Yoga Community
An Encounter with Guruji BKS Iyengar The founder of Iyengar Yoga, one of the 100 most influential people in the world named by Time Magazine in 2004, Guruji Yogacharya BKS Iyengar has been teaching Yoga for 75 years. It can be said that Guruji is one of the premier Yogis responsible for introducing Yoga to the West and Iyengar Yoga is probably the most widely practised form of Yoga in Europe and the US today. 93 this December 2011, Guruji attended the 2011 China-India Yoga Summit on 16 June 2011 in Guangzhou, China. From 17 to 19 June, Guruji conducted a 3-day professional training at the Guangzhou Gymnasium. This is an unprecedented event, as Guruji does not teach public classes any more. Over 1,200 students from all over the world attended this chance of a life time first public teaching in China.
Asana Journal The Summit is starting any minute. It is amazing how many gather in the Conference Centre. Totally packed. Energy; connection - all with one vision. June 16 at 2:08pm Jane Neill likes this.
Asana Journal End of Day 1. All 432 seats of the Theatre were occupied for the Opening Ceremony and Summit. Everyone clapped profusely to welcome Guruji on stage. At 93, the Master is strong, healthy and alert. He gave a half an hour speech, ending with standing ovations and more cheers and claps. June 16 at 8:39pm
Asana Journal Day 1 Practice led by Guruji. Started with Tadasana, the base of all asanas. Much time was spent on alignment. We learnt Trikonasana, Parsvokonasana, Prasarita Paddottanasana, Parasvottanasana, finishing with Savasana. The session lasted three hours. June 17 at 1:26pm Yoko Kikuchi likes this.
The Practice Iyengar Yoga is initially learnt through in-depth study of asanas and pranayama. With respect to asanas, Iyengar Yoga focuses particularly on three aspects: technique, sequence and timing. Technique means correct body alignment, which allows the body to develop harmoniously in an anatomically correct way to avoid either injury or pain. Guruji has developed props, such as wooden blocks, chairs, blankets and belts, to help the body into correct, safe and effective positions. The emphasis on correct anatomical alignment and methods of working therefore refine the therapeutic aspects of Yoga. The practice improves postures, eliminates aches and pains etc. Sequence refers to the sequences in which asana and pranayama are practised. For instance, the mental and emotional effects can be intensified by varying the sequence of the practice. Timing refers to the length of time spent in posture or pranayama.
Asana Journal Day 2 practice lasted three and a half hours, starting with a detailed review of yesterday's asanas, followed by Vjrasana, Marichyasana and Paschimottanasana. Great use of blankets to improve alignment and stretch. June 18 at 1:10pm
Asana Journal Last day of the Yoga Summit. Guruji shows how to use props in various asanas, from Setu Bandhasana to Sirsasana and Sarvagasana. Guruji closes the practice with "be a student like I am." Sunday at 1:48pm 4 people like this.
The Course The primary objectives of the Course are to strengthen the practitioners’ Yoga knowledge, correct their concepts and enhance their physical and mental health. Each day started with Guruji Iyengar’s three hours’ teaching, demonstrated by his granddaughter, Abhijata and ten distinguished tutors from around the world. In the afternoon, there were question and answer sessions to clarify Yoga
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concepts and methods. The day finished with a consolidated practice instructed by the top training team.
Tadasana Guruji says, "Once we can master Tadasana, then all the other poses come." Tadasana is the base of all asanas. Tadasana, awakens the practitioner to the body – the outermost sheath – the Annamaya Kosha. Standing in Tadasana, we become aware of our body and limbs. We start to observe the life underneath the skin – the breath, the mind, and thus begin to awaken to the interconnectedness of our internal universe. In Tadasana, we learn how to distribute our weight evenly and uniformly. The work of the feet (base of the big toe, the pinkie toe, inner and outer heels) subsequently lays the foundation for the work of the legs (ankles become parallel, shine bones aligned with thigh bones, and thigh muscles engaged, drawing the knee caps up, and the backs of the thighs separate with the femurs pressing from the front body towards the back body); the pelvic girdle (the sacrum lengthens down, the frontal hipbones drawn together and lift up), the shoulder girdle (the shoulder blades descend; the arms come to life, activating all the way through to the fingertips), the torso (the sides of the torso are elongated, broadening and lifting the sternum) and the spine (the head comes to rest on the plumb line with the rest of the body). “You want to stand on your head and you don’t even know how to stand on your feet.” So start with the foundation. Alignment
Props
The more common props we see are wooden block, bloster and strap. In Iyenga Yoga, other props are used to help the practitioners to get into the posture, support the practice and relieve sensations. 1. Blankets For instance, in Paschimottanasana (Forward Bend), sitting on folded blankets, practitioners can lengthen the tailbone away from the back of the pelvis, extending the torso, stretching but without arching the spine. Placing wooden blocks on the feet, the body lengthens further and the hands reach further. Those with pain on the lower back while folding forward can place blankets underneath the abdomen to relive the sensation. 2. Backbender Made of wood, this looks like a whale. It supports backbend poses such as Setu Bandhasana (Bridge). Complete relaxation in the pose is possible. The entire back and spine are fully supported whilst stretching, without placing stress on other joints. The chest and lungs are expanded during use which allows for easier breathing. Using the backbender for support can also assist in the relief of sciatic or other spinal pain. The differing curves at each end of the backbender caters for different flexibility and requirements. At the low end of the backbender, there is a foot support. It can double as a hand hold when the head is positioned at the low end. The backbender can be used for Ardo Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog), extending the legs, placing the heels on the mat.
