Newsletter

S p r i n g 2 0 1 4

photo: Jake Clennell

When Guruji was interviewed about his birthday, by the Pune local paper, Sakal
Times, he had this to say: “The body is like the cloth of the soul. It is our duty to take
care of it. It is the container of the soul. Without this cloth, we would not be able to
move and speak. Hence, it has to be taken care of. Yoga not only takes care of the
body, but also brings peace to the mind. With a peaceful mind, you become more
tolerant, patient and compassionate.”
 Seventh Annual
High Tea Fundraiser
Hosted by Students from the Special Needs Class
Thursday, March 27, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
$20 per person Enjoy a variety of delectable teas, scrumptious homemade
sweets and savories.
Free for children
Daryl Lechinsky on acoustic guitar
Please note: Win something amazing at our silent auction and draw.
Payment of the ticket
price does not qualify as Feel free to wear your favorite hat!
a donation. Tax receipts
will be issued for donations Proceeds will assist the purchase of new props, the
of $20 or more. replacement of old props, and fund bursaries for
Special Needs classes.

IYCV
Open
House
Saturday, March 8, 2014
11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Free! Come one, come all!
Free Classes on the Hour!
Homemade cookies and chai served all day. 11:30-1:00  hanting with
C 2:00-3:00 50+ Yoga
Bhavantu Sound 3:00-4:00 Yoga for All Levels
1:00-2:00 Intro Yoga and Traditions
Check [Link]

2
 contents

4 Reflections 16 A Meeting in the RIMYI

By Shirley Daventry French Lobby with B.K.S. Iyengar
By Ann Kilbertus, Louie Ettling and
6 Guruji’s 95th Birthday Linda Shevloff
Celebration in Pune
18 B.K.S. Iyengar at 95
7 Guruji’s 95th Birthday By Leslie Hogya
Celebration at IYCV
20 T une in with Your Heart:
8 The Commonwealth Find Your Purpose Photo of Geeta Iyengar at the
Interview By Suzanne Tremblay Vancouver Convention in 2001.
Apologies for the missed photo
With B.K.S. Iyengar, Part 2 credit in our winter issue.
21 The Ethics of Enrichment PHOTO: Susan Stewart and Nancy Black
By Tracy Harvey
15 In Appreciation of a
Wise Teacher 22 A Celebration of the Life
By Shirley Daventry French
of Lennart Edstrom
By Lauren Cox

24 Calendar

Submission Deadline for next issue: Iyengar YOGA CENTRE OF VICTORIA Newsletter Advertising Policy
MAY 15, 2014 SOCIETY is a non-profit society incorporated (Adopted February 20, 2004)
under the Society Act of the Province of B.C., In keeping with the mandate of the Iyengar
Editor Roger Champagne
whose purpose is “to encourage the physical, Yoga Centre of Victoria Society Directors,
mental, and spiritual growth of its members and 2004, to update, review and document policies
Newsletter Committee Roger
other interested persons of the society at large and procedures, the newsletter committee
Champagne, Lauren Cox, Shirley Daventry
by the study and discipline of Yoga.” The Society submitted a policy which is a revision of the
French, Johanna Godliman, Leslie Hogya, Jane
owes its inspiration to Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar. 1996 policy and has been adopted by the Board
McFarlane, Hilary McPhail.
The Newsletter, published regularly by the of Directors as follows:
Design & Production Cady Graphics IYENGAR YOGA CENTRE OF Victoria
1. Advertisements must not conflict with the
IYCV Logo Charles Campbell, Lauren Cox SOCIETY, provides current information on events
aims of the newsletter of the IYCV.
concerning Iyengar yoga in the Victoria area.
photography Tracy Harvey, Camila Blades, 2. Advertisements must be only for Iyengar
Send contributions, articles, photographs
Laine Canivet, George Dovas, Ann Kilbertus, yoga.
(high resolution), drawings, information or
Leslie Hogya, George Dovas
suggestions to: the Iyengar Yoga Centre of 3. Priority will be given to advertisements
Cover PHoto Jake Clennell Victoria Newsletter, 202-919 Fort Street, regarding IYCV events, IYCV sponsored
Victoria BC V8V 3K3. events, and IYAC events.
proofing Jane McFarlane
Permission is hereby granted to reprint any Registration
ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary McPhail of our material, except that copyrighted by the
author or artists. When reprinting, please credit Please visit our website:
DISTRIBUTION Adia Kapoor, Krysia [Link] for full information
Strawczynski this Newsletter and send us two copies of the
publication containing our material. Copyright on classes and workshops.
MEMBERSHIP/MAILING LIST Hilary McPhail material is available only with written permission. Drop in: 202-919 Fort Street,
Printing Hillside Printing The editor/newsletter committee hold the right Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
to publish or edit all articles at their discretion. Phone: (250) 386-YOGA (9642)

3
REFLECTIONS By Shirley Daventry French

S PRING 2 0 1 4

G
“ randma, what is the real purpose with an interest in physical and psycho- of active sports participation.
of Yoga?” This question came physical health, and dipping her toes Such interactions are not uncommon
from my eldest granddaughter in from-time-to-time in spiritual pursuits. in our family, many members of whom
the midst of dinner on Christmas Day. On an earlier visit, she had practise yoga with various levels of inten-
There was an emphasis on the word mentioned that she was attending a sity. For over forty years yoga has been a
“real”! Without hesitation I responded, yoga class at the university. Somewhat constant component of our household—
“To raise the level of your consciousness.” defensively, or so I thought, she added: not always well received, especially by
The table became quiet, which is unusual “It’s not Iyengar—but I like it and I like rebellious teenagers.
at our family dinners, and I thought to my teacher!” I murmured something The path we follow is called the path
myself, “Well that was a conversation about there being good teachers out of the householder, in that we are not
stopper!” Generally there is no shortage there besides those trained in Iyengar swamis, monks or nuns whose vows
of conversation and opinions, and we Yoga. Sadly there are also a lot of poorly require them to become celibate and
often have to fight to get a word in! I trained ones teaching a mishmash of renounce marriage and family life. Not
mumbled a few words as I searched for techniques; but I didn’t mention this that you can expect to avoid renun-
a less cryptic answer. The question had because I knew she would have heard it ciation in the path of the householder:
been asked sincerely and I wanted to before. Her mother, my daughter, is also families are great generators of oppor-
respond in the same way; but my words a committed student of Iyengar Yoga! tunities to practise renunciation. The
were not doing justice to this vast subject Another way my granddaughter difference is that the word “householder”
nor did they satisfy me. So I reiterated keeps body and mind healthy in the denotes an individual who has chosen to
that the purpose of yoga is about raising face of the demands and sheer mass of follow the spiritual path in a family or
the level of your consciousness (with an concentrated work of medical school is secular community in what is known as
emphasis on the word “is”). through long distance running. Not long “the marketplace”.
As this was Christmas dinner and not ago, during an earlier visit, our paths Derek and I do try, with varying
a yoga seminar, I went on to say a few crossed in my yoga room when I went levels of success, not to proselytize about
words about there being a huge variety downstairs for my morning practice to yoga but wait to be asked. Often we are
of practices to choose from which on the find her hanging in one of the pelvic asked questions about injuries caused
surface may vary significantly in form, swings. She had just come in from a run. by various sporting activities or how to
but if they are indeed yoga, they all share I joined her in our second pelvic swing deal with illness and debility. Depending
this goal of refining consciousness and and we ended up hanging face to face. on severity they may be directed to
becoming aware of your own true nature. After a short period of silence, she began Derek because he is both a physician and
Yoga is a lifelong course of self-study to question me about yoga in relation yoga practitioner, but sometimes they
leading to knowledge of your true nature to some back pain she was experiencing. approach me. My son, who has chosen
or soul as distinct from the individual Then she added: “I will probably take to play soccer (football to most of the
ego-self. up yoga seriously when I’m about forty!” world outside North America) into his
This granddaughter is no longer a At twenty-two this seems a long way off, late forties seeks advice from time to
child but a twenty-two year old woman but oddly enough I was in my late thir- time, and one day when I mentioned
in her second year of medical school, ties when I started yoga after many years that I had hurt a part of my body doing
yoga, my son was quick to suggest that
I take up soccer instead of yoga to avoid
Yoga is a lifelong course of self-study
such problems!
leading to knowledge of your true nature or soul One master teacher that I studied
with in my early years in yoga implied
as distinct from the individual ego-self.
4
that the path of the renunciate is a higher When we began to function as a yoga centre,
one than that of the householder. As
respectfully as possible, I said that I do most of the active members were young people
not see it that way and received the with young children.
response, “I should be happy to be proved
wrong.” This teacher is no longer alive.
Am I proving her wrong? I often wonder! the best of their ability and as beautifully tolerated in Canada. One tiny girl,
Howsoever we choose to live our as possible in a spirit of gratitude for a whose mother was performing in a
lives, a variety of the challenges and very great teacher, whose questing nature beautiful asana demonstration, did not
obstacles delineated in all spiritual paths and courage took him into uncharted like her mother ignoring her although
will come our way. Marriage in itself territory. We, as his students, benefit she was left in the capable hands of her
is difficult enough—but add children from his experience and guidance. father. She fidgeted and made a noise,
to that equation and life becomes an All of Guruji’s birthday celebrations so to avoid a disturbance he took her
opportunity for accelerated study. have been enjoyable but I was particu- outside and tried to amuse and placate
Shortly before our family gathering at larly delighted by this year’s event in her there, but when the door was left
Christmas, there was another celebratory Victoria. Not only was it well planned open for a moment she took the oppor-
event involving a different kind of family: and organised but well attended by old tunity to run straight to her mother
the students and teachers of the Iyengar and young members of our community. trying to gain her full attention. An
Yoga Centre of Victoria. This occasion When we began to function as a yoga embarrassed father rushed back into the
was the ninety-fifth birthday of B.K.S. centre, most of the active members were room, picked her up and took her back
Iyengar on December 14, 2013. young people with young children. My to the lobby; but I—and I suspect many
I have been in Pune on this date own children were eight, six and three of the others watching—were delighted
many times since my first visit in 1979 when I took my first yoga class. Others to see that once again young families
at gatherings large and larger! The small- who still form the backbone of our work were a part of our centre.
est of these was during that first visit and had babies or had not yet started their The centre has come full circle since
took place a day or two early. Derek and family. we signed our application for non-profit
I were students in an intensive course In the early years of our community, status in 1976. This is healthy and
taught by Guruji, which ended a few days children attended many events and were natural. Vibrant work generates renewal.
prior to his birthday. Most of us were involved in myriad activities. One of the Guruji, in addition to being one of the
leaving before the actual birthday, but we activities was helping to assemble our most celebrated beings on the planet is
organised a small celebration of our own newsletter, which came out monthly in also a devoted family man. As he himself
with cake and flowers and greeted him those pre-digital days. It was produced has said, he followed the path of the
in various ways. I was not ready nor did I on typewriters, cut and pasted (literally), householder despite being offered sanyas
really know about the custom of touching copied, collated then put together and (vows of renunciation) by other great
his feet; that came later! stapled at someone’s home on a Sunday yogis such as Sivananda. Now, since his
This year I was in Victoria. Before we morning. Children liked to help in this wife died in middle age, he has followed
began the all-levels practice I said a few process with the result that from time to the path of the renunciate. Throughout
words about honouring Guruji in grati- time you would come across a newslet- all of this he has practised yoga unde-
tude for the light he has brought into ter with a page upside down or pages terred with undiminished fervour.
our lives. If he were there in the room out of order—although the adults were In a 1985 interview, Guruji spoke
we might have brought him flowers, and not exempt from contributing to this about the importance of community
if so we would have taken care to choose confusion! in supporting and enriching our yogic
the freshest, loveliest ones we could Our children grew up and many left journey, and how he wanted us to put
find. Most likely they would end up on for distant parts, along with some found- our personalities aside and work together
the altar at the Institute or a temporary ing members. Those of us who remained locally, nationally and even internation-
one erected in a hall for this event. This grew older and even old! What delighted ally as a worldwide organisation but also
year in Victoria, flowers were beauti- me most at this recent celebration was in the spirit of a family! In his words:
fully arranged on the altar in our main the presence once more of young fami- Instead of calling it a family we call
studio. Young and old, stiff or flexible, lies with small children running around. it an organisation. In my way I say it’s
all students were encouraged to do the While this would not be unusual in a big family. If we could put aside our
asanas comprising this simple practice to India it is not always encouraged or personalities and work together, what

5
an understanding we could bring into teaching in a very professional manner, It began with a practice for all levels
the world. Through the means of the but we also function as a family. Like all of students, went on to include read-
body, through the means of the mind, it’s families we experience difficulties with ings, anecdotes about Guruji and Pune,
time to come together and develop this each other. But sooner or later, because a splendid recounting of the Story of
oneness – one family, which may run to we have the tools of yoga, we manage Hanuman, demonstrations of asana
millions? to put the work first and not our own performed to music, cake and refresh-
The Iyengar Centre of Victoria is a self-importance. ments, and ended with Satsang and
not-for-profit society. We conduct our On Saturday, December 14, 2013, chanting! I believe it would have made
business in a business-like way and our our gathering was a true collaboration. Guruji happy as it did me.

Guruji’s
95th Birthday
Celebration in Pune

Stephanie Tencer brings greetings from

Canada at Guruji’s birthday.
Priests chanting prayers for Guruji’s birthday

Mr Iyengar gave a brief interview

to the Sakal Times on his birthday,
December 14. Also include were
many interesting interviews of
teachers and students. To read these
go to [Link].
Using the calendar on the toolbar
at the top you can locate December
Jawahar Bangera at the birthday celebration 14, 2013 to access these interviews.

Guruji walking in to Birthday with his

granddaughter Abhijata

Decoration at the entrance to the Govina

Gardens – chalk patterns called “rangoli”

6
Guruji’s 95th
Birthday Celebration
at IYCV

The Program The stage was set; membership and Board

contributed favourite recipes.

Patanjali Maala created for the IYCV

celebration by Colleen O'Farrell of
Foxgloves Flowers Brandy Baybutt as ‘The Giving Tree’ with her Margo McLoughlin drumming
children Ariah and Theo. on the hang as she brought Hanuman
to life.

Intermission; followed by a
second Dance performance ‘Peace
Dance’ with Brandy and Aleta
demonstrating clarity, control and
compassion in their embodiment
of the asanas; Britta Poisson and
Jane McFarlane accompanied
them with a Peace Chant.

7
 The Commonwealth Interview
An Interview With B.K.S. Iyengar, Part 2

The Winter 2013 issue of the IYCV Now, what is neutral? If you do a back arch,
Newsletter featured the first part you can’t immediately do forward bends.
of a republication of the 1985 Bharadvajasana is a neutral gear. How many
Commonwealth Interview with B. people know the neutral gears? Three or four
K. S. Iyengar. This is the second of standing poses and in between you are made to
three parts of that interview. do uttanasana. It is a neutral gear. I am telling
people now to trace the neutral gear. When they
Original introduction:Yogacharya
make a mistake, I bring them back to the cycle
B.K.S. Iyengar is one of the truly
again. I also measure overdoing or underdoing
great contemporary yoga masters.
the cycle. This prevents injury to any part of the
He is renowned and respected all
body.
over the world for the depth and
refinement of his study, practice and People say that I am an aggressive teacher, but
teaching of yoga. His dedication to I am an intensive teacher not an aggressive one.
his art has inspired teachers and Do you mean to say that if I was of that type
students on every continent, and so many students would have followed me? These are political games that other people
sparked a light which illuminates play which I have taken with grace, that’s all. Nobody has practised the way I did. I never
the study of yoga in all corners of the changed my methods. If I was wrong I would definitely have changed. I have seen the
globe. wrongs of my teacher and I have seen the wrongs of others, so they were all my teachers
because I said, “Let me not do what they have done”.
The Victoria Yoga Centre is
honoured to present the first of two Once it so happened that my Guru was teaching a great lawyer – an old man who had
interviews with Mr. Iyengar which some very great problems – and he said to me, “You have come from Pune. You have got
were conducted at the Ramamani young blood. I know that you can work better than your Guru. Can you show me?” I
Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute said, “Yes, but my Guru has to give me permission; otherwise I don’t touch. How can I
in Pune, India in November teach when my Guru is teaching you. My Guru has to give me permission.” I saw what
1985. The second interview will be was being taught and I knew exactly what I could add, because of my practice – I was
published in a future edition of our practising then, I am practising now. The moment I stop I will lose the intensity and have
newsletter. to depend on “don’t do this” and “don’t do that”. Fear complexes will come to me. I have
no fear at all because I am still practising.
Present at this first interview were
Shirley Daventry French, Leslie This is the ethics of the teacher; explain less and do on your own bodies. For instance,
Hogya and James Rischmiller of when you say “legs straight”, do it yourself and find out whether your own leg is straight.
the Victoria Yoga Centre, Victoria, If not, this will amaze you and you will learn to use less words but to see the facts.
British Columbia, Canada. We
The rhythm is essential then no dangers will take place. If someone does complain, ask
were joined by Caroline Coggins
what they did and then play with your own body until you understand how she or he did
and Peter Thompson of the Sydney
it and you know how to correct. Then the cycle will come to you. The cycle is important.
Yoga Centre, Sydney, Australia,
and have designated this “The Leslie: Well, you see it, but we don’t.
Commonwealth Interview.” Iyengar: Oh my God, fifty years of experience, is it not?
This interview was transcribed and
prepared for publication by Shirley
Secondly, a teacher may be telling pupils to keep their feet straight but instead of looking
Daventry French. at the feet will be looking at their faces. If I say “chest”, I look at the chest. The teacher
should co-ordinate his eye with his terminology. You go on explaining about the hand in
full arm balance yet the legs are collapsing. When the legs are killing how can I explain
about the hands. I have to look up and down and see what is happening overall, not just
forget and go on with the same point.

8
If you can put all this together then you will understand how In yoga, when we are doing the postures,
to remove and lessen the pain. Cycles are a must. One link can
pull the chain down. We have hundreds of links in our body: we have to connect the intelligence
three hundred joints, seven hundred major muscles, and many with the emotion, emotion with the
other muscles around those major muscles helping them to
function. One muscle is dependent on the other. We have to intelligence, and synchronize these two
come to the basic end root to find where this muscle is holding. with the body. We have to use the poses,
Then you will become a good teacher, the art will have a strong
foundation which cannot be shaken because you have a grip of otherwise the mind becomes empty.
the art. This is what I want.
Intellectually you are all very good, but what about emotion- Patanjali would have been a fool if he had said that these asanas
ally. Human beings live 90% emotionally. Can you stay one are only for physical yoga. “Dvandva” means split: in asana the
day in the Himalayas in a lonely place alone? It is a known fact dualities disappear. In meditation dual personalities set in and
that we cannot because we are all living emotionally. Mind is create a fear complex. I can’t face it! I can’t do it! Whereas in
connected to the emotional feelings; brain is intellectual feeling. yoga it is not loneliness it is aloneness. Aloneness, fullness –
A balanced personality is one where the emotion is connected everywhere you are there. You are in contact but alone. Hatred
with the intellect and the intellect with the emotion. In yoga, does not come in yoga: “Oh I am far advanced. I don’t want
when we are doing the postures, we have to connect the intel- family. I don’t want children.” That feeling does not come in
ligence with the emotion, emotion with the intelligence, and yoga, in my method. Asanas bring the mind closer to the self
synchronize these two with the body. We have to use the poses, without losing the contact with the external world, whereas in
otherwise the mind becomes empty. meditation people get completely lost. They can’t touch the
internal world, they cannot come back to the external world
On Meditation and that is the problem.
That is why Patanjali has given meditation as the seventh
What is the difference between asanas and meditation? Don’t
stage, but today everybody starts there because that’s the easy
you experience calmness and tranquility in a good head balance?
way. Patanjali has explained very well that an unbroken flow
Don’t you experience serenity when you are resting very well in
of thought without any feeling is meditation. It is not said
sarvangasana, halasana or setu bandha sarvangasana on the prop?
anywhere that you have to close your eyes and sit in a corner.
Then you also do meditation. In the asana you are connected and
at the same time detached. The Bhagavad Gita says you have to keep your body as firm
as a rock; from the centre of the anus to the throat, you have
Meditation, as it is ordinarily taught, leads you to emptiness.
to draw a straight perpendicular line. You have to sit in such
There is a disconnection between the body and the soul and in
a way that there is parity between the centre of the anus, the
between there is emptiness. But when you do halasana, the mind
throat, the front body, back body, side body. This is the art of
is not distracted from the body or from the soul, and that is
sitting for meditation or pranayama. In pranayama the head is
known as fullness.
kept down whereas in meditation the head should be exactly
People with emotional disturbances cannot meditate immediately in the centre of the throat so that it will not fall forward or
but they can do yoga. Haven’t you seen that many people cry back Without using the body, how can you meditate? The
when they do savasana? Those people cannot meditate at all. Gita explains how one has to sit, but today they say “use
They become empty and fearful because there is no connection any comfortable pose and meditate.” After five minutes the
with where they are. They are up in the air, in suspense like a person stoops forward and that becomes comfortable pose – so
suspension bridge. meditate on that. [Laughter] Is it not a fluctuation? You have
Leslie: When the emotions are out of balance then they can’t to learn why you stooped. Learn that deliberately. When I sit, I
meditate. am observing the behaviour of my cells. I am studying my own
emotions. I am studying the working of my intelligence. Asanas
Iyengar: Ah, they cannot – asanas are more effective, Patanjali lead to fullness, tranquility with fullness, not tranquility with
said: “Prayatna saithilyanananta sampattibyham,” (II.47) and “Tato emptiness. That’s the difference.
dvanda nabhighatah.” (II.48) – By relaxation of effort and medi-
tation on the Infinite, posture is mastered. From that (mastery of
posture) there is no assault from the pairs of opposites.

9
On Propagation Of Yoga Iyengar: Now I have sown a seed and people who have come
here to Pune have to see that it germinates soon.
Peter Thompson (Sydney Yoga Centre): In both our countries,
Peter: I was also thinking in terms of administration.
Canada and Australia, our yoga is still embryonic compared
to Europe and the United States. Do you have any particular Iyengar: In other methods the followers are controlled by
advice to offer us in our development and propagation of yoga? the head. They have their own circles and you have to be in
Is there anything we can learn from the experience of others? that circle. But I give a free hand to each and everyone. I do
not even know what people teach. You people have to come
Iyengar: Sir, unless and until one learns the alphabet can one
together administratively. I can only be a guide but I can’t
mix the tenses? Even if you are in an embryonic state you must
control because it’s against my principles. I control in the poses
grow. In Canada they have definitely progressed, and two years
for my art is God, and my job is to correct you in that art. If
ago I think I carried away the whole of Australia. [Laughter]
you go wrong in your way of living it is my job to guide you;
Peter: You carried us away. [Laughter] but what more can I do, tell me? Now in Australia they have
formed an Iyengar Yoga Association – that’s something. All
people have to work together to formulate the weakness of the
regions and then they should plan.
I have been going to England for thirty years. America has
picked up since 1974, and now Canada is building up. There
is co-ordination but unfortunately some people are creating
problems all over. We have to learn not to boost anyone. Then
the administration will improve. If I had my own organization
I would say how it should function administratively. I have no
organization but I have lent my name to one and all irrespec-
tive. However, when they change my technique, I ask them
to take off my name and some people have done it. Until they
became established they wanted my name, and then they said,
“Now we go our way, you go your way.”
Shirley: Is this what you meant in the class yesterday when you
talked about people abusing your name?
Iyengar Yoga Iyengar: Yes. Then the art gets a bad name and the art is God.
Teacher For me the asana is my God, definitely. The moment I ridicule
Intensives that art then what respect have I got? With administration we
have to decide whether the art is important or the individuals
are important. If we do not cultivate individualism, I think
July 7-12, 2014 yoga will grow very well. Definitely.
Introductory I and II Syllabi for uncertified
I want you all to come together. Unfortunately I have not one
Iyengar yoga teachers person in the world with whom I can exchange my experiences.
August 11-15, 2014 I am apart, I am alone, but I am not lonely. I’m not empty, I’m
Intermediate Junior and Senior syllabi full. Whereas many of you have this opportunity, but instead of
for certified Iyengar yoga teachers using it you just fight with each other. If that disappears that’s
the best administration I can suggest. [Laughs]
Fees for each course:
$610 CDN + GST IYCV members Really, what a chance you people have to get ideas from each
$650 CDN + GST IYCV non-members
other. If you all exchange, instead of saying I’ve been to Pune, I
Refunds will be offered only if your space can be filled
and are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. have been to several intense courses – all these nonsensical things
To register, drop in to or phone the Iyengar Yoga Centre should go. This is where the friction is coming. I have learned
of Victoria, 202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3 yoga from Mr. Iyengar, you also learned from Iyengar. Yes, I
(250) 386-YOGA (9642)
[Link]
might have gone ten times, you have gone two times. Alright, in
ten times what have you learned? That is the best way.

10
On Teacher-Student Relationship In India, the girl and the boy were not allowed to come
together before marriage. You may laugh, but this still has a
Peter: There’s something you touched on there: the relation- value because mentally and emotionally they were developing.
ship between the teacher and the student. How do you see that Physically they were kept apart which brought them closer
relationship and what are the respective responsibilities? emotionally, and when that emotional feeling of coming
Iyengar: In my case I don’t differentiate between a student together increased then the nuptials took place. And today, it’s
and a teacher. As a householder with six children, would it all on the physical level, especially in the cities.
be fair on my part to show favour to one and not to another. Leslie: This is happening in India, you mean ?
All my six children are the same to me. So when I start teach-
Iyengar: Yes, that is happening here too.
ing, whether you are a beginner or an advanced student there
is absolutely no difference for me. They are all my children. Leslie: That’s too bad!
Sometimes I have to admonish, sometimes I have to pat,
Iyengar: Well, I’m saying yes, it is bad. You have to cement,
sometimes I have to say “very good” and sometimes “no”. The
and that is where yoga comes in. It’s easy to break off: to make
relationship is just like father and son. Just as the father does
is difficult, to mar is very simple. We have to try to make up
not like the children to go wrong, so also my job is to see how
– make, make, make; let us find where we can meet together.
I can prevent my pupils from committing wrongs. If your
These things cannot be solved intellectually; we have to think
children say, “I don’t care, papa, I will go on my own way,”
emotionally. A husband and wife live more emotionally than
you will say “Alright, bye, bye.” I also say “Bye, bye.”
intellectually. You give an intellectual education to your chil-
[Laughter] Until then it’s my job to help.
dren but you don’t see children with the intellectual brain, you
see them with the emotional heart. That is lacking in the West.
On The Family Leslie: The feeling in the family is so strong in India.
Leslie: It seems that family life is very different in India from Iyengar: That is the way to live, and the yoga family also should
the West. live like that. I was very happy when I stayed in Victoria. In the
West I have seen so many families living very well until another
Iyengar: What has happened is that you solve all your prob-
man or woman enters in, and the whole family cracks. What a
lems intellectually, but emotional problems cannot be solved
pity! What about the fate of children. Nobody thinks of this.
intellectually and that’s where friction comes. When you have
We take it for granted that it’s a personal matter. For yoga
fallen in love with one person in the beginning, how can hatred
teachers, there’s no life called personal life. Let us be a public
come later. That I have still not understood though I have gone
chapter; then nobody can point a finger at us. That is what I am
several times to the West. A person who has loved once, how
struggling for, and if that comes I think I am the happiest man
can it happen, tell me?
in the world. [Laughs] Through the means of the body, through
Leslie: I don’t know. I don’t understand that either. the means of the mind, it’s time to come together and develop
Iyengar: That’s what I said. Emotional feelings have to be this oneness – one family, which may run to millions?
tackled emotionally; intellectual things intellectually. Pains, Shirley: Well, I think certainly your visit last year to North
pleasures, they are not intellectual, they are emotional. Sex is America helped. It brought the Canadian groups together.
emotional. How can these problems be solved intellectually?
Iyengar: Canada was very good. There is a good homely feeling
Emotionally we are mature. You are intellectually mature. and that’s what we want, why we practice yoga – to have a
That’s what I am getting to. Suppose we interchange – you homely feeling inside, outside, everywhere. So develop that,
develop our emotional feelings and we develop your intellectual that’s all. I am pleased that the work is going on well, and I
feelings. What a nation that would be! We take things and let am not pleased because some interfere and even the good work
go. Marriage means give and take, but this is not there in the sometimes gets disturbed. Maintain that harmony. Even a
West. There should be 50% give and 50% take. When two pinch of salt is enough to spoil the milk. One should be very
people cannot come together, how can you expect humanity to careful of that “pinch of salt.”
come together? Marriage is meant to learn the art of give and
take. But I am surprised – people live together for thirty years
then all of a sudden there is conflict, they quarrel and break up.
That I have not understood.

11
On Teachers And Training variations in explanations; then find out how to connect them.
Then this could become the syllabus for other yoga teachers.
Caroline Coggins (Sydney Yoga Centre): In Australia, and I
Once I conducted a teachers’ training course, and everybody
also think in America, people are going to many different places
was asking me when I would be taking another. However, I
to learn yoga from many different teachers. What is your feeling
changed my mind because of an advertisement I saw in the
on that?
Yoga Journal which said, “I have been to Iyengar’s teachers’
Iyengar: My feeling is that unless and until a beginner sticks to training course”. This is exploitation and it broke my heart.
one teacher for a long period they cannot differentiate between When they were conducting the class, I was asking: “Are you
the teaching of one teacher or another. Maturity does not come connecting your words with your action?” “Were your words
by going to different people. Only advertisement comes – “I’ve followed by the pupils?” Not one could see. Not one could say
been to so and so, so and so, and so on”. What did you learn in “Yes sir, I saw it.” When we teach we synchronise our words
the end? You have to be clear with one person, then when you with the pupils’ actions and choose our words from the pupils
go to a second person the clarity which you have developed will actions. Develop this way, then there is something good.
help you discriminate whether the teaching is good or not. But
Read the notes of all those pupils who go to various teachers
when you are raw, if you listen to ten people you end in raw
and you will know what a confused state they are in.
knowledge only.
For example, at the San Francisco convention somebody asked
Shirley: Confused and raw.
about supta virasana. I asked who the teacher was, and when
Iyengar: A base has to be established. Once you have found a the name was given I said that teacher is teaching according
teacher why should you want to go to another? If you have not to her own back and that is wrong. The teacher cannot teach
learned what the first teacher knows, what is the use of going according to her own spine, she has to teach according to
to a second person. When you have exhausted the first person’s the pose. Look at the skeleton and the spine in anatomical
knowledge then find a better teacher; there’s nothing wrong books. The spine is not straight at all. Follow the spine, follow
with that. Or the teacher may tell you, “I’ve given you all I the nature, then you know exactly how the pose has to be
know, now find out for yourself”. This is the right method. But presented. Whoever you are learning from, first get maturity,
what happens is – we learn one thing, we learn something else, then you can discriminate. Otherwise how can you know who
we learn another thing and we do not know how to connect is a good teacher. Get a base from one person; from that base
them. Certainty and surety does not come when you go to you can judge the capacities of other teachers.
many different teachers, because each teacher explains accord-
Yesterday, Geeta was adapting a pose for a sciatic nerve prob-
ing to his or her mind. Until I know this mind, how can I
lem, but if you practice like that all the time, what progress will
know the other mind. Get mature with one teacher.
you make? You have got to come back to the original pose to
Now what happens when you come here to Pune? Even though find out whether you have made progress or not. When you
you may have come several times, we teach you as a beginner turn the foot the sciatic nerve becomes straight; if you keep
so that a fresh mind will be there. When Prashant and Geeta your foot straight, it goes crooked. So like that one has to learn.
are teaching, once in a while I add explanations. If I take over
You should get a good foundation from the first teacher, but
the class, I interfere with their growth. Instead I am cultivat-
the pupils run away too soon from one teacher to another. If
ing them. I build my explanation from their words. Although
they really want to be constructive they should come back again
I could give more, I put a brake on my experience; otherwise
asking, “Let me see, what did I learn here?” Then you start
they will get confused, and I have to apply this brake in such
learning differences in teaching. To run after teachers is not a
a way that I do not destroy their teaching but build it up
good sign for the pupil.
constructively.
I have seen that teachers teach certain points according to their
What is happening elsewhere is that one person explains one
own mobility. This is wrong. You have to teach according to
thing and another something else and there is no connection.
the pupil’s mobility. The subject is being approached intellec-
In London I suggested they have a guinea pig class for teacher tually whereas the defect in the body is emotional. It requires
training – ten experienced teachers who will take it in turns to intelligence to use that knee well, but the intelligence doesn’t
teach a class. Make notes of all that has been explained. The feel the pain – the heart does.
next time the same poses will be taught by another teacher – no
I also know of some very well known teachers with certain
changes, the same poses. Continue for ten months. Find the
defects in their spines, who are teaching the poses according

12
to those defects. If it were me, I would say, “I have got this On Workshops
defect, don’t follow me. Unfortunately God interfered in my
tailbone; I am sorry.” [Laughter] I would be honest, but they Peter: As well as the tendency towards going to different teach-
are giving explanations according to their own bodies – how the ers, there is a also a tendency towards workshops for this and
energy should move and all these things, whereas for me it is a workshops for that. What is your feeling about that?
wrong feeling. Unfortunately their pupils don’t question them Iyengar: It’s the same question – until you have got the grip
because they think they are such experienced teachers. It would of what you are doing, it’s no good going to workshops. You
be different with Indian students; they would say, “What’s should have a grip on certain poses. When I say grip, I mean
happening in my body?” That’s the beauty of the Indians. maturity: physical maturity, mental maturity and intellectual
Westerners never question their Gurus. Here you see we have grasp. Then if you go to a workshop you will understand some-
lots of problems; our Indians definitely ask. thing, because you have got a foundation. In that foundation,
It’s difficult to teach Indians; when you touch them it’s just like if something is not properly taught you can question, “No, I
butter, the moment you touch them they collapse so you don’t am getting this, you are explaining that – so what is the right
know how to teach. [Laughter] For them we have to make the method?” – and in the workshop they have to make you to
whole body soft; for you we have to make our body hard. In a work on it. Suppose you don’t get that feeling at all, you don’t
touch we know what pressure we have to give. With Indians we get that grip at all, then you’ve got the right to question.
catch the bones, with you we catch the flesh. The bones cannot Now for example, one teacher suffered a spine injury and had
collapse, so with Indians we grip the bones, we don’t touch the to be operated on; his technique is not going to be as good as
flesh at all. That’s a humane way of seeing. How to commune someone who has not been operated on. General points are
man to man. Don’t be carried away by techniques, that’s all I very good but what about the particulars. Certain parts are
request. not working for him at all. When he shows the pose, the pose
Shirley: Or personalities. is affected and he cannot give the correct picture. If that were
me I would say that I have been operated on and can’t get this
Iyengar: Yes, or personalities.
particular movement which you have to get. In workshops,
teachers should express their weaknesses.
Leslie: Shirley’s good at that, she always tells us that (because
of her bunions) her toes go out but our toes should not.
[Laughter]
Iyengar: I’ve told her also to do it. That’s correct. That’s the
right way. “Please don’t follow my toe”, I would say, “I am
Scholarships struggling to make it straight.” [Laughter]
There should be a scope to learn in workshops – scope to
and Bursaries exchange views and to question. If you’re not getting a certain
feeling, you have to say so and ask, “How can I get that
Members’ scholarships are available for: feeling?” Then you will have a workshop which will develop
Summer Sadhana, July 7-12, maturity.
deadline for applications May 26
Peter: Sharing.
Introductory Intensive, July 7–12,
Iyengar: Ah, sharing ! But now it’s not sharing – it’s gathering.
deadline for applications, May 26
Gathering is not good because there is the tendency to take
Bursaries are available to all students presently enrolled ideas which you have not put into practice yourself and teach
in classes. To subsidize your term fees, please apply them to others. Yoga is a very tricky subject and there has to
three weeks prior to term. be a moulding or blending between the body, intelligence and
Applications for both are available at the reception desk. emotion.
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria Jim: It seems to me that rather than having a fixed structure of
202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3 grades of teachers, what you are talking about is having teachers
250-386-YOGA (9642) able to come together to formulate some sort of standard. In
other words, maybe a convention of Iyengar Yoga teachers.

