Iyengar Yoga - A Detailed History
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Belur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, founder of Iyengar yoga, has been practicing yoga for over 60 years and is considered to be one of the foremost yoga instructors in the world. He was born into a poor Iyengar family in the village of Belur Karnataka, South India. Iyengars are a community of Brahmins (a priestly class) who study the vedas and ancient religious texts that indicate a Supreme Being, as well as subsidiary gods, whose existence depends upon the all-powerful God. After receiving spiritual treatment, B.K.S. Iyengar survived malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever and malnutrition. He began teaching yoga in 1937 and has since traveled the globe, spreading his ideas to the Western world. He has won several awards and published fourteen books, including “Light On Yoga,” which has been dubbed “the bible of yoga.” Time Magazine called Iyengar one of the “100 most influential people” in 2004. Iyengar yoga is one part spirituality and one part physical fitness, paving the way toward a united mind and body.
Spiritually, Iyengar yoga is based upon Patanjali’s eight limbs of raja yoga. The first is Yama, meaning physically and mentally abstaining from the following five things: violence toward others and oneself, from coveting others’ belongings, from sexual intercourse, from attachment to possessions and anything that is untrue. The second limb is called Niyama, referring to the five observances: cleanliness of body and mind, satisfaction with what one has, penance and mental control, introspection and surrender to God. Asana refers to posture and position (ideally an erect stance with relaxed muscles) and Pranayama is the directed control of one’s breath, which is so vital to successful yoga practice. Pratayahara calls for the quieting of senses connected with the outer world. Only then will Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (oneness with the Supreme Being) naturally follow.
A typical Iyengar yoga lesson will cover up to 200 posture positions and 14 breathing techniques. Certified instructors pace around the room, assisting students with these techniques and sharing various props, including: buckles, straps, benches, chairs, blocks and even sandbags. This form of yoga is often used for physical healing, as the movements are minimal and the props take much of the strain off the body. Beginners also like this style because they receive individualized assistance and with the mastery of these positions, it will help them in other yoga classes.
The benefits of Iyengar yoga include: increased circulation and comfort, better posture, stronger muscles, better balance and coordination — in addition to feeling more at peace, with less stress and anxiety. Americans practice this style of yoga in the tens of thousands, instructed by certified teachers from IYNUS. For more information on how to get started, visit IYNUS.org.
Practicing Yoga and Pilates is nothing new. Its been around for centuries but has enjoyed a revival of interest in the past few decades. It is not just naturalists, Buddhists or Hindus practicing, it is now a mainstream form of exercise and relaxation. If you do not have a regular workout program or even if you want a change of pace, Yoga may be what you need. You can look good and feel good quickly. Are you ready to begin learning this ancient art? Click here to read more: Yoga Apparel and at Kriya Yoga also at Yoga Music
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