Iyengar Yoga Blog
The Five Elements – What are they and how they can Guide our Practice
What They Are and How They Can Guide Our Practice According to yoga, the material world (Prakriti) is composed of five gross elements, or Mahābhūtas. In Astadala Yoga Mala (AYM), B.K.S. Iyengar writes: “Performance of asana can also be studied and understood in terms of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.” (Vol.…
The Chakras – their Characteristics and their Bija Mantras
In the retreats I conduct in Bab Zouina, Morocco, we are fortunate to have a student, Sonali Sibal, who grew up in India and studied the Indian tradition. She shares with us knowledge about the Chakras that she learnt from her Guru, Gurukal K.P. Suresh. We study the characteristics of each Chakra, including its location,…
The Art of Yoga Kuruṇṭa
What is Yoga Kuruṇṭa? Yoga Kuruṇṭa means using ropes for the practice of yoga asanas. It was introduced to the modern world by the legendary Yogacharya Tirumalai Krishnamacharya who taught this art to his two disciples: K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar. These two renowned teachers had spread this teaching. At the Iyengar center in…
From Silencing the Mind to Ultimate Liberation
Or: From Chitta Vritti Nirodha to Kaivalya Chapter 3 and 4 of Patanjali’s yoga sutras take the Sadhaka (the spiritual aspirant) to the zenith of yoga – to the state of Kaivalya- emancipation, or Ultimate Liberation. These last two chapters are theoretical and more challenging to comprehend. In The Tree of Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar explains…
A Few Comments on Kriya Yoga and the Kleshas
About Kriya Yoga In previous posts, I wrote about Kriya Yoga more lengthy and shared some quotes about it. Here I add some more comments on this important subject. Chapter 2 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras begins with Kriya Yoga: 2.1 tapah svadhyaya ishvara-pranidhana kriya-yogah This is translated by B.K.S. Iyengar as: “Burning zeal in practice,…
How Practice can Help us Ageing Grecfully
The above quote is connected with the Yoga and Aging this year’s theme: “Unveiling Wisdom.” The program launched on February 2nd with an opening panel, where we shared insights and ideas around the above theme. “Unveiling” reminds us that wisdom already exists within us. However, it is often hidden beneath layers—ego, self-centeredness, and distractions—that prevent…