Ashtanga Yoga Shala

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.

24/05/2023

Dive into Yoga with the Ashtanga Yoga Shala

yoga practice-consistency-authenticity-insight-discipline-reliability-asana-pranayama-meditation-chanting-renewal-movement-stillness-focus-self care-connection-breathwork-philosophy

It’s all here……………..

• weekly ongoing classes (now for over 30 years)
• new introductory classes start soon
• don’t be a follower, come and learn yoga
• email aysbris@gmail.com for details

21/04/2023

An assorted assembly discuss something of value, in yoga:

Once upon a time, Uma said to Shiva, and the great rivers who were assembled (at the time she had requested their presence in order to consult and honour them), "woman always follows woman" - and the rivers were viewed as female entities; because as Uma had said, "what women say has importance among women, and what men say does not have, among women quite the same importance". So, listen and learn, guys: “I see neither on this earth nor in the heavens, anybody who has obtained knowledge all by himself, without help from others…"

Goethe concurred: “If we meet someone who owes us a debt of gratitude, we remember the fact at once. How often we can meet someone to whom we owe a debt of gratitude without thinking about it at all!”

Sitting not too far away, Piglet, though choosing to remain silent, noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude (according to A.A.Milne).

John Lennon was there and remarked: “In my life, all these places had their moments; with lovers and friends, I still can recall; some are dead and some are living; in my life, I've loved them all!" (28 years ago in Hawai'i, I discovered this guy, Keali'i, singing these very words, in his beautiful and unique voice. You can hear him https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l0qgCX46vA

Some anonymous practitioner of ashtanga yoga whispered mentally, under the sound of their ujjayi breathing, "yes, yes, I feel it in every practice when commencing with my opening chant, which helps me pierce the veil of time and connect with the lineage of yogis towards whom I am greatly indebted. With every breath I feel gratitude. In fact, in each, and every asana. I invite the asana into my heart and request their seed to live in my body, so that the buds might tomorrow blossom in my heart, their fragrance be revealed on my breath, and together we shall rejoice in each passing day”.

Oprah said, “I think you took that idea from Khalil Gibran, but ok, I get it. I consider gratitude to be a major force field in establishing a better life. It's the foundation from which all other blessings flow”.

The Lotus man said: "Well, according to the yoga philosophy, Compassion-Gratitude-Friendliness-Equanimity and similar qualities of the mind results in a 'mind being in a good space' i.e. happiness. Would the reverse be true? That is to say, if a person is happy, they would display (authentically) compassion-gratitude-equanimity and other similar qualities. Assuming this to be true, could then one even extend it further to say a lack of these and similar qualities being suggestive of 'mind not in a good space"?

Professor Emmons from U.C Davis said, "Yeaaaah! gratitude blocks toxic emotions, such as envy, resentment, regret and depression, which can destroy our happiness.”

Shiva never flinched.

Esta cancion es un cover de los "Beatles" cantada por Keali'i Reichel de su album Kawaipunahele de 1994.. tambien puse algunas fotos personales :D espero y ...

04/02/2023

This week I have set some homework at the end of class. It was to write 150 words on what the word yoga means to you. Whether you do this on paper or in your head is up to you, but it is a good practice to occasionally review your relationship with yoga. I’m not really asking that anyone takes it on to produce an essay and hand it in at class. Unfortunately, this little yoga school doesn't have the resources to make good on that. But it is a useful exercise for each of us and in the end, what matters as we progress and even occasionally regress over time, is that we have our own personal connection with yoga. Hopefully over time, our relationship with yoga and what it means to us will deepen.

There are many opportunities missed, to utilise yoga practices. Understandingly the plan might be to undertake some asana practice, and for those who feel it and know it (that sounds like a song lyric, may be Marley) , the pranayama practice, in a nice setting, on a perfect day and under conducive circumstances, hoping to multiply the already favourable events. But life doesn’t always offer dependable favourable opportunities. More often, for some of us at least, there are obstructive events, less than perfect conditions, an uncooperative mind, too much negative news and too many negative people, and certainly no rainbows in sight. Perhaps these are the more favourable conditions to put yoga to work. We should each reflect on this, and I thank some of you who have kindly reminded me of it too.

