Bikram Yoga's topics - tribe.net

Favourite way to rehydrate after class?

heatherlyn — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 02:48:54 GMT

I'm wondering what everyone does, besides drinking a ton of water.

If I JUST drink water, I find that it just goes right through me, and I'm worried that I'm just washing out vitamins/minerals, etc.

I'm pondering having a coconut water after class, but it can get expensive!
I'm not really into Gatorade, as I don't need all the sugar and crap. Same goes with most of the other "sports" drinks.

Any suggestions?

What's your after-Bikram routine?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 11 replies

Going to a sesion for the first time today!

Susie — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:07:59 GMT

i've long wanted to try yoga/Bikram and have decided today I'm just going to go for it. I've lost a bit of weight lately and have become more active and health conscious , so I think this will be a good time to explore it. Wish me Luck!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 3 replies

Making your way back to Bikram

dlish — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:00:28 GMT

So, I wanted to share something that was very powerful to me in my practice. For a variety of reasons that I won't go into detail about here, I had to stop going to yoga several months ago. Once I worked through those things and was ready and able to return, the journey back was incredibly intimidating. I have heard that this is a common feeling once you've stepped away for a while.

I started talking about how I was going to go back to yoga a few months ago. I just started back on Saturday.

Here are some of my reflections.

We all need to be gentle with ourselves and honor our journey and intentions, even if they take us longer than what we originally wanted because when it is time, it is really the right time.

Letting go of our fragile egos can be harder than it looks. I was once very well seasoned in my practice, having gone daily for 6 weeks. Returning after nine months scared me. I am heavier than the community had seen me when I left, I'm not in top condition, and I was struggling against my own perceptions and insecurities to return.

When you find and connect to a strong and supportive community, your return is both welcomed and supported- not judged for the time you were away.

And the last one that I just got...

Part of your practice is understanding that some days our best is really good, some days our best is a struggle- and it doesn't matter if you go every day or take a hiatus- that is simply part of the constant reconnecting of the body and mind, healing of the spirit and soul, and a reminder that these things extend beyond our yoga practice.

Going back was the hardest part. Yes, I have to start over. Yes, I am sore. But my body is thanking me and my energy is starting to climb.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Ouch! Pulled muscles at Bikram

Goldie — Fri, 30 May 2008 05:48:00 GMT

Hi there

Just joined Tribe as i loved the fact that there was a tribe purely devoted to Bikram. I have been practising bikrams method for just over two weeks now and LOVE it! unfortunately though I pushed myself a little too hard at yesterdays class and subsequently pulled my upper back and neck muscles, very painful!! I have been advised by 'non bikramers' not to go back for a while but I am certain I should just push on through it...Is it common to pull muscles when learning Bikram? How long should i wait before I return or shall i jump right back onto that horse today! Any suggestions much appreciated

Jess

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

Pulled a muscle in my back. ... advice

cinemagirl — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 15:32:14 GMT

Hi folks. I am so terribly in love with Bikram Yoga. It's changing me entirely. BUT..
yesterday in class I pulled a muscle in the lower back...right behind the coccyx bone (kind of in the right butt/ lower back area) doing the final twisting asana.

I'm fine when i sit, and semi-ok when I walk.
But how long should I wait before doing class again? I think the heat in the room will help. I wont do the things that deal with the back...most of the floor exercises..

But if i go a week without yoga I feel lost.
advice?
thanks,
alex

posted in Bikram Yoga - 5 replies

Funky Door vs Other Bikram Yoga Studios...

Star — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:12:08 GMT

Hey folks,
Just wanted to get your thoughts on Funky Door vs a place like the studio in the Inner Sunset or Mission?
Any experiences or input?
I just came from Yoga Loka in Sac, where it's super family-esque, relatively chill, and the instructors are super personable, encouraging, and understanding- that's more of what I'm looking for, and I've seen some mixed reviews on Yelp for places around here.
Just thought I'd ask the tribe community.
Thanks!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 8 replies

I finally threw up!

katie d. — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:56:16 GMT

hi, everyone.

just had to share my experience from class today. I've been burping through class for days and today ... i threw up!
Yeah, for me! Anybody else?
cheers- enjoy the lovely moonshine this evening.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

Question

ellenmo — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:23:32 GMT

Does anyone know the going rate that Bikram Teachers are paid per class? My goal is to get certified once I save up the cash to go through teacher training. And while I am absolutely *not* looking to do this for the money, I've been getting interrogated by friends and family; which made me realize that I have no idea what yoga teachers can expect to make. Any insights?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Here's another one for you all...

katie d. — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:58:12 GMT

Okay. I know I have probably got the answer, but it might be wrong.

Any tips for relaxing your forehead muscles in the cobra, locust, full locust and floor bow poses.

Sending you only positive.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

wind tunnel

katie d. — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:37:19 GMT

hey everyone!

any suggestions for throat openings with breathing technique?

i believe i am just strengthening my exhale diaphram. i find myself wide open with my inhale and hesitant (a bit of a sticky feeling) with my exhale. my yogi suggested putting my tongue on the roof of my mouth to create the wind tunnel in my throat. maybe it's my stored emotions holding on ...

any words of wisdom to share?

namaste'

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Ha anyone else...

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:57:02 GMT

Gone through a stage of practice where they start to become very physically open and with that old memories and issues come up for healing during class and this actually makes the physical aspect much more challenging because of all the energetic and emotional waves you are secretly experiencing inside while looking focused and strong on the outside. this happens to me in cycles. The physical aspect gets much more challenging, the heat starts to really bother me, i feel like i can't breathe etc. Mind you i'm not doing alot of dramatic emoting and stuff to let anyone know what's going on, I'm just continuing to practice in a focused manner but feeling like all of the physical things are compounded. Then during savasan i end up going so deep into myself or my heart or into old issues where i can confront and heal them. sometimes I go home at night after class and my dreams are vivid or healing, or i'll wake up the next day and remeber some sadness and cry or on the reverse i may feel giddy and happy all day. I guess my point is for me that as I open my body more and more little by little my armor melts and i become more vulnrable and able to feel .

posted in Bikram Yoga - 10 replies

FALL Training 08???

KIM — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:42:36 GMT

Hi, does anyone know the dates or if there is fall training this year?
Thanks KIM

posted in Bikram Yoga - 1 reply

all of a sudden hating the heat

Siva-P — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:24:45 GMT

i have been doing bikram yoga off and on since 1999 and have always felt really good about it. i have been going at least 3 times a week now for the past 3 months and this week the heat has really been bothering me. it makes me cry and is bringing up a lot of painful trauma from my past. i am sticking with it, but right now i am hating the floor series SO much because it gets SO hot down there.

i mean, is yoga really meant to be done in a sweat lodge? i am deciding for myself if i am ready to move on to a new technique or stick with bikram, but just wondering about all of your experiences with the heat. philosophies are good. personal experiences. whatever.

namaste!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

SERIOUS beginner

cinemagirl — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 03:26:39 GMT

Ok, i'm sure you get this all the time but...

Ive taken two classes. The first one I could do about 1/3 of the poses. The second time...I could do more, but not well!

I'm pretty overweight and really inflexible. BUT....I feel so good AFTER I leave the class, I really want to continue.

Anyone else been about 40 pounds overweight and been able to do this? If so, how long did it take for you to be able to do all the asanas?

Balancing is a real challenge for me.

Im pretty determined to keep it up though. Any advice would be great.

Thanks! (and sorry for the beginner's stuff)
alex

posted in Bikram Yoga - 11 replies

head rushes

marcus — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:24:42 GMT

been getting them really bad lately especially during the standing sersis

been drinking engough h2o and eating enough

any ideas?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 10 replies

What has been your most noticeable benefit from practicing Bikram?

Maura — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:54:30 GMT

I just started taking classes 2 weeks ago and am pretty sure I'm going to commit to about 4 times a week from here on in. My question is - What has been your most noticeable benefit from practicing Bikram and how long have you been practicing?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 8 replies

Garlic

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 01:37:06 GMT

I know that studio ask or require you not to wear any kind of strong prefume / scent.

It popped in my mind though, that I do eat alot of garlic (4,5,6 cloves somedays). I'm getting alittle paranoid that the smell is coming out of my pores and I smell of it. I don't smell it on me, but maybe I'm used to it.

Of course there's the good 'ole Bikram smell, so maybe it blends in with that.

Has anyone smelt gralic from another student?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 10 replies

I've fallen off of the bikram wagon!

kate — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:45:45 GMT

So I didn't go to yoga for a week; then that week turned into 2 weeks and 2 into 3 and now its January!
I really want toget back into the swing of things, and was hoping one of you might help.

