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Iyengar Yoga News
Spring
2017
Issue
number
30
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
SPRING 2017 1
I Y E N G A R® Y O G A ( U K ) Honorary president: Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar
www.iyengaryoga.org.uk
Iyengar Yoga News
SPRING 2017 Issue number 30
This issue of Iyengar Yoga News features a couple of fascinating interviews: one with Guruji about Yoga Therapy,
and another with Pandurang Rao, secretary of RIMYI. Continuing with the RIMYI theme, we asked our teachers
to send us their experiences of Pune and have published a number of these. Our thank-yous for magazine contri-
butions also go to this year’s organizers of the National Iyengar Yoga Day events for sending in their reports and
photographs. Alongside with a few more feature articles you will find the regular updates from the IY (UK) asso-
ciation. Please note the information about this year’s Convention with Jawahar Bangera. If you want to come and
haven’t already booked then please do so.
The IY (UK) magazine is a great way of sharing the news and knowledge throughout the Iyengar yoga commu-
nity. As well as your ideas and articles, we would be grateful for images or good quality scanned copies of photo-
graphs that could be published in future editions. Images of Guruji, RIMYI and of your local classes, workshops
and similar events can really enhance the content.
We hope you enjoy this issue!
Editorial Board: Philippe Harari, This magazine is printed on paper that is Finance & Bookings Administrator
Judi Soffa, Tehira Taylor, Jill Johnson, sourced under a scheme which ensures Jess Wallwork
Sigute Barniskyte-Kidd, John Cotgreave minimal environmental impact. Telephone 07757 463 767
email jess@iyengaryoga.org.uk
Membership and Office Manager
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
Layout & Design: Sigute Barniskyte-Kidd 15 West Grove,
Andy Tait Bristol BS6 5LS
Articles to: editor@iyengaryoga.org.uk Telephone 07510326997
email offce@iyengaryoga.co.uk Assessments Administrator
PO Box 51698, London, SE8 9BU Kate Woodcock
Advertising: John Cotgreave Telephone 07914089360
cotgreavej@gmail.com email kate@iyengaryoga.org.uk
PR & Website Manager
Katie Owens PO Box 1217, Bradford, BD1 9XF
Copy deadline: 7 August 2017
email katie@iyengaryoga.org.uk
2 SPRING 2017
Contents
Features
Yo g a T h e r a p y
Inter view with BKS Iyengar page 4
Inter view with Pandurang Rao
by Karen Dhada page 9
Impressions from Pune and RIMYI
page 13
N a t i o n a l I y e n g a r Yo g a D a y 2 0 1 7
Feedback from Or ganiser s and Par ticipants page 21
Convention 2017
by Catherine Gresty page 27
B o o k r e v i e w : Yo g a f o r S c o l i o s i s
by Emma Harrison page 28
Silvia Prescott Obituar y
by Cathy Rogers-Evans page 30
To o t i n g I y e n g a r Yo g a S u t d i o
b y Te h i r a Ta y l o r a n d L a u r a Tu g g e y page 33
IYI South London
by Marion Sinclair page 34
Member information
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
IY(UK) Reports page 36
Assessment Results and Notices pages 40
IY (UK) Professional Development Days 2016 page 42
List of Institutes and Centres page 46
SPRING 2017 3
Yoga
Therapy
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
Interview with BKS Iyengar
First published 1999 and 2002 in Yoga Rahasya
4 SPRING 2017
At that time I had no idea that I would become
a yoga teacher. I took it for health. I think destiny
Guruji, how would you define therapeutic yoga? must have played a role for me to take up this life. I
never even dreamt that I would be a yoga teacher.
Therapy is a subject which deals with the view of I was just like a bird without a nest, not knowing
the body, mind as well as self. Therapy for me is my future plans. On one side, there was no educa-
how we can form a methodology to keep this body, tion and on the other side, I knew very little of
mind and intelligence to function in a rhythmic way the theory side of the subject. When I was called
co-ordinating with the various structural functions of to teach, there was a tremendous confusion and I
the body. Yoga plays a major role in educating man had definitely no idea then, that I would carry this
from the peripheral area to reach the innermost message of yoga to the extent that I have taken it
part of the human being, which you may call me or now. Even if I reflect on this now - it is like a dream.
'I' or the divine self. All problems arise from this 'I' But it is a fact. I learnt by experiments that yoga has
or me. power to help humanity.
Today, the common man does not understand ln retrospection, do you now feel fortunate
the vedanta of yoga. Vedanta of yoga is to unite that you had been 'unfortunate enough' to have
or to build the body, mind and intelligence with suffered from so many diseases in your childhood
the support of the consciousness so that they all and accidents in your later life which gave you a
become a single facet of man. Unity takes place lot of first hand experiential knowledge on yoga
without any divergence or deviations. therapeutics?
The body says one thing, the mind says one thing, Yes, it is a fact that I did suffer in my childhood.
the emotions say one thing, the intellect says one As I told you earlier, probably I was destined to
thing. So these diversions, which are common be the messenger of yoga, but I was not knowing
to one and all, disturb the harmony of the life- my destiny. lt was the circumstances, as you said,
force which we commonly call as health. If there whether it is fortunate or unfortunate - I do not
is a disturbance in the life-force then we call it ill know - it acted both ways. It was pushing me in
health. This life-force is influenced by our physical, this field but unfortunately I was not getting any
emotional and intellectual actions and reactions, support from anyone. So fortune and misfortune
occurring within ourself and in response to the were identically balancing throughout. Up to 1946,1
outside world. lt is not so easy to remain in a had no clue as to which direction I was to follow.
rhythmic, balanced state, though that is the aim of So in one way it was good that I suffered. ln those
yoga. Yoga therapy is a vedantic therapy but not circumstances I had no mind to teach at all - but
a physical therapy as is commonly understood. my Guruji insisted. There was a responsibility and
Therapy means to enter the core of the cause that responsibility became my guiding light to invent
of the pains and imbalances that create the pain; things on this subject as a teacher and a student.
touch it and create that rhythm. It is a philosophical
therapy and not a physical therapy. Guruji, for certain diseases like certain back and
knee problems, dysmenorrhoea, asthma, etc. - you
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
Guruji, you started yoga because of ill-health and have made it so simple for teachers to teach.
when it started improving, did you ever think or
imagine that you would be able to give health to Yoga could not be done actively throughout
so many people? Did you see that power in yoga and when the patients came to me I had to find
or that potential in yourself then? means to give them relief by passive active action.
