IYASE Blog

Welcome to the IYASE Blog!

8/7/2011 9:00:00 PM

IYASE has joined the age of social media!

So, we know that yoga is about union (among other things). And -- thanks to technology we can transcend time and space to "cyber-connect"!

We've created this blog so that everyone can share ideas, inspirations, information and concerns about the practice of yoga and the community of Iyengar teachers and practitioners.

I encourage all of you to consider the blog as your place to:
(1) pose questions ("Is anyone going to Pune in May 2013?")
(2) talk about what is on your mind ("I'm having a hard time developing a regular practice")
(3) get involved with IYASE projects and events ("We need more volunteers to help with props")
(4) ...and...well, what else -- ???

Let us hear from you!

Namaste,

Sue M.

Thanks for your patience

8/12/2011 11:27:14 AM

Hi everyone,

Apologies for the incorrect instructions getting in. Your patience is appreciated.

Let us know how you like the new website. Your suggestions are most welcome!

Namaste,

Sue M.

Once Upon A Time In Pune & Other Stories By Manouso Manos in Atlanta

4/22/2014 6:21:13 AM

Goldie Locks & The Three Bears

The Power Seekers

Springtime In Atlanta

Hip Stories

Palm Sunday

Thoughts During a Three-Hour Headstand

Third Floor Observations

The Difference Between Medicine and Poison

The Big Hinge

The 29-Minute Setubandha

Who Touched My Robe?

How A Mother Taught Her Son To Blow His Nose

Stairway To The Top of The Empire State Building

The Paris Headstand

The 20-Minute Hippy

The Mirror Meditation

Manouso shared his wit and his wisdom with us during another Atlanta workshop hosted by Stillwater Yoga. He weaved stories into almost every lesson, which made what he taught memorable and engaging. Just for fun those of you who were able to make the Atlanta workshop take a minute to go through my short sample of titles above and see if they trigger your smriti (memory) of the story behind them and relate it to what was being taught.

It is mind-boggling to me how much information Manouso is able to convey in just three short days. I feel a lot of it has to do with this uncanny ability to seamlessly link and connect us to the material through these entertaining stories. Did I retain all of them? Absolutely not. However, I do believe, my body got more than I think it did.

Manouso alluded to the possibility of the body and the "mind stuff" collaborating more than we have been led to believe. Directives don't always just come from the brain telling the body to do something - the body works on the brain as well. I'm the type of learner who learns by doing (whether that means what I'd call "marking out" the directions with my body or hitting keys on a keyboard with my fingers to figure out what I thought I heard.) Therefore, the body having an affect on the mind stuff makes sense to me.

I can't figure it out in my brain all the time. Like Manouso, if ADD (or for me ADHD) was a big thing when I was a kid, I would have been diagnosed with it for sure. Luckily, my mom put me in ballet class at the age of 4 or 5 and I stayed with it pretty much daily until I was 23. When I left it my life went way off balance for a couple of years until I found yoga. The physical aspect helps me unclutter my brain. When I think back on the workshop, or get into the asanas we worked on with Manouso, I hear his voice correcting our attempts, I see his demonstrations, I hear his stories and I'm able to get myself into a place of learning again.

I may not relate all the stories correctly. So, I welcome corrections. However, for kicks let's give this a try: Goldie Locks & The Three Bears as I remember was about getting to a place where we feel "just right". This was after our beginning svastikasana (this one [of three other versions] was about stretching our inner heels away from each other and lining feet under knees, keeping front shin parallel to front wall) and our chanting, where he said something like, 'whatever this chant means to you let it help you find your inner being'.

He connected Goldie Locks & The Three Bears to the 'Seeking Power' story. Manouso related the first story to our asana practice and transitioned, if memory serves to the second story with the idea that we may say we come to yoga for other reasons, but we are really 'Seeking Power'. If you think about it he's exactly right. We want power over our mind, our body, our emotions, or over our bosses, enemies, our competitors, the list could go on and on. Historically, it was this mystical power of yogis that was perceived as a threat by others.

Yoga: The Art of Transformation is an art exhibit of yoga-themed artwork in various mediums. This was the overarching plot throughout Manouso's workshop and one I was glad he integrated into our lessons. Those of you who have not heard the fascinating segment: "Journey of Self with Yoga Master Iyengar: A Talk By Manouso that took place during the opening in San Francisco of the art exhibit that is touring the country and has spawned a beautiful book, please click here and here.

'Springtime in Atlanta': A story about the warnings Manouso received about coming to Atlanta in April with the pollen count so high. He taught us how as aspiring yogis, we can learn to overcome the pollen through a series, which he took us through. It was a series that took patience and the ability (which he encouraged throughout the workshop) to forget everything we think we should be doing in an asana and listen as if it was the first time you were doing the pose. I didn't feel I had problem with the pollen, until after the series. The pressure I had felt normal until the series helped clear it and I got hints of a nicer normal.

'Hip Stories': Began with a story about how tales about his hip issues have gone through the Iyengar Network like the game "Telephone" where the story begins with he has a congenital hip defect that BKS has helped keep him from surgery and ends with something crazy like he has an elephant-sized spur shaped like an orangutang. This began our three-day hip work lesson that was brilliantly designed layer by layer to wake up our hips like they've never been woken up before.

'Palm Sunday': was told on the Saturday before the religious holiday, Palm Sunday and began our lesson on the inner shoulder. Not to be confused with an earlier lesson on lifting the inner shoulder blade. Palm Sunday was what ad people would call a witty mnemonic device more than a story to help us remember to slightly bend our thumbs to better push our palms flat in Prasarita Padottanasana, which enables us work the triceps inward and back, widen our elbows, and engage our armpit chest to create a specific action in the inner most shoulder area. (Remember, feel free to correct me here)

'Thoughts During A 3-Hour Headstand': The inner shoulder lesson progressed into Salamba Sirsasana with the story about a man who was determined to find out what went through yogis' minds during 3-hours handstands. If you've done a five minute headstand and tried to double that time what goes through your mind? Now do the math and…well, the only thing you can think about is how to stay in headstand.

'Third-Floor Observations': On Iyengars 95th birthday Geeta Iyengar, his daughter, held a workshop to teach Indian yoga teachers how to instruct on pranayama. Manouso tried to get into the workshop, but was relegated to the third floor where he observed the workshop from a perspective that turned out to be better than he would have gotten in a crowded room on the first level. This story was the segue into a progressive lesson in supta pranayama. It also taught us to be happy with what presents itself it may turn out to serve you better than you think.

'The Difference Between Medicine & Poison': This was a story about how much is too much. The difference between something being a medicine or a poison is "amount". Learning to be discriminating about what is being taught and how much to apply the action to your body comes with practice (abhyasa) and self-study (svadyaya). The story came into play somewhere around our 20 something super-wide Utthita Trikonasanas to help understand our hips and knees.

'The Big Hinge': Is a story about hearing BKS Iyengar refer to the ankle as a "hinge" for years until around the time of Iyengar's 80th birthday celebration; and not just 20 Utthita Trikonasanas that we did, but more like an entire day of Utthita Trikonasana & Utthita Parsvakonasana, the idea of "filling the voids" in the arc of the ankle and the ankle being a hinge began to sink in deeper. The story was coupled with a lot of walking to a studio door hinge and making sure we understood what a hinge was; along with many Utthita Trikonasana, Utthita Parsvakonasana, Utkatasana, and Malasana variations.

'The 29-minute Setubandha': Taught us to be wary of trying to practice with BKS Iyengar. Manouso gives us a laugh as he describes a time when he decided he was going to practice exactly what BKS Iyengar was practicing. He placed his mat perpendicular to the wall and set up for a Setubandha from Sarvangasana where the tips of his toes (like Iyengar's) would be touching the wall. After a successful Setubandha, Manouso waited and waited and waited….wondering when Iyengar was going to come out of it. You guessed it: 29 minutes later. This helped to curb the discomfort of getting into various versions of Setubandha Sarvangasana that Manouso demonstrated for us afterwards. Yes, I still feel it.

'Who Touched My Robe': Involved a religious reference to Jesus's robe (Can you make Jesus possessive? Seems like he wouldn't approve.) and the woman who touched his robe in blind faith that Jesus could heal her and he did. Manouso's story referred to the ever growing sensitivity and subtlety of parts of our body. Manouso furthered this by comparing how we touch fabric with our hands - because our fingertips are the most sensitive part. "What if through yoga we could make other parts of our body as sensitive as our fingertips?" He asked us. It is this involution, this intense focus that gets us closer to having that happen. So imagine, he continues what BKS Iyengar can access.

The final half of the workshop was a Q&A portion and an eye-opening lesson on everything from Autism to Lymes Disease. The 'Mother who taught her son to blow his nose' was a segue to answer a Kapalabhati and Bhastrika Pranayama question. The 'Stairway to the top of the Empire State Building' and the 'Paris Headstand' referred to stories about how frighteningly brilliant Iyengar is -- at one time figuring out how he could (though he didn't) navigate the stairs to the Empire State Building by utilizing a single body part per 5 flights of stairs thus dissipating the load on the body, while at another directing Manouso in Pune to put a therapeutic student into a headstand that he put Manouso in 17 years before in Paris. Manouso confirms that Iyengar remembers this AND what he had for breakfast today- at 95.