I am looking for a bikram buddy. Someone who will give me shit for skipping a practice. Someone who really loves bikram. You can be ocsessive about your practice, or you can be alittle more relaxed. Basically I'm looking for a friendly face I can look forward to seeing at class. I know that once I just get over the hump, I will get back to my crazy enthusiasm and excitement for bikram, it's like they say, the hardest part is getting there.

oh yea, i almost forgot the most important part , I go to funky door in berkeley, and hopefully you do too :)

posted in Bikram Yoga - 9 replies

60 day challenge - what benefits can I expect

Muz — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 01:52:18 GMT

I'm about to start a 60 dayer, and I'm interested in people's thoughts on the physical payback. I have about 6 weeks of 4 to 5 classes per week under my belt, and I'm looking to the challenge for more focus.

I'm really just looking for people's experiences and thoughts - perhaps more physical than mental. I think I'll need some of these things to keep me motivated! :)

Thanks.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 1 reply

Good Studio IN NYC?

Jim — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 01:48:45 GMT

Hey Guys,

Anyone know a good studio in New York City downtown for a drop in? I am heading out their for business next week and want to get a class in. I am staying downtown close to Time Square.

Thanks!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

Hi, I pulled my back out yesterday

emperor bunny — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:12:52 GMT

NOT at a Bikram class. The point is I was going to go to one, pulled my back out prior and well didn't go...there is a point to this regarding Bikram. So today I go to a chiropractor in San Rafael and he says (obviously when I heal), DON'T GO. He mentioned that the heat kind of fools the muscles into believing they can stretch more then they can, but afterwards can be dangerous.

So I'm in good shape haven't pulled my back for several years, I'm 40, male and was all excited to go, but now I'm hesitant.

I'm looking for a practice that will help me lose some weight, cleanse my body, clear my mind and make me flexible, and live an active old age without back pain or other ills.

I hope my question is clear. I realize you guys are the ones to ask. I guess I don't want to injure myself, but the opposite.

thanks,

drew

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

so we've covered post-bikram, what about...

kate — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:44:16 GMT

pre-bikram? I get dizzy alot in class, and I tried coconut and vitamin water (separately) but both made me wanna hurl. Do you guys do anyhting before yoga to ensure an awesome class? And do you guys think morning classes are harder, or evening ones?

hope everyone is having a beautiful day!

p.s. How many out there go to funky door in berkeley? we should have a meet up :)

posted in Bikram Yoga - 4 replies

TRUTH IS FREE; so is my RETREAT --Vermont

Bald Mountain Retreat, — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:40:41 GMT

I'm looking to network with folks, to extend an invitation to visit Bald Mountain Retreat (www.baldmountainretreat.com) as my guest. Like-minded people who appreciate rustic accommodations are welcome to come up at no charge. (Those who require a private room can inquire about those accommodations as well.)
Basically, I'm offering people the opportunity to come stay with a retired naturopathic doctor in a truly amazing natural setting, secluded, idyllic, peaceful...
Also, if you might like to lead a retreat, please contact me.
Thank you and you are welcome,
Dr David

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

30 day challedge is kicking my ass

marcus — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:50:44 GMT

I've been just dead this week. I got 6 days left and I feel like I'm crawling to the finish line.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 4 replies

Yoga Photo!

Greg — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 04:57:41 GMT

I am so happy to have found this tribe! I am a photographer and new Bikram yoga addict and I have a proposal I'd like to share with y'all.

My proposal is to make a yoga calendar or book unlike anything that's been done before. Most yoga calendars or books are on mountaintops and in forests, very ethereal and peaceful shots. in subdued color or low contrast black and white. But my photography is something different. Its nocturnal, meaning that all the images are done at night with long exposures. These allow you to capture ambient light with gives everything a supernatural glow. The subject is then illuminated with different light sources to create the perception of an almost mythic presence.

We will then experiment with drawing lines of light emanating from the bodies of the yogis, showing the life force flowing through these poses. We will also do long exposures, with the figure in the frame for only half the exposure, so the imprint of the pose is left on the image, but the body will be see through as well.

Here are some examples of light painting being used in popular commercials for iPod and Sprint:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfefTRDY4sc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfBo0IzbgX4

Now, while I want to collaborate with wonderful people and create a beautiful work of art that we can get published, I also have a selfish aim which is how this idea was born. I want to do yoga at least 4 or 5 times a week, preferably BIkram. But I cant afford to purchase a monthly pass as I'm getting ready to have my first child and funds are tight. So I am hoping to get in a collaboration with a teacher or studio where I can exchange my art work for classes. I'd help create a promotional piece with the images as well if you wanted to advertise your teaching. I photograph dancers as well.

If you are unable to offer free classes, I am still interested in working with passionate yoga practitioners, artists, and spiritualists.

I also make video of my photographs which is yet another avenue this project could expand to. If you'd like to see Light Painting in action, go here:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=t1pbpBIQcSk

Please write back with your thoughts and interest.

Greg
g.crane@mac.com

posted in Bikram Yoga - 1 reply

30 day challege at Sweatbox (Seattle) starts tomorrow

marcus — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 02:32:32 GMT

any tips?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

Bikram and Bronchitis

MelissaH — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:33:34 GMT

I'm desperate to get back to my Bikram practice, but am recovering from bronchitis. It occurred to me that the humidity in the room might actually help, but I'm also worried about being a disturbance to the class (still some residual coughing). Anyone have any advice/experience they can share?

Thanks!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 1 reply

This Saturday 8/ 11 - Special Bikram Yoga Workshop at Mission Yoga!

juicy23 — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:15:17 GMT

Learn how to deepen your postures and your Bikram Yoga practice!
This special posture clinic with be led by Senior Teacher Ren Soriano from Bikram's Headquarters in L.A.
Ren has studied extensively with Bikram himself, and will give tips and techniques on proper breath and allignment that will show you how to really change your body and your life!

Saturday, August 11th Workshop from 11am - 4pm.
Ninety minute class with Ren at 4:30pm included in workshop.

This workshop is being offered for only $50 for the 5-hour workshop and the class together.

Go to www.missionyoga.com to register now!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Anyone going to Fall Training?

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 04:40:45 GMT

Anyone going to Fall training... just curious to see who's out there...

posted in Bikram Yoga - 1 reply

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ladyjess — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 01:47:30 GMT

Greetings,

I am new to Bikram yoga. My balance is to the point of non-exsistant. But I want to remedy this. I hate doing anything alone when I start something, that is why I am posting this thread. I am looking for someone here in Albuquerque that is taking the evening class on Central NW. I would really like to friend someone that I can talk to and learn from.

Thank you for your time,
Lady jess

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Fevered musings from post-Bikram class

heatherlyn — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:41:07 GMT

I've recently joined back up with a bikram yoga studio (Funky Door, in Berkeley), and was lying there after class, pondering this and that....

I was wondering why I'm so "addicted" to the Bikram class. It's the only exercise my body has ever craved, and I was wondering why.
Do you "crave" this type of yoga? If so, any theories on why?

I was having some thoughts that maybe the ritualistic movement, of everyone in class doing the same movements, time and time again, for good benefit to the body and mind... fulfills the need that humans have for ritual and group movement. We no longer dance by the campfires, perform specific movements for various festivals and times of the year.... perhaps Bikram brings that back to us, on some level?

Or maybe it's just the huge endorphin rush that I get after class. Maybe it's just my body producing pleasure-chemicals, and this is the most effective way to do it, without running (which is too high-impact).

So maybe we're just all crackheads, pushing our bodies like this for a hit of pleasure-drugs.

Any thoughts?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 13 replies

30-day challenge

dlish — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:06:49 GMT

The yoga community that I am a part of is working in partnership with a medical research group as well as a restaurant that specializes in raw food dishes (organic/vegan) to see what the affects of daily bikram and a raw diet will have on the body. We are currently on day 4. There are 25 or so of us in the actual study. Many of the members are coming to do yoga daily or more than what they had previously to support us and one another.

So far we have been going through a pretty heavy detoxification. Symptoms in the group include headaches, nauseousness, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, cloudiness. Mine feels like its getting better when I avoid eating, but one can only do that for so long, right? ;)

Anyone else have experiences of doing any type of cleanse while continuing in your yoga practice? Any advice or suggestions?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 12 replies

Done a Double?

nasanbaga — Sun, 14 Dec 2003 20:51:24 GMT

I've been wondering lately how peole manage to do a double. I've tried it but the second class turns out to be a big sweat with me on the mat. How do you do it? How do you fuel yourself up for that?

