Photos by JAKE CLENNELL
“Yoga is an art, a science and a philosophy. It touches the life of a man at every level: physical, mental and spiritual. The very essence of yoga is practice of asana and pranayama. Attention to detail trains the mind to focus, discipline is behind all paths to inner peace and freedom.”
B.K.S. Iyengar
B.K.S. IYENGAR
Internationally acknowledged as a modern master of yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar is universally honored for his understanding and teaching of the art and science of yoga. He has travelled, taught and performed yoga demonstrations all over the world and touched and transformed the lives of numerous people. He is the author of “Light on Yoga”, considered one of the most authoritative modern yoga texts, and also author of “Light on Pranayama’”, “Light on the Yoga Sutras”, “Tree of Yoga” and the newly published “Light on Life”, and other exceptional reference works. B.K.S. Iyengar’s lifetime of practice has given him an ability to guide us through the different stages and struggles of life. In addition to providing a template of study for those with strong physical ability, B.K.S. Iyengar is a pioneer in the therapeutic applications of yoga. Medical professionals in many different disciplines and countries have recognized his expertise and efficacy. A Yogi, with an extraordinary physical practice himself, even at 92, has through his own struggle and commitment to a constant diligent practice, made yoga accessible to and relevant for all through his revolutionary use of yoga props and the intelligent selection and modification of the postures themselves. This enables students of all abilities to work to their greatest potential and overcome difficulties of many kinds. To this day we can learn from him through reading his famous books or by traveling to the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, where Guruji and his daughter and son, Geeta and Prashant Iyengar, teach and refine this constantly evolving method. Teachers and practitioners from all over the world come regularly to hone skills for their own development and to take back to their own Iyengar Yoga Communities. In Guruji we find a golden thread that connects us with the ancient practice of yoga.
IYENGAR YOGA
Iyengar Yoga has a highly developed teaching methodology, which is regulated and upheld universally. At its center is the mission to provide a safe and systematic progression of yoga postures to develop each student’s ability and skill, both within each class and from class to class. The sequencing of these classes is structured so as to develop strength, flexibility, stamina, concentration, and body alignment. Students are encouraged to be mindful of their abilities and limitations and work appropriately. A qualified Iyengar teacher is rigorously trained and committed to excellence in teaching.
"Whatever you do, yoga can help you to do it better"
Glenn Ceresoli