Iyengar Yoga is the most alignment oriented form. Guruji detailed the exact positioning of the body for each posture. He pays great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment. Practitioners do not “find their ways” to the asanas. The instructions are detailed and precise, with misalignments and errors actively corrected.
3. Folding Chair This is also an effective support for backbending poses such as Setu Bandhasana, Eka Pada Setu Bandhasana (One Legged Bridge). With two chairs, one can practise supported Sirsasana (Headstand).
Through attention to proper alignment, Iyengar Yoga encourages weak parts to strengthen and stiff areas to release, thus awakening and realigning the whole body. The emphasis on correct anatomical alignment can diminish aches and pains and improve the posture. As the body moves into better alignment, less muscular effort is required and relaxation naturally increases. “Allow your feet to be soft. Lengthening and broadening them does not mean tensing them. … China cotton is soft; Indian cotton is rough. Make it like China cotton.”
4. Halasana Bench This release backaches when the thighs are placed on the bench in Halasana (Plow). It also holds the elbows in place while one practises Sarvagasana (Shoulder Stand).
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The Living Legend Guruji is a sincere and passionate master, who is committed to teach all he knows so we benefit in the practice. This is reflected in his teachings in the three days:
He is strict and promotes discipline:
He inspires all:
"Do not drink water in between. It shows that you are not sincere in your practice. Always come with an empty stomach." "Quick! Get back to your mat!"
(Guruji is not supposed to participate in the Consolidated Practice in the afternoon but he came.) "I taught in the morning so cannot be in contact with all of you. I come in the afternoon to check if you are making mistakes."
"Is this a high jump? This is casual."
"Don't waste time. Time is short. Get the benefit."
(When practising Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle), some released the pose.) "Don't go (up)! Stay!"
"Be active. Be alert. Practise. Do not make mistakes so I can go home with joy."
(To a student) "She is not listening to me. She is listening to herself. Do not follow her."
"The beauty of Yoga is to make you naturally beautiful ... Change your cosmetic beauty to blissful beauty. Practise Yoga for inner beauty but not for external beauty."
"All of you should do as teachers say. But some of you are not listening." He teaches with humour: (When the sound system was not working properly) "I am a dynamic person. I do not follow the microphone. The microphone follows me." “I am getting two Asians on stage today. Asians have long trunks but short legs. Westerners have short trunks but long legs. Practise according to your constitution.” "She has a pretty face but not nice legs." (Teaching Parsvakonasana, pointing at the back leg to the extended arm and fingers) "This is China road.” (At an incorrect alignment) “This is India road." "Do you know how many years it takes me to know this? You become a master in a day!" He is observant:
(To a student who wanted to show off his technique but ended up being corrected in his alignment) "I asked you to come to me a few years ago so I can correct your alignment … Drop your ego. Only then you learn." (When gifting his shirt to the translator) "Remember me. Be a student like I am." The Experience Undertaking Guruji’s first public teaching in China is a chance of a life time experience. He may seem strict but he teaches with a sense of humour. He is truly charismatic and inspires us all. He is genuine, passionate and humble. I understand how important alignment is. For instance, doing a proper Tadasana is not at all easy. Once this is learnt, all other asanas follow. I also appreciate the use of different props for a more effective practice. In addition, this is an excellent opportunity to network with other practitioners from all over the world, sharing their Yoga experience and knowledge.
"Why do you close your eyes? See here!" (Directing his granddaughter while demonstrating the pose) "The camera is over there."
I feel blessed to finally meet the Living Legend, the author of Light on Yoga which should be on the bookshelf of most yogis, amongst his other publications.
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The Community
Junko (Saitama), Shigeko (Kyushu), Keiko (Kobe), Keiko (Kyushu), Kumiko (Kyushu), Michiko (Hiroshima)
Sam (Guangzhou), Juvane (Hong Kong)
Iyengar Yoga is getting popular in Japan. The ladies are part of a group of 20 who have a close association there. They all practise Iyengar Yoga only.
Sam teaches in Guangzhou and is introducing the programme into her class. Juvane teaches group and private classes in Hong Kong. She has undertaken various training and workshops with renowned Yoga masters in diverse disciplines. She attends the Yoga Summit to further her experience.
Ioanna (Guangzhou)
Crystal, Larry, Stephanie (San Francisco)
Ioanna is the spouse of the Consul General of Greece based in Guangzhou. She was first exposed to Iyengar Yoga in Germany. A great fan of Yoga, practising Iyengar Yoga only, she wanted to see Guruji live and have the experience.
Crystal, Larry and Stephanie came with a group of 14 from San Francisco to meet Guruji. Crystal has been practising Iyengar Yoga for four years, Larry fourteen years and Stephanie six to seven years. Larry explored other methods but decided that Iyengar Yoga makes the most sense. Iyengar Yoga has a big community in San Francisco where it is the first home of the Institute in the US.
Rita Keller (Koln, Germany)
Joanna Remenyi (Melbourne, Australia)
Rita is one of four Senior Teachers in Germany. She has been practising Iyenga Yoga for 25 years and never missed an occasion of Guruji's overseas teaching tours. She developed teacher training programmes in Germany.
Joanna has been practising Iyengar for 12 years. This is her first experience with Guruji.
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