13
Iyengar: Yes, it could be made. I have suggested already that in also see the mistakes they are committing That’s what I say to
America they should not have international but only national my pupils – find out the mistakes in me so that I can improve;
conventions. So many people have come to Pune, they should I don’t mind.
amalgamate and constructively build a program from what has
So this amalgamation is the best method; all teachers coming
been learned here. As I suggested in England, get ideas from
together to explore what has been learned. That is a real work-
different people, then work out alphabetically what can be
shop, and I advise that type of workshop. Then you can carry
taken where and how, and you will all get a wonderful build
good knowledge to your pupils from those workshops. We
up. This is known as “workshop”.
should all work together.
So why does somebody else have to come?
You have seen so many yogis, right? How many have you seen
Shirley: Well, we’ve talked about this in Canada, because doing yoga with their pupils? I am in class with everyone,
Canadians tend not to respect their own teachers and look that’s known as father and son relationship. I could sit on a
elsewhere, either to the United States or Europe. high pedestal saying, “Very good, I bless you. Carry on the
work”, but I don’t. I do the poses with everyone. Sometimes
Iyengar: No, that is wrong, that is wrong, that is wrong!
I stand in front of one pupil, sometimes another. Why I am
Shirley: Yes, I know. Actually some of us who are in the doing that? So that even if I don’t say a word, by looking at
Intensive had dinner the other night to talk about this, and me, by looking at my pose, you are beginning to be taught. I
whether we should start a network of Canadian teachers. do it indirectly. I do the same pose many times close to many
Iyengar: You people know yourselves better than an outsider. different people. If there is a mistake I go and show, so that the
Today in class, Geeta answered your mental question when student can look at me and then correct themselves. Here all
she said that Guruji comes there for only four days, what words come to an end because there is direct perception. Many
more can he do? It is much easier for you to come together people don’t see it. They just think, “Oh he must be doing his
in your own countries because you are always there, but an own practice.” [Laughter]
outsider comes and teaches for a few days and then goes away. [To be continued in the next issue]
This creates problems.
Amalgamation is important, and once this is established I can
see what is missing and make suggestions for improvement.
This way you build up by yourselves. I am economising the lives
of you people provided you play the way in which I am asking. Guruji receives special Award
There are hundreds of teachers in your countries. Why don’t We wish to inform all of Guruji’s students world-wide
they all come together, find out their weakness and good- of the great news we received this weekend wherein
ness. Learn how to remove the weaknesses and build on the Guruji became the recipient of the Padma Vibhushan
strengths. That is known as no administration, no organisa- award. This is the second highest civil honour anyone
tion – nothing but one human soul. We should work for these can receive in India.
things. God gave you what he did not give me, but today how The award is annually announced on Republic
many are squabbling among themselves over who is better than Day here in India. The formal ceremony will be held
whom? If you are better in trikonasana, the other may be better in Delhi in March. Guruji will receive the award from
in back arch. And you should not consider that back arch is far the President of India.
superior because you can’t do trikonasana. Guruji is already the recipient of the Padma Shri
As I have said, if adho mukha svanasana could not be and the Padma Bhushan awards.
performed then from square one whatever you may be doing, At the age of 95, Iyengar has taught yoga to four
the base is gone. In urdhva dhanurasana your arm should generations and has over 30 to 40 million followers
be straight, but when the base of dog pose is missing you worldwide.
cannot make it straight – the elbow is bent. It is a fact that if The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria adds its
the elbow is bent in dog pose, it will also be bent in urdhva sincerest congratulations to Guruji on this recognition
dhanurasana; whereas in kapotasana the elbows are bent so the of his great civic contribution.
same mistakes will not come. This is known as weakness, and For further information on the award follow this
we have to find how to correct these weaknesses, then nobody link: [Link]
will be great, nobody will be small. Even advanced people will
14
In Appreciation of a Wise Teacher
By Shirley Daventry French
Wailea, Maui, February 6, 2014

M
y first visit to Yasodhara Ashram
was in the early 1970’s, to
attend a workshop with Swami
Venketasananda who, like Swami Radha,
was a disciple of Swami Sivananda.
Living at the Ashram at that time was
a quietly spoken friendly woman called
Rita Foran. She was one of the residents
at the ashram.
Swami Radha was coming regularly
to Victoria in those days and stayed in
Derek’s and my home. She was often
accompanied by Rita, who assisted
Swami Radha in every possible way, and
it was clear to see that she was being
groomed to be a teacher.
In the winter of 1976, Derek and Shirley Daventry French and Swami Padmananda
I attended a three-month residential
Teacher Training course. One of our It seems very fitting to me that the
teachers was Rita (yet to become a Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria should
swami). She taught several elements of be the venue for a ceremony in honour
this course but most memorable for me of the life of Swami Padmananda. For a
was her teaching on Patanjali’s Yoga decade or more Iyengar Yoga was taught
Sutras where she ignited in me a lifelong at Yasodhara Ashram both as part of the
interest in this fundamental yoga text. winter intensive course and at weeklong
During those years, Derek and I intensives.
were making annual pilgrimages to In 1985, I had permission from
Yasodhara, and one summer when Mr. Iyengar to bring a group of thirty
we were there, Rita Foran became students to Pune. At Swami Radha’s
Swami Padmananda. Her commitment request the group included two of
to Yoga and her teaching deepened her Swamis, one of whom was Swami
exponentially. Padmananda. Guruji was just as tough
When Swami Radha decided to with her as he is with all his students;
open a series of Radha Houses in cities but Padmananda, wise in the ways of
throughout Canada, we were delighted yoga, took this in her stride and deep-
that Victoria would be one of them. ened her knowledge of the path of yoga.
We were even more delighted when Many other twists and turns were
Swami Padmananda was sent here to ahead of her, but her long life of devo-
be its director. One of her duties was to tion is a fitting memorial to a wise and Leslie Hogya and Swami Padmananda
lead small groups known as Kundalini courageous woman who dedicated her at the grill in Pune 1985. Photo by Soni
Studios.
groups, and I was fortunate to partici- life to awakening the light in others and
pate in one for many years. One of growing into light herself.
my fellow students there was my first With love and appreciation,
Iyengar teacher, Norma Hodge. Shirley

15
 We launch, proceeding to deliver handwritten letters and
gifts from Senior teachers in Canada. Without glasses, he
reads each letter in front of us, carefully and in silence. He
looks up again.
We slip a large ninety-fifth birthday card out of its big red
envelope. It is a colorful pen and ink drawing by Lauren Cox
with Guruji’s smiling face on the front and his feet on the
back. He laughs and really seems to appreciate it. He raises his

Photos: Camila Blades

eyebrows and we say we have certificates for him to sign. He
nods and we remove the tightly rolled up certificates from a
cardboard tube. He calls an assistant and asks for a special pen.
Quietly and efficiently, with the three of us holding down the
corners so that they don’t curl, he signs nineteen Canadian
certificates with a steady hand and a flowing signature. Not a
moment wasted.
A Meeting in the RIMYI Lobby When he is done we feel it is time to go and prepare
with B.K.S. Iyengar to leave. However, Guruji chooses this moment to begin a
discourse on practice and aging. Some of this is in relation to
November 13, 2013 the content of the letters which we have delivered to him. We
sit upright on the edges of our chairs and listen…
By Ann Kilbertus, Louie Ettling, and Linda Shevloff “I am aging...do you think I am not suffering? What do
you expect? It is painful. Aging, pain and dying are part of the

It is November and the three of us are in Pune for five weeks,

studying at the Ramamani Memorial Yoga Institute.
Pandu, the secretary at RIMYI, suggests that we three
human condition.” Guruji then mentions the many letters he
receives from students asking him for advice. “I have given
asanas to cope with different challenges.” He emphasizes,
Canadians, who have requested a short meeting with Guruji, however, that he prefers to see these students in person.
come to the lobby to meet with him between 4:00 and 4:30 “I am not God, but a human being. Our suffering is the
p.m. on Wednesday. It seems the lobby is the new library these karma of our lives. I used to write while on long shaky train
days since Guruji is no longer going down the many narrow rides. It was hard on my eyes, but I did it. With age the retina
steep steps which access that room. will become either thick or thin. My doctor recently suggested
We wait for forty minutes then decide to leave the lobby laser surgery, but I went away and practiced. One month later
and sit in the small courtyard between the Institute and the this surgery was not necessary.”
Iyengar family home. After ten more minutes have passed we “Fear and doubt come even after many years of prac-
conclude he will not be coming and begin tice. You have to have faith in yoga and try gradually.
to walk toward the shoe rack to collect If a cardiac surgeon has a heart attack
our footwear. Suddenly we catch a flash do you mean to say he doesn’t believe in
of white through the window to a stair- his subject? After an accident, if a person
well in the family home. Just as we are undergoes an amputation, they adapt.
willing to let go of the whole idea of a They carry on.”
meeting, Guruji appears. “If an older person is experiencing retinal
We return our shoes to the rack and changes, they have to observe and not jump
quietly retreat to the lobby to see what in. For example, if returning to inversions
will occur. Ann speaks with Pandu, after not doing, take adho mukha svanasana,
who then disappears into an office on then paschimottanasana with support. Then
the right side of the lobby, then reappears saying, try niralamba halasana observing carefully.
“Yes, yes, just wait. Guruji will come and meet you.” Again do adho mukha svanasana and paschimottanasana. Don’t
We place three chairs opposite a small desk which is located go suddenly to full inversions. Test your body’s responses
at the very end of the lobby allowing a vantage point from step by step. I have given teachings about the alignment of
which to view the comings and goings of one and all. Guruji the ears in inversions since the eighties. If this alignment isn’t
enters and sits at the desk across from us. After a nod of the observed, damage can be done to the eyes.”
head he says, “Yes?”
16
 Guruji points out that strictly
speaking what we understand to be From the Ropes Workshop
rope sirsasana often has the head
more like adho mukha vrksasana. In
sirsasana the head is not extended
back. In the ropes that could be
achieved by supporting the base of
the skull.
He then gives us permission to
photograph his niralamba sirsasana
at the tressler during morning prac-
tice. These photos are to accompany
a letter which he has written for a
particular practitioner.
As Guruji talks with us about
the cycles of life he seems calmly
accepting. “Birth and death are part
of life as is the suffering in between. Above, Lauren Cox directs
students in virabhadrasana III
Interesting that we don’t ask how in the Ropes Workshop.
people are born, but want to know
how they die. Dying is natural.” Below, students in a
variation of uttita hasta
“You are doing well. Have faith. padangusthasana I
Do the work. God bless.”

Jawahar Bangera Intensive

Victoria is pleased to welcome
Jawahar Bangera back to Victoria

Jawahar has been a direct student of international jaunts, which included visits
B.K.S. Iyengar for many years. In 1984 to Edmonton and Toronto.
he accompanied Guruji on a western Jawahar teaches in Mumbai and is
Canada and U.S. tour. At that first visit, presently a trustee of the Light on Yoga
Guruji inspired local teachers with Research Trust and partner in Yoga,
classes at the local YMCA. He and his which among other things, publishes
entourage were honoured at a gala Yoga Rahasya.
dinner at the Crystal Gardens. This was
His years of dedicated practice and
the start of a series of lectures, teaching
study have helped make him a teacher
tours, and demonstrations during the
who inspires us to move deeper into our
‘80s and ‘90s when Jawahar was fortu-
understanding of Iyengar yoga.
nate enough to accompany Guruji on his

All levels intensive – pre-requisite:  riday 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm,

F Monday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm,
knowledge of set up for shoulder stand 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (5 hours) 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm,
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm ( 7 hours)
April 4 - 7, 2014  aturday 10:30 am to 1:30 pm,
S
3:30 pm to 5:30 pm (5 hours) Registration opens January 27, 2014 for 2014 members and
$480 + GST members February 3, 2014 for non-members.

$510 + GST non members  unday 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm,

S Refunds will be offered only if your space can be
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (4 hours) filled and are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

17
B.K.S. Iyengar at 95
By Leslie Hogya

T his was to be my tenth visit to the

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga
Institute. I arrived in Pune at the end of
Guruji was finally brought up to
the stage and given garlands and saluta-
tions. He spoke briefly, and as a group
November 2013 both to study and to be we paid our respects to him. Then
there for Mr. Iyengar’s birthday. dinner was served in stations through-
Guruji, at age ninety-five, arrives out the venue. The united nations of
at the Institute every morning for at Iyengar yogis mingled and talked. It
least three hours of practice. He stands was a wonderful evening!
on his head, holds back bends for long Sunday, after the birthday, Geeta
periods and uses the trestler for stand- Iyengar invited us to the institute for
ing poses. During that time, he also her monthly talk on the Bhagavad Gita.

Photo: George Dovas

will start teaching family members and Chapter 12 is focused on devotion and
others close to him. One day every- practice. She said to do yoga asana with
one was hanging upside down from sacred mind and to have religiosity in
the trestler in deep back bends. He practice. This is Guruji’s message to
usually finishes these sessions by saying, all of us.
“Didn’t you ever think of that?” accommodate all their guests for meals I feel very grateful to have partici-
Several afternoons a week, he directs over the weekend. pated and offered my respects to Guruji.
the medical classes. When he walks in, Then late Saturday afternoon, Thank you to the Iyengar family for
the energy of the room is charged. Soon December 14, a thousand people or hosting a memorable event.
you hear him giving dynamic instruc- more began to gather at a large venue,
tions, and see him still lifting and assist- Govinda Gardens. Tables were set
ing patients. His energy is astounding. In up at the edge of a large grassy area.
the afternoons, one often sees him either Calendars, shawls and other commemo-
in the institute lower hall, or on the rative items were being sold, and a
porch of his home talking to visitors. large stage laden with flowers was at
People from across India, and the other end. In between were enough
around the world, including his chairs for all one thousand guests. The
family arrived for welcoming talks and
students from Russia, Hong Kong, IYAC/ACYI
France, Spain, Australia, Italy, chanting. Various speakers gave tribute
ASSESSMENT DATES
Germany, England, Canada, Brazil, the to Guruji. A dozen or more visiting
United States and more began arriving foreign teachers took turns on stage.
April 25-27
as the birthday came closer. This was a refreshing opportunity to Intermediate Junior I,
His normal activities continued hear from the younger generation of Edmonton AB
right up until the last afternoon, when teachers from around the world, every-
the institute closed, so that the family where from Brazil to Siberia, about how June 6-8
Iyengar yoga had influenced their lives. Introductory II/
could have private religious ceremo-
Canada was represented by Stephanie Intermediate Junior I,
nies and prayers. A large tented area
Montreal, QC
was set up adjacent to the house to Tencer from Toronto.
June 20-22
When he walks in, the energy of the room is charged. Intermediate Junior II,
Victoria BC
Soon you hear him giving dynamic instructions,
September 19-20
and see him still lifting and assisting patients. Introductory II, Victoria
His energy is astounding.
18
To the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
January 2014

I want to thank you very I have already shared with the teachers group
sincerely for the scholarship some of the basic principles of working with shoulder
I received to study at problems.
the Ramamani Iyengar I will be offering a short workshop in May for all
Memorial Yoga Institute. levels of students on this.
I attended classes Thank you again, this support is very helpful to
this past November and defray the high costs of travel to Pune, and being
December for a total of away from home and having to pay for food and
three and a half weeks. housing. While we are away we also are losing the
During that time, income from our teaching.
I attended general classes and medical classes. In The support of our community is unique and
medical class, I was given special poses to do to help makes our centre stand head and shoulders among
me with my shoulder injury. Mr. Iyengar himself gave many in the world.
me a sequence that gave me more range of motion, On a side note, numerous people told me how
strength and mobility. they admired the leadership and teaching of Shirley
I was very fortunate indeed, to have also been Daventry French. I also heard how much our
able to observe a special course with Geeta Iyengar on newsletter is appreciated, in fact, one day, a friend
teaching pranayama. The course had been set up for observed B.K.S. Iyengar sitting quietly absorbed in
Indian teachers. But since many Westerners were in reading our latest issue.
Pune, she allowed us to watch from video screens set Namaste,
up in their second studio. Leslie Hogya

how to practice
with Leslie Hogya
Members’ Practice
With a Focus on Shoulders
All current members of the Saturday, May 31, 2014, 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
who attend a regular class or $35 + gst for Members
have received permission from $40 + gst for Non-members
practice monitor are welcome to In this session we will do a
participate in an open practice
practice sequence together,
every Sunday afternoon from
and you will be given ideas
12:30-3:30 pm.
on how to practice
There is no instruction given at home. Bring
in this self-directed practice your questions.
session. Props, books and other
resources are available for the
use of anyone who attends.

Come for 20 minutes or stay for

three hours!

19
Tune in with
Your Heart:
Find Your Purpose
The Heart of Yoga workshop
with Shirley Daventry French
and Ann Kilbertus

By Suzanne Tremblay

O
pening the workshop with a
quote from B.K.S. Iyengar:
The body is like the cloth of the
soul. It is our duty to take care of it,
Shirley Daventry French asked us what
we thought the purpose of yoga was.
She candidly confessed resorting to the
same tool we all use when searching
for an answer, she ‘Googled’ the ques-
tion, ‘What is the purpose of yoga?’ The
answer proved very satisfactory: ‘The Shirley demonstrating virabhadrasana II
purpose of yoga is to help human beings
become aware of their deeper being,’ hurting is not always harming.” So, let’s Quoting Geeta Iyengar, Ann told us,
in other words, to support our own get on with it! “awareness leads to consciousness.” We
self-study. Like a well-practiced duo, on experience this awareness when we are
Shirley reminded us that the main Sunday, Ann took over leading the prac- able to listen to the little voice within,
prop we have for self-study, always avail- tice, mainly focusing on forward bends, even and particularly when it speaks
able, is our own body. We often confuse with Shirley introducing the topic by truths we would rather not hear. It is
what we usually think of as our ‘self ’ telling us that most people limit them- important “to be flexible in the mind,
with our ‘real self .’ The yoga we prac- selves unnecessarily. The body is often not just in the body,” and to know when
tice runs contrary to modern psychol- capable of more, it is the mind that it matters to abandon the effort, to let
ogy’s main driving force: the promotion erects barriers. The practice of forward go, and to practice non-attachment in
of ‘self-improvement’. Ann Kilbertus bends is appropriately a practice of our asana practice.
insisted this is not what yoga is about, surrendering. Shirley told us: “Doing yoga may
as this so-called self-improvement is So we did uttanasana, with different not make you young again, and that
focused on the ego – centering on the variations of feet width, heel elevations, doesn’t matter, but it will give your life
ego, promoting the ego, caring for the and leg actions all intended to deepen a different quality.” That matters. We
ego. Yoga practice is about abandoning the groins, allowing a more intense will develop and enhance our ability to
the ego to reach the soul. While some of folding in the asana. In the sitting listen to the ‘little voice within, our truer
us may be uncomfortable with the word version of uttanasana, paschimottana- self .’” We learn to practice santosa—
God, or the expression ‘the God within,’ sana, Ann instructed us to bend our contentment, and find the true meaning
Shirley asked us to examine why it knees to bring the abdomen in contact of savasana — ‘abandonner’, said Shirley,
bothers us. “It is only three letters,” she with the thighs and glue the two body using the French verb for ‘to give up’.
said, tongue in cheek. parts together and then stretch the legs This, perhaps, is when we realized the
After this introduction, we started again. This, she told us, connects the purpose of yoga, in the Heart of Yoga.
our asana practice, using our main prop, actions of the upper body with that Those of us lucky enough to have
our body. “There will always be obstacles of the lower body – uniting the whole attended the workshop got to taste this
on the practice that we have to deal body in surrender. sweet santosa.
with. Sometimes we are hurting, but
20
The Ethics of Enrichment
Wrap Up of the Practice Enrichment Series with Ann Kilbertus and Ty Chandler

By Tracy Harvey

Enrich: to improve or enhance the quality or value of;

If you are not practising yoga you are
to make someone rich or richer; to improve the quality
of something; to make something better; to improve not experiencing yoga and therefore,
the usefulness or quality of something by adding
how could you teach yoga?
something to it; hence enrichment: the act of making
fuller or more meaningful or rewarding.
moments between rising and restraining subliminal impressions

T
he Practice Enrichment four-part series with Ann is the transformation of consciousness towards restraint.” With
Kilbertus and Ty Chandler wrapped up on January this context in mind, Ty asked that we pause between each
5th. Those of us who attended were indeed made richer holding for ten seconds to observe. Try this next time you prac-
through the teachings provided by Ann and Ty who, by tice and see what it brings you.
demonstrating their usual high standard of professional compe- As a student teacher, I have reviewed and follow the Code
tence and integrity, were exemplifying the Code of Ethics of of Ethics. By participating in the Enrichment series I was prac-
The Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada. [[Link] ticing tapas (burning zeal in practice) and svadhyaya (study of
[Link]/code-ethics] the Self) as described in the Code: “Iyengar yoga certified teach-
At the request of B.K.S. Iyengar, the Code of Ethics was ers and student teachers should study and stay current with the
established and corresponds to the yamas and niyamas of teaching and practice of yoga as taught by Yogacharya B.K.S.
the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Included in the section under Iyengar, his family and those teaching in the Iyengar tradi-
Professional Ethics of Iyengar Yoga Teachers, is tapas (ardour): tion. This can be done either directly by study with the Iyengar
“Iyengar yoga teachers and student teachers dedicate themselves family in accord with Patanjali’s eight-fold path; or indirectly,
to studying, teaching, disseminating and promoting the art, by participation and study with certified Iyengar yoga teachers
science and philosophy of yoga according to the teachings and of at least one higher level of certification.” I was also observing
philosophy of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar, and to maintaining experienced Iyengar Yoga teachers lead by example.
high standards of professional competence and integrity.” The In Iyengar Yoga we foster and encourage students to
Code also states, “While teaching, Iyengar yoga teachers and develop a home-based practice. As a teacher of Iyengar Yoga
student teachers should teach yoga according to the methods it is fundamental that you have already established a personal
set forth by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar.” This falls under sauca practice and that you continue to study and stay current with
(purity). the teachings. As I begin to teach at my level as a trainee I begin
Throughout the Practice Enrichment Series we did strong, to understand this principle more and more. Yoga is experi-
deep Intermediate and Advanced asana and pranayama work ential. If you are not practising yoga you are not experiencing
with an eye to improving the quality of our individual prac- yoga and therefore, how could you teach yoga? It is essential
tices. With three-hour sessions and the guidance of dedicated that a teacher know this work from the inside and out. The
Iyengar yoga teachers we were able to peel away the layers and deeper one’s understanding, the greater the possibility you have
go deeper. Yoga philosophy was also woven through the prac- to pass the teachings on with clarity and precision in the way
tice. For example, Ty quoted Sutra III.9 “Study of the silent that B.K.S. Iyengar intended us to.
Gratitude to Ann and Ty for studying, teaching, dissemi-
As a teacher of Iyengar Yoga it is nating and promoting the art, science and philosophy of yoga
according to the teachings and philosophy of B.K.S. Iyengar
fundamental that you have already through this Enrichment Series.
established a personal practice and that
you continue to study and stay current
with the teachings.

21
 A Celebration of the Life
of Lennart Edstrom

I am saddened by the news of Jayne Jonas’

husband’s death.
It is with heartfelt condolences that I
Len’s sailing friends, fellow yoga practitio-
ners, Jayne’s colleagues and friends. Len’s
brother Stefan, from Sweden and Jayne’s
write this. sister Amy, from Florida, were also able to
Len Edstrom was a student at the be there. Many people took time to share
Centre for nine years. During this time, stories about Len – it was a real celebration!
the students and I came to know him and Jane McFarlane did a stellar job in
appreciate his quiet strength. setting up and decorating the studio. Leslie
I often arrived at the Centre the same Hogya led the group in the Divine Light
time as Len did. He used to jog or bike Invocation, which joined us in a power-
to his Monday and Thursday classes – all ful moment of energy allowing Len to
warmed up and raring to go! Even after a be absorbed into all of us and then into

Photo: Ty Chandler
full day of sailing, Len never complained the Light. Ty Chandler played DJ and
about the challenges during the practice. we danced to boisterous upbeat music.
He always just ‘carried on’ and was an Johanna Godliman and Karin Dayton
inspiration for just getting down to it and worked behind the scene overseeing the
doing the work. refreshments. The clean-up crew after the
I learned to give Len space, as many of my tactful enqui- party did an amazing job also!
ries were often dismissed and brushed off as ‘no big deal’. There was much laughter and tears, sadness and joy,
The turning point and highlight for me was when I silliness and seriousness, dancing and solemn conversations
noticed he was working within his boundaries during a back as well as food and drink. Len would have approved.
issue. I noticed that he was not pushing himself and was I picture Len sailing to his heart’s content and taking
learning to work with acceptance – a true yogic practitioner. long strides as he practices in his ‘manly’ way. I feel
A Celebration of Life for Len took place at the Centre honoured to have known Len.
attended by well over one hundred including many of – Lauren Cox

With Lauren Cox and Ty Chandler

August 22-29, 2014, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Learn how to establish and deepen your practice.
All levels
Each day there will be an introduction to pranayama along
with philosophical and spiritual discussions. Two hours of
yoga asanas, including a timed practice, yoga kurunta work,
restorative poses, and inversions will follow.
Registration opens April 24, 2014
Fees: $235.00 + GST for IYCV members
$260.00 + GST for non-members
To register, drop in to or phone the Iyengar Yoga Centre
of Victoria: 202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3

Student Intensive
(250) 386-YOGA (9642) [Link]

Refunds will be offered only if your space can be filled and

are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

22
Thank you!
Big thanks to: As always, our faithful special needs class – Gary Wong for stepping in with style
–Jane McFarlane, Johanna Godliman, volunteers too numerous to mention. to be Master of Ceremonies.
and Adia Kapoor for getting ALL the For Mr Iyengar’s 95th Birthday party: – Master bakers Tracey Silberer and
blankets and mats washed over the – Shirley Daventry French for leading Heather Ashton for the wonderful
holidays. the afternoon’s All Levels Practice raw food cakes and the many makers
– Patty Rivard for upgrading our library. assisted by Ann Kilbertus and Wendy of edibles from the IYCV Board and
– Jane McFarlane & Bruce Cox for Boyer. Membership.
putting together the bookshelves. – Brandy Baybutt and her children – Laine Canivet and Britta Poisson as
– Arno De Boer for making wooden Seamus, Ariah, and Theo for greeters and meeters, and the many
wedges. choreography and dancing of ‘The servers, clean up crew.
– Leslie Watson for laminating a Giving Tree’; Aleta Mullane and – Colleen O’Farrell, who made the
handout for Arbutus and Birch. Brandy for the ‘Peace Dance’, with maala; the garland for Patanjali.
chanting from Britta Poisson and Jane
– Gary Wong for organizing and Coordinators Johanna Godliman
McFarlane.
arranging the dry laminating of some and Brandy Baybutt (with Lauren
wonderful photos of Guruji. – Margo McLoughlin for her enchanting Cox) would like to thank all who
telling of the Hanuman story. brought their young families to
– Editor, Roger Champagne, for doing
such a great job and the newsletter – Bhavantu Sound for their moving enjoy the children dancing. All
committee as a whole! Kirtan with Ty Chandler, Tia Benn, ages were well represented.
and Damian Finegan (Tambala).
All mem
Dec. 31. 2berships expired
013 Rene
­ w now!
Name: _______________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

society _____________________________________________

Membership City: _________________________________________

For a one year membership, Prov / State: _____________ Postal code ________

Summer Sadhana please complete this form

and send it with your cheque
or money order to:
Country: _____________________________________

July 7 – 12, 2014 Iyengar Yoga Centre Phone: _______________________________________

Take in the essence of life of Victoria Society
as you would smell the fragrance c/o Hilary McPhail E-mail: _______________________________________
of a flower delicately and deeply 202-919 Fort Street
Victoria BC V8V 3K3
with sensitivity and appreciation.  lease mail me my newsletter as I do not
P
– B.K.S. Iyengar Membership fee is $40 + GST, attend classes at the Centre.
renewable each January.
6:30 am - 8:00 am P
 lease email me when the Newsletter is
available on the IYCV website.
with Robin Cantor
Receipt required.
This 6-day Sadhana is the perfect opportunity
to further develop and deepen your practice.
Membership benefits include a 5% discount on registered
Registration opens April 24, 2014
Members $115 + GST / Non Members $125 + GST classes, a discount on workshops, advance booking for
Drop-in $23 per day
major workshops, borrowing privileges in our library,
(General level students or higher)
Refunds will be offered only if your space can be filled and
free members’ practice, eligibility to become a board
are subject to a $15 cancellation fee. member and eligibility for workshop scholarships!

23
 2014 Calendar

July
8 Open House 4-7 Jawahar Bangera 7-12 Summer Sadhana
15 Teachers’ First Aid course 18-20 Easter Weekend 7-12 Summer Intensive for
(cancels Teachers’ Meeting) Introductory Teacher
Trainees
27 Special Needs Tea May
3 Teachers’ Meeting August
15-18 IYAC/ ACYI AGM and
Photos from the 2013 Special Needs Tea 11-15 Certified Teacher Intensive
Conference in Halifax
25-29 Student Intensive
31 Workshop: Focus on
Shoulders with Leslie
September
June 19-20 Intro 2 Assessment, Victoria
6-8 Salt Spring Island Retreat 26-29 Chris Saudek Workshop
14 Teachers’ Meeting
20-22 IJ 2 assessment in at IYCV

The 30th Annual

Retreat at the
Salt Spring Centre
June 6-8, 2014
With Shirley Daventry French
This is your opportunity to attend the
annual retreat on beautiful Salt Spring
Island and participate in a weekend of
Iyengar Yoga with Shirley Daventry
French.
Registration is open now. Refunds will be
offered only if your space can be filled and
are subject to a $50.00 cancellation fee.

Fees are for shared accomodation:

IYCV Members $375 + GST
Non-members $410 + GST
Jawahar Bangera at the IYCV Workshop, April 2014

Newsletter
S u m m e r 2 0 1 4
 Iyengar Yoga
Teacher
Intensives

July 7-12, 2014

Introductory I and II
Syllabi for uncertified
Iyengar yoga teachers

August 11-15, 2014

Intermediate Junior
and Senior syllabi
for certified Iyengar
yoga teachers
Fees for each course: To register, drop in to or phone the
$610 CDN + GST IYCV members Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria,
$650 CDN + GST IYCV non-members 202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
Refunds will be offered only if your space can be (250) 386-YOGA (9642)
filled and are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. [Link]

With Lauren Cox and Ty Chandler

August 25-29, 2014,
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Each day there will be an introduction to
pranayama along with philosophical and
spiritual discussions. Two hours of yoga
asanas, including a timed practice, yoga
kurunta work, restorative poses, and
inversions follow.

Registration opens April 24, 2014

Fees: $235.00 + GST for IYCV members
$260.00 + GST for non-members
To register, drop in to or phone the Iyengar Yoga
Centre of Victoria: 202-919 Fort Street,
Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3

Student Intensive (250) 386-YOGA (9642) [Link]

Refunds will be offered only if your space can be filled and

are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

all levels – Learn how to establish and deepen your practice.

2
Contents
4 Reflections 17 On the Sutras…
by Shirley Daventry French by Jawahar Bangera

7 Guruji’s message on his 95th birthday 19 Centre Happenings

8 Savasana Before Pranayama 20 Summer Sadhana 2013

by Geeta S Iyengar by Valerie Kohut DC

10 The Commonwealth Interview 21 Leslie Hogya Awarded Lifetime

A n Interview With B.K.S. Iyengar, Honourary Membership
Part 3 by Shirley Daventry French

14 A Big Thank You 24 Calendar

15 Who Am I Then?
Correction to Spring 2004 newsletter photo credits
Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita Donna Fornelli took the photo of Leslie Hogya with Guruji
on page 18.
by Tracy Harvey
George Dovas took the photograph of Guruji arriving at his
birthday on page 6.

