The official site announced a public memorial for the end of the month:

Students may come and give respects to Guruji’s soul on Sunday, May 31, 2009 in Mysore.

Beliefnet states:

The outpouring of affection and emotion in response to the passing of beloved yogi Sri K. Pattabhi Jois is deeply moving. Ashtanga studios areound the world are holding tributes: Jivamukti in New York is devoting a week of chanting to him; the Shala in Los Angeles is having a ceremony tonight at 6pm; and many individuals and teachers are dedicating their next practice to him.

At my local studio (in Mountain View, California), we are holding a 30 minute meditation every day before class this week at 6 am.

News of his death was found almost immediately on blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. The conversation on Twitter has now increased in pace, with more than 10 tweets an hour.

It took 3 days for the news to percolate to the mass media, but has now reached major media outlets such as the New York Times, UK’s Guardian, the Times of India, BBC News and more.

Here is a round up of the latest commentary on Guruji’s death:

Pattabhi Jois' death announced on the Guardian's front page

Thousands of devotees of ashtanga yoga will perform their primary series with a heavy heart today after learning of the death at 93 of the influential teacher in the movement, Krishna Pattabhi Jois. – The Guardian

More:

• The New York Times Obituary
• Yahoo News
• Times Of India
• BBC News
• LA Times, LA Times Obituary
• The Google News page

Guruji passed away today, May 18 2009, in Mysore, India.

Sri K. Pattabhi Joi by Govinda Kai

The KPJAIY.org site states:

May 18, 2009
Guruji passed away today at 2:30pm (Indian Standard Time). Thank you for all your condolences and prayers. Please kindly refrain from contacting the family directly at this time.

Here are some thoughts from Facebook.com:

Deeply mourning the loss of my sweet Guruji. He passed away in the presence of Sharath, Saraswathi and the family. Such a mixture of thoughts and emotions flow through me as I remember what this great man and spirit meant to me and to the world.

I am reflecting now on how deeply and radically Guruji touched so many of our lives. I know that, for me, his touch was the beginning of a whole series of events that led me to a life that I could have never dreamed of. Guruji will continue to live on in everything that I do. His spirit and his heart will continue to inform the work that I do. Thank you dear, sweet Guruji for being such a light. Govinda Kai

I am constantly inspired by his teachings and fire, and grateful for the lineage and the network of family and friends that he has created. Rest in peace…live on in all of us. Love. Christine Hoar

Here’s the Twitter stream of reactions (there’s a new tweet every ten minutes on average).

More Reactions (Updated May 18 Evening):

• The wikipedia page was updated within hours of the news
• ElephantJournal.com
• Beliefnet.com
• Cora Wen’s Notes
• Not Ending, Just Beginning by Tina Zym
• Short Yoga Journal blog post
• Barry Silver’s wonderful musical slideshow memorial
• Waylon Lewis at the Huffington Post
• Yoga Dork
• The Hindu newspaper
• Drishti Blog
• Yoga Body
• Svasti

Here’s the announcement from KPJAIY.org:

*** URGENT NEWS — TOUR UPDATE ***

May 5, 2009: We are sad to announce that Guruji has been admitted to the ICU. Sharath must return to Mysore immediately to be with his family at this critical time. He has asked certified teacher John Smith to finish the rest of week one in San Francisco in his absence. We invite registered and drop-in students to finish the week of led primary in support of Guruji, Sharath and family. If you prefer a three-day refund, please let us know: sharath@ashtangayogasanfrancisco.com.

The second week in San Francisco and the Toronto workshop will unfortunately be cancelled. Full refunds will be given. For information about San Francisco, please email: sharath@ashtangayogasanfrancisco.com. For information about Toronto, email info@sharathtoronto.com

Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. Please do not contact the family directly and check this website for updates on Guruji’s health.

I had planned to go to the grand opening of the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute USA in Florida originally scheduled for March of 2007. But he became very ill and wasn’t able to do it. The opening was postponed until this March, but it didn’t happen then, either. Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) was again quite ill.

When my friend Katy told me in April that Pattabhi Jois was coming to Florida over Memorial Day weekend, I laughed (at first). But this time I felt in my heart that he was going to come, so I bit the bullet and paid through the teeth for a plane ticket to Miami.

The new Institute was a few miles away from our hotel. Its lush grounds are exquisite. There’s a garden, benches, swings, flowers and a massive Nataraj (Dancing Shiva) fountain.

