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what is yoga
who is bks iyengar
who is patanjali
what can I expect in a class at the Institute?
what facilities do you have at the institute?
foundation course or individual beginners classes?
how do I get to the Institute?
can I do yoga if I have physical health problems?
"Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the
melody of the mind
and the harmony of the soul, create the symphony of life."
BKS Iyengar
What is yoga?
In India, Yoga is seen as one of the six branches of classical philosophy,
and is encapsulated in a set of aphorisms collated and organised by Patanjali
in the Yoga Sutras. The word Yoga derives from the Sanskrit, meaning to
bind, to join, to yoke as well as union or communion.
There are 8 stages (or limbs) of yoga which must be followed in order
to reach Samadhi, the last stage, where the spirit is liberated and joins
the Universal Spirit.
1. Yama - universal moral commandments, similar to western moralities,
such as non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing and non-coveting.
2. Niyama - the rules of conduct applicable to the self, such as purity,
contentment, ardour, self-study and dedication.
3. Asana - practice of the postures. This is what most Westerners practise
in yoga classes.
4. Pranayama - rhythmic control of the breath. Also taught in the West,
often to more accomplished students.
5. Pratyahara - withdrawal and emancipation of the mind from the senses
and external objects.
6. Dharana - concentration, enabling the fickleness of the mind to be
brought under control.
7. Dhyana - meditation leading to a state of supreme bliss.
8. Samadhi - a state of higher consciousness brought about through meditation
in which the individual becomes 'at one' with the Universe.
In general, the West has mainly accepted the practice of asana and pranayama,
enabling the body to be healthy and free from stress and illness. Thus,
to a certain extent, yoga in the West is closely related to the idea of
living a good and healthy life. It stands in contrast to the acquisitiveness
and high pace of modern life and can provide the student with a framework
for making sense of their life.
Modern western life has brought tremendous benefits but also its own perils.
The elimination of the drudgery in our lives has left us with an immobile,
sedentary lifestyle, where the intellect holds sway over the body in the
pursuit of happiness. But the lack of natural exercise in our lives has
left many people with chronic health and stress problems, especially as
they get older. Yoga enables the student to find relief from these physical
ailments and to strengthen the body and make it more supple.
Regular asana and pranayama practice will bring serenity and calmness
to the student, enabling the internal organs to become strong and to work
efficiently. By so doing the student can overcome many symptoms of stress,
such as headaches, stiff necks, lower backache, insomnia and digestive
disorders. Yoga practice helps to improve concentration and self-discipline,
and to harness one's energy - by so doing, it brings vitality in your
everyday activities.
As Mira, Shyam and Silva Mehta have so succinctly summarised:
"From the psychological viewpoint, yoga sharpens the intellect and aids
concentration. It steadies the emotions and encourages a caring concern
for others. Above all, it gives hope. The practice of breathing techniques
calms the mind. Its philosophy sets life in perspective. In the realm
of the spiritual, yoga brings awareness and the ability to be still. Through
meditation, inner peace is experienced.
Thus yoga is a practical philosophy involving every aspect of a person's
being. It teaches the evolution of the individual by the development of
self-discipline and self-awareness.
Anyone, irrespective of age, health, circumstance of life and religion,
can practise yoga." (Yoga: The Iyengar Way, p8)
Sources: Yoga: the Iyengar Way by Silva, Mira and Shyam Mehta (publisher
Dorling Kindersley, 1990). Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar (publisher Harper
Collins, 1991).
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B.K.S. Iyengar
B.K.S. Iyengar has been teaching and demonstrating yoga
throughout the world for sixty years. He has several million students
and has established yoga centres all over the world. He has written many
books on yogic practice and its philosophy.
Iyengar was born in 1918 into a large, poor family in a village in the
Kolar district near Bangalore, southern India. After his father died in
1928 when he was only 9 years old, he went to live with his brother in
Bangalore. Throughout his childhood he was constantly afflicted by a variety
of serious illnesses, including influenza, tuberculosis and typhoid. Combined
with continual malnutrition, Iyengar's state of health made it uncertain
as to whether he would make it to full adulthood.