Submission Deadline for next issue: Iyengar YOGA CENTRE OF VICTORIA Newsletter Advertising Policy
august 15, 2014 SOCIETY is a non-profit society incorporated (Adopted February 20, 2004)
under the Society Act of the Province of B.C., In keeping with the mandate of the Iyengar
Editor Roger Champagne whose purpose is “to encourage the physical, Yoga Centre of Victoria Society Directors,
mental, and spiritual growth of its members and 2004, to update, review and document policies
Newsletter Committee Roger other interested persons of the society at large and procedures, the newsletter committee
Champagne, Lauren Cox, Shirley Daventry by the study and discipline of Yoga.” The Society submitted a policy which is a revision of the
French, Johanna Godliman, Leslie Hogya, Jane owes its inspiration to Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar. 1996 policy and has been adopted by the Board
McFarlane, Hilary McPhail.
The Newsletter, published regularly by the of Directors as follows:
Design & Production Cady Graphics IYENGAR YOGA CENTRE OF Victoria
1. Advertisements must not conflict with the
SOCIETY, provides current information on events
IYCV Logo Charles Campbell, Lauren Cox aims of the newsletter of the IYCV.
concerning Iyengar yoga in the Victoria area.
photography Linda Benn, Laine Canivet, Send contributions, articles, photographs 2. Advertisements must be only for Iyengar
Ty Chandler, Tracy Harvey, Leslie Hogya, Jane (high resolution), drawings, information or yoga.
McFarlane, Morgan Turner suggestions to: the Iyengar Yoga Centre of 3. Priority will be given to advertisements
Cover PHoto Linda Benn Victoria Newsletter, 202-919 Fort Street, regarding IYCV events, IYCV sponsored
Victoria BC V8V 3K3. events, and IYAC events.
proofing Jane McFarlane
Permission is hereby granted to reprint any Registration
ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary McPhail of our material, except that copyrighted by the
author or artists. When reprinting, please credit Please visit our website:
DISTRIBUTION Adia Kapoor, Krysia [Link] for full information
this Newsletter and send us two copies of the
Strawczynski on classes and workshops.
publication containing our material. Copyright
MEMBERSHIP/MAILING LIST Hilary McPhail material is available only with written permission. Drop in: 202-919 Fort Street,
The editor/newsletter committee hold the right Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
Printing Hillside Printing
to publish or edit all articles at their discretion. Phone: (250) 386-YOGA (9642)

3
 Reflections By Shirley Daventry French

T
“ rigger Warnings: the latest threat bogged down in traditions of the past
Yoga is a difficult and
to academic freedom.1” This was and must adapt to the laws, culture and
the title of an article in the Globe demanding process customs of today, these days the criteria
and Mail last month. Trigger warnings for acceptance are sometimes so minimal
which may make you
are disclaimers or advance notice about as to be absurd. In contrast to this, at
course material which may disturb or extremely uncomfortable our centre we are seen as too strict, our
distress some students. Apparently such teacher training too long. However,
on many levels!
a custom is becoming more prevalent in several recent trainees have returned to
universities throughout North America. us from other yoga teacher trainings
prominently promote their teacher train-
It is generating a backlash of concern because they had learned enough to see
ing courses as well as training to become
from liberal minded people and publi- how vast this subject is, how much there
a yoga therapist.
cations. Hopefully this backlash will is to learn.
The last two paragraphs both contain
modify or even put a stop to some of the It was Swami Radha who gave me
many elements of truth; but it is the
puritanical political correctness which my first real glimpse of the philosophy
upbeat claims of the second which form
seems to abound these days and trigger a behind the practice of yoga, its purpose
most of yoga’s promotional literature.
resurgence of common sense. and traditions, when she came to Victoria
At the Iyengar Yoga Centre of
For me it also prompted the thought to give some public talks. I was impressed
Victoria we want to attract students
that perhaps there should be a trigger by her steadfast adherence to the premise
too, so we always choose a positive
warning about Yoga. These practices are that yoga is a fascinating but perilous
slant whilst adhering to principles and
dangerous to your ego. They may trigger journey into the unknown. A wise person
without distorting the truth. But we do
fear and anxiety, chaos and confusion. takes time to strengthen body, mind
not reveal everything to everyone and
They will give you a clear picture of and resolve before venturing on such a
particularly right away. First of all, to
yourself, and allow you to see yourself journey, and it is prudent to find a guide
derive any benefit from yoga you have
as you really are—without airbrushing. who has already undertaken this quest.
to put your foot inside the door. Second,
They are likely to strip you of your illu- I was fortunate to have Swami Radha
for lasting benefits beyond superficial
sions and challenge your most cherished and B.K.S. Iyengar as my guides on this
ones, you actually have to practise what
beliefs. Yoga is a difficult and demand- tortuous path, guidance that continues
you’ve learned. If you’re considering
ing process which may make you to counsel me daily and enabled me to
teaching in the Iyengar tradition, you
extremely uncomfortable on many levels! continue this journey into old age. Like
need a minimum of three years’ expe-
Why on earth would anyone want all traditional yoga masters, they did
rience with a qualified teacher before
to go through this? And yet yoga has not accept students casually; you had to
being eligible to apply for teacher train-
become mainstream and more popular prove your sincerity first.
ing. For specialised work such as training
than ever. How has that happened? At my first meeting with Swami
teachers or teaching therapeutic yoga,
Take a random look though a series of Radha I did not have a chance to speak
you are required to have considerable
yoga websites! Strength, stamina, flex- with her personally, but later, after she
experience as a teacher. And on top of
ibility. Poise and balance. Well-being. discovered my teacher had begun a small
all this, Iyengar teachers are required
Relaxation. Freedom from Stress. Peace, teacher training course she suggested
to do a considerable amount of profes-
enjoyment and positive energy. This was that all of us who were considering
sional development to maintain their
a sampling of local yoga studio websites teaching would benefit from a small
certification.
this morning, most of which also group experience called a Straightwalk.
Traditionally yoga students had to
Curious, I attended along with my
earn the privilege of becoming a student,
friend and mentor, Carole Miller.
1 “Trigger Warnings: the latest threat to academic freedom” and while I know yoga cannot remain
by Geoff Smith, The Globe and Mail, Friday April 4, 2014.

4
Carole was nervous and uneasy. I was Difficult and demanding as we were finding this process,
confident, a state of mind which was
soon to be challenged. at the same time we were getting glimpses of something
The workshop was being held at really worthwhile: something Swami Radha would
a spiritual education centre called
Queenswood House of Peace; but sometimes call a “pearl beyond price” and which
rather than peaceful, this weekend was both she and Guruji spoke of as true liberation or
a chapter from the Book of Revelations.
We gathered in a room with a small freedom from all limitations.
cluttered table at its centre. Shelves at
various levels were laden with objects, workshop and I ended up having to just returned from Pune. Her name was
large and small. We were instructed wait until the very last. Enthusiastically Norma Hodge and she enabled Derek
to walk towards this table from four I read my paper. Swami Radha asked and I to travel to Pune and study with
different directions and then list the me a question. Eagerly I answered, to Mr. Iyengar in 1979. 2
objects and write a few words about our be surprised by her response: “You are After a few more trips, Mr. Iyengar
experience. very quick with words!” Fortunately I became Guruji, and the path took a
Of course, most of us assumed that had enough sense to wait and see what more challenging route. To continue
having a long list would have more would happen next. More questions beyond this point required consideration,
merit than a short one, with the result from her! My responses became less courage and commitment. Both Swami
that some objects which weren’t actu- rapid and more thoughtful, interspersed Radha and Guruji guided us through
ally there on this table were described with pauses for reflection. Her ques- myriad experiences which challenged us
in detail. Papers were to be written tions were penetrating, her observations to our core. There was encouragement
in duplicate, Swami Radha would be apt. What a fascinating evening! And and restraint, practice and learning.
given the top copy and we would read so I began to take my first steps along a Why were we doing this? We asked
from our carbon copies. When we had steeper less well defined path. ourselves this question frequently.
all completed this task, we gathered This Straightwalk was the first of Difficult and demanding as we were
together with Swami Radha to take many courses with Swami Radha both finding this process, at the same time we
turns in reading our papers aloud. in Victoria and at her Ashram in the were getting glimpses of something really
I had enjoyed this process, was Kootenay region of British Columbia. worthwhile: something Swami Radha
curious to see where it was leading There, in 1976 I had my first experi- would sometimes call a “pearl beyond
and eager to read my paper. There ence of asana taught in the tradition of price” and which both she and Guruji
were about a dozen of us taking this B.K.S. Iyengar by a teacher who had spoke of as true liberation or freedom
from all limitations. Chief among these
limitations was mistaking the unreal self
for the real self, the phenomenal world
Summer Sadhana for the real world.
They did not entice us with empty
July 7-12, 2014, 6:30 am - 8:00 am
promises. In the same way that Winston
All levels workshop with Robin Cantor Churchill inspired the British people
We must learn in our performance of asana during World War Two, by calling for
to express the outer form and beauty of the “blood, sweat and tears,” Swami Radha
pose without losing our inner attention.
– B.K. S. Iyengar, The Tree of Yoga
and B.K.S. Iyengar demanded that we
Begin your practice with a philosophy
follow the two main tenets of yoga: prac-
discussion Members $115 + GST / tice and non-attachment with nothing
Explore a new focus on the asanas each day: Non Members $125 + GST less than maximum effort! Yoga is often
standing, forward bending, inversions, twists, To register, drop in to or phone called skill in action, and we received
back bending, pranayama Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria training in a variety of skills we have
Learn to maintain inner attention while 202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
expressing the outer form & beauty of (250) 386-YOGA (9642)
the asana Enjoy a review of your poses Refunds will be offered only if your space can be filled
invigorated by sun salutations on the last day and are subject to a $15 cancellation fee. 2 Carole Miller, my fellow student in that first Straightwalk
with Swami Radha followed us to Pune two years later in
1982.

5
continued to hone for forty-five years. freestyle hippie life popular on the west
Before I immersed myself in yoga, I coast in those days. Knowing that did
had already become aware of the neces- not fit well for me, where could I go Practice Enrichment
sity to make changes in my life, and without stifling my energy and bottling Series
participated in Encounter Groups: some- everything up again? Shortly thereafter
Friday afternoons 3:15 pm - 6:15 pm
times more grandly called Conscious the solution appeared in the form of
Raising Groups. They awakened me in yoga where you do open up but at the October 17, November 7,
December 5, 2014 & January 23, 2015
many ways and opened my mind to the same time develop strength, strategies
possibility of living my life differently. and stability to face whatever emerges. Commit to this series to advance
However, they had one huge drawback. And hopefully acquire some wisdom your personal practice of asana
Having tapped into all kinds of along the way! and pranayama. The series is
emotions and revealed many ill-adapted Have I lived happily ever after? designed for serious intermediate
ways of dealing with them, they did not Definitely not! Happiness is not the and advanced students in the
provide any practical direction or follow purpose of yoga. Rather I seek purpose, Iyengar Yoga tradition. Students
will be guided in a strong practice
up on how to integrate this new under- contentment and the wherewithal to
over each three hour session.
standing into life as a mother of three remain strong and steady in the face Each month will build upon the
young children, wife of a busy physician of whatever comes my way. Without a previous month’s work to unlock
transplanted from living and working doubt, it has been and continues to be a individual challenges.
in one of the world’s great capitals to life worth living.
With Ann Kilbertus and Ty Chandler
a small Canadian town half a world Om namah Sivaya,
away. Many of my companions in those Shirley Note: Instructor permission is required
to attend.
encounter groups simply walked away
$45 each session, $180 for the series
from their responsibilities to live the

IYCV Potluck
Picnic at Shirley’s is pleased to present
Labour Day
Weekend Stephanie Quirk
Seeing, Understanding and Reflecting from the Base
Part six of a course for teachers October 2-5, 2014
For information, call Ann Kilbertus (250) 598-0976.

Sunday August 31
Noon - 4 pm
3918 Olympic View Dr.

Summer Solstice Kirtan

with Bhavantu Sound
Chanting is not an obscure musical ritual – it is an important
tool used by people evrywhere to heal their bodies, quiet their
minds, and bring the sacred into their lives.
– Don Campbell, The Mozart Effect

Saturday evening, June 21, 2014, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

By donation

6
Guruji’s message on his 95th birthday

M
y children, grandchildren and you should make your body to spread
great grandchildren in the field more than what it is spreading now.
of yoga, So use your consciousness, use your
I do not know how to thank my intelligence and see that these two inner
children and grandchildren; though vehicles of the soul makes the fibres, the
we know how to thank our parents. I cells of the body to feel the existence
am touched by your love and affection to live intellectually, consciously and
that so many people, so many students conscientiously. I am sure that if you
are here today to celebrate my 95th use your intelligence as an actor, as an
birthday. instrument to make the body to spread;
Actually, in my early days, I don’t you are one with God; you are one with
think I remember to have celebrated your soul; you are one with your body.
birthdays. The first one I celebrated was Body is a support of the self. Body is
my 60th birthday and it is going on. the prop of the Self. So if the prop is not
What amazed me today was that there you and I cannot communicate at
my students who are very sincere, those all or commune with each other. So the
who started with me in the 1950s used Guruji at an earlier birthday.
body being the support of the self, it is
to address B.K.S. as one who beats, the duty of each and every one; moral-
of yoga and take this subject in all the six
kicks and shouts. And today on the ity has to begin there where you have
continents of the world.
platform I heard the younger genera- to keep the body in a stable and sound
I am grateful to my students and chil-
tion from various countries; the younger health so that the inner mind, the inner
dren who are responsible to make this
generation stated that B.K.S. stands for consciousness, the inner intelligence and
yoga popular today. At this age admira-
beauty, knowledge and serenity. What a the inner self moves freely by detaching
tion does not have any weight on me. I
transformation! itself from the attachment of the body so
am still a student of yoga. God has made
Even in the papers they had written it moves towards the attachment of the
me to reach a certain stage in the field of
that Mr. Iyengar stands for beating, soul.
yoga and that has kept me alive, alert and
kicking and shouting. And today, the This is my message to you all and
active.
same B.K.S.’s works has been appreci- may God bless you all.
We can see death but we cannot
ated, which has transpired and trans- I revere you all so you need not come
experience death. We can experience
formed millions and millions of people individually to express your reverence. I
time but we cannot see time.
all over the world. I was suffering from love you all. I have got reverence to you
Similarly, those who call my system
various illnesses from childhood. I took all as you have reverence to me. I am
physical yoga do not know anything as
yoga just to improve my health, and I devoted to you as you are devoted to me.
they can see it but have no experience
never thought that this seed of yoga, So please all of you accept that you and
of it.
which was planted in me by my Guru me, I and you are all one ‘We’.
You have also reached a certain level
Sri T. Krishnamacharya, would make
in the fineness in the art of presentation;
me to become a missionary in the field
now I want to tell you that all our atten- Reprinted with permission from Yoga
tion up to now was on how to spread, Rahasya vol. 21 No. 1, 2014

I am still a student of extend and expand the inner layer of the

body on the somatic layer where we use
[Link] has made me our mind, intelligence for the body to
to reach a certain expand and extend. Today, I request you
that when you are practicing you should
stage in the field of yoga
not think of the extension and expansion
and that has kept me of the body; the extension and expansion
of your intelligence and consciousness;
alive, alert and active.
7
Savasana Before Pranayama
by Geeta S. Iyengar
Reprinted with permission from Yoga Rahasya Vol. 21 No. 1, 2014

A
question that we are always asked faith, Patanjali says, is ishvara pranid- Ninety percent of the people who are
is, “Why don’t we start pranayama hana. Arjuna surrenders himself to Lord not accustomed to doing pranayama fall
on the very first day? You always Krishna when the Lord shows him the asleep in savasana.
make us to lie down and do pranayama. whole picture. There is a total transfor- This 20 minute sleep is different
We are very enthusiastic and we want to mation in Arjuna and that is how he from the six to eight hours of sleep.
sit and start. But you don’t allow us!” stands on the battlefield. there are lots of things to be under-
Why does pranayama as taught in If that is the state of Arjuna then stood even in that sleep. That is why
our system begin with savasana and you should know what is our state! nidra is a vrtti and from that vrtti you
that too with the help of support for the How much we need to understand to have to understand many things that
back? be calm; and that is why we start from happen.
Today people are suffering from savasana. It is a blessing for us to be For instance, we sleep six hours or
many problems – physical problems, able to do pranayama in savasana. All seven hours. But when you get up in
mental problems, family problems, these pranayamas like Ujjayi Abhyantara the morning you want to do pranayama.
emotional problems, financial problems. Viloma, Bahya Abhyantara Viloma and Since it has been said that you have to
All these problems put together makes also to some extent Brahmari can be start with savasana; you sincerely follow
the human being absolutely restless; done in savasana. it and you will go to sleep. That sleep
full of stress, full of strain and in such a When you are restless, when you of 20 minutes or half an hour is quite
state one cannot start pranayama. are unable to sleep at night, you some- a different sleep from that six hours or
To give you an example, when times get up at midnight and take some eight hours you had earlier. What is
Arjuna, as we read in Bhagavad Gita, tablets to sleep. That is the state of many that? Have you ever tried to analyse and
sits back and says that, “Now I am not people. There are many conditions when find out? In spite of sleeping for eight
going to take any weapons in my hands, the persons cannot even sit straight. For hours and possibly after doing some
I don’t want to kill my kith and kin. I them it is a blessing that pranayama is morning chores and then lying down
am completely down. My body is shiv- also possible in savasana. That is the in savasana for pranayama and you fall
ering; I can’t even hold the weapons in answer for those when people question asleep again. That means that though
my hand.” That is the state of Arjuna you as to why we teach or do savasana you slept, the stress in the nerves did not
at that point of time. He is one who before pranayama. go. When you rightly sleep in savasana
is very courageous who wanted to face Now when in savasana, ninety then that sleep becomes a sattvic sleep.
the enemy; yet that is his condition percent of the people who are not accus- That is needed by everyone.
when he is on the battlefield. tomed to doing pranayama will fall So if you get into a sleepy state in
For us, we are on the battlefield asleep when they lie down in savasana. savasana then understand that some-
on a day to day basis. That is life. If That is the next obstacle. What do you where you were stressed and your sleep
Lord Krishna has to explain 18 chap- do when you go to savasana and fall was not quiet. Often that sleep is rajasic.
ters to Arjuna to make him calm down, asleep? You miss and then no pranayama You might have dreamt; you might have
quieten and become positive; who then happens. Your tamasic nature puts moved. Even at six o’clock people feel;
says, “Now I am ready for the battle you into a sleepy state. Why does that “Oh! Now it is time to get up!” If that
whatever may happen!” And then he tamasic nature come to you also has to is the state then it shows that you are
is very sure now that since the Lord be understood only by you. stressed out.
is with him he is going to win. That The next questions is when can you
really start the pranayama, without sava-
sana, in the sitting state?
Now when in savasana, ninety percent of the people who That is possible in the morning when
are not accustomed to doing pranayama will fall asleep you get up and you are fresh; when
everything is okay with you; especially
when they lie down in savasana.
8
if there is no responsibility. Many of Pranayama is not just a breathing exercise.
you must have noticed when you get up
there is a list of work that is to be done Your body and mind need to get composed
either in the house or outside. You have before you do it.
to plan that I have to finish with this,
finish with this and that itself is a stress when your body and your mind begins possible for you. If it is not possible you
which makes you restless. If it makes to warm up. You should also know well are a diseased person. That has to be
you restless then you should be doing that even for pranayama that starting is understood by you.
savasana. It could be five minutes or ten required. You have to learn to watch your own
minutes. I cannot say that. It depends Pranayama is not just a breathing breath; that is the first object in front
on your own personality. Whether you exercise. of you during the pranayama. Watch
are stressed out or whether you take too Your body and mind need to get what that breath is doing in you which
much of responsibility; whether you are composed before you do it. normally is not understood. You don’t
over-working or are over-conscious. But Why do you need an appetizer as a know that normal breath can happen
if it is possible to sit and do, then the starter before dinner? Then why not a at different places and not only in one
quality of that pranayama changes from starter before asana and pranayama? That place.
what pranayama you do after savasana. starter could be savasana and if you are The main place might be the
So every sadhaka – every practitioner has sitting it could be from dhyana. One diaphragm because the diaphragmatic
to understand this difference between can also start with dhyana. That is why movement happens. But, it does not
two attempts. What happens when you whenever the prayers are to start you are stay in that place for a long time. That is
sit for pranayama after a few minutes of asked to sit though not for too long. what has to be understood in pranayama.
savasana or if you sit straight away and Today, the mind of the students is You have to study what varieties are
begin pranayama? accustomed to say the prayers at once. available in the breathing process and the
If you sit straight away and begin They don’t give much time because the inner changes that happen in the body,
then it takes a long time for the body prayers have to be said at seven a.m. and in your mind in response to the breath
and nerves to come back to normalcy the class has to end at eight a.m.! That is in different places. That is how the
but instead of that if you do few today’s lifestyle. But, we have to under- pranayama has come into existence.
minutes of savasana then you are more stand as to why does it take such a long The rishis and munis noticed this. If
composed. time to get settled in the posture; settle I have to be angry my breath has to be
How you get composed for your ourselves mentally in that posture. different. If I have to be calm my breath
pranayama is your problem not the From several thoughts you have to is different. If I have to be in meditation
teacher’s problem. But the teacher will come to that point where you become then my breath is different.
teach. It is our duty to inform you what quiet, go within yourself and you under- You sometimes go deep inside and
happens and that’s why one has to know stand yourself how you are going within. suddenly your breath doesn’t occur and
why we begin with savasana and if you All this has to take place. This is the the body shakes and you come out. You
feel sleepy then you have to deal with it. starting point of pranayama. don’t know how you came out. Either
Pranayama is not just a breathing A good savasana is when you do not you don’t reach that depth or you just
exercise. Even when it comes to exercise go into a sleepy state. It teaches how do sit superficially; then you don’t feel
you use the word warming up. You all really the mind has to be where you do anything. You do a few ‘exercises’ and
like to warm up before the class begins. not feel any disturbance as far as the then it is over! That is not pranayama.
You sometimes walk to the yoga class sounds or noises are concerned. This is Prana in the body is imbalanced.
because you know by walking some how our mind also keeps on working You need to balance it properly for
warming up takes place. You want to around the vrttis and klesas. That is why pranayama.
make yourself active. Somebody may do when you are doing pranayama – it is Therefore, an orientation and prepa-
some jogging, running, jumping, some- not a breathing exercise. It is not some- ration for pranayama is a must before
thing. Or you begin with some adho thing that you jump on the breath one can start attempting it.
mukha svanasana, uttanasana, full arm and try to have a deep breath. Many
balance, some elbow balance so that you people have this misunderstanding that
warm yourself up and then begin. pranayama means deep breathing. This is an edited excerpt from the
orientation Geetaji gave to her

That means you agree there that Your breath has to be deep. If it does
pranayama session in December 2014
even for asanas you commence only not happen then it means that it is not
9
 The Commonwealth Interview
An Interview With B.K.S. Iyengar, Part 3

The Winter 2013 issue of the IYCV Newsletter featured the first part of a
re-publication of the 1985 Commonwealth Interview with B. K. S. Iyengar.
This is the third and final part of the interview.

ON TEACHER TRAINING conduct classes; see how they conduct, then

wait. In the West they want to become
Peter: I want to ask how we should approach teachers quickly. You have to tell them
training teachers. that there are pitfalls from becoming a
Iyengar: Training teachers has to be consid- teacher too soon before you have learned
ered in a different way altogether. I gave you these things. After one year they will be a
the clue already – that the mature teachers better teacher than if they began teaching
should come together and have an apprentice immediately.
course for themselves. Souls are not different, So teachers’ training course has to take place
so we should not give much importance to like that. Teachers first coming together,
our personalities. then potential teachers conducting classes
Instead of saying, “I am better than he,” say, in the presence of these teachers, then the
“Let me see what I can learn.” I don’t believe teachers asking the potential teachers to
in a teachers’ training course as it happens in the academic field assist in the class. Observe how they are assisting – whether they
such as Bachelor of Education. They give a class, and marks are are touching accurately or not. Then they can go out with no
given. You cannot take yoga that way because yoga is subjective; fears as teachers.
you are in contact with the person. As you come into the contact Next question?
with the student whilst teaching so in an apprenticeship course
the teachers should come together. You have to chart what is
missing, what is not missing; how to link your teaching and their ON THERAPEUTICS
teaching together and form a uniform method which will act as Shirley: I’ve observed that a lot of teachers want to do
a guide for those in training who will teach later. With yoga you therapeutic work very quickly.
can’t just give a teacher training course and say, “I have trained
you, now go and teach.” Where is the base for them? You have to Iyengar: This is not good at all. They don’t know the diseases.
give the base; and then build up from there. Give freedom in that They don’t know the names of the muscles. Symptoms of the
base. Go at any angle, but always come back to the base. Train diseases should be known. I’m not speaking about medicines at
teachers who will be the cream. all but about the cause of disease. You have to think, “If this is
the cause, from such and such a source in the body it has started,
First teachers of experience should come together and work what are the asanas which touch that part?” When you know
themselves, then junior teachers should be called for a work- this, then you are able to teach something. For me it is quick. I
shop and asked to conduct the class. “I give you a base, can you say, “Alright try this, try this, try this.” For you people…
conduct a class within this base?” Then you can measure whether
they are going beyond the fundamentals which you have given. Leslie: It would be very dangerous.
If so, bring them back and remind them, “No, you are going too Iyengar: That’s what I said; don’t jump into therapy. First take
far away. I told you to teach from this base.” When a musician is minor cases where even if you go wrong the complaint will not
teaching, he says, “No, you can’t jump there; come here, come to be too big. When you get confidence in handling minor prob-
the scale.” You have to find out whether they are coming to that lems, then you can tackle something a little more complicated.
scale. Then when they go, they go with clarity and without fear There are so many different types of problems. If somebody has a
complexes. heart problem you cannot teach them immediately. If you make
It is an apprenticeship course when senior teachers come together them do standing poses, the heart becomes worse. In such cases
and guide junior teachers. After guiding them, make them you have to depend on people like us because we have experience.

10
We can guide, and you should not go beyond that. You can’t use why pupils find relief. The chemicals of the blood change,
your intelligence to try things out when life and death diseases are which gives them health.
involved— how to handle them is vitally important.
For anything, a motive is necessary. So a cause is there – a
When I began therapeutic classes I took a chance. I said, “God cause in the form of pain, a cause in the form of suffering
save them, God save them.” I did not know anything then. which makes people come to yoga. The real religious practice
When I worked with therapeutic problems I moved according commences afterwards. First we have to help them find relief,
to their bodies – I always used to stretch a half centimetre then we have to encourage them to get attached to the real art
or one centimetre more than their actual body could take. and science of yoga and to live this art. Ninety-nine percent
That’s how I learned. Now just by looking at you I can see the of the people who come are motivated only to get rid of their
maximum you can do, but first I did not know the maximum. pain, and we have to work in that area alone. Don’t injure
I used to ask them, “Can you stretch a little more? Try, try.” them – even if you don’t give relief right away it’s all right; still
While they were trying I would touch them, and from that you are safe, because when they can bear the pain that itself is
touch I would know whether or not to say, “Ah, try again.” progress. First give them bread, then they are stuck with that.
The moment the area refused to move I knew that was their
Yesterday in the general class there was a person from Iran who
maximum. If they co-operated, co-ordinated, I kept going. The
was complaining of severe pain in the lumbar. I understood this
moment the area hit back, I used to hold there very firmly – not
case, and told him, “Don’t ask me for a cure, but I can make
allowing them to come back – to educate so that at least it may
you do a pose where your big pain will become a small pain.”
not retard next time.
Later I asked him, “Is the pain big or small now?” And he said,
That’s how I became a practical doctor. Therapeutic classes should “The pain has become a little small,” so I told him to be satis-
not be introduced by inexperienced teachers. fied with that for a few days. Trying to bring about a cure too
quickly could cause him severe pain. When we teach yoga we
Jim: One of the problems seems to be that a lot of the people who
are trying to minimise pain. First we minimise, then we know
start to do yoga do so because of some injury.
how to stabilise. If we do not minimise, how can we cure it?
Iyengar: Yes, correct. It is a fact. Now, if I could not teach, In therapeutic classes – this is very important – don’t take as a
I would say, “Go to somebody who knows more than me”. cure, but ask, “Can I minimise their problems?” Just minimise,
This is my guide. If you can do it, do it, otherwise find a senior then you are guarding yourself.
teacher who has the experience to handle the case.
Sometimes fear is very good, because the fear stops you from
Now here in the medical classes Geeta and Prashant sometimes going too far. You are afraid, so you take the minimum.
come to me asking what they should do. I look at the face of
I can give quick relief because I know the direction in which
the patient; I look at their body and say, “Not that way, try this
each and every cell of the body has to move in the poses. But
way”. I concentrate mainly on the bad cases, leaving the light
your knowledge is limited and you should make sure you do
cases to others because I know it will not be so dangerous even
not go beyond your capacity. Find out how you can help within
if they go wrong. But I am there in the class; even the light cases
that capacity. Many people have taken complicated cases just to
could become dangerous if I were not there. When something
make a name and fame, and I was dead against it.
happens I am right there. I am fast. Sometimes I say, “Don’t take
so much.” My eyes are always looking here, there and everywhere I have seen therapeutic cases in both the East and the West, and
in the therapeutic class, and I move quickly from place to place in the East it is very difficult to satisfy them. Even if they are
modifying the poses and making adjustments – because these are better they say no. You can ask all my pupils in the therapeutic
experienced fingers which naturally learn quickly. With therapeu- class how they are – “So, so,” they say; that’s all. But in the
tic classes, then take only cases where you are confident, where West even if there is a minimum of relief, they say, “Oh, I’m
you know that you will not injure people. far, far better”! [Laughter]
Any more questions? Leslie: Why is that?
Peter: I’m interested in why people start yoga. Iyengar: Because you can’t bear pain and emotion. With even
the smallest relief a Westerner will say, “Oh what a great relief
Iyengar: Because they cannot find relief from any other method.
this is”; but an Indian who has experienced great relief will only
The gateway for human health is the respiratory system and the
acknowledge a little. They make us stretch more and more.
circulatory system. When you do setu bandha sarvangasana the
[Laughter]
lungs expand automatically. In my method the process of breath-
ing increases indirectly even without teaching Pranayama. That’s

11
ON ASANA AS PREVENTION AND PREPARATION in the world. When there are no reactions he is a renounced
person who does everything for the sake of humanity, and not
Jim: You talk about using your teaching for prevention. for himself.
Iyengar: It’s a one hundred percent preventive, sir. No ques-
tion arises at all. It’s a hundred percent preventive, physically, LIGHT ON PATANJALI
mentally and spiritually. Suppose by the grace of God spiritual
light falls on you; if your body cannot take it, tell me? Shirley: Guruji, when we were here three years ago you said you
were writing a book, Light on Patanjali.
Shirley: Devastating!
Iyengar: Writing, writing, writing…I have not finished, though I
Iyengar: Ah, devastating! I have to make sure that my nerves will have done some spadework.
be strong enough to take the light, the spiritual light, easily. So
that comes under prevention. Shirley: In the brochure of the Institute it mentions that they
had produced some notes on this from your discourses but that
Take the example of Krishnamurti. He was unhealthy for many they had all gone. Will they be reproduced?
years. And Muktananda – now if Kundalini had awakened in
him, why did he suffer from diabetes. The light came, the body Iyengar: Well, I don’t know, I am asking Prashant. That’s
could not take it so some disease came to him. There ends the just a translation I gave of the sutras for the average person to
matter. He was taking insulin injections every day. Whereas with understand.
asanas, you develop such a tremendous potential. Nature runs in Shirley: I was wondering if you had any suggestions – because
abundance in the yogis, because every part is clean so it can take I think students, and particularly teachers who don’t have an
this force. We have to do the poses so that the energy is not dissi- understanding of the sutras obviously have a great gap in their
pated in all different directions, but is controlled and stabilised. teaching.
That’s why I have to perform, even today. If I don’t perform, this
might burn me out completely. Who knows? Iyengar: Well, I’m doing another work, by next year I hope to
have a summary of all four chapters so that you get a base of
Leslie: Do you think in the ancient days there was more of a Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. I’m summarising all the sutras in forty
following of the eight limbs – that asana and as well as all the pages or so. Then I thought that my work may be grasped –
other limbs were more followed? because I’m writing from the practical side not on the academic
Iyengar: Yes, all eight limbs were followed; not one was side.
neglected in those days. If you read the mythological stories you Leslie: Which is what we need – the practical.
will find they were all practising. For us, the Puranas [collection
of ancient stories written in Sanskrit verse] are the groundwork, Iyengar: I’ve done a lot of spadework, including how Patanjali
and even the Upanishads contain instructions on how to practice. was born, which many people don’t know. I am developing some
Their sadhana was not neglected at all. clues I found in the Puranas – Vishnu Puranas and others. For
example, when everybody says, “Now a new exposition on yoga,”
For example, in his fourth chapter Patanjali explains how even it’s not a new exposition – the “now” refers to when Patanjali
after experiencing samadhi, a liberated man has to live in the took birth as a dancer.
world. Not until the fourth chapter does he explain what is
black action, what is white action, what is gray action. Why Lord Siva asked him to write a commentary about grammar.
not before? Why only when that state of freedom and beatitude He finished the grammar, and then he wanted to learn dance to
comes – then he explains, not before. It gives a clue, how one please his master, Lord Vishnu, and to understand the movement
has to live. The liberated soul is not neglected according to of the body. He finished his work on speech and on body, and
Patanjali. He says all your actions should be free from white, said, “There’s one job I’ve not done – I’ve not spoken about the
black and gray. That’s how you have to live. He has not said mind. Now let me speak about the mind.” My interpretation is
leave everything. Your action should not produce any reactions on a practical not an academical level – how my experiences fit
at all. No white, no gray, no black. These are the things which into Patanjali’s experience and explanations. Most commentar-
give reaction. So act in such a way that you are free from these ies took each of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras as if it were a separate
three types of action. Patanjali explained how although ordinary entity – as if the second sutra had no connection with the first.
human beings have three actions, a yogi is beyond these actions. That caused confusion. Each sutra was treated as a new chapter. I
That is how you have to be in the world. No renunciation is thought, “Let me connect them, if possible, one to the other.”
necessary. The fourth chapter deals only with the action of This is a terse subject and very difficult to simplify. I am trying
a Jnani – the action of a man of wisdom, how he has to live to write a practical book for ordinary people – I consider myself
12
an ordinary man. It is not an intellectual book at all, but how to base is the earth, the expansion is the ether, in between are the
practically translate Patanjali into our day to day activities. There other three elements – air, water and fire. We cannot live without
are many instances where I have gone against the commentaries, breath. That is as old as civilisation. This has given me an idea
which may create friction later. that normal breathing is like water flowing in a river; it has got
a current because there is a flow but does it produce electricity?
Jim: Not for the first time. [Laughter]
Does any water which has got a current produce electricity? Just
Iyengar: Later they will call me a wise man or a mad man; that ordinary running water?
is all. It does not matter to me. Although there are new adapta-
Group: No
tions of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, nobody will say it’s against
tradition. That’s how I work – with my poses, with everything. Iyengar: So what do they do to produce electricity? They build a
I have proceeded rationally but I have not broken the tradition reservoir and then direct the water so that it falls down at a speed
anywhere. Patanjali gave no commentary at all; so I asked myself, on to a turbine and the turbine revolves. Now the spindles of the
as if I had not read any of translations of Patanjali, how does it muscles in our body, they act as turbines. Normal breath cannot
relate to my practices? If there was no commentary on Patanjali produce electricity, although it does produce a current; there is
how would I convey it? life in running water whereas a lake is stale water. Compared
to stale water, running water is better; if there is no movement
Shirley: Well, this would be the value to your students who are
of the breath in a body, it’s dead like a stagnant lake. It is this
practising your method.
movement of the breath which helps a minimum production of
Iyengar: It will definitely be valuable to my students, if not to electricity or nectar of life.
others, because it comes directly from my experience. I didn’t
Pranayama makes the air go deep like a waterfall into the lungs,
want to take somebody else’s word.
and the air which is drawn in brings the element of fire and the
I have already rewritten it six or seven times. When it is finished I element of water. Fire and water are anti-elements to each other
may become lazy, and not want to touch this book. – water cools fire, fire dissolves water – so naturally element and
Shirley: Do you think that likely, Guruji? [Laughter] Do you anti-element produce life. When we do pranayama this stream
think it’s likely that you’d become lazy? of air activates the spindles like a turbine, and in that activation
the fusion between water and fire takes place in our body and
Iyengar: Once I had finished Light on Yoga, and Light on produces energy which is known as prana. Nobody has explained
Pranayama I never read them, because I’ve done so much work this; it only struck me in 1985 what prana is. In pranayama,
there’s no need for me to go through them again. I never find water and fire come together with the help of the air, in a place
it monotonous to work on this book. Even if it takes ten years, known as the element of earth. For production there must be a
even if it absorbs all my time, I’ll never feel exhausted or dull or place, for distribution there must be a space. One is the factory,
tired or anything. But once I have finished it I will say, “Enough, the other one is the distributor; in between are the three impor-
the job is done.” tant elements called raw materials.
All: Thank you, sir. Why should we do pranayama – so that it is taken deep so that
Iyengar: Thank you. the iron which works for the air cells to magnetise them can
draw them nearer. Unless it is drawn in if the iron is here, if the
magnet is here, it cannot grasp. Suppose you move nearer and
nearer, if the distance comes to the grasping power it catches it, is
Extract from Interview with Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar at Ramanani Iyengar
it not? So also deep breathing makes the iron to go nearer where
Yoga Memorial Institute, November 1985
the air cells absorb, grip them and produce the life’s nectar. That
is why pranayama is essential. Provided, as I said, the lungs are
ON PRANAYAMA
clear, you should penetrate, and these chakras are nothing but the
For example, even about prana. We speak of energy. Now I also various transformers – how much they can store in various places
have come to the conclusion that I explain more clearly than so that it can be distributed. This meaning has come just now; no
so far others have done. That is a very good question. What is books have explained. So what is prana and how is it produced
prana? in our system, it took me years to know the fusion between water
and fire like negative current and positive current brings new
God is one but he is called different names. Energy is one but it
electricity. These two coming together produce fire; that’s why
is called different names. It has only just come to me how it is
Kundalini is everywhere.
produced in our systems. We are made up of five elements. The

