Iyengar Yoga

In India, yoga practise has been handed down over thousands of years in ancient texts written in Sanskrit, and was practised up to the modern era widely. However, many of the meanings of finer point and intention of these texts were lost over the years either through poor translation and dilution or faulty interpretation and teaching. In the early 20th century a revision of the ancient texts was undertaken and new light was cast on the ancient writings. This brought about new ways of performing yoga that stayed truer to the original practitioners' teachings.

One of the first practitioners to truly absorb these revised texts and dedicate their life to their teaching was Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (BKS) Iyengar. BKS Iyengar is the master teacher of the BKS Iyengar Australian Association and it on his teaching that Jurien Bay Yoga is founded.

Iyengar Yoga is suitable for all bodies regardless of age, flexibility or health. BKS Iyengar is the world's most revered living teacher of Yoga. Iyengar Yoga is founded on the principles of sequencing of the asana's (poses), timing, use of support/props and hierarchy of practice.  This attention to detail enables the muscles, organs and breath to function optimally and the mind to focus.

In 1966, BKS Iyengar [Guruji] was introduced to western society through the now classic text Light on Yoga.  Based on the yoga sutras of Patangali, Guruji follows Astanga Yoga or the eight fold path.  Following this path Guruji has examined, practiced and investigated each asana to provide a depth of knowledge that allows the muscles, bones, organs and systems of the body to fulfil their potential and perform optimally.In 1975 Guruji opened the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute [RIMYI] in Pune.

Iyengar yoga is also renowned for its therapeutic approach.  Guruji has worked extensively with western doctors bringing relief to patients with heart and immune deficiencies, orthopaedic and spinal problems.  Guruji's daughter, Geeta, has also researched extensively the impact on the practise of asana's on a women's body and has developed therapeutic techniques for menstruation, menopause and pregnancy.

To train as an Iyengar Teacher, one must have been practising Iyengar yoga for a minimum of 3 years and then commence a teacher training program with a Senior Teacher that has been assessed and accredited by the Iyengar Yoga Association Board.  The teaching process is extremely rigorous and stringent, and many fall by the wayside.  In Australia to become a teacher one must pass 2 assessments that indicate the approval of the highest level practitioner in the country. Teachers are also required to hold qualifications in first aid and anatomy and physiology.

For more information please see the following links

Australian Iyengar Association website
Official Iyengar website
Simon Morrocco St Kilda school