Sources of Inspirations
1. Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
“When recommending a yoga practice, teachers should always consider the individual circumstances of the student. Just as other activities have to be adapted to changes in life, such as aging, so must the yoga practice be adapted."
Sri T Krishnamacharya's Commentary on Yoga Sūtra I verse 34
Sri Krishnamacharya lived as a scholar, yoga teacher and Ayurveda healer in Madras (now Chennai) in the 20th century (1888-1989). He is considered to be the founder of modern Hatha Yoga. Typically, he did not separate physical exercises (Āsanas) and breathing techniques (Prānayāma) from one another., but combined them in a breath-centered approach. This practice allows the movements to slow down, being at the same time more invigorating and helps the mind to be more focused. Hence, the āsana practice itself becomes meditation. From practicing in motion to practicing in silence, it is then only a small step. Although I have never met this master personally, my practice is deeply inspired by his teachings.
2. A.G. and Indra Mohan
"Yoga is peace. The flow of deep peace in body, mind and the senses."
A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan, direct students of Sri Krishnamarcharya, teach students all over the world. Their objective is to liberate yogastudents from confusion and misunderstandings regarding this ancient method/philosophy. Their instructions, coming from almost 50 years of studying the scriptures and practicing diligently, help me to deepen my yoga and thereby enable others to access the healing and transformative effects of yoga.
"Yoga is an inner experience – a work-in within a work-out.”
See also www.svastha.net
3. Vaidya Atreya Smith
Vaidya Atreya Smith has been practicing Ayurveda since 1987. He has a Master's degree in Ayurveda and his teachers in Vanarasi gave him the title of "Vaidya", which means "he, who understands Ayurveda". He has been teaching Ayurveda at his European Institute for Vedic Studies for 25 years and has written 16 books on the subject. He is a humble and dedicated scholar and teacher. I particularly appreciate his tireless research in Western phytotherapy, in which he categorized hundreds of Western plants according to the Ayurvedic dravyaguna system. Atreya guided my path into Ayurveda medicine.
Fotos: Sri Tirumalai Krishnamarcharya ©AG und Indra Mohan; Portrait Mohans ©AG und Indra Mohan; Portrait Vaidya Atreya Smith ©Atreya Smith