There are certainly situations – healthwise, when symptoms may be severe, and life circumstance wise, where conditions may be extremely difficult, overwhelming, or when caught up in the grips of turbulent inner states, that may well require professional help, and during which times, it may be very difficult to bring yoga foremost in our minds. But what about when the states are not so insurmountable? Can we draw something from yoga to help? Are we still thinking of yoga only in terms of me, my needs, my satisfaction, my asana practice etc?

This week I received some feedback, which essentially went: “You are so busy in class with everyone, I suppose that you just don’t get time for each of us………” It is a fair enough comment in the early part of yoga practice because it may seem like that at first, since no one really knows what I am doing, assessing, waiting for, attending to, having to prioritise in class. I’m thankful for the feedback because it does give me a chance to address it and again clear up any confusion. I can’t really get into it now, other than to say that over time everyone gets the attention needed, though perhaps not always when they want it. (I seem to recall someone’s song lyrics along those lines, maybe Jagger, Richard, Et al).

These feelings will come up in all yoga classes and amongst all groups of people. It’s nothing unique but does suggest that there is a greater need to delve deeper into what we are doing in a yoga practice. One Ashtanga Yoga teacher answered this kind of response, by stating that – “when you come to class and have made a payment to attend, you are getting to place your mat on the floor. Beyond that, nothing is guaranteed”. Maxine can correct me, since she was there, and it’s her story.

What I can guarantee is that if people listen to the yoga (the after-class talks are the lessons in yoga) and apply them as best as they can, yoga makes an appreciable difference in one’s life. To what extent, may depend on how well, and how often we apply the teachings, and what we are dealing with, and when necessary, what additional support may be required, and what detrimental factors remain in one’s life and state of mind.

In terms of the world and our view there are things to take note of and be thankful for and the field of positive psychology endorses this. There is the very fact that we have access to yoga practice for one. That we are alive and can experience, that we have a mind, and we find joy, insights, beauty, and growth amidst the ups and downs (when it is often the case that we will point a finger and declare ‘you’re to blame’ – I think that was Bon Jovi) our lives, are marvellous reasons to remain hopeful. Just consider the radical shifts in recent times: 1. Statistics reveal that more and more people are now working from Om, 2. So many young people, fed up with the fickleness of ego-bound progress, are now looking for the real Selfie, 3, Rising living costs and related difficulties support and make clear, the first Noble Truth – that life involves 'un-satisfactoriness', (the understanding of which should prompt us towards more committed practice) and 4. That you can actually fund a petition online, requesting a Season 2 of Shantaram.

Once upon a time, while searching for my true Selfie in the jungle of Hawai’i; well, at the tourist shop in civilisation at Hanalei Bay (local legend has it that is was named after Puff the Magic Dragon’s homeland of Honah Lee), before that fated destination, I purchased a singlet with a message on it by someone called Kimo. It was Kimo’s rules for living. It’s all printed on the back of the tank top, which is nice because one ends up radiating positive messages to the world, but also not so helpful because the wearer possibly needs to reflect on them most of all. Here are some of Kimo’s messages: ‘Never judge a day by the weather’; ‘The best things in life aren’t things’; ‘Goals are deceptive – the unaimed arrow never misses’; ‘He who dies with the most toys, still dies’; ‘There are 2 ways to be rich – make more or desire less’; ‘Beauty is Internal – Looks mean nothing’; ‘No Rain – No Rainbows’. Please look beyond the simple statements above and consider if there's one that may be useful for yourself.

