that has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of posture

and breath control. The development of strength, mobility and stability is gained through the

asanas. B.K.S. Iyengar has systematised over 200 classical

yoga poses and 14 different types of Pranayama ranging from the basic to advanced. This helps

ensure that students progress gradually by moving from simple poses to more complex ones

and develop their mind, body and spirit step-by-step. Iyengar Yoga often makes use of props, such

as belts, blocks, and blankets, as aids in performing asanas. The props enable students

to perform the asanas correctly, minimising the risk of injury or strain, and making the

postures accessible to both young and old. Iyengar Yoga is firmly based on the traditional

eight limbs of yoga as expounded by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras.

Focus A form of Hatha Yoga, it focuses on the structural

alignment of the physical body through the development of asanas. Through the practice

of a system of asanas, it aims to unite the body, mind and spirit for health and well-being.

This discipline is considered a powerful tool to relieve the stresses of modern-day life

which in turn can help promote total physical and spiritual well-being.

It can be said that Iyengar differs from the other styles of yoga by three key elements:

technique, sequence and timing. Technique refers to the precision of the body

alignment and the performance of pranayama. Sequence means the sequences in which asanas

and breathing exercises are practiced. Following the specific sequence is important in achieving

the desired result, because only the combination of certain poses and breathing techniques

can ensure the expected positive effect. Timing is the third key element which defines

the time spent in each pose or pranayama. Iyengar Yoga is characterized by great attention

to detail and precise focus on body alignment. Iyengar pioneered the use of "props" such

as cushions, benches, blocks, straps and sand bags, which function as aids allowing beginners

to experience asanas more easily and fully than might otherwise be possible without several

years of practice. Props also allow elderly, injured, tired or ill students to enjoy the

benefits of many asanas via fully "supported" methods requiring less muscular effort.

Unlike more experiential approaches where students are encouraged to independently "find

their way" to the asanas by imitating the teacher, an Iyengar Yoga class is highly verbal

and precise, with misalignments and errors actively corrected. Iyengar teachers complete

at least two years of rigorous training for the introductory certificate. They may complete

subsequent intermediate levels and senior levels of certification, potentially entailing

a decade or more of training. Healing effects

Iyengar also targeted various ailments, diseases, and disorders with his practice. Chronic back

pain, immunodeficiency, high blood pressure, insomnia, depression and menopause have specific

programs of yoga associated with them. Iyengar worked with those who had myocardial infarctions.

The asanas are designed to be adjusted based on a person's stage of recovery.

See also

B. K. S. Iyengar References

External links B.K.S. Iyengar's Official website

BBC World Service article and programme by Mark Tully

Iyengar among TIME's top 100 people Interview with Iyengar on CNN

Denver Post article Interview with BKS Iyengar by IBNlive news

channel Interview with BKS iyengar by Noa Zweig, Pune

2012