Thoughts on the practice with Chris Paris Yoga - KPJAYI Authorized teacher

I am so inspired by Chris Paris thoughts on the practice of Yoga. I met him in Mysore March 2015 and a year later Chris received from Sharath Jois the authorization to teach the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga. Thank you Chris for your time and kindness.

1- Could you share how was your life before the practice of yoga and what leaded you to this path?

With some difficulty

I first was aware of yoga asana when I was seven or eight years old as my mum had a book and I used to explore some postures.  

I remember when I was fourteen I had a careers interview and I had my idea to be a graphic designer because I liked art and drawing.  Whilst waiting for the interview I was looking at books in the library and remember coming across light on yoga and Iyengar doing Scorpion posture.  I never thought that yoga could be a career at that time, or that the two moments may take on a different meaning in the future.

My life was strongly influenced by theatre and arts in my early days because my parents were in the arts.

Age 10 I bought the Beatles Sergeant Pepper album and heard WITHIN YOU WITHOUT YOU George Harrison.  I played it over and over and fell i love with everything india.  The lyrics are very philosophical and wonderful about their time with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Later around age 15 I remember thinking about philosophy, I became aware of Jung and the collective unconscious, and also read “the problems of philosophy” Bertrand Russell the famous Oxford philosopher.  

Then 17 I had a connection with the Krishna Consciousness movement.  I read Ishopanishada.

At 19  I met my Spiritual master and took initiation from him

So to answer the question, you have to define “before the practice of yoga”  which is not so easy.  There seems that yoga was always around.  But my formal engagement with yoga practice was as a Krishna Bhakta.  

Before this many small things led me to this.  Conversations, books, George Harrison.

Formal Asana practice didnt happen until 2002, which was 18 years later.  

2- Do you see Ashtanga yoga practice as a healing practice?

Ashtanga yoga as taught by KPJAYI ?  Yes it can and ought to be a regeneratve practice.  But it can be a destructive practice if not practiced correctly.  

I dont see it as yoga theraphy in the sense that western physiotherapists are a healing modality.  I think yoga is Holistic approach, so if the vital energy is strong and blocks removed then the body will naturally heal its self.  So we are not becoming obsessed with certain conditions and symptoms.

So healing yes but rather than healing I would say REGENERATIVE.

3- What are the main obstacles in the practice of yoga and how do you overcome them?

Attachment, assumption, false perceptions, personal ambition.  Illness, Practice is itself the best way to overcome these.  But sometimes a small amount of gentle practice is needed, a soft touch.  Not pressure.  But its continuity of application that is the key.

4- What do you advice to students that don't have a shala they can practice regurlary?

Practice in a group regularly.  Either once a month or every couple of months.  But connect with other practitioners and develop links with the community.

Also to practice at the same time and same place if possible daily, and develop breath as a priority before worrying about posture.

5- Sri K. Pattabhi Jois once said 99% Practice and 1% theory. Why regular practice is important and beside physical asanas what type of practices, studies and book do you recommend?

He said that.  But actually the philosophy and practice need to be equal and balanced.  But in the beginning there is no point asking lots of questions, most of which are answered by the practice.  I think that is why he said that.  He wanted his students to do more and question less.

Some formal meditation practice is very usefull after a certain point.  Regular practice develops mental stability and continuity.  That is important.

Everybody needs to consider Jiddu Krishnamurti.  His practice of radical inquiry is extraordinary.  I recommend THE KRISHNAMURTI PENGUIN READER  if you can find a copy, but anything by him is good if you have not met him.

6- Ashtanga yoga is seem to be a very physical practice. How can you help students to seek a more internal practice instead of focusing only on asana progress?

Practical advice to keep bringing the attention back to the Bandhas and Dhristi.  But also when talking to students, talk about deeper aspects of practice.

Also creating a Shala environment that supports internal absorbtion.

7- What teacher(s) made an impactful influence on you?

George Harrison

Bertrand Russell

Carl Jung

Tolkien

Erich Fromm

His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami

Timothy Leary

Krishnamurti

Sri Sri Anandamurti

Adi Da Samraja

My master Vijaya Tirtha

Swami Sivananda Swami Vishnudevananda

Swami Kailasananda

Joey Miles

Hamish Hendry

Goenkaji

Chogyum Trumpa

Patabhi Jois

Sharath Jois

Krishnamacharya

Haidakan Baba ji 

8- Any final thoughts on the practice?

All practice should be seen within the context of Sadhana.  Our entire life journey can be seen as Sadhana.  So practice and life are one.

Ashtanga as a specific practice as taught in Mysore is not accessible to all.  Yet some physical practice can be done by all and it can then grow.  The relevance of having a very powerful shamanic physical practice which pushes you though points of crisis, is that we can really move beyond many limiting ideas in the body and mind.  It is deeply purifying.  My feeling is more and more that we need our community to assist in maintaining our own practice.  This technique is on the path for some, but not all.  Yet everyone is on a path toward greater understanding.

More info at:

http://www.hatha.co.uk/?page_id=42

If your interested in talking to Chris about philosophy, retreats, or classes, or your needing cover or someone to assist for Mysore style, please send an email to :

mail@hatha.co.uk or call 07944 662886

Focus on your journey

  When an idea, a desire or goal is created into the mind is like planting a seed into the ground. Imagine your favorite flower or tree to plant. We already feel excited to see this planting growing and having shapes and also hopefully giving fruits. We care, give proper conditions of soil, water and sunlight as need it. We wait the seed to sprout and the flower to blossom. The flower blooms its own time. I remember when I was a kid I tried forcing to open a flower to blossom before time and the flower end up being destroyed, then the I realized that even trying to "help" them to bloom I ended up destroying the flower and it was weak and not as beautiful like the others. I like to use sometimes lessons from nature itself to help myself and others to understand our own nature.
  Just like in Yoga practice, we can not force it to happen. It will happen through you and it's own time the changes in the physical, psychological and spiritual body. Sometimes yoga practitioners ask each other: How long have you been practicing yoga? How long it took you to do this deep fold? How long it will take me to do a handstand? People are inclined to compare their journey with others people's journey. If you focus in other practitioner or teacher practice you will never be fully with yourself. You will miss little moments of growth. The practice of yoga teach us to be with ourselves and embrace our bad and our good. Don't miss this opportunity. Be inspired but don't worry. Focus on your journey. Some people also think and ask when they will be able to cure their injuries and pains or how much long they need to practice to attain peace and happiness. There is no straight answer for that. Physical injuries and pain need to be treated with love and patience as the same when the heart is broken and the mind is confused. The practice of Yoga will not cure yourself but it will be like a mirror that will reveal your true self and give you answers and options for self healing. That's why we can't compare our journey to others because what may work for me maybe it will not work for you and vice-versa.
  Surrender is all what I can think about it. Direct your mind, thoughts, insecurities and questions to God or a Supreme power you believe that's is stronger than anything you know. Give time to yourself to bloom, to open and to receive grace. The doors of healing are open but are you able to walk the long path?
May you find peace.
Namaste