Ashtanga Yoga Shala

11/03/2026

Through the doorway of yoga practise

It’s a bit strange, really. There seems to be an endless stream of yoga teachers explaining how to do this and how to do that on social media.

How to get into this posture.
How to improve that technique.
Follow this method. Try this hack.

But one can’t help wondering… Where is the actual practice of yoga in all of this?

There is nothing quite like coming to class and having some structure to work with. Having a purpose. Gradually gaining confidence in what you are doing through an established method.

And then, at the right time, something new may be introduced - and maybe it isn’t a hack or another posture. Sometimes it’s simply a different way of approaching the same posture. A correction to the way of breathing. A shift in attitude or understanding.

In other words, the practice deepens.

Anyway, that’s the focus here at Ashtanga Yoga Shala. Simply yoga practice.

And if you do have a yoga practice, it’s worth expressing some gratitude for that by tending to it with care, humility, and consistency. Don’t let the endless stream of asana “hacks” undermine your confidence in what you’re quietly building.

In truth, most of those tricks don’t serve very much at all.
They tend to reinforce the ego and the very human desire to be noticed - that lingering childhood impulse of “look at me.”

What matters is what you do with your practice - and how it gradually begins to shape the way you live.

In the end, that tends to be far more sustaining, and far more rewarding, than ticking a posture off the bucket list and moving on to the next challenge or the next opportunity for validation.

02/03/2026

I heard it rain just before a class last week. While waiting for everyone to arrive, for some reason Mitti Attar came to mind.

Mitti Attar, the traditional Indian perfume distilled from baked earth, captures the fragrance that rises when the first rain touches dry soil. Its creation itself is slow and patient: clay must be shaped, fired, and carefully distilled over time before its subtle scent can emerge. Vapours from baked clay are captured in a receiver vessel containing sandalwood oil. I was thinking that this offers a beautiful parallel to yoga practice.

In the beginning, the body-mind is like dry ground - compacted by habit, tension, and restlessness. Through steady asana, applied with appropriate alignment, breath, and context, the “rain” of practice gradually softens this hardness. As prana begins to permeate the posture, a quiet presence is released - not as display, but depth. You can feel something of this in any practice.

Similarly, when the yamas and niyamas mature, they do not produce outward showiness; rather, they give rise to a gentle atmosphere around the practitioner. Like Mitti Attar, these qualities cannot be rushed or forced - they ripen slowly, revealing a subtle fragrance that quietly influences all who come near.

Just like Mitti Attar: made from simple earth, but astonishing in refinement, the fragrance appears only when: heat (Tapas), moisture (Prana), time (Abhyasa), proper containment (Samyama) are present together.

At this stage, the asanas may or may not appear complicated, but they feel quietly alive, deeply grounded, and subtly radiant. And like authentic Mitti Attar - whose fragrance represents Prithvi – Earth, and the body, resting upon the sublime sandalwood base symbolising Sattvic awareness - the ripening of Asana and Yama likewise depends on a steady foundation: patience, stability of mind, and careful containment.

It is pleasant to speak of ripening and fragrance.
But without discipline, there is no distillation.
Without steadiness, there is no refinement.
And without respect for the practice, nothing subtle will endure.

17/02/2026

Once, Parvati said to Shiva:

"I have heard all the teachings
the scriptures, the philosophies, the divisions of knowledge.
Yet my deepest doubt is not gone.

So, tell me plainly:
What is the true nature of Reality?"

She is asking, “What is true, directly - beyond words?”
And Shiva’s answer is stunningly simple.

“Wherever the mind goes,
let it rest there without grasping.
In that very place -
the state of Shiva is revealed.”

But taken literally, “just let the mind rest wherever it goes” can easily be misunderstood, and in fact is dangerous without context. Well, delusional if not dangerous, because a misunderstanding can occur allowing -

• tamasic dullness
• passive drifting
• spiritual bypassing
• or the false belief that ordinary reactivity = equanimity

What is being described presumes a highly refined mind. It is describing a stage, not a beginner practice. In classical yoga , shanti – peace, arises from “nirodha” - not from mindset.

