Interview with Damien de Bastier
1. How do you get into Ashtanga practice? Can you share with us your yoga journey? Who are your teachers on the way?
When I was a teenager I was confused, lost and very sad.. so I tried to kill myself. When I woke up in the hospital I knew I was alone and that it was up to me to do anything I could to feel better. It was at this time my uncle introduced me to meditation. So, when I was 16 I began practising meditation every day and it helped me a lot to feel better.
8 years later the same uncle who introduced me to yoga; Ashtanga yoga.. and it was love at first stretch. I practised with him, then quickly went to Mysore India to study with Pattabhi Jois. When I came back my uncle said I should help him teach. I thought it was a crazy idea, but i did and that’s how it all started.
I explored many different approaches and styles but always kept Ashtanga as my main practice. The human teachers that inspired me on my journey are my uncle, Pattabhi Jois, Richard Freeman, Tim Miller and Larry Shultz. I’ve also had many teachers in other traditions that I hold dear to my heart.
2. You had been certificated by KPJAYI in Mysore to teach traditional Ashtanga, what does this certification mean to you?
I was authorised to teach in 2007. At the time it meant a lot and even though I didn’t ask for it, I was deeply grateful and honoured to have received it. Nowadays, I feel the tradition has changed a lot and is becoming a bit too commercial. Like a factory. So, I don’t know if I will keep the authorisation very long.
3. When you’re traveling worldwide to teach, how do you see the development of Ashtanga nowadays?
Ashtanga is growing a lot and it s great to see so many people inspired by the practice. I think with a soft intention it can be a very healing practice that supports us to be the best version of ourselves. One of my teachers once said; don’t be serious, just be sincere! I like that.
4. You have degrees in psychology and bodywork, how do you integrate these into the traditional Ashtanga practice?
Well, yoga is about the union of body, mind and spirit. So, I feel it’s important to understand how the body works and how the mind works with it. From there I use many tools to meet and support the students in their journey.
5. There is an opinion that Ashtanga is a “Yang” practice, what do you think of this? Do you think we need to have some “Ying” practice to balance out?
Yes, TRADITIONAL Ashtanga can be very Yang, and it tends to attract Yang people. So, down the line, many hurt themselves or burn out. So over the years I have learned to balance it out with Yin practices like Chanting, Pranayama and Meditation. It can be balanced out by another practice but more important is to learn to find the yoga in the ashtanga. the softness in the practice. Then, it is really sustainable.
6. How is your practice in meditation and pranayama? How do you integrate it into your asana practice?
I usually arrive on my mat at 4:30 am, and I do about 30 minutes of pranayama, 90 minutes of Asana and 30 minutes of chanting. Chanting mantras early in the morning is a very powerful meditation.
7. For the coming workshop in Wuhan, will you introduce us something other than asana practice?
Yes! We will do some pranayama, some core work, some chanting.. We will also look at Anatomy and how to feel the different structures in our own body.. and finally stretch our mind to see how what we do on the yoga mat can support us in our daily life.
8. Tell us something about the beautiful Bali and your retreat centre there? How do you find and settle in this beautiful island?
Bali is amazing, especially because of the Balinese people who are so peaceful and joyful, and so it makes for a good vibe. Our retreat centre is like a big family where everybody joins together. Balinese, expats and tourists. To share yoga, eat yummy and healthy food. We are very lucky to have such an amazing community.
9. Compared with other system of practice, what aspects of Ashtanga attracts you most? or motivate you to carry on this practice for so many years?
I like that Ashtanga is the same routine every morning. Ashtanga is like hiking up a mountain. It’s the same and yet it is different everyday. I also like that it engages both my body and my mind and at the end makes me feel very awake yet very peaceful inside. I do ashtanga but most importantly, I do yoga!!
10. For those who have an interest in Ashtanga, but can not maintain a regular mysore practice, what would be your suggestions to them?
I would say the most important thing is to be consistent. It’s much better to do less. like say; only Sun Salutations EVERYDAY than struggle to do more and only do twice a week. The most important thing with Ashtanga is that it becomes a good habit that helps us in our life.. The second most important thing is to enjoy the practice and have fun. Don't be too serious. Be sincere :D
11. As a long-time dedicated ashtanga practitioner, what positivity has this method and practice brought to your life?
There are so many ways it’s hard to count the blessings. First it helped me feel better. It helped heal my body many times. The practised connected me deeper and deeper with myself and others. It helped me to live from sharing my passion and travel the world and it brings me to meet so many wonderful people along the way.
Yoga is powerful. Yoga is beautiful.
12. Students of Ashtanga talk about “parampara” a lot. In your opinion, what are the things you guys “carry on” exactly?
Parampara means lineage and its very important. It’s important not to dilute the essence of the teachings one received. It doesn’t mean do exactly the same, because times and people change, but to stay true to the essence. Yoga is sacred, and should be treated with respect and joy.
