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Yoga in the Iyengar Method
“My body is my temple and asanas are my prayers.”
“Do not treat the asana as a physical exercise meant to keep the organs healthy. Treat the asana as if you are using them to adore and adorn the soul.”
BKS Iyengar
A dynamic approach to classical yoga, developed by Mr. Iyengar of India, whose contribution to yoga in the 20th century is unparalleled, leading the Oxford Dictionary to add the term "Iyengar Yoga" to the most recent addition. He is the author of Light on Yoga, considered a master treatise on yoga practice and the innovator of the use of props, commonly used in many yoga studios around the world today. Longer holdings and study of the asana (poses) cultivate the structure for the breath and take the student deeper inward. The Iyengar method of yoga is known for detail, alignment and sequencing, which ultimately work on the consciousness, moving the student towards dhrana, dhyana and samadhi, embracing all eight limbs of yoga.
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I have been practicing and studying yoga in the Iyengar method for more than twenty years. Recommending yoga asana and breathing techniques, yoga classes and teachers, to my massage clients led me to pursue my own studies in yoga further and inspired me to teach. In 1999 I entered a three year Iyengar method teacher training program and travelled twice to India, in 2002 and 2005, to study directly with the Iyengars at RIMYI (Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute) in Pune. The study of yoga has enriched my life far beyond what I could have imagined. I continue to study as well as teach now and travel to India every few years.
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In keeping with tradition I wish to express my gratitude to my many great teachers, most notably Guruji, Mr. BKS Iyengar, and his daughter and son Geeta and Prashant Iyengar. Their sincere commitment and burning zeal for yoga is a gift of light.
I would also like to thank my western teachers who have shared from their own experience and kept the teachings pure: Patricia Walden, Janice Vien, Shirley Daventry French, Maureen and Dr. Bruce Carruthers and Fr. Joe Pereira (of India).
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Pictured here - left to right - Geeta, BKS and Prashant Iyengar at RIMYI
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