I received an email from Bela Lipat of Yoga Philippines and Pulse Yoga. Manju Jois, the oldest son of Pattabhi Jois of Ashtanga Yoga fame will be in town next month, specifically in Greenhills. Pulse Yoga is organizing this event.

In her email, Bela includes a biographical fact sheet on Manju Jois:

Manju Jois, the oldest son of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and recognized worldwide as the foremost authority on Ashtanga Yoga, uses only the ancient practices, offering truly authentic guidance for all who wish to follow Ashtanga’s life enriching path to Enlightenment. Manju Jois began his own personal yoga practice at the age of 7 with his father as his Guru and began teaching at the age of 15. He has taught continuously throughout the world for the last 45 years. Manju is dedicated to his mission of teaching the ancient tradition of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, for a total mind-body-spirit unification with Self and God. Manju and his father, Shri Pattabhi Jois, brought Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga to America in 1975 and Manju has traveled worldwide teaching this tradition as taught to Pattabhi Jois by his legendary teacher Krishnamacharya.

Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga that uses a powerful sequence of postures combined with breath to create an internal heat that opens the muscles and purifies the body. Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient systematic practice of yoga that slowly builds in difficulty to allow students to safely access their full potential. Focus on breath, balance, and energy allows students to bring all their attention to the flow of postures in moving meditation. Ashtanga yoga is a rigorous, physically demanding practice in a heated room.

Manju will introduce the original Sanskrit counting method, helping students learn the correct breath sequence of Primary Series. A combination of meditation chants, pranayamas and asanas make each practice session the purest experience of Ashtanga Yoga. The Shanti Mantras, or Vedic Peace Chants, spread the benefits of practice beyond the self. Taking the time to learn and repeat the Shanti Mantras is very powerful — having occasion to practice them with others is astounding. Manju offers truly authentic guidance for all who wish to follow Ashtanga’s life-enriching path to Enlightenment.

Manju’s dedicated life long mission is to provide training for students and teachers in the ancient traditions of authentic Ashtanga Yoga. He is honored to offer guidance to all who wish to learn and benefit from Ashtanga Yoga’s ancient and time-honored practices. Manju’s teaching style is spiritual, intensive, inspiring and humorous. He is renowned for assisting students deeper into poses. He honors the ancient Ashtanga tradition and teaches his students with clarity and enthusiasm. We invite you to join us. Enjoy this rare opportunity to learn from a genuine Indian Master as he guides you to “Unite with Yourself”. Ashtanga Weekend Workshops are suitable for all students of all levels.

This event sounds interesting and I will definitely check out my work schedule to see if I can join some of the sessions. If you have time, do check it out.

All activities will happen at 23 Florida St., Greenhills, Metro Manila. Call +63922 833 4640 or email info@pulse-yoga.com. The program of activities is below:

Dec. 7, 2007, Friday Evening, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm:

Ashtanga Introductory Class (light practice ideal for beginners),
Pranayama, Chanting, Discussion / Questions & Answers
1000 pesos

Dec. 8, 2007, Saturday morning, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm:

In Exploring the Ashtanga System Manju will give an overview of the
Ashtanga Yoga practice and conduct a led Primary Series. Participants will
explore the use of Pranayama in the context of the Ashtanga practice as
well as experience traditional Vedic chanting.

During The Primary Series and Beyond Manju will take students through the
Primary Series to warm up the body and then explore the Second Series,
working with each practitioner’s abilities. This workshop will end with
traditional Vedic chanting.
2500 pesos

Dec. 8, 2007, Saturday afternoon, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm:

Pranayama, Chants, Discussion / Questions & Answers
700 pesos

Dec. 9, 2007, Sunday morning, 8:00am to 12noon

Mysore Practice, Pranayama, Chanting and Satsang

The Mysore Practice is a silent self-paced practice with individual
assistance from Jois. Participants will go deeper into the practice of
Pranayama and mantra with Jois, and the class will end with “satsang”
(spiritual discourse).
2000 pesos

Weekend Package: 5,700 pesos

Students Should Bring:

A well hydrated and well rested body, refraining from eating at least 2
hours prior to the workshop. When eating, select foods like fresh fruit,
vegetables, whole grains. Low acidic food choices are optimum. Wear loose
comfortable clothes. Bring an open mind, body and spirit.