About

B.K.S. Iyengar – Founder of the Iyengar method and master of postural alignment.

B.K.S. Iyengar – Founder of the Iyengar method and master of postural alignment.

Yoga is an art, science, and philosophy. It touches every aspect of human life—whether physical, mental, or spiritual. Yoga is a practical method that brings purpose, usefulness, and nobility to life.

Yoga aligns the body, organs of action, senses of perception, mind, intelligence, and consciousness, as well as trillions of cells, attuning them to their essence—the conscious seer within.

Yoga alone enables the seer to directly perceive and experience the world within and around, gaining insight and feeling the divine joy of all creation. The yogi then shares Amrta, the nectar of divine wealth and happiness, with others.

We begin practicing yoga with a motive. That motive may be health, career success, enjoyment of worldly pleasures, or emancipation. Yet, as we continue, it dawns on us that yoga is not merely for health, enjoyment, or liberation.

Then, why do we practice yoga?

Patanjali explains that the mind, intelligence, and consciousness become entangled in thought waves, making us momentarily forget their true nature. This conjunction with thoughts of objects seen, perceived, or conceived creates desire. These desires drive action impulsively, without discrimination, making one a victim of their own thoughts and deeds.

Through uninterrupted and devoted practice, yoga frees the practitioner from motivation, desire, and reward, developing discriminative intelligence. This intelligence protects the mind from external temptations and anchors it to the soul, which is unmoving and ever-present.

Aligning the mind, intelligence, and consciousness with the Self is only possible through yogic discipline, which keeps the body firm, mind stable, and intelligence clear.

Through reverential practice, the inner fire of yoga burns away impurities from the body, mind, and intelligence. It bestows wisdom, allowing consciousness to rest in the Self. From then on, the intuitive light of the Self radiates, freeing the practitioner from afflictions.

That is why daily intensive practice is essential—there is no other way to reach the state of emancipation, free from sorrow.

— Excerpt from Yoga Rahasya by B.K.S. Iyengar