How to make them move with a slight support so
SPRING 2017 5
that the resistance is pacified? Passive movements
means pacifying the inner resistance of the patient.
Passive does not mean negative type of movements.
When I try to move a certain part of the body,
and unknowingly the other part becomes active,
this may not only injure the affected part but also
the other parts. Then, I work to keep those parts
passive in order to actively work on the needed
area. For example, take the shoulders and the
shoulder blades. If the shoulders are painful then I
cannot over-stretch them. So, I have to support the
shoulder so that I can move passively a little more
by activating the shoulder blades. But if I keep both
the shoulders and the shoulder blades passive then
there will be no improvement. This knowledge
is the one which made me devise props so that
they can passively give active action not a passively
passive action. Physiotherapy is totally passive action
and they will not allow any active action. ln yoga,
they teach how certain parts can be made active by
remaining passive while keeping certain parts indi-
rectly passive.
said my hand is dislocated and I cannot do anything.
You know, two weeks ago, when I was doing Eka I kept quiet for only three days and kept on doing
Pada Viparita Dandasana II, the left elbow came up although the doctors said I could not do anything
and the right elbow got caught between the wall for three weeks. They told me that I should not
and the brick. There was no movement and I lost lift my hand up. Then, there are many other things
my balance. I dislocated my shoulder which all of I can do. So, why should I ask them what I should
you know. Now, today I have done standing poses do? The doctor asked me, "Can you do Sirsasana?
for one hour. Could any other person think of that? 1 said “1 did it holding the wall with the hands up,
Keeping that part passive, can I not work on any it is Niralamba Sirsasana.” 1 can also do Niralamba
other part? To keep that part passive I am supposed Sarvangasana because I can keep my hand down
to have to put it in a sling - but you can see that or lift my back and hold the bar. This is known as
I have not. I have just tied it so that my hand may common sense. That common sense is what is
not go up. I am very fast in helping the pupils, so I important in our yoga teachers.
have kept it tied to keep a check over it but I have
kept my hand down from the very first day. I did Yoga is now considered as an alternative form of
Sirsasana on the rope and Kapotasana with one medicine. Generally, an alternative to Allopathic
hand. Could I teach if I had no confidence? Now form of medicine. Don’t you think that yoga
I am an ideal person for teachers like you to see. should become a front-line therapy for certain
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
You may say that I cannot move my hand, but, I diseases especially diseases like osteoarthritis,
am doing Urdhva Dhanurasana with one hand on cervical spondylosis, etc.?
a stool. I have done Eka Pada Viparita Dandasana
even today. I do Hanumanasana by pressing one Yoga can easily become an alternative form of
hand. Only I cannot take my hand up. I am trying to treatment and it is gaining ground as a natural
rotate it in such a way so as to find out whether all therapy. But for the present it needs a lot of
my muscles are in position or not. I could have also support from the medical world. Medical world has
6 SPRING 2017
its own ideas. They are also fanatical in their own sensitivity grows more and more; the intelligence in
subject but they have to give a thought that there the person develops a character which is prakasha
may be so many other ways to treat diseases. lf (light). This is fusion between consciousness and the
one can blend all these together then probably the power of the bio-energy. When these two come
health of the world, the growth of the health of together the words used are psycho and soma or
the people may be faster than what we are getting prana sakti and prajna sakti. Prajna sakti is psycho
today. energy while prana sakti is soma energy. These have
to be blended to move together in the practice of
Prevention is better than cure. Only Patanjali Yoga asanas and pranayama. Only then can you think of
Sutra says - heyam dukham anagatam, take care curing diseases very fast.
from now on so that the future afflictions may not
occur. This has not been said in other texts. Today Blood circulation is dependent on circulation of
you may be healthy but you do not know at what prana and the blending of the blood to a supe-
time you may be not. He therefore cautions us in rior quality depends on prajna sakti. According to
the 23rd sutra, 2nd chapter. He says, all the bhuta-s, the physiological explanation of the functions of
indriya-s, the tanmatra-s, the manas, evolve the the heart, the blood is purified even if you do not
person to a better person from what he is today. pay attention to it. But the yogi sends his intel-
ligence and consciousness to each and every part
He clearly explains that yoga is not only a preven- of the body so that the blood is felt when it feeds
tive but also a curative subject in the 30th sutra of those areas which need it. That is why many of
the 4th chapter – Tatah klesha karma nivrittih. the asana-s were given and the subtle practices
of pranayama were given so that you can make
Yoga is meant to get rid of all the actions which the air and the blood reach those areas. Health is
create afflictions. Does it not work as a preventive dependent upon the prajna and prana sakti. If one
as well as a curative subject? Now, if you take, the is stronger that the other then there is imbalance.
3rd chapter – sutra 51 "tadvairagyat api dosabijak- Imbalance on the soma or imbalance on the psycho.
saye kaivalyam.” Bija is a seed, the seed of dosha-s, lf they work together then there is a balance
seed of unhappiness. You can have millions and between the health of the body and the health of
millions of meanings for the words - dosha bija. Each the mind. Yoga does that. 'That is why I say that
of the dosha-s can be vanquished by the practice of yoga can take a primary hand in the cultivation of
yoga. What more can I tell you regarding that ques- good health' As Prashant said in the lectures, we as
tion when Patanjali not only speaks of philosophy students have not got the courage to counter act
but also psychology as well as physical, mental, intel- for the counter challenge when people speak-about
lectual and spiritual health that can be attained by the 'valuelessness' of yoga. We think a medical man
the practice of yoga, the method being asana and has come from heaven and he knows everything of
pranayama. the body but if he knows everything of the body
- how many doctors have died unknowingly? They
There are two things that are needed for improve- don't ask that question'
ment in one's health. One is prajna and another
is prana. What you call conscious energy and bio- That is why yoga says: you become a doctor for
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
energy. Concentration is not awareness. To be your own self. You need not depend upon others.
aware of everything is only possible for a very sensi- Today in the modern world kriya - yoga is in a
tive, intellectual person and asanas build up that dormant state. Without kriya there is no illumina-
sensitivity. We trigger the person by giving pricks tion - be it, physical, mental or intellectual. lf the
in the organs for them to become sharp. This is modern world understands this much, I will tell you
the sharpness which Patanjali speaks of - sensitivity that yoga will supersede all other forms.\
of intelligence grows more and more when the
SPRING 2017 7Iyengar Yoga News No. 30 8 SPRING 2017
Interview with Pandurang Rao
Secretary of RIMYI
by Karen Dhada
Guruji was known to me from when I was born, the Institute and the other half for the family house.
