Discovering AYP

Have you ever had the feeling you're stuck in a rut with your yoga practice? Assanas and more assanas, a few breathing exercise, but no sign that your teacher might eventually move onto more advanced practices? I used to – I tried several yoga classes, two of which I attended regularly for long periods of time. They were good for fitness and flexibility, but not much progress in a true yoga sense. The nagging feeling that I wasn't really going anywhere finally turned into discontent. Some three months ago, I decided I had to get into more advanced yoga, even at the risk of practising without supervision. I started to look for books and websites that could help me stitch together an advanced yoga path. Risky? Yes, I braced myself for trial and error and the though of going it alone was unnerving. I decided to take the risk and give myself a chance to progress.

I first came across a set of books by Swami Rama, which do contain some guidelines on meditation and breathing techniques. Then somebody pointed me to the Self-Realisation Fellowship and Yogananda's books. It was the third time lucky for me, when I came across Yogani's AYP website. Everything I need in the way of yoga is there! I won't even have to take much of a risk, as the method seems to be tried and tested, with plenty of people following it in distance-learning mode.

Yogani's method looks like a straightforward succession of steps, clearly explained. And without too much jargon and even without the mystical mumo-jumbo. Because, keen as I am on yoga, I have no intention to depart from my discerning self. (Paranormal powers and miracles might exist, but I'm still waiting to see some evidence.)

 

If I had dreamt up my teacher myself, he could not have been more to my liking than Yogani has turned up to be. It was a very exciting few days, reading through his book and reassuring myself that the method really is complete, down to the very advanced techniques that normally come with a 'do not try this on your own' tag. Yes, we are responsible adults who can self-pace and practice safely - thankfully there is one yoga master out there who takes that view. He also does his best to clarify the details of his technique and can be contacted with questions if anyone needs clarifications.

Yogani even sorted out my confusion about following a devotional path. Since I am not religious, I thought a devotional path was not for me. But I am devoted to my goal of finding the truth, to become the best I can be as a human being and realise whatever potential was given to me by nature or God. As I read Yogani's lessons about devotion, the long-felt disappointment about lack of progress and many years' failure to find a teacher suddenly took a positive turn. That same emotional drive can and will power my progress from now on. Thank you Yogani! I am more grateful than words can say.