Yogacharya BKS Iyengar (1918 - 2014) is recognised as one of the foremost yoga masters of the world. He is renowned for his study, practice and innovative teaching of Yoga.
Since a young age BKS Iyengar committed his life to studying and practicing Yoga. Through his own intense, dedicated and devotional practice he developed profound understanding of the body and all of its deeper aspects such as mind, intellect, emotions and spirit. He discovered connections between these different facets of a person and he shared his discoveries with students around the world so they could understand themselves more fully.
As a Yogi he was regarded as supreme. As a man he was considered a genius. In his lifetime he brought the subject of Yoga forward in great leaps and bounds giving people of this day and age a way to understand the ancient practice of Yoga.
BKS Iyengar regarded Yoga as a science, an art and a philosophy. Thus, his teaching was imbued with clear and factual detail (the science), beauty and awe (the art) and uncompromising truth (the philosophy). He is widely recognised as one of the premier Yogis responsible for introducing yoga to the western world.
As a teacher he had all the qualities of a master teacher being able to take students of all calibre to higher levels of understanding. He practiced, in public daily, at his Institute in Pune, India alongside visiting students. Until a few weeks before his death at age 95, he continued to practice Yoga at his Institute. Anyone who witnessed his practice could see the vitality and intense discipline.
BKS Iyengar has written many books and articles on yoga. He authored “Light on Yoga”, considered a modern classic about Yoga, first published in 1966. He has received countless awards and accolades including honours from the Indian Government. In 2004, he was named in Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential figures in the world.
Although he has passed, he remains an inspiration to millions worldwide.
The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) is the heart and soul of Iyengar Yoga and is located in Pune, Maharashtra. The Institute was established in 1975 and is dedicated to Smt. Ramamani Iyengar, the wife of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. Its directors are Geeta S. Iyengar (BKS Iyengar’s eldest daughter) and Prashant S. Iyengar (BKS Iyengar’s son). Iyengar Yoga students from all over the world come here to receive the essence of yoga and study under the guidance of the Iyengar family.