Thoughts appreciated!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 7 replies

The New Bikram book

Jennifer — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 06:51:37 GMT

I just read the new Bikram book...wow it's great...I especially like the last part where he gets into more of his philosophy, and actually shows his softer side. He sort of explains why he's so tough in class, and I think his car metaphors are a great way to explain what he's doing. He even goes into how he met his guru and some keys for each of the postures. I even saved money because they sold it at the studio I go to, it was worth it (although some of the stuff he goes into with the postures is similar to the first book)...haha, as I reread this I realize I sound like I am selling it--it really got me excited about my practice again (I"m on day 38 of a 100 day challenge--perhaps part of it is the rush of that)

Has anyone else had a chance to read it yet?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

drinking and bikram

weezy — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 15:11:09 GMT

Have most of you given up alcoholic beverages?

Because of yoga? or do you find no reason to not drink because of yoga?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 3 replies

Santa Rosa Studio is Open!!!

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 22:24:38 GMT

The studio is open. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill did a beautiful job and thanks to all who sent good energy.

If you're in Santa Rosa, drop me a line.

Namaste
D.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

New 2 Tribe..New 2 Bikram

Jewels — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:50:37 GMT

hello Kindred Spirits,

I am relatively new to bikram practice (about 3 months now) and though I have read most of the postings and bloggings; I thought I would post some questions...that I, a beginner have had come up...
Any tips--on what other practice or physical activity I could incorporate in order to get more into the poses?? how long have you all been practicing? Any stories of inspiration--to keep a beginner going? :)

Health/cleansing--I get terrible acne when I am stressed and since I have started bikram it's gotten slightly better. Though I am not not completely healed yet, I am hopeful. Any tips on what any of you whom dealt w/acne did (or did not do) to avoid further exacerbation of the problem??

Anything else you can think of that you wish you had been told when you started bikram practice?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 11 replies

Fire Closes Santa Rosa Studio

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 04:36:19 GMT

There was a fire in the Bikram Yoga Studio in Santa Rosa today, Sunday the 14th. The building is intact but the studio is damaged and closed. Thought I'd send out this notice into the Bikram Universe for anyone who knows Bill Butcher and his daughter Jackie to offer love and support to them. You can visit his web page and contact him at: http://www.bikramyogaofsantarosa.com/.

Namaste

D.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 4 replies

spring training in hawaii!

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:49:56 GMT

It's confirmed--teacher training for spring 2007 will be in Hawaii. On the poster on the Bikram yoga homepage, it says it'll be at the Ililkai hotel. Does anyone have any more information? (...like an idea of how much more it will cost?) I have my application ready to go, but none of the information about housing or price has been updated on the website yet. Anyone else planning to apply?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

There is no Right/Wrong Yoga

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 18:58:24 GMT

Some people live in Hawaii, other's in Alaska. I've met many who have a negative personal story about Bikram's style of yoga such as Nathan's post. I've found that people either are attracted to Bkiram Yoga and thrive or are repelled to "hot" yoga and complain. Those who are repelled and complain have a good story why Bikram is not true yoga, dwell on the negative of why it does not work, why it is dangerous...lots of yada yada yada right/wrong judgments. I always read these complaints feeling empathy for them, wondering why they are compelled toward the negative experience? Negativity and Yoga....seems an oxymoron. There is rarely focus on the thousands of people who practice each day and thrive. I've been practicing Bikram Yoga for over 3 years. Each of us finds the path that is best for them. There are truly no right/wrong paths. What works for body/mind centering, energy flow, healing, and movement, physical and spiritual growth is Yoga. Like weight training, go slow training, Pilates, a dozen schools of thought of Yoga, etc., each method demands the body respond for new insight and well being. My first class of Bikram I fell in love with the heat. I’ve had better health over the past 3 years from Bikram Yoga than from doing any previous type of Yoga. I love the ability to stretch with warmed muscles. I love the sweat lodge cleansing, the pure simplicity of 26 postures that cover the spectrum of needs. I find focus and balance being with myself for 90 min. in the mirrors. Is Bikram Yoga for everyone? Of course not. No path is. There is a reason so many are attracted to Bikram’s style of “hot” Yoga. There is no right or wrong Yoga. Definitions, like language and reality, evolve through time and space. There is only the path we choose. Namaste.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 13 replies

Bishnu Charan Ghosh Cup 2007 Results

shooting_star — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:49:32 GMT

Men's Yoga Asana Division

1st Place Ky Ha - USA

2nd Place Amir Abdul-Jabbar - USA

3rd Place Jeffrey Rangel - USA

4th Place Shivakumar - India

5th Place Bertie Russell - United Kingdom

Women's Yoga Asana Division

1st Place Cynthia Wehr - USA

2nd Place Emily Carpenter - USA

3rd Place Sarea Hidskes Valora - United Kingdom

4th Place Yukari Miwa - Japan

5th Place Ida Ripley - Canada

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

thoughtful criticism

nasanbaga — Sun, 01 May 2005 23:39:33 GMT

http://www.yogapoint.com/info/article9.htm

Hot Yoga or Yoga in Heated Environment can be Dangerous !

-- Yogacharya Vishwas Mandlik (Vice Chancellor) Yoga University India & Dr.Sujit Chandratreya (MD, DNB, DM, Endocrinologist & Diabetologist)

Patanjali, the founder of yoga had designed the science of yoga about 2500 years ago. Since then this science is being taught in India and around the world. Patanjali has explained yoga in eight steps and Asana or Postures is one of those steps.

Patanjali defines the Asana as “Steady and comfortable posture or position”. So Asana is a position of body and mind which is steady and comfortable. Any body posture is comfortable when it is attained in natural environmental conditions.

This is achieved through relaxation; the word relaxation is a key to ideal Asana position. The perfect relaxation on physical and mental level is essentially responsible to attain the steadiness and comfort. This retains and increases the Pranic or bio energy in the body.

This relaxed position of body results in lowering of respiration rate, blood pressure, heart rate which in turn lowers the metabolic rate. This is also verified by various scientific experiments carried out in various research organizations all over the world and these great benefits of yoga are scientifically accepted.

So yoga is relaxation and not like stressful exercises. If the Asana is practiced in HOT ENVIRONMENT (temperatures about 105 degrees Fahrenheit) as it is done in some styles of Yoga, the heart rate, respiration rate and blood pressure increases, though muscles expand and one can stretch the body more, this may harm the muscles. Ideally the Yoga should be practiced in normal environmental conditions.

This Hot Yoga, Bikram yoga or similar type is inappropriate and difficult to justify version of Indian ancient Science of Yoga. In fact it can not be called as Yoga as per Indian Science.

Many medical experts all over the world have raised concern over the excess strain exerted on muscles in Hot environment (temperatures about 105 deg. F). In this environment there is always a danger of muscle or ligament stretched beyond biological limit and may get Damaged.

Consider the Fever, it is a natural protective phenomenon as many bodily reactions are accelerated by heat. Thus in any infection, we get fever and it helps to clear that infection. It also dilates our blood vessels and makes the heart beat faster & stronger, it also causes excessive water loss from our body.

But there is another side of it! Our body has very little redundant energy to waste away. The energy demand in heated environment catalyzes certain bodily processes and slows down other processes. Our present medical science does not have a complete knowledge about it, but it is very logical that heated environment is not natural or normal condition for the body. Our body is meant to function at normal temperatures; Yoga should be practiced in optimum & comfortable conditions.

Imagine doing Yoga when you are suffering from Fever where your body temperature is 105 deg. Fahrenheit!

Life is very difficult in regions where temperatures are as high as 48 degrees celcius, so why create such difficult condition around and practice yoga there? Isn’t it a common sense not to create worse situations for body?

It is an individual choice to select the style of Yoga but one must ensure that the style is in line with the basic definition of Yoga.

***********

posted in Bikram Yoga - 31 replies

spring teacher training

Jessica — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 18:40:33 GMT

So I am going to the spring teacher training! I am very excited.

Any tips and lists of things to bring?

How have people done the housing situation? I don't really want to stay in the dorms.

If anyone is looking for a roommate or knows of a housesitting gig, please let me know!

Thanks,
Jessica

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

NO BIKRAM??

