BKS Iyengar Yoga Centre, Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa

Welcome to our Iyengar Yoga Centre Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo, South Africa

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Welcome to our new Yoga Centre.

Listed below are the workshops David will be teaching - at the Centre or at other venues.

Further down the blog you will see details of the immediate workshops, such as venue, registration details and schedule of the workshop.There is a section of comments by students, sharing their experiences of workshops they have attended.

There is a new BLOG for the home practitioner http://yogasequence.blogspot.com/

There is a separate blog dedicated to the 6-day retreats - http://iyengaryogaretreats.blogspot.com/

If you are interested in starting Iyengar yoga with us, we will be starting a Preliminary Course early 2012. More details at the blog http://preliminarycourse.blogspot.com/

There is a picture galleryand a link for more photos of workshopshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/yogawithdavid/ There is a compilation of photos of workshops over the years http://yoga-in-pictures.blogspot.com/

To book for workshops, or get more information send mail to yogawithdavid@gmail.com or call me Jürgen on 082-886-7568

Schoemanshoek,Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is the largest town in the Klein Karoo area, which is known as an unique, ecological hotpot, where three distinct biomes meet. This quaint, sunny town is settled in a beautiful valley between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains, South Africa's most recent world heritage site. The climate is perfect any time of the year with mild winters and hot summers. The air is remarkably clear and and lying stargazing on a warm evening will keep you captivated as you watch the galaxy in perfect clarity.

Oh, and don't put your head in the sand, because nor does the ostrich - it's just a myth!

Schoemanshoek is located about 12kms outside Oudtshoorn, in a fertile valley half-way to the Cango Caves. The Centre is located just out of sight in this beautiful valley. For more specific directions, please write to me and I will send it to you.

For more information about this part of the R328 route, please visit this website for details of location of the Centre (31), as well as accommodation http://cangoroute.co.za/index.php or more about the area http://www.oudtshoorninfo.com/

About David Jacobs

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An Iyengar Yoga teacher (Senior Intermediate III, certification by B.K.S.Iyengar) with a diploma in physical education, David Jacobs has dedicated his life to studying the art and science of yoga. David has been practicing for yoga for 25 years and teaching for 20 years . He has travelled to Pune, India to study under BKS Iyengar and his daughter Geeta, first in 1994 and then several annual visits thereafter. These were the first yoga classes where he saw where the technique was able to embody the philosophy.
David was the founder of the BKS Iyengar yoga centre, Cape Town in South Africa and he now runs a Centre ( BKS Iyengar Yoga Centre, Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo, South Africa) David no longer teaches public classes, in order to focus more deeply on his own practice. This allows him time to teach workshops around Southern Africa as well as Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Norway and Switzerland. David is also part of the BKS Iyengar Institute's teachers training programme.
David has experience in teaching classes for those with injuries and medical conditions, beginner’s courses, general and experience level classes. He teaches teachers and conducts workshops for teacher. He is passionately involved with the practice of yoga and its applications to daily life. His understanding of and insights into Iyengar Yoga are conveyed with authenticity and precision
Iyengar yoga is taught and named after Yoga-master B.K.S.Iyengar, who is one of the world's most influential yoga teachers. Iyengar yoga is not meant for the casual practitioner. It is an incredibly demanding practice, that will require a serious level of involvement, both physical and emotional. Iyengar yoga can be practiced by anyone and is particularly good for beginners, because of the emphasis on proper alignment. This sets the foundation for all other postures. All classes and workshops at the Centre, are taught in the Iyengar method of hatha yoga. This rigorous approach emphasizes a balance between strength and flexibility, builds endurance and develops self-awareness. Iyengar yoga, even as an exercise form, offers what no other form of exercise can offer. The method of study is orderly and progressive and the postures are adjusted to meet the physical conditions and needs of each student.

Firmly based in the ancient Indian tradition of yoga as defined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Iyengar Yoga teaches strength and stamina, flexibility and balance, concentration and meditation.
In Iyengar Yoga, the search for complete consciousness begins with physical awareness. In each posture, every part of the body is connected to every other part with intent and precision. But Iyengar Yoga goes beyond the physical to embrace emotional and spiritual growth. As students learn to extend consciousness to each part of their bodies, they begin to explore the limitless potential of the mind and the soul. The two quests are not separate, but parts of a complementary approach to self-realization and enlightenment.

