La Yoga 201304

HEALTH AND FITNESS WITH BON JOVI
TAKE ROOT IN LA STOP THE SUGAR CYCLE

PLUS
MEDITATION ASTROLOGY yogi FOOD AND MORE
EDIBLE GARDENS
HOLY TULSI
GROWING
AY U R V E D A A N D H E A LT H
APRIL 2013
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f e at u r e s
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CUR BI NG SWE E T CR AVI NG S We tend to succumb to overeating sweets when were under stress. Shift your patterns to lose your cravings.
G O OD K AR MA G AR DE N S A movement to build more edible gardens in neighborhoods is cultivating community and taking root in LA.
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HOLY T UL SI Holy basil, or Tulsi, is a renowned medicinal herb and a well-loved sacred plant. Grow your own using these secrets shared by Tulsi masters.
C ommun i t y 10 Events Calendar 12 Open Doors Se va 16 Yoga Amidst Adversity T e acher Profile 18 Professor Christopher Key Chapple RO CKSTAR FITNES S 40 Bon Jovi
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YO GI FO OD 42 Revitalizing Radishes YO GA THE R APY 46 Yoga Therapist Q & A IN EVERY ISSUE 52 Meditation 54 Media Reviews 58 On My Nightstand 62 Astrology 64 Chakra
ON THE COVER:
Sukhdev Jackson is one half of the musical duo Aykanna and the owner of Kundalini in the Canyon. Photo by David Young-Wolff: davidyoung-wolff.com. Hair and makeup by Patricia Lopez. Necklace by Made in Earth Creations: madeinearthcreations.com. Styled by Leah Marsh Tulsi Malas from Organic India: organicindia.com.
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editor's note
ne of my favorite scents is the sweet yet subtle fra grance of orange blossoms. Orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, bergamotall of the evocative citrus flowers offer an aroma that never fails to uplift my heart. Although aromatherapy is a powerful force for balancing, its not simply the scent of green vibrant plants that has this mood-boosting power. We know theres something about spending time in a garden that has the ability to heal. Research confirms that when 30 minutes of gardening and digging in the dirt was compared to 30 minutes of quiet reading, those who risked getting dirt beneath their fingernails reported reductions in stress levels. The people participating in the Good Karma Gardens edible landscaping project profiled in this issue are likely experiencing a reduction in stress and improvement in mood, along with the ability to pick a fresh tomato or harvest basil leaves from their own garden. Anneke Campbells story demonstrates that even in urban areas, we can create shifts that lead to greater community involvement and self-empowerment. Prashanti de Jager, in his story about growing the sacred medicinal herb Tulsi, also emphasizes the importance of growing our own medicinessomething as simple as one plant in one pot is significant. Even if were not growing our own, we can pick up fresh produce at the local farmers market and take advantage of the seasonal harvest that also helps to promote balance such as Red Jen Fords suggestion to try incorporating radishes in a meal (like her springtime salad). Whether were connecting to the earth through growing or supporting those who do, this is the month we celebrate Earth Day. One of the people in the LA YOGA community who has incorporated into his lifes work a commitment to the connection between yoga, philosophy, and ecology is Professor Christopher Key Chapple, the Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His long list of accomplishments includes the initiation of a Masters degree program in Yoga Philosophy.
PHOTO OF FELICIA AND LULU BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF
Sometimes we study and other times we take action. Marathon enthusiast Molly Paterno provided her suggestions for running shoes for everyone who resolved to take up running after cheering on their friends and family in the Los Angeles Marathon. When were standing still between sprints, we may take the time to listen to sacred music, such as the tunes sung by our cover model Sukhdev Jackson and her husband Akahdahmah Jackson, better known as the duo Aykanna. Catch them at Sat Nam Fest this month and Shakti Fest in May. In addition to singing, Jackson is a yoga teacher whose new studio, Kundalini in the Canyon, is featured in our Open Doors section this month. Accompanying me in this photo (shot by David YoungWolff) is Lulu, one of our editorial assistants, a rescue maltipoo. Shes a reminder of all the abandoned animals in and out of shelters. Celebrate Earth Day every day: adopt, dont shop. Happy Earth Day!
Felicia Tomasko
BIKRAM'S YOGA COLLEGE

OF INDIA
AY U R V E D A A N D H E A LT H
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Felicia M. Tomasko, RN Creative Director Justine Power Editorial Coordinator Vanessa Harris Staff Writers Melissa Chua Cheryl Depp Melissa Grace Hoon Carrie Janell Jessica Malloy Dale Nieli Beth Prandini Laurie Searle/Lady Yoga Associate Editors Jazmine Green Karen Henry Joni Yung Editorial Assistance Jaime Carlo-Casellas, PhD Rachael Cleghorn Kaitlin Huwe Olivia Kvinte Selah Michelle Joseph Parra Jordan Younger
PUBLISHER Douglas R. Corbett Contributing Editor, Find Bliss Marina Chetner Art Director, Find Bliss Lisa Johnston Advertising Executives Westside Regional Manager Assia Valova assia@layogaonline.com (310) 435-6490 Eastside Regional Manager Brianna Welke brianna@layogaonline.com (360) 303-8968 Midtown Regional Manager Emily Herakovich emily@layogaonline.com (213) 482-0576 National Accounts Manager Jane Abram jane@findbliss.com (323) 684-8632
CALIFORNIA AFFILIATED SCHOOLS

Los Angeles World Headquarters San Diego San Francisco Columbus Ave Petaluma Mountain View Berkeley Oakland Lower Lake County Daly City San Francisco Sea Cliff San Francisco Mission Agoura Hills Los Angeles Downtown Bonita Irvine South Pasadena Manhattan Beach La Canada Pasadena Costa Mesa Huntington Beach Marina Del Rey Stockton Palm Desert Temecula Natomas
Contributors
Roya Adjory David Bergman Tanya Brown Anneke Campbell Dr. John Casey Isabella Cassini Prashanti de Jagar Karthik Dhandapani Fluid Frame Photography Red Jen Ford Guy Gabriel Sam Geppi Marla Leigh Goldstein Sukhdev Jackson Arlene Eve Johnson Joe Kara Tai Kerbs Patricia Lopez Leah Marsh Dr. Siva Mohan Daniel Overberger Molly Paterno Matt Petersen Megan Porschen Lori Rischer Dr. Lorin Roche McKenna Rowe Tim Shulberg Beth Shaw Mark Singleton, PhD Jeff Skeirik/Rawtography Jessica Thomas Sarah Tomlinson Rita Treiger David Young-Wolff Pam Young-Wolff
Thank you to the entire Yoga community for participating in and supporting this effort to educate, inspire, and share wisdom. LA YOGA Magazine is published by Bliss Network LLC 1234 26th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 828-8218 www.layogaonline.com / layoga-digital.com
PRINTED IN LOS ANGELES
our contributors
Rita Trieger Writer

Rita is the founder and former editor-inchief of Fit Yoga magazine, and the author of Yoga Heals Your Back (Fairwinds, 2005). She teaches yoga therapy, Vinyasa flow, and meditation for various departments of Connecticuts Stamford Hospital, including the Bennett Cancer Center (BCC), the Health and Fitness Institute (HFI), and Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR), as well as Yoga studios in New York and Connecticut. Ritatude.blogspot.com
Siva Mohan, MD, MPH Writer

Dr. Siva Mohan is an Ayurvedic expert specializing in integration with Western Medicine and the psychospiritual basis of disease. She earned a medical degree from Cornell University and trained in Ayurveda at the California College of Ayurveda and fuses her medical and Ayurvedic expertise. Her private Ayurvedic practice in Long Beach centers on how Ayurveda can complement modern medicine. Svasthahealth.com
Dr. Vasant Lad Yoga Therapy Expert

Dr Vasant Lad is one of todays most visible proponents of Ayurveda through his frequent speaking engagements, prolific writing, and teaching at the nonprofit Ayurvedic Institute. He values the integration of Ayurveda with other Vedic Sciences and healing disciplines including Yoga Therapy. Dr. Lad is a keynote speaker at the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Conference in April and the International Association of Yoga Therapists Conference in June. Ayurveda.com
Prashati de Jager WRITER

From biophysics to EMT to Ayurvedic practitioner to ethnopharmacologist to ecological medicine activist, Prashanti de Jagers study and practice of full spectrum wellness has continuing since 1988, including 10 years immersed with teachers in India. He is the herbal and tradition facet of the original Organic India crew who is a clinician and teacher with a worldwide practice:. Prashantidejager.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Tell us what you think about what you read in LA Yoga. We love to hear from you. Send your letters and other correspondence to: Edit@layogaonline.com
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WHERE I PICK UP MY LAYOGA

