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Modern yoga, that is, the form practiced daily by tens of millions of people around the world, goes back directly to Lord Shiva according to Indian tradition. At the same time, however, modern yoga originated in the early 20th century, a creation of Indian savant T. Krishnamacharya (1888-1989). That story is far less known and is what this film is all about. Krishnamacharya's life and teachings are seen through the eyes of the director Jan Schmidt-Garre on his search for authentic yoga. His journey leads him from the legendary students and relatives of Krishnamacharya's to the source of modern yoga, at the palace of the Maharaja of Mysore. From Pattabhi Jois Jan learns the "Sun salutation," from Iyengar the "King of Asanas," the headstand, and finally Sribhashyam reveals to him his father's secret "Life Saving Yoga Session."
Rating
NR
Director
Jan Schmidt-Garre
Studio
Kino on Video
- As someone who has practiced Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga, this is a pilgrimage into the heart of yoga from the legendary yogacharyas who revived this beautiful art/science from the ashes of history. The archival footage alone is worth the whole documentary.Reply
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- True believers may be riveted by this earnest salute to the sun, but for others this enthusiastic showcase of impressively bendy people stretches the patience at 105 minutes.Reply
- The most compelling aspect of an ambling film is lovely archive footage of Krishnamacharya and others performing seemingly impossible manipulations of the human body with a suppleness and ease that are mightily impressive.Reply
- It lacks narrative momentum but not warm humour or extreme headstands: you won't need telling twice that certain moves are "definitely not for beginners".Reply
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