Iyengar Yoga
Yoga is an ancient discipline that combines physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation. Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar (1918-2014) dedicated his entire life to the intense and unwavering practice of yoga and taught throughout the world for over 70 years.
His vision of yoga was radical for his times. He believed yoga was for everyone and not a guarded secreted for a selected few. When his students were unable to do the classic asanas (poses), he used whatever was at hand - a piece of rope, a brick - to assist them. He also believed that yoga did not belong to any single country or culture and more than anyone contributed to bringing yoga to the West. He wrote prolifically on the subject of yoga providing clear and practical guidance for practitioners. His best known works are Light on Yoga and Light on Pranayama, both of which have been translated in several languages and reprinted many times since they were first published. |
"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured "
B.K.S. Iyengar |
The Iyengar tradition of yoga focuses on alignment and precision in movement to cultivate self-awareness. Poses are held - initially for a few seconds and as the practice progresses for longer - to enable students to align the body correctly and settle into the pose. This provides beginners with a firm foundation and clear understanding of the key actions in the poses, and more experienced practitioners with the opportunity to deepen and refine their work in the postures. Pranayama, the art of breath control, is only introduced after students have developed sufficient strength and stamina in the postures.
In the words of B.K.S Iyengar, “Yoga is meditation in action”. Through the work in the asanas and pranayama, the mind unites with the body and the breath, and one can move into a meditative state. The mind stills and inner clarity emerges.
In the words of B.K.S Iyengar, “Yoga is meditation in action”. Through the work in the asanas and pranayama, the mind unites with the body and the breath, and one can move into a meditative state. The mind stills and inner clarity emerges.
Who is it for
Iyengar Yoga is for all, young and old, supple and stiff. Teaching is methodical and progressive: postures are introduced gradually and students can progress at their own pace, to suit their body. When needed, props (such as bricks, belts and blankets) are used to improve alignment and increase mobility.
Beginners learn the basic asanas, which include standing, sitting and recuperative poses. Initially, the focus is on standing poses, which build strength, increase vitality, improve coordination and balance, thereby providing the foundation for more advanced poses. As students progress in their practice, inverted poses and backbends are introduced.
Yoga practice brings many benefits to both body and mind. It improves posture and body-awareness, enhances stamina and flexibility. It trains and disciplines the mind so concentration is improved. It releases stress, brings emotional stability and a deep sense of well being.
Beginners learn the basic asanas, which include standing, sitting and recuperative poses. Initially, the focus is on standing poses, which build strength, increase vitality, improve coordination and balance, thereby providing the foundation for more advanced poses. As students progress in their practice, inverted poses and backbends are introduced.
Yoga practice brings many benefits to both body and mind. It improves posture and body-awareness, enhances stamina and flexibility. It trains and disciplines the mind so concentration is improved. It releases stress, brings emotional stability and a deep sense of well being.