Sara Fisher picks up her copy of LA Yoga at GODA Yoga in Culver City. Godayoga.com Erica Majtenyi picks up her copy of LA Yoga at Yoga Madre, in Sierra Madre, after she teaches her Vinyasa Flow class. Yogamadre.com
Do you want to be featured in an upcoming issue? Send an email to: Edit@layogamagazine.com and tell us where you pick up your copy of LA Yoga.
> Operation Shanti, 28 April.
> Uplift Yoga Bash, 25 April.
> Sat Nam Fest, 11-14 April.
APRIL EVENTS
MUSIC/DANCE/ART
Deep Exhale: From the Club to the Mat Begin this 2 hour journey with Yoga movement led by Cristi Christensen and continue by dancing into the night with DEEP maestro DJ Marques Wyatt. 6 April. 7:30pm-10pm. $25 in advance, $30 day of. Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, 245 S. Main St., Venice exhalespa.com/venice Tsigan: The Gypsy Tea Poem A Multi-Media Performance Tsigan: The Gypsy Tea Poem is an acclaimed booklength poetic sequence written by USC professor and poet, Cecilia Woloch. A multi-media performance in words, images, music, and dance presented by USC Visions and Voices: The Arts and Humanities Initiative. 23 April. 7pm. Free. Reservations required. USC Bovard Auditorium 3551 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles. RSVP to: usc.edu/visionsandvoices Murals of Tibet Using new digital imaging tools, photojournalist Thomas Laird has created the first life-size images of the murals of Tibet and will discuss these wall paintings as well as their historical and religious significance. 30 April. 7pm. $10 General Admission, $5 Members. RSVP by April 29: (323) 857 6000. LACMA Bing Theater 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. lacma.org/event questionable tactics that big drug companies use to make record profits by playing with the safety of our health care. Followed by Q & A with filmmakers Holly Mosher and Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau. 28 April. 3pm. Free. Microsoft Store, Westfield Century City Mall, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles. 310-277-3898 greenlifestyles.org and bad posture. Learn safe modifications. 20 April. 1:00-7:00pm $95. 3043 Harding St, Carlsbad shazyogaayurveda.com Power, Precision and Pranayama with Roger Cole Join scientist and Iyengar teacher Roger Cole, PhD for a five-hour exploration into the power and precision of asana. Investigate respiration from the molecular level to its effect on consciousness. 27 April. 10am-3:30pm. $125. Lyfe Yoga Center, 1310 PCH, Hermosa Beach. lyfeyogacenter.com
WORKSHOPS/CLASSES
Eco-Yoga Practice Jasmine Lieb and Dr. Chris Chapple host this class, discussion and meal to support The Hill Street Meditation Center and The Green Yoga Association. 16 Apr. 6-9pm. Hill Street Meditation Center, 237 Hill St, Santa Monica hillstreetcenter.org Yoga Therapy for Healthy Back and Hips This workshop with Shazia Gogia, Yoga Therapist, E-RYT provides a base for teaching Yoga to students with spinal injuries, joint limitations, chronic pain,
FILM
11th Annual Indian Film Fest This six-day festival is the premiere platform for the latest in cutting edge global Indian cinema; it bridges the gap between the two largest entertainment industries in the world: Hollywood and Bollywood. 9-14 April. Festival pass: $100. Arclight Hollywood, 6360 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. indianfilmfestival.org EcoSalon Film Series Money Talks exposes the
SPIRITUAL TEACHERS
Amma Sri Karunamayi in Los Angeles Sri Karunamayi offers spiritual teachings, music and chanting, individual blessings, and fire ceremonies. 4-7 Apr. Public programs are free. Various Locations. karunamayi.org A Scientific Path for Self-Awareness Kriya Yoga initiation (Diksha) and workshop by Eminent
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> Tsigan: The Gypsy Tea Poem - A Multi-Media Performance, 23 April.
> V Elements: Alternatively Powered Yoga, Music and Culture, 6 April.
> 11th Annual Indian Film Fest, 9-14 April.
Compiled by Carrie Janell
Himalayan Yogi, His Holiness Sadguru Yogiraj Sri Sri Mangeshda - Direct disciple of Himalayan Maha Yogi Param Guru Mahavatar Babaji. May 3 & 4: 6:30pm-9:30pm, May 5: 9am-5pm. Free. mangeshda.org
Hermosa Beach Community Center, Clark Building 861 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach. losangelesrocksoperationshanti.wordpress.com
Celebrate Yourself - SEEr Series and LOVE feast Celebrate yourself with Yoga, inspirational speakers, music, dancing, and food. 13 April. 2pm-11:30pm. 235 Hill Street, Santa Monica. thelovefeast.org Pregnancy Awareness Month Event Anna Getty and Alisa Donner host the 6th Annual Signature Pregnancy Awareness Month Event presented by Daddy Scrubs. Pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp keynotes, with expert panel discussions and resources. 4 May. 12pm-4pm. Free. Writers Boot Camp, Bergamot Station, Santa Monica. pregnancyawareness.com
FESTIVALS
V Elements: Alternatively Powered Yoga, Music and Culture V Elements (pronounced Five Elements) is a one-day sustainable Yoga, music and arts festival. There will be Yoga classes by day, led by some of the most sought after instructors, and electronic, funk, hip hop, soul and world music by night. 6 April. $25-$40. Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego. velementsfest.com Sat Nam Fest: Kundalini Yoga and Music Festival Get your body and spirit up and moving with Kundalini Yoga classes and live music. Join a community of love and healing as you chant the weekend away. 11-14 April. $125 1-Day Pass, $300 3-Day Pass. Joshua Tree. Satnamfest.com
Earth Day 2013 in Whittier April 13. 10am-2pm. Sanitation Districts, Parking Lot, Whittier. lacsd.org 14th Topanga Earth Day April 20-21. 10am-sunset. $12. Topanga Community Club, 1440 North Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga. topangaearthday.org STAR Eco Station's Childrens Earth Day April 21. 10am-4pm. Free. STAR Eco Station, Culver City. childrensearthday.org EarthFair 2013 April 21. 10am-5pm. Balboa Park, San Diego. earthdayweb.org WorldFest 2013 Earth Day Festival May 19. 10:30am-7pm. Woodley Park, Lake Balboa. worldfestevents.com
FUNDRAISERS
UPLIFT Yoga Bash Join 600 yogis at the historic Vibiana Cathedral. This Yoga rave for a cause features a Yoga dance flow led by Anthony Chavez, laser lights, and a live DJ. All guests receive a free Teeki tank. Proceeds benefit UP bringing Yoga and inspiration to young teens. 25 April. 6pm. $55-$105. Vibiana, 214 South Main St., Los Angeles. upliftyogabash.org The South Bay Rocks! Operation Shanti Practice Yoga and Give Back at this Yoga class led by a group of stellar teachers raising funds to build an orphanage in Mysore, India. Live music for the class by Daniel Stewart and Friends. 28 April. 3pm-6pm. Suggested donation: $35.
EARTH DAY EVENTS
Every year, Earth Day is observed on April 22; more than one billion people around the world celebrate Earth Day. Aquarium of the Pacific Earth Day April 13-14. 9am-5pm. Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach. aquariumofpacific.org
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community open doors
EXHALE M IND B ODY SPA HOLLYWOOD
Exhale MindBodySpa is proud to open its 20th location, Exhale Hollywood, which is nestled within the Loews Hollywood Hotel. The 7,000 square foot modern oasis features seven spa therapy rooms, a steam room, manicure/pedicure lounge, two co-ed Zen lounges, a well-being boutique, and a couples massage room with soaking tub. This is the second location where Exhale and Loews Hotel have teamed up, having already leveraged the two successful brands in Atlanta. We are thrilled to bring the Exhale brand to the Hollywood community where we will infuse Exhale award-winning spa therapies and authentic well-being experiences, said Exhale President and Chief Executive Officer, Annbeth Eschbach. Exhale offers signature therapies such as the Exhale Flow Massage, a therapy that incorporates more lymphatic drainage than a traditional deep tissue massage, resulting in greater detoxification and a boost to the immune system. Exhale strikes the perfect balance in utilizing ancient and new spa therapies alike to bring a well-needed haven of body and mind to the heart of Hollywood.
By Olivia Kvitne, yoga instructor, stage and screen performer, and happy new resident of Hollywood. You can find Olivia teaching at Hot 8 Yoga Beverly Hills, Golden Bridge Yoga, and Simona Yoga.
Exhale Mind Body Spa / Loews Hotel, 1755 N. Highland Ave. Hollywood. (323) 491-1376. Exhalespa.com
SOULCYCLE SAN TA MON ICA
Santa Monica now has a little more soul with the introduction of the indoor cycling studio SoulCycle. The Santa Monica location opened mid-December 2012, and its already swelling with sweaty cyclers and smiles. This location is SoulCycles largest on the West Coast; the brand currently boasts more than 14 studios on both coasts. The luxurious studio located on Wilshire Blvd and 2nd Street features spacious locker rooms for men and women with showers, a SoulCycle listening bar to bop out to their amazing tunes, a Polaroid Picture Wall showcasing all their novice and seasoned riders displaying full-on sweat, serenity, and success, and finally, a boutique filled with private label clothing and other items. The eclectic studio caters to celebs, beach bums, and fitness fanatics alike. Classes are 45 minutes long; towels, water, and shoes are available for use with purchase of an individual class or a class package. This studio provides a balance between the kind of energy youd find partying in Vegas without the smoke and debauchery and a healthy workout providing riders with a celebratory, strong, and high-energy experience.
By Laurie Searle, the writer and creator of LA YOGAs monthly comic strip, Lady Yoga Superhero; she teaches and trains throughout Los Angeles. Yogandfitnesstogo.com / Ladyyogasuperhero.com
SoulCycle, 120 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica. (310) 622-7685. Soul-cycle.com
community open doors
STADIUM FITN ESS PASADE NA
Husband and wife David and Jodie Liston created Stadium Fitness Yoga with athletes in mind. A complement to their already successful fitness classes held inside the Rose Bowl stadium, they believe it is in the studio and on the mat where athletes find balance. Stadium Fitness Yoga offers a variety of classes including Heated Power Vinyasa Flow, Heated Forrest Yoga, and Outside Candlelit Yoga as well as monthly social gatherings. The family-run business extends that feeling of home to its members with features such as $8 community classes on Mondays, a friendly patio, and comfortable upstairs lounge areas. We consider everyone an athlete, especially parents who are picking up and moving their kids, says David. Were trying to get away from the stereotype that only girls do Yoga, adds Katie Brunnelle, one of the studios teachers. They already have a large ratio of men with an athletic background who discovered Yoga after stopping physical activity due to injuries. Stadium Fitness Yoga not only creates a sense of community in the studio, but is dedicated to serving the region. Its involvement in service ranges from events benefitting physical education programs in local elementary schools to hosting programs in the studio space for special needs children.
By Olivia Kvitne.
Stadium Fitness Yoga, 990 S. Arroyo Parkway, #4, Pasadena. (626) 799-5800. Stadiumfitnessyoga.com
KUNDALINI IN THE CANYON TOPANGA
he ar t he rust le of t he le aves in t he win d, t he bir ds s ing ing as we l l as childr e n pl aying . Kundalini in the Canyon is a small studio located outdoors in the lush green mountains of Topanga, where owner Sukhdev Jackson says you can hear the rustle of the leaves in the wind, the birds singing as well as children playing. It's as if it encompasses all of life and brings you into a heightened state of awareness with all of the beauty that surrounds, all while you are practicing connecting with your Divine Self. Sukhdev first started teaching outdoors Yoga back in 2009 on the porch in her own home. About a year ago, Sukhdev and a friend decided to move onto this beautiful property in Topanga canyon. In Kundalini, the object is to connect with the Divine and come out of the self and into the rest of the universe. It makes sense that this would be easier to do if only we could take down the physical walls and open up to the rest of creation and nature on a physical level. Practicing Yoga under the oaks, hearing the birds and the wildlife brings so much to the practice, to the experience of Yoga, of union. Free yourself from the walls of the familiar, and practice the union of Body and Spirit at Kundalini in the Canyon.
By Jessica Malloy, an Orange County-based writer and avid climber with a B.A. in English and emphasis in creative writing and journalism.
Kundalini in the Canyon, 701 Greenleaf Canyon Road, Topanga. (310) 562-3197. Kundaliniinthecanyon.com
seva
Teaching Tranquility Amidst Adversity

BY OL IVIA KVIT N E
Sometimes, I can notice a change towards more openness and calm in the course of a single session
With a gentle approach, Georgina starts the class with the theme, Listening to Your Body. She asks the group to reflect upon and silently rate their stress level on a scale from one to ten. She then leads them through conscious breathing and slow, mindful movements of the body. The physical postures include side bends and balancing poses with the appropriate safety cues, but the main focus of the practice is developing breath techniques to deal with panic and stress. As she ends the class with a deep relaxation and a motivational meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh, Georgina asks the students to once again rate their stress level from one to ten and notice any difference compared to the beginning of class. The care and consideration with which Georgina addresses the students is palpable and absolutely necessary. She says, If you've been traumatized, it can be terrifying or, at the very least, uncomfortable to listen to your body and focus on your breath. Feelings and sensations may come to the surface that have been buried. However, Georgina found that with practice, participants have been able to trust themselves and finally show their vulnerability.
Coach for Kids is an organization through the Maxine Dunitz Children's Health Center of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The Health Center provides clinical care tailored to the needs of children and their families. For more information on Coach for Kids, visit the Community Benefits page at Cedars-Sinai.edu.
Olivia Kvitne teaches at Hot 8 Yoga, Golden Bridge, and Simona Yoga. She is a California native and a happy new Hollywood resident.
Yoga doesnt require eucalyptus towels, fresh juices, or even mats, blocks, or straps. Simple instruction, the practice of connecting with the breath, and a few easy postures is enough. Thanks to Coach for Kids, one of the community benefit outreach programs offered through Cedars-Sinai and part of the Maxine Dunitz Childrens Health Center, that is exactly what is happening. Around a conference room table under fluorescent lights, the foundations of the yoga practice are being taught to women who desperately need it. Georgina de la Torre, a Mental Health Clinician working for Coach for Kids, has always had an interest in teaching yoga to the homeless. She said she believed it was kismet when offered the opportunity to teach at the Union Rescue Mission; she had been inspired by other outreach organizations such as Street Yoga, a nonprofit focusing on teaching yoga to families struggling with various traumas. Every Monday afternoon in an upper-floor multi-purpose room, Georgina offers an hour-long yoga class. While participants children engage in art activities with designated staff, the women can learn techniques for relaxation and stress relief. Being homeless is a highly stressful situation. Chronic stress and trauma can make it difficult to stay connected to oneself, to others, and to the present moment, says Georgina.
teacher profile
Professor Christopher Key Chapple