After questions on a hip issue from someone who was unable to make the whole workshop and someone who has no certified teachers in her area, came encouragement for svadyaya (self study) and abhyasa (practice) on our own. He added his '20-Minute Hippy' story about how he gets up and for 20 minutes works on his hips then proceeds to other yoga. It's worth it to him. It's only 20 minutes out of his morning. Besides, he says, "what else do I have to do?" Meaning it's not so much time out of your day, out of your life to take care of yourself and study your body - your yoga. He adds that it can transform you and your practice considerably.

He ended the workshop much like he began with a call to action to find our inner being. He explained how historically staring into a candle flame or into a mirror was part of the yoga practice. A 'Mirror Meditation' done for a designated time over a long period of time removes the chatter and the masks and gets you closer to your true essence of who you really are - it's what the eight-limbs of Astanga Yoga are all about. It's 'Yoga: The Art of Transformation'. He explains that the first three Sutras of Pananjali say it all. It's very simple really but it takes a lifetime of dedication and practice --and like Manouso says, "What else do we have to do?"

I would like to express my deep gratitude for Kathleen Pringle and Stillwater Yoga for hosting; and a sincere thank you, Manouso, for sharing your story and encouraging us to use yoga's transformational power to help us discover the true essence of our own.

Rhonda Geraci

SPRING TRAINING AT STILLWATER YOGA - FINDING FAITH AND COURAGE

6/17/2015 10:05:05 AM

When you've studied and trained in Iyengar Yoga as long as is required for your Level 1 Assessment, which is a minimum of three to four years (or as long as it takes for you to be truly ready) and even longer for Intermediate, Junior Level or above Assessments, hearing the rumor that Iyengar Yoga may not offer Assessments after this year until 2017 took many of us aback. The chitta vrittis (read chatter) in my head whispered, "but what if I don't pass this year?" Fortunately, we all recovered from any lapse of focus and put our eyes back on what mattered: our Spring Training at Stillwater Yoga.

Stillwater Yoga owner, Kathleen Pringle is dedicated to training and assessing teachers. As one of only a few Senior Iyengar Instructors in the Southeast, she conducts Teacher Training in Atlanta as well as other states. Her curiosity and fascination with the mobility and stability aspects of poses with various body types and issues is infectious. She takes us on a journey of learning that I wish all academic teachers could witness. Charlotte-based instructor, Erin Bailey explained, "I feel like Kathleen is a great fit for me as a teacher. I appreciate how gentle she is. Since I am a very sensitive person, I am glad that she puts compassion towards her students as a very high priority. She comes across as patient and a very careful communicator in all aspects of her teaching. And her beautiful smile alone is enough to put anyone at ease."

In Atlanta, students come from far and wide to study with her. Teacher in training, Kim Blitch drove from Kentucky despite the fact Kathleen will be in her town in a few weeks to teach another training. Kim said, "Kathleen is an inspiration. Her dedication and love for Iyengar Yoga is obvious as a teacher and as a student. She is generous with her time and knowledge for which all of her students benefit."

Learning from those in the Iyengar system who have more knowledge is what distinguishes an Iyengar Instructor. Iyengar teachers never stop learning. For example, mentor, Kquvien DeWeese is away for a few weeks training at two different workshops with Senior Advanced instructors, Patricia Walden and Manouso Manos. One of the ways Kathleen continues learning is by going Pune, India every winter to study with Geeta Iyengar.

Kathleen's ever-growing mastery of training teachers showed itself immediately. She set a seamless pace for the weekend by having us pick poses to teach in Nancy Mau's Saturday morning Level 2 Purva Pratana Sthiti or backbending sequence and then grouping us to fulfill a task. By focusing on our task together (eg. listing the linking actions between three poses in our sequence) each person in the group became a visible and viable part of our training. "We bonded right off the bat," said Phyllis Rollins of The Yoga Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Phyllis demos a bad pose so Kathleen can

teach us the correct hands-on adjustment.

We learn from Kathleen and we also learn a great deal from each other. In fact, Kathleen even learns from us. For example, she may witness common tendencies that teachers in training might have teaching specific poses. She shares those tendencies with us so we learn to avoid them. Aspiring Intermediate Junior Level Instructor, Phyllis Rollins explained, "I enjoyed working with the individuals to practice teach and get feedback on some of my problem poses."

Practice teaching is an important part of teacher training. Kathleen creates a safe space for us to brave the act of teaching some of the poses in our level syllabus. To keep us on our toes, she has the 'students' purposefully do common wrong actions to help us train our eyes to see them. "Kathleen makes the process supportive and helped me focus on the areas of my teaching that need improvement. It was a very positive experience for me," Phyllis concludes.

The secret to a great Iyengar class or training session is having some of what Patricia Walden calls your 'Yoga Vitamins'. Nancy Mau explained in her seemingly flawless Level 2 class on Saturday that those 'yoga vitamins' are from Sutra 1:20 sraddha virya smrti samadhiprajña purvaka? itare?am. sraddha(faith) virya(trust) smrti (memory) samadhi (concentration) and prajña (wisdom) purvaka?. BKS Iyengar translates this in Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali as,"Practice must be pursued with trust, confidence, vigour, keen memory and power of absorption to break this spiritual complacency."

In training, we have to put ourselves out there so we learn the most we can in the time alotted. That takes faith and courage. Luckily, Kathleen sets a tone of compassion that emanates to all of us. Erin adds, "It warms my heart to feel the support of everyone in our group. The feeling is certainly one of 'we are in this together' rather than that of competition."

No matter how raw or new to the system you may be you will get through it. Our Spring Training happened to be Atlantan, Corinne Lee's first Iyengar Teacher Training. Her openness to learning and willingness to put herself out there in an egoless way served as a reminder to us all to keep a beginner's mind. Corinne shared this about her experience, "Being new to the Iyengar lineage of yoga, I was thoroughly impressed and challenged by the rigorous and seemingly dogmatic practice and overall mindset. But I realized after my first teacher training, that the rules are there to keep your practice safe and steady as you progress into more advanced asanas. The Iyengar queing and sequencing has definitely strengthened and deepened my practice to a whole new awareness and communication with the mind-body connection."

Like Phyllis, I chose poses that I knew I needed work learning to teach. I'd done my homework, studied the material, and knew the primary actions; however, knowing it and teaching it through the Iyengar Method are two very different things. Kathleen explains, "In Iyengar Yoga, you teach one-on-one even if you are teaching a large class." Everyone gets seen. Therefore, we train not only to learn the actions of the pose, but also how to observe each student and know how to help support them where they are, further them along, or correct any wrong action that might come up for them.

After the Saturday Level 2 class where we each taught a pose, Erin Bailey of Charlotte admitted "Nancy Mau is a tough act to follow." Nancy's expert demonstrations, her economy of words in instruction, her clear and succinct corrections, not to mention her seamless linking of poses and yoga philosophy gave us a prime example of what we should all be aspiring to.

Becoming an Iyengar Instructor challenges every part of you in a very fulfilling way. You have to keep taking your 'yoga vitamins'. Your faith, trust, memory, and concentration are tested constantly. You transform and discriminating wisdom follows. Patañjali encourages us not to give up and not to loose focus with the Sutra (of which he has about 196 of them) that comes just after Sutra 1.20.

In Sutra 1.21 tivrasa?veganam asanna?, which BKS Iyengar translates as, "The goal is near for those who are supremely vigorous and intense in practice." The goal is Samadhi and here I will use the definition of that to be self-realization in every fiber, cell, and synapse. Self-realization so you can share what you have learned with an honest and pure heart. You can deliver your simple demonstrations and clear instruction with enthusiasm and ease.

I believe Corinne Lee saw the results of that vigorous and intense practice in Kathleen's Spring Training, "Once you've sat through an Iyengar teacher training with Kathleen, you can understand why she is so highly respected and well-known in the Iyengar community. Her succinct teaching approach paired with her genuine tenacity for the practice and her dedication to her students is inspiring."

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this article. To Nancy Mau for showing us how it's done and once again allowing us to teach in her class. To my training peers who I've enjoyed learning from and getting to know better. And of course to Kathleen who is committed to passing this great lineage along with the utmost dedication, integrity, and respect.

If you'd like to learn more about the Iyengar Method visit iynaus.org and our Southeastern Iyengar Association at iyase.org. To learn more about Kathleen Pringle and her other great instructors please visit stillyoga.com #stillteaching #stillinspiring #stillwateryoga #stillit.

Namaste.

IMPRESSIONS OF INDIA: DAY 1

6/26/2015 6:55:56 AM

The preparation for our trip to India entailed much more than I anticipated. The expense of visas, shots, and medications that cost more than several months worth of yoga classes each caused me to truly question my logic. The sheer anxiety that accompanied going to a country that was so unfamiliar to me also created health issues that put me in the doctor's office just hours before our departure.

I consider myself to be a traveler and an explorer who is always up for a new adventure; however, the preparation for India, like that of my first level assessment for Iyengar Yoga was daunting. It took so much out of me -but I suppose that's what these evolutionary journeys are supposed to do. You either breakdown or have a breakthrough.

It was midnight in Mumbai when we arrived --after three planes, seventeens hours in flight and six hours worth of layovers. When we walked outside the airport doors, the air changed as what felt like millions of people stood side-by-side expressing carbon dioxide into the 96º heat and holding signs of welcome to friends, family or guests to their fair city.

The taxi picked us up and took us to our hotel gate where a policeman inspected under the hood for what I'm not sure. Our bags were also sent through another security check before we were allowed to enter. Once we got to our room sleep took us fast.

