Iyengar Yoga Method Texts
The Yoga St. Louis course syllabus is taught following the methods of B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India, as outlined in the following texts. Note that the details of the poses, as taught in class, are not the focus of these books in general publication.The Yoga St. Louis syllabus is based on the Preliminary Course text, the most important text for new students:
Yoga in Action for Beginners: Preliminary Course, Geeta S. Iyengar, Mumbai: YOG, 2000
An illustrated 120 page expanded home practice guide to the RIMYI Introductory Syllabus covering 49 poses with appropriate intermediate stages. The invaluable introductory and concluding remarks provide an overview of how each group of poses fits into the whole. Available at the Yoga St. Louis studio for $20.
The following texts, if not available at the Yoga St. Louis studio, may be purchased along with many other Iyengar-authored books online at Tools for Yoga.net.
Geeta S. Iyengar's Guide to a Woman's Yoga Practice, Vol. 1, Lois Steinberg, PhD, Urbana,IL: Parvati Productions, 2006
Volume 1 focuses on how to practice according to the phase of the menstrual cycle: ovulation, flow, pre- and post-menstrual phases. Hundreds of photos illustrate correct prop setups and adjustments for menstruation — normal flow, heavy flow, light flow, extended duration, short cycles — as taught by BKS Iyengar, under whom Lois has spent many years in India. Includes an 85 page case study of student using six different sequences for her multiple problems.
Light on Yoga, BKS Iyengar, NY: Schocken, 1979
Classic text includes all the poses, philosophy, extended course outline, inversions, and the therapeutic programs.
Light on Pranayama, BKS Iyengar, NY: Crossroad, 1994
Details yogic breathing, Savasana, and meditation.
Yoga: The Path To Holistic Health, BKS Iyengar, NY/London: Dorling Kindersley, 2001
Details of 23 fundamental asanas, 25 additional prop-modified poses, beginners course, and over 80 illustrated prop-modified sequences for ailments that set the standard for therapeutic yoga.
Yoga: A Gem For Women, Geeta S. Iyengar, Spokane: Timeless Books, 1983
Program for beginners, and also men, use of wall ropes, and recommendations for pregnancy and menstrual problems. Available at the Yoga St. Louis studio for $20.
Geeta S. Iyengar, et al, Iyengar Yoga for Motherhood: Safe Practice for Expectant & New Mothers, New York: Sterling Publishing, 2010. $35.00
The most complete text on the subject. It places practice in the context of Ayurveda, the four stages of life, and astanga yoga. Includes detailed instructions and benefits, for both beginners and advanced students separately, of the important asanas and pranayamas in the Preliminary Course, that cannot be found in any other text. Graphically shows how to vary practice with sequences prior to pregnancy, for each trimester, birthing, and for each month post-partum. Includes use of simple props as well as the Trestler and Wall Ropes for various conditions; and a chapter on anatomy and physiology of pregnancy from both the Ayurvedic and Western viewpoints.
Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis, A Journey to Health and Healing, Loren M. Fishman, MD, & Eric L. Small, New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2007. $14.95
Eric Small, diagnosed with MS in 1952, began practicing yoga in the 1960's and studying with BKS Iyengar in 1976. His Adaptive Iyengar Yoga program has been adopted nationally the by MS Society, as well as, UCLA. This volume illustrates how to adapt the poses for chair and wheelchair-bound students, as well as ambulatory students of all levels. How the poses work to improve range of motion, reduce spasticity, and improve strength, coordination and balance is explained from the physiological model, as well as from the yogic perspective. It is an eloquent testimonial to power of yoga to provide hope and healing.
Yoga for Children, A Complete Illustrated Guide to Yoga, Rajiv & Swati Chanchani, New Delhi: UBS Publishers, 1995
Simple instructions that can be read independently by children (with adult help to explain the illustrated stories that describe the poses and Yoga Sutras). Foreword by B.K.S. Iyengar and articles on teaching children by Geeta Iyengar. Available at the Yoga St. Louis studio for $20.
Yoga, The Iyengar Way, Silva, Mira & Shyam Mehta, NY: Knopf, 1990
Well-illustrated program for beginners, and therapeutic sequences including restorative postures. Foreword by B.K.S. Iyengar.
Iyengar Yoga Philosophy Texts
Light on Astanga Yoga, BKS Iyengar, Mumbai: YOG, 1999
Commentary on Patanjali's Astanga Yoga with analogies and sketches.