13
A Big Thank You

W e had a hugely successful High Tea

Fundraiser on March 28, 2014 and
raised over $4,500 for the Centre!
HUGE thanks to Robin Cantor for
her flare with flowers, hats, people, and
balancing cup and saucer in niralamba
sirsasana with her legs in padmasana!
Thanks to Dawn Cox, Patty Rivard,
Robin Cantor’s mystery pose introduction;
Jaya Malaviarachchi, Laine Canivet, and “The Giving Tree”
Daryle Lechinsky sets the mood
Laura Johnston for their seamless effort
in food presentation and tea service.
Thanks to Jayne Jonas for set up and the
water urn, Laura Johnston for arranging
the flowers, and to Michael Blades for
giving up a day on his boat to do the
washing up! Thanks to Jane Mcfarlane
for her usual quiet backup work.
Thank you to Wendy Boyer for
supervision, co-ordination and reporting
of this multifaceted event.
Thanks to Patty Kallio, Pauline Linzey Delectables
and friend for being the meet’n’greet
hostesses in the foyer.
Thanks to Laine, Keiko Alkire, Amanda
Mills, Bev Kallstrom, and Krysia
Strawczynski for organizing the silent
auction that resulted in about $2,400 in From mukta hasta to niralamba sirsasana
bids!
Jaya did a great job on the raffle (and
made the best spice cake we’ve ever
tasted)! Brandy Baybutt, Theo and
Seamus Stolth were awesome in their
performance of The Giving Tree.
Rita and Jesse
New to the tea this year was the excellent
guitar music and vocals of Daryle
Lechinsky.
Finally, thanks to the Special Needs
teachers and students from all classes
who made all the wonderful food for
the event. And to all those who donated
items, came to the tea, and helped with
all the details that went into making this
event such a huge success!

Niralamba Sirsasana with tea and cake Tea service

14
Who Am I Then?
Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita
by Tracy Harvey

T
he Bhagavad Gita opens on the battlefield of Kurukshetra On page one of Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar states the
where two rival clans are poised on the verge of battle. The Bhagavad Gita is “the most important authority on yoga philos-
Bhagavad Gita, consisting of eighteen chapters, is a story ophy”. The Bhagavad Gita tells us what yoga is. The Bhagavad
within a story as part of the sixth book of the Mahabharata. The Gita has also been described as a practical handbook on how
Mahabharata is an epic tale consisting of eighteen books. The to live one’s life. Paraphrasing Barbara Stoler Miller from her
first five books provide the background and twists and turns translation, she describes the broader triadic structure that exists
that bring us to this time of the Bharata war and how it is that in this dramatic narrative. The first six teachings are a series
these two clans have come to face each other at the battlefield. of theoretical and practical teachings on self-knowledge and
The rival clans are cousins: the Kauravas on one side and the nature of action; then the theophany (appearance of God
the Pandavas on the other. Arjuna of the Pandavas commands to man) ends in a cadence on devotion and the twelfth teach-
his charioteer: “Krishna, halt my chariot between the armies!” ing develops this idea, and; in the final six teachings, Krishna
(1:21 Stoler Miller) and the battle that was about to begin is emphatically recapitulates the basic ideas he has already taught
suspended. Arjuna has had a change of heart and he expresses and integrates them into the doctrine of devotion.
this dilemma to his charioteer, Krishna. Arjuna says, “Krishna, Looking specifically at chapter two, Krishna illustrates to
how can I fight against Bhishma and Drona with arrows when Arjuna that his grief is unnecessary because the true Self tran-
they deserve my worship?” (2:4 Stoler Miller) It was Bhishma scends the material world.
and Drona who trained Arjuna and his brothers in the ways of
It is not born; it does not die;
a warrior. Arjuna even vowed to avenge Drona’s honour at the
having been, it will never not be;
end of his training.
unborn, enduring,
On the surface it would seem that the story of the Bhagavad
constant and primordial,
Gita is a discourse on whether Arjuna should fight this battle
it is not killed
or lay his weapons down. The Mahabharata tells us that the
when the body is killed.
battle does carry on and ends with Arjuna and the Pandavas
(2:20 Stoler Miller)
triumphant over their cousins, the Kauravas; however, Arjuna’s
choice to fight or not to fight is not the central struggle of the
Bhagavad Gita.
The story told in the Bhagavad Gita is a metaphor for the
internal struggle of self-mastery or self-realization. In the story,
Arjuna represents ‘everyman’. Like Arjuna, the struggle that
each of us faces is what is our dharma, our purpose? How do
we know what is the right path? Krishna represents the Divine Scholarships and Bursaries
wisdom that is within each individual. In the Bhagavad Gita, Members’ scholarships are available for:
which is sometimes translated as the Song of God or Song of
Iyengar Yoga Teacher Intermediate Intensive,
the Lord, Krishna tells Arjuna of the different paths to libera- August 11-15, deadline for applications June 30
tion through the yoga of devotion, the yoga of knowledge and Student Intensive, August 25-29,
the yoga of action. “I am the true Self in the heart of every crea- deadline for applications July 7
ture, Arjuna, and the beginning, middle, and end of their exis- Chris Saudek Workshop, September 26-29,
tence” (10:20 Easwaran). deadline for applications August 15
One could falsely believe that The Bhagavad Gita condones Bursaries are available to all students presently enrolled
war. In fact the opposite is true. If one follows the teachings in classes. To subsidize your term fees, please apply
found in the Bhagavad Gita the conclusion would not likely be three weeks prior to term.
war. What the story does illustrate is the importance of doing Applications for both are available at the reception desk.
the right thing, following our dharma, no matter how difficult Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
that might be. 250-386-YOGA (9642)

15
 This is such a valuable lesson: to see yourself as you truly however, even then when success is at hand you relinquish that
are. How much pain and suffering we could save ourselves from too! I have experienced this transcendent moment in music
this one lesson? If I over identify with my occupation, what where you do the work, and you must do the work, but then
happens when I no longer have that occupation? Who am I you get out of the way and let the music rise off the page. If
then? If I see myself as a clarinet player and I no longer play the you stop and celebrate about hitting the high note or getting
clarinet, who am I then? Do I allow others to see me as some- the difficult passage then the moment is lost and boom, you are
thing I am not? If people choose to label me as talented or not brought back down to the earthly world.
talented, is that who I am? If my body is taken over by disease, At the end of the second teaching Arjuna asks Krishna,
is that who I am? “What defines a man deep in contemplation whose insight and
Having explained the true nature of the Self, Krishna thought are sure? How would he speak? How would he sit?
goes on to tell Arjuna how he must overcome the three gunas How would he move?” (2:54 Stoler Miller) Krishna answers
[qualities of nature] and practice renunciation. Arjuna in verses 55 to 72. In the final verse, Krishna says,
Perform every action with your heart fixed on the Supreme Lord. This is the place of the infinite spirit;
Renounce attachment to the fruits. achieving it, one is freed from delusion;
Be even-tempered in success and failure; abiding in it even at the time of death,
for it is this evenness of temper which is meant by yoga. one finds the pure calm of infinity.
(2:48 Isherwood) (2:72 Stoler Miller)
This is the central theme that runs throughout the Gita: What more could one ask for? All one has to do is choose
renunciation. Do your work. Do the right work but don’t be the path of yoga.
attached to the results – good or bad. A lesson I have learned
over and over on my yoga mat.
Citations:
Work done with anxiety about results is far inferior to
Eknath Easwaran, The Bhagavad Gita, translated and with a preface.
work done without such anxiety, in the calm of self-surrender. New York: Random House, 2000.
Seek refuge in the knowledge of Brahman. Barbara Stoler Miller, Bhagavad Gita: Krishna’s counsel in time of war,
They who work selfishly for results are miserable. a translation. New York: Bantam Books, 1986.

(2:49 Isherwood) Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood, The Song of God:
Bhagavad Gita translated with Introduction by Aldous Huxley. London:
Phoenix House Ltd., 1951.
There is such irony in this lesson. When you release the
expectations then, more than likely, the results will flow;

Going An Iyengar Yoga

Workshop for Students

Deeper of all Yoga Traditions

November 21-22, 2014
with Shirley Daventry French
An opportunity for all interested students Shirley is the founder of the Iyengar Yoga
to deepen their understanding of asana, Centre of Victoria and her energy has
pranayama and the philosophy which lies contributed to a vibrant yoga community
at the heart of yoga. Shirley is a direct in Greater Victoria. Students from across
student of the great contemporary yoga Canada and around the world have
master, B.K.S. Iyengar. Since her first visit studied with her. We invite you to join her
to Pune in 1979, she has returned regularly for this special workshop.
for further study.

Friday, November 21 Fees: To register, drop in to or phone

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm $150 + GST Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
for IYCV members 202-919 Fort Street
Saturday, November 22 Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
10:30 am -1:30 pm $165 + GST (250) 386-YOGA (9642)
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm for non-members [Link]

16
On the Sutras…
Jawahar Bangera Talk
The following is an excerpt from a Q&A session, recorded after
Jawahar Bangera’s workshop.

[The Sutras]…show Patanjali was a mind reader, a seer, a

psychoanalyst. He understood what the students were going to
ask so he had the answer before the student asked the question.
The first sutra:
Atha yoganusasanam [I.1]
Because Patanjali is a mind reader he starts with, “Now starts
the subject of Yoga.” So now he has you interested, so the first
question you will ask is, “What is Yoga?”
The second sutra: what the students were going to ask so he had the answer before
Yogah cittavrtti nirodah [I.2] the students asked the question.
Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations in the consciousness.
The fastest way to achieve salvation is to surrender to God
What happens if there are no fluctuations? Isvara pranidhanat va [I.23]
Tada drastuh svarupe avasthanam [I.3] The student asks: Who is God?
Then you sight the soul.
Klesa karma vipaka asayaihi aparamrstah purusavisesah Isvarah
What happens if there are fluctuations? [I.24]
Vrtti sarupyam iteratra [I.4} God is a very special being; he is unattracted by his own actions
You don’t see the soul, on account of the vrttis. or reactions.

OK, now I’m interested. What are the vrttis? Tatra niratisayam sarvajnabijam [I.25]
And he is the unexcelled seed of all knowledge.
Vrttayah pancatayyah klista aklista [I.5]
The movements of consciousness are fivefold. They may be Sa esah purvesam api guruh kalena anavacchedat [I.26]
cognizable or non-cognizable, painful or non-painful. He is the Guru of gurus. He is unconditioned by time, space,
[Sutras I.6 – I.11 list and describe the five vrttis or movements mechanisms: he is forever, permanent.
of consciousness] What do I do to such a God?
How do I overcome the vrttis? Tasya vacakah pranavah [I.27]
Simple… Call him by the letter Aum.
Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tannirodah [I.12] It is such a mystical word, you know, it’s the only sound
Practice and detachment are the means to still the movements you can make without using your tongue. That’s why they
of the consciousness. say it’s the universal sound. For us our language determines
He is always preemptively prompting the students’ questions. where we are from. But when we say AUM, it’s universal.
All come under the same category. That’s why it is such an
Read it carefully; the Yoga Sutras is the book of answers. important sound. Because it is mystical and it is not easy to
You are asking the question and he answers. He was a great comprehend, it is connected with other words such as ‘AUM
maharishi, he was a seer, and as a psychoanalyst, he understood Namah Shivaya’ [AUM Salutations to Shiva] or “AUM Namo
Bhagavate Vasudevaya” [AUM Salutations to God Krishna (son of
Vasudeva)]. AUM is diffused by the name of God.
Patanjali knew you would wonder
Tadjjapah tadarthabhavanam [I.28]
what the nine obstacles to mastery Take the name of God with devotion and meaning. Like the
of the inner self are. bible says, ‘ Thou salt not take the name of God in vain.’

17
Tatah pratyakcetana adigamah api antaraya abhavah ca [I.29] You’ll have to read and re-read, many, many times, then it
All the nine anatarayas [obstacles to mastery of the inner self] starts unfolding its secrets to you.
disappear once you are devoted, once you take the name of
As students of yoga you must know the theory…if you don’t
God with devotion.
know the theory then everything becomes physical. If you
So he tempts you, now start believing! understand the theory then it shows you the purpose.
And that’s how he starts unfolding the sutra. So if you sit The depth and the exploration never ends.
quietly and just read a few of them…don’t read the whole
Thanks to Jawahar Bangera for permission to record the Q&A at
book…it’s difficult to digest…just read a few and then you will his workshop.
realize how it unfolds. Then you’ll find it interesting decipher-
ing the meanings. It’s a very deep book.

Congratulations!

The following candidates achieved Introductory II

certification at the March assessment in Saskatoon:
Kari Dul, Edmonton, AB
Brandon J. Overland, Vancouver, BC
Natasha Tousaw, Vancouver, BC
Karina Paradis, Abbotsford, BC Congratulations to Melissa Hadley and
Mary-Ellen Hannah for passing Introductory I
Debbie Nordstrom, Saskatoon, SK assessment on Friday June 16 at our Centre.
Jo Ann Telfer, Calgary, AB
Nives Vilicic, Calgary, AB

The following candidates achieved Intermediate Junior

The following candidates achieved Intermediate Junior I certification at the April assessment in Edmonton:
I certification at the March assessment in Kelowna:
Kumar Sukumar, North York, ON
Lily Dos Remedios, Vancouver, BC Brenda Ledsham, Toronto, ON
Michelle Hagenson, Vancouver, BC Corinne Milroy, Edmonton, AB
Alisen Stewart-Milne, Vancouver, BC Pamela Nelson, Christopher Lake, SK
Photini McCullough, Kelowna, BC Morgan Rea, Vancouver, BC
Diana Tsui, Toronto, ON Cheryl Joseph, Vancouver, BC
Stephanie Tencer, Toronto, ON Janette Hook, Edmonton, AB
Zhanna Zeleke, Toronto, ON Katalin Szauer, Williams Lake, BC
Bridget Donald, Vancouver, ON

18
Centre Happenings

Clockwise from top left: Bolster-stuffing bee; Bee-utiful

bolsters for sale; Silent auction fundraiser for props;
Brewing chai for Open House; CPR for teachers

IYCV
Open
House
Saturday, September 6, 2014
12:00 noon – 5:00 pm
202 - 919 Fort Street, Victoria BC
Free! Come one, come all!
Schedule to be announced.
Check [Link]

19
Summer Sadhana was by my side encouraging an inactive
muscle group into action. I was aston-
July 15 - 20, 2013 ished that this part of me had lacked
the awareness to participate fully in
the movements I intended! I contin-
by Valerie Kohut DC
ued, listening with care to follow each

T
he voice of CBC radio’s Kelly instruction as best I could.
Nakatsuka caught my attention as July 16: Truthfulness or satya, was
he interviewed a local counsellor the yama Robin introduced today. The
promoting the benefits of meditation students participated in a lively discus-
while active and busy. The counsellor sion around truthfulness relating to their
described this form of meditation as children. The conclusion seemed to be
mindfulness; our physical, emotional that truthfulness when applied with the
and mental states framed in a wisdom of non-harming would be in
non-judgemental mind. Interesting, I the best interest of all relationships. As
thought, but I need to find my way to we made our way to the mats we were
the Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre for reminded to be truthful in our efforts in
the first time and I mustn’t be late. asana; to try our best without reaching
It was unusual for me and my motor beyond our limitations.
vehicle to be hurtling through the dim The asana part of the class focused
light of dawn toward town, but I was on standing poses, and my mind was
comforted by the thought that I had busy with the concept of truthfulness in
avoided the morning traffic and my way effort. My mind thus occupied, the class
back to Metchosin would be against sped timelessly by. On the way home I
the morning rush. While I relished the reflected on the interrelationship of the
thought of this week being a welcome first two yamas.
boost to my Yoga practice, I was some- July 17: Asteya (non-stealing), bram-
what puzzled over the title, Sadhana – acharya (sense control) and aparigraha
was this another spelling for asana ? (non-hoarding) were the themes of day
From top: Virabhadra forming from a lock
Robin Cantor, the yoga instructor for of Siva’s hair; Virabhadra, the birth of the
three. Robin presented this trio of yamas
Summer Sadhana greeted the students warrior; Virabhadra’s Mission – into the fire to demonstrate that we use sense control
while I watched, a little unsure of studio or desire control to refrain from taking
protocols. When all had settled she about was ahimsa or non violence, and that which has not been freely given
invited us to gather round and listen. To Robin read us a passage stating that as (non-stealing). And non-hoarding is a
my surprise I learned that sadhana meant well as being a lack of violence, ahimsa function of the previous two, as we try
a spiritual journey, a time for reflection implies kindness, friendliness and to gain control of our greedy instincts.
and getting in touch with how we relate thoughtful consideration of other people Again the discussion was lively as we
to ourselves, our bodies and all that is and things. It reaches also into our duties came to realize that there are far reaching
around us (perhaps similar to mindful- and responsibilities and suggests that in positive effects when we employ these
ness; meditating while active and busy?). every situation we should adopt an atti- yamas in our relationship with others
I learned that the practice of yoga has tude to do no harm. The students broke and with the planet.
eight limbs or steps and that we would into a discussion of how the concept of By parallel design the asana part of
explore the first three: the yamas (univer- non-harming can be active at the work- the class dealt with abdominal work and
sal morality), the niyamas (personal place, in the family and in the commu- inversion poses: we learned the impor-
observances) and lastly the asanas (body nity. Ahimsa really seemed to me to tance of not gripping our belly, thus
postures or physical practice). cover everything including our physical allowing the energy to flow freely in the
July 15: Robin listed the yamas practice, which we were soon to experi- poses. The class seemed to move along
(there are five) which are “wise charac- ence as we made our way to the mats. rapidly as we listened, experimented and
teristics” meant to guide the attitude we We began with a downward facing experienced newness.
have towards things and people outside dog stretch. I had not taken the pose July 18: Robin next introduced
ourselves. The first yama we learned more than ten seconds when Robin the niyamas, or personal observances,
20
for creating a code for soulful living. Leslie Hogya Awarded Lifetime Honourary Membership
These observances require inner thought
and reflection. For example sauca The following letter was written to support the nomination of Leslie
(purity) requires mastery of all aspects Hogya for Honorary Lifetime Membership in the national Iyengar
of purity ranging from a healthy clean Yoga Association. I had proposed this idea, wanted to write the letter
body to clarity of the mind. Santosa and knew it would be pleasant to write. However, I was unprepared
(contentment) requires inner peace for the strength of feelings of love and gratitude I experienced as I
– joy in the now. was writing them. Leslie has been such a steadfast yogi, sustaining
Tapas (discipline) requires we her practice through many personal challenges. She has also been a
direct our energy to engage life so that supportive figure on this path for me personally and many others.
we enthusiastically invoke coherence Leslie is a nurturing person, a quality which does not come so easily
with the yamas and niyamas to a higher to me, and I have learned a great deal from her.
purpose. Svadhyaya (self study) means I already knew all of this and valued her collegiality, compan-
to intentionally find self-awareness in all ionship and friendship; but taking the time to think about her before writing this letter took
our activities to the point of welcoming my appreciation to a whole new level. For those of you who know Leslie, I hope it stimulates
our limitations. I found myself deep in a few moments of your own reflection on a generous and courageous woman. We are fortu-
thought as each niyama seemed to speak nate to have her in our community.
directly to me. Gazing around I noticed
the usual buzz of discussion had quietly To the President, Directors and Members of the Iyengar Yoga Association of
faded as the students seemed to draw Canada/Association canadienne de yoga Iyengar,
quietly inward. It gives me very great pleasure to nominate Leslie Hogya for an honorary lifetime
Robin had planned the asana part membership in the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada. No-one is more deserving of
of this sadhana class to include forward this honour than Leslie.
bending, the physical action which natu- First and foremost Leslie is a dedicated practitioner of yoga who honed her skill
rally draws the senses inward. We were for many years before considering the possibility of teaching. In fact, she was already a
assisted in our asanas by the ropes and teacher in a public school kindergarten. No doubt as she developed her yogic skills she
rewarded at the close with the special was able to put them to good use in that career—and vice versa!
“Robin’s nest” [special blanket folding Leslie is a consummate community builder, able to bring disparate groups and
for the head] in savasana. individuals together, helping them to put aside differences in the light of a common
July 19: Isvarapranidhana (celebra- purpose. Like many of us in Canada, Leslie’s initial yoga classes were not Iyengar
tion of the spiritual) means to lay all your classes. That came later as Guruji’s work began to influence so many in this country.
actions at the feet of Isvara (the Creator). In 1972 Leslie emigrated from her native United States to Canada. Shortly after
If we practice setting at least some part her arrival she became a student in a yoga class I was attending at the Victoria “Y”. Our
of our day aside to recognize that there teacher was a British woman who had grown up in India. She taught what she called
is something greater than ourselves, we Hatha Yoga but interestingly enough told us that the best yoga book on the market at
may gradually approach the goal and that time was Light on Yoga. We bought the book, read it and practised the postures as
intention of yoga and that is to create best we could. Little did we know that within a few years we would travel to Pune to
union with mind, body and spirit in study with B.K.S. Iyengar himself!
every moment. As groups across Canada gradually became more absorbed in this work we linked up
Robin led this last class in sun saluta- with each other—quite often while studying in Pune. An informal network was created.
tions, combining all we had learned from Then, in Toronto in 1993, we received a directive from Guruji to implement
the previous classes and challenging us certification and assessment without further delay. This led to the creation of a formal
with some new poses. I found myself at Iyengar Yoga Association in Canada. Leslie was at the forefront of this work, where
ease with the more difficult poses from she remains to this day. She was chair of what was then known as the “Co-ordinating
earlier in the week and noticed a quality Committee” which established a framework for carrying out Guruji’s directive. She
of energetic unison throughout the also served on the Association’s first board of directors.
group. It was an apt closure to a week- Leslie was among the “First Wave” of Canadian teachers who received their certifica-
long journey of discovery. tion directly from Guruji in 1997 and she became one of our first assessors. Seventeen
years later, Leslie continues to serve as an assessor and moderator and train teachers.
She has more than fulfilled the mandate given to us by Guruji.

21
 After a brief respite, Leslie agreed to return to the board to serve as President.

Delving into
It was a time of division and discord within our community and her conciliatory
skills were put to good use to bring people together and move forward in a posi-
tive way. For this alone, we owe Leslie a great debt. Her experience and counsel are
invaluable to our local Victoria community as well as on the national scene. And Yoga 50+
in addition Leslie has forged many international links.
In addition to all these duties, Leslie was a successful candidate at the first
senior intermediate assessment to be held in Canada in 2006.
Leslie celebrated her 70th birthday last Christmas season on return from her
most recent pilgrimage to Pune. There, she received Guruji’s personal guidance for
a severe shoulder injury and was able to honour him on his 95th birthday.
Leslie continues to nourish her growth as a student of yoga into her eighth
decade.
May we long continue to benefit from her skill and grace—and I know there November 1, 2014, 11 am - 1 pm
are many voices behind my words in favour of offering her a lifetime membership & Restorative 2 pm - 3 pm
of our national association.
I cannot attend this year’s annual meeting due to a prior personal event, and With Leslie Hogya & Wendy Boyer
have asked Ty Chandler, a colleague from Victoria, to read these words on my
$45 + Gst for members,
behalf. $50+ gst for non-members
Written with love and appreciation of a respected gurubai,
To register, drop in to or phone
Shirley Daventry French the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria,
Victoria BC, May 2014 202-919 Fort Street,
Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
(250) 386-YOGA (9642)

Thank you!
• Jane McFarlane and Johanna Godliman for attending a family • To everyone for their participation behind the scenes, and in
doctor conference and distributing information about our front as demonstrators in the workshop to make it a vibrant
centre. experience for all;
• Jan Clark for outfitting the women’s change room with a • To all of you who attended!
uniform set of stronger hangers. Thank you for the new batch of bolsters for sale:
• Arno De Boer donated five beautiful pairs of Wood Wedges • To Linda Poole who headed the bolster bee;
(yoga props) to be sold in our retail area. • To the crew of Barbara Madison, Britta Poisson, Jane
• Brandy Baybutt, Josie Duan, and Wendy Boyer for donating McFarlane, Jeannette Merryfield, Johanna Godliman, Krysia
books. Strawczynski, Laine Canivet, Wendy Boyer;
• Rosemary Barritt for donating new bolster covers for the • To Edie Poole for making the bolster covers;
Centre. • Special thanks to Tom Kendall who designed, built, and
Thank you for the workshop with Jawahar Bangera: subsequently donated an ingenious bolster cover stuffing
• To Jawahar Bangera for visiting us and imparting his under- frame.
standing of Guruji’s work in his dynamic intensive! Thank you for making the April 26th evening Kirtan
• To Robin and John Popinski, Ann Kilbertus and Michael a success:
Blades, Adia Kapoor and her partner Jeff for helping cook for • Laine Canivet, for coordinating;
Jawahar during his visit; • Bhavantu Sound – Tia Benn, Ty Chandler, Chris Simons, for
• To Jane McFarlane, Johanna Godliman, and others who leading the Kirtan and donating 25% of the proceeds to the
helped keep the studio tidy and spread the mats for our IYC;
sessions each day; • Jill Williams, Johanna Godliman, and Jane McFarlane for
• To Britta Poisson for being on the telephone lines while we set-up, clean up, and welcoming all.
were investigating his flight arrival;

22
 Members’ Practice

All current members of the

Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
who attend a regular class or
have received permission from
practice monitor are welcome to
participate in an open practice
every Sunday afternoon from
12:30-3:30 pm.

There is no instruction given

in this self-directed practice
session. Props, books and other
resources are available for the
use of anyone who attends.

Come for 20 minutes or stay for

three hours!
Johanna Godliman and Adia Kapoor receive their Intro II certificates from Leslie Hogya.

­
Name: _______________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

society _____________________________________________
IYAC/ACYI
Membership City: _________________________________________
ASSESSMENT DATES
For a one year membership, Prov / State: _____________ Postal code ________
June 6-8 please complete this form
and send it with your cheque Country: _____________________________________
Introductory II/ or money order to:
Intermediate Junior I,
Iyengar Yoga Centre Phone: _______________________________________
Montreal QC of Victoria Society
c/o Hilary McPhail E-mail: _______________________________________
June 20-22 202-919 Fort Street
Intermediate Junior II, Victoria BC V8V 3K3
 lease mail me my newsletter as I do not
P
Victoria BC Membership fee is $40 + GST, attend classes at the Centre.
renewable each January.
September 19-20 P
 lease email me when the Newsletter is
available on the IYCV website.
Introductory II, Victoria BC
Receipt required.
October 24-26,
Intermediate Junior I/II, Membership benefits include a 5% discount on registered
Vancouver BC classes, a discount on workshops, advance booking for major
November 7-9 workshops, borrowing privileges in our library, free members’
Introductory II, practice, eligibility to become a board member and eligibility
London ON for workshop scholarships!

23
Calendar
June October
6-8 Salt Spring Island Retreat 2-5 Stephanie Quirk, Vancouver
20-22 IJ 2 assessment in at IYCV 18 Teachers’ PD Day
17 Practice Enrichment
July
7-12 Summer Sadhana November
7-12 Summer Intensive for Introductory 1 50+ Workshop
Teacher Trainees
7 Practice Enrichment
8 Teachers’ PD Day
August
21-22 Going Deeper
11-15 Certified Teacher Intensive
25-29 Student Intensive December
31 IYCV Picnic
5 Practice Enrichment
14 Guruji’s Birthday
September
20-21 Winter Solstice Workshop
19-20 Intro 2 Assessment, Victoria
26-29 Chris Saudek Workshop January 2015
1 New Year’s Day Practice

Learn Open to Iyengar Yoga students, general level

and above. Ask your teacher if you have

with Chris Saudek questions about attending.

Note: Chris will teach an extended
Intermediate class on Monday,
26-28 September 2014 Sept. 29, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

Registration opens July 2

BEGINNERS’ CLASS
• Beginners Class $30 + GST
• Friday
• Teachers’ Debriefing $50 + GST
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (including attendance at the Beginner’s Class)
• Debrief for Teachers • Workshop weekend (Saturday and Sunday)
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm $230 + GST Members,
$240 + GST Non-members
WORKSHOP
Refunds will offered only if your space can be filled
• Saturday and are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
and 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm To register, drop in to or phone:
the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria,
• Sunday 202-919 Fort Street,
10:30 am - 1:30 pm Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
 and 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm 250-386-YOGA (9642)
Sri Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, yoga master,
born 14 December 1918, died 20 August 2014

Photo: RIMYI

It is my profound hope that my end can be your beginning.