Morning in Mumbai was short, but I enjoyed a moment from my window with a sunrise, birds and pink flowers. Four hours of sleep and we were off again. Now boarding a plane for Goa. The taxi picked us up out of the crowd of cars, rickshaws, and motorbikes, and took us on an hour-long ride to the hotel. It was a trip that hinted at what a visceral experience India is going to be.

Traveling at high speed with horns ever-blaring as every turn became a near-death head-on collision with oncoming traffic of every kind. Horned cows, feral dogs, motorbikes with women riding side saddle as traffic galloped at a dangerously fast pace through a typical day in this neck of the woods.

Interestingly, women stand out here against the harsh landscape with their bright and colorful peacock-plumed saris. Whether waiting at a bus stop, walking dirt roads carrying goods upon their head, or performing the death-defying act of being passenger on a motorbike, they present a sense of regal sweetness I admire.

Everyone seems fearless in what many would deem imminent danger: carrying a glass pane while riding on the back of a motorcycle or crossing a highway on foot with incredibly reckless driving coming from every direction. They are courageous people.

Poverty does not hide here. It dances proudly side-by-side with its wealthier counterpart. Anger, frustration, and anxiety, as well as ecstatic joy and excitement seem to be non-existent as well, or they have simply merged into an incredible sense of contentment. It is as if in its harsh display of the dualities of life, India makes them all disappear into something disarmingly beautiful.

Namaste.

Kquvien's Yoga Karavan goes to Dehlonega Spa Resort

6/30/2015 4:10:39 PM

Kquvien Photo by Holly Sasnett

Kquvien lives her yoga heart and soul. When she shares her practice with you, you get caught up in the yoke of her wheel and it takes you places you never thought you'd go.

Origami Swan by Kquvien
Photo by Holly Sasnett

It is no wonder why Kquvien has a Karavan of folks that include all types: from doctors, lawyers, and nuclear engineers to writers, musicians, and photographers all dedicated to following her path as she discovers the vast world of yoga. Her summer retreat put like minds together doing what we love in a place that took us away from it all:

Dehlonega Spa Resort by Lee Barrineau

Friday evening the resort welcome came from a gentle woman whose name escapes me, but her kind heart left quite an impression. She delivered the resort offerings and regulations with earthy compassion and ended it by adding assurance to the group to feel free to walk around safely at any hour. Following the welcome, Kquvien quickly engaged us in the back leg of our standing poses. Standing poses in Iyengar Yoga are designed to open, strengthen and purify our nervous system to bring sharper awareness to our karmindryia's, our organs of actions: the arms and legs. Each pose is a confine, Kquvien explains, from which we can discover more about ourselves like if we take our inner eye off of what is behind us, we lose the foundation for what we are building.

Kquvien Demo Photo by Holly Sasnett

During the class, we merged with the peace of the mountain and slowly let go of our attachments to the city. All levels of students attended and were taken care of accordingly. Kquvien approaches yoga teaching in the same way that she approaches her own practice. She teaches with a plan of no plan to allow and honor those who are present and not force an agenda. Though taking charge, she enables the group energy to mold the class so something bigger can happen. What happened is the classes and the entire retreat took the shape of exactly what we needed.

Chiara and Laura Photo by Rhonda

As the days passed too quickly, we found ourselves becoming closer. Being mat-to-mat practicing Iyengar Yoga at Stillwater Yoga on a weekly basis and some of us a daily basis for many years, our mistakes, anxieties, fears, anger, exhaustion, and frustration are all exposed. For that reason, friendships born from the mat feel deeper -- more compassionate, more patient, and more joyful.

Reflections Photo by Lee Barrineau

The retreat gave us an opportunity to witness our energetic link in nature. Each evening passed with more heartfelt conversation or a unified silence in awe as the crickets, frogs, and ducks performed their serenade and the fireflies danced over the water.

Morning View by Rhonda

Our mornings began in silence on the porch watching the mountain mist move up to the sky and lift us from our slumber. Pranayama was set to begin at 7 am. The first morning, we arrived in the studio early and waited for the hour with our chest lifted in a restorative pose of our choosing. Kquvien had us build a high throne that easily placed us in correct alignment to sit, along with a supine setup at the ready. The practice focused on awareness of alignment, an exploration of the rechaka or exhalation, and a glimpse of pratyhara through the sanmukhi mudra (san or six openings, where the eyes, ears, and nose are covered to bring the attention inward).The second morning, we practiced outdoors overlooking our beautiful mountain view. On the fortunate request of a student/CDC doctor, we explored some mudras (gestures) and bandhas, (binds) which are physical locks that hold or direct the pranic (lifegiving) energy.

Sutra Study Photo by Lee Barrineau

Our Sutra study in the afternoon was taught in an organic way as well. We reviewed Patanjali's Sutras 1:12-1:14, beginning with abhyasa-vairagyabhyam tannirodhah, which states that the way to stilling the fluctuations of the mind is through practice and detachment and ending with Sutra 1:14 sa tu dirghakala nairantarya satkarasevito srdha bhumih, steadfast, uninterrupted practice over a long period of time. The question came up: How can we have uninterrupted practice? The answer came through the door later that afternoon as if Patañjali himself sent it to us special delivery in the form of a puppy dog open for love. After as many hugs and ear scratches as she could get, the rest of us went into Salamba Sir?asana. We stood on our heads. The puppy stayed. She wasn't an interruption. She became a part of our practice.

Kquvien has been reading Mircea Eliade's book Yoga: Immortality and Freedom and said he described the purpose of Tapas (disciplined practice) as making us more fit to endure the dualities (read detach, acclimate, accommodate rigidly or subtly depending on the moment)--endure the qualities or states of being or gunas: rajas (firey), tamas (inert), sattva (harmonious).

Front Porch Friends by Rhonda

Later a student mentioned, that BKS Iyengar spoke in Light on Life about doing our asanas from the heart, and not the head. Mircea Eliade adds in his book Yoga: Immortality and Freedom about being led by our thoughts by not thinking. Allowing the movement of chatter in our head to run our lives prevents us from acting from our heart. As we discussed more, the lesson presented itself as if from the ethers and because of its universal applications it was received and readily absorbed. Our higher mind is in the heart center, the seat of the divine, not the chitta vrittis acts of our brain.

Our entire Sutra lesson rolled up like well-used yoga mat with Sutra 3.35 hrdyye cittasamvit, which Iyengar translates: "By sa?ayama (concentration, meditation, absorption) on the region of the heart, the yogi acquires a thorough knowledge of the contents and tendencies of consciousness."

The weekend gave us a delicious taste of that. Our connection to Kquvien, to the practice of Iyengar Yoga, to each other, and to the singularity of energy that animates us all seemed to foster a kind of concentration, meditation, and absorption that created a natural parinama, a transformation born of our unified desire to be open to receive it.
Thank you, Kquvien

Group Photo by Holly

Group Photo by Henry

Namaste.

Special thanks goes to Kathy Koenigsberg for organizing it all and bringing her sparkle to the group.

Stretching Our Idea Of What We Can Do: Nancy Mau's Annual Yoga Hip Opening Workshop

7/23/2015 4:40:50 PM

Nancy Mau’s annual Hip Opening Workshop at Stillwater Yoga in Atlanta stretches your idea of what you think you’re capable of. Stillwater owner, Kathleen Pringle said, “I was so glad to be here for Nancy’s Hip Opening Seminar. The sequencing was so great and the instructions so clear that I was inspired to share many things from her class in my classes the following week.”

The workshop is the “go to” workshop to many students and non-students, especially those who feel they have ‘tight hips’. Most of us lose flexibility in our hips due primarily to under use. What is most prevalent way we under use the muscles in our hip area is by over doing one common behavior: sitting.

However, even active runners get ‘tight hips’. The repetitive act of running under utilizes and thus shortens muscles around the hips. When this area gets tight, we tend to develop back issues as well because of the way it forces the pelvis to tilt.

In Nancy’s Hip Opening Sequence, she progressively utilized the tight areas around the hips in such a methodical way, many students were surprised at how much more flexible they were by the time they got to Padmasana or lotus pose. Nancy explains, “The sequence is designed to wake up the muscles in the legs, hips and pelvis while also creating stability, which leads to better alignment for the spine. For example, standing, balancing, and seated poses, along with twisting poses work to create space and flexibility in the hamstrings, quadriceps, and sartorius muscles, as well as the gluteus medias and piriformis muscles. The same sequence of poses can also reduce injuries to knees and lower back for the same reason.”

Iyengar Yoga is pretty awesome that way. What distinguishes Iyengar

Yoga is not only its precision in alignment, but also its timing of sequencing asana in order to systematically strengthen the body to open and move more consciously. In this way, students reduce injuries and safely increase their range of motion in their poses.

Corinne Lee who is new to the Iyengar system learned a lot about being more conscious in her poses. She explains, “In the workshop Nancy said, ‘Be interested in the pose, yet not wanting.’ Her words have resonated in me on and off the mat after her workshop. She talked about when we have practiced a pose a thousand times we may fall into bhrantidarshana or illusion, of a pose. Taking a pose for what it is not. An example of this illusion would be in vrksasana, tree pose, where we sacrifice the integrity of the pose (making sure the pelvic bones are facing forward) by "wanting" to have the balancing knee turn all the way out. She stressed to be "interested" in reaching that final pose but not "wanting" so much that we sacrifice our integrity, our alignment, our awareness for it. Thanks for that little life
nugget, Nancy!”

