In memory of Ma Hong (Qinghong Ma)

By Ben Finnerty, Experienced Certified Anusara® Yoga Teacher

 It’s usually my pleasure and with a sense of pride that I talk about the teachers I’ve had the pleasure to influence during my time in China. Today, however, my heart is a little heavy writing these words, as we  havelost one of our most experienced teachers who I call Ma Hong 马红.  In English we recognize her as Qinghong Ma 庆红马.

She has battled cancer with a strength and vigor for the past 5 years. It had come and gone a few times.  Sadly, she was unable to win this most recent fight. Her heart still shines within me, but I’m not alone in feeling the world is a little darker these past few days without her. She was full of integrity and had a fire that she carried until the last time I saw her a few months ago. Her beauty, her strength, her wisdom, her fairness, and her critical eye are a few of the qualities I think of when I remember her. Her eyes always shone brightly. In a world where passing trends come and go and a vast majority of people go with the coolest current fancy, she was unwavering and committed. She has been an Anusara teacher since Anusara Inc., trained dozens of teachers (most who have been taking the Anusara path from her influence) in the city of Guiyang in the Guizhou province of China.

Although she paused her Anusara Certification process more than a year ago, she has been given an Honorary Certification by ASHY for her continued support until her passing. She was teaching Anusara® yoga up until a few days before she entered the hospital for her last time.