Workshops with Senior Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, David Jacobs

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2012

FEBRUARY 2012

Oudtshoorn, 12 February 2012 - (8h30 - 13h00)

Oudtshoorn, 18 February 2012 -Preliminary Course 3

(09h00 - 12h00)

Oudtshoorn,24 February - 29 February 2012 - 6 day Retreat

MARCH 2012

Oudtshoorn,11 March 2012 - 08h30 - 13h00

Oudtshoorn,24 March - Preliminary Course 4

(09h00 - 12h00)

APRIL 2012

Oudtshoorn,7 April 2012 -Preliminary Course 5

(09h00 - 12h00)

Oudtshoorn, 15 April 2012 - 08h30 -13h00

Cape Town, 28 - 29 April 2012

MAY 2012

Port Elizabeth, 5 - 6 May 2012

Benoni, 12 - 13 May 2012

Alan's Studio P.E., 19 - 20May 2012

Durban, 26 May 2012

JUNE 2012

Durban, YYI, 2 - 3 June 2012

Oudtshoorn, 10 June 2012 (08h30 -13h00)

6-day Retreat Oudtshoorn, 15 -20 June 2012

Oudtshoorn,23 June 2012 -Preliminary Course 6

(09h00 - 12h00)

Knysna, 30 June - 1 July 2012

JULY 2012

Oudtshoorn, 8 July 2012 (08h30-13h00)

Oudtshoorn,14 July 2012 -Preliminary Course 7

Oudtshoorn,21 July 2012 -Preliminary Course 8

Cape Town, 28 - 29 July 2012

AUGUST 2012

Oudtshoorn,4 August 2012 -Preliminary Course 9

Oudtshoorn, 12 August 2012 (08h30 - 13h00)

Benoni, 18 -19 August 2012

SEPTEMBER 2012

Zimbabwe, 1-2 September 2012

Lyndhurst, 8 - 9 September 2012

Oudtshoorn, 23 September 2012 (10h00 - 13h00)

Oudtshoorn,29 September 2012 -Preliminary Course 10

OCTOBER 2012

Swaziland, 12 - 14 October 2012

Nelspruit, 20 - 21 October 2012

Durban, 27 October 2012

NOVEMBER 2012

St.Francis Bay, 3 - 4 November 2012

East London, 10 - 11 November 2012

Durban, 17 November 2012

6-day retreat Oudtshoorn, 23 - 28 November 2012

DECEMBER 2012

Oudtshoorn,8 December 2012 -Preliminary Course 11

Oudtshoorn,15 December 2012 -Preliminary Course 12

for bookings as well as further information about accommodation in the area, please contact me

Jürgen

"Yoga is like a deep well; one can draw water from its surface and quench one's thirst, or one can, with effort, break the surface of the water and plunge into its depth where the cool waters are constantly fed from an inexhaustible stream of distilled knowledge that can come only from one who has totally immersed himself in the ocean of wisdom." BKS Iyengar

Registration details and information for workshops

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Oudtshoorn 2012

First workshops of the year

February 18

Oudtshoorn - 09h00 – 12h00 (PC 3)

March 24

Oudtshoorn -09h00 – 12h00 (PC 4)

February 24 – 29

Oudtshoorn 6-day retreat

for more information please contact Jürgen

"With prayers for Divine Blessings, now begins an exposition of the sacred art of Yoga" BKS Iyengar

For more workshop information contact Jürgen on 082 886 7568

or write to me yogawithdavid@gmail.com

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South Africa welcomed Dr. Geeta S. Iyengar to South Africa

6th - 11th May 2011

Thank you for your wonderful teaching

Comments from students after workshops

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I would like to thank you both for an absolutely wonderful (exhausting!!) weekend.

I got to learn from both of you, not just your knowledge of the asana's, but your wealth of wisdom and information. Your kindness and love for people and environment that radiated from your souls, touched me.

David, your knowledge, your willingness and patience to answer our questions, your guidance through the asanas, your wit....Jurgen...your loving help - the twinkle in your eyes, your little chirps ..... you encourage my exhausted body to go further!!!

You have to be a special kind of person to be able to share so readily with others. Know that all I sponged up from you will now be passed onto my pupils,and I will do my best to impart that knowledge as best as I can!!

Until our paths meet again Thank you and Namaste

Gill Grobler (St Francis Bay, Nov 2011)

Surviving the Stretching Rack

As I haven’t been practising yoga for that long, and feel somewhat fraudulent calling myself a Yogi, I was quite surprised to find that I had signed myself up for the Daddy of all yoga lessons, a two day course with yoga guru, David Jacobs.

Anxiously, I awaited the D-day with trepidation, my mind constricting my brain with unhelpful thoughts of being banished from the class on a stretcher for my arrogance at thinking I could actually cope with this class.

Finally the day does arrive, a clear crisp early Saturday morning, and somewhat fearful, I arrive at Cheryl’s yoga studio. The studio is neatly organised with props and mats, setting the tone for a very well run and prepared course. I find my mat, and as I place my uneasy body down onto its new cushy surface, I can feel the dynamic and cohesive energy that is filling the room as people chatter quietly and I realise that this is actually going to be great.

