What is Iyengar Yoga
The Iyengar
approach to yoga is firmly based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga
expounded by Patanjali in his classic treatise, The Yoga Sutras, written
over 2,500 years go. It is a disciplined and deeply research system
developed over 75 years by Yogacharya BKS Iyengar who still practices
daily – exploring, studying, writing and teaching about yoga.
The term “Iyengar Yoga” was coined by students of Mr. Iyengar to distinguish Guruji’s approach from other styles of yoga. He, however, has described his yoga as “Patanjali Yoga” and says:
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Yoga means union. The union of the individual soul with the Universal Spirit is yoga. But this is too abstract a notion to be easily understood, so for our level of understanding I say that yoga is the union of body with the mind and of mind with the soul”. – BKS Iyengar, Tree of Yoga.What is unique about Iyengar Yoga is that it is characterised in the practice of asana and pranayama with the innovative approach emphasising precision and alignment, planned sequencing, timing and the use of props. This approach has allowed people of varying ages, levels of health and fitness to enjoy the benefits which a sustained practice can bring – the ability to face the physical, mental and emotional challenges f contemporary life with strength, vitality, mobility, thoughtfulness and equanimity.
The term “Iyengar Yoga” was coined by students of Mr. Iyengar to distinguish Guruji’s approach from other styles of yoga. He, however, has described his yoga as “Patanjali Yoga” and says:
“I have no right to brand my practices or teachings as Iyengar Yoga. My pupils, who follow me, call it Iyengar Yoga. The only thing I am doing is to bring out the in-depth, the hidden qualities of Yoga to the awareness of you all. What I do is pure, authentic traditional Yoga. It is wrong to differentiate traditional yoga Iyengar Yoga, as it is also not fair to brand Yoga, as Raja-yoga, Hatha-yoga, Laya-yoga, Kundalini-yoga, Taraka-yoga and so forth. There is no distinction between one Yoga and another. Yoga, like God is one.”Guruji, BKS Iyengar has written many books and articles on yoga. A good place to start is with the introduction to Light on Yoga (considered a modern classic about yoga) first published in 1966. The Articles on Iyengar Yoga page presents many articles written by BKS Iyengar and others. For an introduction to Iyengar Yoga go to the Understanding Iyengar Yoga page, where you can read articles by BKS Iyengar and two senior Australian Iyengar Yoga teachers.
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About
ReplyDeleteBKSIYAA aims to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information and news for the community about the practice and teachings of Iyengar Yoga in Australia.
Mission
The BKSYAA brings together students and yoga teachers committed to promoting, protecting and disseminating the art, science and philosophy of yoga according to the teachings of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, one of the foremost yoga masters alive in the world today.
Description
In the Iyengar system, special focus is placed on alignment, timing, and sequencing. Alignment of the bones and joints leads to better balance with less work of the muscles. In this way we gain more stability in the asanas with less effort. Proper alignment improves circulation, creates inner space (literally in the joints), and brings a balanced flow of energy through the whole body, which leads to health and well being. Attention to alignment in yoga is much more than making a list of points to remember while performing asanas. It is about developing a body awareness that reaches into all aspects of life.
Longer timing in the poses builds stamina, allowing tight muscles to lengthen and relax, and the benefits penetrate deeper into organic and mental levels.
The sequence of the poses taught provides the student with increased awareness of the physical, mental, and emotional changes, which occur during the practice. Vitality, balance and coordination are all enhanced.
Only after many years of practice, study, and training do teachers become certified Iyengar Yoga instructors. Teachers can individualize poses to each person's physical needs by utilizing props, such as blankets, belts, chairs, blocks, and rope wall .
Iyengar Yoga is meditation in action; practising the postures with awareness has an integrating effect and works to harmonise mind and body. As practice continues, a student's ability to relax and concentrate generally improves markedly.
General Information
The BKSYAA brings together students and yoga teachers committed to promoting, protecting and disseminating the art, science and philosophy of yoga according to the teachings of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, one of the foremost yoga masters alive in the world today.
The site aims to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information and news for the community about the practice and teachings of Iyengar Yoga in Australia.
You are welcome to join the Association and, as a member, support and promulgate Iyengar Yoga in Australia.