UPDATE: I do not know anything about John Friend -other than the fact that I read that NY Times article about him-, however, the video seems to be awakening a few sings of discomfort. I see the points and welcome the discussion, very much.
The only reason why I put the video up is because I sincerely liked the drawings very much and I thought he was bowing in front of the masters that have come to Encinitas before him. My view may have been wrong.
Because I really don't know much about his style I would like to hear specifics as of why is it that his style is not so much a service to the yoga tradition. Feel free to comment please and educate me and others that may want to read about it.
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Great promotional video for John Friend's Anusara center as it approahces opening its doors in Encinita.
Glad to see that he has Pattabhi Jois and Tim Miller in the drawings...
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why?
ReplyDeleteHi Bindy, not sure what your why refers to, is it why he is coming? he says is because he loves the energy of the place... but I am still not sure I get your question
ReplyDeleteugh
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia did you receive that as a promotion in your inbox? I did. I thought it was strange...
ReplyDeleteHi, Sereneflavor, no I did not, I just saw it on twitter.
ReplyDeleteGrimmly, Bindy and Sereneflavor guess I touched a chord here...
I second Grimmly's "ugh."
ReplyDeleteI was just talking to my teacher about the dwindling Ashtanga Vinyasa community in Austin, and you know what she said? "Anasura did us in." Haha!
Back off, Mr. Friend. We mean it this time.
claudia-what are you talking about on your blog? i know u r open & all that but....what is this supposed to be about?
ReplyDeleteha ha war of the yogis! i must be a bit soft, the video had me thinking oooh encintas...mind you I think it was the mountains and surf (together) that grabbed my attention, aaah mountains and surf..bliss ; )
ReplyDeleteMegan, that is intresting... I have actually never taken a class if John Friend, and other than the NY Times article I know pretty much nothing...
ReplyDeleteI am a bit with エスタ, perhaps I see things differently, I have 0 doubts that Tim is strong, very strong in his community, and I kind of liked the drawings of the video...
Bindy, as per the blog, the focus in on ashtanga yes, but as the readership grew I realized that even though the main focus is and mainly always will be ashtnaga, there are other things that are related to yoga that interest me, in the blogwatches for example, I point out to some really interesting articles, not all of them about yoga... but I appreciate your point of view.
Now I am wondering what might be the deal with Anusara, other than "stealing customers" which is what I gather... does he really have that much power?
unfortunately yes. everyone i teach that comes from his style has NO idea how to perform correct asana. it's a real drag having to convince & correct all of them. hard work undoing the garbage he is passing on as "yoga." he's done nothing but corrupt yoga. with a big fat smile on his face all the way to the bank.
ReplyDeleteHello Claudia,
ReplyDeleteI have tried to refrain from commenting on this video, in order to avoid creating bad energy, but I guess I can never keep my mouth shut (sigh...).
I think the problem with the video is not that he might be "stealing customers"; after all, practitioners are absolutely free to practice with whatever teacher or whatever style they choose, and whether or not John Friend chooses to set up a studio in Encinitas should have no effect on Tim's teaching and his students one way or the other. Tim's going to continue to do his thing, and John Friend will do his thing.
In my opinion, the problem lies with the tone of the video. If Friend wants to make a promotional video to promote his Anusara studio that is coming soon to Encinitas, sure, go right ahead. But why mention all these other people (Tim, Guruji, Yogananda, George Harrison) that have nothing to do with Anusara? It just leaves a bad taste in the mouth...
If you have something good to offer, you should just focus on selling your product in your promo videos. Leave other people out of the picture. I mean, even Walmart doesn't talk about their competitors in their commercials. This is just very bad form.
Okay, I shall get off my high yogic chair now :-)
agree 100% nobel. it's just incredibly disrespectful. but mr. friend has never cared about respect so he probably thinks he is doing encinitas a favor. i'm sure he will be huge.
ReplyDeleteit's also off-putting being a HUGE fan of ravi & george that they are mentioned. like luring people with mac & cheese. sorry to be an ass but i feel pretty strong about this crap.
ReplyDeleteBindithug, this is an eye-opener for me, as I do not know anything about the man or the style (as I said other than that article), what kind of poses do you find correcting? could you give us some examples? I mean it honestly, I want to learn about it. As per the part of ravi and george, I can see how it would be upsetting,
ReplyDeleteIn a way if anything it made me feel that there may be some insecurity of the part of the whole Anusara sceen appearing in Encinitas and that by saying these names it could have been like a sign of respect or "lowering himself" in front of these masters... maybe I am mistaken
Nobel yes, I can see that.
