The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings.
Albert Schweitzer
The schedule for the four-day free class given by the star-studded cast of elderly Iyengar teachers has been adjusted to allow for Prashant’s online class. Oh my. You must have a recommendation from a teacher who “is in good standing” and at least 3 years of experience to listen to Prashant’s drivel. Don’t take me at my word. Sign up an experience it for yourself! Geeta and BKS had the goods. The house of cards is falling, starting with the closing of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles. They are closing shop and moving to a non-Iyengar yoga studio in Beverly Hills. Manouso kept them financially afloat for years. He would teach there as many as six times a year. His 3-year therapeutics program (the only therapeutics class endorsed by BKS Iyengar) was a cash cow for them. Several senior teachers assisted him in the therapeutics class. Originally, the course was designed so that the senior teacher assistants could review the material without him being present, but he got so many complaints from the CIYTs attending that he felt the need to attend all the sessions. The complaints centered around the senior teachers’ demeaning and abusive language, not to mention their inability to replicate what he had taught. Most recently the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles, “fired” or did not give slots to teachers who study with Manouso. Ask them.
I guess that didn’t work out so well for the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles. You can read more the shenanigans at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles in previous posts.
Manouso taught two classes each day last week: pranayama and asana. I find it utterly ironic that he continues to attract more students on a daily basis than most teachers dream of. I know many are CIYT’s, but my lips are sealed. And someone please explain to me what “good standing” is because it appears there was an abundance of behind the scenes manipulations by those who stood to benefit the most from Manouso’s ouster. I do not consider that “good standing”. Has anyone else noticed how the IYNAUS page devoted to justifying their actions regarding Manouso keeps changing as some of the behind the scenes information has come to light? The above email is not referenced in the timeline on IYNAUS website.
Here’s part of the ever changing timeline:
3/15 The IYNAUS Board announces that independent investigation will be concluded notwithstanding MM’s resignation. See the eblast here. The Board responds to the accusations that had been made by MM and his lawyers on 3/8. In this response, IYNAUS releases the Iyengars’ 11/15 letter, IYNAUS’s 11/27 response, and MM lawyer’s letter of 3/12. Links to all these documents can be found on the Clarifying Statement Page on the IYNAUS website.
3/26 IYNAUS President receives the investigative report and executive summary of it from Ms. Sargeant. IYNAUS President receives legal advice that directors have good faith belief that sharing the report with the Iyengars is in the best interest of IYNAUS, notwithstanding MM’s resignation.
Oh, and here’s the link for Prashant’s online class, if you have a teacher who “is in good standing”.
Disillusioned With Iyengar Yoga 