Light on Life, BKS Iyengar, Emmaus: Rodale, 2005
The most complete and easiest to understand explication of the Iyengar approach to practice and teaching. His explanations use the common analogies that he responds with when answering student questions. Available at the Yoga St. Louis studio for $27.
Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, BKS Iyengar, San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1993
Composed in the 2nd c. B.C.E., this is the first systematic treatise to define the most important elements of yoga theory and practice. Interpretation with commentary — including expositions on certain key phrases and words that are in no other translations — that apply the Sutras to practice and teaching.
Read and listen to the Patanjali Invocation.
The Tree of Yoga, Yoga Vrksa, BKS Iyengar, Boston: Shambhala, 1989
Teaching, philosophy, therapeutics, and anecdotes.
Patanjala Yogasutra, Chanted by Pandit Sri S.T. Nagaraj, Pune: RIMYI
Introduction by BKS Iyengar and Patanjali lecture by Geeta Iyengar. Learn to chant the Yoga Sutras following the best articulated recitation I’ve heard. (4 CD set and booklet)
There are many other texts similar to these, such as the eight volume Astadala Yogamala, that explain the thinking behind the Iyengar method of yoga.
Iyengar Yoga Periodicals
Yoga Rahasya, Dr. Rajvi H. Mehta, ed., Mumbai: RIMYI and the Light on Yoga Research Trust
Highly recommended quarterly publication with articles by B.K.S., Geeta and Prashant Iyengar about medical yoga, yoga philosophy, and detailed explanations of highlighted poses, as taught in class. Available by subscription.
Iyengar Yoga Videos & DVDs
These videos of the Iyengars teaching are the best source of detailed instruction.
B.K.S. Iyengar: 2005 Yoga Intensive at Estes Park, Berkeley: Yoga Journal, 2005
Mr. Iyengar shares 70 years of uninterrupted, intelligent practice in three asana classes, Q&A session, keynote address and interview; three pranayama & master classes with Manouso Manos and Patricia Walden; yoga performance. There is no finer, more profound yoga teaching available anywhere. Part of the proceeds will be donated to fund health, education and development projects in his native village of Bellur (5 DVDs).
Geeta Iyengar: Yoga Odyssey 2001, IYNAUS, 2004
Five days of asana and pranayama classes and Q&A in Pasadena (9 DVDs).
Geeta Iyengar: The Journey 2007, IYNAUS, 2007
Three days of asana and pranayama classes and lectures in Las Vegas (5 DVDs).
Available from Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Institute (RIMYI), Pune, India at:
Atmajnana of Yoga (2003)
BKS Iyengar leads students to the core of existence during his 85th birthday celebration. Includes Prashant Iyengar’s daily summary of his teachings. (11 video CDs and 9 audio CDs @ $110)
Yog-sadhana (2004)
Asana and pranayama classes taught by Geeta Iyengar to mark her 60th birthday. (25 Video CDs @ $110)
Yoga St. Louis In The Media
Video: Yoga St. Louis interviews George Purvis on teaching
Belinda Carlisle finds time for yoga between St. Louis performances
ST. LOUIS (KMOV) -- The Go-Go’s lead singer Belinda Carlisle didn’t miss out on her yoga practice while in St. Louis the past week.
Southwest City Journal Article: Tuesday, November 6, 2007
St. Louis Business Journal - February 6, 2009
See article about Yoga St. Louis on page 23.
Iyengar Yoga Teacher Websites
B.K.S. Iyengar: www.bksiyengar.com
In addition to our beloved Guruji for his support, I am also deeply indebted to the following senior Iyengar method teachers, with whom I have studied over the last fifteen years. They have deeply influenced my practice and teaching.
Gabriella Giubilaro: www.yogawisdom.com
Judith Lasater: www.judithlasater.com
Ramanand Patel: www.yogirama.com
Eric Small: www.yogams.com
Lois Steinberg: www.yoga-cu.com
All teachers certified in the United States are listed at:
IYNAUS (BKS Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States): www.IYNAUS.org
Additional Miscellaneous Websites
Supplies by Kathy Digby, as used at the Yoga St. Louis studio: www.handmadeyogaprops.com
Supplies, teacher directory, and forums: www.yoga.com
Supplies: www.huggermugger.com
Magazine: www.yogajournal.com
Yoga St Louis Blog: sweatyyaya.blogspot.com
Yoga St Louis on Facebook: Search for Yoga St. Louis - honoring the tradition of B.K.S. Iyengar
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