Yoga Vaani 83 – September 2005
Guruji on Yoga in the West, Teaching and the Future of Yoga
An interview with BKS Iyengar discussing how he generated interest in yoga in the West, differences between Western and Indian mentality, dangers of diluting the yoga tradition, and the qualities of good yoga teachers and practitioners.
Interview with BKS Iyengar
An interview with BKS Iyengar discussing criteria for becoming a good teacher, the goal of yoga, and his personal practice philosophy emphasizing the development of intellectual maturity and the sharing of knowledge.
East and West: So Far and Yet so Near
A comparative analysis of the cultural and spiritual similarities between India and Mexico, drawing parallels between Hindu deities and Christian religious imagery, particularly the Virgin of Guadalupe and Sage Patanjali, and connecting Yoga Sutras teachings to Biblical commandments.
Valda Moore
An obituary honoring Valda Moore, a senior yoga teacher and founding member of the Australian Iyengar Yoga Association who was instrumental in bringing BKS Iyengar to Australia in 1983.
Virabhadra – The Warrior
An exploration of the mythological story of Virabhadra, one of Lord Shiva's guards, tracing the origins of his anger and how it was channelised, and explaining the asana names Virabhadrasana which reflect attributes of power, strength and might.
Anatomy of an Asana
A detailed comparative anatomical analysis of three forward bending asanas (Uttanasana, Padangusthasana, and Padahastasana), exploring structural and functional differences through visual observation, internal dissection, and sensory impressions as taught by BKS Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar.
Practical Hint in Virabhadrasana III
A practical technique for improving balance in Virabhadrasana III by directing attention to the lateral edge of the palms and extending awareness to the little finger for enhanced stability.
The Three Virabhadrasanas: Balance and Power
An exploration of the three Virabhadrasana poses and their philosophical significance, emphasizing how balance must accompany power, and how aggression and defensiveness must be equilibrated through a balanced mind and intelligence.
What's Happening!
Directory of Iyengar Yoga Association news, new schools, teacher training programs, and yoga-related services across Australia including props suppliers, Ayurvedic consultants, and insurance information.
Assessment News
Report on Iyengar Yoga teacher certification assessments held in June and August 2005, including results from Sydney and Melbourne, and announcement of upcoming Perth assessments in March 2006.
Dandasana – Paschimottanasana
Detailed teachings on the foundational poses Dandasana and Paschimottanasana, including alignment instructions, use of props for awareness building, and progression to Brahmacharyasana. Compiled from Geetaji's teachings during Yog-sadhana celebrations.
The Heritage of Bellur
An article tracing BKS Iyengar's lineage back 10 generations to the village of Bellur in Karnataka, exploring the family heritage, philosophical tradition of Vishishtadvaita, and Guruji's role in temple restoration and social upliftment of the village.
The question was asked???
A brief explanatory piece clarifying the meaning and significance of BKS Iyengar's name components: Bellur (birthplace), Krishnamacharya (path of liberation/servant), and Sunderraja (first name), and how he is referred to as Guruji by devoted students.
From Cell to the Self
A scientific article by a biologist explaining how Iyengar Yoga practice affects cellular structure and function at the molecular level, connecting Don Ingber's tensegrity research to Guruji's teachings on flexibility, stability, and genetic expression through asana practice.
Jet-Lag Standing Pose Sequence
A therapeutic standing pose sequence designed by Geeta Iyengar for jet-lagged newcomers at the Institute, emphasizing lengthening of the side chest to hasten recovery from jet lag.
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Published in: Yoga Vaani