BY MARK S ING LE TON , PHD PHOTO BY DAVI D YO UNG-WOLFF
A YOGI ON CAMPUS
Studying Yoga can make a person feel like they have their head either in the clouds or buried under texts. Through projects including publishing a plethora of scholarly books, the development of a Green Yoga certificate program, and the cultivation of Yoga scholarship at Loyola Marymount University, Professor Chris Chapple is helping bring yogis back down to earth. As Chapple has devoted his life to the study of Yoga through both the practice and the textual tradition, Jainism, and Sanskrit, it is fitting that he is dedicated to supporting students on the Yogic path through the creation of the Masters degree program in Yoga Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University, the first of its kind in the West. >>
first came across Professor Christopher Key Chapple's work through his book on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, published in 1990 in collaboration with Yogi Ananda Viraj. (This book has been updated as Yoga and the Luminous, published in 2008). At that time, I was relatively new to the study of Yoga, and was struggling to navigate a path between seemingly impressionistic popular books and the apparently inaccessible world of Indological scholarship. Professor Chapple's book not only provided a clear, usable translation of Patanjali, but it also laid bare the mechanics of the text itself through a detailed analysis of the Sanskrit. For the first time, I was able to see how and why the text meant what it did. This was an eye-opener; not only was it possible to read Patanjali, but here were the keys to the wider textual traditions which underpin Yoga. Over time, I've come to see that this is one of the great and ongoing contributions of Professor Chapple to scholarship and to Yoga: his many writings on Yoga, Hinduism, Jainism, and ecology provide reliable and accessible material of the kind that is still very hard to come by in the world of Yoga. And the many teaching programs he has initiated continue to serve the needs of inquiring Yoga students. Christopher Chapple's life has been dedicated to the study and teaching of Yoga from an early age. He first began meditating at age 13 after interviewing the famous Roshi Philip Kapleau, author of Three Pillars of Zen, for a school project on Zen Buddhism. Three Pillars was one of the first English language books to present Zen not merely as philosophy but as a practical path for life. The year was 1967, and Kapleau was about to found the Rochester Zen Center, one of the first Buddhist centers in America to be open to all. This was an auspicious beginning for the young Christopher. In 1967, America was waking up (again) to the spiritual teachings of India: think Sgt. Pepper, psychedelics, the Summer of Love, and a raft of bearded Hindu gurus. A few years later, Ram Dass's landmark opus of East-West spirituality, Be Here Now, was published, and the young student and future professor started practicing the asanas that were explained at the end of this book. He took his first yoga class with a Yogi Bhajan group at the University of Rochester in 1971 and later helped to lead his first yoga class in high school the following year. Also in 1972, he discovered Sanskrit chanting through an ISKCON (aka Hare Krishna) group at the State University of New York in Buffalo. During the same semester, he had one of the most important encounters of his life with the Calcutta-born teacher Gurani Anjali. Anjali had just established the Yoga Ananda Ashram in Amityville, New York. Her teachings built aspects of Classical Yoga ethics and philosophy onto a foundation of asana and pranayama. She was also greatly influenced by texts and authors from outside the yogic traditions -- like Shakespeare, Saint Matthew the Evangelist, and the Scottish philosopher David Hume. Christopher transferred his undergraduate academic studies to SUNY Stony Brook so he could train more closely with Gurani Anjali. In 1974, he married Maureen (who is still his wife). Before moving to Amityville to pursue graduate school, the couple served as caretakers at a former stable which had been converted into a Quaker Meeting House. They became more involved in the daily life of the nearby Ashram; they managed the Moksha Bookstore and helped launch the Santosha Vegetarian Restaurant.
After living on Long Island, and then earning a PhD in Indian Religions from Fordham University, Chapple moved to Los Angeles and began teaching at Loyola Marymount University in Westchester. Outside of the university, he hosted a now legendary chanting and study group on the Yoga Sutras. This group became the inspiration for a 120-hour certificate program in Yoga Philosophy at LMU's Center for the Study of Religion and Spirituality, which launched in 2002. Other certificate programs he helped develop followed, including a Yoga Therapy training directed by Larry Payne, a 200hour teacher training with Srivatsa Ramaswami, a 60-hour certificate in Yoga and Ecology, and a 200-hour training in Yoga and the Health Sciences directed by Terra Gold and Dr. Eden Goldman. Little by little, Chris Chapple was contributing to the enrichment of LMUs curriculum, helping turn Los Angeles into a global capital for the serious study of Yoga philosophy and practice. From the age of 13 through today, Professor Chapples passion for inquiry has not waned. He recently made a pilgrimage to India and is currently at work on his latest ancient-meets-modern project, tentatively titled Living Landscapes in Dharma Traditions. It includes new translations from Yoga and Jaina texts on the Great Elements, as well as reflections on his field experiences in India. Professor Chapple is no stranger to integrating these teachings into our modern lifestyle, through frequent lectures, organizing a Green Yoga certificate program and hosting a Green Yoga conference at LMU, and sharing his commitment through powerful images combined with the written word in his recent book The Prithivi Sutras, or Earth poems. The most significant culmination of his decades' worth of work is his role in creating the new Master of Arts in Yoga Studies at LMU, which begins Fall, 2013. It is the first program of its kind worldwide and an important landmark in Yoga's modern history. The curriculum includes study abroad in India as well as a comprehensive learning experience in various aspects of Yoga: its physicality, its philosophy, and its connection with various religious traditions. The Masters degree program is far more than an academic study. Professor Chapple lives the practice in all parts of his life, from leading study groups, to writing prolifically, to mentoring students, to demonstrating his ongoing commitment to ecology by serving with the Green Yoga Association or by riding his bike through the city of Westchester and the LMU campus. This demonstrates his desire to do what he says he yoga practice does for himit helps to reconnect the human body with the earths current, to move in celebration with the rhythms of nature. When asked what keeps him inspired on a daily basis, Chapple replies, This particular gift of Yoga is a refined and precise technology through which people can rediscover the joy of what it means to be a fully awake human being. Professor Chapple is certainly awake, and hes using his time on campus as an alarm to encourage everyone else to wake up. Christopher Key Chapple, PhD is the Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
Mark Singleton completed a PhD in Modern Yoga at the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge. Among other work, he is the author of Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice. Currently, Dr. Singleton is in India working with James Mallison on his current project, the Roots of Yoga, A Sourcebook from the Indian Traditions. Rootsofyoga.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP : PROFESSOR CHRIS CHAPPLE AT LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY. PHOTO BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF. CHAPPLE IN INDIA. PHOTO BY KARTHIK DHANDAPANI. CHRIS FLIPS UPSIDE DOWN IN AN LMU CLASSROOM. PHOTO BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF. CHRIS CHAPPLE AND STUDENT CHRIS MILLER TOURING TEMPLES IN INDIA. PHOTO BY KARTHIK DHANDAPANI
RUNNING ON AIR
Lightweight Runners for Women
Compiled by Molly Paterno and Vanessa Harris Photo by David Young-Wolff
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If you were inspired by cheering on runners in the recent LA Marathon, you may be looking for some running shoes of your own. Consider comfort and style as well as running patterns and how your feet strike the ground.
1/ Brooks Womens PureDrift: These hyperlight running shoes have two split grooves, allowing you to spread your toes and dig deep into the path you tread. Brooksrunning.com. $100. 2/ Nike Womens Lunar Glide+ 4: Bounce through Spring with a soft, cushioned, glove-like fit, and dynamic support without added weight or stiffness. Nike.com. $110. 3/ New Balance Womens 890v3: Enhanced motion control and stability allows for peak performance without damaging your heels. Newbalance.com. $109.99. 4/ Newton Running Womens Distance U: Bring color to your run with these bright shoes that are accommodating to neutral and pronating feet. Newtonrunning.com $155
ayurveda
WHEN SWEET BECOMES NOT SO SWEET