– B.K.S. Iyengar

N E W S L E T T E R F A L L 2 0 1 4
 Geetaji’s last words for her father,
B.K.S. Iyengar
“Only his body has ended. One person’s efforts from inside out, changed
the acceptance of yoga throughout the world. Nothing was hidden, from
the time he began to practice, to his illness and death. Even last night he
was telling Abhijata, “I have shown you all these things, now realize them
for yourself.” What he has given cannot be encompassed by words. If a
disciple is more developed, then that person will understand. What can be
said in words, is that he was precious to us.”
 B.K.S. Iyengar
1918–2014

“Without consideration of caste, class, creed, religion

or region,…it is said that the only royal path is yoga.
This alone is the path that purifies the seeker of truth
and no other.
With my deep love and affection toward you all, my
heart is throbbing with a sense of gratitude; words fail
Our beloved Guruji, Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja
me and I find it extremely difficult to send a message
Iyengar, died on August 20th 2014 in Pune, India. He was
to you all, my yogic children to whom I am bound.
ninety-five years old. Master teacher, mentor, warm and
generous human being, he ignited the light of Yoga all over A message conveys that I am parting with you, but
the world. At the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria, which actually I am also close and attached…Even those who
is privileged to bear his name we will miss his person, but learned and later parted from me are close to my heart
his questing spirit and wisdom live on. We are sad but at
because they carry the same message of yoga – the
the same time deeply grateful for his teaching and guidance.
unity in diversity. Please know that we are all brought
We are honoured to have touched his feet and received his
darshan. May we continue to be worthy of this honour. together by the invisible hands of God to jointly work
towards integrating yoga further and further. This
Blessings, love and sympathy are extended to Guruji’s
yoga – art, science and the self-culture of man braided
biological family:
together – has bound us forever and this affectionate
— t o his daughter Geeta and son Prashant, master teachers
following in his light, bond and feeling that belongs to the heart, not the
— to his daughters Vanita, Suchita, Sunita and Savita, head, is not capable of being conveyed. These are
— t o his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended feelings which have made us all live in contentment
family. and emanate the rays of love and delight.”
Dearest Guruji may you rest in peace. – B.K.S. Iyengar
Shirley Daventry French
August 22, 2014
Contents

5 Reflections 18 The July Intro Intensive

By Leslie Hogya
By Shirley Daventry French

8 Community, 19 What a Day for a

Consciousness Picnic!
By Carole Miller
and Community Action
We apologize for the By Manouso Manos with
lateness of this issue. Birjoo Mehta 20 B ig Trees, Warm Hearts
By Johanna Godliman
The winter edition of
this newsletter will be 12 B.K.S. on Yoga Therapy
dedicated to reflection 22 A Special Thank You
on the life and work of 14 Hundreds of Starfish
B.K.S. Iyengar. Basking in the Sun 23 Thank You for Fire
Centre members who have By Johanna Godliman Cleanup
had personal experiences
with Mr Iyengar, that they
16 Unimaginable Recovery 24 Calendar
would like to share, are
invited to contribute brief
of My Injured Shoulder
articles for consideration. By Leslie Hogya

Submission Deadline for next issue: Iyengar YOGA CENTRE OF VICTORIA Newsletter Advertising Policy
November 15, 2014 SOCIETY is a non-profit society incorporated (Adopted February 20, 2004)
under the Society Act of the Province of B.C., In keeping with the mandate of the Iyengar
Editor Roger Champagne whose purpose is “to encourage the physical, Yoga Centre of Victoria Society Directors,
mental, and spiritual growth of its members and 2004, to update, review and document policies
Newsletter Committee Roger other interested persons of the society at large and procedures, the newsletter committee
Champagne, Lauren Cox, Shirley Daventry by the study and discipline of Yoga.” The Society submitted a policy which is a revision of the
French, Johanna Godliman, Leslie Hogya, Jane owes its inspiration to Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar. 1996 policy and has been adopted by the Board
McFarlane, Hilary McPhail.
The Newsletter, published regularly by the of Directors as follows:
Design & Production Cady Graphics IYENGAR YOGA CENTRE OF Victoria
1. Advertisements must not conflict with the
SOCIETY, provides current information on events
IYCV Logo Charles Campbell, Lauren Cox aims of the newsletter of the IYCV.
concerning Iyengar yoga in the Victoria area.
photography Laine Canivet, Rachel French Send contributions, articles, photographs 2. Advertisements must be only for Iyengar
de Mejia, Janine Bandcroft, Leslie Hogya, (high resolution), drawings, information or yoga.
Tracey Harvey RIMYI, Giles Hogya, suggestions to: the Iyengar Yoga Centre of 3. Priority will be given to advertisements
George Dovas Victoria Newsletter, 202-919 Fort Street, regarding IYCV events, IYCV sponsored
Cover PHoto RIMYI Victoria BC V8V 3K3. events, and IYAC events.
Permission is hereby granted to reprint any Registration
proofing Jane McFarlane
of our material, except that copyrighted by the
ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary McPhail author or artists. When reprinting, please credit Please visit our website:
this Newsletter and send us two copies of the [Link] for full information
DISTRIBUTION Adia Kapoor, Krysia on classes and workshops.
publication containing our material. Copyright
Strawczynski
material is available only with written permission. Drop in: 202-919 Fort Street,
MEMBERSHIP/MAILING LIST Hilary McPhail The editor/newsletter committee hold the right Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
Printing Hillside Printing to publish or edit all articles at their discretion. Phone: (250) 386-YOGA (9642)

4
 Reflections
By Shirley Daventry French

“Water, water everywhere, In those days this course was known We were a small group of fourteen men
as the Yoga Teachers’ Course. It and women with a variety of ages and
nor any drop to drink.” covered many aspects of yoga: life experience—most were professionals
historical, philosophical and practi- taking a break from demanding careers.

T
his well-known refrain comes from cal. It endeavoured to deepen our One other person besides myself was
“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” knowledge and guide us towards an teaching yoga, although one or two
an epic poem by Samuel Taylor understanding of the purpose of yoga. others were considering that possibility.
Coleridge from the 19th century. Today,
yoga is everywhere: all over town, across We were introduced to the idea of yoga Not long after this course, Swami Radha
Canada, throughout the world, on as a spiritual tool, and received training decided to change its name to “Yoga
the internet, on TV, in the press, in in the use of this tool. Development Course”; a name that
centres, halls, homes, schools and even better described what was happening
One of the reasons I wanted to go was
churches. Thousands of people attend because we knew so little about the
because I was already teaching and only
“yoga” classes! Hundreds of people have subject. First we needed to learn more
too aware that I knew precious little
become teachers. Yet this fascinating and about yoga itself: study its texts, read
about this subject. A series of workshops
vast subject remains for the most part as and reflect on the testimony of great
with Swami Radha in Victoria had
mysterious and elusive as ever! souls, refine body, mind and senses
revealed the depth of my ignorance, but
through regular personal practice. We
My interest in yoga was ignited in the at the same time opened many doors
were introduced to the four main
late 1960s. After a brief teacher training which shone some light on the purpose
paths of yoga: Karma Yoga (the yoga
course (one afternoon a week for ten of yoga and whetted my appetite.
of action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of
weeks), I began teaching in 1972. In Before committing myself to a three- devotion), Jnana Yoga (the yoga of
1976 I attended a three-month residential month stay, I travelled to the Ashram for knowledge), and Raja Yoga (which
yoga course at Yasodhara Ashram under a shorter course with another Sivananda includes the Yoga Sutras, Kriya and
the direction of Swami Sivananda Radha. disciple, Swami Venkatesananda, a Astanga Yoga).
In 1979 I travelled to India to study with learned, wise and witty man from the
B.K.S. Iyengar in Pune. These studies You may well ask how on earth did we
main Sivananda ashram in Rishikesh
continue to the present day. This, in brief, cover all of this in three months? Well
who served as Swami Sivananda’s secre-
is my yoga curriculum vitae. of course, we didn’t! It was an overview
tary and editor of his many books. Each
or introduction giving us a glimpse of
Yasodhara Ashram is a yoga teaching taste I had of authentic yogic teaching
many paths towards self-knowledge, and
and retreat centre founded by Swami served to reinforce my feeling that I was
emphasizing the importance of practice
Radha in 1963. It is situated in central truly a novice who had hardly dipped
without which this knowledge would
British Columbia in the Kootenays, a her toes into a vast ocean of knowledge.
remain as obscure as ever.
region of mountains, lakes and rivers. I signed up for the three-month residen-
This ashram sits on spectacular acreage tial course the following year. During this three-month period we had
on the shores of Kootenay Lake, one two days off, and only two! Otherwise
This was a decision which I have never
of the largest lakes in British Columbia. we studied and practised from morn-
regretted even though it was disrup-
To spend any amount of time in such ing to bedtime, starting early with
tive and difficult to arrange. As it
a beautiful pristine spot is in itself an hatha yoga (asana/pranayama/ ‘subtle
happened, 1976 was the last year where
uplifting experience. There, under body’- based yoga) and ending with
Swami Radha taught a large part of the
the tutelage of Swami Radha and a evening satsang (gathering for spiritual
curriculum and all the personal growth
handful of teachers trained by her, discourse). Since dream interpretation
workshops, so it was a fortuitous decision.
we explored the teachings of yoga. was included in the course, our nights

5
became part of the curriculum. By our time if possible. However, it did not door for us to make the journey to the
beds we would have pen and paper fit the common concept of marriage Institute in Pune.
ready to jot down some keywords so the counselling; rather each one of us would
In October 1979 we found ourselves
elusive dream would not slip away. be exploring our own nature and defin-
standing in tadasana at the institute in
ing our own path. Taking this course
We were peppered with questions from front of Guruji Himself! Being small, I
together would not only give us a better
start to finish of these three months, was in the front row. Being tall, Derek
understanding of each other but [would]
which all resulted in papers to write, and was at the back. It made no difference,
allow and even encourage us to give
because these were pre-computer days, Guruji’s ability to see the whole room
each other space to do our own practice.
we had to provide our own typewriters and teach each one of us[,] as if we were
Once I asked Swami Radha if, when she
and the tap-tapping of these machines standing there alone, was uncanny.
initiated a married couple into a mantra,
could be heard late into the night to
she gave each of them the same mantra. The first Straightwalk workshop I did
begin again early in the morning. The
Her answer was short: “There is no such with Swami Radha was the first time
group was divided into late night
thing as a couple in yoga.” It was not a I interacted with her directly. I had
scribes and early morning ones, so in
negative statement but a positive one the uncanny feeling that she could see
the guesthouse this tapping became a
affirming that each soul has its own beyond my words, mannerisms and
familiar refrain like a mantra. Excuses
journey to make. body language to what lay underneath
for not having written your paper were
all this—as if I were completely naked.
unacceptable to Swami Radha! One of the many doors which opened
In my first class with B.K.S. Iyengar I
for me during this course led to B.K.S.
From the start of the course I enjoyed had that very same feeling. The stories
Iyengar. His book, Light on Yoga, was on
writing my papers and trying to I had heard about him were dramatic
the required reading list. I was required
make sense out of all the questions. enough; but the reality of this experience
not only to read it but also to write
Nevertheless, as question after question was beyond words. His gaze penetrated
several papers and a detailed book report.
was asked I began to wonder when they right through me. Just as it had been
Moreover, a student of Swami Radha
would give us some answers. Half way with Swami Radha, on one level it was
who taught yoga in Calgary visited the
through the course it suddenly dawned unnerving but on another it was a relief!
ashram for a few days. Her name was
on me that they would not be giving
Hilda Pezarro and she had recently [had]
me answers: I would be expected to find
the opportunity to observe Mr. Iyengar
them for myself! After a flash of irrita-
teaching a few classes in London. She
tion at this realisation, I was intrigued!
introduced us to the novel idea of pull- How to Practice:
The papers had to be written in duplicate
(requiring carbon paper and erasers for
ing up our kneecaps, doing handstands a 55+ Workshop
and striking a realistic warrior pose.
those old enough to remember). In our
Later that year when I returned to the
various classes we would give Swami
ashram for Christmas, another link to
Radha or whoever was teaching that
B.K.S. Iyengar was forged. Swami Radha
day the top copy and read aloud from
had invited Norma Hodge, a teacher
our carbon copies. We learned that the
who had studied with Guruji in Pune,
purpose of our papers was to reveal
to teach the early morning asana classes.
our understanding at that moment
Quite content practising the asana and
in time, [to] discover how our minds
pranayama I had been taught, I was not November 1, 2014, 11 am - 1 pm
worked. Then we would be pointed With Leslie Hogya & Wendy Boyer
looking for change. Change, it seems,
in certain directions which gener-
was looking for me. Norma was an Followed by Q & A, and Tea
ally resulted in more practice, more
excellent teacher and by my second class
papers. It was fascinating to do this in $30 + Gst for members,
with her I knew I wanted to explore the
a group and discover how differently $35 + gst for non-members
Iyengar method further. On learning
my fellow students’ minds worked To register, drop in to or phone
that Norma lived just outside Vancouver,
from mine—particularly since one of the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria,
I invited her to come to Victoria and
them happened to be my husband! 202-919 Fort Street,
teach Derek and me and a few of the Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
Swami Radha encouraged married teachers here. She came once a month (250) 386-YOGA (9642)
couples to take this course at the same for some time and opened another

6
Swami Radha is dead but her pres- diminishing my ignorance, enabling me
ence lives on at Yasodhara Ashram in to deepen my understanding of the teach-
disciples directly trained by her and ings of yoga and build my own direct Practice Enrichment
others they have taught. Guruji is alive experience. This enriches my teaching, Series
and his wisdom is still being transmit- but most of all it is the experience derived
ted directly to his daughter Geeta, from my personal practice which enables Friday afternoons 3:15 pm - 6:15 pm
son Prashant and his granddaughter me to become a better teacher. October 17, November 7,
Abhijata—plus all those fortunate December 5, 2014 & January 23, 2015
The current surge of interest in yoga is
enough to be at the Institute in Pune Commit to this series to advance
new, but yoga itself is not new. It is old.
when he practises or interrupts a class to your personal practice of asana
In fact, it is ancient! Its teachings are
guide the teacher. This is what it means and pranayama. The series is
vast, its practices myriad, their roots lie
to be part of a lineage, and be exposed designed for serious intermediate
in antiquity. The wisdom and common
to pramana (correct or right knowledge and advanced students in the
sense in the teachings of yoga nourish Iyengar Yoga tradition. Students
as opposed to viparyaya (illusion or
maturity and purpose in sincere students will be guided in a strong practice
incorrect knowledge). Patanjali tells us
and allow them to live their lives fully over each three hour session.
that correct knowledge is derived from
and purposefully whatever challenges Each month will build upon the
three kinds of proof: direct perception, previous month’s work to unlock
and obstacles they have to face. This
correct deduction and testimony from individual challenges.
takes time—time and sincere practice.
sacred texts or trustworthy experienced
A good teacher will take this time, keep With Ann Kilbertus and Ty Chandler
persons. Illusion lies ever ready to enter
their own ego in its place and let the Note: Instructor permission is required
an unguarded and undisciplined mind.
teachings of yoga guide them, then the to attend.
Reflections on the teaching and testi- light will flow and some of the mystery $45 each session, $180 for the series
mony of Guruji and Swami Radha of yoga will be removed.
are part of my everyday experience:

An Iyengar Yoga Workshop

for Students of all

Going Yoga Traditions

November 21, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Deeper November 22, 10:30 am -1:30 pm

and 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Fees: $150 + GST for IYCV members
$165 + GST for non-members

Deepen your understanding of asana,

pranayama and the philosophy at the
heart of yoga.
Join Shirley Daventry French for a special
workshop. She is a direct student of the
great contemporary yoga master,
B.K.S. Iyengar. Since her first visit to
Pune in 1979, she has returned regularly
for further study.
She is also the founder of the Iyengar
Yoga Centre of Victoria and her energy
has contributed to a vibrant yoga
community in Greater Victoria. Students
from across Canada and around the
world have studied with her.

To register, drop in to or phone

Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
with Shirley Daventry French 250-386-YOGA (9642)
[Link]

7
 In May 2013, Birjoo Mehta travelled Part 1 of 2
from Mumbai, India, to San Diego,
California, to teach at the National
Iyengar Yoga Teacher’s Convention and
Regional Conference. Manouso Manos
had a chance to sit down with Birjoo
to discuss Community, Consciousness,
and Skillful Action. This is part of their
conversation. The second half will follow
in our next newsletter.

Reprinted with permission from Yoga Samachar

Fall 2013/Winter 2014, (the newsletter of the Iyengar
Yoga National Association of the United States.)

MANOUSO MANOS: They could’ve sent anyone to a lot of competition. People try to pull themselves up and pull
interview you, but I was thrilled when somebody asked others down so they can go up. But what I’ve found [within the
me if I would do it because we are such old friends. Iyengar Yoga community] is that...there is a sense of everybody
They’ve asked us to talk specifically about community and trying to contribute for the subject to grow, and I find that
what the yoga community looks like. There’s this join- very encouraging. I am happy to see that everybody is open
ing together of people that we’ve seen over the years, and to change and people want to work for growth. Just to give
we’ve watched it come directly out of the kindness of the an example—when the tsunami hit, a number of people said
guru. What is your view of how these communities come they had lost something or other, and they wanted to know if
together—the oneness maybe that you’ve seen—because somebody could help. So an email was sent out to the entire
your perspective is really quite unique for a lot of reasons. yoga community asking for help, and within minutes, people
started to come back with answers, connecting people and
Birjoo Mehta: Okay, let me attempt to just talk about it rather
things like that. I’ve also seen that when somebody needs to
than answer the question.
go abroad or somebody is in a bit of trouble, they can just call
MM: Yes. the local yoga center up and say, “Hey, I’m from the Iyengar
BM: I have been interacting with various yoga practitioners community. Can you help me out?” And people are ready to
across the globe—Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, South Africa, come help. Obviously when you are in a very small community,
Israel, Europe, and Canada, and of course, I’ve been to the there will be differences of opinion. Some people will believe
U.S. a number of times—and what I’ve found about the this is the right way to do things, and others will believe that
Iyengar Yoga community compared with others—and this is is the right way. But the good thing about the whole Iyengar
from my own perspective—is that people everywhere are very system is that it allows you to have differences. But ultimately
welcoming. You know in other communities, especially in everybody’s looking for the same thing in terms of the growth
work communities and environments like that, what I find is of the community. In that sense, I am very much encouraged

8
by the community at least from my personal perspective. I have Now that snake and rope thing may not make sense to a
found that wherever I have gone, I have been welcomed with modern man living in the city who probably has never encoun-
open arms—probably it’s because I’ve been with Guruji for so tered a snake. And it’s not likely that when he sees something
long, so I don’t have to really prove myself or anything, and in his house, he’s going to imagine it to be a snake and get
people are more open. But I really find that wherever I’ve gone, that kind of fear that the Vedic people were trying to convey.
people have welcomed me. Once [Guruji] said to me, “Why don’t you start talking about
consciousness in terms of modem analogies so that people can
MM: Your comment makes me think of two very distinct ques-
understand it?” Now coming from a computer background,
tions. Number one: Do you think this is a direct outgrowth of
and since I know that most people know about computers, I
Guruji and Geetaji and Prashant? In other words, that the poli-
wrote an article—and I was a little hesitant because I was talk-
tics have been pushed aside, and the businesslike atmosphere of
ing about consciousness in terms of computers. For example,
competition is slightly downplayed because of the openness of
the senses of perception being basically like the keyboard, where
those individuals?
you enter [information], and the organs of action are similar
BM: I am certain about it. There have been many communities to the display, and the operating system is your mind, and so
...I won’t name any names, but you know, normally they have a on and so forth. So I wrote this whole article and showed it to
pyramidal structure. There is a person who is actually running Guruji, and he was very happy to see it. He said “Yeah, this is
the organization right at top, and he has his successors right at the kind of thing that I want you to do. What’s the point of
top and whatever they do has to be followed. Now if you look talking about the old things? Talk about something new. Talk
at the way Guruji has worked things out, there are two major to the people in their language, so that they can understand.”
things that he’s looking at in the structure of his organizations. There’s development.
All of the organizations are self-running structures. They don’t
involve him at the top. If people do want him to be a chairman
or something like that, he accepts it but does not interfere with Once [Guruji] said to me, “why don’t you
the working at all. start talking about consciousness in terms
of modern analogies so that people can
These are the two founding pillars of
understand it?”
the organizations that he has set up...
Second, even in the practice of yoga, he’s one person who has
What he has insisted on is ethical behavior never stagnated. You know, he’s always growing. Guruji is
and continuous improvement. always growing, whereas we don’t grow. We are satisfied with
our progress, but we are not satisfied with what is ours. When
But there are two foundations that affect the way he has struc- I say “what is ours,” I mean our house, our wealth, our name,
tured things. One is ethics. He is very strong on ethics, and I our fame, etc. We are dissatisfied with what is ours but not with
think all his associations have very clear norms on the ethical our progress. With Guruji, it’s different. He is satisfied with
behavior of the students. I don’t only mean the yamas [five vows everything that he has—what is his—but with his practice, he’s
of abstention: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, continence, satisfied for the day, but next time around, he has to go a little
non-greed for possessions] and niyamas [five observances: purity, more. This is something I believe he calls “divine discontent.”
contentment, self-discipline, Self-study or reading the scriptures, So, please go on progressing like a river flowing but within the
and surrender to God]—obviously, it is the yamas and niyamas— boundaries of ethics and quality—you know, progression or
but it’s a whole lot of other things in terms of the ethical behavior improvement.
and practice. The second one is quality. These are the two found-
MM: Guruji’s [book] is maybe the only book that starts the
ing pillars of the organizations that he has set up, and he has
translation of the yoga sutras calling yoga an “ethical subject.”
never said “What I do is right” or “You follow me,” but what he
I mean, he’s very clear about it right from the very beginning.
has insisted on is ethical behavior and continuous improvement.
And he lays out rather a different territory than many of the
You know, there’s constant innovation, constant growth. He has
other scholars have done. The other thought that came to mind
never said, “This is the end, and there’s no further growth.” As a
as you were talking about the modern world: in Light on Life,
matter fact, he encourages growth. To give you an example, most
he begins by talking about the ethical dilemma of whether
of the time when people talk about the yoga sutras, they talk
one should eat ice cream or not, and it becomes a fascinating
about the Vedic texts and they use antiquated examples, such as
modern day thing. Again, taking away from the snake and the
the snake and the rope.

9
rope comparison. What is my dilemma for this moment? How this as long as you fall between artha (means of livelihood)
am I going to answer this? And what is the proper methodology and kama (enjoyment of life). This is the river, and the artha
for me? and kama should be bound between the banks of dharma
and laksana. So in that sense, what is “laksana”? I could use a
BM: True. That’s what is amazing about him. He has never
mundane word like “quality.” And dharma is basically “ethics.”
laid down the rules in terms of a [specific] direction, and you
are free to choose the direction or not to choose the direction. To give you another example—I use this example very often
But if you do decide that you want to choose that particular in class to explain the aspects of mind vis-à-vis the aspects of
direction, he gives full freedom to go at your own pace and to intelligence—say you work in a big company and have a secre-
experiment. He has never said, “This is the only way to do.” tary. I come and want to meet you, but they say I must see the
That’s not yoga. The way I look at yoga is—let me step back a secretary. So the first time, I come and say to the secretary that
bit. Normally when you do something repetitive, your subcon- I want to meet Mr. Manos, the big man, and the secretary says,
scious actually takes over and you think subconsciously, which “Let me check to see whether he is free.” So she goes and talks
means you’re not fully involved. When you do something with you. You are the intelligence, right? So you say, “Look, I
subconsciously—for example, drive a car—you are not as atten- don’t want to see him now.” This happens a second time and a
tive as you would be when you are learning to drive a car. third time. What do you think happens when I go the fourth
time? The secretary will immediately say, without checking with
When you are learning to drive a car, you are extremely atten-
you, “He is not available.’’ Right? The mind works like that.
tive, but over a period of time, because of the way humans are
structured like a self-organizing system, this thing becomes so Initially, the first time and the second time, it invokes the
routine that you don’t really have to apply yourself too much. intelligence, but when something becomes routine, the mind
And if you’re not applying yourself too much, it is as if only the says, “Okay, I know what to do. I don’t need to invoke the
mind is being invoked. When you come to something new, the intelligence.” But sometimes it might be necessary to invoke the
mind is not able to understand that, and so the mind invokes intelligence. If the mind thinks it has learned what to do, you
the intelligence and says, “Hey, this is something new. What do can miss out on a lot of things. This is exactly what happens
I need to do?” when you are practising asanas [postures]. If you do something
very repetitively, the mind is invoked but the intelligence is
He has divine discontent, whereas we have discontent not
not invoked. When the intelligence is not invoked, you are not
for the divine but for what we have. So we have “mundane
really able to manifest the whole consciousness—consciousness
discontent” rather. So I think he is constantly growing and
consists of mind, intelligence, and the ego.
encouraging others to grow. He does not put guidelines around

Learn Open to Iyengar Yoga students, general level

and above. Ask your teacher if you have

with Chris Saudek questions about attending.

Note: Chris will teach an extended
Intermediate class on Monday,
26-28 September 2014 Sept. 29, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

Registration opens July 2

BEGINNERS’ CLASS
• Beginners Class $30 + GST
• Friday
• Teachers’ Debriefing $50 + GST
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (including attendance at the Beginner’s Class)
• Debrief for Teachers • Workshop weekend (Saturday and Sunday)
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm $230 + GST Members,
$240 + GST Non-members
WORKSHOP
Refunds will offered only if your space can be filled
• Saturday and are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
and 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm To register, drop in to or phone:
the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria,
• Sunday 202-919 Fort Street,
10:30 am - 1:30 pm Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
 and 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm 250-386-YOGA (9642)

10
Let me step back. If there’s a disease, you will never be able to or manifest the consciousness. Now if you don’t manifest the
see or study the disease if it is not manifested. If the malaria has consciousness, you are not going to be able to study it.
not manifested, if you don’t have symptoms, you’ll not be able
So therefore, it is very important that the first step in yoga is
to study malaria. Similarly, if the consciousness is not invoked
to invoke the consciousness or to manifest the consciousness
or if the consciousness is not manifested, you’ll not be able
fully. The consciousness will never be manifested in all its three
to study the consciousness. Yoga is all about the study of the
aspects unless you are doing something slightly new or some-
consciousness because yoga is citta vritti nirodhah [Yoga is the
thing that is going to invoke your intelligence. And therefore
cessation of the movements of consciousness]. So if you cannot
every practice we do needs to go beyond the boundary of what
manifest that consciousness, how can you study it? And if you
we have experienced to be able to at least get the manifestation
cannot study it, how can you stop that modification?
of the consciousness.

If the mind thinks it has learned what to That’s the first step. After you manifest the consciousness, you
can study it. After you study it, you know how to stop the
do, you can miss out on a lot of things. modification. So if you do something that is repetitive, such as,
And ego, to me, is like your history. What you have experi- for example, what is being done by some systems of yoga, you
enced, what you have felt, the relationships you have had—all don’t give the chance for manifestation of the consciousness.
this constitutes the ego. These things make you who you are So how can that lead to yoga? It’s just a repetitive exercise that
because of your behaviors, your experiences, and your habits. we do. The good thing about Guruji’s system is that it allows
Your intelligence is something that actually takes you down you to reach the barriers or the periphery of what you have
a new path. And the mind is something that just interacts learned—or the boundaries of what you have learned. Once
between the intelligence, the ego, and the organs of action... you go there, you have to step out for that to be yoga. As long
as you are within the boundaries, you are not doing yoga. You
MM: And perception. are just doing some actions that could lead you to the practice
BM: And perception. When you do something repetitively, the of yoga, but for the practice of yoga to actually manifest, you
whole consciousness is not invoked. It’s only the mind that is, have to cross the boundaries every time. When you cross the
or probably the ego. You do something from memory or you boundaries every time, there’s always something new that is
speculate and say, “Let me try this, let me try that.” But when going to come. That’s why Guruji has said, “Yes, you have to
you are actually learning something, the intelligence is also go on finding something new.”
invoked. That invoking of the intelligence completes the trinity (To be continued in the next issue.)
of the mind, intelligence, and ego coming together to ignite

A Weekend with Louie Ettling

March 6-8, 2015
Friday 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday 10:30 am - 1:30 pm, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Sunday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Louie Ettling is the director of the Yoga Space in Vancouver (www.

[Link]). She started studying Iyengar yoga in the eighties with
Vancouver teacher Wende Davis. Since then Louie has studied in Pune regularly.
She is grateful for what students have taught her about teaching and continues
to be passionate about the body’s yoga journey.
Fees: $225 + gst members
$245 + gst non-members

11
B.K.S. on Yoga Therapy
An Interview with Guruji Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar

Interviewed by Rajvi H. Mehta into an ethical code of living. Is it not therapy? Yes. Then how
Article reprinted from Yoga Rahasya Vol 9.2, 2002
can people compare yoga therapy and physiotherapy? These
words are just an eyewash to fool the people.
Guruji, How would you define therapeutic yoga?
The life force needs to be cultured. An iron gets rusted if it is
Therapy is a subject, which deals with the view of the body, not used. So also, your physiological, emotional, intellectual,
mind as well as self. Therapy for me is how we can form a mental body gets rusted. Life becomes negative when it gets
methodology to keep this body, mind and intelligence to func- rusted because the life force does not move in the entire system
tion in a rhythmic way coordinating with the various structural to generate the life ingredients in it.
functions of the body. Yoga plays a major role in educating
I do not consider that any part of yoga like asana, pranayama,
man from the peripheral area to reach the inner most part of
and dhyana is therapy. They bring about the cultural growth
the human being, which you may call me or I or the divine self.
for an individual to reach their level of unison in life. Health is
All problems arise from this I or me. Today, the common man dynamic, as I have said several times. Health is a living force.
does not understand the vedanta of yoga. Vedanta of yoga is Health is not static. You need not work at all if health is static.
to unite or to build the body, mind and intelligence with the Health is motion. As health is a motion, mind is also a motion,
support of the consciousness so that they all become a single as mind is moving, inner cellular system of the body also
facet of man. Unity takes place without any divergence or moves. So there is nothing but movement in the body whether
deviations. it is inside or outside your mind. If the movement is vibrant
and dynamic, then life just moves, health just moves with the
The body says one thing, the mind says one thing, the
positive life force added to it. So, health cannot be restricted to
emotions say one thing, the intellect says one thing. So these
being free from diseases. Health is not just psychosomatic. The
diversions, which are common to one and all disturb the
life force is the creation of God. It has no mind, it has no body.
harmony of the life force which we commonly call as health. If
It moves and that is why it is called vibrant.
there is a disturbance in the life force then we call it ill health.
This life force is influenced by our physical, emotional and As health is vibrant, we have to keep on working at it so that
intellectual actions and reactions, occurring within our self and we do not get rusted in our way of thinking and in our way of
in response to the outside world. It is not so easy to remain in a action. We have to channelise the energy. Disease sets in when
rhythmic, balanced state, though that is the aim of yoga. Yoga energy does not move. Therefore, I do not feel that it is fair to
therapy is a vedantic therapy but not some physical therapy as call this whole science of yoga, which tells us how to use this
commonly understood. Therapy means to enter the core of the energy through the intellectual power to be called as therapy.
cause of the pains and imbalances that create the pain; touch it
I feel it is a wrong word that has come into existence and it is
and create that rhythm. It is a philosophical therapy and not a
a big problem on how to explain this to the people. Suppose,
physical therapy.
you are quiet and your body and mind does not function, isn’t
something still moving in your body? This is what needs to be
Like you just said, Guruji, people still tend to misinterpret brought to the surface. This works as a protective power which
that yoga therapy is an extension of physiotherapy since we keeps the inner man, the I or the self in a happy state even after
work on the body through asanas, do you want to clear that the emotional and environmental upheavals in life.
misconception?
Patanjali says, “Prevention is better than cure.” If you can
If modern science names the performing of certain movements prevent the aggressive elements from entering your body with
as physiotherapy, it does not mean that you also have to name yoga then how can you call it a mere therapy, which cures
a subject like yoga as yoga therapy. It has become a habit today diseases? One has to be free from disharmony in the body, the
for people to encash on words coined by the intellectuals. blood circulation, the breath movement and the circulation
Therapy begins the moment you take birth. If you are leading of the energy. We have the different systems, the neurological
an immoral life then you have to move towards a moral life, body, the respiratory system, and the circulatory system. They

12
all exist but yoga helps to use them to the maximum level to get Guruji, please express your views on the shat kriyas?
an optimal effect and you feel the health in the body, mind and
You have to understand that these treatments were not there
the self. I am using the small self, which is the ego or I or me. I
in Patanjali’s time and were introduced later. Patanjali has
am not talking about the atman. I consider that yoga is a science
not explained them. He has only spoken about asana and
that activates the bio-energy (prana sakti) and visva caitanya
pranayama. The later yogis introduced the kriyas. Why? You
sakti (universal cosmic force). So that is why I consider that
just mentioned that certain modern amenities are bringing in
yoga is a science that makes the prana sakti and visva caitanya
diseases. Even in those days, the new material comforts also
sakti to work together with co-ordination. These are existing but
brought in certain diseases. There was no surgical treatment
they have to be activated. If you activate, then it is like the river
in those days and so these radical treatments were brought in.
Ganga, if not then it is like a local river, which has water when
Even today in allopathic medicine, you have conventional and
it rains and dries up otherwise. The system of yoga is given so
non-conventional treatment. Conventional treatment is medical
that this drying system does not take place.
therapy while non-conventional treatment is surgery. So even
With the advancement of technology man’s materialistic life in yoga they had the conventional treatment and the radical
is becoming more and more comfortable, people are always treatment. Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which describes these radical
looking for something more and therefore expressions such as treatments, also describes to whom such treatment has to be
holistic health, spiritual living, and enlightenment are becoming given. Even today you will have situations where one doctor
so common. It is easy to use such expressions but how do you wants to perform a surgery while another will want you to try
manage to convert these expressions to experiences? It is philo- medical treatment and will not be in favour of surgery. Many of
sophically said, “security is insecurity and insecurity is security.” the physicians are not in favour of immediate surgery whereas
Have you seen how people who are completely secure live? no surgeon will want to wait.
They get stagnated; there is no life force in them to work. What
Today, if I am permitted to say so, knowledge has become
do you do if you are insecure? You work. You do everything
a money earner not a knowledge earner. So sometimes it is
because you are insecure. Insecurity is a pillar for advancement
this money-earning motive which leads to surgeries. Hatha
and growth. Do not take a negative meaning of it. Security is a
Yoga Pradipika also says that use kriya for diseases that cannot
killer of the life force while insecurity is the builder of life force.
be controlled by any other means. Today it has become an
This is positive life. Insecurity is a pillar for the evolution of
important principal. Who is to be blamed for this? If here is no
each individual.
phlegm collected in your lungs then what is the use of dhauti?
What are the modern comforts leading to? Want of move- So, please note that there are conventional treatments of yoga
ment, laziness, heedlessness, and carelessness. Patanjali has and non-conventional treatment of yoga, which had been intro-
already said this more than 3,000 years ago. Yoga teaches us duced in Hatha yoga books. The non-conventional treatments
to be rich not only outside but also inside. Material comfort is were introduced later as the diseases started growing. Earlier
an objective richness but one is completely empty inside. The there was no need for neti, dhauti, vasti, trataka and kapalab-
yogic science says, “Do not sell the richness of the soul for the hati. Even today research is going on. New things are being
richness of the wealth.” The modern gadgets are making you discovered. So new sufferings came up and new treatments
objectively wealthy but a pauper inside. That’s all yoga teaches. came up which were needed then. So kriyas were taught then.
Yoga helps you build up and acquire such an exalted quality Now we do not need them. Research is always going on. We
of richness in body, mind, and intelligence. Having a bank have to practice to reintroduce some deep action in the same
account of millions of rupees is not richness but poverty...You asana, which they were practicing in the very ancient times.
have nothing to express and so you say I have so much money. New things have to be adopted in the same system in asanas
One who is full inside expresses what he is. Yoga is also an and pranayama.
intellectual therapy if one still wants to brand yoga as therapy.
It changes man emotionally, intellectually, and psychologically
and develops stability. And from that stability develops dyna-
If you wish to help others through the
mism. Stability is not the end of life. Stability is to be positively healing power of yoga, you have to put
dynamic to move further like a river, which is full of energy
yourself at the service of the art and
force from the start to the end.
through experience gain understanding.
– B.K.S Iyengar

13
Summer Events 2014
Hundreds of Starfish Basking in the Sun
Oak Bay Parks and Recreation ‘Yoga-In’ Willows Beach Park, August 2014
By Johanna Godliman wearing yoga pants, knew about the straps). The microphone was tethered
yoga happening that evening and luckily to the amplifier! So let’s just say that I

T
he programmer for Oak Bay Parks
Peter, one of the main organisers, had to think on my feet. Pete kindly
and Recreation, Jenny Rhodes
was just stringing up the cloth-square offered to help demonstrate what he
invited me to participate in part of
between two trees. The stage was a knew, but he teaches a different style
a series of weekly free yoga-ins, which
cleared area of concrete, with an avenue of yoga. So when I spotted a strong,
gradually gathered momentum this
of trees behind us, and another framing balanced leg in the crowd during ardha
summer. Jenny called shortly before the
the wide green on the other side. Above, chandrasana (half moon pose) I was
B.C. holiday weekend to say that they
brilliant open sky held high cirrus clouds; happy that Sarah agreed to be another
had been pleased with the response to
below, warm dry, flat grass, with the volunteer and help to demonstrate the
their free yoga classes out at Willows
nearby azure water providing an idyllic poses. While teaching I would glance
Beach Park. They had had two hundred
setting. The space was slowly filling. up and remind myself to say, “stretch
people that week, but anticipated
your fingers to the sky – not the ceiling.”
that there might be fewer on the long After checking with Pete about our first
Practising yoga outside has a very
weekend, that “the numbers might drop aid arrangements and class orientation,
different effect; it felt truly expansive. A
to just one hundred.” Too late to find I began by welcoming the loosely
crowd of sun-filled faces put their best
any other Iyengar Yoga teachers from the gathered group. There were children
foot forward, reached their arms out and
Victoria Centre, I would just take myself and people of all ages and fitness, truly
stretched their legs to the maximum.
and aim to be prepared for all comers. a family event. It included young men
off the beach and buff yoga adults, but The programmer came up afterwards
Arriving early by bicycle, I hadn’t seen
some had never done any kind of fitness and commented on the ‘new’ poses in
any organised group anywhere in the
before, let alone yoga of any kind. I the first half. They practised introductory
park. Another cyclist, who arrived
offered the limited props that we had (27 standing poses: tadasana, urdhva

Shirley is a direct student of B.K.S. Iyengar. Since her first visit to Pune
in 1979, she has returned regularly for further study. The founder of
the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria, Shirley has been the driving force in making
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria Presents

Heart
the Victoria Iyengar Yoga community one of the strongest and most viable in

the
Canada. Students from across Canada and around the world have studied with her.