Lisa — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 18:10:18 GMT

My Bikram studio closed and there is no where else to go that is closer than an hour away. With all of the debate on how legit Bikram is I am just wallowing in the fact of how much I love it and just how much I miss it.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 7 replies

Bikrams is making me sick...

juliabreese — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 04:28:00 GMT

Seriously all, since I have been doing Bikrams (about three weeks now) I have been struggling with my health. I have acne, I am tired, I am moody, I have a cold that I am having a bitch of a time getting rid of, I feel kind of sick to my stomache. I mean is this normal? I know this could be a healing crisis. Has anyone else had this kind of reaction? I usually feel good after the class but the next day I feel all icky. I am averaging 2-3 classes a week.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 8 replies

Advanced Bikram question

Sat, 06 Jan 2007 01:57:44 GMT

Hi all, I'd love to hear your thoughts on a subject that has recently come up in my Bikram studio.

I have been practicing Bikram for 11 years on the Peninsula and many of the poses I do are advanced and they are poses that have taught to me by my Bikram teachers. Not all my poses are advanced, just the back bends, Camel, Bow etc.

Last year my studio of five years closed so after 5 month of practicing Bikram at home (just not the same!!!) I joined the other studio in my area. After two weeks the owner asked me to stop doing the advanced poses and stick with the "beginning" poses as she finds the advanced poses may confuse the other students. At first I thought "no problem" but after a few days to think on it I now feel that I'm wasting my time and money by paying for a studio that won't let me excel. I've been comparing this to someone telling a runner, "please don't run an 8 minute mile because it makes the slower runners who are at 12 minute miles uncomfortable." I was actually hoping to find a teacher that could help me go even deeper in my practice.

What I'd love your thoughts on are:

1. Should I ditch the studio
2. Should I try to stay in the box the owner has created and do the basic beginning 26 poses
3. Should I find a different type of yoga that encourages growth even though that may not be Bikram? (there are not many Bikram studios near me).
4. Any other advice?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 4 replies

so many issues

Jessie — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 17:42:29 GMT

So I started Bikram 2 weeks ago and absolutely love how clean I feel when I leave class. The heat really doesn't bother me and my excellerated heart rate during class makes me feel like I do when I jog so that is fine as well. My problems come in when I start to swell up. My hands, my feet and my ankles. My right hand swells up more than the left and when it comes time to clasp hands around the feet that is almost impossible. I don't remember the pose but it's the one where you bend your on your knees and you spread your ankles until your sitting on your buns and lay back. That one makes my left ankle feel like it is going to break just by sitting down. I haven't even laid back at this point and I think if I laid back the top of my ankle will burst. (It won't really, just the way it feels) I go to class fully hydrated and with plenty of rest. Does this happen to everyone and will it go away with more practice?

One more thing. I have strange lower body extremities. Flat feet that pronate inward. Double jointed knees that go much further back then normal when locked. On balance poses when the instructor says to lock the knees and pull the knee cap upwards...... yeah that is not going to happen. My knee cap is so far into my joint that any chance of tightening the muscles is nill. I have tried and tried but when I do it seems that my knees will be permanently locked. They have locked up in the past and it hurts so bad to get them to unlock. So there I am trying to balance on my flat feet that want to roll inward and knees that wobble from my fear. Needless to say the single leg balance poses only get so far.

Any advice on my swelling and balance issues?

All is welcome,
Jessie

posted in Bikram Yoga - 7 replies

Mission Yoga under new management!

juicy23 — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 08:08:36 GMT

Come get your yoga on in the heart of the Mission.
2390 Mission Street at 20th in San Francisco
Look up to find us on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

We offer Bikram classes every day at 9am, noon, 4:30pm and 6:30pm.
Plus, an 8:15pm class Monday through Thursday for your late yoga fix!
Starting Jan. 2nd, we offer Bikram at 6:15am Monday through Friday.
Get your yoga done before your day even starts!

In the beautiful third floor Sun Room, we offer Vinyassa Flow every morning and evening,
plus Vipassana Meditation, Tai Chi, and Naked Yoga for men.
Check out our website at www.missionyoga.com
for a full schedule and class descriptions.

New students: $30 for 30 days of unlimited yoga!
We're the only studio in San Francisco where you can do both Bikram and other types of yoga under one roof!

Steve23 and Juicy are the new managers, and we're making it our MISSION to be your favorite yoga studio!
415-401-YOGA

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Sweatbox Open House

shooting_star — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 23:08:15 GMT

Seattle's Sweatbox celebrates their 5th anniversary on Saturday, December 16th from 4-7 pm. Food, drink and a coupon for a class. Whatta deal! Plus, you just might get to see me do a demonstration of my total lack of yoga adeptness in a speedo.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Washington State Regionals on Dec 3rd in Bellevue

shooting_star — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 08:13:55 GMT

This year's Bikram Yoga Washington State Regionals Championship Competition will be held on Sunday, December 3rd in Bellevue at 5 pm.

Sarah Baughn, the #2 World Champion (from Mount Vernon, Washington) will be there competing. One of my teachers, Luis Rojas (from Mount Vernon) will also be competing.

You can read about Luis and Sarah's experience last year here:

http://bikramyoga.com/News/BentonWashington-SkagitValleyHerald.htm

You can view Sarah Baughn's winning performance (with her amazing Floor Bow) from last year here:

http://www.funkydooryoga.com/Video_SAB_YogaChamp.html

This will be held at Bikram Yoga Bellevue, 626 120th Avenue NE Suite 101. Website with information is here:

http://www.yogacompetition.com/home.html

And yes, that picture on the first page is Sarah Baughn doing her Floor Bow!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

Lower back trouble - any advice please!?

rachelsilver — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 11:45:02 GMT

Hey all. i have a dodgy lower back, since having a very heavy baby boy. It arches and i need to open it out and straighten it back up again,which is partly why i'm doing bikram. To give you an idea of what i mean, when i lie down in dead-body pose, i'm uncomfortable because my lower back arches right up and is nowhere near the floor, unless i really bend my knees upwards. I can push it close towards the floor if i really suck in my tummy muscles etc,, but as soon as i relax, it just pulls right up away from the floor again.
The instructors have said not to worry about doing back-bends (which i asked if i should avoid as it's already curving that way), because there are enough forward-bending (ie back streching) poses to even it out. (NB -I've only just realised that i need to concentrate on raising my ribcage up when we do back-bending poses to avoid crushing/collapsing on my lower spine - and that has helped to ease the discomfort i feel after leaning back)
Anyway, I just wondered if anyone had a similar thing or any advice for extra stretches I could do at home to help my lower back.
Thanks
x

posted in Bikram Yoga - 4 replies

What is Yoga?

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 19:36:12 GMT

What is yoga? Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means "to add two things together." There must be two things. For example if you want to add two bricks together, then ce ment, water and other substances are needed.

Similarly, yoga means to connect two persons: one is the Supreme Lord and the other is the unlimited souls. Because we have forgotten that Supreme Lord, we are greatly suffering. Sometimes we suffer as donkeys, asses, dogs, pigs and so on, and sometimes as demigods; we have passed through all the various species of life.

Sri Krsna is so merciful that, by His causeless mercy, He has now given us this human form. This human form is very temporary however; we do not know when we will die. We are all suffering because we think that we are this body. Actually, this body is a bag of urine, stool, blood and other unwanted things. Still we think we are this body, and we endeavor only to please this body – not the mind and soul.

The easiest way to meet with Krsna is through yoga. You should know that the soul is part and parcel of God – the eternal servant of God – but don't think in te rms of worldly servants. The service of Krsna is very loving and beautiful. It is like the service of a friend, mother, father and son, or like the service of a lover towards his most beloved. Sri Krsna's servants are all very loving. Yoga is that process by which a soul can be with Krsna – this is actually the meaning of yoga.

What is taught as yoga in this world today – especially in China and Hong Kong, as well as in other countries – is the exercise of the body. If you will do these exercises for your whole life, or thousands of lives, still you will not be happy. You will have to get old, and one day you will have to give up this body.

We are discussing real yoga. Sri Krsna is the Supreme Lord and we are part and parcels of that Supreme Lord. By what process can we meet Him and join with Him? By cement? By mud? No. It is through love and affection.

