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Iyengar Yoga is a method of Hatha Yoga developed over a period of 60 years by B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India. He is one of the worlds most acclaimed yoga masters. His basic principles of movement are compatible with current developments in the field of physical therapy and in other modern bodywork disciplines. Combining classical yoga traditions with innovative refinements, Mr. Iyengar’s approach is marked by dynamism and precision. Iyengar Yoga is unsurpassed as a way to build strength, stamina and flexibility while cultivating a sense of graceful peace and well-being.
The Iyengar approach to Hatha Yoga
Yoga as taught by B.K.S. Iyengar emphasizes the integration of body, mind and spirit. The Iyengar approach to yoga is firmly based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga as expounded by Patanjali in his classic treatise, The Yoga Sutras. Iyengar yoga emphasizes the development of strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, as well as concentration (Dharana) and meditation (Dhyana).
Students at IYISF are encouraged to refine both their knowledge of asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing). Asanas are individualized for the needs of different bodies. Various props are used to maximize opening and awareness throughout the body, and to stimulate the blood flow to the organs. Through the emphasis placed on precise alignment in the poses, many students find that their yoga practice helps them dissolve stubborn musculo-skeletal and psychological blocks. The same precision of practice brings the serious student to the cutting edge of exploration in the field of mind-body interaction.
Source and Context: Patanjali and Ashtanga Yoga
BKS Iyengar studies and teaches yoga as unfolded in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjaili and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika among other classical texts.Thus Asana, or postures, are taught as one of the eight limbs or branches of yoga defined by Patanjali. The Eight Limbs of Yoga, or Ashtanga Yoga include an ethical foundation in the Yamas and Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama (breath and energy practice), Pratyahara (emancipation of the mind from the domination of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (union of self and Paramatma, universal spirit or consciousness. meditator and object of meditation are integrated and whole.)
For more information see BKS Iyengar's books Light on Yoga, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Light on Astanga Yoga, and The Tree of Yoga, which are all available in our bookstore.
Benefits of Yoga
The Power of Breath
Often in conventional forms of exercise people hold their breath while exerting themselves. In hatha yoga, you will learn to control your breathing in a relaxed and modulated way in order to provide focus in the different postures. Learning to do this properly is the gateway to many of the mental and spiritual benefits of hatha yoga.
Learn to support action and movement with breath, and free breath and energy with correct action and movement.
Physical and Emotional Strength
As you progress with hatha yoga, you will gain greater flexibility in your body and mind. Like any form of exercise, hatha yoga helps develop physical strength. Hatha yoga adds another dimension to this with a matching development in emotional strength that will help you handle the challenges of life with a balanced disposition.
From there you can continue to grow with your hatha yoga practice. And you will find that there are plenty of resources to help you along the way. In contrast to conventional sports and physical training programs, hatha yoga has been developed over thousands of years as a way of teaching people how to improve their lives.
B.K.S. Iyengar
For more than 70 years, B.K.S. Iyengar has developed a remarkably innovative and inspired approach to classical hatha yoga. Through his own vigorous practice, careful study of the earliest available texts, and instruction of thousands of students from all over the world, he has reached back to the roots of yoga and brought forth a revitalization of the ancient art of yoga. B.K.S. Iyengar is the author of Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, The Art of Yoga, The Tree of Yoga and Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. He currently teaches with his daughter Geeta and his son Prashant at the Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune, India |