When we arrived, Guruji was arriving, too. Everyone was reverent–many holding bouquets of flowers–and waited for him to enter the building.

He was sitting in a large chair on the stage, wearing white, and a little thinner than I remember him, but clearly happy to be there. He’d been ill for some time, and this was his chance to finally see his dream of opening a shala in the U.S. come true. Guruji, 93, was flanked by his daughter, Saraswati, and granddaughter Sharmila, as well as her children. Four generations of the Jois Family all lined up.

4 Jois family generations with the author Cara

The room is amazing. Bamboo floors. Large-scale photos of the family–including an entire wall featuring Guruji as a young man doing Ashtanga. There were also photos of Sharath (Saraswati’s son) in various poses, plus young (very young) Saraswati and her brother, Manju. My favorite is one of Amma (Guruji’s wife), Saraswati and Sharmila.

Saraswati and Manju were helping teach the weekend’s three classes.

The mood was much more casual than in Mysore, India (where I’ve studied with the Jois family at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute four times), or for Guruji’s workshops in New York City (of which I’ve attended five). There was no line. But one at a time, people went up to Guruji and paid their respects. Some touched his feet; others did not. Just about everyone got their picture taken with him. I became overwhelmed with gratitude when it was my turn, and my eyes welled up with tears.

The room smelled of jasmine and other flowers. The largest contingents of people were from Florida and New York, including many familiar faces from Mysore and Guruji’s other U.S. workshops. I also saw several Ashtanga friends whom I’d seen at Lino Miele’s recent workshop in Chicago.

Longtime Guruji devotee and NYC teacher Eddie Stern, in all white, helped perform a puja (act of reverence) in a small temple area and then gave a brief speech. He said that Guruji wanted badly to open the shala, and that the reason his health was better was because of Saraswati’s constant care; when he said this, Saraswati simply bowed her head and said, “It is my duty.” He also thanked Sharath (who was holding down the fort back in Mysore) and many others.

After another speaker, there was an Indian dance performance, during which Guruji left the stage and retired to another area.

The spacious, pleasant state-of-the-art facilities feature high ceilings, orange and yellow walls, a boutique, spacious showers and locker rooms, a private reception room for Guruji, kitchen and a large reception and dining area.

The latter was laden with the most sumptuous feast of North and South Indian foods I have ever seen. Despite anticipating the next day’s practice, when I got to the end of the buffet, my plate heaped high, I came upon a whole other room full of food and went for more. Again, the atmosphere was genial, casual and non-competitive–sattvic. All in all, too much food was eaten and many new friends were made over dinner. Everyone seemed thankful that Guruji had made it.

The next day I got up early to do a sitting practice on our hotel’s pier, facing the sunrise. We were the first to arrive at the shala, where we waited outside batting gnats while Eddie Stern and his crew prepared the registration tables for us. We were lucky to get spots for our mats in the front row. Slowly the room filled up, and then began to overflow into the other areas. We squeezed our mats a little closer together, and soon everyone had a spot.

When Guruji arrived, there was a hush, and everyone stood up. He had no need to yell, “Samasthithi!”–a command that means “equal standing”–or get on your feet and prepare to do the opening mantra.

He smiled as he led us through the opening chant. Then he sat down and watched as Saraswati took over. She refused to use the mic as she talked us through the primary series. Sharmila worked the middle and back of the room, helping students in various poses.

It was wonderful to be with three generations of Joises again–and to have all of that female energy in the room supporting Guruji. Saraswati’s count was medium-tempo and even, and it was a joy to follow her. This was my first led class with her, and I’m a huge fan. She and Shamila have so much of Guruji’s good nature and sattvic energy.

Soon the room was hot and humid. I hadn’t practiced in a week because I’d been fighting off a cold. Yet somehow I had one of my best practices in memory – strong, flexible and focused. Stealing glances at Guruji and feeling his presence helped! I felt like I had come home. All of my past experiences with Guruji, dating back to 2000, came rushing back to me–and there was nowhere else in the world I’d rather have been.

On Sunday I again did an early sitting practice on the pier, and again we arrived early to the shala and found spots in the front row.

Everyone’s head turned when Tim Miller (the first American certified to teach Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga) walked in–another senior teacher!–and there were hugs all around.

Guruji’s opening chant was strong and loud; he certainly didn’t need the mic he refused to use. He then sat on the edge of his seat and led us almost all the way through a fast-paced version of the majority of the standing poses before Saraswati took over. Again I sneaked glances and often saw him sitting on the edge of his seat watching us.

