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I am myself completely dedicated to the practice IYENGAR® yoga, and believe that it is best to find a practice that works for you and stick with it for a long time. I have an ecumenical approach to spirituality, in that I believe that all world religions and spiritual paths are aiming in the same direction. However, I believe that one can end up very confused if one tries to pick and choose bits and pieces from many different teachings.
My favourite analogy to illustrate this is that if you are trying to drill for water (ie the Self) then it is not helpful to dig lots of shallow holes, and keep trying in different places. Yes one should make a good decision of where to drill in the first place, but then one has to drill deep until one actually finds water. One can spend a whole life time walking between different spiritual paths, whilst hardly taking a single step along any actual path.
So I include this section for those who are not yet sure they have found the right practice for them, included along with it the above suggestion not to waste too long in the confusion of deciding. If you find a practice which feels right for you, then go for it with zeal and vigour! Be it IYENGAR® yoga or anything other.
If you are interested in other IYENGAR® yoga teachers in Oxford, other styles of yoga, or other practices in general the information below should help.
Other IYENGAR® yoga teachers & classes in Oxford
If you like the style of IYENGAR® yoga, but my class times don’t suit you, or if my teaching didn’t feel quite right for you, then please have a look at the online IYENGAR® yoga directory.
Other styles of yoga in Oxford
I don’t know much about other styles of yoga. If IYENGAR® yoga doesn’t feel right for you, the only piece of advice I have in choosing a yoga teacher, is asking them who their teacher is, and who their teacher’s teacher is, and how this links back to the ancient lineage of yoga teachers & gurus. This passing on of wisdom from one to the next is mentioned in the very first yoga sutra, and is important for knowing that the ancient wisdom underpins the teachings you are receiving. Further than that you will have to try them out for yourself.
Most yoga classes in Oxford are listed on this excellent website: www.yoga-oxford.co.uk
Other practices in Oxford
Outside of yoga, there are a whole host of other spiritual and religious groups in Oxford, who welcome new people.
I lived above the Oxford Sikh Gurudwara for my first two years in Oxford, and although I learned only a little about the faith they are an incredibly welcoming group of people, and there weekly services are open to all (and include wonderful shared Indian meals as part of the service): www.facebook.com/OxfordGurdwara.
I studied Buddhism and practised Buddhist meditation for a few years before I discovered, and soon after committed fully to Iyengar yoga. I would recommned the following retreat centre (though not in Oxford) www.amaravati.org/retreat-centre.
Several people have recommended www.globalretreatcentre.org to me as a place to find out about meditation happening locally.
The Oxford Quakers are a lovely group of people and hold weekly open sessions. They are also well involved in interfaith work in Oxford: www.oxfordquakers.org.
I also have a friend who is a Buddhist monk at the Oxford Buddha Vihara on Abingdon Road (near the junction of Donnington Bridge). They are a lovely and welcoming group – and hold regular events and lead practices for beginners: www.oxfordbuddhavihara.org.uk.
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