The general goal for most yogis is to be close to the self (soul) which is an extraordinary task to pursue. Through Jnana (Study), Karma (karma), and Bhakti (devotion) one embarks on this path. Iyengar yoga attempts to utilize these aspects of yoga in a practical way. Daily practice is a very fundamental characteristic of the Iyengar method, which includes Asana (posture), Pranayama (breathe control), and study of yogic media. To facilitate this, Mr. Iyengar introduced props to help guide individuals. Allowing people of any physical stature or capability to be involved in yoga to their maximum capacity. Making it a tangible endeavor, achievable despite one’s prior life circumstance. For the seeds of yoga to bear fruit one needs dedication.
Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar refers to himself as an Astanga yogi. A person who pursues the 8 Limb Path by following the guidance of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Iyenagar became a student of brother-in-law T. Krishnamacharya because he had tuberculosis, typhus, malaria and malnutrition as a child. T. Krishnamacharya’s other most famous student is accredited for popularizing Mysore Ashtanga yoga. As for B.K.S Iyengar, he spent limited time learning directly from his brother-in law. Due to an injury and the notion of giving his all to the subject that saved his life. He began to examine the body and perform his practice in a way that was distinctively his own. Thus, his earliest students respectively began to call his style Iyengar Yoga. The homage continues on by those who practice in his name.
Our you able to distinguish the difference from voluntary and involuntary action. For example, turn your head in any direction as you read this sentence. While you’re turning the head does any other part of your body react. Naturally when we lift our chins up, our chest lift and broaden while the spirit lifts. The opposite can happen to the chest when the chins tucks. Causing the chest to drop and close, along with the spirit and mental. Creating the question is it possible to tuck or lift the chin without involuntary action from the rest of the? The answer is yes and this is where observation plays a major role during the asana practice. The ability to detect the natural occurrences and choose the reactions. Examining the self in this way allows one to transition from the gross body to the subtle body. Through practice one is able to more accurately pinpoint the source of their being. The cessation of the wild runaway coster is initiated, the conductor is able to right the track and proceed forward by their choice.
As mentioned above Mr. Iyengar introduced props to the yoga practice. One of his most influential props was the creation of Light on Yoga, a book that’s regarded as the yoga bible. The first 40 or so pages deal with yoga philosophy and details many yogic terms and concept. However, the bread and butter of the book is the vast array of yoga asana that Mr. Iyengar presents in the book. Aside from this Mr. Iyengar introduced the use of chairs, walls, belts, cushions and other various household items. Through the use of these props students are able to experience asanas to a fuller degree, Since they don’t have to struggle profusely during the asana. Which in turn allows for people to strive in yoga regardless of their current physical, mental, or spiritual condition. However, it’s important to note the props must be used as a tool and not as a crutch. When used as a crutch props have a reverse effect and hinder the path forward.
Unlike the great Allan Iverson, Iyengar yogis love to talk about practice. In a way it’s the most fundamental aspect of the Iyengar method. Through practice one is able to compare yesterdays efforts with todays. To continue developing the characteristics of Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti to bring the self closer in-sight. The Bhagavad Gita (a revered Hindu text) states “Work alone is your privilege, never the fruits thereof. Never let the fruits of action be your motive; and never cease to work. Work in the name of the Lord, abandoning selfish desires. Be not affected by success or failure. This equipoise is called Yoga.”