David is a tall fit man, with a distinctive voice and a firm but approachable manner. His knowledge about yoga is as expansive as the Himalayan mountain region, and his expectations of his student just as high. Jurgen, the gentle giant, is David’s wingman. He is unobtrusive, helpful and encouraging. Together this Bonnie & Clyde duo, prove to be somewhat of a force to be reckoned with, both on the body and the mind.

Throughout the two day course, we are stretched to the limit, pushed beyond our perceived capabilities and gently nudged into better yogis. The occasional moan and groan or exclamation of wonder escapes our lips (especially from Hillary) when overcoming tough poses and watching each other do better, go further and reach higher.

The day is broken by lunch. Having spat and polished our poses for hours, Margaret’s delicious vegetarian food is like grandma’s silverware –priceless. Although, stopping after just one helping proves harder than a chataranga!

Re-energised from lunch, it’s back to the studio for round two. David’s ability to teach a class of various levels with ease and flow is to be commended. His ‘drill-sergeant’ attitude promotes his students to the next level and his clear passion for yoga is infectious. While Jurgen’s compassion-antennae works overtime to encourage those who are flailing and to push those at ease.

By the end of the second day, our bodies are tired, and muscles we didn’t even know existed are sore. But we feel stronger, braver and more in tune with our bodies and minds. Like real yogis.

I leave the studio, somewhat emotional, hobbling home to a warm bath. As I drift off to sleep that night, with a well deserved ‘look at what I accomplished’ smile on my face, my mind no longer swirls with negative thoughts of inadequacy, but rather David’s voice enters my head with commanding instructions, ‘head back’, ‘bend further’, ‘stretch higher’. And I realise that although the course is sadly over, the lessons have been carved into my better aligned bones.

So this is to say thank you.

To David and Jurgen for sharing your expertise with us.

To Cheryl for organising the course with such meticulous care and thought.

To Margaret and Khosi for their culinary skills and generosity of their time.

To Clive for taking one for the male team, and for helping out with the organisation.

To Amanda for encouraging me to sign up and challenge myself.

And finally to all the students for your camaraderie, dedication and enthusiasm. (Taryn, Johannesburg 22/23May 2010)

About six weeks ago, events that were in total conflict with the observation of ahimsa in my life led to the fracture of the base knuckle of my thumb and the detachment of the ligament. The ligament had to be surgically reattached, with the surgeon’s instructions– no movement or pressure on that hand for at least eight weeks and the continual wearing of a supportive cast for twice that time. Now my personal practice is the Ashtanga Vinyasa method and I darkly pondered the prospects, no Upward or Downward-facing Dog, Chaturanga Dandasanas and none of the numerous arm balances I so enjoy, for at least two months!

The emotional storm clouds moved in.

Light in this apparent darkness came in the form of an Iyengar workshop led by David Jacobs that was being held in the exquisite location of Hogsback. It was time for me to vacate my familiar Ashtanga surroundings and allow the light of something a little different to shine on my yoga practice.

The workshop began on a cool Friday afternoon as a soft veil of mist moved in to stifle the last few efforts of the sun and to add an almost “out of focus” like quality to the surrounding forests of Hobbitville. David began with an invocation on Patanjali for the simple reason that we consider him as our Guru in yoga. As Iyengar has said “this great sage gave us grammar for right speech, medicine for health and yoga for mind culture, when we are in our yoga sadhana, we should think of him and pay our reverential respects to him so that our minds may be tuned to the good thoughts of his works”. He then recited one of the sutras and our asana practice commenced.

The teachers in our group were asked to identify themselves and to then perform a particular asana. Critical assessments were made to highlight the importance of samskaras (mental impressions of the past) and the responsibilities teachers have when imparting knowledge to students. As a student of David and in my capacity as a teacher I value criticism, because after all “teaching is learning, and re-learning is true teaching”.

There were twelve students taking part in the workshop ranging from beginners to “not such beginners” and there was a continual flow of attention from both David and his assistant Jurgen. Any critique leveled at a posture executed with a flagging sense of tapas (ardour or austerity) always came from a foundation of respect for that person’s greater potential. For every student, throughout the entirety of the workshop, no matter what their strengths or limitations were, every asana was accessible and the use of props made sure there was no excuse not to seek and apply technique. There was the salt of sweat, the salt of tears, there was laughter too and always the ache of muscles that had been stretched beyond their perceived boundaries.