By giving our love to Krsna, we can attain that perfect stage in which we will be happy forever. But what is that process? How can we have prema (pure love of God)?

anyabhilasita-sunyam
jnana-karmady-anavrtam
anukulyena krsnanu-
silanam bhaktir uttama

["Uttama-bhakti, or pure devotional service, is the cultivation of activities that are meant exclusively for the pleasure of Sri Krsna, or in other words the uninterrupted flow of service to Sri Krsna, performed through all endeavours of the body, mind and speech, and through the _expression of various spiritual sentiments (bhavas), which is not covered by jnana (knowledge aimed at impersonal liberation) and karma (reward-seeking activity), and which is devoid of all desires other than the aspiration to bring happiness to Sri Krsna." (Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.1.11)]

This is the definition of uttama-bhakti (pure devotion). By this love and affection for the Supreme Lord, you can meet with Him and serve Him. In another scripture it written: "Paranuraktir isvare." Such deep and strong affection to Isvara (the Supreme Controller) Sri Krsna is the only transcendental religion of the soul.

sa vai pumsam paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhoksaje
ahaituky apratihata
yayatma suprasidati

["The supreme occupation for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self ". (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 1.2.6)]

Spontaneous lo ve and affection for the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna is the transcendental and eternal religion of the soul (parama-dharma). The teachings of present day religions are not truly dharma. If these religious teachings would indicate devotion to Sri Krsna (krsna-bhakti) then they would be dharma, but the adherents of all religions, such as Christianity, Islam and Buddhism, don't accept the transcendental form of the Supreme Lord. They say there are no qualities in Him.

What would be the use of accepting God if He has no mercy and no attributes, and if He is like zero? We should not accept such false ideas. Spontaneous service to Sri Krsna is parama-dharma.

There should be no selfishness. Whatever you do should be to please Krsna. You should think, "What I am going to do – will it please Krsna or not? Will it please my Gurudeva or not?" If your endeavour will please them, only then should you do it. We should strongly reject that which is unfavo rable for bhakti. This is bhakti, and it begins from its smallest fraction, which is called sraddha (faith).

adau sraddha tatah sadhu-
sango 'tha bhajana-kriya
tato 'nartha-nivrttih syat
tato nistha rucis tatah

athasaktis tato bhavas
tatah premabhyudancati
sadhakanam ayam premnah
pradurbhave bhavet kramah

["In the beginning one must have a preliminary desire for self-realization. This will bring one to the stage of trying to associate with persons who are spiritually elevated. In the next stage one becomes initiated by an elevated spiritual master, and under his instruction the neophyte devotee begins the process of devotional service. By execution of devotional service under the guidance of the spiritual master, one becomes free from all material attachment, attains steadiness in self-realization, and acquires a taste for hearing about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna. This taste leads one fur ther forward to attachment for Krsna consciousness, which is matured in bhava, or the preliminary stage of transcendental love of God. Real love for God is called prema, the highest perfectional stage of life." (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.4.15-16)]

What is sraddha? It is the strong faith that, "If I perform Krsna-bhakti, then the fulfilment of all other endeavours of my entire life have automatically been accomplished." You should know that sraddha is actually the tendency to serve Krsna (Krsna-seva-vasana), and its outer symptom is very strong faith in the words of Krsna, scriptures and Guru. This is the real sraddha. How does sraddha come? It comes only by sadhu-sanga – being in the association of sadhus. But this refers to a real sadhu, not a so-called sadhu.

Sadhu-sanga first creates faith in the words of Krsna, Guru and Vaisnavas. After that, the sadhu will say that you must take initiation – harinama and diksa. Then the s tudent selects a bona fide guru, and after that he learns the process of performing bhakti.

Bhakti is of two kinds: vaidhi-bhakti and raganuga-bhakti. Vaidhi-bhakti-prema (the development of love of God attained by worshiping Him in awe and reverence) will lead you to Vaikuntha-dhama (the abode of Sri Krsna in His opulent feature as Lord Narayana), and raganuga-bhakti will take you to Krsna-dhama. You are lucky to come in the line of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. One day you will be able to really achieve raganuga-bhakti, by reading Caitanya-caritamrta, Srimad-Bhagavatam and the books of the Gosvamis.

Gurudeva will teach us sixty-four processes of bhakti. Of these, the first is to serve Gurudeva – to fulfill the desire of Gurudeva – and thus hear and follow the process strongly. Other processes are there, and of the sixty-four, nine are prominent:

sravanam kirtanam visnoh
smaranam pada-sevanam
arcanam vandanam dasyam
s akhyam atma-nivedanam

["Prahlada Maharaja said: 'Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Visnu, remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one's best friend, and surrendering everything unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the body, mind and words)-these nine processes are accepted as pure devotional service.'" (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 7.5.23)]

Of these nine processes, five are most prominent:

sadhu-sanga, nama-kirtana, bhagavata-sravana
mathura-vasa, sri-murtira sraddhaya sevana

["One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Srimad-Bhagavatam, reside at Mathura Mandala (which includes Vrndavana) and worship the Deity with faith and veneration. (Caitanya-car itamrta, Madhya-lila 22.128)]

And of these five, three are most prominent: sravanam (hearing), kirtanam (chanting) and smaranam (remembering). Of these three, one is most prominent – kirtana of Krsna's name. If you chant and remember Sri Krsna's name, all things will come.

harer nama harer nama
harer namaiva kevalam
kalau nasty eva nasty eva
nasty eva gatir anyatha

["In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way." (Caitanya-caritamrta. Adi-lila 17.21)]

If you follow all of these processes, then all anarthas (unwanted habits) will go away. What are these anarthas? The first is nama-aparadha (offences to the holy name), of which there are ten kinds. Don't criticize any Vaisnava, don't beat them, don't be envious of them, don't disobey your Gurudeva, and do try to totally foll ow what he and other Vaisnavas teach us. At the time of chanting the holy name, don't sleep or be lazy. Chant, "Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare." Chant your Gurudeva's diksa-mantra, and know the meaning of its eight or nine mantras. You should chant daily.

Anarthas include nama-aparadha, seva-aparadha and so on. *[See Endnote 1] If you follow the process, these anarthas will all go away and then nistha will come. Nistha means steadiness of mind: "I may die, but I will not give up chanting the holy name." Srila Haridasa Thakura was beaten in twenty-two market places. *[See Endnote 2] As they beat him, the miscreant government followers were telling him, "You should chant Allah! Hoda! Don't chant Hare Krsna!" But he continued to chant, "Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare." At last he became almost like a skeleton – bloody and only some skin remaining – and finally they threw him in the Ganges.

Srila Haridasa Thakura came out of the Ganges as if nothing had happened, and was still chanting, "Hare Krsna Hare Krsna." At that time his prosecutors begged pardon at his lotus feet. This is nistha.

Do you know Sri Prahlada Maharaja? His father tortured him and ordered him, "Don't speak the name of Visnu, my enemy!" But Prahlada never followed his order. He was always chanting, "Krsna, Krsna, Krsna." Oh, you should be like that – very strong. Don't become weak when I leave here. Krsna's mercy will then come to you.

After nistha, ruci will come. Taste in chanting, taste in reading books, taste in cooking for Krsna, and taste in all other devotional practices. There are two kinds of ruci: vastu-vaisista-apeksani and vastu-vaisista-anapeksani. If kirtana is going on with very nice instruments and very sweet voices, the de votee who has vastu-vaisista-apeksani ruci will try to hear it, whereas even if the singer has so much love and affection but is not singing in a melodious tune, he will not hear. If the Deity is decorated with gold ornaments and cloth, that devotee will offer obeisances, but if the same Deity is without decorations, he will not offer obeisances.

So, this is vastu-vaisista-apeksani. If all things in relation to the Deity are nice and sweet and well decorated, then he will offer obeisances.
When there is no need of all these things, when it does not make any difference whether or not the singer has a sweet voice, and only Krsna Himself is important, that type of ruci is called vastu-vaisista-anapeksani. Even if the voice is not good or sweet, but the singer has sraddha, nistha and ruci – we should hear him. Where there is a sweet tune (raga-ragina) but no bhakti, we should not hear that singer.

The second type of ruci will create asakti. Wh at is that asakti? Asakti means "attachment to the process of bhakti and to Sri Krsna." When one thinks, "Without chanting the holy name I cannot remain alive for a moment," this is asakti. The first attachment is for bhajana, and later it becomes attachment for bhajaniya (the object of bhajana, Sri Krsna), attachment to Krsna and to His associates. This is asakti, and when this asakti becomes perfect, then rati (transcendental mood) will come.

