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 for June 2020. (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
June 12, 2020 at Starlit Yoga 5 – 9pm $21.00
Sacred Sanskrit
with Mugs McConnell,
The Sanskrit language is an original sacred language, and the “Devanagari” script translates to “the language of the gods”. Curious? Join us to explore pronunciation, writing, mantra and chanting in this ancient language of yoga.
Register at Starlit Yoga,
102 – 100 Nanaimo Ave E, Penticton BC
Phone: (250) 328-2854 email starlityoga@gmail.com
June 13, 2020 1 – 5pm $57.75
Asana, Pranayama & Meditation
with Mugs McConnell
This workshop is based on yoga techniques drawn from Mug’s
book “Letters from the Yoga Masters” including asanas from Swami Gitananda’s system, the Upanishad mantra meditation, and a guided pranayama focused on Brahma, Vishnu and Siva and specific areas along the spine.
Please bring your copy of the book.
Mugs will have some for sale as well.
Register at Starlit Yoga,
102 – 100 Nanaimo Ave E, Penticton BC
Phone: (250) 328-2854 email starlityoga@gmail.com
June 14, 2020 9am-12:30pm $52.50
Asana, Pranayama & Meditation
with Mugs McConnell
Join Mugs McConnell for morning Freedom Yoga as taught by Erich Schiffmann including a unique Moon Salutation. Mugs will share techniques to activate the prana and guide it up and down the spine, and wind down with Swami Sivananda’s powerful healing meditation.
These teachings are based on yoga techniques drawn from Mug’s book “Letters from the Yoga Masters”.
Please bring your copy of the book.
Mugs will have some for sale as well.
Register at Purple Lotus Yoga Yoga,
60 Calgary Ave, Penticton BC
Phone: (250) 328-4426 email info@purplelotusyoga.ca
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.