I’ve known him from a very young age. My dad and In January we had a Puja on Thursday and then on
he were old friends from when they were bach- Saturday he went to Mumbai to teach. Sunday his
elors. So, being family friends we were all known to wife died. That is how the name for the Ramamani
each other from our childhood. Institute came. It opened on the 19th January 1975.
I was born in Karnataka in 1950 but brought up in The first group to come was for an intensive,
Pune. I started Yoga in 1970 when Guruji used to about 110 people. There was a large number from
take classes in schools. In the beginning I thought the U.K. - Jean Maslen, Lilian Biggs, Silva Mehta,
let me see what this Yoga is about so I went to Silvia Prescott, Angela Farmer, Dona Holleman, and
the class at one of the school halls. After a while, I Jeannie Hammond. At that time there would be a
started going to his home where he used to teach morning and evening class. Guruji used to give three
maybe 5 – 6 students. I just went out of curiosity to intensives a year; January, July and October. Geeta,
see what this Yoga is. Prashant and I were there and we used to help in
the classes. Slowly I started learning and teaching.
In the 1970s Guruji taught abroad a lot and the At that time there were not so many students, so
local people thought we need to do something in there would be enough time for me to go to class
Pune for him. That was the idea from the mind of and practise. It was from the early 1980s that the
his local students that we will have some institute. classes became more crowded. Then we opened
In 1972 Guruji found this land – half would be for
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
SPRING 2017 9another hall upstairs. The idea came here. When Guruji was had to go slightly up or down
was to keep it for Pranayama travelling he was very happy that I depending on whether his chest
class. The newcomers used to was looking after the Institute for was up or down. He would lie
join the main hall. Slowly we him. He had the sense that I can on the bench and say this is not
stopped and started separate take care. correct, go for the final trial again.
beginners classes upstairs. I used
to help in the beginners and There are four rooms on the Guruji was my friend, my Guru,
medical classes. Then in 1980, ground floor. One is the book- he was my everything. We used
the children’s classes began and store, one is an office and the to talk on any subject. We were
Geeta used to mainly teach. other is Prashant’s room. When very good friends. He gave
Sometimes, I would step in if we first started the students used fatherly advice. He told me to get
there was no teacher. In the late to stay four to a room. There is married, said it was good to have
1980s there were many students a toilet, bathroom and kitchen a life partner. Ratan Shah one of
as Guruji’s popularity remained. facilities in each room. After a the senior teachers from the early
We trained many teachers here. couple of years it was difficult to days passed away early this year.
maintain because they needed There are a few like him who are
hot water. Somewhere before not here anymore.
Prashant’s accident in 1988 we
stopped lending the rooms it as it
was a big job.
From the beginning, the library When asked if he will retire
was like this and Guruji used soon, he said “Nobody can say. Before his death, he was not
to meet people here. A lot of Retirement is a mental idea. The talking so much. He told me, “My
students used to come in the more you remain busy the more time is come up now.” I said,
afternoon and sit and read just to you remain young. So many “No Guruji.” He was not meeting
be near him. People used to ask retired people get disturbed later many people and not OK those
me if they could see Guruji, I was on, they don’t know what to do.” last 15 days. Those last few days
the fixer. He would meet people when I saw him he was not well
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
between 3-5.30pm and then 6pm Guruji’s invention of his props and we needed to send him to
he would go to medical class. were all witnessed by me. They the hospital. So, I was there with
Many people used to pray for were all his own inventions. The a few others when the ambulance
Guruji. He was like my God and Viparita Dandasana and Setu- took him. That was the last time
because of that I was not easily bandha Sarvangasana benches I saw him. At that time, I never
impressed with other politicians, took a couple of months to get had any idea that I will not see
cricket players and film stars who to the final end. Sometimes, we him again or he will not come
10 SPRING 2017back. It never came in my mind. time to think emotionally or think were different. Today a lot of
Even I thought, that in a couple of negatively. We think the blessings students may not be necessarily
days he may come back but then are there. Our job is to run the fond of Yoga, they may come
I realised that that was the last Institute as it is before. once a week, then another day
day I saw him. A person like me watch a film or go to a dance
who was with Guruji 40 years but He is such a big man to describe class. In those days they were
how soon that time came when him in three words. He had genuine students. Now you could
I have to say bye to him and it all the best qualities. I always say it is the difference between
happened like in a fraction of a remember anytime, he had a the Sky and the Earth. Now when
second. fantastic memory. A very sharp I walk into the practice hall, I see
man and extremely disciplined. people lie on their mats and relax
The institute was closed for a These things are fantastic. He was on say two bolsters. Like it is a
week to ten days. People would like a jackfruit. It’s very tough and five-star Yoga Spa. In the 1970s
come for prayer in the main hall. hard from the outside but inside there were absolutely no props,
After 14 days we opened the very sweet, very soft - this man everyone had to carry their own
Institute. was like that. We used to go on
the scooter sometimes, both of
us. He was a pure vegetarian, he
Abhijata has now taken on the used to like to talk on politics, blanket and work on the bare
responsibility and there are a lot watched Cricket. He was very floors. We were the props, e.g.
of devoted teachers and they down to earth. After teaching, he someone in Halasana would put
started helping. There are now became an absolutely innocent their legs on our shoulders. How
a lot of other assistant teachers person. When he was teaching many people could stay with
and we can now comfortably run he was very strong and hard, not Guruji in those days? - He was
the Institute. The last two years everybody could take him as a very hard. He would make you
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
Geeta has not been well, that’s teacher. But after teaching he was do 108 Viparita Chakrasanas. He
why Prashant takes the morning absolutely a different person. would hit who he liked. Look at
class. my photo of me in Vrschikasana, I
The students who came at the have the soles of my feet on my
I feel Guruji is all the time with early days of the Institute were head and that is only with Guruji’s
me. Like what he said we are different, as per the generation blessings.\
doing that. We don’t have the gap. Their views and attitude
SPRING 2017 11Pune
Impressions
from
and the
RAMAMANI IYENGAR
MEMORIAL YOGA
INSTITUTE
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
12 SPRING 2017MY FIRST TRIP TO PUNE
By Sharon Gleeson
My first trip to Pune was in December for
Yoganusasanam 2016. I have been practicing
Iyengar yoga since 2002 but had never been
tempted by a month long stay in Pune – a journey
to the unknown for a month just seemed like too
much of a risk! When the opportunity of visiting
for 2 weeks presented itself it seemed a little less
daunting – if I hated it I only had to make it through
2 weeks and if I loved it I could go back for a
month.
