The Big Day

International Yoga Day was ushered in by the monsoon rains that have been promised for the last couple weeks. As far as I can tell, monsoon rains mean heavy and prolonged, a couple times a day. Similar to what a yoga sadhana is supposed to be: prolonged, uninterrupted, and with intensity. Geeta made that point several times today. She said yoga day is all well and good--and she took the opportunity to give three different presentations, in each one remembering and honoring her father in very touching ways--but yoga has to be done regularly and with a desire to penetrate inwardly.

The day was full: I went to a 5:45 a.m. class, then heard Geeta, then took another short class, then went and had this lovely idli from the chai guy's stand near the park and the mangy dogs. Then back to watch the kids' class that Abhi taught, and a film about Guruji, and then Geeta's second address. Later I was back for another inspiring film about Mr. Iyengar, some Pranayama, a chanting of the yoga sutras session, and the third and final talk by Geeta.  She said she was very appreciative that we all came (as if we'd choose not to!), and she addressed us as her "yoga friends." We all agree that being here on this first IYD is a real bonus.