Ann has been a student in the Iyengar tradition for over twenty years. She
continues to study with Shirley Daventry French and has been teaching since 1988

of Yoga
locally and nationally. Ann began going to Pune, India in 1992 and returns every
few years to study with the Iyengars. Her practice and training as an occupational
therapist offer a valuable contribution to further understanding of this work.

Fees: $168 + gst members

$184 + gst non-members
January 24-25, 2015 Registration opens:
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
An Intermediate Workshop To register, drop in to or phone
with Shirley Daventry French Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
and Ann Kilbertus 202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
250-386-YOGA (9642)
[Link]
Saturday 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Saturday 4:00 - 6:00 pm Refunds will be offered only if your space can be
Sunday 12:00 - 3:00 pm filled and are subject to a $50.00 cancellation fee.

14
hastasana, urdhva baddhangullyasana,
gomukhasana, utthita hasta padasana,
utthita trikonasana, ardha chandrasana
and ardha uttanasana. We kept up
a fairly steady pace, finishing with
dandasana, paripurna navasana and
urdhva prasarita padasana. For savasana,
think hundreds of starfish, basking in the
sun, spread-eagled all over the ground.
This outdoor venue helped me edit and
create essential instructions to help them
in and out of the poses. Afterwards, I
said that I would probably remember
this evening for the rest of my life – a
personal milestone, and thanked Oak
Bay Parks and Recreation and my
volunteers, Sarah and Pete.
Some people took photographs, many
thanked me for the class and my Yoga on the lawn at the Legislature as part of the Sri Chinmoy Peace Run
kindness and said how much they had
photo: Angela Cowan, Oak Bay News

enjoyed themselves. Some asked about

the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria.
Pete and I started to make a head count
as people were picking up their beach
mats, towels and yoga mats to leave and
gave up. We agreed the Iyengar Yoga
class at Willow’s Beach Park had nearly
200 people!
This was a precious sharing, and the
aums at the beginning and end of our
Jane Jonas teaching at Willows Beach for Lauren serving at the June Assessment
session celebrated and acknowledged
Oak Bay Parks and Rec “Yoga -in”
the teaching of our Guru B.K.S.
Iyengar and my gratitude for the
opportunity to share his work.

In the Light of Yoga

Come celebrate the anniversary of the birth of
Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar with yoga, food, and chanting.

Saturday, December 14, 2014, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Photo: Kevin Mason

All are welcome at this free event.

Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria, 202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
250-386-YOGA (9642) [Link]

15
 Unimaginable Recovery of My Injured Shoulder
By Leslie Hogya

reprinted from Yoga Rahasya Vol. 21, no. 2, 2014

I
n January 2013, I tripped and fell on my In the meanwhile, I consulted my senior
dominant right arm. I went to the hospi- teachers and kept up my yoga practice,

PHOTOS: giles hogya

tal in excruciating pain and the problem adapting poses as needed. Finally, after I
was diagnosed as a dislocation of my right had regained some mobility, I felt ready
shoulder. I was asked to wear a sling for to travel to India – 10 months after my
six weeks to allow healing of the injured injury. When I arrived at the end of
arm. I thought that my activities would November 2013, I was not sure if Guruji
Arm raised maximum before Pune
be near-normal except for a little stiffness would have time to work with me, or
when I would remove the sling. But that whether I would even be allowed to
did not happen as I could not move my attend medical classes.
arm when the sling came off.
My condition had ‘improved’ in the last
I dislocated my shoulder and thought 10 months. But, I was far away from my
that my activities would become normal ‘normal’ yoga practice. My practice was
after I removed the sling. Eventually it very limited. I could not do adho mukha
was discovered that my muscles in the svanasana. I could not do independent
rotator cuff group (which surrounded sirsasana or sarvangasana. I was depen-
the upper arm bone in the socket) were dent on the rope and chair respectively.
badly torn and the supraspinatus muscle In their absence, the asana was not
was completely separated. I could only possible. My right arm was chronically
move my arm a few inches to the side bent and my shoulder lifted.
and front of my torso. The arm had no
After a few days in Pune, Guruji told
strength at all. My surgeon said that
me one morning, “I will be in medical
my injury was inoperable. I consulted a
Upward dog class tomorrow, you need to come.”
few more doctors but the response was
I stood straight in tadasana with my
the same. This meant that not only my
arms back holding the ropes. He lifted
yoga practice would be affected but even
and straightened the right arm [which
my day to day activities were going to
was chronically bent] with the slanting
be difficult. I finally wrote to the only
plank. He took me through a series of
‘doctor’ who would be able to help me.
poses that included work on the trestle,
I wrote to Guruji to ask if I could come
urdhva mukha svanasana with my palms
to Pune. Guruji said, “Do not to come
on the platform, hanging in rope sirsa-
unless you are willing to face unbearable
sana and ending with sarvangasana with
pain.” At that point I could not drive or
legs over the top bar of the trestle, and
even drink a cup of tea with my right
weights on my arms and hands.
arm. I had to stop and reflect after read-
ing his response. I contemplated a trip to The asanas that he made me do were to
Pune for the next few months but then move the armpit of the arm away from
I needed to have some mobility before I the armpit of the chest. I had lost muscle
could make it a reality. mass, and the ability to move my arm in

My surgeon said that my injury was inoperable.

I consulted a few more doctors but the response
Leslie demonstrates during shoulder was the same.
workshop

16
all directions. I had also unknowingly and I can feel their beneficial effect.
shortened my arm over time by not I am able to practice back bends like
completely straightening the elbow. All dhanurasna which give a great stretch to
that I was made to do was very painful the shoulder. I still need to use the chair
and led to intense sensations when I was and bench for urdhvad dhanurasana and
doing it but then the pain disappeared viparita dandasana. My daily activi-
immediately! ties have returned almost to normal. I
am able to drive again which was not
I was at the Institute for about three
possible as I could not shift gears in the
weeks. Guruji guided me in medical
car. I can lift and carry heavy objects.
classes several times and I worked with
Nothing of this was possible before
the programme during the rest of the

PHOTO: George Dovas

seeing Guruji.
week with the help from the other teach-
ers. As I progressed, he would guide me As we know yoga is not just a physi-
on how to further refine my practice. cal therapy. When Guruji Iyengar
was interviewed for his 95th birthday
The teachers at the Institute saw
he said to the Sakai Times: “Only
me practice nearly every day Shoulder stand with weights to free
yoga can bring you peace of mind.”
and they too were amazed at the shoulder
The courage I needed to travel to
strength, appearance and health of
Pune came from my practice.
my arm and shoulder within a few
days of my first medical class. Later in the same article he said: “The
body is like the cloth to the soul. It is
Back home, a physiotherapist said, she
our duty to take care of it...without this
had never seen anyone with this severe
cloth, we would not be able to move
an injury recover as much as I had!
and speak...with a peaceful mind, you
I am now able to do independent become more tolerant, patient, compas-
sirsasana albeit for a short time. I can sionate. Yoga is the best way to take
even do sarvangasana independently. I care of body and soul and that is why it
am able to do almost every asana except should be practiced every day.” (Sakai
those that require full extension of the Times. December 12, 2013.) Bhekasana after Pune
arms and weight bearing, as the supra-
I feel very grateful for the help given by
spinatus is completely gone. There is
Guruji. He is strong in his demands, and
still a long road to rebuild muscles that
there is no shirking of the work in his
might take over that function.
presence. I am thankful to all the teach-
All the standing asanas were very ers from the Institute and the visiting
difficult before I went to Pune. I was teachers from around the world. I want
amazed how much my balance was to thank Geetaji who has also given me a
affected because of an injured shoulder! I shoulder programme which I have added
needed the support of a wall. I could not to my practice. Thank you to Prashant
even bring the hand of the affected arm for inspiring me with his talks on the
down to the floor in parsvakonasana. philosophy of yoga, and my thanks to all
Now I am doing all the standing asanas the dedicated teachers at the Ramamani
without the support of the wall except Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute. I am
virabhadrasana I. The twisting asanas deeply humbled and forever grateful to
involve the extensive use of the shoulders you, Guruji. My head touches the floor
and arms and now I can even clasp my as I wipe the dust from your feet.
arms in marichyasana I and bharad-
vajasana. All the poses like bhekasana,
Arm raised after Pune
kurmasana and akarna dhanursana and
parivrtta janu sirsasana are possible now

17
The July Intro Intensive
By Leslie Hogya

I
t is aptly named, it is intense! The first morning began with a
grounding in basic asanas from the introductory syallabus. In
the afternoon, the sutras in chapter two on asana, pranayama,
pratyahara (sense withdrawal) were introduced and chanted.
After a short break, a session on basic pranayama ended the afternoon.
Ann Kilbertus and Leslie Hogya are the principle organizers,
but Ty Chandler, Lauren Cox, Linda Benn and Marlene
Miller all helped with the teaching and observing.
Prasarita Padottanasana concave position
The week continued, and everyone had a chance
to be critiqued on their teaching.
Friday afternoon was a highlight for everyone, as the participants
demonstrated their understanding of the sutras we had been chanting.
We had drama, dance, class demonstrations of poses and more.
One evening was social, and we gathered at Leslie’s for an Indian feast
from Spicejammer restaurant.

Presentations during the afternoon of the

Intro Intensive

(Above and below) Leslie Hogya hosts dinner

for participants of the July Intro Teachers
Training Intensive.

Parsva Hasta Padangusthasana

without support

Ustrasana rope variation

18
What a Day for a Picnic!
By Carole Miller

W
alking up the path to Shirley picking with her baby and
and Derek’s house brought back young son and told him about
wonderful memories. the same at Shirley and Derek’s
so many years ago.
For many of us, the Yoga community
has been one of the most important As I looked around at familiar
aspects of our lives in Victoria and the faces, many past presidents
yearly picnic became the place for all to of the Yoga Centre as well as
reconnect as we moved into fall. Many numerous past and current
of us were young parents with young members of the Board, some
children and through our growing of us much older, some of us local, some
yoga family, we developed a sense of from up Island, some whom I hadn’t
history that our families shared. The
picnic became a meeting place, a special
occasion, not only for us, but for our
seen in a very long time, I again am
reminded of the richness of our vital
community. What a privilege it was
Congratulations!
children to bond. to see so many new faces and to get to
know one another in a different context,
I remember so clearly Shirley giving all
relaxed, sharing the abundance of
the children cottage cheese containers to
delicious food.
use for blackberry picking. This weekend,
talking to my own children with little Thank you to all who helped to make The following candidates achieved
ones of their own, Adam recalled, “It this such a memorable day. Thank you Introductory II certification
was such a big place for us to run around, Shirley and Derek for your gracious at the June assessment in Montreal:
such fun!” Jenny told me that she had hospitality, warmth and the Louis Gérin, Quebec, QC
been blueberry incredible impact you have Yan Chabot, Montreal, QC
had on our yoga community, Marie-Claire Martin, Montreal, QC
our yoga family. Carla Ramirez, Montreal, QC
Claudie Berge, Montreal, QC
Michéle Morrier, Montreal, QC
Susie O’Reilly, Montreal, QC

The following candidates achieved

Intermediate Junior I certification
at the June assessment in Montreal:
Marie-Chantal Perras, Montreal, QC
Kara Thorsen, Montreal, QC

The following candidates achieved

Intermediate Junior II certification at
the June assessment in Victoria:
Glenda Balkan-Champagne, Victoria, BC
Jayne Lloyd-Jones, Vancouver, BC
Frema Bram, Edmonton, AB
Sharoni Fixler, Calgary, AB
Lori Berenz, Markham, ON
Azita Bafekr, North York, ON
Darcia Fenton, Kelowna, BC
Lynne Bowsher, Winfield, BC

19
Big Trees,
Warm Hearts
Impressions of the 30th Annual
Saltspring Retreat June, 2014
By Johanna Godliman

S
hirley Daventry French is a rare
teacher. Always, her life and her
yoga practice are one. This balance
was achieved at the 30th Annual
Saltspring retreat where participants,
including her husband Derek and
daughter Rachel, had the privilege to
study with this internationally respected
teacher, so at ease and fluent with the Parivrttaikapada sirsasana
subject of Yoga.
Britta Poisson provided conscious
and steady support over the weekend,
making sure that all went smoothly,
from leading the Friday night
Restorative class down to the last Bliss
ball! The food was simple and sattvic,
fresh and unsullied, replete with lots
of fruit, local garden produce and, of
course, Saltspring coffee.
Being there brought a welcome change
of pace for me and a chance to recon-
nect with my own personal rhythms: an
opportunity to clear away the clutter of
an over-busy schedule and palette. It was
a place to create room and find time for
my own growth. Preparation for virabhadrasana I and virabhadrasana III
The Salt Spring Centre of Yoga orienta-
tion expressed the scope of this working us through this ceremony honouring entered. Shirley’s spirited humour and
yoga community inspired by their Ganeesh where the five elements are supportive instruction sparked further
teacher, Baba Hari Dass. We were used symbolically to connect with the inspiration in us.
encouraged to respect a discipline that Higher Self.
Shirley taught superbly during the
felt sensible, familiar and welcome, On Saturday at Dawn, in early morning morning and afternoon asana sessions.
including mauni, both morning and quiet, Raven’s chanting and prayer bell Guiding a very diverse group through a
evening. Mauni is the practice of silence. could be heard clearly echoing around wide range of postures in what seemed
It means more than not speaking; it is a us, evoking the previous evening’s to be a very short length of time! We
way to quieten the mind. ceremony and calling us to our morning moved from introductory standing and
Since the bees had taken up residence in pranayama. Sleepy-headed participants seated poses onto more complex and
the sauna, we were generously invited were welcomed by a crackling wood demanding postures such as parivrtta
to attend an Aarti later that evening. stove, throwing out a steady heat to trikonasana, urdhva dhanurasana and
Raven, the resident priest and cook, led warm the large space and all who baddha padmasana.

20
Throughout the weekend, Shirley
selected different participants to demon-
strate, and told stories to illustrate her
insights with much contagious laugh-
ter. We worked long enough to delve
deep and to explore the core teachings
without haste. Many of the people
there – hailing from Vancouver Island,
the West coast of British Columbia and
beyond – have continued to return year
after year to foster their practice. It was
moving to see Shirley’s sincere connec-
tion to the group.
The Salt Spring Centre’s guru, Baba
Hari Dass, inspires their work, play
Shirley demonstrates salabhasana with daughter Rachel French de Mejia
and organisation. In addition to several
ornate shrines, water features dedicated
to forms of the Divine energise the Because of the evening’s warmth, I was many interns filing in soon after our
land. These sites of worship provide a able to sit outside and blow soap bubbles large group. After meals, it was a good
striking counterpoint to the gardens, for a little fun. From my perch behind to see small groups spreading out on the
and numerous small buildings. The the open door, the wind carried the balcony and talking in the gardens. At
library also holds many spiritual writ- bubbles playfully through the door way. other times, they sat quietly writing or
ings and provides another quiet place of Mixing joyful delight with the heartfelt reading in the dining hall. On the wall
contemplation. sounds was a pure celebration. of the dining hall was this familiar Peace
chant:
On Saturday afternoon, I luxuri- There were signs of Yoga everywhere.
ated in the slower pace, while others The Garden House, where some of us Saha Naa Vavatu Saha Nau Bhunaktu
went off to enjoy the bustling Ganges were staying, also had an Ayurvedic heal- Saha Veeryam Karavavahai
Farmer’s market. I chose to stay and ing centre and a yoga studio – a precious Tejasvi Naa Vaditam Astu
explore, to take time for self-reflection. haven for quiet practice, which I used Maa Vidvishavahai
Entering the enclosed garden, designed with gratitude. Returning after morning Om Shaanti Shaanti Shaanti
to protect it from the deer, I found pranayama on Sunday, I also observed
Together may we be protected
a temple dedicated to Hanuman, an the large group of young summer interns
Together may we be nourished
old orchard behind the main house, mid-practice there. Later on, I caught a
Together may we work to understand
and many working buildings – one glimpse of a yogi in an inversion inside a
May our learning be luminous May we
hung full with well-used, long-handled small temple. From a distance, through
not quarrel with one another
farm implements. Standing beside the the long side windows, all that was
Peace, peace, peace.
dormant sauna, I glanced up at the tall visible were his extended legs, stretched
so high that his feet appeared to touch Open to many visitors, some who came
trees bordering the edge of the rural
the dome. just for the day and others who camped
property. The Ashram is a spiritual
outside in the meadow, the Salt Spring
centre surrounded by a thick wall of dark At one of many engaged mealtime
centre of Yoga provided us all a setting
forest, a place to go within. conversations, a resident explained he
to experience a working farm and to
On Saturday evening, we were welcomed had returned recently, and noticed a
connect with the Yoga teachings of
to join in the Kirtan. The Salt Spring transition in the work of the Centre.
Patanjali. Like our teacher, Shirley, this
Centre of Yoga has many fine sing- Residents and interns spent more time
is a rare blessing. Long may we unite!
ers and musicians and a strong Kirtan practising asana and studying the philos-
ophy of Yoga in addition to their various With gratitude to the IYCV Board and
following. Kirtan is a part of the Hindu
duties as karma yogis. Certainly, I had the president Laine Canivet for this
tradition of singing the praises of the
noticed a great deal of calm, conscious quality time away, and to B.K.S. Iyengar
Divine in its many forms; it is an impor-
living. The meals were unhurried, the for the seeds of his teaching that have
tant practice of bhakti (devotional) yoga.
travelled so far.

21
 Thank you!
Thank you to Darvin Miller of the Renaissance Retirement • To Gary Wong for all the tasks you took on as coordinator,
Living for his very generous donation of linens and dishes for timer, runner, volunteer student, technical support, etc.
the High Tea Fundraiser that was held on March 27, 2014 • To Linda Larson for coordinating the meals and snacks,
Thank you to Kelvin Aldons and Wiesja Pukesh for the yoga cleaning up, running around and just making sure that the
books they donated to the library. team was well fed and watered! It was so great to see you there
Thank you to Al Reford for his ador- doing all that work and never losing
able job in fixing the Arbutus exit. that amazing smile of yours!
Thank you to all those who helped • To our chefs: Tracy Silberer, Joan
make the 30th annual Salt Spring A Special Thank You Rushton, Ty Chandler, Melissa
Worth, Debby Jones, Atsuko
Retreat a success!
• To Shirley Daventry French – her Sandra Harper has been appointed to Howden (Lori Hamar a willing back-
devotion, grace, and wit combined the B.C. Supreme Court, and must up but not needed)
with the distillation of more than 40 dismantle her law practice in Victoria. • To helpers: Douglas Fraser, Brandy
years of practice and teaching made for A long-time student of Wendy Boyer, Baybutt, Johanna Godliman.
a joyful and unforgettable retreat. We Sandra has donated an excellent • To our numerous volunteer
are inspired! colour photocopier to our Centre, so students, runners, timers, etc.:
that we can print our flyers in-house!
• To Derek French, our trusted physi- Boni Hoy, Brandy Baybutt, Caren
Congratulations and thank you, Sandra,
cian, who thought to bring a heart Liedtke, Diane Taylor, Douglas
for your generous gift.
defibrillator, and was there to care Fraser, Gary Wong, Jane McFarlane,
for a wonky knee – and keep us in Jayne Jonas, Jeannette Merryfield, Jill
stitches with his own brand of dry wit. Williams, Johanna Godliman, Lenore
• To Sheila Redhead and Clarke, Lucie Guindon, Marilyn
Jill Williams for carpooling, loading and transport- Shepard, Melissa Perehudoff, Nancy Searing, Robin Cantor,
ing props from Centre to Centre, AND back again. Stacey Frank, and Suzanne Tremblay.
Thanks to Greg Gale for carpooling, too!
• Also, to those who helped with unloading and re-loading
props at the SSCY – it happened so fast, I don’t even know
who you are!
• To Janine Bandcroft and Rachel French de Mejia for docu-
menting the retreat.
• To Johanna Godliman, strong butterfly, flitting about and
doing what needs to be done.
Scholarships and Bursaries
• Thanks also to Paramita, Kris, Raven, and the Karma yogis at
the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga for providing a supportive, and Members’ scholarships are available for:
beautiful, environment in which to practice Yoga.
Going Deeper with Shirley Daventry French,
November 21-22, deadline for applications
Thank you for the June Intermediate Junior II Assessment at September 21
the Centre: Bursaries are available to all students presently enrolled
• Much gratitude to all the “team” and the students for the in classes. To subsidize your term fees, please apply
incredibly efficient and smoothly run assessment over the week- three weeks prior to term.
end. The candidates were full of glowing praises for the support Applications for both are available at the reception desk.
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
and warmth felt. The assessment team really appreciated the 202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
assistance and care that was extended to all. 250-386-YOGA (9642)

22
 Thank You for Fire Cleanup

W
e astounded the restoration company that helped us battle smoke damage
from the Blue Fox Café below, when our manager, Wendy Boyer said we
would re-open, allowing just three days to do a massive cleanup.
At 6:30 am on June 2 she arrived to find smoke billowing out of our second floor
windows on Fort St. Lauren’s Monday morning class came in to find that instead of
doing dog pose, they did, “carry out all the mats and blankets.”
Members’ Practice
Wendy, Britta Poisson and Jane McFarlane worked non-stop for three days to get
All current members of the everything washed, dried and returned for Thursday morning.
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
who attend a regular class Many others helped in big and small ways. The insurance claim did not cover all
or have received permission the costs after we paid the deductible. Many people helped with donations to offset
from practice monitor are the losses. Every single thing in the centre had to be cleaned, from the individual
welcome to participate in an bricks on the walls to each belt. Large exhaust fans ran continuously. The restoration
open practice every Sunday company was hard working and knew exactly what to do.
afternoon from 12:30-3:30 pm. A huge thank you to our community for support through a trying week.
There is no instruction given
We have had fire, flood, and many other dramatic events in our history on Fort
in this self-directed practice
Street. It is a true testament to the commitment of our community that we accom-
session. Props, books and
plished so much in such a short time.
other resources are available
for the use of anyone who THANKS TO ALL.
attends.

Come for 20 minutes or stay

for three hours! ­
Name: _______________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

society _____________________________________________

Membership City: _________________________________________

For a one year membership, Prov / State: _____________ Postal code ________
please complete this form
and send it with your cheque Country: _____________________________________
IYAC/ACYI or money order to:

ASSESSMENT DATES Iyengar Yoga Centre Phone: _______________________________________

of Victoria Society
c/o Hilary McPhail E-mail: _______________________________________
September 19-21 202-919 Fort Street
Introductory II, Victoria BC Victoria BC V8V 3K3
 lease mail me my newsletter as I do not
P
Membership fee is $40 + GST, attend classes at the Centre.
October 24-26, renewable each January.
Intermediate Junior I/II, P
 lease email me when the Newsletter is
available on the IYCV website.
Vancouver BC
Receipt required.
November 7-9
Introductory II, Membership benefits include a 5% discount on registered
London ON classes, a discount on workshops, advance booking for major
January 30 - February 1, 2015 workshops, borrowing privileges in our library, free members’
Intermediate Junior I practice, eligibility to become a board member and eligibility
Edmonton, AB for workshop scholarships!

23
 Calendar
September 2014 December
6 Open House 5 Practice Enrichment
19-21 Intro 2 Assessment, Victoria 14 Anniversary of Guruji’s Birthday
26-29 Chris Saudek Workshop 20-21 Winter Solstice Workshop

October January 2015

2-5 Stephanie Quirk, Vancouver 1 New Year’s Day Practice
18 Teachers’ PD Day 23 Practice Enrichment
17 Practice Enrichment 24-25 Heart of Yoga

November February
1 50+ Workshop 21 Teachers’ PD Day
7 Practice Enrichment
8 Teachers’ PD Day March
21-22 Going Deeper 6-8 Louie Ettling Workshop

April
25 Teachers’ PD Day

Winter Solstice Workshop

With Ty Chandler
is pleased to present
Dec. 20 & 21, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Stephanie Quirk First night: forward bend practice with inversions.

Second night: backbend practice with inversions.
Not recommended for beginners.
Seeing, Understanding
and Reflecting from the Base Fees:
One night:$30 + GST IYCV members, $35 + GST non-members;
Part six of a course for teachers October 2-5, 2014 Both nights:$55 + GST IYCV members, $65 + GST non-members;
For information,
call Ann Kilbertus (250) 598-0976. To register, drop in or call Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
250-386-YOGA (9642)
Refunds will be offered only if your space can be filled
and are subject to a $15.00 cancellation fee.

24
 A Tribute to our Beloved B.K.S. Iyengar

special NEWSletter issue November 2014

 Contents
3 From the Editor 22 B.K.S. Iyengar – A Gift to Humanity
By Roger Champagne By Derek French

4 Reflections on a Path of Liberation 24 Sri B.K.S. Iyengar, First Meeting

By Shirley Daventry French By Marlene Linda Miller

8 Remembering: Moments with B.K.S. Iyengar 25 Beloved Guruji: Teaching Us about

By Sheri Berkowitz the Art of Letting Go
By Karin Dayton
9 Dear Mr. Iyengar
By Jane McFarlane 26 B.K.S. Iyengar: His Poetry is Everywhere
By Ann Kilbertus
10 Constant Practice, Constant Growth
By Jane Munro 26 Live in the Present
By Ty Chandler
13 Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar,
Essential Reading 27 The Man Who Planted Vrksasanas
By Leslie Hogya By Britta Poisson

15 Memories of Guruji 28 Tribute from New Teachers

By Yvonne Kipp
30 Light and Joy
18 In Gratitude By Athena George
By Carole Miller
31 Guruji’s Gift to Me
19 Guruji, The Lion By Marilyn Shepherd
By Linda Shevloff
32 Calendar

Submission Deadline for next issue: Iyengar YOGA CENTRE OF VICTORIA Newsletter Advertising Policy
January 15, 2015 SOCIETY is a non-profit society incorporated (Adopted February 20, 2004)
under the Society Act of the Province of B.C., In keeping with the mandate of the Iyengar
Editor Roger Champagne whose purpose is “to encourage the physical, Yoga Centre of Victoria Society Directors,
Newsletter Committee mental, and spiritual growth of its members and 2004, to update, review and document policies
Roger Champagne, Lauren Cox, Shirley other interested persons of the society at large and procedures, the newsletter committee
Daventry French, Johanna Godliman, Leslie by the study and discipline of Yoga.” The Society submitted a policy which is a revision of the
Hogya, Jane McFarlane, Hilary McPhail. owes its inspiration to Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar. 1996 policy and has been adopted by the Board
Design & Production Cady Graphics The Newsletter, published regularly by the of Directors as follows:
IYENGAR YOGA CENTRE OF Victoria
IYCV Logo Charles Campbell, Lauren Cox 1. Advertisements must not conflict with the
SOCIETY, provides current information on events
Illustrations Lauren Cox aims of the newsletter of the IYCV.
concerning Iyengar yoga in the Victoria area.
photography Leslie Hogya, Derek French, Send contributions, articles, photographs 2. Advertisements must be only for Iyengar
Soni Studios, Bobby Clennell, Ty Chandler, (high resolution), drawings, information or yoga.
Linda Shevloff, James Burton suggestions to: the Iyengar Yoga Centre of 3. Priority will be given to advertisements
Cover PHoto Derek French Victoria Newsletter, 202-919 Fort Street, regarding IYCV events, IYCV sponsored
Victoria BC V8V 3K3. events, and IYAC events.
proofing Judy Atkins
Permission is hereby granted to reprint any Registration
ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary McPhail,
of our material, except that copyrighted by the
Britta Poisson Please visit our website:
author or artists. When reprinting, please credit
DISTRIBUTION Adia Kapoor, Krysia this Newsletter and send us two copies of the [Link] for full information
Strawczynski publication containing our material. Copyright on classes and workshops.
MEMBERSHIP/MAILING LIST Hilary McPhail material is available only with written permission. Drop in: 202-919 Fort Street,
Printing Hillside Printing The editor/newsletter committee hold the right Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3
to publish or edit all articles at their discretion. Phone: (250) 386-YOGA (9642)

2
 In appreciation of the life and work of
Sri Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar,
from students and teachers on the
West Coast of British Columbia.

