Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, commonly known as B.K.S. Iyengar, was a renowned Indian yoga teacher who played a significant role in popularizing yoga around the world.
Here's an overview of his life and contributions:
- Early Life: B.K.S. Iyengar was born on December 14, 1918, in Bellur, Karnataka, India. He was born into a poor family and faced various health issues during his childhood, including malaria, typhoid, and tuberculosis.
- Introduction to Yoga: At the age of 16, Iyengar's brother-in-law, T. Krishnamacharya, who was a renowned yoga teacher, introduced him to the practice of yoga to improve his health. Under Krishnamacharya's guidance, Iyengar began his journey into the world of yoga.
- Development of Iyengar Yoga: Through years of dedicated practice and study, B.K.S. Iyengar developed his own style of yoga, known as "Iyengar Yoga." This style emphasizes precision, alignment, and the use of props such as belts, blocks, and bolsters to help practitioners achieve correct postures and positions.
- Teaching Career: B.K.S. Iyengar began teaching yoga in Pune, India, in the 1930s. Over the years, he gained a reputation as a skilled and innovative yoga teacher. His students included people from all walks of life, including celebrities, athletes, and spiritual seekers.
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- International Recognition: In the 1950s and 1960s, Iyengar's teachings gained international recognition through his books, demonstrations, and workshops conducted in various countries. He became one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century, spreading the practice of yoga worldwide.
- Authorship: B.K.S. Iyengar authored several books on yoga, including the classic "Light on Yoga", which has been translated into multiple languages and is considered a seminal work on the subject. He also wrote "Light on Pranayama", "Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" and many others.
- Legacy: B.K.S. Iyengar's legacy extends beyond the practice of yoga. He is credited with making yoga accessible to people of all ages and abilities and for his pioneering efforts in using yoga as a therapeutic tool for various health conditions. His teachings continue to inspire millions of practitioners around the world.
B.K.S. Iyengar passed away on August 20, 2014, at the age of 95. Despite his physical absence, his teachings and philosophy continue to shape the practice of yoga and influence countless individuals on their journey of self-discovery and well-being.
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