B. K. S. Iyengar | From Illness to Yoga Legend

Early Life and Introduction to Yoga

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, commonly known as B. K. S. Iyengar, was born on December 14, 1918, in Bellur, Karnataka, India. His early life was marked by illness and hardship, which led him to seek out yoga as a means of improving his health. At the age of 15, he moved to Mysore to live with his brother-in-law, the renowned yoga teacher T. Krishnamacharya. Under Krishnamacharya’s rigorous tutelage, Iyengar began his journey into the world of yoga.

Development of Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar’s approach to yoga is characterized by its emphasis on precision, alignment, and the use of props to aid in the practice of asanas (postures). This method, known as Iyengar Yoga, is designed to make yoga accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Iyengar believed that through the practice of yoga, individuals could achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The use of props such as belts, blocks, and blankets is a hallmark of Iyengar Yoga. These tools help practitioners achieve correct alignment and make the poses more accessible, especially for beginners and those with physical limitations. Iyengar’s innovative approach has made yoga more inclusive and has helped countless individuals experience the benefits of the practice.

Influence and Legacy

B. K. S. Iyengar’s influence extends through his renowned students, who have become prominent yoga teachers and practitioners themselves. These students have played a significant role in spreading Iyengar Yoga globally.

• Geeta Iyengar: Iyengar’s daughter, Geeta, was a leading figure in the world of yoga. She authored several books, including “Yoga: A Gem for Women,” which focuses on the practice of yoga for women’s health and well-being. Geeta’s teachings have inspired countless women to take up yoga and have contributed to the global spread of Iyengar Yoga.
• Prashant Iyengar: Iyengar’s son, Prashant, is known for his deep understanding of yoga philosophy and his ability to integrate it into the practice of asanas. He has authored several books, including “Alpha and Omega of Trikonasana,” which explores the intricacies of one of the foundational poses in Iyengar Yoga.
• Judith Hanson Lasater: A long-time student of Iyengar, Lasater is a prominent yoga teacher and author. Her books, including “Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times,” have made restorative yoga accessible to a wide audience. Lasater’s teachings emphasize the importance of relaxation and self-care in the practice of yoga.
• Patricia Walden: One of the most senior Iyengar Yoga teachers in the United States, Walden has been instrumental in spreading Iyengar Yoga in North America. She has co-authored several books, including “The Women’s Book of Yoga and Health,” which provides practical guidance on using yoga to address women’s health issues.

Publications

B. K. S. Iyengar authored several influential books on yoga, which have been translated into multiple languages and continue to inspire practitioners globally. Some of his notable publications include:

• “Light on Yoga” (1966): This seminal work is often referred to as the “Bible of Yoga.” It provides detailed instructions for over 200 yoga poses, along with photographs and explanations of their benefits. The book also includes a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy and practice of yoga.
• “Light on Pranayama” (1981): In this book, Iyengar explores the practice of pranayama (breath control). He provides detailed instructions for various pranayama techniques and explains their benefits for physical and mental health.
• “Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” (1993): This book offers a translation and commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the foundational texts of yoga philosophy. Iyengar’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of yoga.
• “Light on Life” (2005): In this book, Iyengar reflects on his life and the lessons he has learned through his practice of yoga. He shares his insights on how yoga can help individuals achieve balance and harmony in their lives.

Philosophical Contributions

Iyengar’s teachings were deeply rooted in the traditional Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga. He believed that yoga was not just a physical practice but a spiritual discipline that could lead to self-realization and inner peace. His approach to yoga was holistic, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual practices.

Iyengar emphasized the importance of the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga), as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. These limbs include ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), sense withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and ultimately, union with the divine (samadhi). He taught that mastery of the physical postures was essential for progressing to the higher stages of yoga.

Impact on Women’s Yoga

B. K. S. Iyengar played a crucial role in making yoga accessible to women. At a time when yoga was predominantly practiced by men in India, he welcomed female students into his classes. His daughter, Geeta Iyengar, became one of the first women to teach Iyengar Yoga, furthering the spread of the practice among women.

Geeta’s influence extended beyond her immediate students. She inspired a generation of female yoga teachers who followed in her footsteps, furthering the spread of yoga among women. Her legacy continues to be felt in the growing number of women who practice and teach yoga today.

Global Influence

B. K. S. Iyengar’s impact on the global spread of yoga cannot be overstated. He traveled extensively, teaching yoga in various countries and adapting his teachings to suit different cultural contexts. His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds helped him build a global following.

In Latin America, Iyengar’s influence was particularly strong. He spent several years in Argentina and Mexico, where he established yoga centers and trained teachers. His efforts helped lay the foundation for the vibrant yoga communities that exist in these countries today.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, B. K. S. Iyengar continued to teach and inspire students around the world. He remained active in the yoga community well into his 90s, demonstrating the vitality and longevity that yoga can bring. He passed away on August 20, 2014, at the age of 95, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and guide yoga practitioners [5].

Iyengar’s contributions to yoga have been recognized and celebrated by the global yoga community. His pioneering efforts helped transform yoga from a niche practice into a mainstream phenomenon. Today, millions of people around the world practice yoga, benefiting from the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being that it offers.

Conclusion

B. K. S. Iyengar’s life and work serve as a testament to the transformative power of yoga. His dedication to the practice and his commitment to sharing its benefits with others have made yoga accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. As we continue to explore and expand the practice of yoga, we owe a debt of gratitude to this remarkable teacher and visionary.

His legacy lives on through his publications, his students, and the countless individuals who have been touched by his teachings. B. K. S. Iyengar’s contributions to yoga have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.