What is Yoga?
Yoga
is an ancient art form, science and philosophy. It is a
system by which the body, mind and spirit become integrated
through the practice of postures (asana) and breath control
(pranayama).
"Yoga is the study of the functioning of the body and mind to
investigate the nature of Being." ~Geeta Iyengar
~Yoga
teaches us to cure what need
not be endured and endure
what cannot be cured~ BKS
Iyengar
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar yoga
is a system with strong emphasis on alignment, sequencing and
the organic effect of the postures. In an Iyengar class/studio,
props such as blocks, straps, blankets and rope walls are made
available. The use of such props are a measure of safety and
physical accessibility in the poses.
What are the effects of Iyengar Yoga?
Through the
practice of asana and pranayama, the body is made strong,
supple and vital and the mind introspective, quiet and calm.
Iyengar yoga will increase your strength and flexibility,
strengthen your immune system and reduce your stress levels. You
will experience a measurable sense of well being.
"The
Tree of Yoga"
Written by Gurujji, I highly recommend this book among
others. Below is a passage from "The Tree of Yoga", it is a
wonderful analogy to the path we are treading.
"When you grow a plant you first dig the earth, remove the stones
and weeds, and make the ground soft. Then you put the seed
into the ground and  surround
it with the soft earth so carefully that when the seed opens
it will not be damaged by the weight of the earth. Finally,
you water the seed a little and wait for it to germinate and
grow. After one or two days, the seed opens into a seedling
and a stem grows from it. Then the stem splits into two branches
and produces leaves. It steadily grows into a trunk and produces
branches in various directions with many leaves.
Similarly the tree of the self needs to be taken care of.
The sages of old, who experienced the sight of the soul,
discovered its seed in yoga…
As the essence of the tree is in the fruit, so the
essence of the practice of yoga is in the freedom, poise,
peace and
beatitude of Samadhi, where the body, the mind and the soul
are united and merge with the Universal Spirit." ~ B.K.S.
IYENGAR
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