From the Editor

By Roger Champagne

W
hen Shirley Daventry French suggested that we Eventually I got up my nerve and took my letter, my
dedicate a special issue to the life and work of questions, and myself down to the fabled library, where Mr.
B.K.S. Iyengar, we put out a call for submissions, Iyengar did his daily correspondence.
and a short while later I was immersed in anecdotes and For days I went to the library in the afternoon. It was
images that students and teachers wanted to share. Many of a very special opportunity to see Mr. Iyengar up close; to
these experiences went back to early years in the story of Mr hear him in discussion with his staff; to see how patient and
Iyengar and the growth of “Iyengar” yoga in Canada. What generous he was while dealing with the constant stream of
a time of change! visitors bringing gifts and greetings from all over the world,
It was a privilege to read these pieces and to get a sense and asking for his blessing.
of the profound effect this man had on so many people. A few days later I was reading in the library, and I felt
My first trip to Pune came after about a decade of something prodding my subconscious, something hard to
practice through various Iyengar centres. As a teacher and define, the pressure of someone’s gaze. I looked up and
practitioner, my wife was more committed to deepening Mr. Iyengar was looking right at me. Now…,he said, as he
and broadening her knowledge. looked straight at me!
I was excited about spending time in an exotic country The interview was filled with humour and insight, and
and also hoping to take classes. Mr. Iyengar made me feel quite comfortable. It was a great
Shirley Daventry French suggested that I represent the opportunity to be near this great man, and to hear him
Newsletter, as editor, and meet with Mr. Iyengar and ask speaking so eloquently and easily on a number of issues
for an interview. She wrote a personal letter to Mr. Iyengar about yoga and the modern world.
to that purpose, on my behalf. I never had the opportunity to be taught by Mr.
I was accepted into public classes, filled with local Iyengar, but I am deeply grateful to have met him, to
students and taught by a remarkable series of Indian sense his power and to have been in his presence. I am
teachers. I settled into the classes and went to the practice amazed how one trip to Pune and meeting Mr. Iyengar in
hall every afternoon for further practice. the library, where he was so at ease, has taken root in me
and continues to affect me. I am also grateful to Shirley
Daventry French for opening this door for me.
I never had the opportunity to be The writers in this issue have had multiple trips and
many occasions to be taught by B.K.S. Iyengar. I now
taught by Mr. Iyengar, but I am have a clearer understanding of the effect he must have
deeply grateful to have met him, to had on them.

sense his power and to have been in Roger practices at the Iyengar YoGa Centre in Victoria under
Ann Kilbertus. He edits the Centre newsletter.
his presence.
3
 Reflections on a Path of Liberation
By Shirley Daventry French

This work is my offering to

My Invisible, First and Foremost Guru
Lord Patanjali

T he above statement is the dedication in B.K.S. Iyengar’s

book Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Students of Iyengar yoga who were fortunate to spend time
in B.K.S. Iyengar’s presence would have known that his life
and work were dedicated to the study and practice of classical
Astanga yoga in the tradition of Patanjali. The term Iyengar yoga
did not exist for B.K.S. Iyengar himself (although he eventually
surrendered and accepted its use by his pupils).
Similarly, B.K.S. Iyengar did not seek to be called Guruji;
but here again, he surrendered to the gradual adoption of
this honorific. First it was primarily Indian students who
addressed him this way; but as international students studying
under his tutelage learned more and more about the meaning
and purpose of yoga, it was a form of address which came
naturally to them. For myself, being English by upbringing
and somewhat reserved in such matters I formally sought his
permission by asking: “Sir, may I call you Guruji?”
Mr. Iyengar. Sir. Guruji. All seemed to be acceptable to
him. But one day I was standing with him in the lobby of
the Institute when some students came down the stairs from
the yoga hall fresh from a class or practice: one young man
passing by nodded to Guruji and said “Hi!” Guruji did not
respond directly but turned to me and said: “Hi—that’s not
appropriate!”
Over four chapters and 196 sutras, Patanjali guides us on B.K.S. in Canada
a journey of liberation from a confused mind and fluctuating
levels of consciousness towards freedom or emancipation. It
is a difficult journey fraught with obstacles during which it is
helpful to have a guide. I am so grateful to have had Guruji as
my guide on this journey. Now, in company with his pupils
the world over, I am mourning the loss of Guruji’s physical
presence; a loss tempered by the knowledge that he has given
me the means to continue this journey without this presence.
His exemplary life, the imprint of his teaching, his many books
and discourses are still available. Most important of all, he has

He has provided the tools required for

the spiritual journey along with training
in their use. Shirley and others watch intently as B.K.S. teaches in 1979

4
Body, mind, breath and intelligence were
in constant use in support of his purpose
to live a spiritual life.

provided the tools required for the spiritual journey along with
training in their use.
Before I went to Pune and took classes with Guruji, I
had practised and studied yoga for nine years, read and heard
a lot of talk about the body as a spiritual tool. These words
sometimes came from teachers who had honed their minds
and raised the level of their consciousness, but their bodies did
not reflect this. There was a dichotomy. In Guruji, I sensed
integration. Body, mind, breath and intelligence were in
constant use in support of his purpose to live a spiritual life.
When I stood in class in Pune in front of B.K.S. Iyengar
for the first time in 1979, I had practised and prepared myself
as diligently as I knew how, but I could not possibly have
envisioned teaching of such depth, such refinement and such
brilliance. It was intriguing but it was also overwhelming. My
doubts and scepticism did not magically disappear, but I knew
that here in this crowded noisy polluted city was something
very special and unique. I paid full attention. By the time the
three-week Intensive course was over, I was exhausted and
B.K.S. teaching a point to Shirley.

couldn’t get out of India fast enough—and once home,

I couldn’t wait to go back!
Most of the courses for foreign students were three-week
Intensives. On their return many teachers would write in their
bios that they had “studied intensively” with Mr. Iyengar;
reading this Derek and I would smile because really there was
no other way. He was intense, his teaching was intensively
intense, the work was intensive.
Three years later I did return knowing better what to
expect, or so I thought. But the reality was that you could never
anticipate Guruji’s teaching; it was always fresh! You would
be taught what you needed to learn to remove your personal
obstacles on the spiritual path, most often something you had
never thought of.
I had heard Guruji saying to some students: “You are
wasting my time!” Or, admonishing them because he had
taught them something on a previous visit which they had
ignored or forgotten. He had a phenomenal memory and later
I discovered that it went back many years. I have a subscription
for the Oxford English Dictionary online plus a two-volume
edition on my bookshelf. I refer to these frequently to verify my
memory and clarify the use and meaning of words. Yogis, on
Bruce Caruthers, Shirley and B.K.S. enjoy the fresh ocean air the other hand, speak of something called the Akashic records,
near Victoria a super library (or these days perhaps I should say “computer’)
5
where every deed, word, feeling, thought and intention of each
one of us is recorded. Guruji appeared to have a direct line to
these records. His power of recall was supernatural!
On this second visit to Pune I was accompanied by eight
others from Victoria. I had tried to prepare them for the impact
of studying with Guruji. However, at the end of the first class
during which Guruji had been particularly fierce—Carole
Miller from Victoria came up to me and said: “Shirley, it’s like
having a baby, no-one can tell you what it’s like!”
In 1984 after the international Iyengar convention in
San Francisco, Guruji visited Victoria. Here in three separate
classrooms he observed some of our teachers teach, and ended
up teaching a mega-class himself standing on top of a rickety
table which made us all nervous. One evening the yoga centre Prashant, B.K.S. Iyengar and Geeta

hosted a formal banquet in his honour with Swami Radha and

the Mayor of Victoria also in attendance as our guests. Edmonton) he first saw local teachers teach and then brought
After Mayor Pollen had extended an official welcome the entire group together and taught them himself.
on behalf of the City of Victoria, Swami Radha offered an Visits to Pune became a regular part of my life interspersed
appreciation of Guruji: with conventions with Guruji in North America and Europe.
All were memorable. At conventions Guruji would go on what
On a personal level I have not met anybody of a combination we came to call a “walkabout” while teachers from that country
that is so unique—generosity, kindness, and the fierce and or that continent were teaching classes. Sometimes there
demanding teacher that I have seen when watching him in were specific teachers he wanted to observe and sometimes it
the class; who knows precisely what he is doing to not only a appeared to be quite random.
millimetre but a fraction, and (how) to penetrate most of the For someone with Guruji’s enormous presence he was still
things that pass us by. (Others) don’t have enough power… able to slip in unobserved if he so wished. This happened to
to catch and really penetrate to a level of conviction that will me in San Diego where the convention was held in a huge hall
change our lives. And that is what is necessary. Our lives and classrooms were curtained off with no fixed walls unless
have to be changed. Listen with your intuition. You might you happened to get a room on the outside. You had to be
never hear this much wisdom with so much concern and so prepared to think on your feet about how to provide support in
much compassion again! other ways. In one of these rooms with curtains for walls, I was
During Guruji’s visit to Victoria, Derek and I had the teaching Virabhadrasana I and one man told me it was hurting
additional honour of hosting him as a guest in our home his back. I observed him and made some suggestions after
and then I accompanied him by air to Edmonton where my which I enquired: “Is that better?” At this moment, Guruji’s
colleague Liz McLeod (a senior Canadian teacher of that era voice boomed in my ear: “Don’t ask him. You have to know!”
sadly now deceased) was hosting Guruji. Generously Liz invited Advice I have never forgotten. Then he gave some points
me to stay in her home. When we arrived at Edmonton airport about teaching this asana along with general tips to improve
a crowd of students waited to welcome Guruji with Liz at the my teaching. There was a gap in the curtains at one end of the
forefront. She was so excited when she saw him she threw her room providing a doorway through which the students and
arms around him in greeting (a breach of unwritten protocol). I had entered. In my mind this was the front of the room.
Guruji was a bit surprised but took it in the spirit in which it Guruji chose instead to enter through a small crack between
was offered. His visit to Edmonton followed a similar scenario two curtains at the back of the room! This man whose presence
to that in Victoria. Fresh from a huge international convention was so huge and dynamic could be silent and invisible if he so
in the United States, he had said he wouldn’t teach in Canada, wished!
but in the three cities he visited (Vancouver, Victoria and Guruji’s intention was always to give us guidance but he
had no hesitation in stopping us if we were on the wrong
track and pointing us in another direction. If he thought
you were on the right track he would help you deepen your
For someone with Guruji’s enormous understanding. If you showed your ego, he matched it with his
presence he was still able to slip in ego. If you were willing to listen, look and learn he helped you
refine your teaching.
unobserved if he so wished.
6
Guruji’s entire life and work were from this visit is one of my most valuable possessions. It contains
one of my favourite quotes from Guruji: “Intelligence, when
devoted to this removal of ignorance. awakened, says: What a fool I’ve been!”
Guruji’s entire life and work were devoted to this removal
Those teachers in Canada who have undergone various of ignorance. What a privilege to have known him and learned
levels of assessment, sometimes mention that the seniormost from him!
teachers in this country did not have to suffer through that This 85th birthday course was notable in another way. As it
process. True, because we received our certificates directly from came to a close there was the usual ceremony with flowers and
Guruji; but we have been assessed—by Guruji! speeches as thanks were given for Guruji’s brilliant teaching.
In October 1991 I travelled to Pune to join a Dutch/ In his response, Guruji spoke of the tree of yoga and the roots
German intensive with Geetaji. On the Sunday before it was to he had put down to nourish its growth. It was a robust tree,
begin, she gave us an introductory talk. Early Monday morning and he made a special point of acknowledging two very strong
we were gathered in the yoga hall when Guruji entered wearing new branches representing his foremost disciples: Geetaji and
his dhoti.1 He strode to the front and centre of the class and Prashantji. He ended by expressing his satisfaction that the work
started to disrobe. Then hands on hips he announced: “Your would be in good hands when he was no longer here with us.
good fortune is my bad fortune! I am going to be your teacher!” Once, during an interview, Geeta was asked how it felt to
Geeta’s sister had just had a baby and, since their mother was live in Guruji’s shadow. She replied that, on the contrary, she
dead, Geeta was assuming the responsibilities of a traditional was living in his Light. May that long continue!
Indian mother to care for her sister in this post-partum period. In closing I should like to express condolences to the entire
This was one of the most intense intensives for me, because Iyengar family for their personal loss.
not only did I have daily classes with Guruji but was doing In eternal gratitude from one of Guruji’s devoted pupils,
some editing on the manuscript of his sutras book and making Shirley Daventry French
recommendations about English language and grammar. This
Shirley Daventry French is the founder of the Iyengar Yoga Centre
required me to spend all of my time outside of class in the
of Victoria and a direct student of B.K.S. Iyengar.
library. Occasionally (as on Sundays) I was alone there. Most
of the time Guruji was present, and I had the opportunity to
discuss sections of the book with him clarifying whether my
inability to understand was due to his choice of English or I
simply had not grasped the concept he intended to convey.
Dear Margot, Leslie, Shirley and Peggy,
The library is a musty damp basement room, but I valued
every moment of the time I was spending there. With deep sadness in the heart I send you a
On his 85th birthday Guruji taught an unusual and big warm hug, after this big loss of our dear
memorable course on the panchavayus or five vital energies.2 Each Guruji.
course with Guruji was unique, but this one was quite unusual. I would like to acknowledge my teachers who
Guruji taught ten or twelve students, mostly Indian, on a have always passed on with love and devotion
platform while the rest of us watched. The first day he showed his teachings.
how to raise consciousness without props, and the following
day how to use props to raise consciousness. We learned to see With gratitude and love,
beyond muscles, joints and skin and observe transformations Alicia Ramos
in the flow of energy generated by Guruji’s adjustments. In a Alicia is a certified teacher in Mexico City.
variety of ways Guruji opened up the path of liberation! We
had the opportunity to take notes. Each evening Guruji’s son
Prashant reviewed the morning’s teaching for the benefit of
Indian students who could not attend. This gave visiting teachers
the opportunity to go over the material again. My notebook

1 A long swathe of cloth wrapped around the lower body worn by Hindu men.
2 Apana (in the lower trunk controlling elimination of urine, semen and faeces),
samana (vital energy which aids digestion), prana (life force, breath), udana (in
the throat region controlling the vocal cords, intake of air and food) and vyana
(pervading the entire body, distributing energy from breath and food through
arteries, veins and nerves).

7
Remembering: Moments with B.K.S. Iyengar
By Sheri Berkowitz

O
n September 17, the evening that we Canadian students The breath was of such duration and
had chosen for a Canada wide time of memorial, I
lit a candle and sat quietly to honour this remarkable
evenness that it seemed that each part,
man, B.K.S. Iyengar. Memories and thoughts about what he the inhalation and then the exhalation,
has brought to me, and to so many as well as how I see his
was interminable.
contributions arose in my mind.
Perhaps not everyone knows that Mr. Iyengar did many long of what were then called “Intensives,” I went with a
demonstrations all over the world through the years. In the late group led by Liz McLeod who was the first Iyengar teacher
‘80s there was a convention in Boston at Harvard University in Edmonton and the inspiration for all the wonderful work
which many of us attended. It was in fact a meeting at that that is done there today. Can you imagine, intense days
gathering that initiated the formation of IYAC/ACYI. of classes taught by all the Iyengars and then, right at the
We were very fortunate to have him share one of his end, being hosted to a wonderful dinner in the garden?
demonstrations at that convention. The most compelling Mr. Iyengar changed his persona from stern, challenging
moment for me was how he began this demo. He came teacher to the most welcoming, hospitable, delighted and
on stage, in the presence of a sizeable audience and had delightful host you could ever imagine. He visited with
someone hold a microphone. Then he simply took a full, everyone, wanting to make certain that we each had tasted
long ujjayi breath. He did this into a microphone so we this or that, and that we were enjoying ourselves in his home.
could hear clearly. The breath was of such duration and He was a charming presence; a cross between a loving familiar
evenness that it seemed that each part, the inhalation and grandfather and impresario.
then the exhalation, was interminable. It was mastery. I On my first visit to India, June of 1979, classes were very
am still learning from the memory of this one breath. small and the only other non Indian students were a young man
The asana that followed was of course riveting to watch with from California and a woman from Japan. I found these classes
his elegant elongations, smooth transitions from one asana to very challenging as their accents were hard to understand, and
another, long holds, deep concentration and clarity of form that to work at that demanding level made me feel quite fearful and
showed the direction that our individual practice could follow. uncomfortable. Mr. Iyengar then focused his attention on me
In the years when Canadians went to Pune for a month and suddenly adjusted me in a seated twist. He told me lift

B.K.S. demonstrating Virabhadrasana I at the Victoria YM-YWCA. Observing students in Victoria

8
my spine and with his hands on my back said “now twist.” Of
course my body obligingly turned greatly in response. I caught
the twinkle in his eye and we both enjoyed a moment of shared Dear Mr. Iyengar
laughter.
His humanity and how he used his sternness in teaching to
create greater possibilities were then clear to me and my fear of T hank you for teaching the yoga of Patanjali to the
modern world. Your sequential method of asana,
pranayama, and teacher training provides an accessible,
him was over.
I recall Mr. Iyengar at his 80th birthday celebration with more safe, honest, and intrinsically self-correcting progres-
than 800 people from all over the world there to be with him and sion from yama to samadhi as well as from samadhi to
learn from him. At the beginning of proceedings he was seated on yama. Your compassionate blazing of the path is the
a podium with groups of students in order of country, person by proof of your complete journey.
person, bowing to touch his feet in greeting and honouring. His Thank you for believing that all students are
quiet, ceremonial presence was filled with humility and a knowing ultimately worthy. The refinement of body posture
deserving acceptance of this honouring process. and breathing is readily accessible to all, and all
Always, when teaching, his manner was alert and students can make progress on this path due to the
purposeful, his words direct and informative. In contrast, to see effects of improved posture and breathing. Our
him in his office, his demeanour was focused and quiet in the worthy nature is uncovered progressively. You have
midst of the turbulence of many discussions. Now the serious, shown that asana and pranayama can be a practical,
competent businessman appeared. He was managing what graduated, experiential exposition of the path of yoga
had grown into a worldwide community, over which he stood for all.
watch and guided, with a strong and clear vision, the myriad of A musical instrument is an extension of the body
details and personalities that this entailed. and its voice. You have chosen the naked body as
All of us who had the opportunity to be alongside Mr. your instrument, apparently a poor man’s choice.
Iyengar in the hall experienced first hand the depth of his Even so, there are ancient ‘how to’ manuals sitting in
lifelong practice. I remember one time he was in a supported libraries written in archaic languages that are seldom
backbend that looked to me like something that I wished to read or discussed, and even less often actually put into
try. After he left I set up a similar support only to learn the practice. The most ancient text, however, which we all
depth of his posture and the unavailability to me of what had share and has been copied faithfully from generation
looked so simple. to generation, is our genetic code, housed in each
I am deeply grateful for his life and my ability to learn from cell of our body. Through your asana, noble Sir, we
his teachings. have witnessed the harmonization of cells into fluent
There is an inner place I reach which I think is shared by all words. Your asana has made the meaning and music of
his students. It is peaceful, integrated, focused, learned, strong Sanskrit come to life. Your spine and central nervous
and perhaps above all, generative. system together have actually become a tree becoming
He has written texts that bring the ancient teachings of a wheel traversing the razor edge where symbol meets
yoga to a modern world. He has taught a remarkably practical reality.
set of practices that bring the awareness to live fully embodied, Thank you for inspiring and guiding the fire
dedicated, healthy, joy filled and useful lives. that is Shirley Daventry French, who has created a
His contribution to human life on the planet in our times community of practitioners in Victoria, Canada. I
was deep and profound. It will light the lives of multitudes into have never met you, but I have felt the resonance of
a grateful future. your asana which traverses time and space, through
practice-based teacher training.
Sheri Berkowitz is a certified Iyengar teacher. She has recently Your beacon shines light into the ancient past and
relocated from Salt Spring Island to Victoria. will guide future generations from all lands, from all
walks of life, through all stages of life.
Sincerely, Jane McFarlane
His contribution to human life on Jane McFarlane entered teacher training in 2010
the planet in our times was deep and under Lauren Cox. She studies asana, pranayama, and
philosophy under Shirley Daventry French, Lauren Cox
profound. It will light the lives of and Ty Chandler.

multitudes into a grateful future.

9
Constant Practice, Constant Growth:
tapah svadhyaya Isvarapranidhanani
kriyayogah
By Jane Munro

F
ive years ago, on October 28, 2009, I had the privilege
of interviewing B.K.S. Iyengar. This was during my first
trip to the Ramamami Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute
in Pune. I was taking classes there for October and half of
November, 2009.
In retrospect, I’m slightly stunned that Guruji agreed to
talk with me. He looked at my questions and said “yes.”
It was an amazing conversation. B.K.S. Iyengar – the
legendary yoga master – spoke with intensity and clarity to
a far-from-expert yoga student from Canada. I was deeply
moved by his humility, and by the artistry with which he found
metaphors and images to convey his meaning. Five years later,
those teachings still grip my imagination. But what stays with
me even more indelibly is the energy of his heart-mind-soul. I felt he saw me as I wasn’t used
I say “heart-mind-soul” for lack of a better term. Person?
Self? Perhaps what I saw in him was the individual self so to being seen.
focused and integrated that what yogis might call the greater
Self shone through, unhindered. plus the relentless growth of his informed insight into himself
I’d seen Guruji in situations where he could train that and his students (svadhyaya) cleared the path for genius. It
energy like a fire hose on someone who appeared out of line: didn’t feel intrusive but it was illuminating; I felt he saw me as
watched one man recoil up a flight of stairs on its blast when I wasn’t used to being seen.
Guruji said, “Not now!” I’d also seen that energy incubate his Without any apparent effort on his part, the sweep of his
granddaughter, Abhijata, in a warm, unflappable, tenderness attention passed through me, did a little house cleaning, fanned
while Guruji worked with her morning after morning, directing a fire, flicked lights on, spruced the place up. What’s more – it
and observing her practice. left a trace: a thread I could follow through the inner maze.
It’s an energy I’ve seen in other people. For instance, I’ve Patanjali says tapah svadhyaya Isvarapranadhani kriyayogah [II.1]
seen it in well-practiced musicians when they perform, and in which B.K.S. Iyengar translates as “Burning zeal in practice,
other kinds of artists transported by their work. I’ve also seen it self-study and study of scriptures, and surrender to God are the
in other yoga teachers. acts of yoga.”
But what struck me about Guruji was the – in my One of the questions I asked Guruji was “What is your
experience – unparalleled transformative power of his attention. vision of what will happen to the institute?” He had poured
I’d guess that his almost eighty years of self-study combined years of effort into RIMYI; I was curious about what he would
with a rigorous dedication to improving his teaching allowed a like to happen to it after his death.
remarkable intelligence and acceptance to shine through him He answered, “My friend, at the age of 91, do you want me
into much that typically goes unobserved. In other words, the to develop vision? God is calling me. My vision is to be close to
meditative fire (tapah) of his dedication to constant practice God.” Again, in other words: Ishvarapranadhani.
I’m now 70 and – if anything – a less-adept but an even
more fascinated yoga student than I was five years ago. Since my
Five years later, those teachings still grip visit to RIMYI in 2009, I’ve returned to Pune for classes twice
– in November of 2011 and November of 2014. I also attended
my imagination. But what stays with me Geeta Iyengar’s 10-day teaching in December of 2014.
even more indelibly is the energy of his So, how did this conversation come about?
Shirley Daventry French, my senior teacher at the Iyengar
heart-mind-soul. Yoga Centre of Victoria and a long-term student of B.K.S.

10
 age, and his shameless humility and surrender – acts of yoga
He could train that energy like a fire hose which B.K.S. Iyengar embodied and passed on to us.
on someone who appeared out of line.
From “Introduction”
Iyengar’s, wrote to Guruji to ask him to grant me an interview The interview took place on October 28, 2009 in the library of
for publication in the IYCV Newsletter. I am a writer and had the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute. I’d been in
been contributing to our Newsletter fairly regularly; I’d also Pune for a month, one of a flock of students attending classes
edited a number of issues. I am not a yoga teacher. and practice sessions. From nine to noon, B.K.S. Iyengar would
When I asked Shirley for her advice on what questions be in the yoga hall with us, doing his practice, so I’d had a
to ask, she said it would be best for me to figure that out for chance to observe him daily. And, I suppose, he’d also seen
myself. I read previous interviews with him, watched Guruji me, though we’d only exchanged a few words. In preparation
practicing and going about his public life, drafted questions for this interview, I’d honed five questions and printed them
and reflected. I talked with my roommates and other students out on two sheets of paper. Guruji had been very busy, but
and with Margot Kitchen, a senior Canadian teacher who had finally on this afternoon he had time to look at my questions.
worked closely with Guruji. Margot gave me generous support I handed the papers over, expecting that – if he were willing
and encouragement. to speak to them – he’d set a time for me to return. Guruji
You can read the whole interview in Yoga Rahasya, Vol. scanned the first page, looked up, and said, “Yes.” It was clear
21 No. 1, 2014 – all 18 pages of it. What I’ve done below is he meant, go ahead. Now. Luckily, I’d brought my digital
to pull out excerpts from the first part – my introduction to recorder.
set the scene – and the last section where you will hear Guruji He sat at his usual desk with me opposite him. There
speak about facing old age and death. was no great distance between us. Our conversation was
Since his death I have been reflecting, with considerable comfortably intimate though not at all private. We looked
wonder, on the circumstances in which B.K.S. Iyengar wrote directly into each other’s eyes.
and practiced, his fierce energy and his generosity, the integrity It was a remarkable experience. I’d guessed it would be
of his work, the trajectory of his life, his observations about old interesting; what I didn’t anticipate was that I’d find his
attention, in and of itself, a blessing. I think his power to see
into others comes from his extraordinary self-mastery and self-
knowledge. That afternoon, I was the one receiving his gaze
and insight. Something about this was exhilarating. I think the
closest I can come to describing it is to say I felt an awareness
flowing through him warm my heart and lift my spirit. It was
freely given – an open inquisitiveness and engagement. In the
interview, he speaks of the consciousness developing rays, as
does the sun. I felt like a plant on a sunny day – nourished and
better able to grow.
Guruji paid as much attention to my questions as he would
to those of someone with whom he’d worked for years. What
mattered was getting as close as he could to conveying his
own truth – to getting the “infinite subject” of his experience,
spiritual in character, into the “finite” restrictions of words.
He said the cells in his body, though they lack words or
language, send him messages, talk to him. He said his practice
is guided by the discipline of listening to what can’t be put into
words; that his cells chant prayers and send him petitions. In this
way, he said, they bring life to the dark and unholy parts of his
body. What follows from this is that the parts of the body which
are holy are those brought into the light, heard, and known by
the mind. Is this not fascinating? I could extend from it to say
– what mattered to him was to make the obscure and confusing
B.K.S. adjusts a student at the Victoria YW-WMCA.

11
places in his answers to my questions “holy.” Knowable. Alive. still the master of the mind. That’s why I am practicing. So I tell
Able to grow. And to do this in the vehicle of English. the old people how to come out of the pit of the mind, which
B.K.S. Iyengar – author of who-knows-how-many books, creates a snake pit in you. Mind creates a snake pit, so the fear
honoured worldwide – works at a small, chipped table just goes on increasing. You can’t come out of it. That’s the old age
inside the entrance to the institute’s library, downstairs from the – sign of old age. So one has to come; you cannot be a victim of
reception area, bookstore, and offices. His desk is next to the the dictates of the mind. The mind dictates: No, it is enough!
landing. While we talked, various people came and went. At one Even if you will tell me. Because at this age, the muscles cannot
point, a woman brought him a cup of tea. He sits on a wooden bear the weight of sirsasana, which still I do! I get pain. The pain
armchair that has a folded sheepskin and a flattened blanket on is there, but I also do it. I do twenty minutes, thirty minutes.
its seat. A light bulb, encircled by a wide aluminum shade, hangs
above his papers. They were stacked in front of him in two piles, JM: I know. I have watched you. It’s amazing!
including the book manuscript he was working on. Students sat
B.K.S.: So many people drop off. Even, if you want, I show
at nearby tables doing their own reading and writing. A librarian
you here: the neck, you know, like cracks. You can hear the
worked at a further desk. The library is quite narrow and modest
cracking sound when I’m practicing, no? But it has not made
in size, crammed with tables and chairs. Locked bookcases with
me nervous, or anything like this. I continue, no? I do not
glass windows line its walls. He works there daily from 3 pm to 6
stop automatically. But it is there, still, not so high. In the
pm. As far as I can tell, this is the setting in which he has written
beginning, it frightened me. Like a cracking sound [cracks his
his books. It’s also where he deals with correspondence and
knuckle], you know? People could hear just standing. What’s
speaks with visitors. that sound?

From “The Interview, Part Three JM: It would be frightening.

– Practice for older students”
B.K.S.: Now, I can create that sound on my own! Now I can
create! Because I’ve learned! [laughter]
JM: Over the month that I’ve been here, I’ve often observed
you doing very long holds of not too many asanas in your
JM: So you have control over that sound, as well as over
morning practices. Is this generally a good way to practice
your mind.
for older students?
B.K.S.: I observe how it comes, and so, how the nerves do not
B.K.S.: Old people cannot do quantity. So, quality: to do,
behave.
they have to use their brain. Like I said, some maturity will
be there for older people, so they have to use that maturity to
see that the self – like water which spreads all over, evenly. So JM: Right.
when one reaches old age, one has to learn how to spread the Comment: The other people in the library, listening to this
consciousness, like spreading a carpet on the interior body, interview, burst out in laughter when Guruji talked about how he
the exterior frontier. So that would be what the elderly people can create the cracking sound in his neck. …
should do, not just as a physical exercise, but as a seeing: let my
soul spread in the body like I spread the carpet in my room. JM: Thank you very much, Guruji.
B.K.S.: God bless. God bless.
JM: That’s a wonderful image! It’s very vivid, and very
memorable!
JM: Thank you very much.
B.K.S.: Thank you. God bless you.
Facing old age and death

JM: And then the difficult question that I have, I hesitate to Jane Munroe, a long-time practitioner of Iyengar Yoga, goes to

ask, but it is something people think about and talk about. India to study. She is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada,
League of Canadian Poets, and the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild.
I’m sure that, at almost 91, you have come to terms yourself
with the fact that you won’t be with us forever. …
B.K.S.: For me, my confidence is still so strong, because I’m
quite physical. I’m not becoming the victim of the mind. I am

12
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar, Essential Reading
By Leslie Hogya

L
ight on Yoga, by B.K.S. Iyengar (Guruji) was first published
in 1966, almost 50 years ago. It is a classic, called by many
the Bible of yoga. It was a ground-breaker in its day with
600 photos! Light on Yoga is the most frequently consulted book
on my and probably most Iyengar yoga students’ shelves.
My first copy is a battered Unwin paperback published in
1976. It is now spiral bound, some pages laminated to keep
them from falling apart. But it is the one to which I refer most
often, even though, I also have the newer edition from 2001.
In 2008, I carried my old copy of Light on Yoga and asked
Guruji to sign it as he sat at his desk in the library at the
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute. He inscribed
it with: “Practice alone lights the lamp of yoga to flame
unwavering.” Followed with his signature, a flourish: Leslie Hogya with Guruji in the RIMYI library in 2008
B.K.S. Iyengar.
The introduction of the book gives an easy to understand
précis of some of the important concepts of yoga philosophy. The foundation of Iyengar yoga is based
The foundation of Iyengar yoga is based on Patanjali’s
yoga sutras* which cannot be separated from the asana on Patanjali’s yoga sutras* which cannot
practice. Ahimsa, or non-harming forms the corner stone of be separated from the asana practice.
the ethical teachings. In his explanation Iyengar says that with
ahimsa comes freedom from fear and anger. He sums up with:
“Gentleness of mind is an attribute of a yogi…gentleness for hands stay on the hips as we jump the legs apart; arms come in
others and firmness for himself go hand in hand. And in his line with the feet in the concave stage. In janu sirsasana (plate
presence all hostilities are given up.” 128 and 129) the head comes past the leg to the floor inside
The introduction goes on to give explanations for the and then outside the knee. For kurmasana in the effects section
remaining six limbs, the third being asana (postures). he says: “This asana prepares the aspirant for the fifth stage of
“Asana brings steadiness, health and lightness of limb.” yoga, pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses).”
And then: “…their real importance is the way they train and After the extensive section explaining 200 separate asanas,
discipline the mind.” (p. 40.) there is a section on kryias, bandhas and then basic pranayama.
Iyengar introduces the reader to a myriad of asanas with After this, there follows Appendix I which sets out a system of
photos and descriptions, beginning with standing straight in practice for the student to follow over a period of 275 weeks.
tadasana (mountain pose). Each pose is accompanied with In a later interview, Iyengar said he should have spread this list
photos, straightforward instructions, contraindications, and over 18 years because he realized later that most people don’t
occasionally illuminating have the will to practice so many hours a day to be able to
stories on the historical achieve these poses in the amount of time allotted.
background about them. Appendix II gives asanas for various ailments. When one
As I look through looks at this list of poses for each problem, one will notice that
Light on Yoga, I find new the majority of sequences include the inverted poses, headstand,
ideas, fresh approaches to sirsasana, and shoulder stand, sarvangasana. At the very end are
the asanas every time. A some tables, glossary and index.
few examples of things Writing this book was a huge undertaking. He spent six
I noticed recently follow. years writing and rewriting, and three years producing all the
In prasarita photos, (see Yoga Rahasya, Vol. 11, No 2; 2004).
padottanasana (plates Remember, this exhaustive book was written before
29 to 34), I see that the computers. Many people helped with typing the manuscript,

13
editing it, and retyping. In the new preface to the 2001 edition He said in an interview in 1982,
(Thomson’s), Iyengar explains some of the difficulties he
encountered before the book was finally published. In 1958 “Never in my life did I think that I would
when an Indian publisher asked him to write a book on yoga, be an author….. I began writing and
he was very hesitant. He had not had a formal education, and
had never even written an article about yoga. tearing the papers and rewriting dozens of
He said in an interview in 1982, “Never in my life did I times for Light on Yoga.”
think that I would be an author.…I began writing and tearing
the papers and rewriting dozens of times for Light on Yoga.”
(Astadala Yogamala, Vol. 4, p. 104) When Iyengar first went to Pune he saw people’s problems,
One of his long time pupils, Mr. B.I. Taraporewala who and he opened his eyes, brain and mind to try and solve their
was an editor and writer helped him with the step-by-step problems. “The rubbing and brushing of my brain with the
explanations in the book. After all the effort to produce this body began to work together. I began to practice making
first manuscript, the publisher declined to go ahead! But he my brain penetrate the interior body….This trained my
held onto the manuscript, and did not give up. mind to experience inner reactions. In this process of inner
By 1962, Iyengar was travelling to Switzerland teaching search I had to act, reflect, re-reflect and react to find the
Yehudi Menuhin and other prominent people of the time. The range of actions and vibrations…’ (Core of the Yoga Sutras,
contacts he made there eventually led him to Mr. Gerald Yorke p. 108). He built his understanding of the asanas through
a reader for the publisher George, Allen and Unwin. Mr. Yorke this kind of reflection and practice; he drew upon that deep
had been wanting a book about yoga. When Yorke went over penetration as he wrote Light on Yoga.
the manuscript he saw the potential but asked Guruji to make In an interview first published in Seventy Glorious Years, he
extensive edits. This was a daunting task; but Mr. Iyengar called says: Later, I also leant the mathematical precision, calculation
Yorke his Guru in literary work. and skillful presentation are the essence of this art, it is what
culminated in the asana in Light on Yoga. The understanding,
the struggle, the dynamics were the hidden contexts that forced
It is through your body that you realize the precision of the asana….The asana came because I followed
you are a spark of divinity. the principles of the other aspects of yoga in totality….Each
asana acted as meditation. The body is a temple.” In the same
– B.K.S. Iyengar interview he says the reader must realize that a book is limited
compared to when he is directly teaching. His technique
guided us (the students) deeper as we involved ourselves
intellectually, emotionally and spiritually in his presence.
Guruji said in the same interview that if he had to do it
over, he would write Light on Yoga quite differently. At the
time, he felt that he had to convince people of his authenticity.
He had no guru at the time; he had to evolve his own method.
“To project my asanas as a totality was the challenge of the ‘30s
and ‘40s. I faced these boldly by rigorous practice.” He knew
that the asanas were part of the eight limbs as explained by
Patanjali. His practice became his meditation. “That is why the
book shows a detailed technique for the dweller of the body to
live contentedly.” (70 Glorious Years, p. 41)
When asked how he would change the book, he said he
would have included more about the elements, kosas, and vayus.
Now this work has been translated into at least 18
languages and is still being sold worldwide. The 2001 edition
has enlarged the photos to show the final pose with a larger
photo. The supporting photos are grouped more harmoniously
with the text.
In his new introduction to the 2001 edition he tells a
BKS improvises a teaching platform at the YM/YWCA in Victoria
fascinating story. Yorke was helping him with edits to Light on

14
Yoga, but he sent some trusted friends to spy on Iyengar. Yorke
wanted to assure himself the Guruji was respected in his own
Memories of Guruji
country! “After satisfying himself on my credentials, he edited By Yvonne Kipp
my book for free and insisted that George Allen and Unwin
publish it.” Yehudi Menuhin (the great violinist) agreed to
write the foreword. l loved going to Pune. It is not a super attractive city, highly
populated, rather hellish to get to and yet there is something
like a vortex that draws the yogi to Hare Krishna Mandir Road
On the release of Light on Yoga, Gerald Yorke wrote to
Iyengar saying, “if a thousand copies of Light on Yoga are sold and the Institute.
in a year, take it as a spiritual success.” His prophecy has more One morning, after an early class, I had just stepped out
than come true. And from the success of Light on Yoga, Guruji through the entrance doorway of the Institute, I was feeling
gained the courage to delve into the other aspects of yoga open and peaceful.
and continue writing. He spent eight years writing Light on I looked up to the second floor of Mr. Iyengar’s very modest
Pranayama, and then wrote Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali residence. This particular morning just as I looked up, he
and many, many more books. stepped out onto the second floor balcony. His hair was wet
“Without devoted practice and in-depth study from the and he was pivoting his head around throwing off a stream of
layers of one’s whole being, one cannot hear the pure tones of water. He laughed.
the inner guru – the self.” (Preface, 2001 edition). So did I. He saw me standing and staring. I remember
we both laughed. I felt that I had been allowed a glimpse of
*See also: Krishna.
Light on The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali [Link]. Iyengar, 1993. Harper Collins. Another time I was there, the Cricket Test between India
Astadala Yogamala, Volumes 1, 4, 5 and 8. and Pakistan was on the TV and I saw our revered Teacher,
Core of the Yoga Sutras, Harper Thorsons. 2012. through his open front door, watching the match of the decade.
Light on Yoga, preface 2001 edition. There was joy in the place, an excitement, when Guruji was in
Iyengar his Life and Work, 1987 Timeless Books. the building. He was so approachable, no flash; responsive and
70 Glorious Years, 1988, p. 41-47. gracious with greetings.
Leslie Hogya has been teaching in Victoria since the early 70s and
He had exquisite taste in fabric—for his clothes, particularly
has been active in the local centre since then. She has studied in for a special occasion like a lunch held in the garden of the
Pune at the RIMYI many times since her first trip in 1985. Institute to which all the current students would be invited.
How welcome he made us feel right in his own back yard! It’s
an oasis in a teeming city when one passes through the Institute
Since Mr Iyengar’s passing I have been so gates, it feels as though the temperature and the quality of the
moved by his last words and been touched air change.
by the spirit of this great and generous I remember afternoons of research in the Library with our
man. I had not met him or been to India beloved Shirley and Mr. Iyengar. He so clearly relaxed around
but have received much through all of our Shirley who was one of his favorite international students. He
teachers at the centre through these many showed his caring and respect for her and asked her to consider
years. I now feel compelled to honour writing his biography.
this great man for the gift of his teaching It was very special to be in class and to know that over
by being the best I can be as a student of against the wall at the back, Guruji would be doing his own
yoga. I am so grateful. practice and that later, after morning practice, he would
demonstrate various fine points in asana with some of his
Laura Johnston favorite students. And we could watch.
What a thrill to be so close to genius! Yoga is the best and
deepest place in my life. Thanks and blessings to B.K.S. Iyengar
for his gifts to the world.
“Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense
of wholeness in your life, where you Yvonne Kipp is a long-time practitioner, student and teacher who
practiced and taught in Winnipeg for many years. She currently
do not feel like you are constantly lives, practices and teaches on Cortes Island, BC

trying to fit broken pieces together.”

