BKS Iyengar

yoginimary
yoginimary Posts: 6,788 Member
Yesterday, BKS Iyengar passed at the age of 96. BKS Iyengar is credited with bringing yoga to the west and is considered the father of modern yoga. While other yogis came before him, he taught in many novel ways that are now considered the norm:
He taught women
He taught in a group setting
He pioneered the use of props
His first book "Light on Yoga" is considered the go to book for asana
People should know who he is, and what an amazing contribution he gave to the world. He never tried to capitalize on his contribution either. He was still practicing, still learning, until his death.

Below are some of my favorite quotes:

“Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they’re meant to be.”

“You must purge yourself before finding faults in others.
When you see a mistake in somebody else, try to find if you are making the same mistake.
This is the way to take judgment and to turn it into improvement.
Do not look at others' bodies with envy or with superiority.
All people are born with different constitutions.
Never compare with others.
Each one's capacities are a function of his or her internal strength.
Know your capacities and continually improve upon them.”

“The hardness of a diamond is part of its usefulness, but its true value is in the light that shines through it.”

“Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.”

“One's spiritual realization lies in none other than how one walks among and interacts with one's fellow beings.”

"Let yesterday's ending be today's beginning."

"Change leads to disappointment if it is not sustained. Transformation is sustained change, and it is achieved through practice."

“Do not stop trying just because perfection eludes you"

“Penetration of our mind is our goal, but in the beginning to set things in motion, there is no substitute for sweat"

"It took me whole decades to appreciate the depth and true value of yoga."

"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured"

“The art of teaching is tolerance. Humbleness is the art of learning.”

“When I practice, I am a philosopher. When I teach, I am a scientist. When I demonstrate, I am an artist.”

“Words cannot convey the value of yoga – it has to be experienced.”

and finally:
"I always tell people, live happily and die majestically."

Replies

  • lauradoingyoga
    lauradoingyoga Posts: 22 Member
    Thanks so much for posting yoginimary.
  • norcal_yogi
    norcal_yogi Posts: 675 Member
    love this post. thank you.
  • Shan790
    Shan790 Posts: 280 Member
    thank you for sharing, some of those quotes I haven't heard before. Lovely :)
  • Pamela_June
    Pamela_June Posts: 340 Member
    I also just saw this posted on 'msn'... thanks for sharing with this site...
  • GibbsGirl13072
    GibbsGirl13072 Posts: 156 Member
    Awesome, thank you for sharing!
  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,788 Member
    Tonight, nationwide (US) practice honoring BKS Iyengar:

    8:30 Eastern 7:30 Central, 6:30 Mountain, 5:30 Pacific

    Here is the sequence:
    Tadasana - 3 minutes
    Uttanasana
    Adho Mukha Svanasana
    Utthita Trikonasana
    Adho Mukha Svanasana
    Uttanasana
    Tadasana - 3 minutes
    Seated - 5 min mediation

    Many studios are participating, but you are encouraged to do this sequence at home as well. Keep BKS Iyengar in your heart while practicing.
  • GibbsGirl13072
    GibbsGirl13072 Posts: 156 Member
    Thank you! I will be participating, that's just about the right time of day for me. Triangle on both sides?
  • lcyama
    lcyama Posts: 209 Member
    yes, triangle to the right, then triangle to the left.
  • GibbsGirl13072
    GibbsGirl13072 Posts: 156 Member
    yes, triangle to the right, then triangle to the left.

    That's kind of what I had figured, I would have done both just to be on the safe side. :)