At the end of class, we paid our respects. At one point we were told not to go on stage but to greet him from a discreet distance because the close proximity tires him out. A few minutes later, Guruji and his helpers were moving his chair so that he could be closer to the students.

The next day, Memorial Day, it was cooler, and Guruji arrived wearing a monkey (stocking) cap and a broad smile. As he came in, the room quieted and everyone stood at the front of their mats, palms in prayer. The atmosphere was one of reverence and respect–as it had been all weekend.

Guruji led the opening chant even more strongly than he had on previous days. Again he led us through the standing poses, his voice booming. Near the end Saraswati took over, and Shammi (Sharmila’s nickname) adjusted students in the back rows. Eddie Stern and his daughter practiced behind us. Indeed, there were many children practicing along with the adults, while other children (and babies) waited in the wings.

Saraswati’s count (the time in which we hold poses) is longer than Guruji’s, and as on previous days navasana (boat pose), urdhva dandasana (L-shaped headstand) and utpluthi (lifting off the floor with your arms while in lotus) seemed to take forever. She also had some stern reminders for us – such as “No hurry!” when people left chaturanga dandasana (push-up pose) too early and “Head back! Head back!” in poses such as ubaya padangusthasana (both big toes pose). During the final seconds of utpluthi, Saraswati kept telling us to lift up (just as her father does) and chided those in the back of the room for cheating.

Since this was the final day of the workshop, we came to standing at the front of the mat after the final vinyasa. Guruji stood up and led us in the Mangala Mantra (closing chant), and his voice was even stronger than before. After one final sun salutation, he told us to lie down and take rest. Instead of obeying, everyone got up and applauded him–our way of showing him how happy we were to have had the privilege to see him. It was an emotional moment, and my eyes welled up with tears.

Cara with Guruji

Later there was more picture-taking and hugging and touching of his feet, during which he smiled and smiled. I also had my photo taken with Saraswati, who asked, “When are you coming to India?” “Sometime this year,” I promised. Now I have to make good on it.

Before they left, Saraswati said the thing we wanted most to hear–that she and the family would continue to come back and teach there–with her father, of course.

URGENT BREAKING NEWS

We are pleased to announce that Guruji’s doctor has given him a clean bill of health and has released him for travel to America. Guruji will be opening the Yoga Studio in Islamorada beginning with a Grand Opening Party on Friday, May 23 from 6PM – 8PM.

We are very sorry for any inconveniences caused by the cancellations in the past two
years but are very excited to share this experience with all students who plan to attend.

Here’s the link to register.

There will be 3 classes and there is no mention of Sharath coming but Saraswathi will be there:

The classes will focus on the primary series sequence, which takes about 1½ hours.

May 23 6:00pm-8:00pm Grand Opening Party

May 24 8:00am Class

May 25 8:00am Class

May 26 8:00am Class

Today there were some comments on our October 2007 post Guruji in Florida in March 2008 about the workshop next month being canceled.

I asked a friend who had signed up for the second week who said that while she did not receive any official email, when she called up she was told that they were just starting to call students who were registered for the second week (March 24 to 28 2008):

Guruji is not going to make it for the trip - he’s ok but just can’t travel. However, Sharath and Saraswati are still coming but they will only be conducting classes during the first week (see Update below).

It seems students who registered for the second week are given the option to switch to the first week. Here are the details of who to contact from the AYRI.org registration page:

Nargis Lengacher at nargis@sdcreations.org and 831-659-3779 or Camille Kochon at creations@sdcreations.org and 760-804-9333.

I will update this post if anything official is posted.

UPDATE March 4 2008 9:00: According to the Ashtanga.com newsletter:

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois USA Tour 2008: On the advice of his physician, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois will not be traveling to teach at this workshop. We hope you will support Guruji’s new Florida center by joining his daughter Saraswathi and his grandson Sharath for the grand opening party of March 14th followed by classes.
Week 1: March 15-20, 7:00am and 9:00am
Week 2: March 24-28, 7:00am and 9:00am

UPDATE March 4 2008 12:00:On the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute website is an announcement:

My Beloved Students,

I have just been informed by my physician that it is recommended that I not travel at this time. While I am extremely disappointed that I won’t see each and every one of you. I hope that you will support my new center by joining my daughter Saraswathi and my grandson Sharath for the grand opening party of March 14 followed by classes.