I had heard lots of stories from Pune, good and
bad but the time had come for me to experience it
for myself and I set off on my little adventure with
2 yoga friends. We flew from Dublin to London
and London to Mumbai with British Airways. Our
taxi ride from Mumbai to Pune was not for the faint
hearted! The traffic in India has to be seen to be
believed.
We arrived to Pune and to our lovely hotel The
Ketan which was recommended to us. We had
spacious rooms with balconies and were very close
to the Deccan Gymkhana where Yoganusasanam
was held. I think that the guidance of our
wonderful senior teachers in Ireland allowed us to
have the very best possible experience of Pune.
Aisling Guirke gave us an email guide which became
our bible and we referred to it every day. We
knew where to eat, what to eat, where to shop,
where to sightsee, where to find a pool on our day
off, where to find great jewellery in a lovely shop
that gives you chai and nibbles while you shop! Even
what type of car to request when booking a taxi to
the airport.
Yoganusasanam was wonderfully organised. We
were given backpacks containing the props we
would need for the event and ID cards which
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
were colour coded to ensure that we got to move
around the room day by day. Abhijata’s teaching
was excellent and she taught with a deep knowl-
edge of Iyengar yoga which she presented with
sincerity, humour and great skill. We loved her
more as each day passed. We also got to experi-
ence talks with Prashant and the highlight for me
SPRING 2017 13was when Geeta spoke to us for over 2 hours, problems for everyone else. Dogs, cattle, pigs, hand
despite her ill health. carts and street sweepers (women in lovely saris
Guruji’s birthday anniversary on December 14th with a long wispy broom) wander up and down the
was celebrated in style and we got to spend time roads quite safely while lorries, cars, motor bikes
at the Institute listening to Birjoo and Zubin sharing and scooters, often with several people on them
their memories of their time with Guruji. including children and babies, are doing things you’d
When Yoganusasanam was finished we spent get arrested for in the UK. It might look undis-
another few days in Pune and got to attend a class ciplined and dangerous but if anyone causes an
at the Institute. It was such a treat to attend a class accident their stupidity will quickly gather an angry
there – a place I had seen so many times in photos crowd.
and in videos. It was very exciting to see the Insti-
tute for real and we spent hours in the bookshop.
I enjoyed every second of my little trip to Pune
and am already looking forward to going back.
RIMYI, NOVEMBER 2016
By Hannah Lovegrove
At RIMYI, the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune, you’ll
often hear Geetaji use the phrase, “You people”
to Westerners when one of us has behaved like
an idiot in class. It’s true - when we arrive most of
us just don’t get it; the learning curve is very steep.
During my visit there in November 2016, I real-
ised there’s a fundamental issue with our skewed
Western view of the purpose of humility and
respect.
Take the crazy traffic as an example. The rule is:
keep moving forwards, don’t waver and pedes-
trians: NEVER step backwards. No one stops at
roundabouts with the “After you” attitude of the
British give way system. Anyone who wavers causes
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
14 SPRING 2017The Institute is a sacred place where for over telling us what we can and cannot do - because if
40 years, Iyengar Yoga teaching has been devel- you behave with humility, pay attention and show
oped, practiced and freely given. The city of Pune respect, there’s not a lot of need for reminders. But
and its 2.5 million inhabitants (about the size of Western stupidity knows no bounds, apparently.
Greater Manchester) now has four or five genera- We saw a group of Westerners bring out a picnic
tions of Iyengar Yoga students and teachers. The in the practice hall between classes. That’s as bad as
daily classes are filled to capacity. The teaching bringing your shoes into the Institute. Self-discipline
is strong, quick and detailed; every instruction is and appropriate behaviour grow naturally from
delivered from 'a very straight bat'. The locals love humility and respect.
it, and their love and respect for their teachers is
clearly evident. In the world-famous medical classes,
Iyengar Yoga and props come together and are PUNE BLOG
used with years of skill and experience, providing By Tamara Hockey
relief and respite to those who need help.
Indian culture is rich with gods and rituals. Managed to get some sleep last night and enjoyed
Humility, homage, respect are naturally and unself- our last ‘holiday’ morning – practice, swim and
consciously displayed by people on every street breakfast by the pool. We had booked an air condi-
corner. Discipline doesn’t need to be rigorously tioned sleeper bus back to Pune with Swami Travel
applied – the Institute isn’t festooned with notices and I was feeling increasingly nervous about this
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
SPRING 2017 15plan. The timetable said it would get us to Pune
for 3.30 pm in plenty of time for Abhi’s class, but
somehow I doubted that the bus would live up to
its timetabled claim of being quicker than the car
we had got on the way out.
Still it turned up only 15 minutes late – not a
bad start, especially since in India if you are late
for the bus and you are booked on, it waits for
you to turn up. The sleeper bus is fun! You have a
curtained bunk instead of a seat and I’d booked the
top bunk at the front to maximise the view, which
was both a blessing and a curse, as you could see
in full detail just how close you were getting to the
edge of the precipice as the driver made his way
cautiously (yes cautiously!!) down the long, curved
mountain descent. We made innumerable stops,
which seemed to involve someone flagging the bus
down followed by a long argument as the would-be
passenger tried to secure a place on the bus and
then the door would slam shut and the bus would of laughs. We sat in virasana with our knees and
drive off without allowing them to board. By the shins down and the toes pinned up on a pranayama
fifth or sixth time I couldn’t help but wonder WHY pillow, bringing about a strong opening of the front
STOP? As we approached our supposed arrival ankle and lengthening of the metatarsel. Particularly
time, we swung into a rest area for a 30 minute her local students really struggled with this and were
stop. Feeling increasingly frustrated, I flagged down wriggling about and groaning so she relayed her
a likely looking English speaker and managed to experience when Guruji gave her this, only instead
ascertain we were about 45 minutes from Pune of a pranayama pillow he gave her a wooden rod
and that we would be dropped at Chandi Chowk for the toes. He asked “What is happening?” and
about 8km from Model Colony. We were dumped she replied “It is painful!!” his response was “Why
unceremoniously in the central reservation of a busy are you telling me about pain? when did I ask you
multi lane carriageway, where luckily a few rick- about pain? I asked you what was happening!”.