What is rati? It is very difficult to understand.

suddha-sattva-visesatma
prema-suryamsu-samya-bhak
rucibhis citta-masrnya-
krd asau bhava ucyate

["When devotional service is situated on the transcendental platform of pure goodness, it is like a ray of the sunlight of love for Krsna. At such a time, devotional service causes the heart to be softened by various tastes, and it is called bhava . (Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila 23.5)]

Rati is on the plat form of suddha-sattva, which is also very difficult to understand. If anyone is doing bhajana – if he has left his wife, children, home, wealth, reputation and everything, and yet rati, suddha-sattva has not come, this stage is very critical. That is why we fall down. So many sannyasis and others are falling down. In an easy way, you should understand what suddha-sattva is.

There are two kinds of associates of Sri Krsna: ragatmika and raganuga. *[See Endnote 3] Mother Yasoda, Nanda Baba, Subala, Sridhama and the gopis are ragatmika – eternal associates in Goloka-Vrndavana dhama – and those who follow them are raganuga. When a raganuga-bhakta sadhaka (a practitioner of raganuga-bhakti) meditates upon the associates of Krsna, like Mother Yasoda, Nanda Baba, a cowherd friend (sakha) or Krsna's most beloved gopis, that sadhaka's (practitioner's) mood is called raganuga and his stage is called suddha-sattva. This is a very, very high thing – bh akti is not an ordinary thing.

After rati, prema will come. In that regard I wanted to explain a story, but now there is no time.

[Devotees:] There is time.

[Srila Narayana Maharaja:] I will tell it in brief.

Sri Krsna is the Supreme Lord. He is quite independent. He is not dependent. He can do whatever He wants. Still, Mother Yasoda bound that powerful Krsna with a rope. When she did this, He began to weep. Though He is the Supreme Lord, Mother Yasoda told Him, "I will punish You," and He wept. Was He imitating? He was not imitating at all. He feels that if Mother Yasoda will not love and serve Him, He will not be able to remain alive for a second.

She tied Him to a grinding mortar. At first she threatened to beat Him, but instead she somehow bound Him. Actually she bound Him by her love and affection – Krsna was actually bound.

There is also another pastime – about a fruit seller. < br />
[Srila Narayana Maharaja called on Syamarani dasi to briefly tell the story of the fruit seller, and then he concluded his class:] This is called prema. If you want to have Krsna, then first develop spontaneous love for Him.

******Written by Srila Narayana Maharaja See, tribes.tribe.net/gurudeva/

*[ENDNOTE 1:
(From Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu-bindhu by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura)

There are four additional varieties of anartha: (1) duskrti-uttha (obstacles in bhakti arising from past sins), (2) sukrti-uttha (obstacles arising from previous pious activities), (3) aparadha-uttha (obstacles arising from offences) and (4) bhakti-uttha (obstacles arising in relation to impure or mixed bhakti).

(1) Duskrti-uttha: anarthas arising from past sinful activities refer to five types of klesa or distress, which are (i) avidya (ignorance or forgetfulness of Krsna), (ii) asmita (the false egoism arising from the bodily conception of life), (iii) raga (attachment for the objects of sense gratification), (i v) dvesa (hatred or aversion to unpleasant, disagreeable or adverse situations) and (v) abhinivesa (attachment for or absorption in sinful activities).
(2) Sukrti-uttha: obstacles arising from various kinds of material enjoyment which come from the pious activities of one's previous birth.
(3) Aparadha-uttha: obstacles arising from namaparadha and other types of offences.
(4) Bhakti-uttha: desires for labha (material gain), puja (worship) and pratistha (prestige) arising from the performance of sakama-bhakti or sopadhika-bhakti (conditional devotional service). (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu-bindhu)]

*[ENDNOTE 2 –
(From Sri Caitanya-Bhagavat, Adi-khanda, chapter 16:
"Although by the order of the Kazi, the miscreants mercilessly beat Haridasa in twenty-two marketplaces, no sign of death or any misery was found in the body of Haridasa. Seeing this, the sinful followers of the king became very astonished. Haridasa was constantly engaged in chanting the ecstatic holy names of the Lord. Therefore, like Prahlada, he did not feel any misery in spite of such beating, but rather felt sorry for the unfortunate miscreants who were committing grave offences by torturing a Vaisnava. Haridasa prayed to the Lord to forgive their offences.

Hearing that the sinful followers of the king would be severely punished due to being unable to kill him, Haridasa entered into ecstatic meditation and appeared to be dead. The Kazi considered that if Haridasa was buried he would attain a higher destination, therefore he ordered his followers to throw Haridasa into the Ganges for his degradation.

TEXT 115: They beat him severely in order to kill him, but Haridasa was not even disturbed by their beating.
TEXT 116: The Moslems were astonished to see this and they thought, "Can a human being survive after such a beating?
TEXT 117: "If we beat someone in two or three marketplaces, they die. But w e've beaten him in twenty-two marketplaces."
TEXT 118: They all thought, "He has not died, and moreover we see that he is smiling! Is he a powerful saint?"
TEXT 119: The Moslems then said, "O Haridasa, we'll be killed because of you!
Purport: The Moslem servants who had severely beaten Haridasa said to him, "If we cannot somehow or other beat you to death, our masters will be very angry with us. Then they will kill us out of anger."
TEXT 120: "Although we've beaten you so much, you're still alive. Therefore the Kazi will kill us."
TEXT 121-122: Haridasa smiled and said, "If my remaining alive creates a problem for you, then I will give up my body right now." After saying this, Haridasa entered into deep meditation on Krsna.
TEXT 123: Haridasa, who was endowed with all mystic powers, then became motionless and his breathing stopped.
TEXT 124: Seeing this, the Moslems were struck with wonder, and they took the lifeless body of Haridasa before the king.
TEXT 125: The king ordered them, "Bury him," but the Kazi countered, "Then he will achieve a higher destination.
TEXT 126: "He was already born in a good Moslem family, but he engaged in degraded Hindu practices. Therefore he does not deserve a higher destination.
TEXT 127: "If we bury him, he will certainly attain a better destination in his next life. Better throw him in the Ganges, so that he'll suffer forever."
TEXT 128: Following the Kazi's instructions, the guards took Haridasa's body to throw in the Ganges.]

*[ENDNOTE 3:
Ragatmika: one in whose heart there naturally and eternally exists a deep spontaneous desire to love and serve Sri Krsna. This specifically refers to the eternal residents of Vraja.
Raganuga-bhakti: bhakti that follows in the wake of Sri Krsna's eternal associates in Vraja, the ragatmika-janas, whose hearts are permeated with raga, an unquenchable loving thirst for Krsna which gives rise to spontaneous and intense absorption.]

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Please rate your studio at bikramfinder.com

Tiger — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 02:55:30 GMT

At http://www.bikramfinder.com we're building a "Zagats-meets-Bikram" guide to studios as a trusted travel companion when you’re in a new city and want to practice with the locals. We need your help - please submit a review of your best (or worst!) Bikram studio experience at http://www.bikramfinder.com.

Each week we give away a $20 Lululemon gift card to the best review, comment or suggestion to improve the site - be this week's winner :-)

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

something helpful...

Tue, 06 Dec 2005 19:03:07 GMT

has anyone practiced at home, when they cant make it to class? even tho its not heated, when i try the poses at home, in the same series, its better than nothing if i cant make it to class & instructors have said its a truer practice since the heat isnt enabling you to be so ...Gumby like, ha ;-)
a hot shower does relax the muscles better tho, beforehand, if you try it...

posted in Bikram Yoga - 10 replies

Cave Of The Yellow Dog

jb2unique — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 21:59:56 GMT

CAVE OF THE YELLOW DOG

A Mongolian nomad family find themselves in disagreement when the oldest daughter, Nansal, finds a dog and brings it home. Believing that it is responsible for attacking his sheep, her father refuses to allow her to keep it. When it’s time for the family to move on, Nansal must decide whether to defy her father and take her new friend with them. Oscar-nominated director Byambasuren’s follow up to the hugely successful THE STORY OF THE WEEPING CAMEL is a thought provoking mix of documentary and drama that tells the story of the age-old bond between man and dog, a bond which experiences a new twist through the eternal cycle of reincarnation in Mongolia.

playing in select cities
beginning
november 10th 2006

check local listings or visit the official site

http://www.caveoftheyellowdog.com

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Bikram CD - worth getting?

rachelsilver — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 16:45:17 GMT

Title says it all really - let us know what it's like

thanks

posted in Bikram Yoga - 5 replies

Teacher Training...

juicy23 — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 08:36:10 GMT

Yep - it's true. Teacher training in LA is already in its second week. Me and my fiance, steve23, are in the midst of it, and it's awesome! No place I'd rather be. Surprisingly, I've found time to do *some* blogging about it. So, if you've ever wanted to know what it's like (and you've already read everything on the bikram.com website) feel free to check out my blog. And, of course, I'd love any tips and words of encouragement from teachers out there! Thanks, Namaste, and Much Juicy Love!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 3 replies

Bikram's Yoga Poses picture

nasanbaga — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 06:41:04 GMT

If you want the good quality pic (1.4MB) then email me privately (rather than risk posting your email addy on this forum) and I can send it on, as I've done it a couple dozen times with no complaints. it's no trouble and I'm happy to be of use!

