The Iyengar legacy
GURUJI BKS Iyengar (1918 – 2014)
In 2004 he was named by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
BKS Iyengar started practising yoga because he had poor health as a child, partly due to the “Spanish Flu” pandemic. With daily practice, his health and strength improved and he experienced great benefits in his own body. This enabled him to develop an extensive knowledge of anatomy and a therapeutic approach to the practice, which 100 years later appears to be more relevant than ever.
He rose to the public consciousness when high-profile individuals began to extol the virtues of his teachings - musicians, artists, athletes, actors and reigning monarchs all benefited. Under his tutelage and aged 80, the Queen of Belgium amazed courtiers with her ability to headstand - proof if it were needed that Iyengar Yoga is for all age groups.
In 1975 BKS Iyengar set up the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoya Institute (RIMYI) in Pune India, which is still to this day a hub for teaching and learning his style of yoga. Travelling globally he reached out to the world sharing his method with all who wanted to learn, Most recently his Daughter Geeta S Iyengar, who sadly passed away in 2018, and son Prashant S Iyengar, continue to run the Institute along with Abhijata his granddaughter.
He wrote many books, most famously “Light on Yoga” called the bible of yoga which has been in continuous print since 1966 and the source book for generations of students. He also penned Light on Pranayama, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Light on Life.
Iyengar yoga is named after and developed by B.K.S. Iyengar who was a direct disciple of T. Krishnamacharya. Together with Pattabhi Jois (who developed Ashtanga yoga), they were responsible for bringing the practice of modern yoga, as we know it now, to the West.
BKS. Iyengar’s daughter, Geeta S. Iyengar, is the author of Yoga: A Gem for Women, the pioneering work on yoga for every stage of a woman’s life.
What makes it unique?
Iyengar Yoga focuses on three aspects: alignment, sequencing and timing. By focusing on correct alignment in yoga poses, in a gradual systematic approach, the practitioner progresses from basic foundations towards more advanced poses at a pace which suits each individual. The teaching includes asana practice (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and an introduction to the philosophical aspects of yoga, for an all round and integrated approach.
Alignment means maintaining the intended pose while respecting the body’s boundaries. Iyengar yoga encourages the use of props to assist students within an asana without putting them at risk of injury. Effective alignment can then help to achieve balance between body, mind and breath.
Sequencing refers to the order that the postures are practiced to enable a safe and structured progression of the poses, along with the ‘opening’ and balance of the physical and emotional body.
Iyengar yoga poses are held for longer periods of time. When stability has been achieved, it’s then possible to safely intensify the depth of the posture. This helps to help develop strength and flexibility, along with sensitivity and awareness between the body and mind.
Yoga is one of the oldest systems of personal development in the world. A yoga practice both relaxes and energies the body and mind and brings vitality, flexibility, strength, concentration, self-confidence and mental calm. The Iyengar method has a sophisticated understanding of asana. It develops strength, flexibility and endurance and you’ll learn precision as well as subtlety in your asana and pranayama practice. The method is progressive, safe and orderly, with the teacher adjusting postures to meet the needs of each student.
Further information on Iyengar Yoga is available on these official web sites:
Iyengar yoga teachers undergo a strict and in-depth training of three years before they get their first certificate. Afterwards their training is ongoing, according to standards set by the Iyengars in Pune, through regular classes, practice and courses.
All Iyengar Yoga teachers must maintain the high standard and dedication required to hold certificate.