shaws were waiting – not exactly in a strong posi- At the end of the class I waited to speak to Abhi
tion to bargain, we took their first offer and heaved and thanked her for her teaching over the month.
a sigh of relief as the scenery became more familiar. She smiled brightly and we said until next time…
I managed to pick up my bolsters from Dimpex I somehow managed to stuff three great big
and make it back just in time for Abhi’s class, hot bolsters, a new pressure cooker and all the little
and harassed and not exactly in the right state for a gifts I had bought for my family into my very big and
pranayama class. heavy suitcases and am extremely relieved to be
Well, being Abhi, who likes to keep you guessing, on the other side of check-in, having somehow got
although she started with supta virasana she devi- away with it again. Air India aren’t perfect, but they
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
ated completely and we ended up doing a class do offer a very generous check in allowance (twice
of parivrrta’s: parivrtta trikonasana, parivrrta ardha as much as British Airways) and they’re also a bit
chandrasana, parivrrta utthita hasta padasana, supta more flexible if you’re a little over here and there.
padangusthasana 3, parvrrta eka pada sarvangasana For those of you planning to visit Pune for the first
– working on lengthening the top outer thighs to time I’ll finish with a few words of advice.
bring about an improvement in Garudasana. As By far the worst mosquitoes I’ve come across on
usual it was lively and varied and there were plenty this trip are at Mumbai Airport – I’d been bitten
16 SPRING 2017before I even made it through immigration. With Guruji had come over to London to take classes
Dengue Fever a very real risk, remember to put which I had attended. A Quaker friend of the
on some repellent before you leave the aircraft. It’s family had joined a Teachers Training course, led by
actually quite a challenge to stay well for a month Silva in London and she took me along when I was
in Pune, with stomach upsets and chest infections just 16yrs.
being the main culprits. I’m sure everyone knows The fortress had corridors with rooms leading
about washing hands and not drinking tap water etc. off and everyone rushed to claim a room, Silva
but sometimes despite precautions stomach upsets holding us back.. No rooms with beds were left
occur. It’s well worth bringing some grapefruit seed and so Silva took us to a room with mattresses
extract with you (the tablets are more expensive, on the floor, there were large holes in the walls at
but you avoid having to taste the vile stuff). It’s very floor level. On the first night I remember some-
effective and much better than taking pointless pills thing running over me in the night… pulled the
from the doctor. If you’re going to maintain your blanket up round my face. In the morning most
lung health it’s a good idea to bring a pollution mask of the others moved out to hotels… the rats got
for rickshaw rides and above all a thorough practice the better of them. We were able to move into a
(don’t just rely on classes which won’t always give room with beds.
you what you need) – I felt my daily sarvangasana At that time the building of RIMYI was only just
was what kept my lungs happy. finished… in fact, though the building itself was
standing, I don’t remember any kind of concrete
path leading up to it… rather a muddy (dried as
THE OPENING CEREMONY & it was the month of January) track. The building
1ST INTENSIVE AT RIMYI 1975 was the last one at the end of the road and so the
mud track continued towards the main road (can’t
By Sasha Perryman remember the name?). I’m not even sure that Hari
Krishna Mandir Road was a concrete road? As it
I was fortunate enough to attend the 1975 was unusual in those days for a group of foreigners
Opening Ceremony of RIMYI and adjoining 1st to be walking around Pune, there were numerous
Yoga Intensive course taught there by Guruji. I was beggars hanging round the entrance… yes I think
19yrs old and attached to a group of others from there was a gate?
UK led by Silva Mehta. Others on the course were The day of the ceremony arrived and the main
a group from the North of England (names?). From hall was packed. We were all participants to the
all of us I can’t think that there is anyone who is still various Pujas that several priests clad in their orange
around within our movement. There was Victor robes performed. Enchanting. Following that
van Kuten and his sister in law from Holland. From different people got up and spoke on the platform.
England apart from Silva there was Gitla Turner At the back of the platform there was a large photo
(who died many years ago), Selma Payne, Audrey of Ramamani Iyengar who had so recently died. I
Paterson. There may well have been others that I remember Geeta speaking with tears rolling down
have overlooked. My memory is really quite hazy her cheeks. The grief of the family was shared with
on the whole event as it was such a COLOSSAL everyone present. It was very moving.
experience at the tender age of 19yrs. It certainly As it was such a momentous experience, my
was an experience of a lifetime.
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
mind is still a ‘whirl’ when I think back. The 3 week
We stayed at an old fortress owned by a British Intensive course began, I think the timing was gener-
colonial and friend of Guruji. At that time the Insti- ally 8am – 1pm – 5 hours at a stretch (though my
tute was the first building on the street and large memory may be playing tricks?) and then back later
tracts of open ground surrounded it. I had gone in the afternoon for more.
under the ‘watchful eye’ of my teacher Silva Mehta, The classes were extraordinary – as if Guruji’s
being the youngest of the group. Prior to that eyes were everywhere…demanding that you give
SPRING 2017 17Your Absolute All to your efforts. About 40 of you’re strong but you’re weak!’… and ‘Inferiority
us were present in the classes. I think there were complex’… These comments were given without
several from Bombay (as it was then called) - Birjoo any back up… I had to work them out for myself!
and Jawahar, and probably others (again that I can’t My regret is that I didn’t bring any photos back.
recall) From then began my long journey on the Path of
Near the beginning of the course, without warning Yoga…
Guruji was there - looking down at me (I was in
Trikonasana,) ‘You are the one who never listens’
he said (I’d had classes with him for several years
1982 INTENSIVE
running before when he used to come to London By Tricia Booth
each year to teach) – his eyebrows quivering.
