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The original article can be read here
Dear Friends,
Blessings of love to you from Europe, where I just completed a magnificent 6-week tour of Denmark, Germany, France, England, and Italy. It is so marvelous to witness the luminous evolution of Anusara yoga in Europe in just the last 5 years. This growth in sophistication and excellence of our yoga school in Europe is directly reflective of the outstanding efforts of our certified teachers for whom I am very grateful.
As you all know, last Sunday the New York Times published an in-depth piece on Anusara yoga and myself. It is my understanding that it is the largest article on yoga ever published in a major newspaper. It is deeply honoring to have such an extensive article published in the New York Times on yoga, particularly Anusara yoga. For me, it is another clear sign that Grace supports Anusara.
The overall public response to the article reflected on the Internet has been positive, and given the great scope of the Times readership we can assume that in the least the publicity will positively expand Anusara yoga’s name recognition. As is often the case with major journalistic stories, the article includes positive as well as some negative points about both Anusara yoga and about me. At best, one might say that the article was “balanced” journalism. Yet at the same time, an obvious over-emphasis in the article on Anusara’s apparent business and commercialization focus might — in the worst case — turn someone away from yoga entirely. This negative reaction is due to the irony that today when a business is strictly money-making, commercialization is applauded and the corporate mogul is praised for his acumen, yet when a business is also part of a spiritual endeavor, the same level of success can be seen as suspect.
In helping to create this article over the last few months I met with the author several times and gave her unprecedented journalistic access to my business and to my personal life. My hope was to not only present a great story about Anusara yoga, but to present the greatness of yoga in general so that it would spread Light around the world. I made every effort to work with the journalist and the fact-checker, so that Anusara yoga was represented honestly. In some instances I was able to clarify and correct, while in other instances, my efforts for clarification were ignored and sometimes even argued with. I believe that there were several instances in the article in which information was twisted in order to make the article sensational and juicy.
I have absolutely no problem with others publicizing pieces of information or stated opinions that are not positive about me, if they are true. I take full responsibility for my actions and words, and I am open to having my faults pointed out to me. I don’t claim that I am faultless or that “everything is good” in my organization. My central point with the fact-checker and the journalist when verifying the story was to only print what was true, but unfortunately that did not happen. So, I am proud and deeply appreciative of our community members for responding in a dignified and honorable way to this article by speaking the truth of their own direct experiences and also for clearly noting some of its blatant falsehoods.
I certainly understand that no article will ever be able to convey the full truth or greatness of Anusara yoga. However, there were several significant falsehoods in the article that I want to directly address:
1. FALSE: Anusara yoga is primarily designed as a business to make a lot of money.
The truth is that I started teaching yoga in the 80’s in order to share my love of Spirit with others. (Back then no one associated yoga teaching as a lucrative business enterprise!) The primary purpose of Anusara yoga has always been to help bring more true happiness, health, and divine beauty to the world. I left a well-paying finance job in the late 80’s to teach yoga full-time, which was an enormous financial sacrifice, in order to work in the field that I loved most.
Fortunately, Anusara yoga became increasingly popular, and so I began hiring people to help me serve the growing numbers of students and teachers around the world. With my business school background I have always run the company in ways that are sustainable and are in alignment with my yoga philosophy and ethics. The business is designed to fundamentally support the yoga school and community, not the other way around. Furthermore, I believe my integration of yogic principles into my business practices is one of the key contributing factors in the tremendous success of Anusara. I live by my yoga principles in everything I do – my personal relationships, my leisure time, and my work. It is not like I practice yoga philosophy only on my sticky mat. Yoga is my life.
Although revenue for Anusara has steadily increased over the years, so have related expenses. I now have 20 employees and a lot of overhead, so annual profits are low, and yet we are financially solid and everyone is happy, which cannot be said by a lot of other small businesses these days.
Although some say that Anusara is “commercial” it is worth emphasizing that in 13 years of business I have done almost no paid advertising in newspapers or magazines for Anusara yoga. Anusara’s tremendous growth has been almost entirely through word-of-mouth or by third party free advertising. The quality of our services and products speaks for itself, and that is what has given us an ever-expanding, positive reputation in the yoga industry.
