CT: How has it been expanding since then?
MV: It’s been expanding as a multi-dimentional center. It’s not just based on the Postures. What we’re trying to promote is the broader system, the whole discipline. And we’re trying to promote that the whole system works well together. That you can’t just do Yoga Postures without breathing, meditation is important, the lifestyle has to be in place, diet, herbs, astrology is important. So everything is a part of this whole way that is connected to what in India is called Sanatana Dharma – the Eternal Tradition. Which you could say is like a religion but it’s not. It’s more of a tradition that is based on eternal principles of Truth, not invented by one single person but which are part of a whole history of enlightened beings and masters who propagated and promoted this wisdom all over the world. It’s because of that that we have the popularity of Indian culture in America today. It was those saints like Vivekananda and Swami Rama and Yogananda who came here some eighty to a hundred years ago and said “Hey, this is the jewel in the East, you’ve got a lot to learn from our culture. Yes, you are wealthy here in the West but that’s not going to last.” The wealth they talked about wasn’t the same material wealth but had to do with an inner wealth where you learn to live in perfect harmony, perfect bliss, independent of external things. Ultimately, it is a balance.
CT: You use this great word in your seminars, in the workshops, which for you is part of your everyday life. The word I am thinking of is ‘Routine’. You talk about what a personal routine should be and how everyone should have one in place. Can you share some of your own routine?
MV: That’s the essence of the whole teachings, the routine is it. It’s about what you’re doing. How are you living? Are you living in a new way, in accordance with the laws of nature? And with all that is divine and natural, the sun and the moon, etc. I have found that for me that has been the most sacred part of the process. Appreciating the birds chirping and the sun shining and then connecting myself to that. Those things are a part of our existence and it’s the relationship we share to the moment. I don’t feel that I know a whole lot. I’m just good at explaining the little that I do know and sharing it with others. If you learn one thing that can improve that, practice it, do it on a daily basis. There is no future or past, only the present, what you are thinking, saying, doing right now.
CT: It’s very forgiving to think that there’s no past. That the only thing you are responsible for is what you are doing right now?
MV: Jesus had to forgive and so many great ones had to forgive the people who hurt them.
CT: What are three things that should be a part of everyone’s routine, for a person to have a clear mind and a clean body?
MV: Silence is one. Learning to be silent and listening and observing more. Stillness, learning to become more still, the mind, the body, the breath. It is in stillness that we become aware and see things that we wouldn’t normally see. And the soul is still. The ego is busy, active, moving, thinking. And the last is solitude. Spending time alone is important. People are afraid to be alone. The cell phones, the constant stimulation. If you can finally embrace it, it is the essence of our existence but it’s not the easiest thing for everyone to achieve. Even those of us who are on the Yogi path, it’s not always easy. We have to slowly break away from so many attachments, desires, habits and things… Little by little we are finding that freedom. Those little moments of silence, stillness and solitude are the essence.
CT: So – funny question considering there should only be the present – but what is in the future of Dancing Shiva, as well as in your future?
MV: Number one keep expanding the importance of lifestyle and continue to educate people on how to live in a way that is in accordance with natural living, Nature and Her divine laws. Another is working on a non-profit to promote the propagation of Yoga and Ayurvedic lifestyle principles to those who are less fortunate. To children, families, here in the US and eventually, ultimately we will expand worldwide. But with simple material, books, handouts. Simple little things that can go a long way. And simple little programs that can help people to live and practice that. We’ve also got trips, ongoing, to promote Yoga and Ayurveda, encouraging people to spend time with each other in a spiritual environment. One will be to India in 2010 – through the Himalayas, Rishikesh, for Yoga and a segment down in Bangalore for Ayurveda.
CT: Why those two places?
MV: The foothills of the Himalayas is the playground of the Yogis and Bangalore is the residence of Ayurvedagram which is a big clinic and spa. I have a working partnership with them and it’s a beautiful place. We also have a shorter trip to Mexico this summer, Yoga right by the ocean. Also, some shorter yoga weekends throughout the States. And Ojai is a good place nearby where we do lots of retreats. It’s great because it’s quite close and very special to me. We also have some programs in Florida and David Frawley and I are doing a program in Yogaville in Virginia next year.
Pages: 1 2
