Yoga does not just change the way we see things,
it transforms the person who sees”
-BKS Iyengar-
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar Yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, and named after him by his followers. He is the forefather of yoga as we know it today. Through his unparalleled devotion to practice and study, he developed and systematized his approach to yoga – Iyengar Yoga follows in the tradition of yoga as he lived it.
BKS Iyengar taught that we access the mind through the body. His discipline of Iyengar Yoga emphasizes precision and alignment in the practice of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breath control), along with the physical practice of yoga postures. It focuses on the integration of body, mind, and breath, with the aim of achieving physical and mental well-being. The practice is known for its attention to detail. The use of props (such as blocks, straps, and bolsters) enables you to experience the asanas more deeply. This approach to yoga makes it particularly useful for people working with physical limitations or health problems.
As you move towards a longer-term practice you may feel that as you are able to focus more intently on the physical pose, your mental and/or emotional state has changed. Maybe you have more energy or motivation. Perhaps you notice you have more agility and strength or maybe you sleep better or have more concentration on the days you practice.
B.K.S. Iyengar’s teachings gained international recognition when he published his book “Light on Yoga” in 1966. This book became a seminal work in the field of yoga and helped spread Iyengar Yoga worldwide. Iyengar’s emphasis on precise alignment, use of props, and therapeutic applications of yoga has made it accessible to people of all ages and physical conditions.
Throughout his life, B.K.S. Iyengar continued to refine his teachings and train inumerable students. He founded the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, which remains the most eminent center for the practice and study of Iyengar Yoga. B.K.S. Iyengar passed away in 2014, but his legacy lives on through his teachings, his son Prashantji, grandaughter
I practice and teach the Iyengar yoga system as it really resonates with me as a complete personal practice. I look forward to sharing it with you at Seabreeze Yoga Cronulla as I’m sure it will do the same for you.
Qualifying as an Iyengar Teacher
The Iyengar method, in contrast, has a rigorous approach to qualifications. The trainee must have attended classes regularly for 3 years before being considered to join a training program.
The programs themselves are usually undertaken over 2 years, and include Anatomy and Physiology, Asana and Pranayama, use of props as well as philosophy.