At the age of 15 B.K.S. Iyengar's life changed dramatically when he moved
to Mysore to live with his sister who was married to the renowned Sanskrit
scholar and yogi, T. Krishnamacharya. Initially Krishnamacharya refused
to teach any yoga to Iyengar but after some months he relented and gave
him basic instructions in asana practice.
At first Iyengar's body was weak and stiff and he had difficulty in doing
any postures at all. Fear of his master coupled with a deep reservoir
of inner strength drove Iyengar to work through the pain and rigidity
of his body. He spent a lot of time at the Yogashala (yoga school) in
the Jaganmohan palace in Mysore and within a year he had mastered many
of the postures.
From that point onwards, his vocation became apparent. He started to teach
yoga in a variety of places, eventually settling at the Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune in 1937. He has been teaching in Pune ever since, developing his
extensive knowledge of yoga practice and commenting upon and interpreting
the classical ancient texts of yoga, especially Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
Iyengar is mainly responsible for bringing yoga to the West. The Iyengar
style of yoga is probably the most widely practised form of yoga in Europe
and America. In the 1950s he was able to meet the violinist Yehudi Menuhin
who was performing in Bombay at the time. Iyengar gave him some yogic
instruction and Menuhin was so impressed that he asked Iyengar to teach
him at his home in Switzerland. It was Yehudi Menuhin who introduced Iyengar
to students in London, Paris and cities in the U.S.A. Iyengar then demonstrated
and taught in the West for a number of years until yoga became an established
presence.
B.K.S. Iyengar is now 84 years old and is still practising yoga every
day. In November 1997 he travelled to Europe and visited the Maida Vale
IYI. While he was here, he conducted puja (an Indian blessing) and gave
a speech on ashtanga yoga to over 200 students.
Sources: Yoga The Iyengar Way; Iyengar His Life and Work; "Iyengar
Looks Back" - article in Yoga Journal, Nov/Dec 1997.
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Patanjali
According to historical texts, the sage Patanjali lived in India approximately 2,200 years ago, sometime around 220BC. It is said that he is the incarnation of the serpent Ananta upon whom the Lord Vishnu rests before the beginning of creation. He was both scholar and philosopher, and the author of many classical treatises on yoga philosophy, Sanskrit grammar and medicine. In the Yoga Sutras Patanjali collated and codified all knowledge on this age old subject and as a consequence has come to be known as the "father of yoga". He demonstrates a profound understanding of human nature and psychology and through this knowledge he leads the reader through a mental and spiritual evolution along the yogic path. In total Patanjali codified the entire yoga system into 196 aphorisms or sutras. Patanjali also wrote a classical commentary on grammar - the Mahabhasya - expanding the knowledge of Sanskrit grammar by redefining its rules and enlarging its vocabulary with the aim of making the language fit for the finest of human thoughts. Patanjali also commented on the ancient system of good health and life, Ayurvedic medicine. In particular, he focused on the formation and structure of the human body, the beauty and problems of the body, the diagnosis of diseases and the curative effects of pharmacological techniques. Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar adheres to Patanjali's classical treatise, the Yoga Sutras, and has interpreted their meaning for the modern student. For further information, try B.K.S. Iyengar's comprehensive guide: Light on the Yoga Sutras. In Indian iconography Patanjali is often depicted as half human and half serpent, the man's torso extruding from a base of serpent coils. His hands are usually shown in namaste, indicating a meditative state and suggesting that he is greeting and blessing us in our yoga practice. Two additional hands hold a conch that calls the student to practice, and a disc that represents the wheel of time and the law of cause and effect.
Sources: Yoga: The Iyengar Way; How to Use Yoga; IYI (MV) own material.
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What can I expect in a class at the Institute?
You will be introduced to the basic asanas (poses or postures) which
will include standing poses, sitting poses and recuperative poses.
All the asanas have Sanskrit names which the teacher will use - don't
worry, you are not expected to pick it all up straight away! The teacher
will show you how to use yoga props such as belts and blocks to help you
achieve the postures to the best of your ability. All the yoga equipment
is provided by the Institute. All the asanas have different effects on
the body. The basic postures that beginners are taught will build up strength
and stamina, and improve muscular tone, flexibility and alignment. Practising
the postures reduces tiredness and soothes the nerves. It also trains
and disciplines the mind so concentration is improved. Yoga is therefore
a great help if you suffer from stress!
