Mark Darby
Living a life of devotion & Ashtanga yoga
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How Mark and I met...
Mark Darby has been a name I've been connected to since I began Ashtanga back in 2002. I remember back then seeing his name on ashtanga.com as a senior teacher to study with, and ever since, he has been one of the names I have wanted to meet. So, getting a chance to do a People Of Yoga portrait while in Goa with him was too good an opportunity to miss. Mark is such a great storyteller, with the ability to capture moments and stories in a visceral way. He has lived a devoted, rich, and passionate life. This conversation takes us on that journey, sharing many of the lessons he has learned along the way.
Mark Darby's interview
Mark Darby, commonly known simply as Darby, has lived a life marked by movement, exploration, and a deep spiritual journey. Born in England and raised in various parts of Australia, Darby’s early life was a mix of military surroundings and remote landscapes. His childhood was influenced by a strong devotion to spirituality, deeply rooted in his Catholic upbringing. As an altar boy and a daily visitor to confession, Darby’s early years were defined by a profound sense of devotion and bhakti – the Sanskrit term for a path of devotion in Hinduism.
"Planet earth is where your home Is"
Darby’s spiritual journey took a significant turn during his teenage years. Questions about the exclusivity of salvation in the Catholic faith led him to explore other spiritual paths. This quest for truth and meaning eventually brought him to India, a land synonymous with spirituality and yoga. Initially traveling with the intention of reaching England, Darby found himself captivated by the vibrant spiritual atmosphere of India, which reignited his childhood devotion.
Yoga's there, you know, meditation"
In 1979, Darby’s travels brought him to Mysore, where he met the Ashtanga yoga teacher Pattabhi Jois. Despite initial reservations about the cost of classes, Darby decided to commit to learning Ashtanga yoga, a decision that would profoundly shape his life. Under Jois’s rigorous training, Darby experienced the physical and spiritual challenges of yoga, enduring pain and transformation as part of the journey.
The Ashtanga yoga shala in Mysore, often described as resembling a jail due to its intense training environment, became Darby’s second home. Despite the physical demands, Darby’s dedication to the practice never wavered. His experiences in Mysore were not just about mastering postures but also about deepening his understanding of surrender and devotion.
"I decided I was going to walk"
Darby’s journey through India was not confined to Mysore. Before fully committing to yoga, Darby embraced the wanderer’s life, exploring various parts of the country. His initial trip took him from Goa’s vibrant full moon parties to the serene beaches of Sri Lanka, where he spent months surfing. These experiences, although seemingly unrelated to yoga, played a crucial role in shaping his spiritual path.
One significant pilgrimage was his walk from Goa to Gokarna, a sacred Shiva town. Inspired by a similar pilgrimage he had witnessed in Sri Lanka, Darby decided to undertake the journey on foot. Carrying minimal belongings, he walked from village to village, often sleeping under the stars. This journey, marked by physical endurance and spiritual seeking, culminated in a profound experience at the Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna, where he felt a deep sense of surrender and connection to the divine.
"Everybody was allowed to do that"
India’s rich spiritual tapestry deeply influenced Darby. The sights, sounds, and rituals of Indian temples left a lasting impression on him. In Gokarna, during the festival of Shivaratri, Darby experienced an intense spiritual moment inside the temple's sanctuary, touching the sacred Shiva linga. This experience, coupled with the vibrant devotion he witnessed in Indian temples, reignited his childhood bhakti and reinforced his spiritual path.
"I just got involved in that"
After several years in India, Darby and his wife Joanne moved to Canada, where they transitioned into a life of householders, raising children and managing everyday responsibilities. During this period, Darby’s yoga practice took a back seat as he focused on supporting his family. However, the call of yoga and spirituality never truly left him. A pivotal moment came when he was reminded of his passion for yoga by an old acquaintance, reigniting his commitment to the practice.
Returning to yoga with renewed vigor, Darby began teaching in Montreal. His unique experience and advanced practice quickly garnered attention, establishing him as a respected figure in the yoga community. Through workshops and collaborations with other yoga teachers, Darby expanded his knowledge, incorporating insights from different styles and philosophies.
"You have this love or this belief and you surrender"
For Darby, bhakti – the path of devotion – has always been a central theme in his life. His early Catholic faith, experiences in India, and dedication to yoga all reflect a deep sense of surrender to a higher power. Whether navigating the crowded temples of Gokarna or teaching students in Montreal, Darby’s journey has been one of continuous devotion and learning.
As he reflects on his spiritual journey, Darby emphasizes the importance of surrender and finding joy in one’s pursuits. He believes that true fulfillment comes from dedicating oneself to what one loves and continually polishing that craft. For Darby, yoga is not just a physical practice but a path to understanding the vastness of the universe and one’s place within it.
"Surrender, and that’s life"
Mark Darby’s life is a testament to the transformative power of devotion and the pursuit of spiritual truth. From his early days in Australia to his profound experiences in India and beyond, Darby’s journey highlights the importance of surrender, learning, and living with purpose. As he continues to teach and inspire others, Darby’s story remains a powerful reminder of the beauty and depth of the spiritual path.
