Letters from the Yoga Masters
Teachings Revealed through Correspondence from Paramhansa Yogananda, Ramana Maharshi, Swami Sivananda, and Others.
Written, researched, and created with love by Marion (Mugs) McConnell & Foreword by Erich Schiffmann. Published by North Atlantic Books. Distributed by Penguin Random House.
Mugs McConnell shares in her book the techniques that her teacher, Dr. Hari Dickman was taught by yoga masters such as Paramhansa Yogananda, Ramana Maharshi, Swami Sivananda, Swami Vishnu Tirth, and many others.
About the Author
Marion, or “Mugs” to all who know her, is one of Canada‘s Yoga Pioneers. She is the co-owner of SOYA with her husband Bob.
In 2018 Mugs celebrates 40 years as a certified yoga teacher. Mugs’ early training was in the Sivananda lineage under Swami Vishnudevananda. Following her time in the ashram, she was the last disciple of Sri Yogiraj Dr. Hari Dickman, whom her book is about. Over the years her teaching style has been greatly influenced by additional studies with Erich Schiffmann and Namadeva Acharya. Erich taught her the importance of love, and how every action can be an expression of love towards self and others. Namadeva played a huge role in her appreciation and understanding of mantra, which she often combines with mudra. Mugs has also enjoyed the teachings of others such as Mark Stephens, Rod Stryker, Friedel Khattab and Dharma Mittra.
Classical Teachings From Our Great Yoga Masters of the Past by Mugs McConnell
Presented by Marion “Mugs” McConnell of SOYA Yoga at the International Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) 50th Anniversary Celebration – Sydney Town Hall, 20-22 October, 2017.
Yoga in Latvia
Coming in 2018, a documentary on The History of Yoga in Latvia.
Marion (Mugs) McConnell participated in the making of a documentary about Dr. Hari Dickman and his historical role teaching yoga in Latvia prior to WWII. As McConnell was the last disciple of Hari, she was interviewed in the documentary, sharing stories and information about her time with Dr. Dickman. Stay tuned for the release of this documentary, planned tentatively for late 2018. (It really is happening! Just taking longer than anticipated!)
The Latvian Yoga Society
Learn more about the Latvian Yoga Society established in the 1930s by Dr. Dickman
Events for the Book
September 7-23, 2019
200 Hour Foundation Yoga Teacher Training in Puerto Rico
with Mugs McConnell, Terri McDermott, and guest teachers.
Improve your personal yoga practice and develop excellent teaching skills! Dive into the classical teachings of the great yoga masters! If you wish, Refresh your Yoga Teacher Training and retreat with us too!
Oct. 6-17, 2019 and March 13-24, 2020
300 hour Professional Yoga Teacher Training to RYT500
The SOYA 300 hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Upgrade to RYT500. This is a one-time opportunity to upgrade! First module in October in Traverse City, Michigan. Second module in March in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Book Mugs for an Event
Letters from the Yoga Masters: Techniques
“Some things should never be lost. Letters from the Yoga Masters is a uniquely valuable book containing wisdom and advice from most of the well-known and respected yoga masters of India in the twentieth century. McConnell has done a commendable job preserving this knowledge and presents the stories and teachings in a very entertaining way.” Bernie Clark, author of Yinsights: A Journey into the Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga.