Yoga Vaani 95 – September 2008
Guruji on Iyengar Yoga
Guruji expresses his views on Iyengar Yoga, discussing the importance of precision and alignment, the benefits of holding poses for longer periods, and how alignment differs from other yoga styles through the connection of motor nerves with sensory nerves.
A Garland for Guruji 90th Birthday Celebration
An invitation to all Iyengar yoga practitioners across Australia to celebrate BKS Iyengar's 90th birthday with a synchronized giant practice on December 14, 2008, featuring 90 backbends, 90 asanas, and 90 minutes of practice.
The use of props - pillows, blankets, belts, or blocks
Discussion of the functional purpose of props in yoga practice, including their role in guiding correct alignment, preventing injuries, and facilitating the integration of body, mind, and Self through both physical and spiritual dimensions.
Do people benefit from yoga, no matter where their mind is?
Exploration of how yoga benefits practitioners regardless of mental focus, emphasizing the importance of attention and reflection, and explaining that benefits are proportional to the intensity and frame of mind of one's practice.
When We Meet: Community as a "Single Thought of Yoga"
A Q&A transcript from BKS Iyengar's 2005 US tour discussing how yoga communities can overcome divisions through cultivating compassion, unifying intellect with heart, and maintaining the same quality of friendliness that exists at first meeting, even after extended periods of acquaintance.
Guruji's Insights on Yoga Practice and Props
A transcribed talk by BKS Iyengar discussing his discoveries about using props in yoga practice, the concepts of sabija and nirbija asana, and how props enable practitioners to achieve both extension and relaxation simultaneously while maintaining peace of mind.
Remedial Sequence: A Shoulder Problem
A detailed therapeutic sequence for shoulder injuries including torn rotator cuff and shoulder dislocation, featuring multiple variations of Salabhasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, Uttanasana, Tadasana, and Urdhva Dhanurasana with specific use of props, straps, and assistant adjustments.
Clearing Misconceptions: Asthmatic Patients Should be Taught Pranayama
BKS Iyengar clarifies the misconception that pranayama should be taught immediately to asthmatic patients, explaining that asana practice must first prepare the respiratory system before pranayama is introduced. He discusses the four stages of disease according to Patañjali and advocates for a discriminative approach to treatment.
Geetaji Answers Questions - Sydney, 1996
Geeta Iyengar answers questions about precancerous cervical cells and women's health, discussing the importance of following structured yoga programs during menstruation and after delivery, and emphasizing internal heat generation and circulation as preventative measures.
Women's Health, Menstrual Issues, and Yoga Practice
Geeta Iyengar addresses menstrual health, dysmenorrhoea, hormonal balance, and appropriate yoga practices for women during different phases of menstruation. The article includes detailed demonstrations of poses with props and discusses precautions for abdominal exercises and inversions.
Q&A: Secondary Lymphoedema and Yoga Practice Post-Mastectomy
Geeta Iyengar answers a question about appropriate yoga practices for a woman with secondary lymphoedema in the forearm and hand following partial mastectomy and radiotherapy. Recommendations include arm balances, inversions, and specific poses to improve circulation.
Q&A: Abdominal Asanas and Menstruation - Precautions for Women
Geeta Iyengar clarifies the precautions necessary when teaching abdominal exercises to women, particularly during menstruation. She explains the physiological reasons why abdominal work should be avoided during menstruation and outlines the proper sequence of practice including standing poses, forward bends, abdominals, and inversions.
Q&A: Sarvangasana Practice with Thyroid Conditions
Geeta Iyengar explains how to modify Sarvangasana practice for individuals with hyperactive and hypoactive thyroid conditions, addressing breathlessness, throat compression, and the use of props and support for therapeutic benefit.
Q&A: Preventing Lower Back Collapse in Headstand and Handstand
Geeta Iyengar addresses the issue of lower back collapse and forward pelvic thrust in headstand and handstand practice, recommending the use of a brick between the thighs and proper rotation of the femur bone.
Q&A: Nadi Sodhana - Significance of Right or Left Arm and Side
Geeta Iyengar explains the traditional significance of using the right or left hand in Nadi Sodhana pranayama practice, relating it to Pingala and Ida nadis (Surya and Chandra nadis) and cultural/spiritual conventions.
Surya Nadi and Chandra Nadi
An explanation of the solar and lunar nadis through the lens of pranayama practice, discussing how Nadi Sodhana balances the activating Surya Nadi with the calming Chandra Nadi to create mental equilibrium.
The Rahasya behind the Swastika
An exploration of the etymology, symbolism, and spiritual significance of the Swastika symbol across multiple cultures and traditions, with specific application to understanding Swastikasana as an ideal seated posture for yoga practice.
Loading document...
Published in: Yoga Vaani
