Iyengar Yoga is a very precise
form which uses various props to help students correctly align themselves
within each of the postures.
Iyengar yoga practice offers a gentle
yet demanding opportunity to learn and understand the physical practice in
a precise and well organised set of postures which can lead to greater
stamina, strength and physical, emotional and spiritual alignment.
The props used in addition to the
obligatory yoga mat, range from wooden and foam blocks through to belts
and straps. Each of these are used to assist in achieving correct
alignment. For example in a "simple" cross legged sitting posture one
might sit on 4 or even 5 foam blocks in order to gently work towards the
lotus position. As the body loosens up the blocks can be reduced in
height - provided of course the physical alignment is correct.
Props, including belts, wooden bricks
and foam blocks are used to assist settling into postures (asana) and aid
the movement between many of the yoga positions thereby helping to avoid
injury, rather than as a tool to force the body into alignment! they
are an aid rather than a means of self torture!
A brief history of BKS Iyengar
BKS Iyengar was born in 1918 - Bellur Krishnamachar
Sundararaja Iyengar.
In 1934 he was introduced to yoga by his elder sister's husband, Sri T
Krishnamacharya
In 1936 he was deputed by his guru to teach yoga in Pune, Western India.
In 1943 he married Ramamani. They went on to have five daughters and one
son.
In 1952 he met violinist Yehudi Menuhin who was
instrumental in introducing Bellur and his form of yoga to the western
world.
In 1966 he published Light On Yoga and in 1973 he
founded the Iyengar Institute and between 1975-1984 he taught most of the
classes personally.
In 1998 he taught over 800 students for week to mark his
81st birthday!
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