N e w s l e t t e r F A LL 2 0 1 9

Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria

Newsletter

In this Issue Submission Deadline for next issue

(Winter 2020), December 1, 2019

Editor Roger Champagne

Newsletter Committee
Roger Champagne, Lauren Cox, Anne Glover,
3 Reflections 9 Legacy Giving Johanna Godliman, Leslie Hogya, Hilary McPhail
by Shirley Daventry French Design & Production Cady Graphics
10 Cellular Memory IYCV Logo Charles Campbell, Lauren Cox
5 My First Trip to Pune 1977 by Jess Paffard photography Janine Bandcroft, Leslie
Hogya, Vicky Kapoor, Jeannette Merryfield
by Richard Agar Ward, UK
Cover Photo Vicky Kapoor,
11 Digitizing the Newsletter
Cover Illustration Lauren Cox
6 Surrender by Denys Beames
proofing Roger Champagne, Ann Glover
by Leslie Hogya
ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary McPhail
12 The Heart of Yoga DISTRIBUTION Adia Kapoor, Laure Newnham,
6 Centre Volunteers Take by Christine Tomori and Krysia Strawczynski
on a Variety of Tasks Jaime Caldwell MEMBERSHIP/MAILING LIST Hilary McPhail
Printing ARC Document Solutions

7 Salt Spring Retreat… 13 Iyengar, the Man, Yoga Iyengar YOGA CENTRE
A Spiritual Practice and the Student’s Journey OF VICTORIA SOCIETY
is a non-profit society incorporated under the
by Jeannette Merryfield by Leslie Hogya Society Act of the Province of B.C., whose
purpose is “to encourage the physical, mental,
and spiritual growth of its members and other
8 Remembering Our 14 Progress in Yoga interested persons of the society at large by the
study and discipline of Yoga.” The Society owes
First Legacy Gift by Jessica Lowry its inspiration to Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar.
by Shirley Daventry French The Newsletter, published regularly by the Iyengar
Yoga Centre of Victoria Society, provides current
14 Introductory Teaching information on events concerning Iyengar Yoga in
8 12th Annual Spring Mentorship Program the Victoria area.
Send contributions, articles, photographs
Tea and Silent Auction (high resolution), drawings, information or
Fundraiser Success 15 Tiers of Sadhana suggestions to: the Iyengar Yoga Centre of
Victoria Newsletter, 202-919 Fort Street,
by Teddy Hyndman Victoria BC V8V 3K3.
9 Thank You to Our Permission is hereby granted to reprint any of
our material, except that copyrighted by the
President’s Appeal author or artists. When reprinting, please credit
this newsletter and send us two copies of the
Donors publication containing our material. Copyright
material is available only with written permission.
The editor/newsletter committee holds the right
to publish or edit all articles at its discretion.
Newsletter Advertising Policy
1. Advertisements must not conflict with the
aims of the newsletter of the IYCV.
2. Advertisements must be only for Iyengar Yoga.
3. Priority will be given to advertisements
regarding IYCV events, IYCV-sponsored
events, and IYAC-ACYI events.
Register for Classes & Workshops
Please visit our website:
www.iyengaryogacentre.ca for full information
on classes and workshops.
202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
Phone: (250) 386-YOGA (9642)
Mentorship students in conversation – see page 14
Due to space limitations, we regret we cannot accept
past issues of the IYCV Newsletter, Yoga Journal, etc. at
the Centre.
Cover: Lesley Hogya, Britta Poisson, and Wendy Boyer at the Salt Spring Retreat.

2 Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre Newseletter

 Reflections
By Shirley Daventry French

I
n four chapters, one hundred and ninety adapt, adjust, accommodate continues to this day the card remains prominently
six sutras, the sage Patanjali presents a this day. As long as I live this will go on! displayed on Derek’s desk.
treatise on Yoga for our consideration Many of my clearer insights It is traditional to speak of practising
and enlightenment. Quite simply in the arise during my morning practice; rather than doing Yoga and to call
second sutra he states that Yoga is the significantly during the practice of ourselves yoga practitioners. Yoga is
cessation of movements in consciousness. pranayama! My perspective on current not merely something that you do: a
And a few sutras later he gives us vicissitudes becomes clearer and routine to follow in classes or as a fitness
some help by saying that practice and occasionally I come up with solutions to regimen. Neither is it all about flexibility
detachment are the means to still these issues occupying much time and mind. as many people believe. Once during a
movements. Practice enables me to discriminate class, out of frustration with students
I am a longtime student of Yoga, about when and where to invest my who were using lack of flexibility as
now in my eighty-eighth year. Each day energy which, in old age has become an excuse or avoidance, Geeta Iyengar
yoga practice is a gift to be savoured and limited in many ways. Practice also exclaimed that Yoga’s base elements are
a priority in my life. Despite fifty years brings clearer perspective about traps I “mobility, stability, strength, endurance
of practice I have many attachments fall into again and again. and flexibility” in that order.
to family, to health and well-being, Once upon a time when my husband Attending too many classes can be
to the space and comfort of life in a was suffering a health crisis, a friend a deterrent, although it is advantageous
relatively sane country, along with an sent him a card with these words of to study with a skilled teacher who
attachment to practising yoga! Is it a lost the revered Indian sage Gandhi, whose has travelled a little further on this
cause? Should I stop practising? On the example led the people of India to journey than you. First you must learn
contrary, my practice has to be modified, independence: something about the subject. You can
refined, intensified in quality. acquire fresh tools in a class or as part
I KNOW THE PATH
There is an old joke about a visitor to of a group practice, but to deepen your
It is straight and narrow. It like the
New York who is looking for Carnegie understanding and make it a basic part
edge of a sword.
Hall. He asks a man on the street for of your life requires that elusive element:
I rejoice to walk on. I weep when I slip.
directions, and it happens that this a personal practice.
God’s word is: He who strives never
second man is a professional violinist. As B.K.S. Iyengar demonstrated,
perishes.
His answer: Practice, practice, practice! Yoga can be practised alone or alongside
I have implicit faith in that promise.
And this just about sums up Yoga! other practitioners. Daily he practised!
Though, therefore, from my weakness I
Yoga is the thread which permits With or without others was immaterial.
fail a thousand times,
me to mature and develop as a human In 1984, when he stayed in my
I will not lose faith.
being and makes this bonus of a long home, his bedroom was above that of
life worth living despite its inevitable These words uplifted Derek who my mother-in-law who lived with us in
challenges and limitations. What has recovered his health, and inspired both her later years. The first day when she
changed is a realisation that although far of us to continue our studies and view came to breakfast she pulled me aside
from holy or self-realised, the need to our practice as a lifelong quest. To and enquired what on earth had been
going on during the night. In the early
hours of the morning she had heard
It is traditional to speak of practising rather than doing regular thumps and felt vibrations
Yoga and to call ourselves yoga practitioners. Yoga is coming from the room above hers. I had
been warned that Guruji had the habit
not merely something that you do: a routine to follow of practising when and wherever he
in classes or as a fitness regimen. could, and followed suggestions to place