Everyone, I just put this UPDATE in the post, I appreciate the conversation sparked here
ReplyDeleteUPDATE: I do not know anything about John Friend -other than the fact that I read that NY Times article about him-, however, the video seems to be awakening a few sings of discomfort. I see the points and welcome the discussion, very much.
The only reason why I put the video up is because I sincerely liked the drawings very much and I thought he was bowing in front of the masters that have come to Encinitas before him. My view may have been wrong.
Because I really don't know much about his style I would like to hear specifics as of why is it that his style is not so much a service to the yoga tradition. Feel free to comment please and educate me and others that may want to read about it.
Claudia, An yoga studio in my area sent me a link to that video on Wednesday, and I blogged about it yesterday. like I said, I thought THAT was strange. I merely questioned why Encinitas is so hot right now, and why is he referring to Guruji and to Tim if his teacher is/was Iyengar and he does not even mention him. Like I said in my post I'm pretty sure Tim is above the fray, But it does seem that the fruit 30 years of humble teaching is now being scooped up by others who did not put in the elbow grease so to speak. I know that business is business but this is also yoga.
ReplyDeleteA few weeks ago I watched while Claudia did the primary series with Sharath. I'm a beginner at Ashtanga Yoga. I really hope I have the discipline to build a daily practice for the rest of my life. After much convincing Claudia finally got me on the mat a few months ago. Its helped that i've seen her results and discipline with it over the past several years. She never misses a day. She might not like me saying this but during her "ladies holiday" she refused to miss a day of Sharath led class and did the inversions, etc.
ReplyDeleteI had to check out the video she put up when I saw all these comments. People almost seem angry and I'm not used to seeing that in a yoga forum, particularly this blog which I know is created out of love for ashtanga yoga. I watched the video and I learned two new things about Encinitas: the George Harrison connection and the Yogananda question. Interesting stuff!
In terms of the reference to Tim Miller and Jois, it reminds me of the Apple Think! campaigns ten years ago referencing Einstein.
Its marketing. Its business. Its America. Iyengar, Ramaswami, Jois, Mohan, Desichar all refer to Krishnamacharya even though in my limited reading they are all completely different. Iyengar seems REALLY different from Jois for instance.
Are they marketing?
I can't figure out all these things. Anyone seeing that video on this blog about ashtanga yoga is not going to be "converted". I'm happy when a day goes by and I can look back and say I did yoga. And today I learned two new things about Encinitas. A town I never even heard of a few months ago.
Now I'm going to force my nine year old daughter to watch Schindler's list tonight. Remember the scenes with the girl in the read coat? For my nine year old that will be a more terrifying video before sleeptime than this Encinitas one.
Hey James, It's not that the video is terryfing, It is more like yoga students can be a sentimental bunch. I am going to venture out and say that many of the comments come from people who have taken a workshop with Tim. My blubbery corny testimonial is that I will always owe him for his generosity, humility and skill. I bet he thinks we are being ridiculous. It kind of feels like a big food chain is setting up shop next to the small deli and the owner has always been real special to us. The big chain is not evil but it's going to raise our friend's costs. Yoga students tend to be vocal about their affectionate feelings toward their teachers. Also Claudia has developed an impressive amount of equanimity, that even seasoned yogis do not yet have. We thank her for keeping the cybershala lively!
ReplyDeleteSerene, thanks for the response. Its very interesting. I'm fascinated from so many perspectives. Look at Borders. Everyone thought the small bookstore was dead. Now Borders is dead. Publishers are dead (but they don't know it yet). And writers are only beginning to re-flourish (after about a 10 year decline).
ReplyDeleteIn judaism, some of the most conservative followers of a 3500 year tradition (give or take 500 years), now turn on and off the light switch on a Satuday afternoon.
I can see in Claudia the deep respect for lineage. She's ordered every book on Krishnacharya she could find. Every book that mentions Pattabhi Jois. Sharath's comments on lineage a few weeks ago have been subject to endless interpretation in our after-practice breakfasts. (was he referring to Krishnamacharya lineage? Pattabi Jois lineage? Sharath lineage? Very unclear) She was happy to see mentions of Tim Miller and Pattabhi Jois in the video, two masters she deeply respects.
I can speak for her because she's dead asleep from pain medication after a brutal root canal today. Maybe she'll be a little miffed in the morning. (she goes "hmmpph" when she reads something she doesn't like).
My view: everyone is just trying to make a living. We all want to feed our families. And its scary with 20% shadow unemployment and an uncertain global economy. Same for the ansura teachers. All we can do is do yoga in the morning and know that for ourselves personally we are following a good path.