This will be my family’s only visit the United States in 2008. I look forward to your support.

Love, Guruji

UPDATE March 4 2008 14:00: Now I am hearing that the workshop has been canceled completely. As I mentioned above, if you want to find out exactly what is going on contact: Nargis Lengacher at nargis@sdcreations.org and 831-659-3779 or Camille Kochon at creations@sdcreations.org and 760-804-9333.

UPDATE March 7 2008: The AYRI.org site has been updated and the workshop has been officially canceled:

The Florida tour has been cancelled. Further updates will be posted soon.

Guruji is doing fine and resting. Please do not call the family at this time due to the abundance of calls coming through. Further updates will be posted on the website.

The Shala in Mysore will re-open on the 27th of April.

UPDATE March 12 2008: From this post’s comments below:

Paradise Yoga would be happy to host ashtanga classes again this year. If there are any teachers coming to town who would be willing to teach classes or workshops, please give us a call at (305) 517-YOGA. Our schedule can be found online at www.paradise-yoga.net and will be updated with the ashtanga information. We are located 1.5 miles south of the Shala in Islamorada. Thanks and hope to see you- Audra Santoro

UPDATE 8/4/07: Congratulations to Govinda for his Certification!]

The first birthday celebration I attended in Mysore was in 1995, which was Guruji’s 80th birthday. In India, one’s 80th birthday is considered especially auspicious. Thus, the celebration was especially grand with many extra preparations and events, including a marriage ceremony and renewal of vows between Guruji and Amma. Because the celebration was considered extra special, nearly all of Guruji’s older students made the effort to attend, including Richard Freeman, Tim Miller, Chuck Miller, Lino Miele and others. It was my introduction to the allure of Mysore and naturally, it made an extra intense impression.

May He Have Many More…

This year was the tenth celebration that I have attended (I was not present in 2000 and 2001) and was Guruji’s 92nd birthday. Though the celebration was not as grand as the one in 1995 or 2005 (his 90th), this celebration seemed almost more precious and special. As most of you know, Guruji fell very ill this year from complications arising from his diabetic condition. He contracted a very serious form of pneumonia and at one point could not breathe on his own. There were moments during this illness that many of us thought that we might lose Guruji. Fortunately, he was able to recover and is steadily growing stronger. Guruji is now teaching from time to time, although it is doubtful that he may ever teach full time again. His presence is missed sorely in the Shala, especially by those of us who have known him for many years.

92 and counting

So, naturally, to have him still with us for this particular celebration carried with it extra weight and significance. Guruji showed up to the celebration looking particularly well and even shone forth some of that special radiance and strength that we know him so well for. I think many people felt something very special on this day, as there seemed to be an extra amount of joy and exuberance in all the proceedings.

The day began with a large homma or fire ceremony with a coterie of Vedic priests chanting loudly and continuously. I always love how the smoke from the fire, which is fueled mostly by ghee and rice fills up the room and strongly purifies the air and the energy. These devotional rituals really do work. You can feel the shift in the energy and the heightened energy that they bring.

After the fire ceremony, there was a procession of different performances from students, friends and family for Guruji’s pleasure. These included traditional Indian singing and chanting accompanied by traditional Indian instruments (veena and tabla), as well as, non-traditional instruments (guitar), a special song was composed and sung by Peter and Daniela and a Balinese dance was performed by a woman named Miki from Japan.

After the wonderful performances, a beautiful cake was brought out and we all wished Guruji a very happy birthday. Again, I felt an extra special energy and feeling from everyone. It was truly palpable.

Great Souls

I was very happy to see that Swami Brahmadeo was in attendance again this year, as he was last year. He is a long time friend of Guruji and the family and has, for many years, hosted students up a very special retreat/ashram space in B.R. Hills, which is in the jungle not far from Mysore. Swami Brahmadeo is truly a living example of the power of Yoga practice. I have rarely met a man who embodies such joy and selfless love. For much of the proceedings, he sat up on stage next to Guruji and you could clearly see how much joy the two men brought to each other. It was very moving.

Much love, many guests

Naturally, the event was concluded by an extra tasty thali meal down in the garage area of the Shala. Somehow I think the food this day was infused with an extra amount of care and love.

Let us all take extra care to include Guruji in our thoughts and hearts. May he remain with us and continue to shower us with his blessings for many years to come. Shiva OM!

OM Namah Shivaya!

This Sunday July 29 is Guruij’s 92nd birthday.