Below is an image of this one, searching for the True Selfie, scaling and embankment in a thicket above the most beautiful secret beach at Hanakapi’ai at the end of a very slippery, very wet and muddy trail, around sometimes scarily steep cliffs, far up the track from the disassembled hippie encampment once funded by Howard, Elizabeth Taylor’s brother, in the 1970’s.

See you at Class. Focus on the job, forget about what you think is or should be happening at class. Forget about everything you have heard about Ashtanga Yoga. Remember what you have been taught about actual Yoga.

06/01/2023

As I have brought up in classes this week, there seems to be a profusion now (it started some years ago and has been growing exponentially with the catalytic help of social media) of vacuous, generally meaningless, and with very little benefit, ‘takes’ on yoga practices. This misunderstanding or outright ignorance dressed up with botoxed, photoshopped, hypermobile images appears in the way of glib performances, projections, ‘yoga-flow’ sequences, and ‘yoga-challenges’, and are associated with a tendency, which has been around as long as humans have (due to the incumbent afflictions or kleshas) to become caught up in the want to project some image of oneself to an (online) world of fans, or add to one’s ‘story’ (usually a less than true account), which is only the activity and ongoing trickery of the ego at work.

This ends up being the antithesis of yoga. One issue that remains is that what may have become a healing nectar for suffering, discontent, un-satisfactoriness, confusion, unhappiness, existential angst, and loss of purpose and insight, becomes less accessible, harder to determine, and more unreliable, like a medicine allowed into the hands of unscrupulous, poorly qualified, insufficiently resourced, wild west, purely commercial interests who take on the job of manufacturing important medicines. Who then knows the efficacy or reliability or safety of what may have been a lifesaver?
It's important to reflect upon and reframe one’s motivation and intentions with practice. It’s important to check in and reconsider the purpose of yoga practice.

Once, in an introductory yoga class when I was both explaining the meaning of yoga, and also asking for the group’s perspective, someone entered late and before they even sat down, they provided a monologue on how yoga was whatever it meant to you!
Yoga is clearly not ‘whatever it means to you’. How can a mind steeped in ignorance even consider possessing that kind of appreciation? But that’s what the ego does. It loves to have all the answers because it is essentially ruled by fear and self-preservation. But what if yoga could grant us access to a wholly different vision? Such a system should be treated with respect and regarded as a precious jewel.

One of the defining statements of yoga is that yoga is ‘skill in action’. This statement itself requires many years of unraveling and application through trial and effort. It does not refer to whether you can transition seamlessly from a seated forward fold posture through an unsupported (no arms) headstand into a reverse, upside-down, back-to-front lotus posture.

A highly respected Tibetan yogi, who was considered by some, a living buddha, is said to have once remarked how he never considered himself perfect and never thought that people should follow him. He said that he himself had essentially prayed that he could become a good student of Dharma and that through his actions in this world, his mind, body, and speech would be of service to others (skill in action). He stressed how important it is in one’s life, in whatever circumstances occurred, even if like waves of the ocean crashing against rocks, to never lose one’s dignity, to uphold the mind, or deviate from one’s dharma. He felt that personal issues, losses, and gains, will be there always, but to lose dharma is the greatest loss. He cautioned, 'please! do not practise for the sake of feeding your own ego, towards narcissism, avoid increasing your own ignorance and desires'. He encouraged, 'please feed your own diligence, devotion, genuineness, compassion, and commitment' to alleviate the suffering of self and others and to have the mindful determination to always apply the practice, at all times.
He finished: please keep that in mind.

When I hear the words ‘keep that in mind’ I immediately recall the lyrics (originally by Rabindranath Tagore) on the Deepak Chopra-Lisa Bonet track, ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’.
“Nothing lasts forever, No one lives forever, Keep that in mind, and love.
Our life is not the same old burden. Our path is not the same long journey.
The flower fades and dies.
We must pause to weave perfection into music.
Keep that in mind, and love”.

Doesn’t it strike you that the line ‘We must pause to weave perfection into music’, most closely mirrors the notion of yoga as 'skill in action'?