How to decrease sweet cravings
BY DR S IVA MOHAN P HOTO BY ISAB E LL A CAS SI NI
Many of us may experience this common pattern an unrelenting, emotionally conflicted, deep-seated desire for sweets. The internal dialogue looks something like this: I just want a little something sweet. Hmmm, maybe a piece of chocolate? Well, dark chocolate is better for me and has fewer calories. Oh yeah, what about an organic dark chocolate bar with toffee chips and pecans. Yes, that will hit the spot. I don't have time to go to the store though. What's in the pantry? Well, I guess a cookie will do. Wow, I can't believe I just ate four of those. Ugh, I don't feel so good about that, nor do I enjoy how it feels sitting in my stomach. Why did I do that? Damn these sweet cravings!
I take consolation, and hopefully you will too, in knowing the sweet cravings are not an affliction I face alone, and I can do something about them. It's comforting to understand that craving sweets is part of the human experience and is actually functional on a biophysical level.
Why We Crave Sweets We come into this world hard-wired to seek endorphins, which are pain-relieving hormones. For example, endorphins are an important component of breast milk; they help ease physical pain and decrease the physiologic effects of stress. >>
ayurveda
Eating around the same time everyday maintains the health of our digestive system, and this can play into how we moderate our sweet intake.
This is why infants instinctively nurse when they are tired, cranky, or uncomfortable (and one of the reasons why breast milk is better than infant formula). Not much changes for us as adults. We still naturally look to the release of endorphins when choosing to eat certain foods (such as those high in sugar, fat, or phenylethylamine) to ease pain and stress. Furthermore, eating is one of the most powerful ways of nurturing our bodies. So it makes sense that when we are in need of nurturing, we continue to instinctively link eating and food with stress relief.
Address the Root Cause Does that mean that as long as we are internally feeling stressed, well crave sweets? The short answer: yes. We can train ourselves to find sanctuary in other forms of endogenous endorphin release (such as exercise). However, to address the root of the issue would mean to address the state of depletion, or stress. While most peoples first response to hearing they need to decrease stress in their life is some form of an I cant statement, we can all come up with a few simple ways to nurture ourselves more and deplete ourselves less.
vata is imbalanced, sleep is commonly light and interrupted. Although this is a broad topic, it begins with clarity of intention to sleep more. With the solidarity of intention, we slowly begin to prioritize sleep and find tools to help cultivate restful sleep. Nurture Yourself. Massages, Reiki, meditations, and meals made with love are examples of ways to increase nurturing energy. Of course, the qualities in these energetic inputs are grounding, calming, and restorative which help balance vata. Plug into your self-care regimen (or create one). The most important and most difficult to maintain nurturing comes from our self-care. We dont always tend to prioritize our self-care and it can feel like more work. Yet its imperative to our health. First, we are the only ones who are fully aware of what we need for own on healing and comfort. Second, from the psychospiritual perspective, when we nurture ourselves consistently, we decrease internal conflict and attract more situations in life in which we feel nurtured. Choose healthy sweets in moderation. The sweet taste helps balance vata and supports rejuvenation. If you incorporate a moderate amount of healthy sweets, your cravings can diminish. By denying ourselves sweets, we are operating in an extreme manner (vata), and it is rarely sustainable. Use moderation, and bring in naturally sweet treats like soaked dates and figs or sweet potato, or a warm cup of herbal tea with honey. Id rather have an organic date-nut-cacao ball than desperately reach for a bag of the kids Halloween stash of colored high-fructose GMO corn syrup. Savor your sweets. Whether kisses or chocolate, take advantage of being fully present. When I savor every moment of >>
Anytime you are putting out more energy into the universe than you are receiving (from food, others, self care, and being in the state of joy), you are operating in a state of deficit; there is more degeneration in the tissues than there is regeneration. This is a state of vata imbalance. Another facet of being in vata imbalance is poor impulse control, and this plays into feeling unable to control our response to cravings. The addiction cycle of feeding cravings for things that are comforting to us (cigarettes, coffee, a glass of wine, chocolate, et cetera) ends when we can adequately nurture ourselves in other ways, or balance vata dosha. Craving more sweets is usually a first sign of vata imbalance. Depleted, overworked, overwhelmed, and scattered minds seek calm, brainless, sweet and nurturance in anything (e.g. cookies, couches, TV, cuddles). The heavy quality and sweet taste of our desired desserts help to ground and soothe excess vata.
Balance the Sweet Craving One way to balance your sweet cravings is to decrease vata in your life. The following suggestions offer a place to begin.
Stop overcommitting. Do less, regenerate more. Sleep more. During sleep, our physical tissues rejuvenate and our subconscious assimilates our life experience. Too little sleep feeds into both physical and emotional depletion and when
ayurveda
that fig gelato, Im much more satiated then when Im mindlessly popping chocolate chips in my mouth as I email. Soothe yourself warm and moist enjoyments. Warm baths, jacuzzis, steam sauna, hot oil massage, and foods that are warm in temperature and feel moist in your mouth are all effective vata-reducing strategies. Eat fresh food. By increasing the prana in your food, we can increase our regenerative capacity. Furthermore, fresh foods are often rich in vitamins and minerals which support overall hormonal balance that also reduce cravings. Escape your technology. All of our technological devices are vata inputs in our lives. By creating technology-free space and time in your life, we ground ourselves and reduce stimulation. This also improves impulse control since our technology supports a nervous system that expects instant gratification. Create some semblance of routine. Establishing a healthy circadian rhythm is a powerful way to balance hormones, including stress hormones, and to reduce vata. Eating around the same time everyday maintains the health of our digestive system, and this can play into how we moderate our sweet intake (for example, I enjoy one coconut date ball at my 10am snack). Of course, there is the incredible Ayurvedic herb shardunika (gurmar) which blocks the taste buds that sense sweet taste. This is thought to help with sugar cravings; some use shardunika as a way to prevent excess sugar intake. Others use artificial sweeteners, or a naturally sweet herb like stevia, to allow themselves the sweet taste in a way they feel has less untoward side effects than a sugar binge. While effective in the short-term, these are still superficial approaches that dont necessarily address the deeper issue of depletion and addiction. The suggestions discussed here outline a more long-term approach to addressing the root causes of cravings. For many of us, sweet cravings have been in our lives since childhood, and its a journey to understand their basis and to take steps to decrease them. The good news is that every action you take, no matter how small, has a positive impact on this path of Ayurvedic living.
Dr. Siva Mohan integrates Ayurveda with modern medicine in her Ayurvedic wellness practice and educational programs to define and achieve whole-being wellness. Dr. Mohan specializes in addressing the psychospiritual basis of healing. Doctormohan.com
GOOD KARMA
GARDENS
Edible Landscaping takes root in Los Angeles
BY An n e k e Campbe l l OP E N I NG PHOTOS BY DAVI D YO UNG -WOL F F
fter a hard days work at the office, Christine returns to her apartment where she lives with her daughter and grandson of 14 months. Instead of the usual quick run to the store, she now takes just a few steps behind her apartment where can pick from an abundant selection of seasonal, organic vegetables. With more than enough to share with her family, friends and neighbors, Christine is definitely reaping the benefits of whats been sown in her Good Karma Garden. Swami Omkarananda who heads the Sivananda Yoga Center in Marina Del Rey helped birth Good Karma Gardens. She says, The idea came to me after our morning meditation session at the Yoga center. I was musing on two problems. First: How to engage students in Karma Yoga (or selfless service)? Second: How to act on the desire to help neighbors who were inspired by the Sivananda Yoga Centers edible garden. Members with gardening and carpentry skills who helped build planter boxes for the Sivananda house agreed to become resources to help others and Good Karma Gardens began to grow. The group set guidelines and parameters, with a mission to enable people to grow and eat nutritious, delicious, organic food. Good Karma Gardens welcomes all residential dwellers apartment or home, renter or owner who have a yard, patio or balcony.
Once my garden started producing, I was able to give my neighbors melons, tomatoes, and cucumbers. And now were regularly exchanging.
ABOVE AND TOP RIGHT : VOLUNTEERS BUILD RAISED BEDS AT THE SIVANANDA GARDEN. A GROUP OF PROUD GOOD KARMA GARDENERS.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOOD KARMA GARDEN VOLUNTEERS.
Good Karma Gardens provides free guidance and help to those willing to show up for each other and learn. Interested participants fill out an online questionnaire covering the kinds of foods they want to grow and eat, if they can help pay for necessary materials, and how many hours a week they can spend not only maintaining the garden but helping their neighbors. A workday is then planned and volunteers show up to accomplish what might be otherwise too overwhelming as task for one person or a family. The work party is also made up of other volunteers who want to participate in fun, group Karma Yoga. Those who dont have the skills (or strength) to dig up lawns or create planter boxes can also provide snacks and refreshments, transport tools and equipment to fetch soil, compost, or recycled timber, and even donate monetarily. At first, people were a little uncertain about services offered for free as well as the expectation of paying it forward. But within the first month, Good Karma Gardens had completed four projects. The workdays create a sense of community and the sense of satisfaction from a job well done.
One of the activities for many people starting out with Good Karma Gardens is lawn removal. Imagine the transformational effect on the economy and health of Los Angeles if we all grew food instead of grass. Half of Los Angeles precious water is used to grow grass. Unfortunately, the pesticides used pollute our waterways and ocean. Andie, a middle school teacher and animal activist, found it hard to imagine removing more than two feet of lawn behind her white picket fence; she was amazed when this big enthusiastic group showed up at nine in the morning. I thought: really, here in Los Angeles, there are all these strangers doing this for me. This young guy Matt planted his own seedlings, Russ gave me a mosaic stepping stone he makes for each garden, and someone made a delicious lunch. They said we will show up, what we want from you is to share food and to join a work party for others. Once my garden started producing, I was able to give my neighbors melons, tomatoes, and cucumbers. And now were regularly exchanging. Neighbors Helena and her husband were moving from another part of Venice and were so inspired by the gorgeous and >>
Good Karma Gardens is one small part of the much larger urban farming movement transforming our world.
edible Sivananda garden, that when a house next door came up for sale, they bought it. At first, Helena wanted to remove just a few feet of lawn since her husband had a bad back and couldnt help. But after the first work party, volunteers kept showing up to help take out more lawn; shes now doing the rest bit by bit. She reports, When I work on my own, planting veggies and flowers, folks walking by stop and want to chat. Not your typical Los Angeles experience. Little did Carolyn know that when she first began showing up at other peoples yard work parties, it would result in a vegetable patch of her own. She was sure she was cursed with a brown thumb. When she got the opportunity to work with Good Karma Gardens, she was decidedly NOT looking to get out of her comfort zone. Moreover, the house shed rented for the last decade had considerable outdoor space around it, but Carolyn had never done well with delicate plants; the grounds already required more maintenance than she could handle. Her solution was to grow the most indestructible succulents and cacti and simply let them take care of themselves. But the idea of growing her own food became more and more appealing. So she got permission from her landlady, and in about three hours, a team of wonderful volunteers built a sheet-mulched, raised bed that disassembles easily. According to Carolyn: The beauty of this pay-it-forward effort is that the Good Karma Garden experts tailor each garden to the needs and abilities of the person caring for it. You wont be alone in your efforts and you wont be saddled with more than you can afford or maintain. Your heart will be as gratified as your belly! Two of the primary volunteers, gardeners Russ and Matt, visit potential gardens to assess and advise on location, style, and scale. Once the garden is established, they also check up on it, utilizing natural soap and essential oils for plant health and insect control. These are important actions because by not using toxic chemicals and caring for our soil, we give back by healing the earth and our ecosystem. Russ, who has a degree in biology, enjoys re-using and re-purposing recycled materials. Matt, who recently earned a degree in sustainable agriculture, started an irrigation design and food garden business, Home Grown Gardens, and shares the starter plants he takes to farmers markets. These young men, along with a host of others, do this for the joy of making things grow and bringing people together. In addition, the nearby Venice High School Learning Garden is also a source of volunteers, plants, compost, education and inspiration. This is the very definition and practice of Karma Yoga, the art of blessed action. This art of giving with no need to receive, where the act itself is a gift to everyone involved, helps
ones spiritual growth and at the same time, contributes to the improvement of a community. The Sivananda tradition teaches that there are four paths of yoga, one of which is Karma Yoga (sometimes called seva), which is considered to be the foundation of the other spiritual practices. Karma is a Sanskrit word that means action. When an action and the thought behind it is selfless, the action leads to the type of future karma that can eventually result in liberation. Helping someone start a garden is a practical and fun opportunity to do Karma Yoga. It provides an immediate reward of satisfaction of working with others and developing a sense of community by touching the lives of those around us. Food is an essential element in our lives. The potential for growing food as a cooperative effort will produce lifestyles centered around family and community. Good Karma Gardens is one small part of the much larger urban farming movement transforming our world. If urban farming continues to grow, local food production could compete with the corporate mainstream on price, quality, convenience and level of service. Organic urban farming also frees us from the oil dependent culture by minimizing transportation and processing along with fertilizer and pesticide use. Senior Yoga teacher Bhavani has taught at the center for years as her service to the community but has recently become ill. She had never been interested in growing food nor cooking for herself. But with her digestive problems, she has become aware of the importance of paying attention to what she eats. She is now recovering and Good Karma Gardens is helping her to establish a planter box garden on her roof patio. Tailored to her needs, it will be easy for her to look after without much bending over because the boxes are 30 high. This will definitely add new interest to cooking, which I hate. But more wonderfully, this deck went from being underutilized to optimally utilized, as we not only use the sunlight to grow food but have a perfect place for doing asanas, right beside the plants. Good Karma Gardens is planting seeds of change across Marina Del Rey, Venice, and Mar Vista and is branching out to West Los Angeles. More volunteers are always welcome. Swami Sivananda promises, The first step in the spiritual path is selfless service of humanity. The more energy you spend in elevating and serving others, the more divine energy will flow to you.
For more information, please visit: Goodkarmagardens.wordpress.com
Anneke Campbell is a writer, filmmaker and activist, who is a founding member of Transition Mar Vista/Venice.
OPPOSITE PAGE : YOGIN VOLUNTEER BUILDING AT THE SIVANANDA CENTER GARDEN. NASTURTIUM AND PEAS GROWING WITH SUPPORT IN THE SIVANANDA CENTER GARDEN. BUILDING PARTICIPANT CHRISTINES APARTMENT GARDEN. VIBRANT CABBAGE IN THE SIVANANDA GARDEN.
PHOTO BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF
PHOTO BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF
GROWING TULSI
BY Pras han t i de Jag e r OP E N I NG PHOTO BY DAVI D YO UNG -WOL F F
Tulsi is one of the most important herbs for yoga practitioners OR anyone who wants a brighter and more sattvic mind, a stronger expansive heart, greater resilience to all forms of stress, and a sharper and more astute immune system
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, or Ocimum sanctum, is one of the most beloved herbs in Ayurveda; it is so beloved that it is sometimes called the Queen of Herbs. Tulsis uses in Ayurveda are many and wide-ranging. Its beneficial qualities include being good for the lungs, additionally, the plant is a tonic for the nervous system and an adaptogen that strengthens the adrenals. Of course, it is convenient to run to the store for a bottle of Tulsi capsules or a box of Tulsi tea; may we always have this available to us on nearby shelves. However, just as the Yogic, Ayurvedic and Puranic traditions are adamant about our daily connection to Tulsi, tradition states that, optimally, it should be grown in our own homes. Our own gardens can be one of the most potent sources of medicine available to us. When cultivating herbs, growing plants rich in essential oils are important for health as these herbs contain powerful medicines and antioxidant compounds.
The following advice is based on my experience of growing Tulsi in India in my gardens and also from having been a player in growing thousands of tons of Tulsi in the North Indian fields of Western Oudh. Gr o w ing Tul si Growing Conditions: Tulsi loves to grow in rich loamy soil with ample precipitation and strong sun.
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Soil: Where I have seen Tulsi grow the best with absolutely full power vitality is in fields of the North Central plains of India that are near rivers that occasionally overflow their banks. The land there is quite rich, though slightly sandy, and is fed using biodynamic techniques. Tulsi does fine in a standard rich potting soil.
Sun and Rain: Though Tulsi grows as a perennial through out India, she loves to be planted right before the monsoon in the intense heat and sun of North Indian summers, and >>
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ORGANIC INDIA AND PRASHANTI DE JAGER
IN ADDITION TO BEING GROWN FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES, OR AS A FOCUS OF DEVOTION, TULSI WOOD IS USED FOR MALAS, OR PRAYER BEADS. IN THE SKANDA PURANA, HARI BHAKTI VILASA STATES, JUST BY TOUCHING HER [TULSI], ONE BECOMES PURE.BY BOTH CHANTING THE NAMES OF GOD WHILE TOUCHING THE MALA BEADS, ONE ENTERS A TRANSCENDENTAL MODE OF ENGAGING BOTH THE MIND AND SENSES ON GOD, BECOMING SPIRITUALLY STRONG VANESSA HARRIS
in just 90-120 days, through the intense rains of the monsoon, she will grow to a height that will typically be at least two feet and often four or five feet. Years ago, in my garden in Lucknow, I had a volunteer Krishna Tulsi plant grow to eight feet tall and six feet across in just eighteen months. First Planting (Seeds): In most areas, the first planting is in April, typically indoors in a greenhouse or some protected area. Emulate nature and plant your seeds in earthen pots, if possible, only about one-to-two cm deep, with a light covering of dirt.
I have been growing Tulsi in Marin for 15 years, all from seeds I originally got from Seeds of Change. All seeds, soil and fertilizer are 100% organic. I grow Rama Tulsi, and though I started to also grow Krishna and Vana Tulsi two years ago, these instructions are for Rama Tulsi. Krishna and Vana Tulsi would be optimized with similar protocols. Best Soil: I have found that Organic Ocean Forest from FoxFarm is the best. Seedlings: I start the seeds in mid-May in clay pots where they will sprout and grow at rates depending on the weath er that year.
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Second Planting (Seedlings): Four to eight weeks after the initial planting, when the seedlings are 10-20 cm tall, trans plant the Tulsi to larger pots for indoor growing, or out door to suitable beds or fields. Variety: It is possible that until your Tulsi has grown, you will not know its variety; it is likely that it will be not just a single variety but a hybrid. Mantra: Traditionally mantras, songs, and other expresions of soul connection are both invoked by Tulsi Ma and ap preciated by her.
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Watering: Water as needed so soil is wet then you can let it almost dry, but still slightly wet before watering again. Morning is the best time to water. I use either filtered water or let water sit in stainless or glass containers for 48 hours to off-gas chlorine and other contaminants. It is best to use spring or stream water. Do not use plastic for any water nor seedling container.
Sun: Full sun is best, but Tulsi will grow in partial shade as long as there is six to seven hours of sun per day.
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Ri cho Cech on G rowing T ulsi