Another important point to make clear here is that no one is barred from taking class or advancing as a teacher in Anusara yoga due to financial restrictions. If someone cannot pay for services or products at that time, I either offer a scholarship, a donation, payment plan, or work-trade. No one is turned away from Anusara yoga based on their current inability to pay. Again the focus is on helping people, not on making money.
2. FALSE: Anusara yoga has watered down the tradition of yoga.
The truth is that with the integration of Shiva-Shakti Tantra (Kashmir Shaivism) and the Universal Principles of Alignment, Anusara yoga is one of the most sophisticated hatha yoga systems ever designed. In addition, the standards of our certification program are in many regards the most rigorous in the industry. Our curriculum which is among the most extensive of any hatha yoga school is directly supported by some of the preeminent yoga scholars in the world including: Douglas Brooks, Paul Muller-Ortega, William Mahoney, Carlos Pomeda, Mark Dyczkowski, Eric Shaw, Sally Kempton, Christopher Chapple, Christopher Tompkins, and Harish Wallis. No other hatha yoga school in the world has such an illustrious and high caliber assembly of yoga scholars and professors supporting them.
3. FALSE: I ‘trash talk’ other yoga styles, and I have bad feelings with Iyengar Yoga.
The truth of the matter is that I find the good in all styles of yoga. I never negatively speak about other yoga styles, nor does any other Anusara yoga teacher. At the same time, the truth is that some styles are physically-oriented, while others are more spiritually-oriented. Some styles are more sophisticated in terms of methodology while other styles are very simplistic. That is the context of the analogy that I spoke of in the article when I said that students can choose “fast food” vs. “refined dining” when choosing a style. (And I do eat fast food on a special occasion!) Of course, I think Anusara yoga is more effective than other styles of yoga, and that is why I practice it! Yet, all styles have something positive to offer.
I left Iyengar Yoga because I have significant philosophical differences with Mr. Iyengar. Yes, Mr. Iyengar can be very tough, but I do not have a problem with his fierceness. I have never had ill feelings toward Mr. Iyengar or his family. I think Mr. Iyengar is one of the greatest hatha yoga teachers of all-time. In my opinion after studying with him and his senior teachers for 10 years, I think Mr. Iyengar is incredibly generous with his knowledge and energy; he is a virtuous man; and he is an innovative yoga genius. As my students will confirm, I publicly honor Mr. Iyengar in almost every workshop I teach.
The article also claims that I have “distanced myself from Gurumayi.” This is completely unfounded and in fact I privately invited the author to my “puja”, (my altar in my home) and my library where Gurumayi’s pictures are abundantly displayed. Gurumayi pulled back from public view in 2005 for unknown reasons to me, and I have not seen her since. However, even if I ever have disagreements about how the SYDA Foundation (Gurumayi’s religious organization) is operated, my love for Gurumayi is unwavering.
4. FALSE: Anusara yoga is essentially Iyengar yoga.
Yes, there are many similarities between Iyengar Yoga and Anusara yoga in terms of asana sequencing, emphasis on precise postural alignment, and discipline as a basis of studentship. Yet, the truth is that Anusara yoga differs in two fundamental and significant ways from Iyengar yoga. Anusara yoga is based on Shiva-Shakti Tantric philosophy, while Iyengar yoga is based essentially on Classical Yoga (Patanjali Yoga Sutra). Tantra focuses on removing the differences between the world and Spirit, while Classical Yoga tries to separate Spirit and the world. Secondly, Anusara yoga uses principles of alignment universally as the basis of aligning the asanas, while Iyengar yoga uses discrete, separate alignment points for each asana. In terms of fundamental philosophy and key methodology, Anusara yoga and Iyengar Yoga are distinctly different.
5. FALSE: Anusara yoga is a cult around John Friend.
The truth is that Anusara yoga was designed by me to be defined as a kula (close-knit community), not as a guru-oriented yoga school. I consciously named it “Anusara” (‘following your Heart’), not “Friend Yoga.” It is fundamentally composed of a community of yoga teachers and students aligned to the same philosophical vision and principles. The emphasis in Anusara yoga is clearly about community and not about John Friend. The statement that ‘John has his teachers proselytize’ about Anusara yoga is a ridiculous falsehood. All of our teachers enthusiastically teach the method and then let the results and the students’ direct experience speak for themselves.