Cheers!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Compression...

Ashley — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 07:24:41 GMT

can someone tell me about the compression poses and how it benefits your body? No one at the studio where I go can tell me exactly.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 3 replies

Cleansing

vallier — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 01:57:53 GMT

I've just started (Day 2) the 21 Day Detox cleanse, and I was wondering if anyone has Bikram experience while cleansing.
I felt a little more tired than usual, but other than that class was fine.

Do you know if it's safe to do both, or if I should take any extra precautions?

Thanks,
Vallier.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 1 reply

Training won't be in Hawaii... Yet...

juicy23 — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 21:31:53 GMT

We'e gotten the "official" word from HQ, and training in the Fall will "defnitely" be in LA, again. Apparently Hawaii is still in the works, but not this time... *sigh* At least it will make for a much less expensive training. And, all of the usual staff will be there. Plus, I'm sure lots of guest teachers who know it will be the last LA training. :-)

Anyone else planning to be at training in the fall?? Can you tell I'm excited to be going?? Woohoo!

posted in Bikram Yoga - 1 reply

Hey Cowboy et al...Bikram on Playa?

cinemagirl — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 13:20:11 GMT

I'm just thinkin....100 degrees....open space...right mindset.
I'm thinking someone must do Bikram on the playa, yes?

Gracias,
Cin

posted in Bikram Yoga - 17 replies

rib injury - after day two

strider — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 14:35:03 GMT

I started Bikram three weeks ago. I was in pretty good 'general population' shape - working out doing cardio - 360 days a year. I had two prior back surgeries - an l5-si fusion a couple of years ago - have done some core strengthening with a trainer. I am a newbie to yoga. After two days of bikram during the weekend - i found that i barely could move. This was expected as 'flexibility' wouldn't be an adjective that one would use in their description of me. After a day - i noticed a pain at a certain location on the outside of my ribs. I thought that it might be busted, bruised or cracked. but the other positive aspects of bikram put the pain out of my mind as much as possible - and i didn't want to quit or be tempted to use the injury as an excuse. since i don't understand the difference between pain and discomfort - i think that they are both on the same scale - i decided to go - and for two or three times in a row - with a day off. i was literally rolling on my side to get up from the dead man's pose. my docs said to wait two weeks before they'd consider taking x-rays so i didn't know if it was broken. i had an undetected crack in one of my ribs for a couple of months two years ago. brittle bones. i went for a massage and the next class i went to i noticed a marked shift in a rib muscle - and i could feel the place where i thought it was broke/bruised without pain. mind you my ribs are still sore. but since this injury occurred during yoga - i asked the FAQ on the home page - and it was recommended to continue and work through the discomfort. my teachers have been understanding and i don't do more than i can handle and try not to push. i've made it through seven straight days of classes and hope to do sixty straight once this is healed. i've heard from my doc and others that rib injuries take six to eight weeks to heal. it sort of makes sense to do bikram through the healing process as there is less likelihood of scar tissue forming. obviously, i know that there is something 'special' about bikram yoga - i guess you guys know too - else you wouldn't be reading this. the 'energy' from bikram is quite the trip on numerous levels.

any suggestions/experiences with injuries sustained during bikram and/or rib muscular injuries.

TIA

posted in Bikram Yoga - 1 reply

Teacher Pay

Maury — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 23:06:36 GMT

I'm curious to know how much Bikram instructors get paid, mostly because I'm thinking of going to training when I get enough saved, and I need to know if I can live on what I'll make. I'm pretty sure it isn't a whole lot, but all the teachers at my studio drive new cars! Thanks.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

Why no studios in India?

Maury — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:23:07 GMT

Just curious, but why are there no Bikram studios in India? You would think that since this is his home country, there would be at least one. Interesting.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 1 reply

Self practice

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 16:44:21 GMT

I know there has been discussion on this but i couldn't find the thread. Anyone practice at home? Have you practiced in a studio and on your own? How has practicing on your own been for you? I'm feeling like practicing a couple of times a week but can't afford it right now and am not feeling like going to a studio to practice with others even if I could. Just wondering what the experiences of others has been.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 6 replies

Newbie Hyperextention Question.

[dn] Chixor — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 12:41:18 GMT

Hi everyone, Im new to Tribe and also to Bikram Yoga.
I have bee going I think for 3-4 weeks now I started with one class, then went to 2 the next week, and now ive found myself trying to rearrange my weekly schedule to go as often as possible.
Im still in the intro class and will most likely stay for for a while until I feel confident enough to move on.
The one problem im experiencing, which is something ive known all my life (i studied ballet for 11 years when I was younger, and was constantly in trouble with my teacher for the same thing) is that I hyper-extend my knees.
THe instruction is to lock the knees but when I lock my knees they hyper-extend (bend backwards) which then causes balancing problems.
My yoga instructor suggested leaving a microbend in my knee and work on pulling up the front of my thigh, im finding it really difficult to feel that pull in the front of my thigh so mentally im not sure if im even doing it.

Does anyoen else suffer from hyper-extention or does anyone know of a way I can work on correcting it?
Also if I continue to go to the intro class say 4 times a week, would it be bad of me to want to try taking a normal class once a week to get used to the increased number of sets/longer time in the room?

Thank you, and thank you for having a wonderful tribe.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 12 replies

Bikram yoga with foot problems?

amanda — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 14:06:48 GMT

I developed plantar fasciitis (similar to heel spurs) a year and a half ago due to my very high arched feet and tight muscle structure. With a lot of stretching and wearing supportive shoes, I am basically healed, but I need to be careful in what I do and I wear some sort of shoe (cork-soled sandal, clog, sneaker, etc) at all times, even at home. I am only 25 and was extremely active before this problem!

I have read that some people have found great success using bikram yoga for foot pain and think it would be great for me since my main problem is tight muscles. But I am concerned about standing barefoot and putting so much pressure on my arches, which could cause a relapse of my plantar fasciitis. Has anyone with this problem done bikram yoga, with or without any kind of footwear? I am scared to try it without hearing more. (I did see on the official bikram site he addresses plantar fasciitis, but not in very specific terms--also, most of the yoga sites I've read deal with fallen arches/flat feet, which is the opposite of my problem).

Thanks in advance for any advice!
Amanda

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Series

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 13:14:35 GMT

Is there a website where i can download the series sequence. i was practicing for a few years at a studio but have not practiced for some time(doing a different practice) but since it's hot and humid in New york i'd like to go down by the river and practice on my own. I remember all the poses but am a little sketchy on the order. i figure once I do the series once or twice it wil all come back to me.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 4 replies

Bikram and weight loss?

Leggylady — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 18:49:39 GMT

I've heard instructors and folks on Bikram websites say they've lost weight doing bikram yoga.
I'm hoping to as well, and wanted to know if anyone here has had experience with this.
How often did you do it a week?
Was Bikram your only medium or did you combine it with diet and/or other forms of exercise?

Right now, I'm doing it 3 times a week minimum (in 3rd week now, did it for 2 weeks a couple of years ago). I'm walking 1-6 miles a day- average being 3. I have not started a diet. per se, but find that habits are changing on their own. Water has become my preferred beverage. While I still eat a little junk, I'm finding my self reaching for a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar most of the time. My meals are much more sensible, too! For example, one night after my workout, my husband suggested McDonalds for dinner. I literally shrieked in terror. "I don't want to put that greasy crap in my body after what "we" (my body and I) just did! (yoga)!"

What has your experience been?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 11 replies

PHEWWWWY! Summer bikram - can I stand it!?????!

rachelsilver — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 10:54:16 GMT

My god!

Just when I was smugly thinking i'd got totally used to the heat in classes, i do my first one on a hot sunny day. Even though it's supposedly the same temp in there as usual, it was definitely hotter. I was sweating before class even started. i had to lie down for about 30% of it as i was rushing and tingling and faint.
Still, it's nice not to have to put too many clothes on afterwards and just slip on some flip-flops...