David’s teaching has a strong core of strictness and discipline but also an aura of love and compassion. One is continually aware of the deep reverence, respect and gratitude he has for his teachers, Guruji and

the entire Iyengar family and also for the roots of the yogic system. When the practice ended for the day we all sat together, sharing vegetarian meals that I can only describe as magnificent, whilst David and Jurgen regaled us with tales of their travels to India and experiences of their classes at the Iyengar Institute in Pune.

For Monday morning I prepared a Vinyasa flow class containing a strong warrior sequence with a more than usual focus on alignment. I couldn’t help noticing during one of the earlier Warrior 1 postures as I

took the breath count past five, I received a few corrective glances as if I had possibly lost the ability to count correctly. When I took the breath count past ten, more than a few glances turned stormy!

The benefits of a soaking rain, although initially appreciated, are only truly realized a few days later when the grass seems to glow a little greener and the flowers start to bloom. I started my morning practice with an extension of gratitude to David for the light he has shone on my practice, my teaching and my life. To everyone involved at the weekend in Hogsback, Namaste`. (Alan Waite, Hogsback E.C May 2010)

"Your 3 day yoga workshop in early September in Harare was one of the highlights of my year. Successive years of running ultra marathons to make up for a misspent youth have left my body as stiff as a piece of karoo biltong. I have never before participated in a course that required so much stamina and will power and which was conducted so professionally. It was great for the first time to be in the presence of two men who had mastered the art of yoga and were it not for the incredible humour of the two of you i am sure i would have dropped out instead of collapsing on the floor in a fit of hysterical laughter. It is a real gift and credit to both of you that you can bring people from all works of life together and not make even the most amatuerish yogi feel like the class dunce...thank you and i will be back." ( Chris Ventura, Zimbabwe October 2009)

“I wanted to thank you both so much for the inspirational workshop. It was such a gift to us. Thank you for your passion and dedication to yoga, that naturally overflows from you both and touches your students. Thank you also for your warmth, compassion, guidance and joy. It was truly an honor to spend the time with you both. I know that I speak for peta jenny and myself when I say that your teachings have transformed and inspired all of our practices and our yoga journeys”. Philippa, Zimbabwe May 2009

".....you might be surprised to know that I have probably been practising Yoga longer than anyone else present that day, having started in the early 60's as a student! Even with a couple of breaks over the years, I still have a good many years' practice under my belt. Regrettably, years of backpacking, bad posture and an unsuccessful encounter with an orthopaedic surgeon have left me with messed-up knees, neck and feet respectively. However, in spite of these problems, I really enjoyed the day on Saturday. I felt I was being pushed to my capacity, but not beyond it, and I was in serious need of being reminded of my bad posture. I am now trying to be more aware, and have asked friends to nag me when they catch me slumping! It will have been clear to you that everyone enjoyed the weekend enormously, and those more proficient than I will have learnt a great deal.

David, you have the rare gift of bringing out the best in pupils with just the right amount of strictness, tempered with gentleness and good humour, and with Jurgen seemingly everwhere at once to assist where needed, you make a fabulous team! Thank you both for your kindness and understanding."

Love, Sally-at-the-Back (YYI course in Durban May 2009)

CLOSED - the sign outside the studio, empty yoga studio that had been my practice for many years. No warning. No hint of the reasons behind it The studio shut its doors, scattering a community of students and teachers. What would become of my practice now, without the physical space that housed it?

After my shock subsided, I asked the universe for guidance. The response was clear. Try every studio in the area. Reach out and take every class you can. The practice of your past will not be the practice of the future.

I've been a devoted yoga student, but with the studio's closure, my kind of yoga was no longer available in my town. I had to open up to other styles of yoga, a choice I wouldn't have made for myself. I learned new asanas. I have learned that the true practice is within, that you can be happy and stagnant at the same time, and that you can turn away from new possibilities without realizing it.

A door closes: many others open. Students and teachers from the old studio reconnect in new places and in new ways. I miss my former studio, but since its closing, my practice has expanded exponentially - and along with it, my perception of myself as a yoga students and as an individual in the world. Anonymous

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..... there is very little said about the actual yoga and what others could expect at David's workshops. Well, it is deep yoga practice, with focus on complete and deep movement, gently. Bolsters and supports are used, with thorough and friendly instructor attention. Knowledge is shared freely, and as many attendees are ioistructors too, much is shared and learnt. The perfect definition of workshop. Both Jurgen and David could be describe by a Yidish auntie as "Mensch". I can not ask for a more complete instruction, and will be back." See you in Hermanus! Niel Jonker (January 2009)

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"I would just like to thank you both for the opportunity to have been in the presence of your expertise and your infectious convictions. My experience and knowledge acquired from your workshop have been put into action, and no doubt will benefit the yogi's who come to my classes. The intelligence and refinement you bring to my personal understanding and practice can only come form two such souls who have answered their calling in life!"