Sophia Terranova a more seasoned practitioner agrees and adds, “Nancy’s hip opening workshop was a wonderfully informative sequence of poses with her instruction helping each pose become attainable at some level for all different ages and stages of yoga study. Her clear and logical instructions and explanations of where to focus your attention and what areas to engage while moving into poses was enormously helpful releasing tense areas of my hips that are tight and periodically ache. Great class and very encouraging! Love it! I’ll be back next time! Thank you.”

In Astadala Yogamala Vol. 3, B.K.S. Iyengar advised, “Teaching yoga is a very difficult subject, but is one of the best services you can do for human beings. Work, not as a teacher, but as a learner of the art of teaching.” When you take any of Nancy’s classes you know, she has done just that, and she continues to refine the art of her instruction. Her clarity and impeccable sequencing, gently opens our mind and body to the possibility that we can do things, we never thought we could do.

Thank you Nancy Mau.

Namaste.

To learn more about Nancy Mau and Stillwater Yoga please visit, Stillyoga.com.

Homage To A Guru: Manuso Manos July 31st Atlanta Weekend Intensive

8/5/2015 10:28:46 AM

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The Manouso Manos Weekend Intensive in Atlanta, hosted by Stillwater Yoga began on a very special day. July 31^st is not only a rare blue moon; it is the day that Guru Purnima is celebrated. Purinma is Sanskrit meaning full moon. The word Guru is made up of two Sanskrit root words Gu (darkness or ignorance) and Ru (remover of). Manouso said having a workshop on July 31^st was one of the worst and one of the best days to have one. I have to agree. July 31, 2006, is the date my mom passed. I could argue she was my first Guru. Though she was not a spiritual teacher in the strict sense, she was enlightened in her own way. She taught us from a deep spiritual place of knowing and we embody her lessons today.

BKS Iyengar

Manouso’s Guru is of course BKS Iyengar and though he too is no longer with us physically, he is working his magic light through others with more vibrancy than ever.

Stillwater Yoga studio owner, Kathleen Pringle explains, "Manouso¹s years of dedicated study with Guruji, and the depth of his personal practice shines brightly through his teaching, helping to illuminate our path. Our community is grateful that he comes to Atlanta. And I¹m personally grateful for his guidance and support all
these many years."

Kathleen Pringle with Manouso Manos

Manouso shares BKS Iyengar's magic light through stories and sensations that attach themselves deep within our body’s intelligence. He engages us with an anecdote and teaches us by fixing our minds on a particular action, so our mind doesn’t wonder. It is focused. Perhaps, at first, it is just our imagination on the action, “I am extending the inner line of my big toe forward.” However, that unwavering focus, becomes our Dharna point or concentration, which becomes our Dhyana, our meditation, and then something amazing happens – our imagination turns into intelligence as it seeps into the layers of our skin, to our muscles, and bones, and our intelligence. The physical parts yoke themselves together with the mental parts in ‘beautiful synchronicity’ and nothing else exits. Or perhaps it is more fitting to say that everything yokes to the one action in singularity. The yoking of our intelligence to the action gets stronger and stronger. It brings to mind the Sutra 3.25: baleshu hasti baladini, by practicing samyama (Dharna, Dhyana, Samadhi) you can become as strong as an elephant. In time, we learn to yoke our intelligence to that particular action at will – and then we discover deeper and deeper yoking taking place. Who knows, at some point perhaps we could say, “I reached Samadhi by extending the inner line of my big toe forward.” Stranger things have happened in Iyengar Yoga.

Manouso shared a particularly strange story about one of BKS Iyengar’s special Vibhutis or powers, namely being able to shift the hairs on his body at will. Yes, you heard that right. I wish that could have been captured on film with all of the stop motion technology we have today. The story goes something like this, that BKS Iyengar could make the hair on his legs move towards his hips as he drew the skin of his outer thigh towards the hip in Utthita Parsvakonasana. When Manouso saw this, looking on with mouth agape, BKS Iyengar proceeded to show him another ‘parlor trick’. BKS turned around and made the hair at the nap of his neck stand straight out, a powerful demonstration of his intelligence yoking to pores of the skin and hair. Needless to say, most of us are a long way away from being able to do anything like that, but it goes to show what a steadfast, uninterrupted practice over a long period of time: 1:14 sa tu dirghakala nairantarya satkarasevito srdha bhumih can do.

Manouso Manos in Utthita Trikonasana

Manouso systematically worked our upper and middle backs on Friday evening. On Saturday, he woke up our hips, sacral area, and coccyx. On these boney masses of ignorance, he attempted to fix our intelligence in such a way as to help us discover parts of ourselves we have yet to know intimately. Repeating some actions from previous workshops with more depth and detail to an abiding audience of “more seasoned practitioners”. In Bharadvajasana I and II, we shifted the lift under each buttock, turning to one side and experienced new feedback on the inequities of effort in the right and left sit bones. The poses became a curious wonderland of sensation that deepened with the exploration of the neck’s role in the revolutionary actions.

The Upavistha Konasana, Marichyasana, Janu Sirsasana, and Virasana hip sequence prepared us for Sunday’s hip work, which expanded on our new awareness of the benefits of opposing actions on each hip through poses like Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana at the wall – something introduced in previous workshops, and yet, totally different-- it felt like reading a book once as a kid then reading it again as an adult. His Supta Parsva Padangusthasana with strap singed our awareness even deeper. Personally, I felt a branding iron in my hip joints as I realized how much work I still need to do to get stronger there to avoid hip surgery in years to come. His upper body lessons over the weekend were similar in intensity and resulted in the same branding-iron awareness. However, none of this happens unless we learn to listen and fix our intelligence to the integrity of the directions Manouso provides.

During Geeta’s Birthday Intensive in India, it became very apparent that part of our practice involves the evolution of our hearing capabilities. One student was asked to leave the stadium to put her notes away. Manouso did so as well in his Atlanta workshop. However, I want to stress that having our pen and paper taken away, so we can’t take notes is not a punishment. It is a gift. It is part of our yoga practice. Evolving our hearing faculties in order to remember and yoke mind to body is part of the lesson. Our teachers provide lessons; however, these cannot be taken lightly. These are mere introductions for further exploration.

This is one of the many distinctions between Iyengar Yoga and other yoga. Iyengar Yoga demands the student continues to explore even after the class or teacher training is over. The answers aren’t given to you. You have to seek the answers. Your body and your mind have to embody the lessons, which is why Iyengar Yoga demands a certain level of evolution from its students. It may also be why Iyengar students tend to skew a little older and have higher educations than other yoga students.

Either Iyengar students are smart enough to know they must open themselves up to a new view of themselves, or they actually have enough self-awareness to know they know very little about themselves and Iyengar Yoga is the way to learn more. Regardless, Iyengar students have the discrimination to know there is no other yoga practice that will give them the kind of detailed instruction to bring them to the level of self-awareness they seek better than Iyengar Yoga.

BKS Iyengar spent his entire life, every minute of every day, seeking self-realization. Not only that, he cared enough to figure out how to verbalize his innumerable quests (Bahiranga Sadhana, external quests, Antaranga Sadhana, Internal Quests, and Antaratma Sadhana, Inner Most Quests) through his Kriya Sadhana practice of Tapas, burning interest, Svadyaya, Self Study, and Isvarapranidhana, devotion. Iyengar Yoga demands that of every student and especially their teachers.

Iyengar Yoga can teach you how to gain self-realization and freedom from suffering; however, it is up to you where you take it from there. Iyengar Yoga has a strong community and it is very much yoked around the teachings of BKS Iyengar and his children and grandchildren who carry his legacy. At the same time, the path of Iyengar Yoga is a very individual one.

To gain even a thimble full of the imperishable enlightenment that seemed to seep from every cell of BKS Iyengar's body, you must develop indomitable striving for your own self-realization. You can't be pacified by an illusory community of "thought" or by simply regurgitating Sanskrit and Sutras so that your ego gains the pat on the back it so desperately seeks. The lessons must penetrate your inner-most being.

The pain of that seeking is your guru. Manouso Manos is a testament to that and to the humble albeit grand rewards of liberation that result. He knows his work is not done, he still has much to learn. An example of his continuous striving came when he talked about how many times he practiced the lessons from Geeta's Birthday Intensive last December, so he could understand in his body what she was describing. At sixty-three years old, he truly embodies the intelligence of the lessons he learned from BKS Iyengar and continues to learn from the Iyengar family, and like his Guru, he takes great care in sharing it with us.

Thank you, Manouso.

Namaste.

by Rhonda Geraci

Steve Jacobson's Breath-in-Asana Workshop at Stillwater Yoga

9/9/2015 1:49:39 PM

Photo of Steve by Donna Moresco

Patanjali Sutra 2.52 - tata kshiyate prakasha avaranam - Pranayama removes the veil covering the light of knowledge and heralds the dawn of wisdom. – BKS Iyengar, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Photo of Steve by Donna Moresco

Steve Jacobson has his own style of teaching. Like many Iyengar teachers, Steve offers the wisdom he gains from his ongoing study with the Iyengars in Pune, India. His teaching and practice honor the boundless work of B.K.S. Iyengar and the expanse of information that his daughter, Geeta Iyengar continues to add.

Prashant with Geeta: http://www.sadhakafilm.com/

However, Prashant Iyengar’s unique exploration of yoga resonates with Steve in a special way. While he doesn’t teach every class with the concepts of Prashant, the ones he does teach, definitely let you know there is so much more to Iyengar Yoga than meets the eye.