Yoga should always be practised on an empty stomach, so leave 3-4 hours
after a main meal or 2 hours after a light snack. Wear clothes that do
not restrict your movement in any way. Most people wear shorts or leggings
and a T-shirt. Yoga is always practised in bare feet. When you arrive
at the Institute please leave your shoes in the lobby - there is a no
shoes policy in the building. In addition, if you own a mobile phone please
ensure it is switched off before you come into the building.
If you are menstruating there are certain poses
that are not suitable so please consult the teacher before the class begins.
The teacher may give you some alternative postures to perform during the
class.
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What facilities do you have at the Institute?
The Institute was purpose-built for yoga in 1994 (replacing the previous
building that had been used for many years), and is fully equipped with
all that you will need.
There are two studios with underfloor heating, wooden floors, ceiling
fans and automatically opening windows. The Institute provides all the
necessary yoga equipment, including mats. There are separate changing
rooms for men and women, each one equipped with a shower, and there are
a number of toilets, including one with disabled access.
Chilled mineral water is supplied free of charge and there is a communal
area near reception where students can read display books and magazines.
In addition, there is a noticeboard that displays details about forthcoming
events and courses at the Institute and elsewhere.
There is usually a member of staff present at reception to deal with any
questions you may have. Questions about your yoga practice or suitability
for classes should be directed to a teacher.
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Foundation Course or individual Beginners Classes?
The Institute runs a six week Foundation Course for absolute beginners.
This provides a structured introduction into yoga in the company of other
people who have also never done yoga before. It will give you an introduction
to the basic postures and principles of yoga. It is strongly recommended
that you start with Foundation course if you are new to Iyengar yoga.
Foundation course yoga card costs £40 for six 1 hour 15 minutes sessions
(you do not need to take up membership to join the course). It is valid for 3 months from the day of purchase and can be
used for any of the 3 courses so if you miss a class from your regular
class, you can fill in on one of the other days. However, you must attend the first class and rebook if you are unable to do so. Foundation classes are
as follows:
All the foundation course this year is now fully booked. If you would like to go on the waiting list for any of the days, please call us on 020 7624 3080.
Tuesday 8.00pm - 9.15pm with Barbara Norvell
(dates: 18/10~22/11, 3/1~7/2/06)
Wednesday 7.45pm - 9.00pm with Rosemary da SIlva
(dates: 26/10~~30/11, 18/1~22/2/06)
Sunday 2.00pm - 3.15pm with Ruth Galinsky
(dates: 13/11~18/12, 8/1~12/2/06)
Which week is each Foundation Course at?
Tuesday 8.00pm - 9.15pm |
||
| Week 1 |
18/10 |
3/1/06 |
Week 2 |
25/10 |
10/1/06 |
Week 3 |
1/11 |
17/1/06 |
Week 4 |
8/11 |
24/1/06 |
Week 5 |
15/11 |
31/1/06 |
| Week 6 |
22/11 |
7/2/06 |
|
|
|
Wednesday 7.45pm - 9.00pm |
||
Week 1 |
26/10 |
18/1/06 |
Week 2 |
2/11 |
25/1/06 |
Week 3 |
9/11 |
1/2/06 |
Week 4 |
16/11 |
8/2/06 |
Week 5 |
23/11 |
15/2/06 |
| Week 6 |
30/11 |
22/2/06 |
|
|
|
Sunday 2.00pm - 3.15pm |
||
| Week 1 |
23/10 |
8/1/06 |
Week 2 |
30/10 |
15/1/06 |
Week 3 |
6/11 |
22/1/06 |
Week 4 |
13/11 |
29/1/06 |
Week 5 |
20/11 |
5/2/06 |
| Week 6 |
27/11 |
12/2/06 |
|
|
|
Call us on 020-7624 3080 to book or for any queries. You can always email
us as well.
If you have any current medical problems, you must contact the office
first. It may be that our remedial
class is more suitable for you.