That did it for me… from then on, wherever he This was my fourth intensive with Guruji. All the
was, in the room, my ears were keenly tuned in his intensives were special but this one particularly so.
direction. Known as a ‘Tiger ’in those days when At that time all certificates after the Introdutory
he was teaching – the effect being that All One’s and Intermediate Junior were given directly by
Efforts went to following his instructions in order Guruji. I was applying for my Intermediate Senior
to Keep Well Out of His Way! He extracted the through my teacher Jeanne Maslen. Jeanne had
maximum attention – which of course meant the taken with us, to Pune, photos of my own work
maximum inner attention to the spiritual dimension and with me helping others in postures and also
of complete absorption within. some written work requested by Guruji. You can
Memories of Silva, her hair come loose from her imagine that during the three weeks of that Inten-
bun, her face aglow within the presence of her sive I was very aware that I could be being assessed
beloved Guru. all the time. Just imagine a three week assessment
All of us in Paschimottanasana and Guruji jumping instead of our full day that we have now! This made
from back to back, involuntary groans emitted as me even more receptive of his teaching and kept
your chest was extended forward and down. me on my toes, not literally as we had to be evenly
Being ‘picked up’ whilst in Dwi Pada Viparita grounded with our heels as well.
Dandasana and repositioned elsewhere? (How?) I This intensive seemed to be full of laughter and
still remember my complete astonishment at this we were a very happy group and at the end of
adjustment as it was so abrupt…yet felt so much the session Jeanne was able to tell me that Guruji
easier afterwards!! had said that I had reached the required standard
Guruji was quick to point out a ‘wrong atti- although some of the methods of help that I had
tude’ – ‘See the pride in this woman’s pose’ – that shown in the photos were not quite how he would
was Elaine Pritchard from Harlow (she was most have helped.
aggrieved by this!!)... but also gave encouragement I shall always be full of gratitude for Guruji's
to Anne Clark, a lady from my home town who had teaching and guidance. Thank you Guruji.
Learning Difficulties. Guruji would praise her ‘This
woman knows more than All You People’… Anne
was very natural with no pretence or guise.
1982 INTENSIVE
A woman had come from the Wheel of Yoga who By Judi Soffa
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
appeared to be having some sort of breakdown…
sobbing and crying, yet Guruji maintained his strict- I had just gained my Introductory Teaching Certifi-
ness with her? At the time I was secretly somewhat cate and Jeanne Maslen, our trainer and senior
horrified (not understanding) at the way he handled teacher, booked us into an Intensive three week
her… but later on in the course, she began to look course with BKS Iyengar at the RIMIY in Pune.
transformed and all her tears stopped! Now I can What an experience it was!
understand his other comment to me ‘You think Firstly of course India was still very much a third
18 SPRING 2017world country and a revelation to me, Pune had no The teaching was phenomenal. Guruji was on fire...
cars, just bullock carts, bicycles and rickshaws, no the zeal, intensity, the absolute commitment to
mobile phones, no internet of course and no shops imparting his yogic discipline to us was like nothing
just shacks. With only trunk calls back to the UK, I had ever or will experience again. Some found it
which took 2hrs to get connected and letters taking too intense but I knew he had to make us be abso-
three weeks, my mother was beside herself with lutely in the present and if you stayed with him and
worry. followed his every instruction the rewards were
Jeanne Maslen had been to the RIMYI several there.
times and so she paved the way for us and kindly Guruji 's eyes were everywhere and if your atten-
took us all under her wing. All the UK group stayed tion drifted off for a second, he pulled you back
at the Ajit hotel in in with his eyes or
Deccan Gymkhanana verbal reprimand.
and we all travelled in I was made to be
rickshaws there and so absolutely in
back to the Institute in the present with
convoy together. The all my faculties and
hotel allowed us to all my senses and
bring our own food made to surrender
in and cook on basic completely to his
camping stoves in our instructions. We
rooms to accommodate were taken out of
our British palates, which our comfort zone,
were unaccustomed to challenged physically
spicy food in those days. and emotionally.
Jeanne Maslen arranged Only when Guruji
for sightseeing trips was sure we had
to Bombay as it was caught his instruc-
called then. We took tions and we were
the train from Pune doing the asanas
railway station, the with all our efforts,
same journey that then he beamed as
Guruji had been taking he was satisfied he
every Saturday for so had done what he
many years to teach was meant to do..
his students there. In impart the most
Bombay we visited the incredible knowl-
Elephanta Caves and the edge of the body,
following weekend we mind and spirit
took a 2 day car trip to and lift us out of
Ajanta and Allora. I didn't realise at the time how our limitations and inspire us honestly, without self
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
fortunate we were to have Jeanne to organise the deception on the yogic path. I feel so fortunate that
travel and hotels. I have been alive when Guruji lived and experi-
The main event though of course was the yoga. enced his classes while he was at the pinnacle of his
There were two classes a day. The morning class teaching as there will never be another yoga prac-
began at 9.30am and was 2-3 hrs long and the titioner/ teacher like Guruji for hundreds of years, if
afternoon class around 4pm for another two hours ever again.\
or so.
SPRING 2017 19Iyengar Yoga News No. 30 20 SPRING 2017
NATIONAL IYENGAR YOGA DAY
14th January 2017
Feedback from Organisers and Participants
BATH A wide range of people young
“We held the event at The and old with varying degrees of
Claverton Rooms Bath Univer- fitness and flexibility came and
sity. The class ran for an hour enjoyed the classes and expe-
and a half starting with the invo- rienced some of the benefits
cation to Sage Patanjali led by that Iyengar yoga can bring.
Colette, followed by standing Lauren Smurthwaite and Louise
postures taught by Jon then Wallace taught the classes and
seated postures and twists the demonstration was organised
taught by Libby. Finishing with by the Centre’s Senior Teacher
Savasana led by Colette and Christina Niewola.
throughout introducing attendees
to the principles and methods Christina said “This is the second
of Iyengar Yoga. We followed year that we have participated in
up with an enjoyable hour of National Iyengar Yoga Day which
coffee and chat in the café below is a great opportunity for people
the venue. Feedback was good: of all ages and levels of fitness to
‘You have a convert. I have done WASHINGTON, TYNE & WEAR come and try Iyengar yoga for
many forms of yoga but this is “I had 14 participants in total, the themselves. It was good to see
the best’ and ‘My day is better, feedback was very positive, all a variety of people supporting
thanks.’ Teachers: In attendance appreciated a free class and took the events on Saturday and for
20 people. Of those 9 new to leaflets to share with friends who contributing to MacMillan Cancer
Yoga and the Iyengar method.” - they thought would be inter- Support.” - Christina Niewola
Jon Hunt, Colette Foulstone and ested.” - Laura Jane Noble
Libby Lee
CONGLETON IYENGAR
YOGA CENTRE
On Saturday 14th January 2017,
Congleton Iyengar Yoga Centre,
as did many other Iyengar Yoga
centres and teachers across the
country, offered free classes to
celebrate National Iyengar Yoga
Day. Two classes and a demon-
stration of Iyengar yoga were held
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
at the centre, which were well
attended with over 30 people at
the events. They also contributed
to MacMillan Cancer Support
through a raffle and donations.