Background conditions that must already exist
sattva predominance
• diet and habits supporting clarity
• regulated lifestyle
• reduced sensory overload
• ethical steadiness (yama/niyama)
Without elevated sattva, “resting” becomes tamasic inertia.

Then of course there would be a certain capacity in pratyahara having been established, a degree of mental stabilisation present, thinning state of active samskaras, ongoing daily practice etc., etc.

Otherwise, “resting” simply becomes inertia.

Peace is not created.
It is revealed —
when grasping and resistance finally quiet.

Which is why it is best not to leave it too late to begin the work of yoga.

15/02/2026

You know, Asana features heavily in many modern Yoga practices — and very effective it can be, if it is applied and practised well, and regularly.

But as we know, Yoga is broader than Asana alone. There are the other limbs — Yama, Niyama, Pranayama, and so on. And in the background of the traditional systems, there are also very practical recommendations for maintaining balance throughout daily life.

In Ayurveda these are called Dinacharya - the rhythms that support us day to day - and Ritucharya, the adjustments needed as seasons change, because when the external environment shifts, our internal Doshas shift as well.

Lately I’ve noticed that quite a few people have been falling prey to colds, even though the weather is still warm - sometimes intensely humid.

Any of us can become ill. It’s not a failure, not a crime, and certainly not something to feel guilty about. It’s simply part of being embodied and meeting the challenges of the environment. But getting sick isn’t fun.

One likely factor related to recent colds is the abrupt movement between very different environments: from heavily air-conditioned homes or offices, straight out into heat and humidity, and then back again into cold air.

This becomes even more relevant around practice time. After asana, when the body is warm and often sweating, being exposed immediately to strong air-conditioning, fans, or drafts - or lying in Shavasana while still damp - is not ideal.

Traditional Chinese Medicine explains this very clearly – and perhaps better than any other system (for those who’ve studied “Shang Han Lun” theory). When we sweat, the pores open and the body’s “Wei Ch’i” / “Wei Qi” - the protective energy circulating at the surface -becomes temporarily dispersed. This Wei Qi is said to protect us from external influences such as cold and wind. When it is weakened or scattered, the body becomes more vulnerable.

Some people may regard this as out of step with the times and “ancient thinking,” since modern science speaks in detail of the immune system. Yet even with our detailed knowledge of immune cells, signalling pathways, cytokine storms, and inflammatory responses, modern medicine still cannot always explain why one person becomes sick at a particular moment while another does not.

Systems such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine describe how our defensive strength is not only about pathogens or microbes, but also about the condition of our vitality - whether we speak of Ch’i / Qi, Prana, or Ojas.

In that sense, these traditional perspectives are not in conflict with modern immunology - they simply describe the body’s defence from a more functional and experiential viewpoint. Traditional systems - Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Yoga describe the body in terms of function, balance, and energetic resilience, considering factors such as stress, diet, environmental exposure, seasonal change, and the strength of Qi (TCM), Prana, and Ojas (Ayurveda and Yoga).

Interestingly, many people who come to yoga are comfortable speaking about energy in terms of chakras or the “feel” of a space, and the charge in a particular asana, yet may not consider how environmental energies — temperature, wind, artificial climates — also influence the body.

So, something simple to remember:
- After practice, especially when you are sweaty, it’s wise to change into dry clothing or cover yourself lightly with a light sarong or shawl, before Pranayama or while in Shavasana,
and to be mindful when moving between very cold indoor environments and outdoor heat.

- At work, avoid sitting in the firing line of cold air from an A/C, especially to the back of the neck.
Small attentiveness like this can go a long way in maintaining balance and avoiding unnecessary illness.

From the ancient classic “Huangdi Neijing Suwen”, some 2000 plus years ago –
“Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) circulates at the surface of the body.
It warms the tissues, protects the skin, regulates the pores,
and safeguards the body from external influences”.

01/02/2026

This may not be comfortable reading, but it is offered in respect of the yoga tradition and the responsibility of teaching it well.

I’m noticing a growing trend: many people are enrolling in yoga teacher training courses not because they want to teach, but because they want to learn more about yoga.