Fall 2019 Issue 3

a yoga mat and props in his bedroom, absorption) the ability to focus within When I wrote to my brother, a writer
even though we have quite a big yoga and without simultaneously has been and journalist who had travelled widely
room downstairs which was always attained. Only the most dedicated of including south-east Asia, I focused
available to him. Possibly he was doing sadhakas attain this level and only after on the idea of body/mind studies. His
a mandala of linked postures, entering intense sadhana are they able to sustain it. response was terse: I have no time for
adho mukha vrksasana from tadasana, Early on my path, it was Swami this cult of the irrational! Later on I
dropping over into urdvha dhanurasana Sivananda Radha who first encouraged was able to have some discussions with
and returning to tadasana. Traditionally me to undertake some serious spiritual him about this. With my mother I
such practices involve one hundred and practices. They shared a common goal never broached the topic again and on
eight repetitions! with the work I later did with Guruji: my visits to the small rural community
Guruji never neglected his personal to remove the afflictions obscuring the where she lived later in life I played a
practice. No excuses! He knew how to Light. role she could accept—and carried on
seize the moment! In the later years of Neither Swami Radha nor B.K.S. with my studies.
his life, he practised more and more; Iyengar would tolerate excuses. Like a There were many other adverse
and acquired the skill to focus within mountaineer climbing Mount Everest, reactions to this plunge into Yoga.
and without simultaneously. One of the closer to the summit the more Fortunately my husband was practising
our members, the poet and writer Jane the demands will increase physically, too, but at first it was resented by my
Munro, was able to speak to Guruji mentally and spiritually. Good judgment children and many friends. I longed for
about this during an interview in Pune is required: sometimes it is essential to it to become more mainstream.
in October 2009. 1 pause and regroup before intensifying Ironically my wish has been
By way of explanation, Guruji spoke your efforts. Sometimes it is necessary granted—to a point! Huge numbers
of pratyahara the fifth constituents to call off the ascent, return to base of people are taking yoga classes, but
of the eightfold path of astanga yoga, and focus on remedying the deficits I remember a cautionary tale Swami
and the pivotal role of the senses in encountered. It is the task of a lifetime— Radha used to tell. Not long after she
internalising our practice. At first the or possibly many! had been initiated as a sannyasin by
senses of perception or jnanendriyas Yoga asanas benefit everyone at Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, he sent
draw the mind outward and it takes superficial levels, and a yogic mind her to Hong Kong to give a talk on Yoga.
time, consistency and perseverance to will enhance any physical activity. It took place in a huge auditorium and
reach a level of yoga practice where the Becoming a serious practitioner will close to a thousand attended. Pleased
focus is internal. It is very rare to reach quite likely turn your life upside down, with herself, she passed the news on to
the level that Jane observed in Guruji both physically and metaphorically. Is Sivananda and his response was not what
where it is possible to sustain inner focus it worth it? In my case the answer is an she expected! “Perhaps they just came
along with awareness of the external unequivocal “Oh Yes!” in out of the cold! And how many heard
world and its inhabitants. The word In the 1970s when I became serious your message?”
Yoga is often translated as Union and about Yoga, it was viewed as a very Nevertheless he encouraged her to
the mastery observed here is known as bizarre pastime. There were many return to Canada and follow her sadhana
Divine Union. adverse reactions to such a plunge. At by founding an ashram and building
Patanjali reminds us that students first I didn’t say anything to my family a bridge between these ancient eastern
progress in accordance with the in England, and avoided any references teachings and life in 20th century Canada.
effort they make. With persistence, to Yoga in my letters. When I began to Now, in the 21st century, Yasodhara
perseverance and consistent practice consider studying in India I thought Ashram in central British Columbia
the senses begin to turn inward and I had better explain why, and one day continues its spiritual work.
open the door to the contemplative sat down and wrote a long letter to For me what is important is staying
levels of yoga: dharana (concentration) my mother. Feeling good about it, I true to the tradition I have studied and
and dhyana (meditation). At the final eagerly anticipated her reply which came practised, making personal practice a
level samadhi (profound meditation or post haste: Are you having a nervous priority and passing on what I have
breakdown or are you divorcing Derek? learned whenever the opportunity arises.
Seemingly the only two possibilities In the yogic tradition I am in my last
1 An interview with B.K.S. Iyengar by Jane Munro, ashrama or stage of life. Energy is not as
was published in the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria’s
that occurred to her for such bizarre
newsletter in the Summer of 2010. It is available behaviour. abundant as it once was and my sadhana
on line at https://iyengaryogacentre.ca/newsletter/
newsletter-archive-1/ no longer involves large classes, studies
4 Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre Newseletter
Guruji once made the early, particularly on these long summer Vivekananda. He is well known for his
days. When this happens there is a large erudite talks on Indian spirituality during
remark to me: “I never black cloud over my head (no matter travels to the West in the late 19th century.
neglect my practice!” what kind of weather there is outside my Vivekananda claimed that “India is the
bedroom). At this hour if I drift back to only country that can spread its culture
in Pune and presenting workshops in sleep I generally have horrible dreams, to the entire world, without conflicting
distant lands. Now it happens in small after which my mood is a little improved with already established religions”. It is
groups at the Iyengar Yoga Centre of having made the discovery that I was not widely known that Hinduism does
Victoria, in personal encounters with dreaming. The cloud, if it has lingered, is not have a tradition of conversion. I have
people who are truly curious about the a lighter grey. adopted one of Vivekananda’s maxims as
work, conversations on the telephone and Later, after my morning practice, a daily practice:
writing for myself and for publications this cloud has usually dissipated and “Anything that is secret and
like this newsletter. the challenges facing me have become mysterious in these systems of Yoga
Guruji once made the remark to me: approachable and possibly even should be at once rejected. The best
“I never neglect my practice!” As a serious surmountable! guide in life is strength. In religion,
practitioner this is my first and foremost Most often today yoga is seen as a as in all other matters, discard
duty, and only missed in extraordinary fitness regimen or a respite from life and everything that weakens you, have
circumstances. Even then, wherever I am, its challenges. When practised regularly, nothing to do with it.”
whatever I am doing, I am focusing on particularly over a period of many years,
And if your personal practice is not
posture, breathing and silent repetition yoga does serve both those purposes. But
already established, follow the wisdom
of a mantra as I endeavour to be fully neither of these is its primary purpose
of the ages: find a quiet place free from
present in the task at hand. which is to remove the afflictions which
insects, stand, sit or lie down, focus on
For as long as I can remember I disturb the flow of consciousness.
your body, practise what you have learned
have rarely awakened full of joy. In this One of the most influential books in
about yoga so far, and see where this takes
last ashrama, this has become more my library of yoga, well written and easily
you. Nothing can surpass those moments
prevalent. Now I often wake up very read is Raja Yoga by the late sage Swami
when you discover your higher self.

My First Trip to Pune 1977

by Richard Agar Ward, UK
Richard Agar Ward is a direct student of B.K.S. Iyengar and a senior We stayed in rooms at RIMYI in small bunk beds, where
Iyengar Yoga teacher from England. Together with his wife Kirsten,
we were at the mercy of hordes of mosquitos. Each morning,
he founded and directs a major Iyengar training centre in the
historic city of Bath. Richard trains teachers throughout the UK. we bathed from buckets of cold water before the class. Who
could envy Guruji, a great master of yoga in his prime,

M
y first trip to Pune was a very long time ago when I was enthusiastically teaching a bunch of students from the UK
but 21, attending the 1977 July Intensive under B.K.S. and America for three weeks? Except that it was Guruji who
Iyengar’s teaching. Here are some of my recollections. announced one morning to a stunned and exhausted group
Our flight was Air Egypt from Heathrow via Cairo. It cost the words we could scarcely believe—that the course would be
£270 return, a huge sum at that time. I was amongst a few extended to four weeks, as he ‘was enjoying it so much.’
vegetarian companions on the flight. We were treated with He was a force of nature, a very strict disciplinarian and hard
a contempt of the kind usually reserved for suspected war taskmaster to us. He taught us many things I still remember
criminals, but had plenty of bread and peanut butter to keep us today, despite the passage of time. I spent the last week in the
going until we landed at Santa Cruz in Bombay. ‘cripples corner,’ as we cheerfully dubbed it (long before the days
We saw the utmost poverty, and for the first two or three such insensitive epithets fell out of usage), with chronic back pain
days we were in a state of shock. I will never forget miles of from months of over-ambitious and faulty practice. But what he
encampments of families with small children living along the taught during our course gave me the confidence and capability
central reservation of busy highways in Bombay who had made to cure myself over the next few years.
their homes with scraps of canvas, cloth, boxes and anything
they could lay their hands on.
Fall 2019 Issue 5
Surrender
by Leslie Hogya
Leslie Hogya wrote this article 30 years ago when she was a These two threads of my life have come together with my
kindergarten teacher. It clearly shows her long-time commitment
many thoughts about Mr. Iyengar and what he has meant to
to Iyengar Yoga. First printed In the December 1998 Victoria
Iyengar Newsletter, on Iyengar’s 70th birthday. me as we honour him on the occasion of his seventieth birthday
I haven’t worked directly with him except for a short time