Namaste, Sabrina (Lyndhurts, Johannesburg September 2008)

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"Namaskar dear David and Jurgen - just a short note to thank you both for a great workshop at Kerry's Haum of Yoga studio. You're such fabulous people (I'm sure you hear this often) and David, you're such a wonderful teacher - I don't think I would find another whom I could trust so implicitely!!!!! I am in awe and feel most honoured, to say the very least. It was a truly profound experience (and fun in a rather sado-masochistic way!). I learnt so much and will definitely be at the next and the next and the next (hopefully by then with looser hips, an improvement in the sacral area and less fear!) I'm going to try to find "Yoga the Iyengar Way" as you suggested, to use in my self-practice sessions. And with a bit of luck I'll be able to do the wheel without choosing to rather put needles in my eyes instead!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish you both all the very best, much happiness and continued health, success and wellbeing."

( Norma Kidson, Haum of Yoga, August 2008)

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"David is a natural born teacher who brings out the best in all his students. He has the ability to get under your skin and make you fully aware of your body and state of mind. He is vigorous, authoritative, and some say relentless. Yet by the same token humorous, extremely perceptive and caring. His workshops are much talked about and for good reason. He generates a feeling of connectedness and group spirit even among large crowds and challenges us to go beyond our perceived limits. Not only do you feel elated and fully stretched in all compartments, but you will walk away having learned a myriad of innovative and creative approaches to improve your own practice or teaching methods. He might even sow the seeds of a life-long yoga practice in you – something he certainly did for me." (Lars Krüger, Iyengar Teacher at Yoga Warrior May 2008)

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Baie dankie vir die manier hoe julle inligting met ons buite die Iyengar groep deel, vir die kennis en praktiese toepassing, die passie, dissipline en manier hoe julle met elkeen in die groep gewerk het en geïnspireer het. Julle toewyding en suiwerheid van die manier hoe julle werk het duidelik na vore gekom en word waardeer. Almal het presies geweet wat verwag word en dat daar nie lyf weggesteek kan word nie.
(Hester Van Zyl, Young Yoga Institute, Nelspruit 2008)

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I just wanted to express my sincere thanks to you both for the two wonderful workshops that I have experienced (so far!) with you - the YYI - La Verna workshop in March, and then our own Nelspruit workshop last month. I found the experience exhilarating, stretching (in both senses of the word..), and learned a lot about my own limitations and frustrations. Not to mention how much I have learned in terms of becoming a better teacher. I am inspired to greatness by your examples. So thanks for the humour, the strength, the sternness, the passion, the gentleness, the eloquence, the intelligence, and the confidence with which you share your teachings. Thank you indeed for being prepare to share. May the fresh mountain air always fill your lungs, golden sunshine warm you, and the ancient wisdom of Africa embrace you.
(Kim Olbrich, Nelspruit 2008)

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Wow! What a weekend.

I must admit to having felt a bit anxious at the prospect of attending a 16-hour workshop. With David, moreover. Would my body hold out? (Would my mind hold out…) Would my husband have packed his bags and left the kids with the neighbours by the end of the weekend? Had my preparations/maintenance been enough since David and Jurgen left Camps Bay half a year ago? I recalled the 90-minute sessions with them, after which I would emerge, sopping with sweat, to go to bed as though I had run a marathon. Was I mad contemplating 16 hours of it? Granted, broken up into two seven-hour days and one evening session – but, still. Quite a tall order for a rookie who still finds most of the standing poses quite a challenge!

Thankfully, I was able to leave my worries at the door and, together with most of the other participants, saw it through to the end. For my part, I found it a thoroughly absorbing, informative and challenging time. From the obligatory standing postures (often with the useful approach of graduated exercises leading to the final posture); to the pranayama sessions at the beginning of each day (who would have guessed that there was so much to breathing – and that was just the exhaling bit!); to the extended sessions of forward-bends, back-bends, twists (ending with neutral poses, not extreme counter-poses – got it!) and inversions (how I still need to build up that stamina…) and, of course, some restoratives and ever-welcome savasanas. Never forgetting Jurgen’s ever-attentive administrations - a quiet word of encouragement here, a gentle adjustment there, a twinkle in the eye and mood-lightening quip when he senses your resolve is wavering.
What more could one ask for?
This is not to say I breezed through it. Certainly not. Easy is not what I’ve come to expect from David – but who wants easy? I laughingly recalled during the course of the weekend how traumatic my first two lessons with him had been. How devastated I was to discover how uncooperative and stiff my body had become – and how he noticed every single misplacement and misalignment, and let me know it! (I reckon his hawk eyes must have caught me out upwards of thirty times in each of those first two lessons.) It took a large dollop of courage and a pretty strong leap of faith to come back.
And how glad I am to have done so.
My motivations were of course initially very much ego-centred – somewhere between bloody-mindedness (“I’m going to get his criticisms down to under ten per class if it kills me in the process!”) and a bizarre need to please this hard-to-please man (“just one thing right, just one thing right, please!”) But somewhere along the road it became
apparent to me that what I was interpreting as criticism (how fragile our egos are…) is simply a purist’s insistence on imparting to us the exact workings of this art/science/life that is yoga. And it’s an insistence that we actually get it right. I could choose to take it personally, or I could shed (or at least pack in the boot before class) my ego, immerse myself, and learn all I could. If one is lucky to find a teacher of this calibre who has spent most of his time living and breathing his subject, it is strongly advisable to make the most of the opportunity.

