(photo copyright by Jake Clenell)
Iyengar® Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga,
based on the experience and teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar (1918-2014),
one of the most important and influential yoga masters of our time.
Yoga is an open-ended journey of discovery and knowledge that brings the mental and spiritual processes to rest (Patanjali Sutra I.2), a journey that - as simple as the description may sound at first - encompasses and influences all areas of human existence.
In Hatha Yoga, to which Iyengar® Yoga belongs, we use physical exercises (asana) and breathing exercises (pranayama) as access to the ashtanga pada, the all-encompassing eight-limbed path of yoga described in Patanjali's sutras. Iyengar discovered through meticulous self-study how subtle movements not only complete a posture, but open it up to a new quality and dimension.
The precise, detailed work on the body gives the practice an inner dynamism through which each posture can become an event that encompasses the whole person and can have a rejuvenating and healing effect on the person. In many cases, B.K.S. Iyengar has achieved remarkable success in the famous "Medical Classes" at his institute, especially for people with illnesses or disabilities.
For his own practice and teaching, B.K.S. Iyengar has recognised the value of exercise aids (props). Thus, among other things, belts, wooden blocks, chairs, firm cushions, weights, ropes hanging from the wall or ceiling or specially made benches are used to help in the execution of the postures. This enables practitioners with less experience or fitness to stay in a yoga posture for longer with a deeper and more focused effect.
More information about Iyengar® Yoga can be found here->…
More information about B.K.S. IYENGAR can be found here ->...
