ABOUT IYENGAR YOGA
“Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind”
– BKS Iyengar
Iyengar Yoga is based on the teachings of the yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, author of many books including the classic yoga treatise Light on Yoga. Iyengar began teaching in Pune, India, in 1936 at the age of 18 and continued until his death at age 95.
The Iyengar family’s teachings are deeply grounded in the yoga sutras of Patanjali, an ancient summation of the path and philosophy of yoga considered to be at least 2,500 years old. B.K.S. Iyengar’s intense practice and over seventy years of teaching have produced significant innovations in the teaching of the art and science of yoga.
Iyengar Yoga, one of the world’s most widely-practiced forms, emphasizes correct alignment of all parts of the body within each yoga pose. This precision builds strength and stamina, balance and flexibility, and a new sense of well being.
Mr. Iyengar’s invention of yoga props (now ubiquitous in yoga studios of all styles) revolutionized the art. Instructors modify yoga postures to the needs of specific students using blocks, blankets, belts and other props to allow for a deeper penetration into the postures, as well as a longer stay and a more profound experience.
Achieving meditation in action, students learn to exist fully and vibrantly in the present moment.
WHY PROPS?
B.K.S. Iyengar’s invention of yoga props (now ubiquitous in yoga studios of all styles) revolutionized the art. Instructors modify yoga postures to the needs of specific students using blocks, blankets, belts, blocks, chairs, benches, wall ropes, sandbags, and other objects to allow for a deeper penetration into the postures, as well as a longer stay and a more profound experience. This allows ALL practitioners access to the benefits of the postures regardless of physical condition, age, or length of study. Props can be used to:
- Create optimal body alignment.
- Make specific actions or poses accessible to those who may not otherwise be able to perform the posture due to physical limitations.
- Help adjust or support the practitioner to work in a range of motion that is safe and effective.
- Instruct or highlight a particular quality, action, or aspect of a yoga posture to enhance personal understanding of a posture and its effects.
- Help all practitioners (including the most advanced) gain sensitivity to the balance of effort and relaxation in the postures.
- Provide support so that the practitioner can receive the deep benefits of holding a posture for significant time periods.
- Enhance the restorative or therapeutic qualities of a posture.
Allowing students to practice asanas (yoga postures) and pranayamas (breathing patterns) with greater effectiveness, ease, and stability, props can provide support for the body and allow the mind to relax and more profoundly receive the benefits of the yoga.
About Karla
At the age of 51, in January of 2012 I took my first Iyengar yoga class with Lou Hoyt, owner of Eastern Sun Yoga in Memphis, Tennessee. Lou helped me fall in love with the beauty, art and science of the Iyengar yoga method.
In 2013 I was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis and also discovered that two of my lumbar disks were fused together with my sacrum. The constant pain had me living on pills and heating pads. Long car rides were out of the question. Doctors suggested a frightening surgery that might not even get rid of all the pain. I am proud to say that it has been years since I took a pain pill, long car rides don’t bother me at all and I can now do a five minute headstand! All thanks to Iyengar Yoga.
It is my sincerest hope that I can pass along to my students the health benefits of a peaceful mind and fit body through the moving meditation of yoga.