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Recent research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine has added compelling scientific validation to what practitioners have long experienced: yoga offers profound benefits for mental and emotional well-being. This comprehensive study illuminates the mechanisms through which yoga practice influences
The recent mindfulness research from the Open University resonates deeply with the principles and practices of Iyengar Yoga. B.K.S. Iyengar’s approach to yoga has always emphasized the development of awareness and presence – qualities that lie at the heart of
Dhyana (ध्यान), representing the seventh limb of Patanjali’s eightfold path, embodies a state of profound meditation where the practitioner experiences complete absorption in the object of contemplation. This deep meditative state transcends ordinary concentration, emerging as the natural evolution from
Dharana (धारणा), representing focused concentration, stands as the sixth limb in Patanjali’s eight-limbed path of yoga. This essential concept transcends simple attention, embodying the practice of single-pointed focus where the mind becomes completely absorbed in one object of contemplation. Whether
In the rich tapestry of yoga philosophy, Abhyāsa (अभ्यास) emerges as a fundamental concept that transcends mere physical practice. Described in both Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, Abhyāsa represents a sustained spiritual practice that requires unwavering dedication and
In the sacred space of Iyengar Yoga, particularly within trauma-informed settings, we encounter a fundamental truth: the recognition and respect of body boundaries forms the cornerstone of our practice. This principle takes on profound significance when working with individuals who
In September 2024, almost a year after life in Israel changed dramatically, I found myself standing before my first trauma-informed Iyengar yoga class. The room was filled with women—mothers and mothers-to-be, some from religious backgrounds—each carrying their own story of
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern yoga practice, props have emerged as essential tools for practitioners seeking both physical support and emotional stability. The Iyengar Yoga tradition, in particular, has pioneered the intentional use of props, transforming them from simple
In the vast landscape of yoga philosophy, few concepts are as profoundly transformative as faith. The traditional Sanskrit principle īśvara praṇidhāna, one of the five Niyamas (observances) outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, represents the pinnacle of these observances. While commonly
In “Light on Life,” B.K.S. Iyengar shares a profound story of a monk’s path to enlightenment. Frustrated after years of spiritual practice without achieving emancipation, the monk makes a dramatic decision – to climb a mountain with the intention of
In “The Tree of Yoga,” B.K.S. Iyengar offers a profound interpretation of the Amṛta Manthana (अमृत मंथन), revealing how this ancient mythological tale contains deep insights into the practice of pranayama. The story begins with a cosmic struggle between two
In an era marked by unprecedented uncertainty and disrupted routines, many find themselves yearning for a sense of control and stability. Iyengar yoga offers a unique approach to rebuilding this sense of agency through mindful, intentional practice that emphasizes personal