About BKS Iyengar and His Yoga
Iyengar focused on teaching Yoga in a way that was very practical and understandable to his students. He focused on finding meaning in yoga sutras in a way that set him apart from the average yogi. He truly understood the wisdom found in the yoga sutras, and was able to communicate that wisdom to his students.
Yogacharya Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (aka BKS, Guruji or B.K.S.
) was born in the early part of the 20th century in India. His father was a teacher and therefore BKS came by his desire to instruct naturally. Guruji was one of ten children in his family.
When he was a little more than four years old, BKS moved to Bangalore, India. Sadly a few years later his father fatally experienced an inflamed appendix and passed away.
Surprisingly, this great teacher was afflicted with typhoid, malaria and tuberculosis as a young child. However this did not stop him from his desire to be a great Yogi. Even the fact that his family often did not have enough food to eat, the young Iyengar did not succumb.
When he was little more than 15, BKS Iyengar became the student for of a famous Yoga teacher. It was at this time, that BKS began to practice asanas and therefore improve his health. About two years after this, BKS moved to Pune and started teaching the Yoga he had learned to others.
In the 1950s BKS feel upon a tremendous opportunity when he befriended famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin. The renowned musician loved Iyengar’s teaching and began to promote him around the world. Suddenly BKS was elevated from a little know Yoga instructor to international fame.
Before 1957, Iyengar moved to America where he began teaching in Michigan. Ten years later BKS published his first book “Light on Yoga.” That book has been translated internationally in more than 16 languages and sold around the world.
Then in in the 1970s he went India and opened Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune. He then retired a few years later after 1984 had finished.
Five years after the year 2000, Iyengar returned to the US, to promote his book “Light on Life.” He had many honors bestowed upon him in the following years. Even the city of San Francisco, CA USA officially recognized him by setting aside a day in his honor.
Then finally in August of 2014 Iyengar passed away, leaving the great legacy of his teachings and work.
Over the years many famous individuals have followed the teachings of this great Yogi. These fans include famous actresses such as Annette Bening and the novelist Aldous Huxley.
What were his teachings?
Iyengar focused on teaching Yoga in a way that was very practical and understandable to his students.
He focused on finding meaning in yoga sutras in a way that set him apart from the average yogi. He truly understood the wisdom found in the yoga sutras, and was able to communicate that wisdom to his students.
He supported all conservation in the natural world. He truly believed that nature is deeply connected to our souls and lives. Honoring nature honors our own being and promotes true peace and understanding.
Iyengar Yoga and is now taught by authorized instructors around the world. In this way his vision of “being able to teach ordinary people Yoga” has been a fabulous success.
Please explore the following articles on our site, to learn more about Iyengar Yoga:
Find Pose