Picture from Light on Yoga (1966)
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga is a method of practicing and teaching ancient yoga postures developed by B.K.S. Iyengar. The postures are taught in a systematic way. Iyengar Yoga is defined by its emphasis on physical body alignment, intelligent sequencing and timing, and the use of props.
The emphasis on correct alignment of the physical body makes Iyengar Yoga a safe and intelligent method of practicing yoga. Muscular actions are deliberate and held to build strength, flexibility and balance. As the body transforms, the mind becomes more focused and calm. The practice of the yoga posures yoke the mind to the body and breath.
In an Iyengar Yoga class, poses are sequenced and timed to build strength, flexilbility and intelligence. The benefits are gradual and enduring.
Props are used in Iyengar Yoga to make the postural practice accessible and profound for everyone. Regardless of one’s physical and emotional condition, props can make the practice a satisfying and joyful experience.
“It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self and intelligence.”
Photo courtesy of Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute
B.K.S. Iyengar ( 1918-2014)
Bellur Krishnamachar Sunderaraja Iyengar was born in the southern Indian state of Karnatak. He grew up poor and ill stricken. As a teenager he was taught yoga by Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya to help overcome his illnesses. Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, aside from being his brother-in-law, was also the yoga master in the court of Mysore in the 1920s-30s and one of the most influential teacher of his generation. Yoga healed B.K.S. Iyengar.
He started teaching at 18 in Pune, India where he lived till the end of his life. On his own, he began his exploration into a systematic way of teaching yoga we all know as Iyengar Yoga. Even though B.K.S. Iyengar did not complete his high school education, he wrote several influential books on the practice and philosophy of yoga including the seminal Light on Yoga (1966) .
In 1975 he set up the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI), named after his wife, to teach yoga in Pune. His teaching sojouns to many parts of the world brought and continue to bring students from all over the world to Pune.
He died at the age of 94.