If you are passionate about practicing Yoga, surely you have heard of the name BKS Iyengar - one of the most influential yoga masters in the world. In this article, we will explore him, who is known as the "father" of Iyengar Yoga, a modern yoga school admired by many yoga lovers around the world.
1. Biography of Iyengar Supervisory Board
Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (BKS Iyengar) (1918 – 2014) was born in Bellur, India, into a poor family. During his childhood, he faced many diseases such as typhoid, malaria and tuberculosis. At the age of 15, the turning point came when his brother-in-law, Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, introduced him to yoga as a method of improving his health.
2. BKS Iyengar's yoga career
2.1. Start practicing yoga
Iyengar's early path was not easy. A weak body makes practicing the postures extremely difficult. However, with strong determination, he was not discouraged and persevered in practicing under the strict guidance of his brother-in-law.
2.2. Great contribution to yoga
Iyengar's diligence, combined with modern thinking, led to his most outstanding achievement - the development of the Iyengar Yoga method. This is a school of yoga that pays special attention to the correct alignment of the body in postures (asanas), combined with the use of support tools such as wooden blocks, straps, blankets... to help people , yoga is accessible at all levels.
Iyengar not only taught yoga but also inspired millions through his classic works (see “Famous Works” section below).
2.3. Iyengar Yoga Method
Featured: Precision, alignment, emphasis on anatomy and postural therapy, and the use of assistive devices.
Benefit: Develops strength, endurance, flexibility, helps reduce stress, improve overall health, as well as create a sense of peace and mental balance.
3. Famous works
BKS Iyengar left behind a huge legacy of yoga works. Some of his most famous books include:
- “Light on Yoga”: Detailed illustrated instructions for hundreds of yoga poses.
- “Light on Pranayama”: An explanation of yoga breathing techniques.
- “Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” (Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali): Analysis of classical yoga philosophy.
The contribution of BKS Iyengar not only stops at developing Iyengar Yoga but also in spreading yoga knowledge through his works. His books have been translated into many languages, becoming valuable reference materials for yoga lovers around the world.
4. Awards and honors
Iyengar's contributions have been recognized around the world by many prestigious awards, including:
- Padma Shri (1991)
- Padma Bhushan (2002)
- Padma Vibhushan (2014)
- In 2004, Time Magazine honored him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
5. Influence on modern yoga
BKS Iyengar is considered a yoga legend who revolutionized the way yoga is practiced and taught, bringing yoga closer to everyone and spreading it widely around the world. The great impact of Iyengar's Supervisory Board is reflected in many aspects:
Development of Iyengar Yoga method: Emphasizes precision, alignment, focuses on anatomy and therapy with postures, and incorporates support equipment. Helping people at all levels access yoga effectively and safely.
Raise awareness about yoga: Turning yoga into a comprehensive health care method, attracting millions of people to practice yoga around the world.
Standardizing yoga teaching: Standardized system of lesson plans and certificates, ensuring teaching quality and confidence for practitioners.
Spreading yoga philosophy: Helps practitioners understand themselves, improve health awareness and find balance in life.
Respond and develop: The foundation for many modern yoga schools, contributing to the diversification and development of increasingly rich yoga.
BKS Iyengar is an inspiration to millions of yoga practitioners around the world, and his contributions will continue to be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does BKS Iyengar practice yoga?
He practiced and taught yoga for over 75 years.
Is your method suitable for beginners?
Perfectly tailored, Iyengar yoga focuses on correcting errors and adjusting postures with tools, making it easy for beginners to access.
What are the most prominent effects of Iyengar Yoga?
Improve body alignment, reduce pain, increase flexibility, muscle strength and mental stability.
BKS Iyengar is an inspiration to millions of yoga practitioners around the world, and his contributions will continue to be remembered and cherished for generations to come. Nguyen hopes the above information will be useful to you. Please follow Nguyen Yoga website to get more great and latest knowledge about Yoga.
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