IYENGAR YOGA
B.K.S. Iyengar (1918-2014) developed the most innovative and inspiring approach to classical Hatha Yoga.
Iyengar Yoga is focused on precision and alignment in the postures. HOW we execute the postures is as important as WHAT poses we choose to do.
In an Iyengar Yoga class you can expect the postures to be taught in a particular sequence, which will be different each time. From class to class students will find the teachings to be unfolded in a gradual and systematic manner, so the students will have a steady progress as they continue attending the classes.
The way the poses are sequenced in a class, helps the students develop the necessary strength, flexibility, stamina, and concentration. It helps the students have clarity about their own bodies and body alignment. This in turn will bring about emotional strength, stability and wellbeing.
Certified Iyengar Yoga teachers, as recognized by the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune, India, are rigorously and continuously trained and have a deep commitment to the subject.
In Iyengar Yoga, sometimes props are used. Props were invented by Guruji BKS Iyengar to provide support to the less flexible or ill students, adjust the postures to each one’s individual needs, provide extra extension, and / or more sensitivity and awareness to more advanced students.
Why do yoga?
The practice of yog-asanas (postures) helps to improve your health, vitality, and gain general wellbeing in every aspect of daily living. It will help improve your muscle tone, mobility, flexibility, coordination and balance. And it will boost your respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and endocrine systems.
It will also help relieve stress, improve your capacity to concentrate, reflect and help you experience serene, tranquil states.
"Buildings can withstand calamities if we build firm foundations. The practice of Yoga is the basis so that the Self does not shake under any circumstances." -BKS Iyengar
B.K.S Iyengar
Yogacharya BKS Iyengar (14.12.1918 - 20.08.2014) is recognized as the most important Yoga teacher in the world. He dedicated his life to the study, practice and teaching of the art, science and philosophy of Yoga.
Guruji (that's what his students called him), is known worldwide for introducing Yoga to the West, as well as bringing Yoga closer to "common" men and women, to daily life and making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical, mental, or socio-economic conditions.
BKS Iyengar began learning asanas at a very young age, in 1934, from his brother-in-law Sri T. Krishnamacharya.
In 2004 the Times Magazine declared him one of the 100 most influential men in the world. Guruji has received numerous international accolades and accolades, as well as the highest honors awarded by the Indian government, such as the Padma Sri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan decorations.
He was the author of key, founding and influential books such as Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, The Art of Yoga, The Tree of Yoga, Light on Astanga Yoga.
In 1975 he inaugurated the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in the city of Pune, India. Currently the RIMYI is led by his son Prashant S. Iyengar and granddaughter Abhijata Iyengar. Students from all over the world visit the Institute every year.
Guruji invented the use of elements in the practice of Asanas and Pranayama. At first they were inspired by household objects. These elements such as bricks, blankets, belts, chairs are now seen in studios all over the world, of all styles and schools of Yoga. With the help of these elements, BKS Iyengar revolutionized the therapeutic applications of Yoga.
Geeta Iyengar
Dr Geeta S. Iyengar was the eldest daughter of BKS Iyengar. She started studying Yoga with her father early on in her life and became the world’s leading female Yoga teacher.
With her book Yoga: A Gem for Women (1990) as well as countless writings, articles, worldwide intensives, publications, she made an extraordinary contribution to the practice of Yoga, adapting Guruji’s method to the requirements women have in the different stages of their lives.
Prashant Iyengar
Prashant Iyengar is the son of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. He is presently the director of RIMYI. He has been teaching at RIMYI since its inception in 1976. In addition to teaching daily classes at RIMYI, has written extensively about Yoga philosophy and the ancient texts and has made numerous audio recordings on the Yoga Sutra-s.
His teachings color a new and undiscovered culture in Yoga and his knowledge on the scriptures and ancient texts bring dynamism to the subject.
Abhijata Iyengar
Abhijata Iyengar started studying Yoga from the young age of 16 under the direct guidance of her grandfather, B.K.S. Iyengar, her aunt, Dr. Geeta S. Iyengar and uncle Sri Prashant Iyengar. She is a Senior teacher at RIMYI.
Abhijata’s sensitivity, caring and fresh approach in her teachings have been inspirational for the new generations to engage themselves in the study of Iyengar Yoga.
She herself has taught worldwide and has also travelled with BKS Iyengar to his Conventions in Russia and China and with Geetaji to International Conventions in England, Australia and USA.
