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Yogacharya Sri BKS Iyengar was born in Bellur, India on December 14, 1918. He studied and practiced yoga continuously for over 75 years. His understanding and mastery of yoga was unrivaled and Iyengar Yoga is now the most practiced form of yoga in the world. In 2004, BKS Iyengar was listed as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in Time Magazine. He wrote a number of books on the subject of yoga that are widely considered to be authoritative classics. On August 20, 2014, BKS Iyengar passed away aged 95.
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Elements of Iyengar Yoga |
Iyengar Yoga is a complete and varied practice based on the teaching methodology of BKS Iyengar. The full range of asanas are practiced in many different ways, sometimes in a fast moving sequence and other times involving longer supported holds. The practice can be stimulating and dynamic, or quietening and restorative. The asana practice is often described as meditation in action, developing the skills required for pranayama and the subtle practice of meditation.
The Iyengar method of Yoga is grounded in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Elements of Iyengar Yoga include: Technique means that in practice one learns ever finer adjustments in the alignment of asana (physical postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques). Sequencing refers to the order in which asanas and pranayamas are practiced. By varying the order, mental and emotional effects of the practice can be intensified or varied in a manner not otherwise possible. These effects not only bring about physical changes, but changes to the whole person's being. Timing refers to the length of time spent in asanas or pranayama. While we explore dynamic movement in some of our classes, asanas are often taught with the intention of creating stability and depth of experience. Props are used to allow all students to access the asanas in a safe and effective manner regardless of flexibility or physical ability and to deepen the practice and understanding of more experienced students. |