SPRING 2017 21DHIYI
“The Dorset and Hampshire
Iyengar Yoga Institute put on its
first NIYD event to
celebrate Iyengar Yoga. There
were two free classes, one hour
each in length, back to back, in
addition to free hot drinks and
biscuits. Although the hope was
to attract people new to Iyengar
Yoga, all were welcome to attend
the morning class and existing
Iyengar students were encour-
aged to bring a friend or rela-
tive. The turnout was great - 42
DERBY IYENGAR YOGA people attended, 17 of whom
Charlotte Rosser taught two free were new to the method.” - Jenni
taster classes on National Iyengar Doohan
Yoga Day at two different venues
in Derby. Last year she taught
a Yoga Marathon for existing by sharing a couple of our own
Iyengar Yoga students, and this experiences in Pune and played
year her focus was on getting a recording of Prashant leading
new people to come and experi- the invocation (complete with
ence Iyengar Yoga for the first tooting!) which we all joined
time. 19 people in total attended in with. We delivered a lesson
her taster classes. from Pune that Guruji himself
“I absolutely loved the class! I've had contributed to with Abhijata
never done any yoga before but and finished with a wonderful
a really good physio I work with Savasana that Geeta had taught
recommended it… I couldn't us. Zoe, my fellow teacher,
believe the difference after one touchingly described the day she
short class. I found the cross was in Pune on an anniversary
legged position at the start really of the opening of RIMYI and
difficult but by the end of the finished by saying how very nice
class could manage it easily. I the tea and cakes were! So, on
left feeling so much more ener- that note, our husbands alias
getic, and even my breathing felt teaboys, opened the hatch and
more comfortable. I'm definitely a CHRISTCHURCH, DORSET served an array of cakes made by
convert…” “40 dedicated yogis came to our students! People came from
"Thank you for the Yoga Taster
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
an afternoon of classes, tea and all our different classes, it was a
Class it was such an interesting home-made cake! Our dress warm, friendly and vibrant atmos-
experience. I hadn't realised code was black and white to phere and we felt it was a real
that the position of every part reflect the colours of the RIMYI coming together of our local yoga
of our body it is so important. sign on the wall outside the Pune community. And, as a bonus, we
Definitely would like to start my Institute. We attempted to raised £375 for Bellur.” - Elaine
adventure with Yoga…” bring RIMYI into our yoga room Rees, Zoe Hobbs
22 SPRING 2017GARWAY (HEREFORDSHIRE) Ages ranging from 6 to 72 YoGuy is
IYENGAR YOGA STUDIO attended 6 taster sessions. for men
Students from Sheila's remedial The studio buzzed with activity. only, YoYo
class for breast cancer joined in Many of the visitors enjoyed a is for 16-24
with new students at Garway free massage or reflexology year olds,
(Herefordshire) Iyengar Yoga treatment from local experts. YoWo is for
Studio to celebrate National Delicious smoothies from Raw women only
Iyengar Yoga Day (and her Food Rosie’s and pasta delights and Children
birthday!). Afterwards the fromThe Cooking Cooks kept the over 6 can
students enjoyed crowds energised. enjoy fun
lunch and donations Mayor Jim Kenyon, who has prac- classes
given of over £100 tised Yoga before, delighted the delivered
will go to The Haven Children’s class with his appear- with lots of creative energy.” -
Breast Cancer Centre ance and took part in an hour- Jenny-May While
in Hereford. – Sheila long YoGuy (men only) class.
Green IYISL
Jenny-May While founded “We ran a taster class at the
HEREFORD YOGA CIC Iyengar Yoga Institute South
(Community Interest Company), London. Early on the 14th
the not-for-profit organisa- January it was a rainy and cold
tion which runs Hereford Yoga grey winter morning and we
Centre, with the vision of wondered who would join us.
inspiring the community to learn By 9am the hall was at capacity
the benefits of Iyengar yoga. with 28 students - a nice mix
She said: “We have been over- of ages and about half men, half
whelmed by the level of support women. We were really pleased
today. There has been an excited to see this mix. We ran a busy
HEREFORD YOGA CENTRE bustle of people keen to find out and enjoyable class which we
More than 300 people came to more about yoga and how it can hope gave people a real feel for
enjoy a free lesson of Iyengar benefit their body and mind. We the variety that is Iyengar Yoga;
yoga at Hereford Yoga Centre on now have the place, and space, varied pace - some poses taught
Saturday January 14th, including to begin reaching out to more
community groups too. It’s been
Mayor of Hereford, Jim Kenyon.
a wonderful start and I’m confi-
dent we can make a difference
in Hereford and the surrounding
region.
“It’s taken almost two years and
at least 2000 volunteer hours to
get to opening day and we
couldn’t have done it without the
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
support of Hereford Council, the
Sport England and Comic Relief.
We’re offering a free taster class
to anyone interested in trying
yoga and offer a variety of classes
to accommodate different groups.
SPRING 2017 23in detail and with good use of WIMBORNE, DORSET WARWICKSHIRE IYENGAR YOGA
props and other poses more fast “I held a free Iyengar Yoga class Yogathon
paced, ending with a peaceful set at Canford Sports Centre in Elaine Spraggett, Pete Burnham,
of restorative poses. Wimborne, Dorset, for National Di Harris
We got many thanks and posi- Iyengar Yoga Day. I had 11
tive comments… one man said it people attending, one of whom
was much much better than he had never done yoga before.
