In the latest episode of the Escaping Samsara podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Mark Darby, a seasoned yogi whose life weaves together Ashtanga, Hatha, and Kriya yoga with the art of balancing family and practice.
Known simply as Darby, his story is one of movement, devotion, and surrender, which led him to India in 1979. There, in Mysore, he met Ashtanga guru Pattabhi Jois and embraced the transformative rigor of the practice. Darby’s experiences reflect a deep commitment to both physical and spiritual growth. His time in India – marked by temple rituals, surfing in Sri Lanka, and a profound connection to bhakti (devotion) – shaped his understanding of yoga as more than just postures, but a way of life.
Today, as a husband, father, and teacher, Darby shares how he balances family responsibilities with his practice, emphasizing surrender as the key to fulfillment. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, this episode offers wisdom on integrating Chinese Medicine, Hatha, and Kriya yoga into daily life while staying true to your spiritual core.
We cover:
Life in the original Mysore shala
The original classical Ashtanga and the modern version
Kriya yoga and integrating original hatha practices into modern practice
Coming back to practice after parenthood
What it really means to walk the yogic path