I
love telling fairy tales to children, my own when they in India when he visited my class while Geeta was teaching.
were younger and now to my students, l’ve begun reading I also watched him work with others in San Francisco at the
Bettelheim’s book, The Uses of Enchantment, and agree that 1964 convention.
fairy tales have more to them than is apparent. Even now for Going to India brought me in touch with my fears, and Iike
me as an adult the story of Hansel and Gretel has a lot to say. Gretel I had to rely on my own resources to conquer them. I
During one of my favourite art therapy classes, we painted also had to surrender myself as I did the other day in the trust
from a fairy tale. Today I did a painting of Hansel and Gretel fall. I knew I would be held and supported but there was the
in which the children are almost entirely hidden by the thick first step. And I had to be willing to take that first step alone.
forest. In the distance, out of their sight, is the gingerbread No one can be ready for India just by practicing asanas. The
house. The house looks like a haven, but as we all know, it is an instruction Iyengar and his family give will not allow one to be
illusion. The children are not rescued by coming to the house, comfortable with what one can already do. The challenge will
but have to overcome an even more difficult obstacle. And they come in an unexpected way, and it will stretch one mentally
must do it alone. In this part of the story, Gretel must rely on and spiritually as well as physically.
her own strength and cleverness to save herself Three years since taking the step and going to India, I have
A few days before I did the painting, I did something I continued to be more willing to accept the challenges that my
never thought I would or could do. During a staff retreat. I daily life presents.
did a trust fall. I stood on a barrel and fell backwards into the I want to say thank you to Mr Iyengar for his inspiration
waiting supportive hands of my fellow staff members. I don’t and devotion to us, his students, and for helpng us to find our
like heights. I don’t like dropping backwards intj7 finer strength.
o anything, especially what seemed like thin air. But Om, Om
somehow I did it.

Centre Volunteers Take on a Variety of Tasks

Thank you dinner: a glass is raised to the volunteers of the Remedial Jim Bratvold (one of our board Lucie and Leslie make a yearly
Class at a dinner party hosted by Ann Kilbertus. members) is whipping the ends inspection of the rope walls.
of the ropes to keep them from
fraying. A few years ago he cut and
made all the correct knots for the
rope walls. A big job!

6 Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre Newseletter

Salt Spring Retreat…A Spiritual Practice
by Jeannette Merryfield

L
eslie Hogya and Wendy Boyer offered the 35th annual
retreat at the Salt Spring Centre June 7-10. The author
had the opportunity to participate in a weekend of Iyengar
yoga under their inspiring instruction. Here are some of her
impressions.
“Early, early Sunday morning there was a devotional
practise to Ganesha. What a gift to have the invitation to attend
this outdoor ceremony! Some of us slipped our outer footwear
off and presented our feet to the soft dewy grass.
The intention is to overcome obstacles, clear the illusions
and be available for the light to be our guide. Sensory
perceptions were sharpened; our voices tuned to chant, our ears
hearing chimes, a sweet for taste, candles for illumination, and
for touch vibration we were anointed with coloured paint on
our forehead.
For early morning pranayama we arrived in silence. Baba
The altar at the Salt Spring Yoga Centre where the Retreat is held.
Hari Dass was a monk who had a vow of silence, he would
write on a chalkboard, then brush away the written words.
Iyengar yoga students were requested to be silent after 9:00 pm
until 8:00 am. I loved that suggestion, others did, too.
Dear Leslie and Wendy,
Shall be thinking of you this weekend and the tradition of
yoga at the Salt Spring Centre. As we acknowledge D-Day
and the courage, bravery and perseverance and determina-
tion of those involved seventy-five years ago in liberating the
continent of Europe, it’s important to remember that the
goal of liberation lies at the heart of yoga, and that we have
an amazing tool for this very purpose plus the training to
make good use of it.
Our practice has to change as we mature in yoga,—not just
because our bodies are aging which is incidental but because
if we have established a regular practice it will inevitably
Water colour by Deb Steytler, Leslie’s sister who travelled far to spill over into all aspects of our lives. For me it is overflow-
attend the retreat
ing at present into my dreams. Although I did interpret my
dreams regularly in earlier years of practice I had let this tool
become somewhat rusty. Lately (and in particular last night)
the dreams I have been having have been demanding more
attention.
Truly there is no end to yoga, and once you have the bug
there is nothing to do but develop the stamina for it.
Enjoy the weekend,
Love and Light,
Shirley

Leslie and Wendy demonstrating back bend on a stool and bolster

Fall 2019 Issue 7

Remembering Our First Legacy Gift
Clearly it is important for all who
by Shirley Daventry French
value the Iyengar Yoga Centre of
This is an excerpt from an article written Victoria to acknowledge Dave’s material
by Shirley Daventry-French after we were gift but also to acknowledge his presence
surprised to discover we were recipients of a in our community. Whether we knew
legacy gift from Dave Rocklyn in 2011. him personally or not he has given us
a spiritual as well as a monetary gift:

T
he $50,000 bequest in the Last
an opportunity to practise gratitude, a
Will and Testament of one of
practice fundamental to yoga. Whether
our students, Dave Rocklyn, was
you believe in Divine Intervention or
deposited in our account just before
not, the first news of this gift arriving
Christmas 2011. We are truly grateful.
a few days before Christmas 2010, at a
When I heard about the death of
time of financial constraint at the centre,
Dave Rocklyn I remembered a quiet
was a masterpiece of timing!
dignified man whom I had known
Dave Rocklyn was a true practitioner
for almost the entire time I had been
of karma yoga. Rarely seen on centre
practising yoga. Just over a year ago Dave Rocklyn
stage and never seeking a starring role,
when I first learned about this bequest,
workshops as well as satsang (which we he was content to be a behind the scenes
I was almost speechless. Not because I
held weekly). He was often to be seen at member of the team just getting on with
thought he was not a generous man but
social gatherings. He was a quiet man, jobs which needed to be done. Little was
because he lived so simply and modestly.
a thoughtful and attentive student who known about his background or what
Dave was always supportive of the yoga
got on with what was being taught to he did for a living. Perhaps he preferred
centre but his support was of a practical
the best of his ability—even faced with it that way. Santosa or contentment is
nature often involving manual labour.
some of the extraordinary contraptions another fundamental yogic practice.
Dave was a member of the centre
Ramanand Patel (a frequent visiting In remembrance of his life and in
from its early beginning in the 1970s.
teacher and engineer by profession) gratitude for his gift in support of our
In fact he was a founding member.
thought up. work, Om namah Sivaya.
He attended classes and most of the