I can't really do that consistently but I hope one day. Grimmly is an inspiration in how he's pieced together a consistent practice out of a few "cousin lineages".
Wow! This comment discussion has made me feel very naive, I too thought the pictures were cool, know nothing about this Anusura stuff but hey. I think if you are into Ashtanga nothing will change that, as Sharath said, if the flower is sweet the bees will gather. When I started my class here there was hardly any yoga, hence me starting a class (wasn't totally into the idea, but wanted our class to contine when the teacher left) since then yoga has sprung up all over the place I thought my class would die. Afterall I can\t compete with flashy rooms, heating and showers and baths for after.... But thanks, I think, to all the money they spend on advertising awareness of YOga has grown, and so have my classes. People try out classes until they find what gets them. It's good people can find the yoga that works for them. I have no idea about Anusaras methods, but if it doesn't work perhaps the student will go find something better having learnt a good lesson ; ) Ashtanga isn't perhaps for everyone, something for all tastes. Personally I can't understand why EVERYONE isn't as hooked to Ashtanga as me, but then perhaps I'm just weird...ha ha haaa Dharma Mitra also said something about karma and how we get the students/teachers we deserve/need. Just my thought....been an interesting discussion to follow. Thanks Claudia ☆
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your curiosity about Anusara yoga! It is so beautiful to keep your heart and mind curious an open to new things, always questioning. It is great to have and keep the ‘beginner’ heart and mind.
I will give you a little bit about Anusara from my perspective. John Friend is my teacher.
Anusara is a synthesis, an evolution of yoga that the modern householder can practice and live by. The philosophical vision is that everyone and everything is essentially Supreme Consciousness and that our intrinsic nature is essentially Good.
The system implements scientific biomechanical Universal Principles of Alignment to align the physical body in the asansas to enhance the flow of life force. When the physical body is aligned optimally there is healing which leads to more vitality and happiness. The physical hatha yoga practice is done as an expression of beauty and delight, to recognize, experience and celebrate our highest nature.
The Anusara ‘sangha’ is called a kula, or community of the heart, and is made up of teachers and students who believe in this essential goodness. Through the teachings we can learn to live together in the world in ways that are life affirming and enhancing as opposed to creating pain and suffering. It is a world-wide community of people who want happiness for themselves, their families, our world and hold the vision that life is a gift, a blessing. I think everyone on the planet wants to be happy and thrive.
Encinitas is the ideal place to establish the Center for Anusara. The film beautifully and clearly demonstrates the lineage of great yogis and beings who have recognized the beauty and Grace of Encinitas. All of them have a place in the lineage and history of Anusara yoga and their presence in the film is definitely to honor in respect of these great Masters.
Tim Miller and John Friend are friends, I have shared dinner with them and Tim’s family in Encinitas. I have to agree with Sereneflavor, Tim would most likely have something beautifully humble to say about some of the previous comments. After all, if the yogis can’t get along how on this Earth Island will the world learn to get along?!
Anusara is positively uplifting and serving the community of Encinitas and a greater world-wide community. The Center is a state of the art center for the art and education of Anusara yoga, offering trainings, philosophy, concerts, workshops, and cultural events on site with the capacity to broadcast around the globe digitally. It is a vehicle for people to remember and experience their essential nature as Spirit and learn ways to connect more deeply with themselves, those around them and the beauty in the world they live in.
I invite you to come to an Anusara class or take one with John Friend. The best way to make a clear discernment is through your own direct experience.
Thank you for posing the question. Yoga is a conversation and I hope this helped you understand the intention of the Center is to uplift and create more beauty, love and art in the world.
James, thank you for your perspective deriving from other things like "Apple/Einstein" and "judaism" etc, and for pointing out yoga is a business indeed.
ReplyDeleteAlso thanks for writting so highly of me, feel really humbled, while I was under the influence of that Vicodin thing, ugh! I had heard people like that stuff but I sure did not, I was hearing voiced, and me thinks I even saw Krishnamacharya come talk to me ha ha ha... just kidding,
I also learned a few things about Encinitas from the video which I did not know and I loved the drawings. Yoga is business indeed and needs to be propagaated -wisely- of course, like the BIG T said...
@Sereneflavor, I see your point, I do feel protective of our teachers, system etc. We love it, we know its results so of course, we want to protect it, in my case I even like propagating it by talking about the amazing benefits it has brought into my life!
