Yoga Room Blog

by Joumana Saber
 
Many of you are probably wondering why we do not have a Mysore class at the Yoga Room on new and full moon days. Instead, we tell you to "take rest" (from your asana practice). Simple - Ashtanga yoga is a traditional system, and resting on moon days is an observance that is part of the traditional approach. Moreover, the Indian astrological belief is that it is not auspicious to do certain things on moon days. We are a community of Ashtanga yoga practitioners. Our intention is to honour tradition. Observing moon days is one way to do so, and there are various explanations as to why practicing on a moon day is not recommended. 

The following quote is from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Public Talks on Ashtanga Yoga in France - 1991, written by Guy Donahaye (Certified Teacher by Guruji):

"That day is very difficult day. Two stars one place (conjunction) is going. New moon also, full moon also. That day, very dangerous day. You (take) practice (on that day), anyone can have a small pain starting. That pain is not going very quickly. Long time he is taking. Some broken possible. That is why that day don't do."

Guruji spoke in very simple terms - his english was sometimes hard to follow, but the message was clear and people understood (more or less) what he was saying. 

• Guruji's father was an astrologer
• Guruji was a student at the Sanskrit College in Mysore (Maharaja's Pathashala), which was closed each month on moon days as well as the day before and after (read why here)
• Guruji followed certain cultural and traditional rituals from a very young age