H o riz o n Herbs, ho rizo nherbs. co m
Richo Cech is one of the nations most experienced and favorite herbalists and the man behind Horizon Herbs, a source of herb seeds and seedlings. He has a YouTube video with Tulsi growing advice. Cech advises that Tulsi may be grown in gardens across the Northern Hemisphere. The standard requirements are: At least six hours of full sunlight daily. Good quality organic potting or good garden soil.
Fertilizer: If using Fox Farm soil, there is no need to fertilize for the first four to six weeks. After that, I use seaweed and worm castings once a week till flowering. Once the Tulsi starts to flower, I add bat guano once a week. You can also make stinging nettle tea by bruising fresh leaves and soaking in water for ten days, stirring daily and then giving to it plants. You can also spray this strong-smelling tea on leaves as it is one of the best all-around plant foods I know of. Pesticide: Tulsi is resistant to most bugs, but white fly and aphids can occasionally damage the plants, especially if the plant is not strong. If you have any problems with bugs, spray once a week with Neem oil, but never spray in direct sun light. Seed Saving: I let the seeds fall in the pot and after plants die around November. Then I put the pot in a cool dry place for the winter where the seeds rest for a few months. In May, I take the pots outside under the sun and start watering them. Hundreds of seedlings sprout out from a single pot which I then can transfer. You can also wait until the seed pods are dry, then collect the seeds for future use. If growing directly in soil, the seeds will sprout around April or May.
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Sowing seeds just barely beneath the surface, keeping warm, evenly moist, and in the light until germination. Tulsi takes much longer to germinate than standard garden basil. (Three weeks is average.) Keep the plants weeded, and space one to two feet apart. If fertilization is necessary, weed and cultivate with fingers around the plant, dress the surface of the soil around the plant with one or two inches of organic compost, then water. A positive attitude and prayers that the Tulsi will benefit all beings will help the plants along, and will bring blessings down on the gardener and all beings that come in contact with this holy herb. It is said that "even the ground beneath Tulsi is sacred"; we have found this to be true. Yai r S chers on G rowing Tulsi I am not sure if Yair loves Tulsi more than Tulsi loves Yair, but the love affair is a close match. He is, by far, the most skilled and powerful mala maker I know. Here are some of his tips:
Mantra: Tulsi loves to hear chanting, so chant away and enjoy the sacred energy and healing tea. One Mantra I use a lot is this: Om shri tulasyai vidmahe vishnupriyayi dhimah tan no vrinda prachodayat. Imbibing the Tulsi Vibe: If you are growing Tulsi in pots, you can bring them inside the house at night for a wonder ful experience. After all, having Tulsi within your house is one facet of what the tradition details.
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Use about 1 kg of fresh herbs for every 10 liters of water in a non-metal barrel and stir vigorously at least daily. When it stops fermenting, dilute it to 10% with water. I use the local spring water, and use it on my Tulsi and other plants. The plants love it and the whole ecosystem loves it. Traditional Fertilizers As Tulsi is such an incredibly valuable and respected herb, there are many studies in India investigating how to optimize her growth. One such study which sprayed onto Tulsi a combination of 2% Panchakavya + 0.2% Humic Acid + 2% Moringa Leaf Extract, 30 and 60 days after planting, resulted in much higher plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, and greater dried weight per square meter. Panchagavya, another incredible fertilizer that is part of the Vedic tradition, is a fermented concoction of a particular ratio of five products of cow: dung, urine, milk, curd, and ghee. In Conclusion I want to encourage us all to grow as many of our own herbs as possible. One might say, Prashanti, because you are a key player within several herb companies, wont people growing their own herbs hurt your business? I am fundamentally a clinician and teacher, so anyone who knows me knows that other growers, herbalists, and herb companies are my allies in being a proponent of natural medicine and connection with Nature. It is the likes of the irresponsible greed-based facets of BigPharm, and any other force that keeps people disempowered and unenlightened that are the competition. If every person grew their own food and medicine I would be happiest of all.
Prashanti de Jager, one of the Founders of both Organic India and the Dunagiri Foundation, is a Yogi daily immersed in the study and practice of most Vedic Sciences, and an activist in pragmatic pursuits of empowering the wellness of all beings on this Earth. Contact him with questions about growing your own herbs. Prashantidejager.com
Jonathan Valdman on Growing Tulsi

For ever F l o w ering Greenho uses for everf lo w ering. net
I have had the opportunity to grow Rama Tulsi at an 1800' elevation in the Sierra Foothills of California. I have grown it under optimal greenhouse conditions in raised beds. It produced a 'pampered' product with an amazing, though scarce, essential oil that was distilled using both the leaves and flowers. I have also planted it under full sun in amended local earth. The plants grew smaller and were a little less fragrant, though the medicine was potent. The tea that was steeped from the leaves was fruity and refreshing and provided a feeling of strength and vitality. The outdoor plants went to seed and have provided me with volunteer Tulsi yearly since. We hope to be running some Tulsi in an aquaponics system this summer, so stay tuned. Santosh Hoehne on using herbs to strengthen Tulsi
SOS O rg anics (so so rganics. co m )
Where to Find Tulsi Seeds

Collect seeds or cuttings from friends with a Tulsi plant or buy from these Sources: Horizon Herbs: horizonherbs.com Organic India: organicindia.com The Living Seed Company: livingseedcompany.com
Santosh, who has created the Himalayan-based herb company, SOS Organics in Almora, is also one of my original partners/founders of Organic India. Santosh makes incredible Himalayan Nettle based fermentations of dozens of herbs and then sprays/pours that on his herbs.
rockstar health & fitness
BON JOVI
BY LOR I RISCHE R
HEALTH & FITNESS WITH
No doubt about it......time flies! It seems like only yesterday that I was in high school with feathered hair watching Bon Jovi from the front row. Now instead of simply sitting in the audience singing along, I've helped spearhead the bands US radio promotion and marketing campaign for the last few years. During this time, I've also had a front row view of the bands health and fitness routine. Bon Jovi just kicked off another world tour to support their new #1 album, What About Now (including a sold-out LA show at the Staples Center on April 19). Staying healthy while meeting the demands of the road is not an easy thing to do! While on tour, the band travels with a multi-talented healthcare professional who is an expert nutritionist, trainer, and chiropractor. Some of the bands other must-haves include: acupuncture for overall wellness, cold laser therapy to ease inflammation, water, and vitamins. Nutrition is also important to the guys; some of Jon's favorite healthy foods are grilled fish, low-fat Greek yogurt, almonds, fresh fruit, and protein bars. Jon Bon Jovi is an avid runner and will usually run six days a week. Don't be surprised to see the rock star throw on his
Staying healthy while meeting the demands of the road is not an easy thing to do!
hat and sunglasses for some fresh air and cardio when he's on tour. In addition, he lifts weights, and does core strengthening and balance/stability exercises that help him keep up the same stage moves he had when I was in high school. My favorite fitness comment was from Jon's longtime band mate Richie Sambora. We were talking about exercise and I asked him if he did yoga. He replied: $#*@ no - I'm from Jersey!! We had a good laugh at the classic rock star moment. Clearly, these New Jersey boys are doing something right because they have been at the top of their game for over 30 years. Bon Jovi continues to deliver #1 albums and hit singles, and they sell out stadiums around the world.
Lori Rischer is a veteran music business executive, the KIIS-FM health & fitness spokesperson, and yoga instructor. Rockstar Health & Fitness shares the healthy secrets of celebrities.Check out her weekly blog at: KIISFM.com keyword "Rockstar" or: LoriRischer.com
PHOTO BY DAVID BERGMAN
yogi food farmers' corner
Re vitalize with Radishes

Support a spring cleanse with this pungent root.
BY RE D JE N FORD P HOTOS BY I SABELL A CASSI NI
Radishes are not just for salads, platter garnishes, and party carvings (as used in the Mexican winter festival, Night of the Radishes). In fact, whether raw, pickled, marinated, or juiced, radishes are a fantastic cleansing food, especially for the gallbladder. Radishes contain a variety of sulfur-based chemicals that increase the flow of bile and help cleanse stones and bile built up in the gallbladder. The gallbladder, in turn, helps support liver function, and a healthy liver purifies the blood, burns fat, and disposes of toxins from processed foods, medicines, alcoholic beverages, and environmental pollutants. Historically, radishes have been used as a medicinal food for liver disorders and to prevent constipation. Their ability to help digest fat may be the real reason behind the French para-
dox (radishes are eaten in France for breakfast, lunch, and dinner). In fact, in the 18th century, radishes were viewed as great relievers of the common cold, powerful fortifiers of digestion, and useful in breaking down kidney stones, as stated in William Woys Weavers book, 100 Vegetables and Where They Came From. In Healing With Whole Foods Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, author Paul Pitchford cites how the cooling, yet pungent, radish is viewed from the perspective of Eastern Medicine. Radishes are powerful detoxifiers that reduce inflammation, decrease mucus, and can help remove deposits and stones from the gallbladder. In addition, their high potassium content supports cardiovascular health. >>
yogi food farmers' corner
According to Ayurvedic Practitioner and Natural Epicurean Chef Instructor Charlotte Jernigan, the Ayurvedic energetics of radishes supports cleansing, especially in the spring, since they reduce built-up toxins (ama) in the body, as well as the excess of the heavy, earthy kapha dosha. Radishes are both pungent and heating. The lightness and dryness of this vegetable supports clearing out accumulations such as winter doldrums, excess weight, congestion, or phlegm. Jernigan also points out that they are easy to grow, even in a small space, with full sun and cool temperatures and they are ready for harvest merely 30 days after planting. Grown in Egypt since at least 2780 BC, radishes have been cultivated in many shapes and sizes. While we tend to think of them as round red globes, they actually vary in color from white, red, pink, and even green such as the watermelon radish (green on the outside and fuchsia on the inside). They may also be shaped similar to a carrot, which is true of the pink and white icicle radish, and in the case of the daikon, can grow up to 18 inches long. Long, black Spanish varieties can be challenging to find but have the strongest cleansing properties and so are worth seeking. As a member of the mustard family Brassicaceae, the peppery greens of the radish can also be eaten. After rinsing well, they are a peppery substitute or accompaniment for arugula; cooked quickly, they are a spicy leafy green and
Historically, radishes have been used as a medicinal food for liver disorders and to prevent constipation.
a delicious alternative to spinach. Both the radish roots and greens are excellent sources of Vitamin C, with the leaves contain almost six times the Vitamin C content of the root. As a cruciferous vegetable, radishes are cancer-fighting, antifungal, and antibacterial. For variety, consider juicing them or crunching on a few between meals. To soften their pungent taste, radishes may be pickled in vinegar, marinated in lemon juice and olive oil, or grilled or roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Try them in this salad with fat-flushing apple cider vinegar and inflammation-fighting flaxseed oil, balanced by the sweetness of oranges and fortified with the easy digestibility of sprouts.
Red Jen Ford is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor, and Seasonal Eating Expert. Jen teaches the benefits and simplicity of eating local, sustainably-grown food. Enjoy more of her dishes in her seasonal recipe booklets or online course, Simply in Season Fall Recipes to Celebrate Healthy, Easy Seasonal Food. Redjenford.com
Radish Salad with Oranges and Sprouts

