ORIY: FAQs

   
Salamba Sarvangasana
What is Yoga?
Who is BKS Iyengar?
What distinguishes the practice of Iyengar yoga from other styles of yoga?
How does yoga differ from other forms of activity e.g. aerobics?
Can anyone practice yoga?
Can yoga be practised if I have a medical condition or minor problem?
Will everyone be slim?
What can I expect in an Iyengar yoga class?
Can I eat before a class?
What should I wear?
What benefits come from Iyengar yoga practice?
Is yoga a religion?
What is the Certification Mark and the various levels of Certification?
What is the IYA(UK)?
What distinguishes the practice of Iyengar yoga from other styles of yoga?
  • The way the asanas are practised makes the physical aspect itself become meditational.
  • There is more attention to precision and safety in the practice of the asanas.
  • There is a focus on the three key elements of technique, sequence and timing.
Technique means that in practice one learns ever-finer adjustments in the alignment of how to perform asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath control).
Sequence refers to the sequences in which asana and pranayama are practiced, e.g. by varying the order of the postures, the mental and emotional effects of the practice can be intensified.
Timing refers to the length of time spent in an asana or practicing pranayama. Postures should not be done carelessly or without awareness. It takes time to move into a posture in a controlled way and become stable. With stability there is quietness and the stillness which comes when effort ceases can be experienced and the benefits absorbed. Otherwise the potential effects and benefits remain small compared to what is possible.
Iyengar yoga is far from merely ‘stretching and deep breathing’. With practice and understanding, one can realise that asana is as different from stretching or gymnastics, as pranayama is different from merely deep breathing.
 
Web Design by RJCreate