Prasant by Donna Moresco

Prashant is B.K.S. Iyengar’s son. It is the superlative that has defined him since his father became known in the field of yoga. Prashant said in the interview, We are beyond our body and mind. We are even beyond our dreams that B.K.S. Iyengar was a great father, but of himself, he said, “I was an ordinary son.” Inspired by the virtuoso violinist, Yehudi Menuhin at the young age of 13, Prashant began to study the violin. He claims his musical ability came from his mother who sang. Tragically, his mother was taken from him too early, and an auto accident cut his future with the violin short.

However, students like Steve, who also enjoy music, know Prashant's internal rhythm is still playing strong. Steve might say that Prashant’s innumerable hours of study with his father along with his love of music is what evolved his teaching into what it is today.

Steve began to share a few of Prashant's teachings with us during his August 29, 2015, Breath-in-Asana Workshop. Breath in asana describes merging the breath to the actions of an asana or yoga pose. BKS Iyengar encourages mastering the first three limbs of the eight-fold path of yoga: Yama (ethical disciplines), Niyama (rules of conduct), and Asana (poses) before Pranayama (breath work). The reason for that is the fact we must overcome specific physical and mental challenges before a mature practice of pranayama (conscious, prolonged inhalation, exhalation, and retention) can happen. When asanas are perfected, Iyengar explains, pranayama naturally follows.

Steve in Supported Setubhanda

The students who attended Steve’s workshop were seasoned practitioners of both asana and breath—the foundation for studying the influences of breath on actions in asanas. Steve took us through a variety of examples. He reminded us of the physical way of creating vertical and horizontal space: lift your arms up, now take them to the side. He then helped us create that same spatial sense using the breath. Using Prashantisms like vertical, horizontal, and diagonal ways of breathing, Steve directed our Breath in asana experience down a rabbit hole where I, just sitting in a cross-legged position, felt like Alice in her Wonderland. Steve interweaved rhythmic images of waves, upright and inverted cones, as well as elliptical shapes, centrifugal and centripetal actions for the body and breath that took me on an adventure I didn’t want to leave.

While Prana is considered breath, it is a generic term for the vital atmospheric energy that controls breathing. Indian sages identified five different types of this vital energy or vital winds of the body: Prana (controls the activities in the thoracic region), Apana (controls the activities in the lower abdomen), Samana (controls the gastric fires of the abdominal region) Udana (controls energies around the area of the throat), and finally Vyana, which distributes energy to the entire bodily system.

BKS wrote an entire book on the basic practice of pranayama in which he warns, “A Pneumatic tool can cut through the hardest rock. If not used properly, it may destroy both the tool and the user. Study your breathing carefully and proceed step by step, for if you practice pranayama hastily or too forcibly, you may well harm yourself.” - BKS Iyengar, Light on Pranayama.

In Steve’s Breath-in-Asana Workshop, we got a sampler of the possibilities that integrating the breath with the actions of asanas can bring. We could use the breath to enhance the extension of specific areas like the upper back, or the expansion of another area like the lower back. One of the many samples that stood out for me happened when we sat on a chair and revolved as in Bharadvajasana I, a basic open twist. After several different versions of integrating the physical revolving action with the breath, he had us visualize the breath twisting without the physical action. It astonished me the force of energy that transpired. Though nothing physically twisted, my body felt like it revolved more than it probably could have. As an ex-ballerina, my mind immediately envisioned what I could have done (back in the day) with the kind of power generated from such an internal state of being.

The experience hinted at how so many vitalities are developed through yoga as explained in the Vibuti Pada (powers chapter) in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Steve in Padangustha Dhanurasana

I knew I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. Mixed literary references aside, the experience not only held my attention and fascination; it gave me tools to explore much more in my practice. To me, it felt like I got to take home a toy chest filled with things like a Ferris wheel, Merry-go-round, Bag Swing, and Big Wheel. All with the potential to thrill me to the bone, but also to teach me and deepen my practice through a vastly different perspective, while making me feel happier and more alive.

Thank you, Steve.

Namaste.

To learn more about Steve Jacobson and his classes visit Stillyoga.com

Rhonda Geraci is a freelance writer and avid Iyengar practitioner

Certified Iyengar

11/30/2015 10:00:38 AM

BKS Iyengar

Learning Iyengar Yoga is a humbling experience, but the lessons feed a part of us that is very hungry. BKS Iyengar dedicated his life to learning the many aspects of yoga at a granular level to be able to teach it to his students. Because of his inexhaustible work, Certified Iyengar Instructors are usually outstanding teachers and the more open we are to what they have to share the more we understand the incredible work BKS Iyengar did.

However, before anyone can be open to learning what an instructor has to offer, much less understand what it took for them to become certified to teach the Iyengar method, a few things have to happen. Thanks to Mr. Iyengar they are beautifully embedded into his teachings. His method wakes up our body and mind systematically by introducing poses in a sequential order. Instructors teach the poses in Sanskrit with English translations. When we hear the names of the asana in every class and connect them with the actions of the pose, our hearing refines and adapts to a whole new language. Over the course of our studies, our ego takes a back seat to our desire to learn. At the same time, the ego provides us the necessary fuel we need to keep going.

Meeting Dr. Geeta Iyengar in Pune, India

When our ego steps down a natural sense of reverence takes hold for the Father of Modern Yoga who synthesized the path of yoga into 196 pithy Sutras or threads: the sage, Patanjali. The Sutras are aphorisms that serve as an incredible tool to guide us as we delve into the vast subject of yoga. To honor his contribution many classes begin with an Invocation to Patanjali. BKS Iyengar's daughter, Dr. Geeta Iyengar, said the following about the importance of chanting The Invocation:

"We chant so that at the very beginning that feeling of sanctification comes from inside, with the feeling of surrendering oneself, because nothing can be learned in this world unless you have the humility to learn.”

With a humble disposition comes an openness to learn more and work harder that is met with help from your instructors. My Iyengar instructors did some little things that made a big difference in my belief I could do the work required. Kathleen Pringle, the owner of Stillwater Yoga and a Senior Level Iyengar Instructor, showed me a trick with my Microsoft Word program, so I could begin to save the Sanskrit words as I documented the classes I took. Nancy Mau, an Intermediate Junior Level 3 Certified Iyengar Instructor let me borrow a CD of the Invocation, so I could carve out time to learn the invocation in my car. Kquvien DeWeese chanted particular Sutras of Patanjali in her classes each week and had them listed on her website with the translations so that I could study them. After a while, the names of poses began to resonate, I began to recite the Invocation with some proficiency and chant some Sutras. The once daunting language of Sanskrit slowly began to make sense. I'd gained a better sense of hearing that seemed to wake up my mind and fostered my belief in my ability to keep learning about this vast subject. It also fed a desire to want to share what I was experiencing with others.

I remember when I asked Kathleen how to become a Certified Iyengar Instructor, she smiled then explained the process. It is something Kathleen has had to do innumerable times in her 30-years as an Iyengar Instructor and Teacher Trainer. However, she knows that until the student goes through the process, they won't understand what is required. That’s because, like anything with the Iyengar name in front of it, it is something that comes through experience. Earning the “Certified Iyengar Instructor” title is only a small, albeit important part of the Iyengar Teacher Training Process.

B.K.S. Iyengar is renown for being the World's Best Yoga Teacher. His teacher certification process assures that teachers of the Iyengar Method strive to be the best teachers they can be. Therefore, the process is designed to have very high standards. One recent Certified Iyengar Instructor, Sam Cooper explained, "This is one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I graduated from college, from Seminary, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree. Becoming a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher was harder than any one of those three. Academic work engages your brain. You pour information into your brain, you process it, and you produce something with your mental faculties. To be a yoga teacher you have to be a yoga student first, and being a yoga student, means that you must cultivate the intelligence of your body. This demands a lot more than developing mental intelligence. I believe this is why it was such a challenge for me, I think.”

The rewards for becoming a Certified Iyengar Instructor are much greater than a title or a piece of paper you can hang on a wall. They are life changing: for you and more than likely for the people with whom you share the practice. While the process is being re-evaluated on an ongoing basis to encourage more students to embark on it, it is still a process that requires a long-term commitment, focus, and discipline. I believe it is challenging because it creates the ‘opportunity’ for you to face yourself in a way most people may never have to. I came to the practice after ten years of other types of yoga and over 23 years of ballet training. I felt I had body/mind intelligence, but I’d also developed a lot of bad habits. To overcome these takes time and feedback from our teachers.

Kathleen Pringle and some of my Teacher Training Peers

The wonderful part of the Iyengar Teacher Training process is you have a mentor to guide you through it. Not only that, you have an amazing community of Iyengar peers, practitioners, and instructors who are always at the ready to answer questions and lend support or advice. In Iyengar Yoga, moments with your mentor can be very uncomfortable: "I did that? Oh no. I said that, really?" However, these moments bond you to someone who has gone through the process and helps you learn about yourself in a way you never thought possible. You continuously hone your ability to hear your teachers and yourself. You systematically learn restraint and discrimination, along with the power of your breath in affecting your thoughts, words, and actions. None of this could happen without the help of a mentor. Your mentor understands what you're going through; therefore, they are the perfect guides to get you through the process.

