B.K.S. Iyengar and YogaBuds Director Temmi Ungerman Sears - February 2005, Pune, India

Iyengar Yoga is based on the teachings of yoga master BKS Iyengar.

For more than sixty years, BKS Iyengar has been committed to developing his innovative and inspirational approach to hatha yoga. Through his own vigorous practice and study of the earliest texts on yoga, he has brought forth a revival of the ancient art of yoga. His mastery of yoga is unparalled. BKS Iyengar is the author of many books, including Light on Yoga, the foundation of modern day yoga methodology. He currently teaches with his daughter Geeta and his son Prashant at the Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune, India.

What is Iyengar Yoga?

BKS Iyengar popularized Yoga, but he has not compromised the purity of its original teachings. Yoga was systematized over 2,000 years ago by a sage named Patanjali in a single treatise, Yoga Sutra. This work is the authoritative text on Yoga and it comprises eight limbs. Iyengar yoga emphasizes the integration of body, mind and spirit, and is firmly based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga as defined by Patanjali in The Yoga Sutras. The Eight Limbs of Yoga, include the Yamas (the universal ethical disciplines) and Niyamas (the rules of personal conduct), Asana (the practice of Yoga postures), Pranayama (the practice of Yoga breathing techniques), Pratyahara (control of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption in the infinite). Each limb forms a part of the whole. Asana, or postures, are taught as one of the eight limbs or branches of yoga defined by Patanjali.

The Iyengar method of study is orderly and progressive, and all postures are introduced gradually and systematically. This system of teaching helps people progress gradually from beginner to advanced level, and takes into account individual weaknesses or limitations. Postures include standing poses, inversions, forward bends, backbends, and twists as well as restorative postures providing relaxation. Iyengar yoga emphasizes the development of strength and stamina, flexibility and balance, concentration and meditation. In addition to practicing physical postures (asana), breathing (pranayama) and relaxation is also taught, thus enabling students to develop body, mind and spirit for an improved state of well-being and a healthy lifestyle.

All YogaBuds classes are taught in the Iyengar style of yoga which emphasizes precision and longer holding of the postures, or asanas, deepening the awareness of movement and alignment in each posture. Students at YogaBuds are encouraged to refine their knowledge of asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing). In each posture, correct body alignment is addressed so that every part of the body is focused on with intent and precision. As students learn to be aware of each part of the body, they begin to explore the potential of the mind and the soul. The mind is focused on the actions of the posture and the movement of the breath. The extreme concentration which such close observation requires draws one's attention inward. There is a continuous interchange between the mind and the body. As the mind unites with the body and the breath, and all becomes integrated, the student moves into a meditative state. The concept of meditation in action is a keynote of BKS Iyengar's work. Being totally aware and absorbed in the postures as they are being done is meditation.

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