What a wild and woolly year it’s been in the lovely world of Ashtanga Yoga. As always the wind of change seems to be blowing, but it’s an especially strong one this year. It’s hard not to reflect on the many changes that we’ve seen in Mysore just since March 2007.

First of all we are very blessed by Guruji’s returning to health in the past few months, and that he’s hung on to be with us.

For those of us who have traveled to India often, though, it’s hard not to feel like the ground below our feet is shifting. I guess we all know that nothing lasts forever, but somehow, it’s hard not to harbor the illusion that practicing in Mysore would last forever, that our little pilgrimages would go on and on without change. I know of a few old timers who have “outgrown” their visits to India based on the changes we’ve already seen: the crowds, the “scene,” or just the feeling that they received enough, and that things have changed too much for them to not feel the loss of what used to be.

Guruji manning his usual post in the old Shala (from Govinda)

Now things just keep changing. The practice itself is the same, and that’s why many of us will not change their habits, whether or not Guruji actually teaches this fall, or even Sharath, who with Shruti is expecting a second child in September.

We who got to go to Mysore at any period are lucky indeed. The events if this year can only lead us to value what we have been given all the more.

I saw a clip of Guruji teaching in London a few years back, a clip from Dominic, and it brought back to me how visceral an experience it is to practice with Guruji. Its an experiential thing, not one of words or meanings, but of direct experience.

News From Mysore

Current reports from Mysore indicate that Guruji is still recuperating. He is doing well, occasionally on the floor teaching and coming downstairs to greet students. Sharath and Saraswati are teaching, and numbers are up as people gather to honor Pattabhi Jois’s birthday. I imagine the birthday has added to the folks there (Rolf & Marci, Govinda Kai, David Swenson & Shelley, Lino, Vance, Peter, and Charlie & Alice are already there).

Changes in Teaching Requirements

And while Philippe and Tracy have reported on the changes in teaching requirements, what was not mentioned is the addition of the 3 month yearly limit for studies in Mysore. Gone are the days when students could save money, give up their day jobs, and move to Mysore to be with the Guru. In its own way, this change makes sense, not unlike all the others, when one considers not just the students, but the well being of our guru and teachers. Not only is there the fact of the exponential growth, and the unsustainable demand for a limited teacher supply, but there’s also the fact of balance, unless one works in Mysore, there is a balance in going back and forth, between giving to one’s life at home, teaching, or what work one might do in the world, and then going to Mysore to practice and be a student and receive. This does insure that balance.

I think that part of the reasoning in the new authorization requirements is in keeping with the intent of this yoga, we are always to be discouraged from the have to get there, have to get the next pose, have to get authorized oriented practice. We are urged to surrender that for showing up with a humble attitude and patience to really understand the practice – that is my understanding of Guruji’s, Sharath’s and Saraswati’d teachings in Mysore.

All and all, the changes are probably good for us. Forcing us to adapt, to be flexible, to keep our focus within in spite of all outward things. Thank you Sharath, Saraswati, and thank you Guruji, for asking us to stand constant in the face of change, and to go to that place within our practice where we can be constant.

Happy Birthday, Guruji. May all of these changes bring good things for you.

First from Adarsh (dated May 18 2007):

On Friday morning, we did the led primary series class as usual. In Guruji’s absence, Sharath has been skillfully guiding us through the sequences and counting the breath (slowly) through the most difficult poses. His pace differs slightly from Guruji in that he is a little slower – the class is closer to 1.5 hours. Guruji’s led class (nicknamed “the Pattabhi Express”) is rather brisk, I can recall several occasions finishing the entire primary series (including 100 breaths in Uth Pluthi) in under an hour.

Anyhoo, after the Friday led class, I quickly went into the changing room to get dressed when a friend poked his head in and whispered that Guruji was in the office…

Ah, what a nice feeling to see “the Boss” back behind his desk familiarly receiving his students for darshan. I was overwhelmed with emotion. Everyone was so happy to see him. It is such a lovely sight when we can all become like children at Christmas having a peek at Santa…

Even when I’ve been in Mysore for longer stints, I never took for granted being able to see this living yoga master on a regular basis, but now that his visits to the shala are less frequent I can truly appreciate how lucky I and my fellow students are to see his loving smile.

Pattabhi Jois has often been regarded for his sense of joy and genuine enthusiasm for life. In fact I think that is one of the biggest reasons that people get hooked on visits to Mysore. I’m so pleased to report that Guruji looks great. He is as handsome and joyful as always. I don’t know if his visits to the shala will be a regular thing, we are just pleased to have been treated to his presence one more time.

