Spiritual Figures  B.K.S. Iyengar FAQs  FAQ

What inspired B.K.S. Iyengar to create Iyengar Yoga?

B.K.S. Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar Yoga, was inspired to create this unique style of yoga through his own personal experiences and struggles. Born in 1918 in Bellur, India, Iyengar was a sickly child who suffered from various health issues such as malaria, tuberculosis, and typhoid. His poor health left him weak and frail, and he often missed school due to his illnesses.

At the age of 16, Iyengar's brother-in-law, the renowned yogi Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, invited him to Mysore to help improve his health through the practice of yoga. This was the turning point for Iyengar, as he began to see the transformative power of yoga in his own life. He dedicated himself to the practice, and under Krishnamacharya's guidance, he began to see significant improvements in his health.

Iyengar's passion for yoga only grew stronger, and he continued to study and practice diligently. In 1937, he was invited to Pune by the famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin, who had heard about Iyengar's teachings and wanted to learn from him. This encounter marked the beginning of Iyengar's international recognition and the spread of his unique style of yoga.

Iyengar's approach to yoga was influenced by his own physical limitations and struggles. He believed that yoga should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their age, health, or physical abilities. He also believed that the practice of yoga should be precise and focused, with attention to proper alignment and the use of props to support and enhance the postures.

Iyengar's teachings were also heavily influenced by the ancient text, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. He believed that the practice of yoga was not just about the physical postures, but also about the mind and spirit. He emphasized the importance of concentration, self-awareness, and inner peace in one's yoga practice.

Iyengar's dedication to yoga and his desire to share its benefits with others led him to create the Iyengar Yoga style. He opened his first yoga studio in Pune in 1975, and his teachings quickly gained popularity not only in India but also around the world. Today, there are thousands of Iyengar Yoga teachers and practitioners worldwide, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence the yoga community.

In conclusion, B.K.S. Iyengar's personal struggles and his passion for yoga were the driving forces behind the creation of Iyengar Yoga. His teachings have helped countless individuals improve their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide the practice of yoga.