12th Annual Spring Tea and Silent Auction Fundraiser Success

W
e wish to thank our corporate sponsors and our yoga And, huge thanks to our Sponsors!
community for your continued support and generosity
of spirit in making our annual props fundraiser so
successful. We raised a total of $5,516.00 in the Silent Auction
T hank you once again to Silk Road Tea for generously
donating all the tea served at our Spring Tea and
Renaissance Retirement Residence for providing tables and
and a combined total of $7,776.00 from the Auction, Spring tableware. Please support all the local businesses that supported
Tea, draw and cash donations. These monies will be used to our fundraiser: Capital Iron, Chateau Victoria, PJ Music Studios,
purchase new props and to repair and maintain existing props. Charelli’s Cheese Shop Deli & Catering, Poppies Floral Art,
Special thanks to Robin Cantor for your continued support Compassionate Companion Services for Seniors, Sen Zushi
and your wonderful “tea pose”. And many thanks to our other Japanese Restaurant, Craigdarroch Castle, The Spice Jammer
Tea entertainers, May Browne and Anne Glover, Emcee, Carole Restaurant, Cranio Sacral Therapy Victoria, Storm Tech Trek
Miller and to Dawn Cox for your wizardry in turning all our Wear, Epicure Selections, The Livet, Fairfield Bicycle Shop,
generous donations of food into a visually-stunning banquet! The Market on Yates, Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra,
A large team worked behind the scenes to make the Silent Therapeutic Body work, Hair by 920 Paul, Victoria Butterfly
Auction a success: Laine Canivet, Stacey Frank, Laura Lang, Gardens, and Health Essentials.
Bonnie Hoy, Amanda Mills, Laure Newnham, Sheila Redhead,
Patty Rivard, Jill Williams, and of course, the donors and
bidders. We couldn’t have done it without you!
8 Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre Newseletter
Thank You to Our President’s Appeal Donors
Pat Ankenman Anne Churchill Renate Grinfelds Roger Lamarche Lynn Palfrey Willem Starink
Sylvie Argouarch Julie Cohen Melissa Hadley Lynn Langford Doug Paterson Joni Steinman
Lois Badenhorst Kim Colpman Mary-Ellen Hannah Judith Larsen Denise Power Krysia Strawczynski
Jane Baigent Brenda Cook Roxanna Hartnell Jim Laser Barbara Preston Roy Styffe
Glenda Susan Corner Sheila Hayes Deloris Lawrence Jean Randall Christine Terry
Balkan-Champagne Susan Courtin Sylvia Dorothy Liedtke David Raworth Lois Theaker
Diane Barker Lauren Cox Haywood-Monk Pauline Linzey Sheila Redhead Fran Thoburn
Yvonne Beaubien Shirley Daventry Ian Henry Marion Longpre Susan Reid Steve Titus
Janine Beckner French Emmanuel Herique Ian MacLean Terice Reimer-Clarke Doug Tolson
Teri Bembridge Karin Dayton Tina Hickey Violeta Magnaye Michael Richardson Dalmar Tracy
Linda Benn Arno de Boer Sarah Hickson Bob Maher Sharon Richmond Krista Tracy
Sarah Bertucci Karen De Lisle Ann Hillyer Paul Maurenbrecher Patty Rivard Karen Van Rheenan
Dawn Blais Catherine de Pont Penny Hocking Marian McCoy Tim Roberts Joan Wade
Jana Bodiley Aaron Devor Patricia Hofstrand Photini (Phofi) Deborah Rodger Elisabeth Wagner
Linda Bosela Carol Dohan Giles Hogya McCullough Cindy Rogers Martina Walsh
Wendy Boyer Daphne Donaldson Leslie Hogya Jane McFarlane Caron Rollins Lori Wanamaker
Toni Bramley Maureen Doyle Boni Hoy Michael McLandress Joan Rushton Sharon Warren
Jim Bratvold Sigrun Drewry Monna Huscroft Hilary McPhail Susan Sadoway Leslie Watson
Andrea Brimmell Jane Edler-Davis Joy Illington Caroline Meggison Lorna Sandler Sally Watson
Richard Brimmell Jane Fawcett Donald Inch Jeannette Merryfield Juliana Saxton Terri Wershler
Sharon Broadley Sita Ferri Frank Jagdis Stan Michalak Sharon Scott-James Annette Whiteley
Mary Brockman Lesley Field Lise Jobin Sue Mickelson Christine Kathryn Wiggins
Sue Brown Shirley Forrester Shauna Johnson Carole Miller Scriven-Higgins Andrew Wilkinson
Donna Brunette Linda Foster Laura Johnston Marlene Miller Mary Shields Diane Williams
Frances Bryan Susan E. (Sue) Fraser Darlene Kakoske Amanda Mills Betsy Shorthouse Jill Williams
Allyson Butt Rachel French Adia Kapoor Joni Mitchell Hanna Siegel Wendy Wimbush
Cynthia de Mejia Vicki Kapoor Kelly Mitchell Dave Skilling George Winn
Callahan-Maureen Fay Gascho Evan Kelly Hazel Neill Ann Smith Yaro Woloshyn
Laine Canivet Gerry Gass Catherine Kerr Laure Newnham Mary Ann Snowden Gary Wong
Robin Cantor Sara Gerring Ann Kilbertus Carol Newton Donna Sorensen Darrel Woods
Dana Carr Karen Gibson Annie Kitchen Laurie O’Neill Helen Speight
Peter Cary Ron Gordon Adrienne Lai De Orrell Teresa Stanley

Legacy Giving

T
he Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria A legacy gift is a charitable donation
relies on the generosity of many. Our that is set up during your lifetime to become
members, students, volunteers, staff available to the Centre sometime in the
and teachers donate their time and resources future. There are many ways to give. The
to support our programs and community most common types is a gift in your will or
events. These generous gifts help the Centre designating the Centre as a beneficiary in
meet its mission to spread the work of your retirement plan or life insurance policy.
B.K.S. Iyengar and make yoga accessible to Please consider a legacy gift to the Centre
everyone. so those in the future may benefit from
If you want to support the Centre’s Iyengar. For more information about our
Giving for the Future work with a monetary gift but don’t have legacy giving program pick up a brochure
the means to make the kind of gift you want from the front desk, view it on our website,
today, a legacy gift allows you to make your or contact our general manager, Wendy
contribution at a later time. Boyer at [email protected].

Fall 2019 Issue 9

Cellular Memory
by Jess Paffard
Jess’s yoga journey began in 2002 in London, England
and seven years later she moved to Canada and started
classes at the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria. In 2015
she entered the teacher training program under the
mentorship of Senior Teacher Ann Kilbertus. Jess is grateful
to the teachers and her fellow students at the IYCV for
inspiring and encouraging her on the path of learning.

W
e’re in utthita trikonasana, on the right side, for the
tenth time or more now. I’m sweating and I feel
uncomfortable. My upper right thigh starts trembling.
I’m holding onto the posture with my face.
Jawahar teaching Leslie Hogya in chair back bend
Jawahar announces: “Future pains must and can be avoided.”
An old hamstring injury rears its ugly head and prevents me for these afflictions rather than our wrong perception. We have
from bearing weight on my right side. Fear takes hold of this to understand that there is something wrong with our Sirsasana
asana. I would avoid it if I could, but there is nowhere to hide. and that our own carelessness – compounded with wrong
My body, breath and brain are tight. memory – has resulted in the pain we experience.
The next time we repeat the pose I take the appropriate Consciousness fluctuates with thought waves (vrittis).
prop: a sturdy wooden brick for my lower right hand. The brick Consciousness may connect with the inner self or external
helps me to stabilize and balance my weight. objects. It may respond positively with correct knowledge
(vidyā) and perceptions or negatively with wrong or illusionary
“By repeating a correct action you are allowing the cellular thoughts. It could also lapse into a sleep-state or recall a
memory to build up so you will be able to recollect the memory. In any case these vrittis, or fluctuations of the mind,
correct pose.” can cause doubt and confusion within us. Our attitude or
I am now able to focus on adjusting the right foot, leg mental state determines our actions. Lack of knowledge/
and hip as Jawahar is teaching. Parts of my leg that had been ignorance (avidyā), attachment (ragā), self-centeredness/
dormant since the injury gradually begin to wake up. ego (asmitā), aversion (dvesa) and fear (abhiniveśa) are the
afflictions (kleśas) that cause us suffering. The kleśas and vrittis
“Keep the eyes at the back of the head. Now the brain complement each other. They both disturb the balance between
becomes quiet. You don’t sweat and the energy will be body, mind and self, creating the obstacles (antarāyā) that we
directed throughout the body. The brain is overworked.” experience in our lives. Jawahar reminds us:
Ahhh, thank you, Jawahar. Gradually the heat in my body
“We repeat, correct and adjust as students. Cellular process
subsides and my facial muscles relax. I notice any pain I had
is faster than mental process. Once it is ingrained in your
experienced has passed and I begin to feel some ‘repose in the
cellular memory you cannot go wrong.”
pose,’ as B.K.S. Iyengar had written in his book, Light on Life.
There is time in the afternoon’s Philosophy class to reflect As students of yoga we have the opportunity to directly
on the Yoga Sutras that Jawahar had incorporated into the experience the removal of these obstacles systematically through
asana class, specifically: our asana practice. Continually refining our practice with
precision enables positive progress so that future pain can
‘The pains that are to come can and should be avoided.’
be avoided. In the case of my right leg in utthita trikonasana,
heyam dukham anāgatam, Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali – II.16 repetition in the pose had begun to build up the cellular
We discuss what can happen if we perform an asana memory in the dormant area of my leg, and I begin to
incorrectly. Perhaps our left elbow is too wide in sirsasana, experience the sensations in the area before my mind
but we continue to practice without awareness. We begin to catches up.
wonder why stiffness develops in the neck muscles. Over time Jawahar brings the Yoga Sutras to life in his classes. He
this imperfection compounds to affect other parts of the body makes them accessible to us through direct action so that new
such as the shoulders and spine. We wrongly blame the asana awareness can begin to permeate every cell with Light.

