The Ātman Project
A Photographic Study of the Soul of Ashtanga Yoga
-Now accepting applications for featured practitioners in the Ātman photographic art installation-
A Photographic Study of the Soul of Ashtanga Yoga
-Now accepting applications for featured practitioners in the Ātman photographic art installation-
Ātman (आत्मन्) is the Sanskrit word that translates to the innermost Self: essence, breath, soul. In yogic philosophy, Ātman is the first principle, the true Self of an individual beyond identification with phenomena; the pure essence of an individual. In order to attain liberation (moksha), a human being must acquire self-knowledge (atma jnana), which is to realize that one's true Self (Ātman) is identical with the transcendent, eternal Self.
The practice of Ashtanga yoga utilizes the forms of the physical body for the purpose of transcending one's physicality through a skin to soul trajectory. Through the vigor of the Ashtanga Primary Series, known as Yoga Chikitsa (yoga therapy) and it's subsequent series, practitioners immerse themselves in sequential forms and design as a kind of bodily sacred geometry. These asana (poses) not only purify and harmonize the structure of the physical body, but begin to disentangle the masses of the heart and the mind where the poses begin to gesticulate a kind of shapeshifting prayer.
To witness this process is as mesmerizing to behold as it is to partake. Like all spiritual journeys, our path is marred by our bondage and resistance. We fight against ourselves, coveting our wounds and buried testimonies. The war with the ego is irrefutable and stronger than we ever realized. And so we commit ourselves to submit ourselves; to surrender and release if only one breath at a time...bittersweet. Over time, we begin to glean something so sublime it cannot possibly be defined. And though it cannot be contained perhaps in this lifetime...our hunger grows to be nearer to its source as we refine. Here is where our reverence and devotion inexplicably expands and grows...unearthing the cosmic tapestry of stories within yearning to be told.
The practice of Ashtanga yoga utilizes the forms of the physical body for the purpose of transcending one's physicality through a skin to soul trajectory. Through the vigor of the Ashtanga Primary Series, known as Yoga Chikitsa (yoga therapy) and it's subsequent series, practitioners immerse themselves in sequential forms and design as a kind of bodily sacred geometry. These asana (poses) not only purify and harmonize the structure of the physical body, but begin to disentangle the masses of the heart and the mind where the poses begin to gesticulate a kind of shapeshifting prayer.
To witness this process is as mesmerizing to behold as it is to partake. Like all spiritual journeys, our path is marred by our bondage and resistance. We fight against ourselves, coveting our wounds and buried testimonies. The war with the ego is irrefutable and stronger than we ever realized. And so we commit ourselves to submit ourselves; to surrender and release if only one breath at a time...bittersweet. Over time, we begin to glean something so sublime it cannot possibly be defined. And though it cannot be contained perhaps in this lifetime...our hunger grows to be nearer to its source as we refine. Here is where our reverence and devotion inexplicably expands and grows...unearthing the cosmic tapestry of stories within yearning to be told.
It is my own yearning for deeper understanding and the ability to convey the mysteries of this practice which speak to me and through me in reverie. This desire to try to capture what perhaps cannot be broken down into words, but must be witnessed to conceive. That perhaps if I can capture the Ātman within the Ashtanga practice through all bodies, ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities...that collectively we might inspire those to know, that Ashtanga truly is for every-body. It's roots run deep to the heart of ancient yogic philosophy of over 5,000 years of pulsating history. It's method is tried and true. This is the soul...the Ātman we are reflecting.
I began this project in India in 2015. It has been sitting dormant these past few years awaiting the fully flushed intention and meaning to be revealed to me. Ironically, we are living in an era that is oversaturated with yogic imagery. There is no shortage in our social media streams of photographic images of yogis in every pose you can conceive. My intention here is to move beneath the surface of the pose; to puncture the thin skin of superficiality and reveal the raw and real; the grit of the process; the heart and soul; the Ātman beneath.
I am looking for the full fledged spectrum of subjects to study as I tour this summer across the country. More than anything, I am looking for subjects that tell a story. Bring to me your afflictions and addictions, your illnesses, and your injuries. Bring to me your heartaches, your joys, your frustrations, and your reverie. This is a photographic study not to be confused with glamor photography. I am looking for raw, real, provocative, emotive self-enquiry. I am not seeking perfection in applicants. Rather, I am seeking the diamonds in the rough; the cracked and flawed with the light emulating beneath. This is the story. This is the true beauty of polishing this practice is offering. These are the stories I am seeking to capture in imagery.
