B. K. S. Iyengar

Early Life and Introduction to Yoga

B. K. S. Iyengar was a renowned Indian yoga teacher and the founder of “Iyengar Yoga”. He was born in Bellur, Karnataka, India on December 14, 1918. He dedicated his life to spreading yoga worldwide. B.K.S Iyengar greatly impacted the Western world’s understanding of yoga. In his early years, B. K. S. Iyengar faced various health challenges, including malaria, tuberculosis, and typhoid fever. At 16, he started practicing yoga with his brother-in-law, the renowned yogi Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. His dedication and determination resulted in the creation of a distinctive and groundbreaking style of yoga known as Iyengar Yoga.

Development of Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar focused on precise instructions, proper alignment, and the use of props to help students achieve correct posture. This attention to detail and alignment not only helped students achieve physical benefits but also deepened their spiritual connection to the practice. His approach made yoga accessible to all, making it a popular style worldwide. Iyengar Yoga has gained significant recognition and is widely practiced as a specific branch of yoga.

Founding of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute

B. K. S. Iyengar’s dedication to his practice and teaching led him to establish the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, in 1975. The institute became a hub for yoga students from around the world, with Iyengar himself guiding and imparting his wisdom for several decades. He authored several books, including the classic “Light on Yoga”, which is widely regarded as a seminal text on the subject. Iyengar’s contributions to yoga earned him many honors and accolades.

Influence on the West and International Reach

In 1952 he helped the world-famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin by teaching yoga. Menuhin wrote a foreword to Iyengar’s book Light on Yoga and helped him in introducing yoga to the West. Iyengar conducted numerous workshops and classes across Europe, North America, and Asia. His teachings resonated with people from all walks of life, from celebrities to health enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. His disciplined approach to yoga shattered myths and advocated for holistic wellbeing.

Legacy and Passing

On August 20, 2014, B.K.S Iyengar passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of yogis. His teachings and methodology continue to be shared and propagated by his daughter, Geeta Iyengar, and son, Prashant Iyengar, who are both prominent yoga teachers in their own right.

Honors and Recognition

B.K.S Iyengar’s contributions to the field of yoga have been widely recognized and celebrated. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Shri in 1991, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2014 from the Government of India. His influence on yoga as a transformative practice has been profound, and his teachings have impacted the lives of countless individuals around the globe.