10 Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre Newseletter

Digitizing the Newsletter
by Denys Beames the page numbers would flow around
the insert: page 18, then Insert 1, 2, 3,

I
n October, 2018, when I started
4 and then page 19! Actual page count,
digitizing the early Iyengar Society
front to back: 36 pages numbered
newsletters, all I knew was that I could
plus 4 not-numbered insert pages plus
use the office photocopier to create
covers, for a total of 42 pages. Such a
digital copies of the older newsletters.
headache to track!
What I didn’t realize, was how much
I could see the newsletter develop
work it would actually be. Investigation
from a hand-typed and hand-set,
showed that all the newsletters from
photocopied amateur production full
1981 to 2003 would need to be
of quirks like spilling photos across two
digitized and I might still be working
pages – which, by the way, were very
on the task a year later! Oh, well. In
difficult for me to copy properly one
for the old penny, in for a few tonnes.
page at a time! – to a slick, professional
The bottom line was, over 11,000
desktop publication which was easy for
pages were photocopied and digitized!
me to copy. As the Society matured, so
I can’t take credit for all the work. Bob
did the newsletter.
Maher did two or three year’s worth
In some ways digitizing the
of newsletter photocopying and also
newsletters was a fascinating job that gave
helped me work out the process by
me a very different view of the Society.
which the digitizing was done.
I was looking at the Society not as an
In the earliest years, there were
annual snapshot, but like a movie, across
eleven newsletter issues a year and they
time. Faces matured. Roles changed. The
were usually between 24 and 32 pages
Society itself changed structure and name,
per issue. Fortunately for me starting
and also changed locations. It was like
in 1997 there were six issues per year.
watching an egg hatch to become a larva,
But…the number of pages went up to
then a pupa then ultimately the butterfly
around 36 per issue. Not much saving
of today.
there.
View the two newsletter archives on the
It took NINE button pushes to Iyengar Yoga Centre website:
photocopy one page which became one 1981-2003 issues,
digital page, which the photocopier www.iyengaryogacentre.ca/
newsletter/newsletter-archive-1/
delivered as a PDF file. The PDF files
Another fun challenge was the page 2004-2018 issues,
for each issue were copied onto a thumb
numbering. In order to put each issue’s www.iyengaryogacentre.ca/newsletter/
drive, so I could re-organize them into newsletter-archive/
pages back together in the right order,
a digital version of the newsletter issue
I had to assign the digital pages of an
on my home computer. Result: now
issue consecutive numbers in their file
the Society has a digital version of each
names to reassemble the issue in the
old newsletter ready to be placed on its
right order. So…I would assign page
Web site.
1 to the front cover page file and the
The different types of publication
last page number to the back cover
over the years gave me some copying
file. But sometimes the actual page
problems. For some of the earlier issues
numbers didn’t include the back and
– pages had to be copied aslant due
front covers. Or they would start on
to glitches in the binding of various
page 3, meaning I had to guess where
newsletters – I apologize for the skewed Early IYCV logo
page 1 was. Inserts in the middle of the
pages, I did my best!
newsletters might not have numbers, so

Fall 2019 Issue 11

The Heart of Yoga
by Christine Tomori and Jaime Caldwell
Chrissy and Jaime are students now in their yourself from yourself” and “Is it not your
second year of the Teaching Mentorship
duty? Then whose duty is it?”
Program: Jaime in Victoria, B.C. and Chrissy
in London, Ontario.
Resistance for space
“Are the members of your body and
Themes bubbled to the surface
mind working together as part of your
throughout the two days of practice. One
association?” – A metaphorical question
theme Ann focused on was the use of
Ann Kilbertus asked us throughout her
resistance to create space. Students went
most recent Heart of Yoga workshop.
up into handstand in the traditional way

T
his annual two-day workshop was at the wall, then Ann had us place two
filled with philosophy, asana, and blocks between our forearms and go up Ann Kilbertus sharing a ‘reading’ at the
beginning of Heart of Yoga
pranayama, and brought together again. The resistance of our arms into the
yoga practitioners from both the United blocks drove the whole energy of the pose
States and Canada for a chance to delve upward and our shoulder blades lifted up
deeper into our practice and ourselves. and into our backs with an unexpected
We both have had the privilege ease. Later in the day, the same theme
of attending this workshop for two was explored when we were instructed
consecutive years. This most recent to place a rolled mat under our outer
workshop was dedicated to the memory hips for supta pandangustasana I, II, and
of Geeta Iyengar, whose passing, just III. The outer hip was contained by the
a few months prior, had shocked and firmness of the rolled mat. The hip went
saddened many in the yoga community. in and the leg opened effortlessly out,
Having studied with Geeta personally, up and across. Resistance for space. This
Ann’s deep gratitude for Geeta’s wisdom was just one of the many themes Ann
and depth as a teacher was made apparent wove into her clear, concise, teaching, as
as she shared with us some of the ways familiar poses felt new again and our own
Geeta has inspired her. As Ann led the body/mind members (slowly) began to Ann teaching to the pelvis in
class in parsvottanasana, she had students integrate themselves. parsvottanasana
touch to move their own outer hips in Both of us agreed that sharing the
opposite directions and said “Are your workshop with so many passionate
outer hips part of your association? Are practitioners, in addition to Ann’s light-
they off on their own directions? Invite hearted and compassionate demeanor,
them in!” She used this analogy, learned gave inspiration to the entire experience.
from Geeta, to emphasize how each body This workshop is open to new and
part should be awake and participating experienced practitioners and will take
in the body fully, like members of an place again next May. We both look
association. This gave us all a giggle but forward to participating in it again, as it
the message was imprinted. Ann shared is always different, always new, but also
with us other expressions during the always intimate and familiar.
workshop that Geeta had used to give us
pause for self-reflection: “Do not hide
Ann teaching urdhva dhanurasana
“Are your outer hips part of your association?
Are they off on their own directions? Invite them in!”

12 Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre Newseletter

Iyengar, the Man, Yoga and the Student’s Journey
by Leslie Hogya

T
his long-awaited film by Jake Clennel was adjustments, his compassionate help, his joyful
shown in Victoria the week of June 18-24 laughter.
at two venues. The film was not a typical He spoke of a period when he was
biography, or a treatise on yoga. For me it practicing ten hours a day, and felt nothing
was a very personal film, and I was overcome coming. He asked other teachers for advice,
with gratitude, for my many trips to India and but getting no help he continued on.
exposure to this great teacher. The very few quotes I can remember:
Some of the opening footage was taken “if we have no adversity, no obstacles, what is
during the 90th Birthday celebrations – an life?...”
incredible and most memorable experience. “will we ever learn unless we face these
For days we celebrated Guruji’s birthday, and afflictions?”
here were glimpses of those days on film: the “Spread the soul like a mat”
priests chanting, the fire and water used to From cover of Light on Life, “each cell rings the bell of divinity”
bless him, the trip by bus to Bellur, Iyengar’s B.K.S. Iyengar
The film ends with the men from Kripa
home village. There he was walking the rose petaled path. We
in savasana, the girls in the orphanage in savasana, Guruji in
followed behind to the Patanjali temple built with funds from
savasana, with 50-pound weights grounding his limbs.
his trust.
The film had high production values, sound, lights, etc.
The film brought to light the work of two people who have
I found it inspiring and life-affirming. I liked the fact that
used Iyengar yoga to help those less fortunate: Father Joe and his
the film focused on those in India using his method. It also
Kripa foundation, and Mimi Batliwada and her orphanage for girls.
contained interviews with him, Geeta, Prashant, his son and
We glimpsed the underside of life in India of the poor –
Abhijata, his granddaughter. Geeta spoke eloquently about
those with addictions, and those growing up in slums. There was
finding clarity in ourselves. Abhijata said at one point that “…
no happy ending for the one man who admitted to the viewer,
my grandfather did not just teach me asanas, but to search for
that he had committed murder. He has been able to give up
meaning in anything I do.”
drinking because of the help received from Kripa and Father Joe,
I saw the film in Pune, December 2018 at the 100th birthday
but he could not find forgiveness for his crime.
celebrations, and then brought my family to see it when it arrived
There were amazing pieces of footage of Iyengar practicing
here in Victoria. The next day, I went back to see it again. There
from earlier days. In one we see him dropping over and over
were so many moments I wanted to hear and see again.
into back bends. In other clips from more recent years, we see
When it is released in DVD format, watch for a copy to be
him propped up on chairs and benches, observing and teaching
available in our library.
even while upside down. We saw many sides of Guruji: his fierce

Bhavantu Sound was delighted

to offer Kirtan to a diverse
crowd of 70 plus people, many
of whom were visiting the
Iyengar Yoga Centre for the
first time.
Kirtan is a call and response
chanting of Vedic Mantra and
Bhajans invoking attributes
of the divine – inviting a deep
state of peace and well-being
Members are Chris Simons,
Tia Benn and Ty Chandler.