It is advisable to purchase Foundation Course yoga cards in advance by paying in person or with credit card on the phone or by sending a cheque for £40 payable to "Iyengar Yoga Institute" with details of your name and address and contact phone number as well as stating what it is for to the Iyengar Yoga Institute, 223a Randolph Avenue, London W9 1NL.
After completing the Foundation Course, you will be entitled to 2 free
classes once you become a member (membership £36 per annum or £13
for 3 months). Please retain your Foundation Yoga Card to claim your free
classes.
Further information: our facilities, how
to get here, what happens in a class,
health problems.
Just a few points to help you on your first day here:
-
Yoga should be practised on an empty stomach, so leave 3-4 hours after a main meal or 2 hours after a light snack.
We are about 3-4 minutes’ walk from Maida Vale tube station. Look for a driveway by the side of house no.223 Randolph Avenue – we are at the end of that.
-
On entering the building, please take off your shoes and switch off your mobile phone.
-
Check in with the receptionist who can then tell you in which studio the class will take place.
-
Please bring some non-restrictive clothing to wear in the class, such as a T-shirt and shorts or leggings. Yoga is always practised in bare feet.
-
The Institute is fully equipped with yoga equipment. We have changing rooms, showers and toilets for men and women.
-
Take your valuables into the studio with you. Do not leave them unattended in the changing rooms.
-
If you have an injury or medical condition, you must inform the teacher before the class starts. If you are pregnant or have a serious medical complaint (e.g. hypertension, heart condition, cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, Meniere’s disease, detached retina, AIDS, MS, ME, recent post-operative conditions), this course is not suitable for you. Instead, please contact the office.
If you have any questions about your yoga practice, please ask the teacher.
Though it is not essential that complete beginners attend Foundation ourse,
we do recommend it. If you do wish to start by attending regular beginners
classes, please be aware that you may attend up to two classes (at the
visitors' price) before taking out membership. See the timetable
and membership subscritption for further information.
If you have already done some Iyengar yoga before, then it would be better
for you if you joined regular beginners classes rather than the Foundation
Course.
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How do I get to the Institute?
The Institute is situated in Maida Vale (North West London, not far from
central London). It is a short walk from Maida Vale tube station on the
Bakerloo line - just 15-20 minutes from Oxford Circus. You will find the
Institute at the north end of Maida Vale (and just south of Kilburn),
at 223a Randolph Avenue parallel to the west of the Edgware Road. Look
for a driveway on the West side of the road. Our yoga studios are tucked
away at the end of it.
We are well placed to take advantage of a number of public transport
facilities.
By car: there are some limited parking facilities in the area but
residents parking restrictions apply from Monday to Friday 9am to 6.30pm.
Students are advised to allow an extra few minutes to find a parking place.
There is cheaper parking in Paddington Recreation Grounds behind the Institute.
You can get to the car park from an entrance by the public house on Carlton
Vale. Be warned: traffic wardens do frequent this area! Under no circumstances
must students park in the Institute's driveway. This very limited space
is for staff and teachers and delivery vehicles only.
By tube: the nearest tube stations are Maida Vale (3 mins walk away)
and Kilburn Park (5 mins walk away) - both are on the Bakerloo line. We
are also about 10-15 mins walk from St Johns Wood , on the Jubilee line.
From Maida Vale tube, turn right with the wine merchant on your right
hand side. Walk up Randolph Avenue past the park entrance on the left.
Just before you get to the intersection with Carlton Vale, there is a
tree-lined driveway on your left. The Institute is at the bottom, behind
the houses.
By rail: the rail line from Kings Cross runs close to the Institute.
The nearest stop is the Kilburn High Road in south Kilburn. It is better
to use the tube or buses.
By bus: lots of buses stop near to the Institute, such as 316, 16,
98, 28 (2 mins walk away) and in south Kilburn the 32 and 31, both 5 mins
walk away.
For further information about public transport in London, call the travel
information line on 020-7222-1234.
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Can I do yoga if I have physical health problems?
If you are suffering from any minor ailment (such as a sprain or a headache)
or you are menstruating, you should inform the
teacher beforehand. If your problem is more serious or you are pregnant,
you must inform the Institute before starting any classes. This is for
your own safety. See our Remedial
Class and Medical Information page
for further details.
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