That, in itself, raises some important questions.

At its most basic level, every yoga class should already be exposing students to yoga — not just postures, but the principles, context, and purpose that make the practice yoga rather than movement alone.
Yoga philosophy isn’t an optional add-on reserved for teacher training; it is meant to be part of the ongoing student–teacher relationship.

Teacher training exists for a different reason.
Its purpose is to train teachers — people who will hold responsibility for others, transmit a tradition, and guide practice safely and intelligently. Naturally, that training involves deeper and more systematic study of philosophy, methodology, and self-inquiry — so that teachers are sufficiently equipped to teach.

Which leads to a second issue.

A 200-hour course does not make someone a yoga teacher.
It never has. It cannot. The idea that one can be “trained” in yoga — a lifelong discipline — in a few weeks or months is a modern convenience, not a traditional reality. If teacher training actually reflected the time, depth, and apprenticeship required, very few people would enrol simply “to learn more”.

So perhaps the real question is not:

Why are people doing teacher training when they don’t want to teach?

But rather:

What is happening in yoga classes?
Where is the yoga being taught?

Asana, practiced without context, inquiry, and guiding principles, is not yoga.
It is movement — sometimes skilful, sometimes beneficial — but incomplete.

Yoga is meant to be learned gradually, relationally, and over time.
Not rushed, not packaged, and not outsourced to a certification.

That’s a conversation worth having.

24/12/2025

“What a night!”

Caught on early-morning CCTV. When the work is done and the sleigh is parked, even the big guy needs a moment to reset. This time, it seems he chose Ashtanga Yoga Shala Sunnybank — a quiet pause for breath and reflection, and a reminder of kindness and compassion, before the long commute back to the North Pole.

Tucked away in the ’burbs, the Sunnybank studio offers a small oasis: a grounded, peaceful space where real yoga is practised with care. Apparently, good atmospheres are universally recognised — even by Santa.

Whether this season finds you in quiet solitude or with those close and dear, may Christmas offer a moment to pause — to reflect on generosity, compassion, and the simple act of setting the ego aside. In doing so, practice becomes something lived rather than confined, and a natural sense of connection can arise in everyday encounters.

May this encourage citta-prasadana — a clearing and brightening of the mind — and perhaps also an impulse toward 'Dana' or giving: finding a cause whose efforts you value, and offering support where you can. There are many beautiful opportunities to give, and each sincere gesture reminds us of our shared humanity.

Learn, develop and explore an authentic yoga practice. From beginner to experienced. Classes at both Paddington and in Sunnybank. Contact Us Today!

20/10/2025

Let this Diwali be a renewal of your inner flame - the light that steadies through effort and glows with understanding.

Each year, the celebration of Diwali fills the air with joy, colour, and the comfort of community. Lamps are lit, homes are adorned, and hearts are lifted.

And yet, amidst the brightness, it’s worth remembering that Diwali’s light was never meant only for community celebration - but for awakening.

Diwali reminds us that light triumphs over darkness - not only in the outer world, but within the subtle field of the heart. For the yogi, this is the deeper meaning of the festival - the illumination of awareness through steady practice.

Every breath, each mindful movement, every moment of restraint or compassion - is like lighting a small lamp within.

When the mind grows quiet and the breath flows evenly, the light spreads from within, dispelling the shadows of restlessness and doubt.

One of many teachings associated with Diwali is the return of Ramarajya. In the Ramayana, it refers to the era following Rama’s return to Ayodhya after exile - a time of peace, justice, and dharma. Ramarajya is not a distant myth or a nostalgic ideal. It is a symbol of awakening - the mind’s turning again toward the light of dharma. To live that light requires more than ritual or wishful words.

It asks for sincerity - the courage to face darkness, to burn away ignorance, and to realign our actions with truth.

And yet, as we look out upon the world and in so many places where peace feels distant and darkness seems overwhelming, Diwali reminds us that it is not only a celebration, but a pressing need to remember our capacity to live with clarity and compassion amidst a world that often feels divided and uncertain. We are reminded that the true Ramarajya begins not in the outer realm, but in the inner one.