So, thank you to you both for this wonderful experience. I trust that you will both continue to bring enlightenment to your pupils, wherever you may settle – or even in your current gypsy format! Teaching is your gift. Anonymous

Photo Gallery

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The building of the BKS Iyengar Yoga Centre, Oudtshoorn has begun

March 2011

In the Beginning, there was dust.....

.......it doesn't look like much - but wait and see!!

Look - walls appear!!

and now the house has a roof!!

inside the studio......

Studio in background with house in front (April 2011)

Now they both have a roof and windows - May 2011

inside the studio a few weeks later!

Progress - 1st June 2011

Location -Location - Location!!!

Studio - moving forward

The house and studio middle of July 2011

and here we are all finished September 2011

August 2007

Last class at the B.K.S.Iyengar Yoga Centre, Camps Bay, South Africa

all smiles before the Chair Salabhasana

Parvattanasana in Virasana

Viparita Dandasana in chair

more photos at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yogawithdavid/

David and the Hollywood connection

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QUESTION

How many yoga teachers do you know personally, that have appeared in a Hollywood motion picture opposite Hilary Swank and Christopher Eccleston?

ANSWER

Two, David and Jürgen, formerly of Camps Bay, Cape Town.Mira Nair, internationally renowned and award winning director was in Cape Town during July and August 2008, to complete her latest project. "Amelia", a motion picture based on the life of first women pilot, Amelia Erhart. The film stars Hilary Swank as Amelia, Richard Gere as her husband. Christopher Eccleston is the navigator on her flights and Ewan McGregor a love interest.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

David introduced Mira to Iyengar yoga in 1995 and she regularly attended classes with him until moving to New York. Mira asked David to be available to teach regular yoga classes whilst filming. Yoga classes were taught daily at their hotel; the group of yogis varied from only a few regulars to a large number of newcomers. Mostly Mira and some of her crew (and cast) attended classes, among others the director of photography, directors of set and costume design, producers and sound recorders.It was arranged for us to give Hilary and her staff a class at their boutique hotel - a chance to get up close to this two time Oscar winning actress. David made quiet an impact on her and on subsequent meetings on the movie set, we kept reminding her of keeping her posture. Hilary particularly disliked Paschima Namaskar (hands behind the back in prayer position) but smilingly worked those palms together.Mira informed us that she had cast us both in the movie as Mali officials, that we would be contacted to have a costume fitting and then be on set the following Saturday.Our day on set was exhausting as much as it was amazing.As special guests of the director we got VIP treatment from private trailer in which to get into costume and transport onto the set. Once on the set we found ourselves facing the "Electra" on the landing strip in the African scene of Mali. The scene was set: Amelia and her navigator would disembark, be rushed by a crowd of local children, be greeted by the 2 Mali officials, sign fuel documents and then move off to explore the African scene.After a few rehearsals, we were wired for sound and with the words "ACTION" we became part of this movie, shaking hands with Hilary Swank and Christopher Eccleston, "Welcome to Mali, Miss Erhart, Mr Noonen"We thought that we might slip into extras oblivion, just more bodies to fill in the background - but to quote Mira: "Yoga nepotism" and with that she immortalized her yoga teachers.It doesn't get much better than that - or does it? We had heard from Mira that Richard Gere had arrived for his part of this shoot in South Africa. She had invited him to yoga classes but he told her that he had loads of lines to learn. However, one evening on our way to dinner with the yogis, we met Richard quite by chance, we were introduced and enchanted by this gentle man.Thereafter, all that was left were a few more classes and we would be driving back home to our sleepy village by the sea.The last class was an emotional one, saying good bye to new friends and old ones.One final high as Richard Gere slipped into the last row onto a mat to join in for the last class. They all worked hard, considering the amount of physical and emotional effort required to complete this movie. Mira had started her few weeks of yoga with us, barely able to move with serious lower back pain and now was able to bend like the yogi she truly is.After everyone had left, we spent the next hour in private conversation with Mr. Gere himself. Sharing his passion for his study of Buddhism, his family and career.
A special and never-to-be-forgotten moment that ended our connection with Hollywood.

