.vpweb.com

Camels

After yoga class and practice today we walked down to Pune Central, the new big mall near the institute. Not only did we see goats outside the mall, but also four camels walking down the busy street. 

Hope you run into some wonders and delights during your day today too. 

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

Www.plnyoga.vpweb.com

Week two- RIYMI

I haven't posted for awhile as I had been making my way to the Iyenger institute in Pune, India. 

We arrived in Mumbai on June 25th where we spent a few days getting over jet lag and seeing some sights. Lots to take in. 

Arriving in Pune and to our apartment was great. Could finally empty my suitcase. 

First week of classes, practice and observing classes have gone so quickly. 

I came with three other teachers from Saskatchewan, so our days start and end with yoga and maybe a sutra study at the apartment too. 

Each class has about 100 plus people attending and we have been fortunate to be instructed by both Geeta and Prashant Iyengar. We see Guruji daily doing his own practice and still teaching his teachers at 94. So humbling and wonderful to be here. 

I will post more when I can. 

Namaste. 

Pamela Nelson 

Www.plnyoga.vpweb.com