Fall 2019 Issue 13

Progress in Yoga a tunnel worth going through, to share
with community – so that we learn and
there is progress. There is less back
slippage to old habits and more awareness
by Jessica Lowry connect more deeply and truthfully to of habits, without acting on them. I know
one another. what I need, what direction or choice
Jessica Lowry is a level I/II Iyengar Yoga While I haven’t given up entirely is right based on a calm knowing. And
instructor and teaches in Nanaimo and
on the acquisition and maintenance of those choices/actions are ultimately more
in Ladysmith. Jessica is a TD Artist in the
School with the Nanaimo Art Gallery the coveted straight, open back leg as a nourishing and energizing than depleting.
and will be offering programs that measure of my progress in yoga, I know I I feel progress when I see even own
use theatre, storytelling and sensory am progressing in yoga when I feel more my children as separate…I can watch
exploration as a gateway into yoga
present, less attached to past or future, and love them and help with their
practise for students ages K-7. Upcoming
she will be performing at Intrepid theatre
less hardness in the frontal brain, more frustrations but I don’t identify them as
in Victoria in a new Canadian work, spaciousness in mind, body, breath. I my possessions and their struggles as my
Secrete. alignwithjessica.com sense there is progression when there own. (Not easy.)
is more of an ability to be ‘witness’ to I initially told myself the story that

A
t the Eyal Shifroni workshop the kleshas as they arise and to not act I needed this practise of Iyengar yoga to
lovingly hosted by Kelly Murphy on reflexive nervous system impulse to obliterate the parts of myself I felt were
at Yoga Weyr in Nanaimo we were survival ‘instincts’ in relation to them. unruly. But what I feel more and more
asked to consider the question, ‘How When I feel I need less in all ways – food, is that the structure and accountability
do I know I am progressing in yoga?’ sleep, stimulation. When I feel content of the practise allow me to befriend and
This workshop was transformative and inside my own skin, spaciousness is understand those parts of myself and use
Eyal’s teaching was precise and luminous. unveiled and it is consciousness and love, them wisely – to balance the high rajasic
I was inspired to share from my heart in that it is universal, and is a connection states that inevitably lead to plunging
on this question and spent ten minutes between everything. I know I am tamasic states with discipline and
writing without editing – a practise I find progressing when I can watch the world renunciation and to find and understand
invaluable in sourcing my own truth. I with passive interest and even participate what is my own middle ground. I know
felt fear in sharing with the group and but but without attachment, without I have a lot more work to do—beyond
have learned through experience this fear identifying my ‘Self’ with it. And when lifetimes.
is a sign of openness and vulnerability and I feel these things with more regularity,

Introductory Teaching Mentorship Program

Excerpted from “Sharing is Caring” by Christine Rondeau.
Christine is currently in her last year of Iyengar Yoga teacher
training at the Yoga Space, Vancouver. Her full blog can be read
at: www.iyengaryogavancouver.com/2019/07/25/sharing-is-caring/

“I recently attended the teacher trainee intensive in Victoria for

the second year in a row and can’t stop recommending it. This
three-day intensive, led by Ty Chandler, Anne Kilbertus and
Leslie Hogya was a great opportunity to learn, ask question,
clarify doubts and dive deeper into our practice and teaching
method. Questions about assessments, timed practice and the
differences between teaching during an assessment vs during
a regular class were discussed. I have a few more months to go
before my assessment and these three days clearly outlined my
weaknesses and what I need to focus on before the big day.”
Teachers: back row: David Leclair, Jaime Caldwell, Tanya Marusech,
Christine Rondeau, Andrea Fulkerson, Chrissy Tomori, Teresa Stanley
Middle Row: Susan Fraser, Jess Paffard, Annette Whitely
Instructors: Ty Chandler, Leslie Hogya, Ann Kilbertus

14 Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre Newseletter

Tiers of Sadhana
by Teddy Hyndman shapes of the poses. In the Iyengar method, they learn asana
Teddy Hyndman is a senior certified Iyengar teacher. She began
in terms of technical alignments and coordinations of the
her sadhana in India, 1968 and in Japan 1979. She is presently active body’s external shape and structure in space. At the beginning
in IYAC (assessor and teacher trainer) and the Yoga Association level, in the sutras, Patanjali states that practice at this level is
of Alberta (former president). She teaches regularly in Edmonton
“adventurous”(p. 66 LS). Recently one of my students said,
merging her yoga practice with her Zen training.
“My body learned it (asana) before my head,” reflecting on her
Main References: Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (LS), practice. But, ultimately, postures are done to culture the mind,
Light on Life (LL), Light on Pranayama. to know the mind and to direct its attention to the Self. In the
Iyengar method, asana is a powerful spiritual tool that takes us
through the limbs of yoga to experience the Self.

Y
oga is a practical method for making one’s life purposeful, Asana done in the Iyengar method cultivates a meditative
useful and noble. (preface LS). It is a spiritual practice mind.
(sadhana) with a goal in sight – self-realization/SELF. It was in Japan that I was introduced to B.K.S. Iyengar
According to yoga philosophy, spiritual sadhana leads us to and his method. The practice as he taught us, was demanding,
experience awakening, freedom and wisdom, often described sharp and focused. I realized that the concentration and stillness
as experiencing the “light”. With practice (abhyasa), restraint required for meditation could be developed through asana and
(vairagya) and constant self-inquiry (“Who am I ?”) the practice that the limbs of yoga were not separate.
leads towards this goal. On our yogic journey, B.K.S. Iyengar Over time one builds up experience, competency and more
says we need three powers (sakti). The power of a healthy body steadiness in asana and this leads to another level of practice.
(an asana practice), the power of pranic energy (a pranayama Not only do we learn how to balance, how to focus, we learn
practice) and the power of awareness. (p. 171 LL) how to notice, to become more aware. At this level Mr. Iyengar
Although we refer to “levels” of practice, B.K.S. Iyengar says we must be aware of the skin and penetrate awareness
says the demarcation of the levels of being or sheaths (kosas) is through the skin. The skin provides the sensory feedback for
hypothetical (p. 5 LL) so too the demarcation of levels or tiers understanding and adjusting asana. The skin reflects muscles,
of sadhana. In the sutras, Patanjali describes the eight yogic organs and breath. Looking at the skin helps us to ‘see’ in yoga.
disciplines and compresses them into three intertwining tiers. As one becomes a more advanced practitioner or teacher of
(p. 6 LS) The success or failure at the higher levels of practice the Iyengar method of yoga, one develops an understanding of
are a reflection of the foundation tier, the moral, ethical code: what it means to ‘see’ in yoga. Mr. Iyengar says we are to learn
the yamas and niyamas. to see beyond what we see. B.K.S. Iyengar emulates the seeker
At the beginning of my own sadhana, I lived in India and become seer.
was overwhelmed to see before my eyes, life and death and its The Iyengar method teaches us to “sustain” asana to make
awesome mysteries. Living in yoga ashrams, I began my study more connections: body, mind and breath.
of the sutras and the eight limbs of yoga. I was interested in the We learn where we are feeling and where we are not feeling
body and the poses. Later years, I was interested in the mind, in and expand our awareness into the dull areas. Mr. Iyengar
the practice of dhyana and dharana. In the Japanese tradition, I describes the practice as moving from the skin to the soul.
practiced sitting meditation for three years in a Zen monastery. Gradually concentration turns inward. When we have
Most people in the West take yoga to learn asana and learned to keep the body still, pranayama and pratyahara are
pranayama, the disciplines of the first tier. Students coming introduced to our sadhana. Pranayama is the gateway to the
to yoga may start with a desire to become a “lulu lemon” inner journey. By focusing on the breath, there is a deliberate
beautiful body, or to improve their health and perhaps hope involvement of the power of the mind to move from the
to live a longer life. Those who come to classes learn the external to the internal. Pranayama is the stage that “begins
to tug our consciousness away from desires and toward
judicious awareness.” There is a move of experience from
Students coming to yoga may start with what the sutras describe as the outer layer, annamaya kosha,
a desire to become a “lulu lemon” to the more ethereal layer described as the pranamaya kosha.
My own practice in pranayama was late in coming (having
beautiful body, or to improve their health been influenced by the sutra (11.49 LS) suggesting that
and perhaps hope to live a longer life. perfection in asana be attained before practicing pranayama).