Full Primary Series led by Guruji, San Francisco 2006 (by Govinda)

Guruji Teaches a Full Primary Series

And here is a report from Shirley via Jeff and Harmony Lichty’s blog via Shannon (dated June 8 2007):

On Thursday, June 8th, Guruji came out and said the opening prayer before the Mysore class. He walked up to the front of the room and chanted it as powerfully as he always does. I found out later that he was so excited to get down to the shala, he was dressed and ready by 4:30 am. Sharath and Saraswathi had to tell him that he had another hour to wait! After class he was sitting in the office, and it was the first time since being sick that I was able to bow to him and touch his feet. Then without me even asking the question, he told me in a very determined voice that he was going be be back teaching in one week!

This morning, (June 9th) for usual Friday led-primary class, Guruji was back again to say the opening prayer. Then, it seemed to everyone’s surprise, he started to count, without missing a beat, he moved right into leading the whole primary series class. He call the whole thing with all the vinyasa-s, and didn’t forget a single posture or side for even a second. It was so powerful. At the end, he stood up without help, and said the closing prayer with such strength both in his stance and his voice. It was an amazing experience to witness. He’s back!

I just can’t express in words how inspired I am by him. I feel truly blessed to have him for our Guru!
With Love,
Shirley

And to top it all, he has a 2 page spread in the June 2007 of Vanity Fair (via Govinda):

Standing Tall in Mysore – Vanity Fair June 2007

No practice on Moon Day, April 2
photo from meepfly

For more about the workshop, check out our prior post, Pattabhi Jois’ New Shala in Florida or go to directly to AYRI’s webpage, which has accomodations and other information (including the option to pay using Paypal).

With all this excitement about Ashtanga with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and family in the U.S., you probably haven’t had time to find out about Islamorada, the Florida Keys’ location of the new shala. For information about Islamorada, stay right here.

Anne’s beach, ocean side of the shala
from IrishNYC

How do I pronounce Islamorada?

In Spanish it is pronounced Ees la more eh dah, but if you want to fit in with the locals, pronounce it eye la more ah dah. – Easy Adventures Boat Charters

Where is Islamorada?
Islamorada is about a 2-hour drive from Miami International Airport. It is one of the Florida Keys, located between well-known Key Largo and Key West. It actually consists of several keys (islands):

Young Green Sea Turtle from ecocentrikGuy

Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and Craig Keys.

The Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute USA is on Upper Matecumbe Key. Here it is on Google maps.

What film should I watch before going?
It’s a trick question: Key Largo of course. This 1948 classic with Humphrey Bogart set in the Florida Keys will put you in the right mood.

What will the weather be like?
According to Fodor’s travel guides, temperatures in March range from 68-79°F (20-26°C). Tourist season runs from December through May so prices will still be high during the March workshop. (Also, summer is hurricane season, so phew, it’s not in the summer.)

What can I do on Islamorada besides practice Ashtanga yoga?

• Sport fishing. Islamorada is the sportfishing capital of the world, according to the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce (and pretty much all websites about Islamorada). Although this activity may be inconsistent with the Ahimsa (non-violence and a respect for all life, one the Yamas, the first limb of Ashtanga Yoga).


Sunset from p-freddy

• Bowl! The new shala is conveniently located near the Fish Bowl, a bowling alley (not a place to dive or snorkel). It has 12 lanes!
• Eat Key Lime pie. There really is a difference between a key lime and a regular lime. According to a review of key lime pie in the New York Times, the Cheeca Lodge has some of the best key lime pie (along with a real key lime tree). Key Lime is the official state pie of Florida, and it’s vegeterian.


Founders Park Beach, on the bay side of the new shala, from KellyKeys

• Swim with the dolphins. I am pretty sure it will be possible to see wild dolphin and this could be the experience of a lifetime. Those of you who want to swim with dolphin might try Theater of the Sea (a marine park) in Islamorada.


A mature sea turtle from ecocentrikGuy

• Dive, snorkel, kayak. Just take a look at the photos in this post! And if you want more photos, the Islamorada photos on Flickr are stunning.

But you don’t care about any of that. You just want to practice Ashtanga with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois! However, if you do want to share anything you know about Islamorada, please add it in the Comments section. Thanks!

What am I? from ecocentrikGuy