Three thousand years ago, the sage Patanjali described the science and art of yoga in his book, ‘The Yoga Sutras’. The book begins with the phrase ‘Chittavritti niruddha’, which translates as ‘controlling the thought waves or mental fluctuations which bring about stress’.
The stress of modern living, the ordinary events of daily life which cause inner turmoil, have not changed – injury and disease, insecurity, anger, sudden change, concern for those we love, grief.
BKS Iyengar describes yoga as not only the most effective but also the most natural therapy for stress. We know that stress is the cause of many chronic, non-specific symptoms in the mind and the body, all kinds of dis-ease. We can quickly notice the benefits of regular practice on our bodies. The effect on the mind takes longer to register because yoga is dealing with the causes, not just the symptoms. The restless mind, once taught to draw inward, becomes calmer. This is the beginning of transformation.
Mr. Iyengar said, “Words cannot convey the value of yoga – it has to be experienced.”
For books about the Iyengars, their teaching and practice, click HERE.
For a few different perspectives on Yoga and the life and work of BKS Iyengar:
- Annette Bening asks Mr Iyengar about laughter and reads a passage from ‘Light On Life’.
- Elvis Presley and Mr Iyengar’s views on yoga, HERE.
- An article on His Holiness the Dalai Lama in conversation with Mr Iyengar, HERE.
- Click HERE for a selection of short films about yoga.
