The Incredible Journey Begins

Lesson One. When travelling to India, one should always have an open mind. Be ready for anything to fall into your lap. Let go of all preconcieved notions and fears. Let go of the lessons you heard others learn. Yours might just not be what you've expected.

Upon arriving to India for the very first time, I was prepared for the sights I have seen on TV, showing India's beauty, its incredible pace, and its sometimes confronting realities. It felt familiar to see stray starving dogs, freely strolling cows, heaps of people everywhere you turn, children running barefeet on harsh gravel roads, women carrying enormous loads of hay on their heads. My nose accepted the contrasts of smells - anything from the sweet Mysore Sandalwood to rottening piles of garbage and sewage. My ears were prepared for the constant honking of the cars, trucks, scooters and motorcycles that courteously "announced" themselves everytime they passed you.

What I was not prepared for was a change in my personal plans for India, which I have been developing for more than six months. The reason for my travel to Mysore was to study with the late Pattabhi Jois's grandson Sarath who runs "the shala" in Gokula district of Mysore. A day before I was meant to sign up for one month of yoga with KPJAYI, I was suggested to try out one of Mysore's less famous but equally respected Ashtanga Masters, Sheshadri. I was attracted to the idea that Sheshadri's class was strictly regulated when it came to its size, which meant more personal attention. Just one class, I thought.