Dear Yogis,
I have just caught up with the doco BREATH OF FIRE (Foxtel115 – S1Ep1. Monday 8.30) about the Kundalini yoga influencer called YOGI JAGAT, disciple of Yogi Bhajan the founder of Kundalini Yoga in the West. I was offended. Mind you I am offended by the folk who take Saturday afternoon off to “raise the Kundalini” as if they could do that without any preparation, any care, any fasting and prayer. We are talking about powerful energies here not a tag line in an instagram post. They are teaching snippets of yoga in between new age “Prosperity Gospels”. They are yoga copies of Hillsong. Sorry, but that is what it seems to me. The outfit is a give away. Hillsong teachers didn’t swear, didn’t talk sexy and didn’t think it was necessary to do so. Although the leaders were struggling to stay on course they helped thousands to do so – but did the teaching “stick”, that’s the test. Was it all “window dressing”. The jury is out on that one.
By the way – The Turban with the hair flying out of it is offensive to Sikhs, using their prayers as decoration is also not respectful – remember the yamas!
If you have read about The Mahatma (GhandiJi), he changed his clothes to sit respectfully with the people he was teaching as he felt that to do otherwise was a “violent act”. The people didn’t change to reflect him, he reflected them. It is my opinion and that of others, that everything about Yogi Bhajan and everything about Yogi Jagat is fraudulent, a fiction. Their history, their teaching… all built on snippets of the truth – enough to make it sound “right”.
Kundalini is the BREATH OF FIRE, not “a breeze of fire”, it is about mastering the most powerful energy in the universe – YOURS. It is true that if you know what you want and where you are going, you will get there – but you don’t need Yogi Jagat to get you there, or anyone else although a teacher is great to help keep you on the path – a Spiritual Director. All of my students learn Kundalini Yoga to a greater or lesser degree depending on their level and need, even those at Windarring. I don’t announce it, there is no change of outfit, I wear what I have always worn, and my students are advised to dress comfortably. Yoga should be a part of your day, there is no need to brandish a logo, buy an outfit (from my website?) or wear a turban. But you can if you want to.
If you want to learn Kundalini Yoga, come here, come to the studio (email yogafirst2@bigpond.com for an appointment) – we can even chant in a way that will change you. If you want to teach Kundalini Yoga, I think I will organise a course that is INCLUSIVE not exclusive. IF you feel the need for a name, that can be organised – my own is “Yogi GaneshaDasa” which was given to me by a teacher and follower of Prabhupada about 40 years ago. I believe it translates as “Remover of obstacles and servant of God”. Not as nifty a Bhajan or Jagat, but meaningful – I haven’t yet put it on my cards, neither have I advertised the various diplomas or Doctorates I have – It doesn’t help the teaching, although it might impress some folk. If I called myself Dr. Jahne, would it make my yoga better? Would you come more often? I don’t think so.
BOOK RETURN. If you have books of mine that you are not reading, could you return them to me please. They are old friends and I miss them. Every book I have is valuable to me – I loan them out when you need them, but I would like them returned in reasonable time, and now seems a good time. Check your bookshelves. “The Breath”, “Art and Yoga”, any on Kundalini, Poetry Books, older vintage yoga books. I miss them. I read my books more than once and teach from them, they are a valuable resource.
YOUR ANNUAL REGISTRATION: To sustain our community, it is essential that each of us renew our Teacher Training Registration yearly. This allows us to implement programs that support us, that engage and develop our skills, and that promote the integrity of our work. The act of renewal demonstrates our ongoing commitment to accountability.
The Registration Renewal is simple a two-step process:
1) Email me and I will send the appropriate forms
2) Fill out the Application and email it back to me
This Registration deepens our ability to help all students feel welcome in their practice.
Do you need financial help? We don’t want economic issues to stop anyone from renewing their Registration. We are a global community and recognize that there are different economic realities. Please email me if you need help with your registration.
Thank you for being part of the global Australasian Yoga Institute family as we collectively do our part to uplift the planet!
WHATS ON. (don’t forget – we have started a new term)
Windarring Yoga – Kyneton Tues. 1pm, 9.30AM in Gisborne.
STUDIO YOGA, WOODEND: Although these are small classes I take them seriously – you will too.
Monday Hatha 1pm (full), Wednesday Restorative 1pm, FRIDAY RESTORATIVE 10am. YOGA FOR ADDICTIONS (Kundalini) – New classes start ONLY when I have the numbers on my WAIT LIST. Email me to start. yogafirst2@bigpond.com
DISABILITY YOGA CLASS (YOGA FOR WHEELIES AND WALKERS) in NORMA RICHARDSON hall, starting 9.30am every Wednesday by donation. Please arrive close to 9.30 and we will start when we are settled. I will be leaving around 10.30am. I am not sure how long the class will last, or how long it will take to get everyone ready and moving, but we will be relaxed, and see how it goes. Two students or more – we always have a great class. We are change makers – and yes it is primarily a Kundalini Class..
If you are enrolled and started the zoom training, and/or the Disability course, there is a chance that I will get approval to accept my students for a period of placement with me. Don’t forget there is now a book available on Etsy..
NEXT STUDIO TEACHER TRAINING – The last Sunday in November!
YOGA MONTHLY LUNCH: last Saturday in November which will be the last one (officially) for this year – 12 noon at The Full Moon Saloon as usual – I have booked the 30th November. Please mark your diary. It could be the last one for the year and I would love to see you. It is always a great time, and gets longer and longer every time (a good indication of enjoyment!)
NAMASTE
JAHNE
What a terrific lunch we had – sorry you missed it (if you did!). 
Don’t forget, tomorrow, Saturday is the Yoga Lunch