As a relatively recent convert, I wasn't doing this last summer, so I just wondered what other people's experiences were of hauling themselves into the sweat pit on hot days ;-)

X

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

This yoga is not for Beginners!!

dave — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 20:28:53 GMT

New to Bikram for about 2 weeks now. Personally I'm exhausted, dehydrated, and sore for several days after a class. And I always thought I drink enough water. I have worked in the medical profession my whole career, currently as Cardiac ICU nurse in the Army. I am in physically good condition. But medically speaking Bikra is not good for your blood pressure or heart rate. I wouldn't recommend it for people with bad backs or knees. I just dont think the instructors are that familiar with the physiology of the body. They aren't medically trained!
They do say for a reason that you shouldn't stay in a sauna for more than 15 minutes. 90 minutes is way too much for beginners. Beginners should have a 45 minute class at say 90 degrees. Believe me the military probably invented "no pain, no gain" But you could really hurt yourself, over stretch, and over extend your muscles/tendons in Bikra yoga. I havent found any medical evidence supporting Bikra yoga., but I would guess that many medical doctors would not recommend it unless you are in very good shape to begin with.
I sense that Bikra is kind of a fad or even cult like. Too many Bikra"isms" for me. Something is just not right about sitting in a 105 degree room for 90 minutes while you stretch your muscles beyond repair. I will give it a chance though for the next month but I wont push it.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 20 replies

heal in Vermont www.baldmountainretreat.com

Bald Mountain Retreat, — Tue, 09 May 2006 20:50:05 GMT

heal in Vermont www.baldmountainretreat.com

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

half tortoise question

goatlove — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 17:29:53 GMT

In ardha kurmasana there's an instruction to pull the scapulae away from the body or something to that effect. Does "away from" in this instance refer to protraction (i.e. sliding the scapulae antero-laterally around the ribcage) to lengthen the rhomboids/trap, or does it mean elevation with slight retraction in oreder to stretch the pecs and lats?

In practice I tend to the latter interpretation because further stretching my already chronically lengthened rhomboids is among the last items on my wish list. Asking teachers for clarification has produced mixed results. Anyone have insight into what Bikram intends in this posture? I fear I'm doing it improperly since each night I still require seven or eight hours of sleep instead of the half-hour that he promises.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

Hungry after yoga?

heatherlyn — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 06:41:04 GMT

So, I thought exercise was supposed to make you less hungry afterwards..... that's what I've found with running & whatnot, anyway..... but every time I come out of Bikram yoga, my stomach is growling and my body is going "FOOOOOD! NOWWWW!"...about 15-20 minutes after I leave class, and am all the way cooled down.

Is this just my body wanting more water? Or is it my body craving calories to replace the ones I've just burned?
I am very wary about eating soon after class, because I want to BINGE on food. It's awful....I'll basically eat everything in sight, healthy or not. It's like my body is going "no, don't burn calories, wait, here's some more! Mmm, fried food....."

Sigh.

Advice? Experience with this?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 3 replies

bikram training

Robbie — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 17:47:00 GMT

looking for any advice for 9-week training in april 2006

posted in Bikram Yoga - 4 replies

Yoga for Health - 1st US Yoga Therapy conference - May 12-14 - register now and save

giselle — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 00:03:21 GMT

Date & Time: Friday, May 12, 2006 - Sunday, May 14, 2006
8:00 AM
Location: SFSU Bay Conference Center
Tiburon, CA
More Info: 415.258.2830
www.yogatherapyconference.com

Can yoga cure cancer? Heart disease? Diabetes? Help with the common cold? Aleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, ADD, PTSD, depression and anxiety?

Learn how yoga can help improve your mental and physical well being at Yoga for Health: The International Yoga Therapy Conference -- the first conference in the US devoted to yoga therapy--the therapeutic application of yoga to help heal body and mind.

Join us May 12, 13 and 14 in Tiburon, CA (just 20 minutes from San Francisco).

We'll have 20 of the top yoga therapy experts (including Judith Hansen Lasseter, Dr. Mark Halpern and yoga masters flying in from India) leading practical classes and lectures,

...a sound healing workshop with the amazing Alex Theory,

...a kirtan dance celebration (with a major kirtan singer to be announced...)

...exquisite living vegan raw and vegetarian food from some of the best restaurants and caterers in San Francisco....

...and a tranquil view of San Francisco Bay that reaches as far as the eye can see.

It takes place at the SF State University Bay Conference Center -- tucked away on the waterfront in Tiburon. Beautiful redwood floors, fireplace, views forever from every window, green grassy lawns where we can picnic and stretch out in the sun....(here's what the view looks like.)

If you're interested in volunteering, send me a note (Web skills, computer skills, general office and graphic art skills much appreciated now...on the day of, we'll need help with reception and registration and people to help move chairs and tables during set up and break down). We're also looking for more sponsors who want to align their brand/business with the positive values of yoga for health.

If you want to register, it's $299 for all three days ($150 for one day) ... visit http://www.yogatherapyconference.com. Our space is limited to 250 participants--and this event is expected to sell out.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

why so expensive?

sunrisedancer — Sun, 30 Oct 2005 03:41:26 GMT

i took my first bikram class last week at the center on la brea in los angeles. i absolutely loved it and want to start practicing regularly, but the classes there are so expensive! a one month unlimited is almost twice as much as other centers. i live in venice and the only other studio that i've found is in silverlake. i tried to go there today. it took over an hour in traffic each way which made me late for the class and not able to get in...not a yogic experience at all... does anyone know of other bikram studios close to venice beach that i could look into?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 5 replies

Need help with motivation

ensignbenson — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 06:33:05 GMT

When I first discovered Bikram Yoga about a year ago, it completely changed my life. I went 5 days a week and was absolutely driven and determined to do it as much as possible, no matter what. I've never felt as good as I did during that time.

Then, my semester ended and my schedule changed drastically, making it very difficult for me to go. I still tried, but I basically ended up going to infrequently that when I would go, class would be harder than I was used to and I would be sore the next day. I know you're supposed to go back the next day when that happens, but often the next day would provide no opportunity for me to go.

Now, I find that I have time once again to go, at least maybe 3 times a week, but somehow that initial drive has been lost. I find myself choosing to do other things when I could be going to yoga. I'm not sure what's stopping me, but I suppose the initial spell it cast on me has been broken. I still like it and consider it as valuable, but the mad, passionate love affair is over.

Has anyone else had this experience of falling off the yoga wagon? If you have and have overcome it, I'd appreciate any advice you could give to help me re-motivate myself.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 1 reply

OVER 6FT, LEAN, LANKY, SINGLE?

Fonda — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 01:03:40 GMT

I KNOW BIKRAM YOGA AND LIKE WHAT IT DOES FOR US AND AM LOOKING FOR A MATE

posted in Bikram Yoga - 2 replies

Did Bikram came with the idea of hot yoga?? or yoga is supposed to be in a hot room??

Farath — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 01:44:13 GMT

I don't undertand, does anybody knows if Yoga is supposed to be hot or it does not matter??

posted in Bikram Yoga - 3 replies

Knees and Bikram

~Eli~ — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 20:49:22 GMT

I've got worn miniscus in my right knee which has increasingly pained me since I popped it in astanga practice a few years ago. I don't practice astanga anymore, although i have to modify postures that cause pain in the knee. I have heard Bikram's physical benefits for ailments (and Bikram's injured knee story), but does anyone have direct experience of worn miniscus and what can be done if anything, or if Bikram will help/hinder/not affect this knee problem. THanks.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 8 replies

TV Interview with Bikram

flavio — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 17:48:02 GMT

http://www.bikramyoga.com/60mins.mov

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies

Suggestions for wobbly ankles?

vallier — Sat, 03 Dec 2005 21:08:26 GMT

It took quite a bit of time for me to get my knees to lock in the balancing series. I've finally been able to accomplish that, but now it seems that my ankles are wobbling side to side. I hear the instructor say to equally distribute my weight between the big toe, little toe and heal, but.... for some reason I'm unable to get it yet. Does anybody else have that problem or have any suggestions for me to keep in mind while practicing the balancing series?

posted in Bikram Yoga - 5 replies

I AM IN LOVE 110% !! I LOVE BIKRAM YOGA IS so great

Farath — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 02:14:22 GMT

i feel so good with the yoga i have no stress no back pain no fear why i didn't find out about Yoga when i was 8 years old !!

I am convencing all my family to do Bikram Yoga

I have no more words to descrive this Yoga WOW

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
ONE MILLION TIMES THANK YOU BIKRAM TO BRING THIS YOGA.

posted in Bikram Yoga - 0 replies