I began this project in India in 2015. It has been sitting dormant these past few years awaiting the fully flushed intention and meaning to be revealed to me. Ironically, we are living in an era that is oversaturated with yogic imagery. There is no shortage in our social media streams of photographic images of yogis in every pose you can conceive. My intention here is to move beneath the surface of the pose; to puncture the thin skin of superficiality and reveal the raw and real; the grit of the process; the heart and soul; the Ātman beneath.
I am looking for the full fledged spectrum of subjects to study as I tour this summer across the country. More than anything, I am looking for subjects that tell a story. Bring to me your afflictions and addictions, your illnesses, and your injuries. Bring to me your heartaches, your joys, your frustrations, and your reverie. This is a photographic study not to be confused with glamor photography. I am looking for raw, real, provocative, emotive self-enquiry. I am not seeking perfection in applicants. Rather, I am seeking the diamonds in the rough; the cracked and flawed with the light emulating beneath. This is the story. This is the true beauty of polishing this practice is offering. These are the stories I am seeking to capture in imagery.
Subjects accepted for the Ātman Project have the very special opportunity to have their Ashtanga practice photographed and featured in the upcoming Ātman Exhibition of 2021: A travelling art installation to be featured in shalas and galleries across the country. Upon conclusion of the exhibition, all featured subjects from the Ātman Project will be preserved in published book format, documenting the new era of ashtanga yoga practitioners and our vital role in modern Ashtanga and yoga history. Additionally, accepted subjects may be featured online, in social media, print, interviews, and other published media content resulting from this project. Accepted subjects have the tremendous opportunity as Ashtanga practitioners, students, teachers, and studio owners alike to grow their platform in a very substantive, meaningful way.
As the founder of ANANTA, it is important to me that all of my projects and offerings somehow give back and contribute to humanity in the form of seva (selfless service). ANANTA supports a variety of causes through education, awareness, and advocacy. The #metoo campaign has shined a light on how we, as a culture and community need to be at the forefront of healing, empowerment, and change. Our practice is only as sacred as we uphold our values, interactions, and experiences in a safe and healthy way.
The Ātman Project reflects the new era and generation of ashtangis, passionately committed to upholding the tenets of ahimsa (non violence) to ourselves and one another; on and off the mat—in every way. It is our hope to be on the forefront of actively addressing the issues we face in the Ashtanga world today. We strive to be part of the solution by opening constructive dialogue and redefining approaches to student/teacher relations in a safe and supportive way.This is why a portion of all proceeds from the Ātman Project will go to The Joyful Heart Foundation:
“Joyful Heart carries out its mission through an integrated program portfolio of healing, education, and advocacy. Our work is paving the way for innovative approaches to treating trauma, igniting shifts in the way the public views and responds to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, and reforming legislation to ensure justice for survivors.”
www.joyfulheartfoundation.org
I am currently taking applications nationally and internationally for participants to be photographed nationally and internationally through the year 2020. If you are interested in participating as an individual or a community, please inquire directly to see if I can place your area in my itinerary.
As the founder of ANANTA, it is important to me that all of my projects and offerings somehow give back and contribute to humanity in the form of seva (selfless service). ANANTA supports a variety of causes through education, awareness, and advocacy. The #metoo campaign has shined a light on how we, as a culture and community need to be at the forefront of healing, empowerment, and change. Our practice is only as sacred as we uphold our values, interactions, and experiences in a safe and healthy way.
The Ātman Project reflects the new era and generation of ashtangis, passionately committed to upholding the tenets of ahimsa (non violence) to ourselves and one another; on and off the mat—in every way. It is our hope to be on the forefront of actively addressing the issues we face in the Ashtanga world today. We strive to be part of the solution by opening constructive dialogue and redefining approaches to student/teacher relations in a safe and supportive way.This is why a portion of all proceeds from the Ātman Project will go to The Joyful Heart Foundation:
“Joyful Heart carries out its mission through an integrated program portfolio of healing, education, and advocacy. Our work is paving the way for innovative approaches to treating trauma, igniting shifts in the way the public views and responds to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, and reforming legislation to ensure justice for survivors.”
www.joyfulheartfoundation.org
I am currently taking applications nationally and internationally for participants to be photographed nationally and internationally through the year 2020. If you are interested in participating as an individual or a community, please inquire directly to see if I can place your area in my itinerary.
Contact Leila A. Fortier to request your application. Serious inquiries only.
Read Ashtanga, Ātman, and #metoo just published in the Elephant Journal! This important article dives into the deeper mission of the Ātman Project in its effort to show diversity, address the important issues we face in yoga today, and how we can bring healing into our communities. I’m really proud of this work and all the practitioners who have shared their practice and testimony. Collectively, we are making a difference. Follow the link below:
Not an Ashtanga practitioner but would still like photography for your personal and professional use?
Leila A. Fortier offers standard photography sittings for all yoga practitioners, health and wellness professionals: