MahaMondo

Dharana : Charleston SC

I've been blessed to stay very busy with work this year . Couple that with  seva for my Spirtual Master every other weekend plus an intention to attend Mysore or Led Class at least 2x a week , it is a full plate.

The holiday season has started & that means attending parties , which I try to commit to only if it is work related. Last night's bash was held at Soho House here in LA.

The Dharana or focus that I have learned from practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga helps me stay grounded at these parties. One is literally in the belly of the beast , Maya ( illusion ) , at events & places like this.

The full spectrum of what could be so attractive about living in the material world : flowing vintage champagne in a private member's club  ( I don't drink anymore ) , an amazing night view of Beverly Hills , pretty people & a rocking DJ. Heady & seductive stuff.

So to keep on track , I think of images like the one above from my trip to Charleston SC , last week. Very calm , spacious blue skies. Peaceful. Do a round of Maha Mantras in my head & I'm good to go ; ready to network & socialize.

These are the mental & spiritual aspects of Bhakti & Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga that act as support tools for living this incarnation in the Kali Yuga. And survive  another party I have to attend again tonight.

Mozart Reina : Boracay 2011

Thanks to karenvillarica for posting this video of Mozart Reina. He is authorized by KPJAYRI to teach 1st level Primary Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga . Here are some images from his classes held at the Temple Shala in Boracay Island, Philippines last August - Sept 2011. Great chanting of slokas in the background.

The Yoga of Kirtan : The Mayapuris

Loren / Lila just sent me an update via email that her sunrise class this morning at YogArt Miami with The Mayapuris was incredible. She gave it a Bhakti Yoga Rasa by assigning a passage from the Bhagavad Gita for each vinyasa.That is transcendental. Miami , you are putting Bhakti Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga on the map. The Mayapuris are named after the holy city of Mayapur , the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , regarded as a special incarnation of Krishna in the mood of Radha. Jai !

YogArt : Art Basel Miami 2011

Loren Russo / Lila Padma Devi Dasi sent me an SMS while I was in Charleston SC mid-week regarding the YogArt Event which is currently being held in Miami during Art Basel.

I had been in Miami during Art Basel a couple of years ago. The energy of the city due to the influx of well heeled international art   collectors , artists & galleries was palpable.

So YogArt , with its line-up of teachers like Loren , Kino MacGregor & Patrick Nolan from Miami Life Center & kirtan bhaktas The Mayapuris will provide an opportunity to decompress , rejuvenate & breathe from the storm of social events & networking.

I've always loved Miami's vibe & I wish I could have flown there this evening from Charleston to practice by the ocean during the sunrise & sunset sessions this weekend at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Lila says there are already 160 people signed up for her Sat. AM morning session tomorrow.

It is going to be as the event tagline goes , " Artful in Body , Mind & Spirit ".