Fall 2019 Issue 15

However, starting late or not, pranayama and its lead into Wise people of all times say that
pratyahara can change the way we identify with ourselves. In
our normal understanding of ourselves we identify with our if you can break through the illusion
senses, our thoughts and our bodies. Withdrawing inward of normal consciousness, then you
from identification with the senses we separate from this
understanding and come to identify with a larger experience realize the self you normally think of,
of who we are. Wise people of all times say that if you can isn’t really everything.
break through the illusion of normal consciousness, then you
realize the self you normally think of, isn’t really everything. towards the center of being and the centre radiates toward the
This level of sadhana is the second tier of practice. The practices periphery. This state and other states of samadhi are described
of pranayama and pratyahara require unwavering attention in the samadhi pada. We, as part of the physical universe or
and mindfulness. Developing this kind of patient inner focus nature (prakrti), may understand these states intellectually
and silent awareness is difficult yet somehow very helpful in and it is possible that someday we may come to experience a
daily life. It nurtures a non-judgemental attitude and a more glimpse of samadhi. Yet, Patanjali reminds us of the real goal:
compassionate understanding of oneself and others. It helps transcendence even from the samadhi state to the SELF. For the
respond to situations in a non judgemental way rather than fully enlightened being there are no boundaries. There is full
quickly react. integration of mind/body/SELF (purusha) with everything in
As one stumbles along this path towards enlightenment the universe.
from outer awareness to inner awareness, tier to tier, obstacles In the levels leading up to this rare state, there are
and difficulties keep coming up. What is keeping us from experiences of samadhi. It would be like experiencing pinpoints
realizing our potential, from knowing our Self? Patanjali says of light. Introduce the sun and we have enlightenment,
it is the fluctuations of our mind. What are these fluctuations? kaivalya, union with the SELF. Introduced too soon, this can
What is it that gets in the way of our focus and unwavering be dangerous. Although we may attain powers at the level
attention so that there is cessation of the fluctuations of the of samadhi as explained in the vibhuti pada, the powers can
mind? What takes us off our path? What are our attachments? also be impediments to further practice. Mr. Iyengar strongly
The biggest obstacles are the thoughts and emotions of our emphasizes the importance of creating the foundation, the
“small” mind, our small self, our individual ego. We train beginning level of sadhana and fully integrating, absorbing and
our bodies through asana; we focus our attention on breath; balancing the understandings at these earlier levels of practice.
we sit and withdraw inwards. It is another level of practice to Students of yoga at all levels are to understand that practice,
bring our minds to a quiet state, without bringing in to each abhyasa, requires more than just routine and repetition. It
moment, so many memories, behavior patterns, likes and requires dedication and devotion (1.12 LS). And even though
dislikes, opinions and assumptions, emotions of sorrow and we should do everything in our power to achieve the goal of
grief. It is this quiet state of meditation, practicing pratyahara Union, we should not be attached to the results or the progress
and dhyana that Patanjali describes as the practice which will of our efforts.
help us deal with the obstacles on our path. The afflictions The very effort to stay on the journey brings meaning to life.
(klesas), obstacles (antarayah) and distractions are described in This does require restraint (vairaghya) (p. 58 LS). Vairaghya
the sutras (sadhana pada). For example, the mind can be full of is not just the discarding of ideas and actions which obstruct
thoughts of attachment to the way we wish things would be or progress but it is the cultivating of non-attachment to results of
the way things were. We can dwell on loss, or failure or pride of actions, to things, to desires. Restraint involves containment,
the ego or what to eat for dinner. consolidation. In my life, what used to seem so important in a
Sitting still, we witness these thoughts. They come and busy life becomes less important in the context of the purpose
thoughts go. They tend to lose their hold on us as we practice of the sadhana.
more. I can only speak to the “levels” of sadhana through my own
Cessation of the fluctuations does happen, if momentarily. experience. However, I look to B.K.S. Iyengar, my teachers and
Reflecting on these difficulties and understanding them and the sutras for a clearer understanding and for possibilities of
their importance in the context of our own behaviors, helps us “higher” or “deeper” levels of experience. I am always inspired
understand how we confront our life. by the philosophy.
Practice takes us, as we observe Mr. Iyengar, to a level at “The end of yoga sadhana is wisdom.” (p. 167 LL) We seek
which asana and mind reach a resting point. According to the to transform mental dexterity into the penetrating clear light of
sutras this is a state of pure being (1.17 LS) and is the third wisdom. (p. 166 LL)
tier of the spiritual sadhana. Consciousness moves inward
16 Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre Newseletter
 FaLL 2019 Announcements
Register for workshops and classes at 202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
or call (250) 386-YOGA (9642). Refunds are only offered if your space can be filled
and are subject to cancellation fees. www.iyengaryogacentre.ca

The Art of Restoration

All Levels Workshop with Britta Poisson
Saturday, October 26, 2019, 2:00 – 4:30 pm

Invite deep relaxation into your life. Using bolsters, blankets,

and other props to support a prolonged stay in the yoga
postures helps you to gently release tension, move with
ease, and restore the natural rhythm of your breath.
Join Britta to explore all categories of the yoga postures:
standing, seated, twists, forward extensions, backward
extensions and inversions, as seen through the lens
of a restorative practice.
All levels welcome—beginners, too!
$45 + gst for member | $50 + gst for non-members

All Levels To me, yoga is a way of life – a physical, mental and

spiritual discipline that can help anyone live a more
Workshop full and peaceful life. – Chris Saudek

with Chris Saudek Curious about the transformative power of an Iyengar Yoga workshop?
Join one of North America’s finest Iyengar teachers this weekend and find
out. Come for a dynamic workshop geared for ALL LEVELS—beginners, too!
September 6-8, 2019 Known for her compassionate and skillful approach, Chris Saudek teaches
students to build a foundation for a sound yoga practice.
Knowledge of set-up and ability to practice shoulder stand required.

General Workshop September 6-8

Friday, September 6, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 7, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm & 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 8, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm & 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Extended Intermediate and advanced class

Monday, September 9, 2019, 5:30-8:30 pm

$336 + gst IYCV Members Extended Class:

$370 + gst Non-Members $65 + gst IYCV Members,
Refunds will be offered only if your space can be filled, $72 + + gst non-members
and are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

Fall 2019 Issue 17

Thank • K arin Dayton and Don Sugden for their
help with cleaning up
• K arin Dayton for picking up the
newsletters at the printers, setting up the
room for the Remedial classes, and for