If you had a chance to see the movie when it was released late 2009, you will notice that we are not in the scene...pity, we were looking forward to a new career in the movie business :)

My passage to India

2007-07-22T16:21:00.001+02:00

It's almost a year since my return from the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune India. I have wanted to put my thoughts, impressions and opinions in writing - this seems as good a spot as any. It has to be said, that the following recollection of the month of October 2007 in Pune is expressed as a personal interpretation of events.
With accolades too many to mention, Mr. Iyengar, with names such as "The Lion of Pune", or "Michelangelo of Yoga", or always referred to as GuruJi, excudes his presence on all levels at the Institute. After a glimpse of him on my first day, it was on Day 2 that I found myself at his feet. Kneeling, I touched the feet, that have been touched by so many before me, then hands to the heart with the palms together, head bowed. I saluted GuruJi and with a softly spoken, 'Namaste' by him I had met the Legend in person.
First in line at the top of the steps outside the asana floor, I saw them at work - all of them, teachers and Guruji's serious pupils with patients; a ramble of bodies with medical and remedial asanas being given under the watchful eye of Geeta and her father. Helpers working with individual sequences to suit the medical malady. At almost 90, here is Mr. Iyengar supervising and helping, intentionally or not, passing on his expertise.The staircase by now is filled to capacity, we get the all clear to wait - yes, some helpers are required to clear and pack away the umpteen wooden props that line the edges of the balcony below the windows. We form a line of students, assistants and organized chaos (so often experienced in India) removes the props into storage areas out of the way.Rumours abound of her ill health and possibilities that she would not even teach. Her women's class has been taught by her sister, Sunita (under the constant scrutiny of her father). By this time we had already missed the regular Monday evening class due to an Indian festival. A class of Prashant, my very first experience of his philosophical teachings behind me, I was soooo ready to meet Geeta on her own turf.

It's Friday evening and a scuffle of activity to get the fans and microphones to work - this means Geeta will be teaching. After last night's pranayama class, I knew that tonight she would move us all beyond our capabilities. The invocation completed - Adho Mukha Virasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, then Uttanasana. Time for Geeta to organize the room; illness, weakness, menstruation, etc. move to the back of the room doing forward bends. "Tadasana - wake up the sleepy dull mind by taking thighs back, shoulders back, sternum lifting, armpit chest well open, stretching into little finger more". Standing poses followed by Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, Chaturanga Dandasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana - practice shoulder action. (shoulders lift up and back, away from floor) And so we were taken through the class by this supremely talented, kind expert - knowing when to push more and when to let loose.There is something so magical about Geeta's smile, the gestures with her raised hand, the other one on the hip. To make us understand she would use everyday examples, things that everyone can relate to. As in Johannesburg, I hang on her every word, I hear every word and observe every gesture. I get all her jokes and understand every instruction. I obey and learn, my body reacts, responds accordingly and I love every moment of our very short session. Geeta leaves the room as quietly as she arrived - a long wait until we will be treated to her teaching on Monday night.

In between these rituals at the Institute, are many hours of daily self-practice. These are either after Prashant's morning class or between 9 and 12 on other days.

There are 2 factors and considerations when one travels to the Institute. One is India - the other yoga! Although the yoga to some degree is the known aspect, it still presents us/me with challenges that you may not face a home. When practicing at home, my self-discipline ensures a mature, good quality practice - whilst here you are among others and always in the company of Guruji and his family. Whether you like it or not, it adds a degree of self-imposed diligence. If only to avoid disappointing Mr. Iyengar - after all, you may not want to impress him, but you do want to respect his teachings with your practice. Always a little, one morning I found myself almost alone in the asana room with Mr.Iyengar - I greeted him and we went to our respective mats. Mr. Iyengar with the help of some assistants, was setting up for the private remedial classes with an Indian dignitary. As usual dressed in his bright orange shorts, he did some of his own practice. Suddenly I found myself out the way down to Utthita Trikonasana, hand on the ankle as my eyes caught his gaze. I can't remember ever having done a better Trikonasana - and although he has a reputation of being ever-critical and ever-observant he observed. I will never know what must surely have gone through his mind ...! Whilst Mr. Iyengar does his own practice, it may vary but usually the holds are very long.
Soon the room is full and all are going about there practice. Occasional orders and jeers from Guruji as he keeps the attention of his helpers scurrying for props, he works the Indian celebrity body - the Iyengar way!
Initially it felt as if I would never get through the month - if the first week was anything to go by. But somehow the days come and go and some things get easier, even if it's only because of it's familiarity.

