Welcome to Iyengar Yoga!
B.K.S. Iyengar
What is Yoga?
Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul. Yoga is an eight-limbed path journeyed on to explore the Self and realize one's inherent true nature. It is an ancient science that deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self-realization.
The yogic postures, in Sanskrit, asanas, form only one limb of the yogic path. As our master teacher, B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India teaches, "Asanas help us to develop greater tolerance in the body and mind so that we can bear the stress and strain of life more easily. In asana our consciousness spreads throughout the body, eventually diffusing in every cell, creating a complete awareness. We continually expand the frame of the mind by using the canvas of the body. Yoga is meant for the purification of body and exploration as well as refinement of the mind." Each of the 8 limbs of yoga has a distinct purpose and when all are integrated together they reveal the practitioner's inherent true nature.
What Distinguishes Iyengar Yoga from Other Styles?
Ours is a lineage based system, headed by our master teacher, guru, B.K.S. Iyengar, who learned through his guru Krsnamacharya, who learned from his guru, and so on back through the ages. From his teachings, Mr. Iyengar has systematized over 200 classical yoga poses (asanas) and 14 different types of breath control (pranayamas) from the simple to the difficult. These have been categorized to allow a beginner to progress surely and safely from basic postures to the most advanced so they gain flexibility, strength, and sensitivity. Teachers are trained on sequencing and given license to create appropriate sequences to meet the needs of the students in their class. There is a suggested syllabus for the first Basic classes, after that, teachers create their own sequences.
Iyengar Yoga specializes in the fine adjustments of physical alignment with the use of props to support your body at its present state. Props are also used to intensify an action, to create more stability (help with balance), and create resistance to access different parts of the body more intensely. Poses are held longer to optimize the benefits of the posture.
Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul. Yoga is an eight-limbed path journeyed on to explore the Self and realize one's inherent true nature. It is an ancient science that deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self-realization.
The yogic postures, in Sanskrit, asanas, form only one limb of the yogic path. As our master teacher, B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India teaches, "Asanas help us to develop greater tolerance in the body and mind so that we can bear the stress and strain of life more easily. In asana our consciousness spreads throughout the body, eventually diffusing in every cell, creating a complete awareness. We continually expand the frame of the mind by using the canvas of the body. Yoga is meant for the purification of body and exploration as well as refinement of the mind." Each of the 8 limbs of yoga has a distinct purpose and when all are integrated together they reveal the practitioner's inherent true nature.
What Distinguishes Iyengar Yoga from Other Styles?
Ours is a lineage based system, headed by our master teacher, guru, B.K.S. Iyengar, who learned through his guru Krsnamacharya, who learned from his guru, and so on back through the ages. From his teachings, Mr. Iyengar has systematized over 200 classical yoga poses (asanas) and 14 different types of breath control (pranayamas) from the simple to the difficult. These have been categorized to allow a beginner to progress surely and safely from basic postures to the most advanced so they gain flexibility, strength, and sensitivity. Teachers are trained on sequencing and given license to create appropriate sequences to meet the needs of the students in their class. There is a suggested syllabus for the first Basic classes, after that, teachers create their own sequences.
Iyengar Yoga specializes in the fine adjustments of physical alignment with the use of props to support your body at its present state. Props are also used to intensify an action, to create more stability (help with balance), and create resistance to access different parts of the body more intensely. Poses are held longer to optimize the benefits of the posture.
Basic Series Class
Virtual Basic Series Class
As a new student in YCD's virtual Basics Series, we know the challenges of learning not only the asanas (poses), but also their names in both English and Sanskrit. To help you with your practice, we have created the following PDFs to assist you. Each week of this series will build upon the previous week's asanas, allowing you an opportunity to hone your skills. We hope it will enhance your time with us and encourage you to continue your practice long after the series is complete.
Iyengar yoga is meant for all and is a way of life and being. Thank you for joining us on your yoga journey. Please let us know if you have any questions as you progress through your practice. In the words of Mr. Iyengar, "Success will come to the person who practices."
As a new student in YCD's virtual Basics Series, we know the challenges of learning not only the asanas (poses), but also their names in both English and Sanskrit. To help you with your practice, we have created the following PDFs to assist you. Each week of this series will build upon the previous week's asanas, allowing you an opportunity to hone your skills. We hope it will enhance your time with us and encourage you to continue your practice long after the series is complete.
Iyengar yoga is meant for all and is a way of life and being. Thank you for joining us on your yoga journey. Please let us know if you have any questions as you progress through your practice. In the words of Mr. Iyengar, "Success will come to the person who practices."
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Tips for success:
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The Eight Limbs of Yoga
1. Yamas - Universal Ethics
4. Pranayama - Breath (energy) control
5. Pratyhara - Withdrawal of the senses
6. Dharana - Concentration
7. Dhyana - Meditation
8. Samadhi - Transcendence of consciousness, enlightenment
- Ahimsa - Non-violence
- Satya - Truhfulness
- Astaya - Non Stealing
- Brahmacharya - Self-restraint
- Aparigraha - Non-possessiveness
- Saucha - Purity
- Santosha - Contentment
- Tapas - Self Discipline
- Svadhyaya - Self Study
- Isvara Pranidhana - Surrender to a Higher Power
4. Pranayama - Breath (energy) control
5. Pratyhara - Withdrawal of the senses
6. Dharana - Concentration
7. Dhyana - Meditation
8. Samadhi - Transcendence of consciousness, enlightenment
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Benefits of a Yoga Practice - Physical and Mental
American Osteopathic Association |