MAHA SADHANA (THE GREAT PRACTICE): LEVEL 1 with Sri Dharma Mittra

By Richard Rosen • Yoga Journal, March 2007

The founder and director of the Dharma Yoga Center in New York City, Dharma Mittra is probably
best known for his iconic 1984 chart of 908 asanas and the more recent book Asana: 608 Yoga Poses.
He's also this issue's featured Master Class teacher; (see page 99.) Now we have a generous four-hour
record of this widely respected teacher's work.

This is indeed a great practice, not only in length but also in information. The presentation is divided
into three chapters. The first, and longest, consists of briskly paced sequences taught in a straight-
forward style without much alignment detail. This section also includes a 10-minute guided relaxation,
8 minutes of pranayama, and a 6 minute candle meditation.

The second chapter incorporates a 15-minute asana "workshop," in which Dharma and a model give
specific instructions on a dozen common asanas or asana movements, such as moving into
Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand). Another 26 minutes of pranayama instruction includes hints on
performing important bandbas and traditional pranayamas like Ujjayi and Bhastrika. The final 7
minutes of this chapter are devoted to meditation. The third chapter includes short talks on a variety of
yoga and spiritual subjects, such as home practice, the importance of a teacher, karma, reincarnation,
and diet.

As the first generation of american yoga teachers ages and passes on, it's essential to preserve a record
of yoga's legacy worldwide to remind future generations of their roots. This DVD is important not
only for its instruction but for its historical value as well.