It begins when we pause to reassess, to reconnect, to restore balance in our own thoughts, words, and actions. The return of dharma starts when we refuse to let despair harden the heart. When each of us becomes a little steadier, a little kinder, the light multiplies - silently, steadily, beyond borders.

Diwali accomplishes many things at once: it gathers people, stirs joy, and strengthens bonds.
But beyond that, it reminds us to reconnect with the intangible - to listen for the quiet voice of spirit, and to renew our commitment to alignment with, and moving in rhythm with dharma.

Through Yoga, we can interpret Ramarajya symbolically - not as political utopia, but as inner sovereignty.
• Rama represents the Self (the serene, dharmic ruler within).
• Ayodhya - literally ‘the city that cannot be conquered’ (represents the inner realm of the mind and heart when harmonised by awareness).
• The return of Rama signifies the return of consciousness to its rightful throne (when mind, senses, and actions are again aligned under the light of dharma).

Wishing All a Happy Diwali
And so….
May our light shine clear, and our steps follow dharma.
May this Diwali bring about sincere determination true return to purpose - a rekindling of the flame that steadies through effort and glows with understanding.

23/05/2025

To all dedicated Ashtanga Yoga Shala class practitioners,

I’m revisiting a message I first shared some years ago, now updated with a few reflections.

If you've been attending class for a while, I hope you're beginning to understand where I’m coming from. At times, I may come across as strict—that’s not from ego, but from a deep respect for yoga and a sincere wish to make a difference. We can’t just call anything and everything that involves bending and twisting, and some deep breathing, yoga. So, if I make a comment in class about the ‘practice’ as I have this week, please accept it in the way that it’s intended. To make a difference. To clarify our purpose in yoga. It is never intended to hurt anyone’s feelings nor belittle their efforts.

Over the years, I’ve heard all kinds of opinions—praise and criticism alike—especially of the asana aspect of yoga practice. It’s important to listen to varied viewpoints. But once there is a ‘firmly grounded’ yoga practice in place, many doubts will be resolved, no scientific corroboration is necessary, and baseless criticism will appear for what it is.

I have heard much criticism of asana from people who don’t even practice, have never had a practice, and yet sit on high, talking as if they are above what hatha yoga has to offer. The mind-body connection and insight that arise through sustained asana practice can be profound—but only if that practice is grounded.

This week in class we reflected on sutras that explore grounded practice. I encourage you to keep contemplating them.

How to get there:
Take a moment to consider how we spend the time given to us. Some groups suggest that over a ‘typical’ life span (just under 80 years), studies suggest we spend:
• 26 years sleeping,
• 13 years working,
• 9 years watching television,
• 11 years with screen time,
• 235 days standing in queues, and
• 115 days laughing—if we're lucky
• Some will spend a considerable amount of time arguing

Where does yoga fit into this picture? Is it something we simply try to squeeze in between tasks—or can it become something we actively pursue and honour with reverence, awe, and mystery? This week in class I mentioned words like awe, mystery, and reverence. For a reason.

The composer A. R. Rahman once said that we all need some magic, inspiration, and higher ideals in life. He shared a story about a young boy who didn't even know what a PlayStation was—because his focus was entirely elsewhere. That boy, Lydian, was devoted to his music with rare dedication and undivided attention. According to Rahman, his story is really about love, and hope. There’s something we can all learn from that kind of focus.

Lydian Nadhaswaram has now grown into a young man, but his example remains powerful—a reminder of what’s possible with single-pointed attention. You don’t need to be a musical prodigy to understand his message: your focus matters. What you pursue matters. I’ve shared some links here and here, if you’re curious to know more about him.

Remember the musical metaphors we've explored in class—how the breath sets the pulse for the practice, how each posture may be tuned like an instrument (especially in the Ashtanga Vinyasa method as taught at AYS), and how deeper sentiments—like devotion and inquiry—are cultivated to guide our inner rhythm. Ashtanga Vinyasa practice offers a framework where breath, movement, devotion, and inquiry can merge into something deeper.
Don’t be fooled by memes about ‘Yoga off the mat’, either. There is yoga on and off any mat. No separation. Thinking of the implicit meaning in the word yoga. Asana and pranayama are practices, just as 'yamaniyama' in daily life, seva or service, and study (yoga practice requires study) for life.

