Center of the Mandala

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

Dvesha
for Sandi and Carla

Since my mother hated beets,
I always refused them—

until one night at a diner,
a friend insisted, try them.

The blood of one single purplish-red globe
dripping across the formica table,

the thing speared between the tines of my fork,
how much we kill before killing,

all that we deny, all the white lies,
who or what are we protecting?

And how many of us are running from
and running to: pleasure, yes;

pain, no. And how easy it is to lock a door,
one half turn of the wrist and safe,

but from what?
During meditation, Carla says:

Try to taste your own heart
and I return to this, new to the city,

with a new friend after midnight,
dank, brave and earthy bite—

I was hooked. Though it took years for me
to peel my own, let my own hands be stained,

because after all, how can any of us escape
the beat of Shiva's drum,

our own our magenta desire
without noticing how rich the color

of blood, our lives, bubbling up
from an open wound before we

apply the band-aid, and kiss
our pain away.

—by Carly Sachs

Photograph by Carla Stangenberg. See full version.

Jaya Yoga Center

Testimonials

"I found the workshop extremely helpful and very informative. I felt the benefits of the shoulder opener postures that Michael gave us right away, pleasantly aware of a reduction in tension in that area as I walked home from the workshop. I will definitely attend the next workshop."—participant in Men's Workshop

"September 26, 2007: I walked into Jaya Yoga for the first time. Greeted by a smiling front desk person who told me my first lesson was ten dollars. I said, "No, I am signing up for ten classes, if I hate yoga today I am coming back nine more times to make sure I really really hate yoga." Needless to say I fell in love with yoga and the Jaya studio. Alison was my first teacher and I still attend her classes today. I attend Carla's and Ruthie's classes on a regular basis and I am never disappointed. My posture has improved, I have more clarity of thought and I am in touch with my spirit. I remain a humble practitioner."—John, Brooklyn

"I was always rushing from one place to another, doing things that I loved to do, but never taking time out for myself. I finally came to Jaya when I discovered that even when I had the time, I didn't know how to relax—it felt awkward to "do nothing." Since starting to practice at Jaya even with one class a week—I've found that I am better able to calm down and let go. I balance work and play and participate more fully in each."—Terry, Brooklyn Playwrite

"Jaya is such a special place to study and practice all aspects of yoga. The studio has been able to find the perfect balance between the serious discipline of yoga and a warm, compassionate and lighthearted community. The well trained, knowledgeable and inspiring teachers challenge and guide their students deeply into this beautiful practice. The friendly neighborhood community is forever welcoming, fun and supportive. As a student at Jaya, my practice has deepened, my mind has been opened and my heart has been filled by this beautiful sangha."—Kelly, yoga teacher / social worker

"I love Jaya because it is my home away from home. I have been taking classes there for more than five years. If I am crabby or having a bad day, I show up at Jaya and there is always a friendly hello, a warm welcome and I leave feeling better. Jaya is not edgy or competitive; there is a warm acceptance for working within your limitations and for challenging yourself to new levels. There are a variety of teachers and the classes are all different so you are never bored. Carla will keep you laughing, Judy too and when Abby sings to you during final relaxation you don't want to go home. And that's the other beautiful thing, you are not rushed out the door. You can slowly get ready to leave and hold onto that blissful post yoga feeling a little bit longer."—Tracey, Brooklyn Gardener

"The teachers at Jaya Yoga are teachers at the very heart of what it means to teach. I always come away from my practice, feeling as if I understand more about body alignment, breath, and the yoga practice in general. But what I love most is how the lessons learned inside, on your mat, translate to life off the mat."—Carly, poet

"Jaya Yoga is a great place to practice. It is small, unpretentious and welcoming. The open classes are good for both experienced and newer students and the teachers offer much in the way of encouragement, personal modifications & good humor. I have found the teaching to be thoughtful and challenging and I often leave practice there with a new understanding of the subtlety of a pose."—Margaret, Manhattan

"I have been attending classes at Jaya Yoga for five years, and it has changed my life. The teachers are kind, precise, beautiful souls. The students are friendly yogis who joyfully support one another's practice. Carla Stangenberg, the director and guiding spirit, is an extraordinary person. I have learned so much from being in her class week after week, year after year, about how to find my balance in my practice and how to teach and learn mindfully and compassionately. If I could give every person I know a gift, it would be 10 sessions at Jaya with Carla. The rest would take care of itself."—Geri, Professor of English

Have Something to Say? Let Us Know!

Send your thoughts on Jaya Yoga Center, your practice, your teachers to namaste@jayayogacenter.com.