The process seems to assure the self-realization that Patanjali's Yoga Sutras so succinctly describe. Not that by the end of your first level assessment, you'll be a self-realized human being, far from it, but you will realize enough to know you want to stay committed to your Sadhana. Sadhana is the means by which anyone reaches a goal. It is an effective and effortful practice that continues regardless of any obstacles in your path. The more directed your Sadhana, the more you can apply ever-increasing skill and efficiency. In other words, the more effort you put into it, the more things fall into their proper place to allow for sustained practice. Sadhana Kriya or the skilled action of any practice requires tapas, discipline, svadyaya, self-study, and Isvara pranidana, faith. With these three qualities, a Sadhana transforms from effortful effort to effortless effort.

I liken the Iyengar Certification Process to a psychotherapist going to get their Ph.D. to become a psychiatrist. Many programs require they go through psychoanalysis before they serve others. One article I read, by Steven Reidbord M.D. in Psychology Today referred to it as "Calibrating the Instrument" so the therapist can better help their patients. I feel BKS Iyengar strived to develop such a rigorous training process so that his teachers are well-calibrated instruments for serving the students of Iyengar Yoga. The bonus is we become well calibrated for life, too.

My Mentor, Kquvien DeWeese

My mentor, Kquvien DeWeese is an Intermediate Junior Level 3 Iyengar instructor. She is very committed to Iyengar Yoga and her personal self-realization process. Her lessons on how to remedy the obstacles on our path along with how to “stay behind the chaos” we create for ourselves have been invaluable and come from her personal experiences. I'm grateful for her insightful albeit hard-to-swallow truths about my teaching skills and her meaningful encouragement. She's not afraid to be honest about her process; therefore, she serves as an inspiring mentor who helps me learn to honor mine.

The distinction between Iyengar training and most other types of yoga teacher training is that it encourages things like assisting more senior instructors and peer training. My training group for my second assessment met about once a week to practice and enjoyed guest appearances by our other training buddies from other states (Peer training eventually becomes a World-Wide experience in Iyengar Yoga). In addition to Peer Training, there is Personal Study and research that must take place. Each assessment level (there something like eight levels) has a specific syllabus to follow.

Once I went down the rabbit hole of all the information available on the subject, I didn’t want to come out of it. However, yoga is about learning balance, restraint, and discrimination. It’s amazing how many places in my training process and my life these lessons reared their head.

Some of my study material

Finally, there is the “Mock Assessment.” Each Mock comes with a set of very honest notes about how the teaching could improve. The choice to improve stays with you, but with effort improvement happens. No matter what the critique, how much apparent backslide, or noticeable improvement there is it’s important to maintain abhyasa and vairagya (continuous practice and detachment).

My final assessment for the Introductory II Certification happened in Charlotte, North Carolina, at 8th Street Yoga. The owner, Phyllis Rollins, who I’d had the honor of meeting at trainings and workshops was unable to be there, but I felt her presence through her warm and inviting studio. Assessors, Sue Salaniuk from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sandra Pleasants from Charlottesville, Virginia, and Mary Obendorfer from Kalaheo, Hawaii complimented that warmth with their own. I will never forget the sincerity in their eyes when they explained, “Please don’t misinterpret our facial expressions as anything negative. We want you all to pass.” Overall, I felt during the assessment weekend all the prospective teachers were rooting for each other. We bonded much more than last year when we all were like deer in the headlights not knowing what to expect. This year, we had folks from many states across the U.S. as well other places like Holland and Israel. We shared meals and stories, fears and worries, and emails so we could keep sharing.

The first day involved an assessment of our level pranayama or breath regulation practice, a timed written exam, and a demonstrated practice of up to sixty-six poses in our level syllabus. The final portion of the assessment was the teaching demonstration.While you can prepare as any teacher would prepare, an Iyengar Instructor must be ready to address whatever presents itself that day. They must be prepared to “see” and “teach” the students who are in front of them.

Erin Bailey greeted me with a hug the day I came for the teaching portion of the assessment. She is another peer I’ve trained with who’d recently received her certification and was hosting this assessment (with aplomb I might add). When the assessors arrived, each one engaged me in some way, either by asking how I was or how I slept the night before. I responded in kind.

I didn’t tell them that before I went to sleep, a deep reverence for B.K.S Iyengar, who is no longer with us came over me. The thought of him put things in perspective. I wanted to honor this great man whose personal Yoga Sadhana spawned a systematic method of teaching that enabled the transformational effects of this art, science, and philosophy to spread around the world – a method of teaching he did with more love, humility, authenticity, and integrity than anyone I know.

The epiphany calmed me down that night. The next morning, before the clock (on the wall and my wrist), started timing the 40-minutes I had to teach six poses, the assessors allowed me to be in the studio alone. I focused on the photos of BKS Iyengar that surrounded the room. I said the Invocation to Patanjali to myself. I did some of the poses I’d learned that calm the system down and sharpen the mind. I thought about the support of the community that I’d built over the years through this practice. When the time came, everyone including the three assessors took their places, then, with faith and courage, I turned around to share what I’d learned with my students.

97 Reasons To Explore Iyengar Yoga

12/14/2015 1:40:59 PM

BKS Iyengar, the World's Best Yoga Teacher, would be 97 years old today. He is renown for his life's work in developing a systematic method of teaching the eight-limbed path of Astanga Yoga to the masses. Today Google honors his work as does this documentary:http://igg.me/at/sadhakafilm/x

As a tribute to his 95th Birthday, I started a list of 95 reasons why everyone should experience Iyengar Yoga. I have now added two more to honor his 97th Birthday. I urge Iyengar practitioners to contribute, add to, enhance or correct my attempts here. Please keep in mind I am a student. I am by no means a master of Iyengar's work. The choice and order of my reasons were approached very organically and based on my humble idea of how to begin simply (some may view it as oversimplified) and progress into less simple reasons. Needless to say, this list is not in the right Krama (sequential order), though some effort has been applied to do so. As I gain more Light from the study and practice of Iyengar's work, I will probably want to change this list. For now, it is simply a small tribute to a man I will never meet, yet who has affected my life in profound ways. Perhaps it will also serve to encourage at least one person to explore The Iyengar Method for themselves.

1. Alignment matters: Poor body alignment leads to poor bone, muscle, joint, and ligament alignment. improve your body alignment and you extend the life and vitality of the body.

2. Alignment matters: Poor body alignment leads to poor health. When the body is misaligned it puts undo stress on all the systems of the body, decreasing function and capability. Improve your body alignment you improve your health.

3. Alignment matters: Poor body alignment leads to poor mind alignment. When the body is misaligned, the mind is constantly troubled by tamasic (dull/heavy) and rajasic (fiery/active) states of mind and unable to reach a harmonious sattvic state. Improve your body alignment you improve the state of your mind.

4. Alignment matters: Poor body alignment leads to poor emotional alignment. When the body is misaligned the emotions are troubled and mentally imprisoned by the klesas (five afflictions). Improve your body alignment and you improve your emotional health.

5. Alignment matters: Poor body alignment leads to poor inner alignment. Improve your body alignment and you improve your connection to your true self.

6. Alignment matters: Poor body alignment leads to poor breath alignment. Improve your body alignment and you improve your ability to bring this vital nutrient to more areas of the body and tap into your own life force energy.

7. Alignment matters: Poor body alignment leads to poor energy alignment. Improve your body alignment and you improve the alignment of (72,0000) energy or nadi channels in the body.

8. Alignment matters: Poor internal alignment leads to poor external alignment. Improve your internal alignment and you improve you ability to align with the world around you.

9. Alignment matters: Poor alignment with your community responsibilities leads to poor community integration and support. Improve your alignment with your community responsibilities and you improve your standing in your community.

10. Alignment matters: Poor alignment with healthy habits leads to poor alignment with your aspirations in life. Improve the alignment of your personal habits and you clear a path to your goals.

11. Dedication pays: Dedicating yourself to the study and practice of the Iyengar Method will enable your highest self to unfold naturally.

12. Dedication pays: Dedicating yourself to the study and practice of the Iyengar Method will enable you to focus to such an extent that learning anything becomes easier and more accessible.

13. Dedication pays: Dedicating yourself to the study and practice of the Iyengar Method teaches you to know yourself --your habits, your strengths, your weaknesses, your emotional state, your conscious state, your ignorance, your intelligence, your wisdom, your sense of grace and compassion for yourself and others.

14. Dedication pays: Dedicating yourself to the study and practice of the Iyengar Method gives you wisdom and discretion.

15. Dedication pays: Dedicating yourself to the study and practice of the Iyengar Method systematically and compassionately opens new pathways to healing yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

16. Dedication pays: Dedicating yourself to the study and practice of the Iyengar Method gives you courage so you can liberate yourself from your fears, stresses, and anxieties.

17. Dedication pays: Dedicating yourself to the study and practice of the Iyengar Method teaches you safe ways to push your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual abilities through the use of props and other resources.

18. Dedication pays: Dedicating yourself to the study and practice of the Iyengar Method demonstrates how small successes can accomplish big goals.

19. Dedication pays: Dedicating yourself to the study and practice of the Iyengar Method gracefully shifts what and how you choose to engage your mind, body, and spirit; whether that's choosing a healthier diet, or reading, watching, and listening with more discernment.

20. Dedication pays: Dedicating yourself to the study and practice of the Iyengar Method gives you the tools, the words, and the experience to share what you have learned with others.

21. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: "Transformation is achieved through sustained change, and it is achieved through practice." - BKS Iyengar

22. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: "Knowledge is always something that is universal. It is not meant for one person. It is not individual, but every individual contributes. When knowledge goes in the right direction and ignorance is removed it takes all of us in the same direction. So I learn when you learn. When you feel, and you understand, that gives knowledge to me. In a similar manner when I give knowledge to you, you also start to understand." Geeta S. Iyengar.

23. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: "The intelligence […] grows faster vertically than horizontally." - BKS Iyengar. (Vertical = Intelligence, Horizontal = Wisdom).

24. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Learning to stand first roots the body's intelligence in the feet first providing what is known as "base intelligence."

25. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Learning to root the body from the base enables vertical growth to happen.

26. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Learning standing poses enables the practitioner to activate and grow the intelligence in the outer limbs and basic structures of the body.

27. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Mobilizing the mind to activate the outer limbs of the body through extension develops a firm foundation and fundamental intelligence needed for standing forward bends.

28. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Standing extensions and forwards bends mobilizes the gluteals and teaches the concavity actions necessary for seated forward bends.

29. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Seated forward bends increase the flexibility in the gluteal, sacral, and coccyx regions to prepare the body for lateral extensions (twisting).

30. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Standing upright teaches the elements of inverted standing poses on our shoulders, hands, forearms, and head.

31. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Standing, forward bends, lateral extensions, and inversions, ready the abdomen for deep abdominal contractions.

32. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Mastering the proper alignment of the sacral and coccyx regions along with the concavity actions of the upper back prepare the body for the introduction of preliminary back bending poses.

33. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Systematic learning enables the body, mind, and intelligence to awaken gracefully and compassionately.

34. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Sequencing is not provided in a haphazard way according to the instructor's whim, it is progressive to foster maximum growth of the mind and body at every stage of development.

35. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Systematic learning frees the body and intelligizes the mind while increasing awareness how different sequences stimulate the adrenals, while other sequences pacify the adrenals while still others stimulate the pituitary and thyroid glands to balance the hormones.

36. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: The Iyengar Method systematically teaches in order to stimulate specific systems in the body in order to bring more physical, mental, and emotional balance.

37. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: From a more balanced body, "the body becomes a universe for the mind to travel within." BKS Iyengar.

38. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Once vertical intelligence is achieved horizontal wisdom can flourish. The intelligence can spread to occupy every minute area of the body creating space. This is what BKS refers to as a "yogic mind".

39. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Once a "yogic mind" is developed physical and mental health flourishes and control of intensity in action, relaxation, or stillness are in your hands.

40. Study of The Iyengar Method Quickens Learning: Once a "yogic mind" is developed the body and mind can evolve in such a way as to ready itself towards deeper inner awareness or "involution".

41. Dedicated Study in the Iyengar Method Makes Discipline Easy: Once the "yogic mind" is developed the Yamas (Global Disciplines) and the Niyamas (Self-Disciplines) naturally follow."They are meant to train, channel and purify the energy of the organs of action and senses of perception ." "The principals of yama tame the organs of action. Yama strengthens dama -restraint of the senses; whereas the principles of niyama bring sama - calmness and quietness in mind due to simplicity in life." --BKS Iyengar Astadala Yogamala-- Vol. 1

42. Dedicated Study in the Iyengar Method Makes Discipline Easy: Once the Yamas and Niyamas are cultivated higher levels of asana naturally follows.

43. Dedicated Study in the Iyengar Method Makes Discipline Easy: Once the Yamas, Niyamas, and Asanas are mastered, the discipline of Pranayama follows naturally.

44. Dedicated Study in the Iyengar Method Makes Discipline Easy: Once the discipline of the Yamas, Niyamas, Asanas, and Pranayama become a natural part of the practitioners life, a discipline of sense withdrawal or Pratyahara naturally follows.

45. Dedicated Study in the Iyengar Method Makes Discipline Easy: Once the discipline of the Yamas, Niyamas, Asanas, Pranayama and Pratyahara become a natural part of the practitioners life, Dharna (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation) can be cultivated naturally in succession.

46. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: Integrity in his physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual life.

47. The Iyengar Method was Developed by a Man of Integrity: BKS Iyengar has dedicated over 80 years of his life to analyzing his own practice and discovering ways to give voice to the subtleties required to evolve every asana. His early practice was up to 10 hours a day. Today, at 95 he continues a 3-hour daily asana practice with a 1-hour pranayama practice. It has been said that he explains he has to continue practicing because he hasn't been able to access "every cell" in his body yet.

48. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: He has a rigorous teacher training program to ensure his teachers can safely and systematically develop students physically, mentally and emotionally into a more yogic state of balance and alignment.

49. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: He systematically gives voice to instruction that will eventually bring about an evolution whereby the student begins to experience Sthira Sukham Asanam (Sutra 11:47, sweet, stable, comfortable yoga pose within a vibration of oneness), so that Prayatna saithila ananta samapattibham (Sutra 11:48, the effort to perform the pose becomes effortless), and Tatah dvandva anabhighatah (Sutra 11:49 from that dualities cease to disturb or constrain us).

50. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: BKS Iyengar has written over 20 books like some of the following:

• Arogya Yoga

• Light on Asthanga Yoga

• Art of Yoga

• Light on Pranayama

• Astadala Yoga Mala - 1

• Light on Yoga

• Astadala Yoga Mala - 2

• Light on Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

• Astadala Yoga Mala - 3

• Tree of Yoga

• Astadala Yoga Mala - 4

• Yoga - A Path to Holistic Health

• Astadala Yoga Mala - 5

• Yoga – Ek Kalpataru

• Illustrated Light on Yoga

• Light on Life

• Growing Young

• YAUGIKA MANAS

• Yog Depict

51. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: He trained his children in the art of yoga.

52. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: His daughter Geeta and son Prashant chose to continue their father's work.

53. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: With the help of his daughter Geeta he has developed "Guidelines for Teachers of Yoga".

54. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: He fostered his daughter Geeta's passion towards women's issues and health. Her definitive guide for women Yoga: A Gem For Women has been a great resource for women interested in yoga all over the world.

55. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: He fostered his son Prashant's exploration into subtler whelms of yoga. Prashant is the author of several books:

Prashant Uvacha
Yoga and the New Millennium
Organology and sensology in Yogash_stra
Class After Class
Alpha and Omega of Trikonasana

56. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: He doesn't waiver from his roots and yet he is constantly dissecting those roots to learn more so he can share more with all of us.

57. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: Please click on this link to read another recent tribute: Ingela’s Reflection, Guruji Turning 95, An Artist, Scientist; Philosopher, forever learning, sharing; helping.

58. The Iyengar Method was developed by a Man of Integrity: "Yoga, as practiced by Mr. Iyengar, is the dedicated votive offering of a man who brings himself to the altar, alone and clean in body and mind, focused in attention and will, offering in simplicity and innocence not a burnt sacrifice, but simply himself raised to his own highest potential." --Yehundi Menuhin in forward of Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar

59. The Iyengar Method Works: It progressively teaches the science of yoga, the art of yoga, and the philosophy of yoga. All of which result in the development of "a fresh mind"state.

60. The Iyengar Method Works: "If we maintain that state in our daily lives, that is known as integration. To be fully integrated means to integrate oneself totally from the body to the self and also to live in integration with one's neighbors and surroundings." --Tree of Yoga, BKS Iyengar

61. The Iyengar Method Works: Iyengar constantly analyzes the details of ancient texts such as Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Patañjali's Yoga Sutras. His method is based on developing what these texts define as the primary goal of yoga, which is to "Prana-vrtti-nirodha" or stilling the fluctuations of the breath and "Citta vritta nirodha" stilling the fluctuations of the mind. When movements of consciousness are restrained a space is created, much like the space between inhalations and exhalations. As that space expands, a realization begins: that consciousness has no light of its own. It is dependent on something else. Much like the interplay between the Sun- Ha and the Moon-tha. The Ha=Sun=Hot=day=light=atma=soul and tha=Moon=Cool=night=dark=chitta=consciousness. The moon is merely reflecting the light of the sun. However, without the cooling effects of the moon, the energy of the sun would burn. Iyengar's Method works on the idea that the balance of Ha and tha is an imperative, which puts one on the path to experiencing the even greater force within the various levels of samadhi -absorption.

62. The Iyengar Method Works: Iyengar uses personal experience and constant reassessment to teach us how we can use the breath to control the consciousness, while in turn controlling the consciousness through regulation of the breath.

63. The Iyengar Method Works: Iyengar has systematically broken through the Western belief that yoga is only a physical exercise by teaching and abiding by the Eight Limbs Of Astanga Yoga: 1) Yama 2)Niyama 3) Asana 4) Pranayama 5) Pratyahara 6) Dharna 7) Dhyana 8) Samadhi.

64. The Iyengar Method Works: Iyengar's book Tree of Yoga serves as a guide to how yoga goes beyond the studio and permeates in all aspect of our lives to bring us more freedom and peace.

65. The Iyengar Method Works: Iyengar is known as the first real "class" teacher of yoga. He has developed a method that communicates according to the students ability. "In the majority of pupils, the intellect of the head is very strong, but the body does not react to the volition of the brain. Usually, their brain acts as the subject, but you have to learn to treat the brain as an object and the body as a subject. This is the first lesson yoga teaches. When that is learnt, the effect of yoga is very quick." Tree of Yoga.

66. The Iyengar Method Works: The Method works no matter if you are well or sick, young or old, energetic or lazy, well formed or deformed.

