What is Iyengar Yoga?

BKS Iyengar has practiced and taught yoga for over 70 years. Through his self-study and unwavering belief in Patanjali's systematic approach to self-realization through the path of yoga, Iyengar developed his own system of teaching yoga, one that is rooted in the Ashtanga or eight-limbed philosophy of yoga.

The Iyengar method emphasizes precise bodily alignment and holding poses longer than in other styles of yoga.  Iyengar yoga is a safe and systematic progression of yoga postures that help to develop each students' ability and skill, both within each class and from class to class. The careful sequencing of the poses in each class develops strength, flexibility, stamina, concentration and body alignment.

Yoga is also a philosophy of life that teaches how to calm the mind and channel energy throughout the body. The therapeutic benefits of yoga are available to everyone, regardless of physical conditions, age, and personal beliefs.   

From my personal experience studying in Pune, India, at the Ramamani Iyengar Institute of Yoga, Iyengar yoga teaches us to penetrate with our breath, our awareness, and our consciousness into every frontier of the body. Iyengar teaches us to be present in our bodies so that our minds do not wander; so we can experience a presence of being that transcends the constant chatter of the mind. 

BKS Iyengar has devoted a lifetime of practice, intelligence, genius and love towards his teaching of yoga. Seeing Guruji, as his students call him, in person, is amazing and inspiring. At 93, he is constantly observing, re-evaluating and teaching the same postures in new ways. Iyengar continues to teach his method to hundreds of teachers who come from all over the world to learn from him.

To read more, visit the official website at www.bksiyengar.com

Levels of Yoga

In Iyengar Yoga, levels of classes are based on a well thought out progression of the student’s increasing capabilities and understanding of the yoga postures.

Intro Courses are an excellent way to begin learning Iygenar Yoga. In an Intro class, you will learn the basic foundation postures in a safe, gradual progression and have many opportunities to ask questions.

Level 1: Level 1 classes are for beginners or those new to yoga. In Level 1 classes, you will learn the basic foundation poses which are practiced in every class. Each class is designed to be a well-rounded practice that will stretch and strengthen the entire body. 

Level 2/3: In Level 2/3, the postures are held longer, and more emphasis is placed on the refinement of the postures. The other eight limbs of yoga are explored through the teaching of the postures. 

The Introduction to Iyengar Yoga Class

Next Intro To Be Announced in Summer 2013

This course introduces the basic poses, principles of movements and posture, yoga philosophy and simple relaxation points.

Each class builds on the one before, which is in line with the philosophy of Iyengar Yoga—teaching a sequential progression of posses. 

All props, including yoga mats, are provided by Yoga Within Studio. It is advised to wear shorts or tight-like pants and come with an empty stomach. We practice yoga with bare feet.

The next Intro to Yoga class will begin on Sunday, January 6, 2013. To register, download the PDF file, print out, and mail to Karyn with your payment.

 

Karyn Bristol is a certified Iyengar teacher serving Santa Cruz County.