The highlight of the trip was without doubt - two-fold; I had met the Legend and his very talented daughter, Geeta. A pity that there are so few classes with this masterful teacher - even less this month because of Diwali and Desara festivals. They did make up for it by doubling up on classes on days when we did not have a scheduled class.

Every part of Geeta's class is meticulously prepared and delivered. Clear, explicit instructions get to the root of the specific part of the body and with direction the movement into the pose follows. This is a voice I would recognize anywhere; one that is laboured as it is distinct. The eyes that see all and a smile that reveals compassion. However harsh the raised voice may appear to the intended wrong-doer - it never malicious. Usually the student at the receiving end had it coming. There is never a time that Geeta is unreasonable in the reproach of the student - and if you thought you could hide amongst the masses of bodies - you were mistaken. Time and again after lengthy, detailed instruction even to the extend of treating us like children (raise your right arm - you all got it - right arm), still some students get it wrong. You are required to be able to think on your feet - know the sequence for menstruation, fever and the like, so you can carry on while others do the class with her.

Last night after 5 days of double classes with back bending , Geeta gave yet another one. Urdhva Dhanurasana and Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana on and on an endless number of times pushing away from the floor. Then dropping back and coming up from Urdhva Dhanurasana - and then more Viparita Dandasana. And even the long Sarvangasana seemed like a blessing. The back bend madness continued with Prashant the next morning and the week ended with some forward bends and twists.

One day before the festival of Diwali on 19 October, we all took part in the celebration of Patanjali's birthday. All the statues in the Institute draped in flower garlands, the whole Iyengar family present and dressed in rich and colourful attire, the festivities were an inspiring talk by Prashant and then Mr. Iyengar.
Prashant's main focus on Patanjali was on the aspect of 'grammar' - contribution by Patanjali in the first line of the Invocation "vankaranam" - Sanskrit meaning the sounds and meanings of words rather than their grammatic importance. It's inspiring to listen to Prashant, as he very eloquently and passionately spoke of the language of Sanskrit, it's long history and mystical reference in the yoga sutras. Prashant ended by briefly talking about Ayurveda, the yogic science of health. In closing he handed over to Guruji, who spoke briefly about study of the complete awareness of all aspects of the yogic practice.

Diwali brought 5 days of rest and reflection and although a tremendous amount of noise with fireworks, we did get some rest. Diwali with all this activity and dust, there are some aspects of these festivals and India that are exceptional. The candle light in tiny bowls outside front doors, some are ornately decorated in vibrant rangolis, others a single tiny light in front of very humble shacks. An unexpected and heavy downpour washes away the weeks of dust and dirt, turning the roads into rivers - making a clean slate for the last week.

Mr.Iyengar, father, guru to some, teacher to many thousands and inspiration to many more. Geeta, the daughter, teacher to many, a driving force unhindered by her medical restrictions that clearly plagues her body, emerging from the Light of her father as a teacher far greater than many realize or are willing to acknowledge. Geeta holds it all together as the younger Iyengars are primed for the future. And there is Prashant, son and brother, teacher to so many, lateral pragmatic thinker and philosopher that adds a very evolutionary touch to and plays a most vital role in this trilogy of Masters.

It is my opinion as a novice teacher, that students coming to Iyengar yoga from now on will have the best of all three worlds - and if guided to explore all aspects of this trilogy, practice and teach with the aim to bring together and understand these aspects, this style of yoga will continue to grow and evolve. As Mr. Iyengar as endured through the years, and has brought forward his son and daughter to add clarity and understanding of his work, so we too must continue to understand the whole subject of body,mind and breath.

As for India, you have to admire these industrious people - crammed together everywhere, in buses, on bicylces, mopeds and rickshaws, trucks of all sizes carry goods and people. The pavements overflow with a contrasting stream of these small, colourful and drab, friendly and intensely spiritual. Disabled beggars, acrobatic trios of filthy street children, sadus and street merchants selling cups of chai, fruit or instant hot meals. Idols of varying faiths abound in these dusty streets, time is given to honour and adourn the shrines, temples and it's worshippers. Never did I hear an angry word or gesture thoughout this past month - two lanes of traffic become 4 or 5 depending on the size of the vehicle, as traffic lights and laws serve as a guide, to be ammended/adapted to suit the occasion or situation. Umteen narrow-misses and never a scratch as the mass of motorized transport gets on with it on pot-holed roads of Pune. I am still not sure who has the right of way, except when passing an elephant and his mahoot collecting rupees, he definitley takes over the road. The chaos and pollution aside, the streets, alleys and neigbourhoods make up this crowded Indian city and this Indian experience.