PREP: 10 MINUTES / YIELD: 8 SERVINGS
Salad: 1 cup sliced radishes 2 cups fresh orange segments 4 cups green leaf lettuce or spring salad greens, washed and spun dry 1 cup broccoli sprouts 1 cup alfalfa sprouts Dressing: 2 oz organic apple cider vinegar 2 oz fresh squeezed orange juice 1 tsp raw honey or 6 drops of stevia extract pinch of sea salt pinch of ground black pepper 2 oz flaxseed oil
Whisk together all dressing ingredients except oil. Then slowly whisk in the oil. Combine salad ingredients except sprouts and toss with half of the dressing. Sprinkle sprouts on top, then drizzle with a little more dressing. Any leftover vinaigrette can be refrigerated in an airtight container away from light. Re-shake before using.
s s s s
YOGA THERAPY
A CONVERSATION WITH DR VASANT LAD
BY R ita Tre ig e r P HOTO BY F LUID F RAM E PHOTO G RAPHY
We recently caught up with Dr. Vasant Lad, the eminent Ayurvedic physician, author, and professor, and asked him to share his knowledge and thoughts on good health, Yoga therapy, and what qualities he believes make for a good Yoga therapist. Dr. Vasant Lad has authored numerous articles and books on the subject of Ayurvedic medicine and Yoga. He serves as the director of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and this coming June, he will join other doctors, Yoga therapists, and Yoga practitioners to give one of the keynote speeches for the Fifth Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research (SYTAR) in Boston, Massachusetts.
IMAGE OF TIA HOBBS IN CAMEL POSE AT THE WATER PALACE OF TIRTAGANGGA IN BALI, INDONESIA.
In your opinion, what makes Yoga therapeutic? Yoga has great therapeutic value because every Yoga posture carries the body's energy. We are constantly pulled by gravity to the center of the earth; we rely on the qualities of ojas (heartiness) and tejas (intelligence) to channel the flow of prana (vital energy) into a proper direction. When a person does not regularly practice Yoga, their prana always moves in a one-way direction, resulting in accumulated chi in the kidneys, bladder, prostate, cervix, and ovaries. Problems arise due to this accumulated congestion, including maladies such as swelling, slipped disks, hernia, high blood pressure, and even lower back aches. By doing Yoga according to the individuals prakriti (constitution), the direction of flow caused by gravitational force changes, improving or eliminating congestion in the liver, joints, or the lower back. This directional change also improves the lymphatic, arterial, and venous circulation. Yoga can improve circulation, nutritional absorption and has an overall therapeutic value. What are some of the changes you have seen in Yoga therapy and the mainstream acceptance of Yoga therapy? Just by doing Yoga regularly, a person's blood pressure can return to normal. Yoga can help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar. So many people are on medication to control these problems, but if, along with medication, one also practices Yoga, the medicine can be more effective. By doing Yoga asana, pranayama, and mudras, along with following a proper diet, the body will become more flexible. Cholesterol and blood pressure are stabilized, and the function of the endocrine system -- the thyroid, parathyroid, and thymus glands can become normalized. You can even see the individuals blood and brain chemistry coming back to normal. That is why Yoga is becoming so well accepted by the medical community and by medical practitioners as well as healers in other modalities like chiropractors and acupuncturists. Yoga aids all these therapies. One other thing I should mention is that a person should not do Yoga on his/her own. A person needs the help of a Yoga therapist or Yoga instructor because improper practice can be injurious to the tissue. It is very important to have the appropriate guidance so things such as a slipped disk or any other misalignment that may cause pain can be avoided. >>
yoga therapy
What are the some must-have qualities that a Yoga teacher or therapist should cultivate to create an atmosphere for healing? A basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, as well as comprehensive yogic knowledge of Yoga therapy and practice. Acquiring this basic knowledge of Ayurveda is a great help in transforming Yoga therapy into a science. According to Ayurveda, every individual has a unique prakriti, and every individual has a unique vikruti (state of dis-ease). Yoga therapy becomes a practical, clinical application of Yoga in our daily practice. One should not take Yoga lightly: Oh, its so simple; anyone can do it. No. There are some postures that are not good for certain prakriti. For example, holding headstand for a long time (5-10 minutes) is not recommended for pitta (fire element) people because it will increase pitta by increasing blood flow to the brain, which could result in a headache. Not understanding the individual's prakriti and vikruti can create imbalance because of not being able to recognize ones true relationship with a particular Yoga posture and prakriti/ vikruti paradigm. Besides the understanding of physiology and Ayurvedic energetics, are there other qualities you feel are important? Every individual has a unique body type. For example, some people have a broad pelvis, while others have a broad pectoral area. The way people stand and walk can further cause the development of a unique physiology. If a Yoga therapist understands that, then it becomes easier to perform Yoga without any strain. As Patanjali says in the Yoga Sutras, Sthira sukam asanam, which means while doing any posture there should not be pain, strain, or stress. Each posture should be easily achieved along with the proper breath. One should breathe deeply to bring about beautiful harmony between the body, mind, and consciousness. This is what makes a person feel happy, healthy, and energetic throughout the day. So perfection of asana and breathing is absolutely necessary in Yoga therapy. Do you think that its important to have a certification process for people to become Yoga therapists? Absolutely. It is going in that direction. Here in America, a massage therapist needs a certificate to say that s/he is a massage therapist, and a barber needs a certificate to say s/he is a barber. Any healer needs a certification to authenticate that he or she has undergone a particular educational training, as well as to ensure his or her knowledge of anatomy and physiology, along with a little bit of an Ayurvedic perspective of the doshas. In ancient times, every yogi was a great physician, every yogi was a great psychotherapist, and every yogi had great knowledge of Ayurveda in order to choose the proper course of Yoga necessary to heal individual ailments. One has to have a thorough understanding of the human body. How is Yoga most beneficial in a persons healing process? Yoga can be both preventative and curative. If we know that in a person's family history there is diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis, then certain Yoga postures can be very beneficial. To direct this, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of different regions in the body because each is energetically connected to particular asana, which help create internal harmony. What is your favorite go-to practice or pose that helps create healing and peace? If a person has vata (air element) disorder then the person should do camel, cobra, spinal twist, and cow pose to help balance vata. >>
yoga therapy
If a person has high pitta (fire element), boat, bow, fish, and bridge pose are recommended, while a person with high kapha (earth element) should practice lotus, locust, lion, and palm tree to help balance the kapha dosha. There are many other postures but these postures should be emphasized for proper balancing. The gravitational forces in these postures help us to redirect prana. This is the language of Yoga and Ayurveda, which are very concurrent and inherent. Each of these ancient modalities work together to elevate healing energy in the individual based upon his or her prakriti/ vikruti paradigm. What do you do in your own practice to help stay in balance? I am pitta-vata guy, and because my pitta is high, I do not practice headstand or shoulderstand for too long. I do boat, bow, and bridge to balance my pitta, and to balance my vata I do camel, cobra, spinal twist, and cow pose. Then I practice savasana to relax, and include gentle, cooling pranayama sitali (cooling breath) to balance pitta, and ujjayii (victorious) breath, bhramari (bee humming) breath, or alternate nostril breath to balance vata. If someone wants to begin using Yoga therapeutically in their own lives, where would be a good place to begin? One should begin with a gentle Yoga stretch to bring awareness to the body. If we do not bring awareness to the body and we are doing Yoga asana for a long time, then we are pulling and straining the muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels, and they will become sore. Soreness or pain is the body's way of saying, Hey, I can't bear this. Stop! Doing Yoga helps us learn the language of the body, and helps us learn to listen to the body. We have to bring awareness to the physical, emotional, and mental levels as well as awareness on the conscious level. Yoga brings harmony to the body and mind. Is there anything else related to Yoga therapy you would like to add? Yoga is an ancient art of longevity of life and harmony in our relationships. It makes the body, mind, and consciousness work together; in that togetherness, we practice awareness. When looking at trees, birds, the shape of the mountains, the beautiful color of the flowers, the flow of the river, and the shapes of the clouds, you are uniting with the beauty of all these things. The beauty of the cloud and the flower directly meets with you, and there is union between the observer and the observed. This union is the highest Yoga. Yoga is a skill in awareness, a skill in action, and therefore Yoga can take us to that dimension where every moment becomes the moment of Samadhi, the moment of bliss, the moment of joy, the moment of love. These are the highest manifestations and flowering of life through Yoga. For more information about the Ayurvedic Institute, visit: Ayurveda.com To register for the International Association of Yoga Therapists Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research (SYTAR), visit: sytar.org. The early bird discount is in effect until April 12.
Rita Trieger is a contributing editor to Find Bliss magazine, and the author of Yoga Heals Your Back (Fairwinds, 2005). She teaches yoga therapy for both cancer and heart patients at Stamford Hospital, in Stamford Connecticut. Ritatude.blogspot.com
Spring Cleaning in Prana-land

M E DITATION BY LORIN RO CHE
When you let go in meditation, you may have noticed that the ahhhhhhhh of physical relaxation is often followed by the ouch of re-living what you were tense about. The timing often seems totally unfair, as in: Hey, I got three seconds of pure Ommmmmm and then three minutes of ouuuucchhhh and uuuugh as I was seeing this mental movie of everything in the world that I worry about. A lot of people give up on meditation at this point, and I dont blame them. Wheres the serenity, the famous inner peace that meditation is supposed to be about? To the brain, one second is a long time. Each second, eleven million bits of data come in through the senses, the Indriyas. Your eighty billion neurons talk among themselves in one continuous hum of excitement as they accept all this. So the brain likes to do spring cleaning every couple of seconds. Welcome to the world of prana, where the rhythm of opposites is at play. You breathe out, and then breathe in again. Breathing out, you are letting go of the old air, and breathing in you welcome an influx of fresh air to feed and nourish every cell. Breathing out is Fall, and the end of the exhale is Winter. Breathing in in Spring, and the end of the inhale is Summer. This dynamic flow of the seasons is prana at play in your body. But why does it so often happen that we get only a few seconds of peace, the blink of an eye, and then have to wade through so much emotional processing? When we come to meditation, we generally have a bit of a
STRESS RELEASE is Natures spring cleaning Whenever we relax deeply, the muscles in the body that have been tensed let go, then stop trying to block whatever we are afraid of.
backlog of stuff to process - emotions, worries, to-do lists and fatigue. Texting our friends is no substitute for long, heartfelt conversations in which we unburden our hearts and catch up on everything. You want your meditation to feel like a free-flowing and fearless conversation with your best friend. Meditation is that time you set aside to feel everything and remember who you are, and let the simple techniques of inner yoga help you to rest in yourself. Here are a few tips that I find useful in dealing with the noise in my head. The first one is the weirdest to think of meditation as welcoming tension, rather than as relaxation. Attention releases tension. Relaxation emerges from welcoming your tension. Meditation is quite a bit like receiving a massage. You feel the tension and release it. Awareness says to the body, Tell me what you are feeling. Show me. Let me unburden you. As you pay attention, this takes a load off the body. Samaprayoga is the use of friendly words. Say to every feeling and
sensation everywhere in your body, I welcome you into my awareness. Come, let us heal together. Come, let us practice yoga together. Come, let us move into delight together. Stress release is always awful. There is no getting around it. As we relax, we let go of stress, and in the process of letting go of stress, we become aware of what we were stressed about. We review it and release it. In other words, releasing stress is about as pleasant as pulling out thorns. Its ouch, ouch, and ouch. Then ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. This is Natures spring cleaning and she wont be denied. Whenever we relax deeply, the muscles in the body that have been tensed let go, then stop trying to block whatever we are afraid of. Then that fear comes to the front of our awareness to be faced and healed. Meditation is the perfect place to face our fears and release them. This is why it is important to make meditation as luxurious, delicious, and personal as possible. You have better access to deep relaxation, which inevitably leads to release of stress. Its a good cycle, because after you have released some stress, the way is cleared for deeper meditations. Stress release is wonderful. If you meditate for twenty minutes, usually half of the time will be spent reviewing and releasing the feeling of stress, anxiety, fear, dread, anger, and sorrow you have about whatever is going on in your life. The reward for all this inner work is that afterwards you feel emotionally cleansed. This process is both healing and healthy. Accepting the rhythms of prana calls for skill and tenderness. Hrdayin (pronounced HER-da-yin) is Sanskrit for having a heart, tender-hearted, hearty. We need to be tender toward all that is unsolved in our hearts, all our yearning, and all our wounds. Your task is to learn to be a good friend to yourself in meditation; everyday, a new level of skill is called for as you change and evolve and mature. As you learn the skills of meditation, you are more likely to be able to stay at ease while thinking of all that challenges you. Here is another little tip I find helpful: Sort thoughts by chakra. The chakra system can be a useful way of sensing what is going on with all the thought impulses zooming around in our bodies and
minds. From bottom to top, the chakras are interested in 1) survival 2) sex 3) power 4) love 5) talking about something 6) analyzing something and trying to see the truth of it and 7) something to do with global awareness. Is there any thought that crosses your mind or troubles your heart that does not fit into one of these categories? When you are meditating and find yourself thinking, visualizing, planning, worrying, imagining conversations, you can ask yourself, Where in my body are these impulses coming from? Then do a chakra scan, let your awareness glide around in your nerve plexuses and sense the activity. There are often weird little tingling aches that, if you pay attention to them, will open up to a world of pleasurable sensations. Attention can be a tender massage to whatever energies the chakras are processing and transmuting. The chakras are always talking to each other, attempting to synchronize their forces and get all their ducks in a row. In Sanskrit this is samyak: going together, turned in one direction, facing one another, forming one line (as footsteps). This ongoing internal reorganization does not stop because we are meditating in fact, it happens more intensely because we are allowing it. As you let go into OM, you give permission to Mother Nature to do a little cleanup, so the peaceful ooooommmmm turns into the whirrrrrrr of a vacuum cleaner. OM, whirrr, ahhhh... accept the alternating tones of prana as she flows.
Lorin Roche began practicing with the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra in 1968 and it has been a love affair ever since. He is the author of The Radiance Sutras, Meditation Made Easy, and Meditation Secrets for Women written with his wild Shakti wife Camille Maurine). He has a PhD from the University of California at Irvine in Social Science, where he studied the language yogis and meditators develop to describe their inner experiences. Lorin does one-to-one coaching and trains meditation teachers. Visit lorinroche.com to order copies of The Radiance Sutras. Join Lorin and Camille at Esalen May 12-17 for a delicious 5-day retreat based in The Radiance Sutras. Call 888-837-2536 to register.
media reviews
Prayer to Love / CD
BY Parijat
Ne w E art h R ec or d s
Yoga Gold / CD
BY Ch ri s C onway
Par adi s e Mu s ic
The music emerged out of silence and gratitude to my beloved master Osho says artist Parijat on the liner notes of Prayer to Love. From the very first chime of Journey to the Center, we sense the prayer to love unfolding. As violinist and vocalist Tamayo joins in with her hauntingly beautiful harmonies on this first track, we accept its invitation to unwind and renew our weary spirits. This feeling became evident as I listened to the album while entering the gridlock of the 405 freeway. Normally, I would sigh and mutter something undesirable, but under the spell of Parijats Prayer to Love, a sense of ease permeated. My blood pressure lowered and I even enjoyed the slow pace of our movement. During Prayer to Love, I had visions of Asian & Indian worshippers praying together. The gu zheng (Chinese Harp) opened my heart and mind to the feeling of endless possibilities explored here. Prayer to Love splendidly expresses the loving gratitude Parijat feels for his teacher Osho. I played it in some of my yoga classes and was pleasantly surprised at how everyone was more attuned to slowing their breathing and closing their eyes to look inward. This album can enhance any setting where the power of love as a healing power is desired as Parijat delivers it from his own healed heart.
Reviewed by Guy Gabriel, who, when not dispensing Ayurvedic herbs and oils from the back of his Prius, can be found leading corporate yoga classes, writing songs, and teaching Ayurveda.
If youre looking for a superb album for yoga class, the spa, or a healing session, then Yoga Gold by multi-instrumentalist Chris Conway is a must-have. Conway is exceptionally skilled at creating a healing atmosphere through his mixing of vocals, electronic and acoustic instruments, such as drums, bells, and whistles. Each track melds into the other, progressively becoming more calm and peaceful. The album smoothly flows as if mirroring a yoga class, meditation practice, or sequenced healing session. The opening track Towards Unity is a voice-infused flow that moves like a meandering river nourishing everything in its path. The angelic quality of the nine-string guitar blends well with the sync effects, helping us set an intention. Temple bells ring in the beginning of Breathing; in this track, the bass notes foreshadow a recurring motif throughout the rest of this album. Balanced breathing is an essential anchor to a complete practice. Conway effortlessly helps us find a serene mobility allowing our mindful practice to attune to its natural rhythm and equanimity. Balance offers another recurring theme, as three voices sing the eternal Om here and throughout the album, including with a final Om in the longest song, A Journey Within. This concluding sound that reverberates throughout the entire album evokes the meditative state of mind and our interconnection with the sacredness of the quantum world we inhabit.
Reviewed by Guy Gabriel.
A Deeper Light /CD

