The Iyengar Yoga Method

The teaching of yoga by BKS Iyengar is based on in depth practice of the asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (the yogic breathing)

 Precise and rigorous, it is characterized by: 

• attention on the alignment of different body parts
• in space and the anchoring to the ground
• Organization of postures and sequences with
• the use of props (straps, blocks, blankets, chairs, ropes ...)

BKS Iyengar has developed a system of integration of the mental and physical aspect, bringing a sense of internal and external balance,  called  "alignment". True alignment can be experienced when the mind quitens down, the body breathes reaching every cell in the body.

Using simple supports, students of different abilities can - without fear of overdoing or injury - gradually gain confidence and flexibility.

The specificity of this method allows everyone, whether young, old, beginner or advanced - through the use of different supports - to address postures in stages, to develop an attitude and a right alignment, respecting axis and symmetry. By the accuracy and thoroughness, body - mind - and - consciousness are mobilized simultaneously.

In the magazine "Les Chemins du Yoga" published in June 1994, Viviane Gutlerner wrote an article in which she speaks of Sri BKS Iyengar, whom she met many times in person.
She mentions, among others, the anchor of consciousness in the physical activity, access to the spiritual through the body, purification of the mind and intelligence of the body. See: "May the light on Yoga, be a light unto you".

Iyengar yoga is taught worldwide, according to a single principle of training, assessment and certification of teachers.

"Yoga is a light that once lit, will never waver. The more you practice, the more intense this light will be. " B.K.S Iyengar

Born in December 1918 at Bellur (South India) he left his body in August 2014. BKS Iyengar has devoted over 70 years of his life to the practice and teaching of Yoga.

His books are translated into several languages. "Light on Yoga" published in "J'ai lu" Collection with the Title "Bible of yoga", "Light on Pranayama", Light on yoga sutras of Patanjali", are now classics.

Light on Life - The journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace and Ultimate Freedom - his last main book was published in 2005.

Internationally respected yoga master, his travels led him on five continents where his teaching has become widespread. He lived in Pune, India, where he founded his school, the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in 1975, after his wife's name.
Both traditional and modern, its method shows that yoga can be practiced by women and men of all ages and all cultures, and that this ancient art is an effective response to the problems of our time.

His daughter Geeta, oldest of his  children followed her father. Eminent teacher and doctor in Ayurvedic medicine, she wrote the book "Yoga, a gem for women".
See more www.bksiyengar.com

Invocation to the Guru - Translation 

(I meditate on Sri Ganesha) Who has a Curved Trunk, Large Body, and Who has the Brilliance of a Million Suns,
O Lord, Please make all my Works, free of Obstacles, always.

Invocation to Patanjali: Translated by John J. EVANS:

Let us bow before the noblest of sages, Patanjali who gave yoga for serenity and sanctity of mind, grammar for clarity and purity of speech, and medicine for perfection of health!
Let us prostrate before Patanjali, an incarnation of Adisesa, whose upper body has a human form, whose arms hold a conch and a disc, and who is crowned by a thousand headed cobra!

The Mantra of the Master (since 2018)

Guruh Brahma Guruh Vishnu Guruh Devo Maheshvarah
Guruh Sakshat Parabrahma Tasmai Sri Gurave Namah

"The guru is Brahma, the guru is Vishnu, the guru is the god Maheswara. In fact, the guru is the supreme brahmin ! To that guru go all our salutations."