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COLU MN: URBAN ACCESS THE YOGA REVOLUTION NYC_ Yoga in New York City is like everything else in New York City: the sheer quantity and diversity is unbelievable-what ever type of yoga you're into, you will find it here. The fast pace of the City extends into the yogic realm-people practice harder, faster, longer in a rat race to enlightenment. And this is a good thing. In a city where friendliness and compassion are rare commodities, practicing yoga opens up the heart and the mind. Further, the abrasions of the City are in fact the perfect template upon which to practice yoga. NYC boasts some of the best centers in the world and sees a steady stream of gurus passing through. HOUR RADIUS M YOGA CENTER of yoga: a combination of Vinyasa and Iyengar unforgiving city such as New York, this center is an oasis of warmth and smiles. It is one few Buddhist-based yoga center in the city. Cyndi Lee has created a flowing style of yoga IlCOrUOrrOlO, aspects ofTibetan Buddhist philosophy-it is rigorous but heart centered. "I strive I a place where people can come, do yoga and be exactly who they are with no pressure 0 " And that is exactly what she has done. The center also offers meditations, speakers, and special workshops. Length: 100 minutes Cost: $15 212-229-0267, www.omyoga.com IVAMUKTI YOGA CENTER of yoga: Jivamukti and Ashtanga (led and Mysore) Jivamukti on Lafayette and Astor Place, and you will find yourself in a pink and purple of falling water and lotus-painted pil lars. Incense and Sanskrit chanting fill the air. dreamy decor, Jivamukti is serious about yoga. Jivamukti means "Ii�erated being" and osophy weaves through every class. Jivamukti yoga is composed of blissful Vinyasa seauen,cesi asanas set to music. But be prepared to sweat. Jivamukti classes are extremely rigorous for good reason: they are intended to take you to your physical and mental boundaries. All vari of classes are held daily. Mysore-style Ashtanga classes are held in the early morning classes in the late afternoon daily. Length: 95 minutes Price: $15 212-353-0214 or 800-295-6814, www.jivamuktiyoga.com "YOGA IS INDIA'S GREATEST GIFT TO THE WORLD. SUT INDIA DOES NOT OWN yOGA. IT IS A UNIVER SAL DHARMA (TEACHING). " -TKV DESIKACHAR in the heart of Tribeca, this friendly little center boasts small, intense classes. The heated to a hundred degrees to open up your muscles andjoints. Although the heat may nauseous at first, your body will feel incredible the next day, encouraging you to return agai again. Length: 90 minutes Price: $17 212-945-9642, www.nytoday.comlyogaconnection ESSENTIAL READING: Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by BKS Iyengar (HarperCollins, 1993) Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by TKV Desikachar (Inner Traditions International, 1995) Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda (Crystal Clarity, 1946)