Iyengar Yoga

Learn about the Iyengar methodology

Iyengar Yoga was developed over 60 years ago by yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar. This type of yoga is still one of the most popular types of yoga taught today.

Iyengar Overview

Yoga as taught by the Iyengars emphasises the integration of the body, mind and spirit. The Iyengar approach to yoga is firmly based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga as expounded by Patajali in his classic treatise, The Yoga Sutras. Iyengar yoga pays particular attention to precise body alignment, development of strength, stamina, flexibility, and balance, as well as concentration and meditation.

Iyengar Teaching Method

The Iyengar Yoga method is known for the benefits that it brings to an individual’s well being, through the practice of postures and breathing techniques. It focuses on correct alignment in yoga poses which are graded in a systematic program to take the practitioner from basic preparations towards more advanced poses at a pace which suits each individual.
The teaching includes asana practice (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and an introduction to the philosophical aspects of yoga, for an all round and integrated approach.
Iyengar Yoga is practised world-wide. It takes its name from BKS Iyengar who practised and studied continuously from his teenage years to age 95.
To find out more about Iyengar yoga please also check Iyengar Method and Teaching System .

Iyengar Family

 

Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar (Guruji)

Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar (Guruji) has taught yoga in a unique way to all his students. He has found the meaning of the yoga sutras by his practical search and regular practice of yoga. Thus, he has helped us all to experience the wisdom of the yoga sutras. His style of teaching yoga is now called “Iyengar Yoga” and is being followed by certified teachers across the world.

Mr Iyengar died on 20 August 2014. Please click here for link to press articles and orbituries .

To find out more check About Guruji .

 

 

Dr Geeta S Iyengar

Dr Geeta S. Iyengar is the eldest daughter of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar and an authority in yoga. She mastered the art of yoga at a very young age by observing her father in practice. She is also graduate in philosophy. She is presently the director of Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI).
She is a distinguished yoga teacher. She started teaching in 1962 and today has taught thousands of students from all over the world. She has keen sense of observations, helps many women through difficult pregnancies and menopausal blues. She regularly teaches at RIMYI and has also taught at special conventions in the US, Canada, Australia, UK and Europe.

Geetaji Iyengar died on the 16th December 2018, two days after teaching a 10-day intensive course to celebrate her father’s 100th anniversary. Please click here for link to the IY(UK) obituary .

 

 

Prashant Iyengar

Prashant Iyengar is the son of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. He is presently the director of Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) and an authority on Yoga. His knowledge about the scriptures and the ancient texts makes learning yoga very interesting. He is also an accomplished violinist.

 

 

Abhijata Iyengar

Abhijata Sridhar Iyengar is the grand-daughter of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. A very confident young woman married with a one year old baby girl. In 2014 in Harrogate Abhijata led the IY(UK) convention and taught 500 students of Iyengar Yoga with ease, depth of knowledge, humour and compassion.

Invocation to Patanjali

Trying to learn the Invocation to Patanjali?

OM OM OM
Yogena Chittasya padena vacham
Malam shariasya ca vaidyakena
Yopa karot tam pravaram muninam
Patanjalim pranjalir anato shmi
Abahu-purusakaram
Shankha-chakrasi-dharinham
Sahasra-shirasham svetam
Pranamami Patanjalim
Hari Om

Let us bow before the noblest of sages Patanjali,
who gave yoga for serenity and sanctity of mind,
grammar for clarity and purity 10 October, 2014h.
Let us prostrate before Patanjali, an incarnation of Adisesa,
whose upper body has a human form,
whose arms hold a conch and a disc, and
who is crowned by a thousand-headed cobra.

You can also hear chanted by Geeta Iyengar   or by BKS Iyengar  .

Invocation to Guru

As a way of honoring and remembering our teacher, Sri BKS Iyengar, we chant with gratitude and humility.

Gurur Brahmaa Guru Vishnu
Guru Devo Maheshwarah
Guru Saakshaata Parabrahma
Tasmai Shri Guruve Namah

Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu,
Guru is Maheshwara (Shiva),
Guru is Supreme Brahman Itself
Prostration unto that Guru

You can also hear it here   .

This image  shows both invocations with the correct Sanskrit diacritic marks.
This document  includes comments and transation by Geeta Iyengar.