B.K.S. Iyengar, "Guruji", at the Institute in Pune, India  B.K.S. Iyengar developed the Iyengar tradition of yoga in India over a life time of teaching and experimentation. He is the link between the philosophy of Patanjali & the physical world. He embodies the true meaning of yoga - the union of body, mind and spirit. His teachings carry the legacy of all that the ancient texts promised: a more connected life following an ethical and healthy path. A prolific author, Mr. Iyengar has written seminal yoga texts covering all aspects including: Light on Yoga - the first book on asana practice to come into circulation in the West Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - commentary on the text from the 3rd century BC, written to explain what yoga is, how it works, and how to settle the mind into stillness Light on Pranayama - a guided tour of the practice of breath control. Light on Life - reflections on over 80 years of yoga practice. What is Iyengar yoga? Iyengar yoga is an alignment-based discipline which is realized through the practice of poses (asana) and breath work (pranayama). |
Why Iyengar? Practising yoga the Iyengar way gradually builds strength, stamina and balance, whilst the body-mind connection grows.
Students are challenged to awaken the unconscious areas of the body with focus, so that habitual patterns of movement that may not be optimal are eventually changed.
Over time, cultivating a quiet mind and active body, poses can be held longer, bringing an enhanced sense of connection to the Self, bridging the physical, mental and spiritual. Is Iyengar hot yoga?
No. Instead the body's own power is used to heat the muscles and joints, so actual change in structure occurs, and de-toxification takes place at a natural rate.
The challenge of holding the poses and activating muscles in Iyengar yoga creates natural heat from inside you.
In yoga philosophy, one of the steps to becoming more connected to the spiritual Self is to go through periods of metamorphosis, called tapas. This term refers to the discomfort of accepting change mentally as well as the heat of physical practice produced by the body itself. What if I can't do the postures?
It's ok, we will help you. In fact finding that many of his students could not complete the classical poses, in the beginning Mr Iyengar used bricks he found in the street and his own body, to support them. As time and technology progressed, props were made to as needs arose. Taking cues from gymnastics, Mr Iyengar incorporated arch shapes for backbending, and ropes hanging from the wall and ceiling. The Iyengar method is known for respecting the needs of individuals and modifying postures with supportive props like straps, blocks and chairs, so everyone, regardless of age or physical condition, can gain full benefit. |
