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 28-30, 2018
Yoga Association of Alberta
A Weekend retreat at Rio Terrace Hall! Dive into the classical teachings of the great yoga masters! Meditation, Asana and Pranayama new to the West! Edmonton, AB 780-427-8776 or yaa@yoga.ca or register here
Oct. 12-14, 2018
Intuit Yoga
Meditation, Asana, Pranayama & Stories! Experience first hand the teachings from Mugs’ book through joyful practices for the heart and mind.
Mackenzie, BC 250-997-3519
October 16-18, 2018
Inner Peace Yoga
Mugs will introduce us to Asana, Mudra & Mantra practices from the Gitananda, Sivananda, and Freedom Yoga lineages, interweaving it all with stories and yoga history!
Dawson Creek, BC 250-219-3147
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.