Also, the statement that ‘men and women press hotel-room keys into his (John’s) hands at workshops’ is flat-out not true. That has never happened. This statement was NOT presented to me by the fact-checker for validation, and if so, I would have said, “Hell no!” I would never publicly say that a student has offered me unconditional sex, even it were true, since that kind of Rock Star behavior is not something I support, and it clearly gives the wrong impression of Anusara’s ethics. The other anecdotal references intended to paint a particular picture of my relationship with the Anusara staff and Anusara yoga teachers are also so off the mark that I can only assume that the author may have skewed certain incidents to fit her predetermined assumptions about me and Anusara, or in an attempt to “balance” the story.
Of course, the Times story will have “legs” and will undoubtedly be referenced for a long time to come, which means some of the misrepresentations will be repeated again and again. If you practice Anusara yoga, then simply remain steady in the truth of your own direct experience of our yoga. Do not be swayed by rumors or comments of those that have little knowledge of Anusara yoga. Purely respond to what you know from your own experience of your Heart. In this way, we all represent the voice of our own truths.
Lastly, may we wish all yoga styles blessings of well-being and success. Any increase in yoga is good for the whole planet. All yogis need to unite as a global yoga community. If the yoga schools can not get along in harmony, then how can we expect world peace?! Please focus on the light of your own teachers and community, and avoid getting involved in conversation about other styles that you know little about. If you have never practiced Anusara yoga before, then tell your local Anusara yoga teacher that you read this blog, and I will cover your first class as a gift. Then you can make your own opinion. In any case, may you all be happy and have love in your lives.
Blessings of the Truth,
John
The original article can be read here
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As both a journalist and an Anusara yogin, I felt particularly betrayed by this article, many of whose claims were in direct contradiction with my own experiences with you, John. I understand that no one is perfect, but the flagrant mistruths really upset me.
I so appreciate this response and your even-handedness. Each day, as my experience practicing Anusara deepens, my respect for you grows. The eloquence of this yoga is frankly indescribable in mere words, and definitely not apparent from the surface; I only wish Ms. Swartz had allowed herself the time to open into the beauty and experience it for herself.
Much love and respect to you,
Samin
Thank you John. I was very disturbed by many aspects of the NY Times article. I am glad you have provided us with this statement I can now forward on to those who have made comments to me.
Was an Anusara practitioner when I first started yoga and still contend that it is the most beautiful of all the yoga forms. Glad to see the other side of the story. My best to you.
Beautifully clarified. Those of us who practice and teach knew very quickly which statements were true and which were doubtful if not out right lies. Often defending and clarifying our beliefs and practices are the ways in which we see how truly powerful and blessed our lives are.
I know you have spent much time recently in empowering the method to stand independently of yourself and you have openly said that one day you will not be here but that Anusara will. You are creating a legacy of yoga not a legend of John- and we are slowly becoming the lineage holders of something much vaster than the article could grasp.
Blessings and support of the heart~
Leanne :>)
John,
You are an enlightened BEing, you lead, your prevail, we follow by choice. You are a bright light a BEason, you are love, it is YOU. Thus you threaten, it is part of leading. So like the book Siddartha, the Buddha chose to ’step out’ of his home, he chose to learn, to ask, and thus he left the known and the familiar. You are a leader, you walk your talk you bring to all of us not only principles of alignment but the knowing that within each of us there is the light, flowing with Grace, and being part of a much bigger kula, the universe. Ahhh John, no need to explain, we who have known you for 13 years, ie Lolly Font who sent me an email I will forward, realize only you could do what you do with an open heart, dedication to higher power, desire to have us all shine bright, and the devotion to celebrate–what better way than in kula…..my only personal wish is to be inspired, to be a part of this lyfe long kula; however, I’ve not stopped I am there from ground zero. Inlightnlove all ways BE, JOY Gioia
Now you really are my biggest hero! Due to some of my own current challenges and disappointments I have been questioning the authenticity of everything in my life. I’m happy to know that the highest intention of Anusara remains intact. Nothing in human life is ever pristine but it is certain that at the core this existence there is supreme love and goodness in all of us. Thank you dear mirror. You are truly a magnificent reflection of this truth.
Grace supports you John, no real worries about things non-true said, it always happens anyway and the ones wanting to listen to it would have been searching for something “wrong” anyways.
Keep up your great work, the Kula is shining. THAT alone tells its own truth. And all who are truly interested in shining along will join up.
Blessings of shri, love and light!
Dear John, I appreciate and truly believe in your honesty. I can’t believe how hurt you must feel at having this happen. I love Anusara Yoga. It helps me open to beauty - the inner and outer, the individual and Universal. And, I know it helps others. It increases my own awareness as well as providing the physical benefits of Yoga. There is no way to articulate the kindness, support and generosity of members of the Anusara Kula. I did not see the original article but I DO hope you submit your statement as an editorial commentary to the NY Times. Sincerely and Shanti, Laura.
I have been practicing Anusara Yoga for almost a year and a half now, and I can say from the bottom of my soul that it changed my life. So I obviously didn’t agree with many of the things written or implied in the New York Times article. Anyone can instantly feet the pre judgements that the author seemed to have towards this yoga style. But it didn’t surprise me that much either. It’s a huge newspaper BRAND and it needs to sell, so they have to make the story controvertial, to get readers engaged and to sell.
I’m not worried about the consequences of the article though. The Kula is so unified by this amazing experience that Anusara provides, always sharing their story -like I am doing right now- because it feels right. Because we feel so incredibly well, happy, healthy, open hearted, that is only natural to want everybody to bring this to their lives. Through Yoga. Through Anusara.
It’s not a John Friend’s practice. It’s not a business deal. It’s a heart filled experience.
Hi John, and the Anusara kula!
I wanted to take a moment to say “bravo”. I felt you met this situation, new to the yoga world as a whole on this scale, with the same integrity and grace you teach to us all.
As someone who is getting only a fraction of your publicity, I still know what it is like to speak your truth as clearly as possible and then still have is come out in strange and at times blatantly untrue ways in print. It happens all the time, even at the highest levels of journalism.
The fact is, as you said, unless someone is immersed in the community for a long period of time AND is open to all possibilities (ie: not trying to make a story more intriguing), they will have limited sight. What we are seeing here is not only a piece of the story, but a piece of one writer’s story who may have transformed in so many ways had she delved more deeply into the community she was trying to cover and describe.
As a former journalist as well, I understand that deadlines loom, and one has to write something juicy to sell newspapers. I’m glad to see you’re resting easy in the fact that those who need to find you, will…and oh, Mr. Shakti-bomb…they will.
Blessings!
Sadie
Dear John,
Thank you for this great reply from the NY times paper. When we do great things in this age it is so common that we are misunderstood or put down. I see so many articles and book written about Gurumayi and the foundation which are so untrue. I had the great fortune to live there for so many years and what a life I had. The greatest years in my life by far. I study Anusara with you for since the beginning even though I went on my own I will always be greatful for your seva and love.
I guess that is the price to pay when we rich a lot of people.
Thank you for all you do.
I hope we run into each other someday!
Much love to you
Didier
Dear John,
I offer my heartfelt thanks to you for all you are and all you do. I was introduced to Anusara in 2001 and have been on this path since. I know from my own experience what a profound impact you and all of my wonderful teachers have had on my life. The best part is that it keeps getting better.
I have been teaching for 6 years and everyday grants me the opportunity to share the joy of this practice with others. I see people walk out of my class different. The students can walk in riddled with fear and worry, with heaviness in their hearts, with a dullness in their eyes and they wake up from Savasana and walk out the exact opposite. It is such a magnificent and mysterious shift to witness and be a part of. I always feel so happy and honored to do what do, to teach.
Of course, I feel immensely grateful to all of my teachers who have shown me the way. I give thanks for the reminder and for the freedom to choose to follow my own heart not just on my mat, or seated at the front of the class, but everyday.
