B.K.S. Iyengar was a famous yoga guru who is credited with popularizing yoga in the Western world. He was born on December 14, 1918, in Bellur, a small village in Karnataka, India. He was the eleventh of thirteen children in his family.
At the age of 16, Iyengar moved to Mysore, where he began studying yoga under the guidance of his brother-in-law, the famous yoga guru T. Krishnamacharya. Iyengar’s practice of yoga was initially motivated by his poor health, which included a bout of tuberculosis and various other ailments. However, his practice quickly evolved, and he began to develop his own unique style of yoga.
In 1952, Iyengar published his first book, “Light on Yoga,” which became an international bestseller and helped to popularize yoga around the world. He went on to publish many more books on yoga and to teach yoga to students all over the world.
Iyengar was known for his emphasis on precision and alignment in the practice of yoga postures, and his use of props such as blocks, straps, and blankets to help students achieve proper alignment. He also placed a strong emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of yoga and worked with medical professionals to develop yoga practices that could help alleviate various health conditions.
Iyengar continued to teach yoga and promote its benefits until his death on August 20, 2014, at the age of 95. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century and his teachings continue to influence the practice of yoga today.
B.K. S. Iyengar Teachings
B.K.S. Iyengar was a renowned yoga guru who developed his own style of yoga known as “Iyengar Yoga.” His teachings focused on precision, alignment, and the use of props to help students achieve proper posture and alignment in yoga postures. Here are some of his key teachings:
1. Precision and Alignment: Iyengar believed that precise alignment of the body in yoga postures was essential for achieving the full benefits of the practice. He emphasized the importance of correct placement of the feet, hands, and other body parts, and the use of props such as blocks, straps, and blankets to help students achieve proper alignment.
2. Breath Control: Iyengar emphasized the importance of breath control in yoga practice. He taught students to focus on the breath and to use it as a tool for calming the mind and achieving greater awareness of the body.
3. Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga: Iyengar believed that yoga could be used as a therapeutic tool for various health conditions. He worked with medical professionals to develop yoga practices that could help alleviate back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and other health conditions.
4. Mind-Body Connection: Iyengar taught that the practice of yoga was not just a physical exercise, but also a tool for developing a deeper connection between the mind and body. He emphasized the importance of mindfulness and awareness in yoga practice, and encouraged students to cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and well-being.
5. Continuous Learning: Iyengar believed that yoga was a lifelong journey of learning and self-discovery. He encouraged students to continue to deepen their practice and to explore new aspects of yoga throughout their lives.
Overall, Iyengar’s teachings emphasized the importance of precision, alignment, breath control, and the mind-body connection in the practice of yoga. His legacy continues to inspire and influence yoga practitioners around the world today.