Journalism of Courage
Bellur Krishnamachar Sundarraj Iyengar is credited with bringing yoga to the West and making it the force in fitness it is today. Iyengar Yoga is practised in more than 70 countries. It isn't limited to just physical asanas that seem to be beyond the reach of human flexibility. Meditation for better mind-body harmony is an important component of his teachings. Iyengar had immense faith in yoga as having all the answers. Upon being asked why he practised yoga, he replied after some thinking, "I want to make a good death." Here are some of the yoga guru's most inspiring thoughts. (Source: Express Photos)
“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.” {BKS Iyengar doing Matsyendrasana (left) and Sarvangasana} (Source: Express Photo)
“The hardness of a diamond is part of its usefulness, but its true value is in the light that shines through it.” (BKS Iyengar doing Ghanda Bherundasana) (Source: Ann West Yoga)
“It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence.” Yogacharya BKS Iyengar at a demonstration of Iyengar yoga. (Source: Express Photo)
“As animals, we walk the earth. As bearers of divine essence, we are among the stars. As human beings, we are caught in the middle, seeking to reconcile the paradox of how to make our way upon earth while striving for something more permanent and more profound.” {BKS Iyengar doing Trikonasana (left) and Viprit Dandasana} (Source: Express Photo)
“We must create a marriage between the awareness of the body and that of the mind. When two parties do not cooperate, there is unhappiness on both sides.” {BKS Iyengar doing Padangustha Dhanurasana (left) and the scorpio pose} (Source: Express Photo)
“Meditation is oneness, when there is no longer time, sex, or country. The moment when, after you have concentrated on doing a pose (or anything else) perfectly, you hold it and then forget everything, not because you want to forget but because you are concentrated: this is meditation.” {BKS Iyengar doing Kandasana (left) and Bhujpidasana) (Source: Express Photo)
“Yoga is about the will, working with intelligence and self-reflexive consciousness, can free us from the inevitability of the wavering mind and outwardly directed senses.” (BKS Iyengar doing Tittibhasana) (Source: Express Photo)
"My body is singing, ringing yoga. So naturally one has to feel the bell when I walk by." (BKS Iyengar in lotus pose) (Source: Ann West Yoga)
