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BKS Iyengar
Guruji

BKS Iyengar was also known as Guruji to his pupils. His teachings of Yoga were revolutionary. Through a lifetime of uninterrupted, intensive, and daily practice he studied the subject extensively. He worked on precision and subtlety, bringing a depth of understanding of the subject.  He lived and worked all of his adult life in Pune, India. This is also where he passed away in August 2014 at the age of 95. During his life, BKS Iyengar published many books, the most well known was 'Light on Yoga'. This book is considered the pinnacle of modern yoga's literature.

BKS Iyengar developed a system of yoga which enables anyone who practices to find improved health, strength, and mental alertness. He stressed that practice is the simplest way to truly discover what Iyengar Yoga is.  The system of teaching is structured according to the individual person's ability. Although generally taught in a group or class setting, Iyengar teachers are skilled at adapting the yoga postures or class sequences to the individual's needs.

To enable each student to achieve their optimum movement and extension safely in yoga postures, Guruji was creative in his use of various pieces of equipment. The equipment has now become known as Yoga props. 

BKS Iyengar became renowned for the extremely high expectations he placed upon his teachers. He was passionately concerned that yoga should be taught safely, effectively and that the method should be kept pure. He was clear that he did not want the method to be diluted. For example, Guruji did not support the commercialization of the subject of yoga. Rather he wanted the ancient art to keep its classical roots.  Consequently, he worked tirelessly to ensure that it remains focused on allowing people to reach their potential as a human beings, whilst also expanding their consciousness.

In addition, BKS Iyengar developed what is known as Yoga therapy. This is a method which is scientifically proven to address for many common health problems.

Guruji also published a structured training, examination and certification system which continues to be used throughout the world. The method which you will learn with Cathy and Randall at YogaSouth is internationally recognized.  Furthermore, both Cathy and Randall are certified directly from the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute. 

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