Might we, through yoga practices, come to realise the great ocean of consciousness that we are a part of.
Until then, may we—as Rainer Maria Rilke said—
“be patient toward all that is unresolved in our hearts, and learn to love the questions themselves.” And may your yoga practice be a journey toward both presence and possibility.

Warmly,
Richard

23/04/2025

Come and experience the magic of Ashtanga Yoga at the Shala with me, Richard Clark. I teach traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga classes in a welcoming space where students of all levels are supported to grow in their own practice. Whether you're new to yoga or returning after time away, you'll find a grounded, focused environment where you can reconnect with your breath, body, and mind.

Students often say they love the calm, encouraging atmosphere of the Shala and appreciate the personal attention they receive. I guide each person at their own pace, helping to build confidence, strength, and balance through the powerful Ashtanga method.

We’re excited to be starting new Step 1 classes very soon – the specially designed Introductory-Beginners course. Step 1 is the perfect way to start your journey, with clear, supportive instruction in a small group setting. If you've been curious about Ashtanga but unsure where to begin, this is your moment. You don’t need to be flexible or fit – just bring a willingness to learn and an open heart.

Completion of the Step 1 Class Series is the key into the ongoing ‘Mysore Style Class’ which are Brisbane’s longest running Mysore style yoga classes, whether students are new to Ashtanga Yoga or new to the Ashtanga Yoga Shala. Email aysbris@gmail.com for the details.

29/12/2024

And it’s in part why yoga practice is referred to as a ‘work-in’.
Not to conflate the tools of the practice with its objectives, ‘attempting’ the asana-s of yoga, what are called the ‘postures’ has little to do with yoga practice. To understand how to work, to craft, to explore, to regard the yoga postures unlocks their hidden potential. If this can be experienced, then one won’t let too many days go by, if even a day, without yoga practice. And in the wider sense, yoga then will involve everything one does – all of ones’ commissions and omissions while embodied and on this journey. Could we be so fortunate to have made contact with real yoga?
Then might we utilise it wisely.

13/12/2024

Yoga practitioners might add to the above ..... ‘and the practice of yoga asana’.

But let it be yoga asana. A yoga magazine owner once commented to me that much of what is taught in yoga classes should just be called ‘asana class’ - not yoga. But, I said, ‘that is not going to help at all because you just suggested that it’s asana, and it’s not, because asana, to be called asana, needs to be contextualised through the underpinning theories of yoga.

How does it happen that yoga is misunderstood and this misunderstanding is perpetuated? When the desire for instant-gratification; success without effort; personal validation; great profit with minimal input; when lack of patience; lack of respect etc creep into yoga, they end up driving those very traits deeper, when in fact yoga is supposed to resolve them.

Why let the causes of unsatisfactoriness, and unhappiness, confusion, and restlessness enter something like yoga which is supposed to address and remedy these undesirable qualities?

How about instead, committing to something longer-term in a yoga practice, something that will in the end nourish, provide a mirror, remain like a good friend, and make you wonder?

Enter the world of real yoga practice. It’s not for show, it’s for inner ‘attunement’ and calibration. A yoga practice is considered to be like fertile soil that will accommodate what you wish to plant; so be decisive and mindful of what you plant.

I noticed a reel on Instagram recently and although it’s been quite some time, I recognised the characters from the movie Seven Years in Tibet. Pema addresses Harrer: …. “This is another great difference between our civilization and yours. You admire the man who pushes his way to the top in any walk of life while we admire the man who abandons his ego. The average Tibetan wouldn’t think to thrust himself forward this way”.

It’s not in the end such a cultural issue from which the problem stems, but a materialist thinking, one estranged from nature.

Long time Ashtanga Yoga practitioner, David Swenson, once stated “the strongest trees in the forest grow the slowest”. Consider if this observation might enter and improve your view of yoga practice.

24/10/2023

Wishing You A Happy Dassehra.