We’re still practicing

I attended the en masse commemorative group practice yesterday with members of the Iyengar community here on O’ahu. It felt special and unifying. An altar of Guruji was placed in the front of the room with candles and incense. Right at 2:30 pm Hawaii Standard Time, we all began the sequence led by the most senior teacher of the group.

When I practiced, I felt as though Guruji was watching me and did the best Tadasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Uttanasana, and Utthita Trikonasna I could. Since I was working, I just wore my work clothes and did not don my yoga attire. This wasn’t about me. It was about devoting my practice to the teacher of all my teachers.

The 45 minute practice was healing. Some cried. Some did not speak. Some prostrated before his altar. Others just bowed their head. There were plenty of hugs. It had the feeling of a wake and was extremely cathartic given the heaviness of the previous week.

When I was driving back to work after the event. I took great comfort that the practice of this community would not be deterred by Guruji’s passing. It will just be strengthened.