expected! We will definitely be Attached is a picture of those
doing it again.” - Marion Sinclair who consented to be photo-
and Priscila Dinisz graphed at the end! Everyone
took the time to tell me that they
CUDDINGTON, CHESHIRE enjoyed the class and one person
“I ran a free class to mark even enquired about training to
National Iyengar Yoga Day at teach Iyengar Yoga”. - Louisa Elliott
Cuddington and Sandiway Village
Hall and I am pleased to report
that it was a huge success. I
expected about 5 or 6 people to
turn up and got 20! There was a
range of ages from late twenties
to early eighties and a range of
experience from complete begin- YOGAHUT, FALMOUTH
ners to other yoga teachers (non- ORIYI NIYD at the YogaHut in
“We had a morning session for Falmouth was well attended with
existing students which was well 21 participants over two classes,
attended, and very, very posi- and several people signing up for
tively received; we also held free classes. Feedback was very good,
sessions for those new to Iyengar with people happy to have the
Yoga.” - Jill Johnson, Evelyn chance to try Iyengar yoga for the
Crosskey first time and some signing up for
classes straight away. – Jane Lane
Iyengar). It was quite a daunting SHEFFIELD YOGA CENTRE
and challenging experience for Sheffield Yoga Centre celebrated MAITRI STUDIO, BELFAST
a newly qualified teacher, but the day with a free class espe- We ran three classes, with 23
equally rewarding and enjoyable... cially for NHS workers, and a free attendees all together, most of
I got some good feedback and taster class open to all. Frances whom were new to the studio.
lots of interest shown in joining a Homewood did a talk titled ‘A We had some good feedback
class that I run at the village hall.” Yogic Lifestyle - What Does This including people asking about
– Karen Brindle Mean?’ and we enjoyed tea and attending classes.”– Claire Ferry,
cake afterwards. Tracy Stuart & Louise Sarri \
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
24 SPRING 2017IY(UK) Annual Convention
27th - 29th May 2017
At Birmingham International Convention Centre
with Jawahar Bangera
Join us for this year’s Convention over the spring bank holiday.
We are delighted that (at the time of writing) there are still
places available for our convention this year, to be taught by
Jawahar Bangera at the International Convention Centre, in the
centre of Birmingham’s historic and vibrant cultural quarter.
ABOUT JAWAHAR BANGERA
We are very much looking forward to welcoming Jawahar back
to the UK. He was described by Guruji some years ago as “my
senior-most teacher”.
Years of dedicated practice and study have helped make
Jawahar a teacher who inspires us to move deeper into our
understanding of Iyengar yoga. Jawahar is well known for his
precision, dedication and his ability to make everyone feel
included. He teaches classes in Mumbai where he is a director of
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
the Iyengar Institute Yogashraya which was inaugurated by BKS
Iyengar in 2002
Senior teachers, advanced practitioners and students from
all over the UK gather to receive Jawahar’s teaching at his last
convention with us in Glasgow 2011.
SPRING 2017 25“Jawahar Bangera is a gem. He is unpretentious,
a warm, friendly character. He has been a student Whether Jawahar was expounding on the physics
of Guruji since childhood. We found Jawahar to of a pose, deftly weaving Patanjali's aphorisms and
be modest, humble and very helpful. When asked Guru's insights into his presentation, or calmly and
about practice he gave some very useful advice modestly reminding us of the importance of right
e.g. 'Practice gets harder as you age'. He also said action in all aspects of yoga - Right thoughts; Right
‘You have to maintain your practice just to stand actions; Right habits; Right living; Right eating; and
still'. When asked which asanas would be useful for Practice (Practice Practice Practice!) - his passion
specific injuries or ailments, his reply was 'Just do came through. It was so rejuvenating to have his
Yoga'” Margaret and Gordon Austin. presence here.” Joanna Godliman, on Jawahar’s
teaching in Canada, 2016
“I consider that Jawahar is one of our best Iyengar
teachers. He has absorbed Guruji's teaching having
been so close to him from childhood and accompa-
nied him on many of his visits to Europe and other
countries. He gives of himself to all of us Iyengar
students. Three words that describe Jawahar are
dedicated, helpful and humble.” Tricia Booth
“Jawahar is watchful, observant, patient, and strong.
His articulation of the crystalline teachings of B.K.S.
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
Iyengar's Sadhana brings the knowledge of the
ancient rishis to life. There is no avoidance. Over
a period of several days of refining and educating,
often with physical examples and practical expla-
nations, he introduced newness to allow light to
penetrate, understanding to dawn.
26 SPRING 2017A CONVENTION IN CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM We will be offering an Indian vegetarian meal and
Our yoga hall in Birmingham’s International showing the film Leap of Faith, converting our yoga
Convention Centre (ICC), is a wonderfully propor- hall into a small cinema/restaurant for the evening!
tioned octagonal space, auspiciously similar to the Leap of Faith spans nine decades of Guruji’s life and
RIMIYI institute in Pune, where eight sides repre- 70 years of his practice and teaching. It shows him
sent the eight limbs of yoga. There is ample space as Guru, Teacher, Husband, Father and Shishya.
for participants, as we were keen not to sell out The film helps to reveal the simple man behind
early this year, and the hall extends out into a wide such a complex and towering personality; it is an
spacious balcony area for our marketplace and endeavour to capture the essence of the man
registration. Located right in the redeveloped city behind the phenomenon.
centre, it is surrounded by the city’s amenities, a
wide choice of accommodation, as well as beau- Social events are a great way to be with friends
tiful, quiet spaces including Birmingham’s landmark old and new, to talk together in friendly conversa-
museum and the stunning library. tion about a subject we feel passionate about.
NEVER BEEN TO AN IY (UK) CONVENTION? LEVEL OF PRACTICE
Why not join us? As a guideline, students of minimum two years prac-
You may have seen “Views of a First-Timer” in tise are welcome to attend the Convention. Ideally,
the last issue of Iyengar Yoga News, and read and you should be able to hold Sirsasana in the centre of
heard more about attending conventions. However, the room or at the wall for five minutes, and Sarvan-
attending for the first time need not be daunting. gasana for five to ten minutes, or have knowledge of
Every convention is slightly different: the teacher, how to adapt the poses for your needs.
the venue, and other participants, ourselves on
those days, all make the experience different. What IT’S EASY TO BOOK
is the same, is that everyone in the room is there Go to www.iyengaryoga.org and log in. If you need
because of their shared practise and interest in any help with logging in or to register to attend the
learning more about Iyengar yoga. Despite there Convention, contact jess@iyengaryoga.org.uk
being several hundred people in the room, when
you are on your mat, the instructions feel like they “I can assure you that the 2017 IY (UK) Conven-
are just for you. tion in Birmingham with Jawahar will be something
There are also opportunities to meet with others to look forward to.” Judi Sweeting
Iyengar Yoga News No. 30
during the convention, in the long lunch breaks, at We do hope you can join us!\
our vibrant market place and at the organised film
evening on Sunday.
YOGA SOCIAL, FILM AND FOOD EVENING
We’re delighted to be able to offer a social event
on the Sunday evening of the Convention.
SPRING 2017 27You can also read