BY Deva Pr emal an d M it e n
Whi te Swan R ec or ds
Between the Shores of Our Souls / CD

BY Mi rabai Cei ba
Sp i r it Voyage
On April 23rd, Deva Premal and Miten return with a new direction. On their new album, A Deeper Light, down-tempo dub reggae bass lines permeate many of the eight songs. Relaxed grooves result, holding space for the mantras Deva Premal's stunning voice offers. Miten's spacious production and guitar support the songs beautifully, while Nepalese bansuri flutist Manose and keyboardist Maneesh de Moor lay their special touch on the music. On Om Mantra (The Cosmic Yes), de Moors keyboards, combined with Manose's accents, give the song a distant, almost epic feel. Another notable song is Om Triambakam Mantra (Healing).Its the same mantra as Maha Mrityunjaya which appears on Deva's albumInto Light, albeit in a vastly different arrangement.It is a striking inclusion on A Deeper Light because, unlike the rest of this album, the song has no percussion or bass, only sparse instrumentation. It begins with Mitens solo voice, then Deva Premal begins harmonizing. Her voice continues to grow stronger until both voices intertwine beautifully. At this point there is no lead, nor harmony, only a stunning blend of these two voices that dance so well together. A Deeper Light may be a different direction for Devel Premal and Miten, but is in no way a departure from their course that of devotional, reverent music combined with exceptional talent and creative performance.
Reviewed by Joe Kara, who loves his double life working in music and teaching Yoga in Hollywood and the Valley. And he plays bass, too. Facebook/ Twitter. @JJKara
The first few notes of this album inspired me to remove my shoes, dim the lights, and begin to practice yoga. The energy behind Between the Shores of Our Souls is gentle, sweet and dynamically relaxing, and healing. The latest album by Mirabai Ceiba (Angelika Baumbach and Markus Sieber) is a combination of English and Spanish chant-style music with ambient jazz-like instrumental passages. The instrumentation features classical guitar, harp, piano, trumpet, cello, violin, percussion, and luscious vocal harmonies. Between the Shores has a number of tracks, each of which I could call my favorite. One is La Luna, a gorgeous piece featuring Angelikas angelic healing and soothing voice. Tells the Clouds to Weep is another stunning composition, with soothing harmonies sung by Markus and Angelika alongside simple yet effective guitar and piano backing tracks. Ocean of Dreams is a dreamy love song, where the words, melody, and string harmonies brought me to a peaceful inner space. This is music for many occasions: for relaxing, for yoga, for meditation, and for healing. If you want to take a breath of fresh air in your busy day and embark on a timeless sound journey, this album is for you. I highly recommend this release for lovers of sacred sound.
Reviewed by Marla Leigh Goldstein, a professional percussionist and flautist who composes ambient world music and teaches others to connect to their spirit through meditation and ritual drumming. marlaleigh.com
media reviews
Awakening / CD
BY Dan Bl anchard
P e ace f ul Vi b es
At my home, I have chants playing pretty much 24/7. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is one of my favorites, and Dan Blanchards version of this mantra (Invocation) on his new album, Awakening, takes this powerful chant to a new level. Blanchard is a yogi, student of Indian classical music, certified yoga teacher, therapist, and Ayurvedic practitioner. In Awakening, he combines his understanding of therapeutics and love of music for a new take on Indian classical music that manages to stay as authentic as the masters who pioneered these tunes long ago. A stellar ensamble of backup musicians includes Nisha Narsai on vocals, Sheela Bringi on bansuri flute, Sangeet Mishra on sarangi, Gabe Marihugh on udu and djembe, and Brian Campbell on tabla. Blanchard himself plays classical Indian instruments including the santoor, harmonium, tanpura, and swarmandal. Awakening is a gorgeous accompaniment for yoga classes, morning meditation and spiritual practice, as well as for easy listening and keeping the energy pure in your home. Check out Transformation and Integration, which features Narsai, for their Eastmeets-West cool club vibe. Awakening is sincere, clear, passionate, and pays tribute to traditional Indian music while feeling very current. Think Caf del Mar or Buddha Bar meets Indian classical. This music is transformative and will transport you to another world. Its one of the best albums I have heard in a long time.
Reviewed by Beth Shaw, the founder and President of YogaFit. Yogafit.com
ON MY NIGHTSTAND
MATT PETERSEN
Matt Petersen has led Global Green USA, the American affiliate of Green Cross International, as CEO and President since 1994. Global Green USA has raised more than $20 billion dollars for green building projects and has been a national leader in helping the places, the people, and the planet in need for nearly 20 years.
ECOLOGY OF COMMERCE: A DECLARATION OF SUSTAINABILITY

BY PAUL HAWKEN
explorethrough a unique voice created by Quinnthe ethics and values that can take us toward, or away from, a truly sustainable future. It is on the short list of books I always recommend to anyone.
I read this book in graduate school it helped open my eyes to the power of whole systems thinking, and how we need to get out of the stovepipe mentality of overspecialization in our culture. When we fail to connect the dots, our problem-solution approach can lead to unintended consequences. Pauls book inspired me to focus on green building. This, combined with my passion as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, led to our green affordable housing.
DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD

BY ROALD DAHL
ISHMAEL: AN ADVENTURE OF THE MIND AND SPIRIT

BY DANIEL QUINN
Reading with my son is one of the great joys of my life. While we have moved on to Lord of the Rings and many other classics, Roald Dahl remains one of our favorite authors. While we love his other books including The BFG, and The Twits, Danny is a touching, remarkable story about a father and his son. No one can combine wit and grit in stories like Dahl and it makes his work equally enjoyable tokidsand adults alike. Dahls stories are set in the duality of the real world.
Matt Petersens vision after Hurricane Katrina led to the green rebuilding of New Orleans schools and to the Holy Cross Project, a sustainable village in the Lower 9th Ward. Guiding Global Greens innovation programs and initiatives, Petersen has steered the organizations attention towards helping communities devastated by Hurricane Sandy rebuild more resilient neighborhoods. Globalgreen.org.
Quinns amazing story helped shape my thinking about how we relate to the world and the way we live on or off the planet. Ishmael, a gorilla rescued from a traveling show, helps us
yoga, ayurveda and wellness centers
AGOURA HILLS BIKRAM YOGA 5027 Kanan Rd. 310-962-4247. bikramyogaagourahills.com BEVERLY HILLS HOT 8 YOGA, 8383 Wilshire Blvd. 310-986-6420. hot8yoga.com YOGA WEST 1535 South Robertson Blvd. 310-552-4647. yogawestla.com BRENTWOOD MINI YOGIS YOGA FOR KIDS Throughout LA. 310-471-9644. miniyogis.com CORONA JUST YOGA, 163 W. Ontario Ave., #102. 951-736-9642. justyogaonline.com CULVER CITY OMKAR108 YOGA 11154 Washington Blvd. 310-853-321. omkar108.com GODA YOGA, 9711 Washington Blvd. 310-287-1255. godayoga.com DOWNTOWN YOGA CIRCLE DOWNTOWN 400 S Main St #S05. 213-620-1040. yogacircledowntown.com THE YOGA PLACE 110 E 9th St. 3rd Floor, A-355. 213-290-1897. theyogaplacela.com ENCINO FORWARD FOLD 17071 Ventura Blvd, Suite 104. 818-817-7750. forwardfold.com HIGHLAND PARK NAMASTE HIGHLAND PARK 5118 York Blvd. 323-212-5118. namastehighlandpark.com LOS ALAMITOS ANYA FLOW, 11138 Los Alamitos Blvd. 562-310-341. anyaflow.com LOS ANGELES MAHA YOGA, 13050 San Vicente Blvd. 310-899-0047. mahayoga.com LOS FELIZ SIMONA YOGA, 4446 Ambrose Ave. 323-663-0245. simonayoga.com YOGA VIBE 1717 Hillhurst Ave. 323-953-8449. yogavibela.com MARINA DEL REY BIKRAM YOGA, 2903 Washington Blvd. 310-821-3638. bikramyogamarina.com MONTECITO MONTECITO YOGA, 1187 Coast Village Rd, #10. 805-845-1301. montecitoyoga.com
MONTROSE THERAYOGA, 4105 Oceanview Blvd. 818-541-1554. therayogastudio.com YOGA ROCKS STUDIO 3600 Ocean View Blvd. 818-736-713. yogarockstudios.com NORTH HOLLYWOOD JADE APPLE YOGA, 10502 Magnolia Blvd. 818-508-9434. jadeappleyoga.com PASADENA YOGA KINGDOM SANCTUARY 553 South Lake Ave. 626-792-7871. yogakingdom.com REDONDO BEACH THE HOT YOGA CENTER, 1820 S PCH. 310-540-2023. thehotyogacenter.com SANTA BARBARA EVOLATION, 591 Rosa Linda Way. 805-364-0208. evolationyoga.com SANTA BARBARA YOGA CENTER, 32 East Micheltorena St. 805-965-6045. santabarbarayogacenter.com SOURCE YOGA, 1911 De La Vina St. #G. 805-569-2505. sourceyogasb.com YASA YOGA, 22 W Mission St. Suite B. 805-845-4626. yasyoga.com SANTA MONICA HOT 8 YOGA, 1422 2nd St. 310-866-5280. hot8yoga.com SHERMAN OAKS RISING LOTUS YOGA,13557 Ventura Blvd. 818-990-0282. risinglotusyoga.com SILVERLAKE ONE DOWN DOG, 2815 West Sunset Blvd. 323-989-DOWN. onedowndog.com YOGA AT THE RAVEN, 2910 Rowena Ave. 323-644-0828. yogaattheraven.com VALLEY VILLAGE INYOGA CENTER, 5142 Laurel Canyon Blvd. 818-508-8040. inyogacenter.com VENICE THE YOGA COLLECTIVE, 512 Rose Ave. 310-392-2000. theyogacollective.com THE MOVING JOINT, 12813 Venice Blvd. 424-228-5348. themovingjoint.com WOODLAND HILLS INNER POWER YOGA, 21928 Ventura Blvd. 818-591-2639. innerpoweryoga.net THE YOGA LOFT, 21228 Ventura Blvd. 818-710-9057 yogaloftla@gmail.com
yoga, ayurveda and wellness centers
YOGA BLEND BURBANK
Yoga Blend is a studio about community and joy! With over 70 classes & workshops every week in a supportive environment, yoga is fun, nourishing and accessible for everyone. Classes draw inspiration from the various schools of yoga. Yoga Alliance-approved Teacher Training programs are also offered each year, both at the 200-hour and 500-hour levels. Special: New students get 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $40! 1921 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank. 818-954-YOGA. YogaBlend.com
SANTA MONICA YOGA SANTA MONICA
Santa Monica Yoga has a welcoming atmosphere and a huge selection of classes. The studio just celebrated its 10 year anniversary and many of the teachers on the current schedule were also around 10 years ago helping create a sense of continuity and community that has grown over the years. New students are invited to join for their first 30 days of unlimited classes for $65. 1640 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica. 310-396-4040. Santamonicayoga.com
Shahr: Salon & Wellness West Hollywood
An Oasis nestled between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Shahr is wellness in the modern world. With daily yoga classes, Shahr offers four different styles of yoga to connect the inner soul with the external being. A 200-hr Yoga Alliance Certification is offered through the Awakened Warrior Yoga Teacher Training. The 2 week intensive training starts May 1st 14th. The next 10-week training begins September 1st. All levels are welcomed to join. 9053 Nemo Street, West Hollywood. 424-245-4666. Shahrla.com
YAS VENICE / SILVERLAKE / DOWNTOWN LA / COSTA MESA
YAS Fitness Center offers the unique YOGA for ATHLETES sequence which integrates movement, strength & breath work to help athletes excel, no matter their sport or ability level. YAS's students include professional to everyday athletes, YOGA for ATHLETES technique deepens all students experience and understanding of yoga. YAS offers Teacher Training, Workshops & Retreats. 866-YAS-YOGA or visit: go2yas.com
PRANA YOGA ANAHEIM HILLS
A new, but old spirited 2 room yoga studio offering all level yoga classes as Bhakti in motion. Leeza Villagomez and Jodi Roseman, co-owners and certified E-RYT teachers, have over 20 years experience teaching, sharing and living Yoga. We welcome every body, mind and soul to practice conscious living. Yoga Teacher training 200/500hr RYT, retreats, workshops and honored to be a sister studio to Yoga Den Health Spa. 5642 E. La Palma, Anaheim Hills. 714-970-9642. Pranayogaoc.com
INYOGA CENTER VALLEY VILLAGE
Welcome to InYoga, the Valley's premier yoga center. Opened only 2 1/2 years ago, we recently added a new practice room and remodeled our retail store, SEEDS. InYoga offers more than 50 classes a week for students of all levels, ages and abilities. 200-HR Yoga Alliance-certified teacher training begins in Spring 2013. At InYoga, you will find a calm, comfortable, safe place where you can explore your mind, body and breath. Join us at InYoga. 5142 Laurel Canyon Blvd. 818-508-8040. Inyogacenter.com
GODA YOGA CULVER CITY
GODA Yoga is a conscious community of heart serving downtown Culver City for eleven years. Our intimate studio welcomes students at all levels. Gifted instructors teach with love, humor and expertise; bringing ancient yogic healing practices to modern day living. We look forward to sharing our love of Yoga with you! 9711 Washington Blvd, Culver City. 310-287-1255. Godayoga.com
KUNDALINI LIFESTYLE WOODLAND HILLS
Yoga is not about twisting yourself into a pretzel or standing on your head, but about nurturing your spirit, and freeing your heart. Your body will follow. Yoga is about the journey home. Peace and Comfort unite in one single place. This place is the Kundalini Yoga Studio and it is now open! Anyone is welcome to join our Yoga Sessions and can feel free to gather with us as we chant the night away. 818-515-3948. Kundalinilifestyle.com
BIKRAM YOGA AGOURA HILLS
At Bikram Yoga Agoura Hills we perform all of our classes in 105F with 40% humidity. Our teachers are certified Bikram Yoga Teachers and fully dedicated to improve your life through the Hatha yoga practice. All of our classes are suitable for beginners and more advanced students. Our community is one where everyone can nourish their body and mind through challenging and inspirational Hatha yoga. 5027 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills. 310-962-4247. Bikramyogaagourahills.com
SATTVA YOGA West Los Angeles
Located conveniently on Wilshire near the border of Santa Monica and Los Angeles, Sattva Yoga LA offers yoga classes, free meditation, workshops and special music events. Sattva (sattwa) means true, complete. Each class is a journey into the Self through asana, meditation, pranayama, and kriya. New student specials: $20 unlimited week/$40 unlimited month. Authentic. Transformative. Energizing. Yoga Beyond Posture. 12227 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 424-272-7230. Sattvayogala.com
HEART AND SOL YOGA THOUSAND OAKS
Find your breath. Expand your awareness. Discover your inner light. Come and experience the intimate space at Heart and Sol Yoga and Healing Arts. We are a studio that offers lots of individual attention. We keep our classes to a maximum of 9 students. We use the Amethyst BioMat to aid in deeper relaxation. We also offer Thai Yoga Therapy, Wellness Workshops, Meditation Classes, and Theta Healing among other healing modalities. Enjoy a FREE introductory class. 2955 N. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks. 805-630-3962. Heart-and-sol.com
Yoga Den Health Spa CORONA
Yoga Den is a a place where the external and internal body find balance with the mind and heart through Yoga, Holistic healing practices and ancient therapies. Over 12 years of Yoga in the Inland Empire, now expanded into a 5,000 sqft building offering healing professionals, retreats, workshops, Yoga Alliance 200/500 hr teacher training, Life coaching, and more. Join us in the Budha Lounge for tea, salad and your healing journey begins. 1035 Montecito Drive, Corona. 951-279-9642. Yogadenhealthspa.com
STUDIO PULSE REDONDO BEACH
Studio Pulse, a boutique fitness studio in Redondo Beach, specializes in group fitness for Spinning and cross training classes. Signature "fusion classes" combine cardio with sculpting, core or stretching in a 30/30 format."We have a simple approach to fitness: Spin. Sculpt. Stretch. Whether you are a trained athlete or new to fitness, you can be challenged and motivated to reach your goals with us." 409 N PCH, #205. Redondo Beach. 310-376-6065. StudioPulseRB.com
LIBERATION YOGA LOS ANGELES
Liberation Yoga, known for its beautiful garden studio, has been offering a wide range of classes to the LA community for over 8 years. A truly independent-minded studio offering, events, workshops and a 200 hour YA certified Teacher Training Program, Liberation welcomes every type of student under the sun. The schedule includes Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar, Basics, Toddler Yoga, Restorative and more. The first class is FREE. 124 S. La Brea Ave. 323-964-5222. Liberationyoga.com
THE HEALING GARDENS OF AYURVEDA COSTA MESA
Healing team guided by Dr Ram Tamang specializing in authentic ayurvedic detox & cleansing panchakarma. 5, 7 or 10 day DETOX programs for: prevention, mind/body/soul healing, disease management, body purification, weight loss, rejuvenation, energy & vitality, stress & anxiety relief, immune system boosting, customized care, 100% natural herbs & supplements, inner & outer beauty, restore balance and overall wellness. 2675 Irvine Ave. Suite 100, Costa Mesa. 949-515-4855. Thehealingardens.com
RISE YOGA HUNTINGTON BEACH
At Rise Yoga HB we empower students to heal themselves through transformative postures, breath, cleansing programs, and a supportive community of students and teachers. We offer Vinyasa Flow classes that aid in detox and help mold a lean and flexible body, as well as Restorative classes. Join us, and Rise up to your highest potential. 7251 Warner Ave #K Huntington Beach. 714-599-6424. Riseyogahb.com
astrology april/13
VEDIC ASTROLOGY BY SAM GEPPI
This month the self and the other are marked by the experience of both romantic and physical intensity.
April 1-3 The month starts with inspiration and focus as the Moon goes through Sagittarius, aspected by Saturn. Sagittarius is an inspired sign, ruled by Jupiter, bringing idealism and hope. But expect a sense of optimism to be tempered by the realism and pressure of Saturn. This is a great mix of theory and practice toward greater emotional self-growth and development. April 5-8 There could be a lot of passion and creativity as the Sun, Mars, and Venus join in Pisces. Venus and Mars together always make for intense sensuality and even sexual passion. This is more magnified by the exalted Venus and the empowering Sun. If you're not careful, you might make a baby now. Besides that, you can create on many dimensions and levels, including the artistic. April 9 A new cycle of creativity and metaphysical awareness begins on the New Moon in Pisces. The New Moon unites action and feeling, initiating a 30-day cycle. This New Moon in Pisces has qualities of escapism, creativity, and fighting for our spiritual values. A prominent Mars/Venus conjunction (mentioned above) brings relationship potential and transformation for the next 30 days along with a strong attraction/repulsion quality to this time. Observe yourself on these extremes and try to connect them to something more sublime. The New Moon happens in the Nakshatra of Revati, ruled by the gentle god Pushan, the shepherd. It is here that the weary soul is safely led home, after a long journey. Caring for animals may be important this next month. April 11-12 The metaphysics of Pisces quickly turns to action, perhaps even aggression, when the Moon goes into Aries and joins Venus, Mars, and Ketu and is aspected by Saturn. Unusually, both Mars and Venus change signs and enter Aries directly after the New Moon mentioned above. This immediately brings the metaphysical awareness of Pisces into the sphere of action, impulsively and impetuously. Your level of discipline will be tested now. April 13-14 Emotions should settle down once the exalted Moon enters Taurus and joins Jupiter. The fixed earth energy of Taurus calms the emotional restlessness of the Moon (representing the heart). Additionally, the conjunction of Jupiter with the Moon brings a lot of optimism and deeper inquiry into the deeper meaning of our life. April 15 The pain and glory of connection and separation from others will be intense on the Full Moon in Libra. This Full Moon is also joined by Saturn (retrograde) and Rahu, the North Node. The contrast between the self and other could hardly be more magnified than at this time. Not only is the Moon full (bringing a lot of emotional attachment), but it is also opposite an exalted Sun in Aries. The big takeaway here is the need to honor your own individual path before trying to compromise with others. Solitude is your friend. This Full Moon takes place in the Nakshatra of Swati, ruled by the Vedic God Vayu (personified by the monkey god Hanuman). The power of prana (breath) to vitalize and energize the mind is important today. Break out the vinyasa practice today. April 17-28 The emotional intensity continues right after the Full Moon with the moon in Scorpio aspected by Jupiter. The Moon is debilitated in Scorpio, due to the restless and fearful nature of this sign. Be careful of jealousies and distortions now. But the glance of Jupiter, aspecting and from Taurus, lends grace and insight amidst some major paranoid meltdown potential. Channel all of that emotion into devotion, bhakti. April 18-19 Emotional probing and action will be the norm when the Moon is in Cancer, aspected by both Saturn and Mars. With Moon becoming squeezed by Saturn (pressure) and Mars (aggression and strength), there may be no room left for connecting to your heart. The deeper key is to make space for discipline and solitude. April 23-24 Organizing your inner and outer environment will be important with the Moon in Virgo aspected by Jupiter. This is also a good time for all kinds of study and detailed work including astrology and metaphysics.
Sam Geppi is an internationally-respected Vedic astrology teacher. For free Vedic astrology DVDs and courses for students at all levels, visit Samgeppi.com
MANIPURA: sacral chakra

ART BY ARLENE EVE JOHNSON TEXT AND DEVANAGARI BY DR. JOHN CASEY
At the root of the navel is the ten-petaled lotus known as the Maipra Chakra, traditionally described as being of the color of heavily-laden rainclouds, whose interior is inscribed with an inverted triangle shining like the rising sun. Today, it is often depicted as being yellow in color, taking its natural place in an orderly spectrum of rainbow colors which begin with red at the root chakra and culminate with indigo at the crown. Literally translated, maipra may be taken to mean "full of jewels." The navel chakra is associated with the element of fire and may be associated physiologically with digestive fire and psychologically with creative
fire and both the manifesting and the destructive powers of ego and personal will. The Yoga Stra states that meditation on the navel chakra yields knowledge of the arrangement of the body. The bja-mantra of Maipra Chakra is the seed-syllable ra.
This seven-chakra series was created by Los Angeles based artist and yogi, Arlene Eve Johnson. Each chakra is hand-drawn using Prismacolor pencil on paper. Fine art giclee prints are available at arlenejohnsonart.com. Arlene Eve Johnson, 2012. All rights reserved. Dr John Casey teaches classes in Sanskrit and Yoga philosophy and Buddhism at Loyola Marymount University, Claremont College, UC-Irvine, and Yoga studios around the world. For LMU, visit: bellarmine.lmu.edu/yoga/
. pronunciation guide: a like the a in about m like the n in French bon . ram rhymes with the English word "rum," but with the ending shifted to the French nasal sound.

La Yoga 201304

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HEALTH AND FITNESS WITH BON JOVI

TAKE ROOT IN LA STOP THE SUGAR CYCLE

2 L AYOG A ONL I NE .CO M

PHOTO OF FELICIA AND LULU BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF

4 L AYOG A ONL I NE .CO M

BIKRAM'S YOGA COLLEGE

CALIFORNIA AFFILIATED SCHOOLS

Rita Trieger Writer

Siva Mohan, MD, MPH Writer

Dr. Vasant Lad Yoga Therapy Expert

Prashati de Jager WRITER

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WHERE I PICK UP MY LAYOGA

8 L AYOG A ONL I NE .CO M

> Operation Shanti, 28 April.

> Uplift Yoga Bash, 25 April.

> Sat Nam Fest, 11-14 April.

> Tsigan: The Gypsy Tea Poem - A Multi-Media Performance, 23 April.

> V Elements: Alternatively Powered Yoga, Music and Culture, 6 April.

> 11th Annual Indian Film Fest, 9-14 April.

Compiled by Carrie Janell

EARTH DAY EVENTS

community open doors

EXHALE M IND B ODY SPA HOLLYWOOD

SOULCYCLE SAN TA MON ICA

SoulCycle, 120 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica. (310) 622-7685. Soul-cycle.com

community open doors

STADIUM FITN ESS PASADE NA

KUNDALINI IN THE CANYON TOPANGA

Teaching Tranquility Amidst Adversity

Professor Christopher Key Chapple

WHEN SWEET BECOMES NOT SO SWEET

PHOTO BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF

PHOTO BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ORGANIC INDIA AND PRASHANTI DE JAGER

Ri cho Cech on G rowing T ulsi

Jonathan Valdman on Growing Tulsi

Where to Find Tulsi Seeds

rockstar health & fitness

HEALTH & FITNESS WITH

PHOTO BY DAVID BERGMAN

yogi food farmers' corner

Re vitalize with Radishes

yogi food farmers' corner

Radish Salad with Oranges and Sprouts

Spring Cleaning in Prana-land

A Deeper Light /CD

Between the Shores of Our Souls / CD

ECOLOGY OF COMMERCE: A DECLARATION OF SUSTAINABILITY

DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD

ISHMAEL: AN ADVENTURE OF THE MIND AND SPIRIT

yoga, ayurveda and wellness centers

yoga, ayurveda and wellness centers

YOGA BLEND BURBANK

SANTA MONICA YOGA SANTA MONICA

Shahr: Salon & Wellness West Hollywood

YAS VENICE / SILVERLAKE / DOWNTOWN LA / COSTA MESA

PRANA YOGA ANAHEIM HILLS

INYOGA CENTER VALLEY VILLAGE

GODA YOGA CULVER CITY

KUNDALINI LIFESTYLE WOODLAND HILLS

BIKRAM YOGA AGOURA HILLS

SATTVA YOGA West Los Angeles

HEART AND SOL YOGA THOUSAND OAKS