Paul Dallaghan, Advanced A

The morning following the second series practice was third series practice.  Again Govinda pulled out his camera and snapped away as I went through my practice.  The first few poses are not here because he was finishing up his practice.  I would like to reiterate that what is presented below has been taught one by one by Pattabhi Jois and Sharath to me over a long period of time.  We can all play with poses but it doesn't really amount to much.  To be taught it, feel it, repeat it again and again, essentially learn it, and just continue with practice has its impact on one's system and thinking.  Ideally we bring the right attitude to that practice.  So here below are the photos presented, caught in practice, and for your interest.  These poses look extreme, hence the name of the series, advanced, and are reached after years of practice in primary and intermediate, from dedication and devotion.  Please understand a foundation is needed and there's no shortcuts.  From everyone I have met so far I can surely say that you can't cut the foundation, quicken your way through this just to satisfy ego, it doesn't work.  So time spent building and growing through the more basic stuff means one can do the later asanas with integrity and benefit.  Having said all that, one can get just as much from purely dedicating to primary series.  For it is the focus, dedication and devotion that opens the yoga door.  Quite simply, just start practicing and see where it goes.  For me over the past 11 years it's gone here.  But I do now feel it most in my heart.  So many thanks to my teachers along the way.