B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga Quotes
A collection of quotes by B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga.
B.K.S. Iyengar, born Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar on December 14, 1918, in Bellur, Karnataka, India, was a renowned yoga teacher and author. Widely recognized as one of the foremost yoga gurus of the 20th century, Iyengar is credited with popularizing and revolutionizing the practice of yoga worldwide.
From a young age, Iyengar faced numerous health challenges, including malaria, tuberculosis, and typhoid. Through his journey of personal struggle, he discovered the transformative power of yoga. Iyengar began studying yoga under the guidance of his brother-in-law, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who was one of the most influential yoga teachers in India.
In 1954, Iyengar published his seminal work, "Light on Yoga," a comprehensive guide to the practice of yoga asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques). This book played a pivotal role in introducing yoga to a global audience and became a bestseller. Iyengar's teachings emphasized proper alignment, precision, and the use of props to assist practitioners of all levels and abilities.
Throughout his life, Iyengar traveled extensively, conducting workshops and demonstrations across the world, spreading the benefits of his unique approach to yoga. He founded the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India, which continues to be a center for yoga education and practice.
B.K.S. Iyengar's contributions to yoga earned him numerous accolades and honors, including the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002, two prestigious civilian awards in India. He dedicated his life to deepening the understanding and practice of yoga, leaving behind a lasting legacy after his passing on August 20, 2014.