Guest guest Posted September 8, 2004 Report Share Posted September 8, 2004 The following paragraph is a quote by the great master of yoga Iyengar. Below that is an experience of one of his students. Source http://yogacenter.lawrence.ks.us/quotes.htm "The primary aim of yoga is to restore the mind to simplicity and peace, and free it from confusion and distress. This sense of calm comes from the practice of yogic asanas and pranayama. Unlike other forms of exercise which strain muscles and bones, yoga gently rejuvenates the body. By restoring the body, yoga frees the mind from the negative feelings caused by the fast pace of modern life. The practice of yoga fills up the reservoirs of hope and optimism within you. It helps you overcome all obstacles on the path to perfect health and spiritual contentment. It is a rebirth." B.K.S. Iyengar (quoted in our Spring 2001 schedule) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One incident I remember most clearly from that summer occurred at the end of class one day. It had been a very intense, difficult class, and during Shavasana, the Relaxation Pose, I went particularly deep. I remember being very quiet, very centered, and yet very wide awake. Iyengar must have noticed this because he came over to me afterward and said, "You see! It takes Krishnamurti twenty years to get your mind quiet. I can do it in one class." And he had a point. His methodology worked. It wasn't just physical, as is the common criticism of his teaching. Many people attempt to discredit him by saying his yoga is not spiritual. But here it was! Spiritual in the most practical, grounded, obvious way. And it was equally obvious from what he said to me that his intent all along was to impart the experience of yoga--not just put everyone through the paces, physically speaking. The whole point of all this physical, hard work-- and it was very physical and very demanding--was to get into a deep meditative state. And for me, it worked. I am extremely grateful to have learned this from him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.