67. The Iyengar Method Works: Iyengar has a knowledge of the causes of the disease. His Method integrates therapeutics that work on chronic issues by strengthening surrounding areas before addressing the affected area.

68. The Iyengar Method Works: It could be said, The Method's therapeutic approach is based on Sutra II.16, heya? du?kham anagatham, which according to BKS Iyengar's Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali is interpreted, "The pains which are yet to come can be and are to be avoided."

69. The Iyengar Method Works: In the article linked above, "Therapeutics in Iyengar Yoga: 'Your Job is to Put the Student on the Path to Yoga'", by Stephanie Quirk, "[In The Iyengar Method] we have Abhyasa and Vairagya No alternative health method has this. Your job as a yoga teacher isn’t to be someone’s doctor, nurse, or psychiatrist. Your job is to put the patient/student on the path of yoga. They must become followers and practitioners if they are to finally eradicate all trace of what disturbs them (dosha). Abhyasa (practice) and Vairagya (detachment) are at the core of everything one has to undertake. They are the irreducible plinths upon which yoga is based, and what truly separates the yogic path from other alternative health therapies."

70. The Iyengar Method Works: The first book written on the technique of yoga with detailed descriptions and photographs, Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar is still the best resource on the proper practice of the yoga Asana and Pranayama. First published in 1966, it was written based on Iyengar's 27 years of experience at the time. The book covers 200 asanas, bandha, kriya, and pranayama with over 600 photographs.

71. The Iyengar Method Works: In addition to descriptive books on technique, the Iyengars also provide "Hints and Cautions" in order to assure the student is learning in the safest and most effective environment. However, despite the many books and resources, Iyengar always stresses the importance of experience and study with an Iyengar Certified Instructor or Master Teacher to guide your progress.

72. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: He recognizes the nine obstacles that impede progress on the path of yoga.

Vyadi: Illness
Styana: Langour, mental stagnation
Sam?aya: Doubt
Pramada: Heedlessness, lack of foresight
Alasya: Sloth, fatigue
Avirati: Dissipation, overindulging
Bhrantidarshana: False views, illusions
Alabdhabhumikatva: Lack of perseverance
Anavasthitatva: Instability, regression

73.  Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: The physical obstacles, which can range from laziness to disease are overcome through the Iyengar Method with the use of all kinds of props. Props make poses possible (even in illness) for everyone (removing doubt, laziness, and fatigue) which encourages the perseverance in practice that will begin to break through these obstacles.

74.  Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: The other obstacles are mental obstacles. These can range from doubt and illusion to idleness. Iyengar recognizes that when teachers pace lessons they can begin to develop a student's mental faculties in order to reduce the mental obstacles while sharpening focus and stamina.

75.   Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: The five klesas 1. Avidya(Ignorance) 2. Asmita(ego)3. Raga (attachment) 4. Dvesa(aversion) 5. Abhinivesa(fear of death) along with the nine obstacles serve as distractions to that scatter the mind. Iyengar's method works to significantly reduce the hold the nine obstacles and five klesas have on the student in order to create a better foundation for progress.

76.  Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: Iyengar encourages self-study or svadhyaya.

77.   Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali By concentrating on a particular object the consciousness becomes serene. Iyengar makes the asana the object of focus. When the student becomes engrossed in the study of asana, the mind steadies fostering deeper progress.

78.  Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 sutras of Patañjali: “The yogi conquers the body by the practice of asanas and makes it a fit vehicle for the spirit. He knows that it is a necessary vehicle for the spirit. A soul without a body is like a bird deprived of its power to fly.” - BKS Iyengar, Light On Yoga.

79. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: Though only three (to five according to Astadala Yogamala-- Vol. 1) sutras are attributed to the practice of asana. Asana helps the student move from the gross to the subtle - from the external to the internal. Iyengar's method concentrates on the external alignment in asana in order to create the environment to penetrate and align the internal world of the student.

80. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: "Whatever asana one performs, it should be done with a feeling of firmness and endurance in the body, good will in the intelligence of the head, and awareness and benevolent delight in the seat of the heart." BKS Iyengar A??adala Yogamala--- Vol 2.

81. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patanjali: Only after the perfection of asana (Sutras 11:47, 11:48, 11:49) is a student begin Pranayama.

82. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali:  Pranayama must be introduced gently. In his book Light on Pranayama, Iyengar covers the 14 basic types of Pranayama broken down into a careful formulation of 82 stages so that the student can safely progress. He outlines the difficulties and dangers while providing a detailed 200-week course to help avoid them. To explain he power of prana he said, "Hindus often say that GOD is Generator, Organizer, and Destroyer. Inhalation is the generating power, retention is the organizing power, and exhalation, if the energy is vicious, is the destroyer. This is prana at work. Vigor, power, vitality, life, and spirit are all forms of prana."

83. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: Iyengar takes great care in his teachings on Pranayama. "[…]breath-control, that is Pranayama is not merely deep breathing or breathing exercises, normally a part of physical culture. It is something far more, involving exercises which affect not only the physical, physiological and neural energies but also the psychological and cerebral activities, such as memory-training and creativity." --R.R. Divwakar in Forward of Light on Pranayama.

84. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: Iyengar offers respect and admiration to those who are credited for the discovery of Pranayama, namely Patañjali and the ancient Yogis of India. He explains how he can write about the subject, but words are limiting. Practice and experience done with caution, sustained effort, and patience are the only way to gain by this limb of yoga.

85. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patanjali:  Avidya, (ignorance) is what Iyengar deems the "mother of all afflictions." This may be why he encourages the study of Yoga with the guidance of a Guru. Gu=Light Ru=Ignorance. A Guru is simply someone who has mastered the art and science of yoga and can shed light on the dark areas where there is a need or want for knowledge and understanding. Pranayama is said to be "exalted knowledge" according to the Yogachudamani Upanisad.

86. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali:  Patanjali prescribes ways to train the mind. There are five basic qualities of mind 1) Muda (dull) 2) Krsipta (lazy) 3) Viksipta (oscillating) 4) Ekagra (steady) and finally 5) niruddha (still). Nancy Mau explained in class today what I will attempt to impart here: that Iyengar describes two banks between a river, one bank being the yamas and the other the niyamas by adhering to the boundaries of the banks we will flow in the right direction. The two banks align us, irrespective of birth, time, place or sex. The banks keep us going in the right direction where friendliness, compassion, joy and indifference (as needed) naturally spring forth along the way. The mind steadies itself and eventually finds stillness.

87. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: The four chapters or padas of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 1) Samadhi Pada (Sub Consciousness) 2) Sadhana Pada (Study) 3) Vibhuti Pada (Power) and 4) Kaivalya Pada (Freedom) are according to Iyengar ordered for their interdependent cultivation. "The theory of the first chapter and the practice of the second and third chapters, when converted into science, art, and philosophy, become yoga sastra (teaching), yoga kala (unit/time), and yoga darsana (for sense awareness)." -BKS Iyengar Astadala Yogamala A??adala Yogamala-- Vol. 1.

88. Iyengar follows the yoga as explained in the 196 Sutras of Patañjali: As a Master Teacher, Iyengar codified the Sutras of Patañjali according themes for quick study for his students in his - Astadala Yogamala-Vol. 1.

89. The Iyengar Method believes three things must be united in yoga: Love, Knowledge, and Action. "It must not be just your mind or even your body that is doing the asana You must be in it. You must do the asana with your soul. How can you do an asana with your soul? We can only do it with the organ of the body closest to the soul - the heart." - BKS Iyengar in Light on Life

90. The Iyengar Method believes three things must be united in yoga: Love, Knowledge, and Action. Iyengar explains that he teaches a "spiritual practice in action." He uses the body as the vehicle to discipline the mind toward consciousness of the soul.

91. The Iyengar Method believes three things must be united in yoga: Love, Knowledge, and Action."You must feel your intelligence, your awareness, and your consciousness in every inch of your body." - BKS Iyengar in Light on Life

92. The Iyengar Method believes three things must be united in yoga: Love, Knowledge, and Action.
"Love must be incarnated in the smallest pore of the skin, smallest cell of the body, to make them intelligent, so they can collaborate with all the other ones, in the big republic of the body." -- BKS Iyengar in Sparks of Divinity

93. The Iyengar Method believes three things must be united in yoga: Love, Knowledge, and Action.
"Sadhana should be pursued even though pain and death are at our throat." Sadhana means self-effort, spiritual discipline.

94. The Iyengar Method believes three things must be united in yoga: Love, Knowledge, and Action.
"The eyes must go to the region that does not work, not the one that does." - BKS Iyengar in Sparks of Divinity

95. The Iyengar Method believes three things must be united in yoga: Love, Knowledge, and Action.
"You are in bondage. So while you are sweating and aching, let your heart be light and let it fill your body with gladness. You are not only becoming free, but you are also being free. What is not to be glad about? The pain is temporary. The freedom is permanent."- BKS Iyengar in Light on Life

96. The Iyengar Method teaches, "Before peace between nations, we must find peace within the small nation which is our own being." - BKS Iyengar, Sparks of Divinity, The teachings of BKS Iyengar, Compiled by Noelle Perez-Christiaens.

97. The Iyengar Method teaches, "The seed is the cause for the tree to grow, but the surprising thing is that in the seed there is nothing visible for one to know how the tree grows and with what content. From this apparent 'nothingness' of the seed the tree shoots up. In the same way, the seed of our life force, at the core is the Self." BKS Iyengar, Astadala Yogamala- Vol. 7.

Namaste