@エスタ I liked what you said about when the flowers are sweet then the bees are attracted to it... I suppose Anusara attracts thousands of folowers, I am not sure why cause I am a complete stranger to the whole anusara thing, but it must have something... which brings me to:
@Beej Galvan
I much appreciate your input, and will add your blog to the bloroll to stay in touch. I did not know that Tim and John were friends, that is interesting. I am also pretty sure ashtangis may not be crossing the line to anusara or anusaris to ashtanga, or maybe if they do then so be it... finding "truth" is what yoga is about in my book, so whatever resonates with the student that makes the student happy, that brings the student away from delussions and into truth, that is what I consider yoga...
Now, I do have one question to ask, and is mostly because, I have repeatedly said already I know nothing about anusara, when you say:
The system implements scientific biomechanical Universal Principles of Alignment to align the physical body in the asansas to enhance the flow of life force.
Could you explain that to me in plain English? I do not mean it in a bad way, I never do, I am just curious to understand cause as is worded (which I believe is similar to how it appears in John's page) it sounds like hocus pocus... maybe you can clarify it and bring it to a level where I can udnerstand?
Finally I want to thank everyone for this discussion I learned quite a bit! and appreciate the conversation
My ugh was just at the type of advertising where you insinuate yourself into the bigger picture, get yourself mentioned in the same breath as all those other guys, always found it a pretty cheap and tacky form of advertising. Isn't Anusara just one of four hundred odd other spin offs, power yoga this, , new agey power flow yoga with a business model that...?
ReplyDeleteDon't suppose it'll effect Tim's place much, different style and all that, not the same as when your own family move in and set up as competition.
Did I hear Root canal Claudia, hope your OK.
Hi G, yes you heard that right, I am on iboprofin and it still hurts, I hope it goes away, this pain, at some point...
ReplyDeleteI can see your point, thing is I suppose it works to associate with big names, I probably would prefer not to chose that technique, but it works for others, who knows? mahybe the business model demanded it? in any case... James reminded me of Apple associating itself with Einstein in their "think" campaign... guess is a whole new world out there, very different from Krishnamacharya;s world...
Haven't seen the Apple ad must look out for it. I was impolite though, I'm sure those who practice Anasura practice sincerely and love their practice, they must hate to see it criticised. Here though I'm just criticising the promoting of it, perhaps I'm being too cynical.
ReplyDeleteThe Apple Einstein ads:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theapplecollection.com/various/Celebrity/einstein.html
@James, thank you for those pictures... amazing how marketing has changed!
ReplyDeleteGrimmly I would not be so hard on yourself, we all have first reactions I know I do... I for once have a strong reaction to the Bikram tradition but I know that practitioners swear by it, it helps them and it heals them, and I suppose at the end of the day that is what yoga is for...
Thanks for the link James, from 1997 was living in Japan then which is why I must have missed them. Interestingly Steve jobs came back to Apple in 97, was this ad campaign before or after he came back I wonder.
ReplyDeleteIt was right after he came back. It was the first sign (from what seems to be a dead Apple) that, "whoah, things might change". And they did.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the big deal? There are many paths to the top of the mountain.
ReplyDeleteAnd each student gets the teacher who fits their consciousness at a given time.
As my guru would say, "Everything is moving perfectly."
Hi CK, that is a nice way to put it , what your guru says, all is at it should... but I actually like that one even better as is suggests movement which is behind change... good point
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia!
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me share.
The principles of alignment are five sequentially applied principles in every asana to bring balanced action to the pose. When there is balanced action there is harmony. When we are in balance, we feel happy and harmonious. When the principles are applied properly in balanced action the pose sings with a free flow of Prana and it feels free. When there is disease, hyperextension, contraction, pain or injury, it is a result of an imbalance. For instance hyperextended arms in down dog are a result of imbalance in the joint. The triceps are overworking the biceps. SO the principles are a applied to bring balanced action to the pose so that the yogi has an opening and experiences freedom and delight in the pose.
I appreciate you allowing me to comment on your blog, and appreciate your kind openness. As yogis the practice of non harming includes being respectful and positive. It is of no benefit to be cynical, negative and prejudicial without even knowing another yogi. It just doesn't do anything for anyone to trash another system or each other. Thank you for being respectful.
The whole point of the video was to express honor to the great ones and the attractive beauty of Encinitas that called so many there. We are humbled to be there.
Thank you! Blessings,
BJ
Beej, thanks for taking the time to provide that detailed explanation. I am giving all of this a lot of thought, I am deeply interested now. I suspect there may be a follow up post... :-)
ReplyDeleteJohn Friend trashed Sri K Pattabhi Jois on his blog, shortly after he (Jois) passed away. When challenged, he took the post down and offered no apology.
ReplyDeleteV, wow, I did not know that.
ReplyDelete