Yoga: Iyengar

Founder: B.K.S. Iyengar

B.K.S. Iyengar's style is based on the eight limbs of yoga as explained by Patanjali in his teachings called The Yoga Sutras. Iyengar yoga emphasizes the development of strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, as well as concentration (Dharana) and meditation (Dhyana).

The yogic asana (or postures) focuses tremendous attention to an individual bodies and its alignment. Through this practice, the student searches for deeper levels of awareness and self-penetration through each moment of the pose.

B.K.S. Iyengar has been at the forefront to bring the practice of Yoga and an awareness of its benefits to western society. One important contribution that he has made to modern yoga, is the introduction of simple, but well designed props. By making the postures more accessible through props, students are able to reach poses their bodies where having difficult with. They feel less strain, more awareness while maintaining proper alignment. As a result, they are able to free the mind and not be distracted by any kinks or pulls that the muscles might pin-point.

By releasing the mind, students are able to maximize opening and awareness. They are then able to focus on the action and feeling of the pose as it naturally becomes more quiet and drawn into the moment. Gradually, stability and concentration are developed while the physical body is revitalized and the process of looking inward is begun.