Truly, I am so moved by You, the method, and the message of Anusara that it brings me to tears as I write. Well, I guess I know how much it means to me. And for that overflowing feeling inside, I give thanks.
Many Blessings to You and the Merry Band,
Marcia Tullous
(Tucson, AZ)
This is excellent, John and affirms everything I’ve experienced in the nearly eighteen years I’ve known you.
Namaste, Karen
The first time I walked into a workshop taught by John in 1999 I knew very little about him. What I found was a teacher who gave to me all his teachings freely and with all his heart. With the student being the most important person in his room. I, and many others felt his tremendous support and his love for this practice.
I am a single mother and when I needed help to continue my studies with John to go to a teachers training I was offered a scholarship. I will be forever grateful.
He taught me how to be a great teacher, and that my most important job as teacher was to bring to my students a practice that would help then on and off the mat. To be better individuals in this world and to serve the whole community with an open heart.
Anusara yoga is about creating such a community. I will forever be eternally grateful for John Friend.
Praise the Lord, I so appreciated John’s response to this article. While it will undoubtedly bring alot of attention and interest in Anusara, it doesn’t contain the substantive essence and quality of Anusara and John’s philosophy and ethics. Although the writer used a semi-sensationalist slant to gain entry into the mainstream NYTimes magazine, and it distorted what John and Anusara are all about, it was interesting to hear from a beginning student that she enjoyed the article because it helped her learn about some fundamental aspects, such as Anusara is a celebration of lfe. So I recognize it will have some positive impact.
I wss just about to write John and ask if he meant to say he “distanced” himself from Gurumayi, as it didn’t match everything he’s said about all that he’s received from her - and it appeared to have gotten mixed in with the Iyengar narrative. I couldn’t accept this article as representative of the John I know and love, and I am so happy to share John’s response about this article.
John, I want to thank you for this eloquent reply. My first impression was to see the good in the article and although I recognized the untruths, my sense was that neither you nor Anusara needed defending because I believe, the truth need not be defended. I’m delighted to see that rather than defend yourself, you merely stated the truth and what was out of alignment with the truth, to bring clarity, and in the Anusara tradition, even more light. Well done. You continue to inspire me as you act with grace in even the more challenging situations.
Thank you John for your even keeled, clear and thoughtful response to the New York Times article. I think few individuals if placed in your position would be able to really take in the positive aspects of the article and receive them so fully. I really appreciated your citing the various falsehoods within the article and your detailed comments regarding them. As an Anusara certified teacher, I have always admired the way you place emphasis on honoring all the various styles of yoga and have heard you time and time again emphasize this to all of your teachers. I think that your various points were crucial for the community to hear and clearly reflect how you truly live your yoga…and as is always, in doing so you inspire your students to do the same.
The truth is, I only read the first several paragraphs, which were all very positive. As we are in the midst of a huge move across the country, I decided I’d read the rest later on. As someone who has known you for over 10 years, I concur with every point that you state above. I’ve never heard you talk negatively about any other style of yoga. While I’ve never studied Iyengar, knowing many certified teachers that were and became Iyengar, it is clear that there are many differences. I certainly don’t believe that you have watered the tradition of yoga either. In regards to the first point, while you do sell items at your workshops and on your website, I’ve never seen it as anything other to support your organization and your students.
One of the things I’ve always been so impressed about you is your ability, in a class of hundreds, to remember each and every person’s name and their “challenges”. In my opinion, you truly come from the heart and I feel very blessed to have studied with you.
Nancy
While I have never taken a course (yet) with John Friend, I have studied Anusara with a local accredited teacher for the last many years. I have been a student of many yoga styles for over 20 Years and Anusara is the style I return to repeatedly. The teaching encompasses both the physicality and spirituality that I find both fulfilling and inspiring. It is also a donation based class so all are welcome and you pay what you can. I am grateful for the sharing of this beautiful work.
Touche John!
As always you speak with honesty and integrity - the John I certainly know. You continue to have my support because the truth of my experience is that Anusara opens my heart.