You!
• Jim Bratvold for hauling tables out from
the dark recesses of the prop cabinet… arranging for portraits of Guruji to be
and returning them! professionally mounted.
• To all who celebrated with us, and • Vicki, Anil, and Adia Kapoor for
For the December Centenary brought wonderful vegetarian dishes to transporting blankets to and from
celebration: enjoy together Scrubbys for cleaning.
• A manda Mills, the emcee; • Laine Canivet for mending our much
To all who helped with Jawahar’s visit by
• Shirley Daventry French for leading the used – and loved – short belts, long belts,
cleaning, setting up, helping with food,
practice and Adia Kapoor, Gary Wong, bolsters, and blankets.
driving, etc.:
Robin Cantor and other teachers for • Linda Benn for the donation of books
Johanna Godliman, Leslie Hogya, Jim
assisting; for the library.
Bravold, Britta Poisson, Billie Essa, Karin
• Shirley Daventry French, Ann Kilbertus, Dayton, Jess Paffard, Gary Wong, Adia • Patty Rivard for her many years of
Carole Miller, Marlene Miller, Linda Kapoor, Wenxdy Boyer, Ty Chandler, dedication as our librarian.
Benn, Wendy Boyer for sharing their Lauren and Bruce Cox. • Jim Bratvold for repairing the trestler
reflections and experiences with Guruji; and hanging photographs
For the 35th Annual Salt Spring Retreat:
• Ty Chandler, Greg Sly, Tina Hickey, • Our ambassadors for the showings of the
Arkady Vitrouk, Britta Poisson, Ann • Leslie Hogya and Wendy Boyer for their
Iyengar film at Silvercity and Cinecenta:
Kilbertus, Arno De Boer for the teaching, inspired by Geetaji.
Bev Kallstrom, Robin Cantor, Jeannette
Yogasana demonstration; • Christine Becher, Wendy Boyer, Merryfield, Ty Chandler, Carole Miller,
• Hilary McPhail and Bob Maher for Anil Kapoor and Vicki Kapoor for and Ann Kilbertus.
arranging the draw prize and gift transporting props.
• Anne Glover and Johanna Godliman
certificates for the Roll Out Your Mat • Bev Kallstrom and Janine Beckner for for distributing flyers and class schedules
Challenge; carpooling. throughout the year.
• Caron Rollins, Boni Hoy, Julie Cohen, • Johanna Godliman and Robert Whiteley • Denys Beames for over 200 hours of
Marion Longpre, Lynn Langford, for help offered in many ways digitizing all the newsletters up to and
Michael, and Roger Champagne for • Dianne Taylor and Julie Cohen for including 2003, with the exception of
baking, savouries, and cheese plates; support returning props to the Centre’s two missing issues: Jan-Feb 2003 and
• Carole Miller, Annie Kitchen, Sheila shelves – the last leg of our weekend May-June 2001 (If you have one or both,
Redhead, Jim Bratvold, Julie Cohen and adventure! we’d be grateful if we could borrow them
Laine Canivet for set up and clean up; • B
 ritta Poisson for the restorative class so they can be added to our archive.)
• Joy Illington for her impressive and all the behind the scenes work to These digital newsletters will be uploaded
co-ordination effort with assistance from make the weekend flow smoothly. to the website soon.
Britta Poisson on the ground and Leslie
It Takes A Village! Thank you to:
Hogya directing from Pune.
• Lucie Guindon, Leslie Hogya, and Jim
For the Annual General Meeting: Bratvold for maintaining the ropes and
• Gary Wong for leading the practice; rope wall attachments.
• Laine Canivet for chairing the meeting; • Bruce Cox for his ongoing help with
repairs, most recently: changing
Congratulations!
• Board members, past and present, for
volunteering their time and energy and fluorescent bulbs, repairing the floor, The following candidates achieved
for bringing the refreshments. untying what seemed like an impossible Intermediate Junior I certification
knot in the rope wall and bringing large at the March 1-3 assessment
To all who helped make International
items to the recycling depot. in Toronto:
Day of Yoga a great community event!
• Jakob Meems for donating his labour to Marie-Claude Gervais, Montreal, QC
• Jayne Jonas for teaching a dynamic
replace the light fixtures in the change room. Tom Leverty, Toronto, ON
class to a diverse group of beginner and
experienced students • Peggy Cady for donating many hours to Jayne Smiley, Toronto, ON
design the centenary newsletter, and the Nesta Falladown, Caledonia, ON
• Adia Kapoor for assisting in the class,
donation of several reams of large format
with the potluck, and the dishes! Johanna Godliman, Victoria, BC
copy paper.

18 Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre Newseletter

 IYCV
Roll Out the Mat Calendar
Challenge! September
6-8 Chris Saudek Workshop
27 Practice Enrichment
Start on September 6, practice every day for 101 days
28 Professional Development
Keep a record of minutes or pick up our calendar at
the front desk and on our website October
We will celebrate Guruji’s 101st Birthday on December 14, 2019 5 CPR Class
17-20 IYAC/ACYI AGM, Winnipeg
Bring your completed record to be put in a draw for prizes! 26 Art of Restoration

November
8-10 Intermediate Junior 3
Assessment
29 Practice Enrichment
30 Professional Development
New Year’s Day
December

Timed Winter Solstice Workshop

14 Guruji’s Birthday
20-21 Winter Solstice

Practice with Ty Chandler

December 20 - 21, 2019
January
1 New Year’s Day Timed
With Ty Chandler 5:00 - 7:00 pm Practice
24 Practice Enrichment
ALL LEVELS First Night:
25 Professional Development
forward bend practice with inversions.
Become a 2020 member or renew your
Second night: February
membership by Friday, December 20 and backbend practice with inversions.
register for this 2 hour All Levels Timed 9 Annual General Meeting
Not recommended for beginners. 15 Improve Your Poses
Practice with Ty Chandler for FREE!
January 1, 2020 FEES One night: March
2:00 pm- 4:00 pm $40 + gst IYCV members, 5 Spring Tea Fundraiser
$45 + gst non-members
2020 IYCV members: Free 20-24 Speaker from India
FEES Both nights:
Non-members: $40 + gst
$72 + gst IYCV members,
Not recommended for beginners $79 + gst non-members

Calling all
In the Light of Yoga Foodies!
Saturday, December 14, 2019, We need your help during
12 – 4 pm the IJ3 assessment!
Open House and Anniversary Celebration November 8-10, 2019
of B.K.S Iyengar’s Birthday
at IYCV
Come celebrate with us – all are welcome
to this FREE event! Contact Julie Cohen,
[email protected]
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
778-440-4841
Photo: Kevin Mason

Fall 2019 Issue 19

 Practice Professional
Enrichment Development
2019 IYAC/ACYI
ASSESSMENT DATES Series Series for Iyengar Yoga
Teachers and Trainees
September 13-15, 2019 September 27, 2019,
Introductory II, Calgary, AB
November 29, 2019, Commit to this series to refine your
November 8-10, 2019 skills as a teacher and to deepen
Intermediate Junior 3, Victoria, BC January 24, 2020,
April 3, 2020 your understanding of Iyengar
November 8-10, 2019
Introductory II, Ottawa, ON
Yoga with some of the country’s
The Iyengar Yoga Centre is the
most experienced and respected
November 22-24, 2019 place. Give yourself the extra
Introductory II, Vancouver, BC teachers. Sessions will include
time and space to join Ann
Kilbertus and Ty Chandler in teaching enrichment opportunities
this series of sessions for your as well as a wide variety of current
own enrichment on the path and relevant PD topics for certified
of Yoga. Asana and pranayama Iyengar Yoga teachers and trainees
Save the Dates! will be taught to invite the
practitioner in finding what
September 28, 2019,
Guest speaker November 30, 2019,
Guruji calls “the work of January 25, 2020,
from India devoted practice”. All Level 2, 3 April 4, 2020
and 4 students welcome. 10:30 am - 1:45 pm
March 20-24, 2020
Registration opens December 1, 2019 With Ann Kilbertus and Ty Chandler $45 + gst each
$45 + GST each session session
For more information, visit our website.

Membership has benefits!

Please complete this form and mail Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria Society
or drop it off at our office with your c/o Hilary McPhail
Become a member of the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria cheque or money order to: 202-919 Fort Street,
and enjoy: Victoria BC V8V 3K3 Canada
• Receipt of three newsletters per year
o One-year: $42 o Add $8 to have newsletter mailed to you
• Discounts on classes and workshops
o Membership Plus $65.75
• Early registration for classes and workshops
• Scholarship eligibility for various workshops Name: ________________________________________________________
• Library borrowing privileges
Address: _____________________________________________________
• Free practice space on Sunday afternoons
• Opportunities for members to contribute insights City: __________________________________________________________
and apply to sit on the board of directors Prov/ State: __________________________________________________
One-year membership fee: $42 CDN ($40 + GST), Postal code: _________________________________________________
renewable each January.
Country: _____________________________________________________

Membership PLUS Phone: _______________________________________________________

The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria is offering a second E-mail: _______________________________________________________
membership option, Membership PLUS.
o Please email me the link to the web newsletter.
Receive all the benefits of an annual membership, PLUS
six copies of the newsletter. Ideal for teachers with their own o Sign me up for monthly yog-e email news
studio! This membership is available within Canada o Receipt required
for $65.75 CDN ($55 + GST + $8 Postage)

20 Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre Newseletter