What is Iyengar yoga?
Yoga originated in the Indian sub-continent several thousand years ago. It is a complete discipline for the mind, body and spirit. The word “yoga” is a Sanskrit term which means union. When we practice yoga, we aim to unite mind, body, breath and spirit.
Yoga improves posture and increases flexibility and stamina. It also improves the function of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and hormonal systems. Yoga helps to relieve and reduce stress, and promotes deep relaxation, helping us to access our inner calm and self-confidence, and to live more fully in the present.
In a yoga class, students mainly study one of the eight parts of yoga called asana (yoga “poses”). The yoga asanas promote good health in both body and mind. Whilst the body gains strength and flexibility through the practice of the asanas, both the body and the mind are refreshed, rather than left feeling exhausted. There are many different asanas, each one having a slightly different effect on the physical, physiological and the psychological aspects of our being.
B.K.S. Iyengar (1918 – 2014) is widely regarded as the world’s leading authority on yoga. He practiced and taught throughout the world for over seventy years, and even in his nineties could be seen practicing at his Institute in Pune for up to three hours a day.
His first major work, ‘Light on Yoga’, published in 1966, became a bestseller, and is regarded as the leading modern text on the subject. His teaching is characterised by an emphasis on alignment and precision in the yogasanas, and a clear, safe progression from simpler to more advanced asanas. When we practice according to Guruji’s teachings, the mind is completely focused on the asana, and yoga becomes “meditation in action.”
All his teaching is informed by his in-depth study and understanding of the philosophy of yoga, as set out in the ancient yoga texts, and in particular, of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a key yoga text dating back over two thousand years,
BKS Iyengar has made yoga accessible to all, pioneering the use of props, such as blocks, belts and chairs, so that students of all abilities are able to overcome their difficulties and realise their potential.
B. K. S. Iyengar has published many other books, including Light on Pranayama, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Light on Life.
Iyengar Yoga is practiced by many thousands of students all over the world. Iyengar Yoga teachers undergo a rigorous training before they are allowed to teach. They maintain and develop their knowledge and understanding through personal practice, attending classes with a more senior teacher and attending regular professional development events.
For a complete explanation visit: http://www.bksiyengar.com