Many blessings and love
Claire Murphy
UK
John — With a little over 15 years of experience in PR, and experience with the NYT, I can say this is unfortunately regular practice. That’s why it’s so key to have your messages ready and are super careful about EVERYTHING you expose. Reporters are not your friends. Sad but true. You are right that the journalist skewed the story with a certain flavor as to perhaps knock you back down to earth. It’s not really their job but they see it as such, I’m afraid. Overall, the article is VERY positive. That’s how you must look at it. And while yes, the article does hage “legs,” it’s the positive aspect of the article that people will “take away.” The bit about the key passing did surprise me and puzzle me so it’s good you clarified that. If that is not true, I suggest you confront the paper — go to the managing editor (higher up), and ask for either a correction or maybe a furture article to even the score. They need to be policed as well and it seems this reporter was playing a bit too close to the edge on that one and on some of the other statements and innuendos. I’m afraid you can’t do much on being accused of being too commerical, it is a business after all.
Namaste
Dear John,
I want to congratulate you on being profiled in the New York Times Magazine and for your eloquent response to an article that was slightly skewed for its own purposes. Your clarification of specific falsehoods is commendable and valuable. Fortunately, I read many articles with a critical eye since I’m aware of the ‘angle’ that is often presented by media as I have also been misquoted. Your response maintains the beauty of our practice and confirms the ‘attitude’ that is required to be a true yogi. Thank you. With gratitude, BK
This letter from our dear John Friend comes out the dignity ,clarity and Grace that only a devote to the essence of Yoga on and off the mat can speak from!
Sat Nam,
Guahe Guru!
Veda Ela
I have known John Friend since 1989 (21 years) and was actually there in the ashram in India when he did his beautiful hatha yoga demonstration on that rickety platform. He was the very same kind, humble, intelligent, generous and light-hearted person that he is now as a global leader in the art and beauty of yoga.
I was head of the hatha yoga department at that thime and had been teaching Iyengar Yoga for l5 years already. I had the great privilege of practicing daily with him, taking his workshops and observing him while he offered yoga therapy to people with weakness, pain or injury. He did it all with the utmost sense of caring and delight. His work ethic was unbelievable as he wored tirelessly work with no ulterior motive but simply to “serve” others. That was his greatest joy.
Hi intention then, as it is now, was never for financial gain-although it doesn;t surprise me that so many people want to support the growth of Anusara Yoga. I know i could never pay John enough for what i have received from this practice. You used the words “commercialized for his own gain”; drumming up business” and “selling his American cocktail” and this is so frar from the truth of who he is. It breaks my heart to hear you “spin things” to make it sound jucier for your own gain.
And john didn’t “pick the right time” to start Anusara Yoga. It was the result of decades of study, hard work, and practices that got him in touch with his “divine nature” and not his “entreprenurialnature”.
And to disrespect John’s integrity by mentioning that he is divorced along with “woman passing him hotel keys in his workshops” insinuates something that is so out of character form his moral values. I think you owe him an apology for misrepresenting him in this way.
And in the end, it is not about John. It’s about a practice that is life enhancing. Whether you like John’s hula-hooping outrageous playfulness of his unwavering devotion to the good of mankind–it doesn’t matter. You can go home and practice these Universal Principles on or off the mat. And then ever YOU might end up buying a license plate that says “MAGIC”.
Respectfully, Sarala Troy
Honored to be a Certified Anusara Instructor
Thanks, John, for your clarification and wisdom. No wonder the journalist is not a yogini and we can never expect someone from outside to understand the practice and the philosophy. But we have a saying in spanish: don´t worry, Sancho Panza, the dogs are barking, sign that we are advancing…by Don Quijote.
Namasté
barking dogs…
On Friday I met up with some friends who knew very little about barking dogs, I was quite surprised by this as its a widely discussed topic on the net. I challenged them to go home, do a search and then tell me they don’t know anything!…
barking dogs…
We all talk far too much, especially now we can like this, virtually anonymous ranting! I don’t think John Friend’s response to the New York Times article ” John … fits in to that category but I’m coming across more and more that are while I’m …
barking dogs…
I didn’t realise there were so many articles online about John Friend’s response to the New York Times article ” John …, it’s great to see that barking dogs is recognised as serious subject….