Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yoga?
Who is Patanjali?
What are the eight limbs of Yoga (Astanga Yoga) according to Patanjali?
Is yoga a religion?
What is Iyengar Yoga?
What is different about Iyengar Yoga?
What does it mean to be certified in Iyengar Yoga?
I’m not flexible can I do yoga?
What are some of the physical benefits of Yoga?
Do I need my own props?
What should I wear to class?
What can I expect in class?
How can I prepare for class?
What can I read if I want to learn more?
How should I practice at home?
What is Yoga?
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yujir” which means to yoke or union. The practice of yoga is to unite the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. Back to top
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra say “Yoga citta vritti nirodha” (Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind). He outlines an eight-fold path (astanga yoga) an aspirant can follow to reach the goal of yoga.
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Who is Patanjali?
Patanjali is the father of yoga. He gave us the Yoga Sutras, which are 196 brief aphorisms on the path of yoga. Back to top
What are the eight limbs of Yoga (Astanga Yoga) according to Patanjali?
1. Yama (five ethical observances):
ahimsa (nonharming)
satya (truthfulness)
asteya (nonstealing),
bramacharya (sexual continence)
aparigraha (non grasping or non hoarding)
2. Niyama (five individual disciplines):
sauca (cleanliness)
santosha (contentedness)
tapas(burning zeal)
svadyaya (self-study)
isvara pranidhana (dedicating one’s actions and efforts and surrendering the fruits of such actions to the lord)
3. Asana (posture)
4. Pranayama (breath control)
5. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dyhana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (union with the divine)
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Is yoga a religion?
No, it is not a religion, but it is a spiritual practice. Back to top
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar Yoga is a system of Hatha yoga (physical practices) developed by B.K.S. Iyengar. Mr. Iyengar believes that all eight limbs yoga can be practiced and experienced in two of the limbs, asana (posture) and pranayama (breath control).
In the practice of Iyengar Yoga there is a strong focus on alignment in the asana. This emphasis has numerous benefits. It helps practitioners learn the asana safely, without injury. In addition, the points of alignment give practitioners a focus for their attention. This can begin to train the mind to be still and focus on one point. As the attention is focused, the practitioner can begin to move their awareness to deeper points inside; awakening to the light within. This practice can still the mind and bring a sense of peace and belonging—a truer sense of Self.
B.K.S. Iyengar has spread his knowledge, light, and enthusiasm around the world for over 60 years. Now in his late eighties, he has passed on the method to two of his children, Geeta and Prashant Iyengar, and they carry on the tradition of teaching in Pune, India. There are several senior teachers of Iyengar yoga in the United States, including John Schumacher in Washington, DC and Patricia Walden in Boston, MA. Back to top
What is different about Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar yoga helps the practitioner develop a balance of strength and flexibility. Classes teach the student how to practice yoga. The alignment in postures will be refined and a practice will be methodically developed. Use of props (chairs, straps, blocks, bolsters and blankets) may be used to either illustrate a particular point or to bring light to a dark area of the body. Back to top
What does it mean to be certified in Iyengar Yoga?
To become certified in Iyengar yoga, one must go through a rigorous process of practice and testing. After teaching for at least three years the candidate for certification undertakes a two-year process of testing. To become certified as an Iyengar Yoga teacher, one must be immersed in the study and practice of the method. After successfully completing the first test, the candidate becomes a Teacher in Training. Only after at least another year may the candidate apply to be tested to be fully certified at the Introductory level. Back to top
I’m not flexible can I do yoga?
Yes, of course! This is a practice that may help develop strength, flexibility and concentration, but most importantly, it is training for your mind. It doesn’t matter if you can’t touch your toes! Back to top
What are some of the physical benefits of Yoga?
Yoga can help build stamina, strength and flexibility. This practice can be helpful managing on-going health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. Athletic students find that with practice of Yoga, their performance in sports improves, their bodies feel more pliable, and the likelihood of injury is decreased. Students with back pain find their pain lessens or disappears with practice. Your quality of sleep may improve. The benefits are endless. Back to top
Do I need my own props?
It is advisable to have your own mat, though some mats are provided. You may find that owning your own blankets, straps and blocks will be useful for your home practice, too. Back to top
What should I wear to class?
Fitted, comfortable clothing. You should be barefoot in class. Back to top
What can I expect in class?
In beginner classes, I will cover the basic standing and seated positions. We will begin class with a few minutes of silence. After warming up the body, we will focus on standing poses, then work towards some of the seated positions. We will end each class with a pose for relaxation. Back to top
In Level I/II, II and II/III classes, students will be introduced to more advanced standing poses as well as back bends, forward bends, twists and inversions. All postures will be introduced in methodical and safe manner. All classes will begin with quiet (and some chanting in the non-beginner classes) and end with relaxation. Back to top
How can I prepare for class?
It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach. Try to leave two hours between your meal and your class or practice. A light snack (fruit or yogurt, for example) may be fine one hour ahead of time.
Arrive 5-10 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin. This will give you a chance to be ready for class. After changing and putting away your things, you may take a resting pose or sit quietly in preparing for class. Back to top
What can I read if I want to learn more?
BKS Iyengar is the author of many illuminating books:
Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, Light on the Yoga Sutras, and Light on Life.
Mera Mehta wrote a book called Yoga the Iyengar Way, which is an excellent resource. For students working with back pain, try Dr. Mary Schatz’s Back Care Basics.
For help with home practice, check out Cindy Dollar’s Yoga Your Way. John Schumacher also has some excellent audio recordings for home practice: Basic Daily Routine, Foundations: Standing Poses Upright and Inverted, and Pranayama: Preparations and Beginnings (available at www.unitywoods.com).
Also of interest may be Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Bhagavad Gita. Back to top
How should I practice at home?
Try to establish a home practice right away. You can try one, two, or three postures at home that you have learned in class. Even if you practice for five or ten minutes at least three times a week, you will begin to notice a difference both in your day to day experience and in the experience you have of weekly class. Just try to remember a bit of what you catn. Your practice will develop in time. The resources listed above may be helpful to you. Back to top
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