– B.K.S. Iyengar
15
 Geetaji’s last words for
her father, B.K.S. Iyengar
“Only his body has ended. One
person’s efforts from inside out,
changed the acceptance of yoga
throughout the world. Nothing was
hidden, from the time he began to
practice, to his illness and death.
Even last night he was telling
Abhijata, “I have shown you all
these things, now realize them for
yourself.” What he has given cannot
be encompassed by words. If a
disciple is more developed, then
that person will understand. What
can be said in words, is that he
was precious to us.”

It is my profound hope
that my end can be your
beginning. – B.K.S. Iyengar

PHOTO: jake Clennell

16
PHOTO: jaCKIE NETT

“Yoga is a light, which once lit,

will never dim. The better your
practice, the brighter the flame.”

17
In Gratitude
By Carole Miller

I
n 1983 on my return from the 1982 teacher, the experience can justifiably be called
Canadian Iyengar Intensive, I wrote, aesthetic…” (175-177). For Barone (2001),
“experiencing the unlimited way in which “an [aesthetic] experience…possesses a vitality
we could work our bodies and the degree that distinguishes [it] from the flat flow of
of concentration with which we worked ordinary life” (139), providing both teacher
amazed me. We were totally immersed…. and student with a richer awareness and greater
it was as if we were being charged a with a understanding. As teacher/artist this reciprocity
renewed energy allowing us to go to new between student and teacher fosters the ability
places. …Mr. Iyengar reminded us of a to tap into who we are in order for us to
sense of humility both in his language and uncover, reveal and reflect upon the essence that
his eyes” (French,1987:327-328). lies within. That was Mr. Iyengar’s gift to us.
I clearly remember thinking that going It was his genius and his artistry that captured
to India and studying with Mr. Iyengar the international imagination of millions of
set the stage for believing that anything students, while he saw himself always as a
was possible. It was a far distance both learner. His use of metaphor both in his writing
literally and figuratively from Brooklyn to Pune. For me, it and his teaching inspired us to understand more, to go deeper,
symbolized an enormous leap in terms of what I knew about to extend further.
myself and the sense of risk it presented. Although I would be This summer, at the Yoga Centre picnic, I reconnected
in the company of my dear friend, teacher and mentor Shirley with a teacher I taught years ago in a drama education course.
French, I knew that I would be testing myself every step of the She reminded me of how I encouraged her to take a risk, to
way, from leaving eight-year old twins at home for a month, to go beyond what she thought she could do, to move out of her
expanding the limits of what I could do physically, cognitively comfort zone. For me, this has been one of my key learnings
and emotionally. from Mr. Iyengar and it is what has encouraged me to grow
Since that time, my life has been filled with the pleasures professionally and personally.
of teaching and, for the last 25 years, working with pre-service Thirty years after my first meeting with him, as my body
education students. My research in teacher education led me to no longer can respond in the same way, I struggle a little more
Elliot Eisner and Tom Barone who write of artistry in teaching. with “believing that anything is possible.” My challenge, I
As I have been thinking of my years of yoga under the careful now realize, lies in Mr. Iyengar’s unspoken teaching: It is the
guidance of the incredible teachers with whom and from whom cultivation of humility that expands the capacity for adaptation
I learn, I have been considering the artistry in teaching that first and acceptance, thereby deepening the potential for self-
presented itself to me in Pune. understanding. For that, and for so much more, I remain
Mr. Iyengar (2011) writes about yoga as art. “Any action eternally grateful.
done with beauty and purity, and in complete harmony of
References:
body, mind and soul, is art. In this way art elevates the artist.
As yoga fulfills the essential need of art, it is an art” (i). But Barone, T. (2001). Touching Eternity: The Enduring Outcomes of Teaching. New
York: Teachers College Press.
how is artistry manifested in the teacher? For Eisner (1994),
Eisner, E. (1994). The Educational Imagination: On the Design and Evaluation of
teaching can be considered an art when it can be enacted School Programs (2nd Ed.). New York: Macmillan.
with “such skill and grace that, for the student as well as the Iyengar, B.K.S. (2011).The Art of Yoga. New Deli, India: Harper Collins.
Miller, C. (1987). February 1983 – on her first class with the Master. In S. French,
(Ed.), Iyengar: His Life and Work, (327-328). Porthill, Idaho: Timeless Books.
My challenge, I now realize, lies in Mr. Iyengar’s
unspoken teaching: It is the cultivation Carole Miller is a long time student of yoga, a founding member
of the Victoria Yoga Centre and currently serves on the Board.
of humility that expands the capacity for She has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with
adaptation and acceptance, thereby deepening Mr. Iyengar both in India and in North America. She teaches Yoga
at the University of Victoria in the School of Exercise Science and
the potential for self-understanding. Physical Education.

18
Guruji, The Lion
By Linda Shevloff

I
began taking hatha yoga classes in seeing what various teachers were doing, and
Vancouver, British Columbia in the 1970s listening to what they were saying. Nothing
and by 1975, I was teaching it too, having was correct and he did not stand by to
taken a teacher-training course at a local allow any errors to continue. He was sharp
community centre. A few years later we and commanding and rather scary so I was
moved to the city of Victoria where I set out completely on edge in his presence.
to find myself a new yoga teacher. It took I was in awe of him from a distance, though
only about ten minutes of my first class at I did note that he actually laughed and
the YMCA with someone named Shirley B.K.S. Iyengar and Linda Shevloff smiled at the banquet in the evening .
French to show me I had found the teacher and By 1987 I was already an Iyengar yoga
that she knew a lot about this subject that I did not. She had teacher myself, having learned through Shirley as well as from a
recently returned from studying in India with a man named number of visiting senior teachers. That year my husband and
B.K.S. Iyengar. The attention she gave to details about the feet I travelled to India with a mainly American group of teachers
and the legs and the alignment of the body was a complete led by Ramanand Patel for a yoga intensive course with B.K.S.
revelation to me. Shirley became my teacher that day and Iyengar himself. There were just thirty-five of us then, and that
eventually I did a teacher training apprenticeship with her. was a full intensive. In the first class Mr. Iyengar (not yet called
In 1982, B.K.S. Iyengar travelled to Vancouver and “Guruji”) stood on the stage and brought us into tadasana.
Victoria for his first Canadian visit. He came to the YMCA I remember I was in the second row from the stage, centre
to observe the teachers and their teaching. I was more than front. Beside me there was a European woman. A strange event
relieved to be a mere student and not a teacher at that time. happened. Guruji was looking at us intently and then he fixed
He was a whirlwind of energy flying from room to room his eyes on the woman beside me. As I remember it, he said,
“With eyes like that, you do not belong here.” She turned
and left and did not return. You could have heard a pin drop
He was a whirlwind of energy in the silence of the room. I gasped silently and tried to keep
flying from room to room. my own eyes cast down for fear of him seeing some hidden
transgression in me. The class continued.
Of course afterwards at lunch everyone discussed the event.
What did it mean? What had he seen? No one had any answers
and I never did find out anything more about it. I have to say
though, that at that intensive course I was too terrified to really
hear the teaching properly. I remember hoping desperately that
he would not notice me at all, but at the same time wanting to
learn from him. I remember working harder than I had ever
worked before and that Mr. Iyengar could see more than any
person I had ever known before. He could evaluate a person’s
pose by gauging details like the quality of his skin or he could
tell if a pose was right by noting how the little hairs rested on a
person’s body.
As it happened, I did end up getting some personal
attention from him, because on a Sunday off, my husband and
I, along with another student, took a train and then a rickshaw
ride to the Karla caves for sight seeing. There was almost no
one there that morning. When it began to rain I went into a
cave to put my camera away in my backpack. As I bent over
my bag, a dog attacked me from behind. It bit my thigh and
B.K.S. Iyengar making a point at the Victoria YM-YWCA I was bleeding. We had a difficult time getting back to Pune

19
 to know, but none were of the Iyengar yoga variety. Three of
He could evaluate a person’s pose us decided to band together to begin a yoga community called
by gauging details like the quality of his “The Yoga Society of Hong Kong” and soon we had a lot of
members. We took turns teaching a monthly workshop, each
skin or he could tell if a pose was right time a different style of yoga. I taught the Iyengar yoga sessions
by noting how the little hairs rested for these events. As well we brought in teachers from abroad
for special workshops. Ramanand Patel and Shirley Daventry
on a person’s body.
French were two of these teachers. There was growing interest in
Iyengar Yoga in Hong Kong.
because when we finally got down the slope to the parking lot Meanwhile, back in Canada, on Guruji’s suggestion, a
our rickshaw driver was gone and there was no one else around. national organization of Iyengar yoga teachers and practitioners
Then when we eventually did get back to the train station, a was taking shape. Then, he also requested that Canadian
sudden strike had been called and the trains had all stopped teachers become certified. The certification process had been
operating. Finally a cagey taxi driver bargained for a lot of established in the UK and in the USA and he wanted other
money to take us back to Pune, a trip that went full speed ahead countries to follow suit. Long-time Canadian teachers who had
on the wrong side of the road most of the way. Not knowing been to Pune a certain number of times and who were over
where to go to find a doctor, we asked him to take us to the the age of fifty would be granted an Intermediate Junior II
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute. There, Guruji certificate, and some were granted Senior certificates, but I was
assessed the situation and immediately sent me to a doctor in not old enough to be in that position. I wanted to stay with my
his own car. I think I was somewhat in shock. For the rest of peer group and so I began the regular process of travelling to
the intensive I was given a special series of poses that in my Canada for annual yoga teacher training sessions with Shirley. I
notebook I labeled “The Dog Bite Series”. Between the rabies repeated the certification process in Canada every time another
injections and the leg wound, I was generally quite shaken up. level of assessment was offered. Finally, when I had enough
Guruji was very kind to me. From the side of the room where I certificates, I was qualified to begin a teacher-training program
did supported postures, in Hong Kong. Up until that point there were no other certified
I could see I was missing out on some intense teaching of Iyengar teachers in that city outside myself.
backbends and I was disappointed to be missing them.
A few years later I returned to Pune for a Canadian Teachers
Intensive, with Guruji and Geeta. I was better prepared for the
experience by then and more confident in myself. I think that
by that time I was saying “Guruji” when I named him, instead
of “Mr. Iyengar” but I don’t exactly remember how that change
came to be. This trip was the beginning of many trips to Pune
that came after that.
At home in Canada I was fully involved in the Victoria Yoga
Centre. There was no physical centre then so we held monthly
meetings at each others homes, put out a monthly newsletter
and raised money through workshops and such. I was the editor
of the newsletter for quite some time. Then in 1994, due to his
work, my husband and I moved to Hong Kong. I was a high
school teacher in Canada, so in Hong Kong I taught in one of
the international schools. I found I really missed having a yoga
community though. I started to teach some yoga classes in the
evenings and on weekends in halls and at some private clubs,
but actually no one really seemed to know what yoga was, and
there was no where to store props. The trunk of my car became
my yoga base from which I was constantly hauling blocks, straps
and blankets. I purchased straps in Pune, blankets in Hong
Kong and had dozens of blocks made for me at Feathered Pipe
Ranch in the US and shipped to my Hong Kong address. There
were a few other yoga teachers and practitioners I had come

20
 In Hong Kong I decided to leave my work as a high school people to be in charge of their own fate. He did not want
teacher and open an Iyengar yoga studio. I travelled to India to them to be “colonized” by outsiders. I was not sure if I was an
talk to Guruji about it. It was 1999. It was to be the first time outsider or an insider at that point, but I was a resident of Hong
I would sit down at his desk in the library in Pune to ask him Kong who had been living there for many years. I decided not
a question. For me it was a big moment and I was nervous. He to be an organizer of the newly formed IYASEEA ( Iyengar
listened to me and gave me his blessing to begin a studio. He Yoga Association of South East and East Asia) and that I would
reminded me that if it was to be an Iyengar yoga studio that there be a member only. But then Guruji asked that I be in charge
could be no mixing of yoga styles. I don’t know why I didn’t ask of the new assessment committee. So then I became chair of
him for permission to put the word “Iyengar” in its official name both the Canadian and the South East Asian Assessment teams.
then, but I did not ask. The first studio took the rather romantic This was a huge job that covered many countries ( Hong Kong,
name of “The Celestial Wishing Tree”, and I used that name Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Macau, Singapore and Canada).
until the studio moved to a new location some years later. A year or two after that he asked me to step down as head of
It was 2006 when I asked Guruji’s permission to change the assessments in Canada. There was too much on my plate.
studio name to “The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong” and By 2011 my husband had retired from his work in Hong
he gave his blessing. His hand written letter opened with “My Kong and we had made plan to move back to Vancouver. I
Dear Linda Shevloff” and ended “With Love and Affection, sold the Hong Kong studio to one of the teachers, George
B.K.S. Iyengar.” I cherish these letters now. In that particular Dovas, who still continues to run the centre to this day . As
letter he wrote: “May this new centre send beams of yogic it happened, in the same month as we were to be moving to
knowledge to the people of Hong Kong and may the centre Canada, Guruji asked if he could come to visit Hong Kong on
shine like the brilliance of the moon sending the rays of peace his way to a Yoga Summit in Guangzhou, China. Together, the
and cool contentment. May Lord Patanjali’s blessings be upon Hong Kong teachers quickly created a wonderful event, hosting
the centre and may his gems of wisdom spread in the hearts of Guruji and his Indian entourage.
the practitioners of yoga.” We held a formal banquet in Guruji’s honour in the
beautiful ballroom of the Conrad Hotel. At that event I gave
a speech explaining all about the development of Iyengar yoga
...then Guruji turned around and in Hong Kong over the past fifteen years. Near the end I told
just looked at me. “Hey Linda,” he said. the dinner guests that Guruji had often been associated with a
lion, and that students used to even call him “ The Lion”. Then
“I am the lion.” He smiled. I introduced a Chinese group who performed a spectacular lion
dance in his honour.
Guruji kept an eye on the growth of the Hong Kong studio Afterwards, while riding in a car with Guruji and Abijata, Abi
and from time to time he suggested a teacher who I should invite. in the back seat with me and Guruji in the front, Abi told me that
Faeq Biria came to the studio at Guruji’s request, and so did Guruji had really enjoyed the dinner and that he was pleased with
Birjoo Mehta. Father Joe Periera came and so did Zubin. They what he had seen in Hong Kong and that he was very happy. I
in turn would talk to Guruji about the progress they saw in the was overjoyed. But then Guruji turned around and just looked
students and teachers at the Hong Kong centre. I was giving at me. “Hey Linda,” he said. “ I am the lion.” He smiled. Then
teacher training to a number of good Hong Kong students. he turned around again. He was of course referring to my speech
Because there was no place in Asia to assess them, I had them join when I must have made him sound like the lion in the past tense.
the Canadian Association and they then travelled to Canada for He was correcting me. He was the lion in the present tense. He is
their assessments. This was not a very practical set up but it finally still the lion in my mind even now.
established a strong Iyengar yoga base in Hong Kong. The following day it was my greatest pleasure to bring
Through my continued involvement with the Iyengar Yoga Guruji to The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong. Even
Association of Canada, I became an assessor in Canada even though he was only scheduled to come in very briefly because
though I was living in Hong Kong. I travelled to Canada for he had to travel on to Guangzhou that same afternoon, he sat
assessments, paying for my travels at my own expense, just down in the room and began to talk to all of us, answering
because I wanted to know how to develop the Hong Kong questions and showing yoga adjustments. He was very
students properly. It then came to pass that I was appointed comfortable. The Chinese delegates who were with him were
Chair of Assessments in Canada while I was actually living in worried about the time and did not know how to get him to
Hong Kong. It is a bit strange that this happened but it did. rise and leave. They asked me to do something. What could I
I think it was about 2007 when Guruji asked that a South do? I was filled with happiness and also torn with sadness about
East Asian Iyengar Association be formed. He wanted Asian leaving this studio behind.
21
 Outside on the street the traffic had built up and the bus
that was to carry everyone to China was unable to get through.
B.K.S. Iyengar – A Gift to Humanity
Guruji sat alone in the mini van that was to carry him, and By Derek French
beside him the door was open. I was on the street with the
Indian teachers. I was not going to China. I was leaving for
Canada later that evening because movers were scheduled to Sri Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar
deliver our goods to the new Vancouver home. I could feel all Born 14 December 1918, died 20 August 2014.
these momentous events coming together. Then Raya told me

T
that I should go and be with Guruji. He nudged me forward he thoughts of the students of the Iyengar Yoga Centre of
and told me to go to be with him. I stepped inside the open Victoria are with the family in this time of mourning.
door of the van and stood there, close up. Then Guruji said that This issue of the Newsletter is dedicated to his memory and
he could see I had not corrected my right knee yet. (My right is an appreciation for the gifts he offered to his many students.
leg is distorted in a bow shape.) I said no, that I could only do it He lives on with the legacy of his work.
in tadasana but that the moment I took a step it went out again. To write a biography of a genius with so many talents
Yes, he said. My granddaughter has a similar problem and she would almost require a person with a similar range of gifts, but
says the same thing. She cannot hold the correction when she as Geetaji herself stated, “it could be hundreds of years before
comes out of tadasana. I started to cry just then, not about we see his like again.” A family man, humanitarian, dedicated
my leg, or the leaving the studio, or leaving Hong Kong, or yogi and exceptional teacher, author, poet and accomplished
the conversation with Guruji. It was about everything coming empirical scientist. A precious gem with many facets which
together like that. I rested my head on his shoulder, and he presents an opportunity for his students to focus on perhaps
allowed me to stay there until the crying stopped. I was fine. one or more of these facets, each a small piece of a jigsaw which
He asked me when I would come to Pune again and I told him. gathered together can produce the larger picture which will go
Then they were on their way. some way to honour him and do justice to his contribution to
In August this year, during the last days of his life, Guruji humanity.
wrote a message to his students. Before he slipped through the As a physician, with a scientific background, I would like
borders of time and space, he reassured us that we are forever to address the facet of Guruji, the empirical scientist. I was
bound with him: part of a Canadian intensive taught by Guruji in 1979. There
“With my deep love and affection toward you all, my heart were three doctors in the group and at one point the three of us
is throbbing with a sense of gratitude; words fail me and I find were stripped to the waist and lying down on our backs. Guruji
it extremely difficult to send a message to you all, my yogic stood over us with what I thought was a mischievous glint in
children to whom I am bound.” his eye. (I later learned that he liked teasing doctors.) “Look at
“This yoga – art, science and the self culture of man braided them—doctors, and none of them know how to breathe.” This
together – has bound us forever and this affectionate bond and was my first close encounter with the Master and as so many
feeling that belongs to the heart, not the head, is not capable of people have observed nothing can really prepare a person for
being conveyed.” this experience.
The mystical bond that “is not capable of being conveyed”
must surely be the same guru-sisya bond that is described in
ancient yogic texts. I think about the meaning of such a
bond and reflect on my own relationship with Guruji over
the years.

Linda Shevloff is a long time yoga practitioner and a certified

Iyengar Yoga teacher. She has taught for many years in both
Canada and Hong Kong.

Arriving at the Victoria airport in 1984

22
 At first I felt rather insulted by this comment but quickly became a charming guest, enjoying his early morning coffee and
saw that this was a useless emotion and recognized that this appreciating the beauty of the British Columbia sea shore and the
was a priceless opportunity to learn from an empirical scientist fresh air. The house in the evening was filled with centre students,
whose knowledge came from many hours of practice and ostensibly there to help to prepare the evening meal but also
observation; whereas my limited understanding of anatomy happy to be in his presence. To spend time with a man in a state
and physiology was theoretical and derived from reading books of grace—how inspiring. This was Guruji the Guru.
and dissecting dead people. Later I came to understand that
yoga is based on thousands of years of observations by millions Dr. Derek French is a Founding Member of the Iyengar Yoga Centre
of Victoria.
of practitioners adopting that which worked and discarding
that which did not work or weakened the student.
A second profound learning experience started when Guruji
and several members of the 1979 intensive group attended a
lecture at a Pune Medical Society meeting where one of the
doctors in our group, Dr. Bruce Carruthers, was giving a talk
on Western medicine. One of the points he made was that it
is a half-technology, very sophisticated in some ways but not
really getting to the root cause of many problems. I was sitting
next to Guruji and took the opportunity to ask him a question.
I had noticed that in myself and in many Western students
the practice of asana seemed to release powerful emotional
reactions and did this happen with Indian students? “No!” he
replied. And then went onto explain that Indian families lived
with a close knit emotional atmosphere that enabled children Spending time in a hospital, not knowing what
as they grew up and faced difficult situations, to express their will happen or when it will happen, or how is
concerns within the safety of the family. It certainly sounded a great test. I have lost two seasons as I wait for
like an ideal way of coping. cancer treatment, surgery, news; I draw great
I contrasted this with my own experience as a child, when strength from my yoga practice. I was preparing
bombs were dropping and Brits were expected to exhibit a ‘stiff for surgery that was supposed to happen Friday. I
upper lip’ and ‘carry on’. As a coping mechanism it may have was telling myself that I was not attached to what
worked in the short run but there were hidden costs. A stiff I would learn from the procedure. But when it was
lip leads to a stiff jaw, then a stiff neck and then a stiff spine. cancelled, it was not what I expected and I had to
The fears and anxieties became encrypted in the muscles and readjust my sense of expectation again.
tendons of the body. This stress coping mechanism would carry Sometimes my practice is reading one
on into adult life and when countless hours of sitting in chairs paragraph of Guruji’s in one volume of Astadala
are added to the mix, many adults are walking around in a suit Yogamala. There is so much he left us. Here in my
of muscular armour. Not the ideal outfit in which to attempt room at the hospital I have a belt. Some days I can
an asana practice. use it to attach to a bar and do a few poses to try to
It is here, as Guruji began to teach in the West that his keep my legs strong. Quads wither if we do not use
innovative genius came into play with the use of props. These them.
would give the stiff student a way of moving toward the asana I am grateful for all the support of all the
and enable them to enjoy some of the benefits of yoga. Iyengar yoga community. It is huge for me.
A third facet of experience with Guruji occurred when People have brought food to my husband, and
in 1984 he came to visit Victoria and we had the privilege family and to me when I can eat. When I am able,
of hosting him in our home. Here the lion of the classroom I have attended special needs class at the centre.
This nurturing time helped me to soak in the
support, the teachings and all the love that exists
To spend time with a man in in our community.
a state of grace—how inspiring. – Corrine Lowen
Corrine is a teacher at the Iyengar Yoga Centre
This was Guruji the Guru. of Victoria.

23
Sri B.K.S. Iyengar, First Meeting
By Marlene Linda Miller

T
hirty-two years ago, in During the “intensives”
the fall of 1982, I found a Guruji endeavoured to have us
very nervous excited small experience the fullness of every
me standing on a yellow line asana and enlighten us on the
essentially in the centre of the subject of yoga. He gave the
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial practical instruction that took
Institute, Pune, India having us into the shape of a pose and
been placed at that spot by then guided us so precisely we
one of the teachers assisting Sri experienced the depth of each
B.K.S. Iyengar. I was instructed asana. This is unquestionably
to be in that place each day for yoga in action, meditation in
the next three weeks. action. He showed how to
A few moments later “He” apply the yoga philosophy. For
B.K.S. teaching at RIMYI
entered the hall, filling the example, one time in teaching
entire space with his whole being. Mr. Iyengar began walking utthita parsvakonasana, while we were gathered to observe a
towards the platform, stopped, took in the features of one of my student, Guruji asked us where the student was being ethical
colleagues and launched into a very animated dissertation of what and where not! With much humour Guruji showed us where
it is to be spiritual! Those around me stood in tadasana – I filled there was alignment in the body – ethical! When there was no
with fright! This was my first experience with “the teacher.” alignment – unethical! He asked if we worked and reflected
The teachings had begun! Standing poses were taught with in the pose like that, saying: “Ethical discipline of the asana is
such vigour and passion never before felt nor understood! when you extend correctly, evenly and to the maximum.” And,
Tadasana, brought to be in every cell, was in between each pose “Do your maximum to go further.” (Iyengar, His Life and Work)
and to be experienced in each pose! During the instruction of Guruji had the ability to observe the entire class and yet see
one of the moments in tadasana I had the most incredible vision each student as if they were the only one in the hall. He saw
of B.K.S. Iyengar, “Guruji.” He was standing at the base of a through us noting our imbalances and seemed to recognize
fountain of energy that radiated outward to the several “Iyengar” instantly the psychological state. It was uncanny! And, thus
teachers I had already taken classes and workshops from in he would teach to help us remove the imperfections. He was a
Canada. In that moment I knew I was in the presence and flow demanding teacher being the ‘Lion in the Lamb and the Lamb
of the source of the teachings. He taught so intently the mind was in the Lion’ all in the same moment.
riveted in the moment and experience of each and every asana. The “intensives” were filled with detailed and in-depth
I was a student of the “Canadian Intensive,” a group of instructions. Time was given to observing one, two or three
around 24. We were joined by some more foreign students to students as we attempted to “see” the effect of adjustments and
form a small group – a small group compared to the 120+ now instructions whereby all the students were brought “to do the
attending general classes. “Intensives” were three-week courses same,” have the same level of awareness. Then we were sent back
foreign students could apply to attend. The morning sessions were to our place and were guided with clear instructions and much
two to three hours, five days of the week. On Saturday women vigor that brought the increased awareness to our poses so “all
attended the “Ladies” class, Sunday, men attended Prashant’s were doing.” When we understood and got what he was giving
early morning class. Each afternoon was the pranayama class. there would be the slightest nod of his head and a twinkle in his
In addition to our prescribed schedule we had an early morning eyes as he knew what we experienced.
weekly class with Prashant, his son, and were permitted to observe During the pranayama classes, particularly in my first
other classes. While observing and taking notes at Prashant’s “intensive,” it felt like a time when I did not breathe! Feeling
classes one felt one was attending a yoga philosophy session. very nervous about pranayama practice I considered it was not
I had the good fortune to attend four Canadian Intensives, one I was either ready for or could do. Cautions had been given
the last being in 1997 after which they were discontinued. How about not doing pranayama until asana were accomplished and
fortunate we were as the intensives were taught by Guruji and/ the nervous system toned. I really did not even know how to
or Geetaji, his daughter. She assisted and from time to time lie down correctly! Guruji showed the way, teaching how to
Guruji would have her demonstrate a pose. proceed from savasana through to learning how to sit.
24
 To be so well and enthusiastically instructed and guided one of his maxims he states: “Yoga is like music. The rhythm of
that one’s attention is absorbed fully in the moment is rare in the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul,
my experience. Since the first journey to RIMYI, I have been create the symphony of life.” (Iyengar, His Life and Work).
fortunate to have attended another three Intensives and since Yoga lived in every moment in every breath of his life.
have made frequent trips to participate in General classes. Each I am full of gratitude to Guruji for his dedication and
experience has brought increased depth and much inspiration to teaching of yoga. Namasté
my practice.
Guruji inspired many to pursue the knowledge of one’s Marlene Miller attended her first Iyengar class in the mid ‘70s and
has continued in this practice. She began teaching in 1979 receiving
Higher Self, wanting each one of us to experience, and know
her first certification from B.K.S. Iyengar, himself, while at RIMYI
the vibrancy and relevance of the ancient yoga teachings. In during the last Intensive in 1997.

Beloved Guruji: Teaching Us about the Art of Letting Go

By Karin Dayton

I
have had the privilege to be in the feel sad or any regret for myself? What I soon
presence of our beloved Guruji, B.K.S. discovered was that Guruji’s demonstration of “the
Iyengar, on several occasions, most art of letting go” instead yielded great treasures
recently during the months of July and throughout my stay.
August 2013. It is difficult to choose For example, along with his daily practice
which moment, detail, or experience, to and presence during classes, rather than spend
relate here. However, the theme I keep time in his beloved library, he was now many
returning to in light of his passing, and in afternoons on the main floor seated next to an
contemplating the impact he has had on empty “special chair,” with the placard “Guruji”
my life, is the one of “letting go.” written on it. (One wondered who, if anyone, ever
I like to read and study, and so had sat on the special chair, and perhaps he wondered
eagerly anticipated spending a delightful the same thing). We could observe him regularly
two months after class and practice time from his place on a shared bench, beside the
that summer in the fabled RIMYI library empty special chair amidst the RIMYI hustle and
(hopefully in Guruji’s presence). However, bustle, as he delighted in the myriad greetings
on arriving in Pune I quickly learned that from a panoply of students, his very own United
due to a recent knee injury Guruji had Nations, (represented during my stay by, India,
decided that he would no longer go down China, Russia, Canada, United States, Italy, Japan,
the stairs to the library, but would instead Pakistan, Dubai, Brazil, South Africa, Australia,
conduct his correspondence and library New Zealand, Denmark, France, Hungary, Spain,
work on the main floor. My “reaction” was Venezuela, Switzerland, Scotland, England) and all
a sense of double disappointment.…First speaking the language of “yoga.”
and foremost for our Guru of course, but also for myself, in I wonder now if, perhaps precisely because of the knee
having to accept that my experience in Pune was not going to injury hindering his ability to go down to the smaller library
match up to a preconceived plan. However, my disappointment space (and therefore an adjustment to his routine), he was able
was not to last very long, as it became quite clear, that rather to spend more casual personal time among his grateful students
than show any sense of regret, Guruji had simply “adjusted” his in his final year of life. I like to think so.
daily routine. On observing this, how on earth could I possibly I know that I will always count these moments in the main
entrance hall at RIMYI as among my most treasured memories
Guruji’s demonstration of “the art of of our beloved Guruji, B.K.S. Iyengar.

letting go” instead yielded great treasures Karin Dayton is a long-time devoted student in the Iyengar
tradition who lives, studies and practices in Victoria, BC.
throughout my stay.
25
B.K.S. Iyengar: His vignettes running through my mind…the
tears that welled up when I greeted him
Poetry is Everywhere at the Institute last November; sadness
upon seeing his empty chair behind the
By Ann Kilbertus library desk; fear of being caught in my
ignorance as he stormed into medical class

W
ords on a two dimensional page
with a clear focus for only the welfare of
can hardly convey the gratitude
the students…
I have for the work and the
T.S. Eliot once said that poetry is a
teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, nor can they
raid on the inarticulate. B.K.S. Iyengar
express the impact he has had on my life.
used poetic imagery and metaphor all the
There was something rare and precious
time in an attempt to help convey the
which animated him during his lifetime
subtler aspects of his teaching in asana,
and was obvious to anyone who had
pranayama and philosophy. Though I
the good fortune to be in his presence.
have my own memories involving Guruji,
It wasn’t always easy to be on his radar
there is much more beyond the personal
and often there were paradoxes to come
to terms with long after the moment of
which he left behind for humanity. In his Live in the Present
lyrical approach to the sutras, Prashant
contact had passed.
said that poetry touches the heart and By Ty Chandler
A long while back in the course
then the mind. In Canada we live amidst

U
of teaching a class, Geetaji said (and I nfortunately, or fortunately,
so much natural beauty, that the poetry
paraphrase): It is not every day that such there is no magic pill, no
of some of these images have a resonance
a soul graces this earth. one practice or solution that
for me in our landscape. Finding the
Watching his transitions from asana you can adopt and solve all your
poetic symbols which nourish our heart is
to asana in many of the tapes of his problems. As Ram Das said, your
possible in the vast legacy which we have
demonstrations all over the world, one karma is a moving target. The
been left in the writings and teachings of
sees a fluidity, a grace that is sublime. only certainty in life is that your
B.K.S. Iyengar. Images from nature come
And yet he was a human being too, with physical body will die at some
up regularly in his writings. Here is one
strong character traits that could charge time. Whether you believe that
that is particularly evocative to me.
a space and the people in it. At other your soul or consciousness will
As he ends his reflections on
times he might slip quietly into a class continue is up to your personal
Patanjali’s yoga sutras, Guruji says: “A
unnoticed. experience. Every day is uncertain
cloud has two facets. It may cover the sky
I connected with the Iyengar tradition and yet to cope we pretend that
without bringing rain. This makes the
in 1984, and had my first chance to this isn’t true. In the words of
atmosphere gloomy and people become
partake in a Canadian Intensive in 1992. B.K.S. Iyengar “Those who live
inactive and dull. But if the cloud bursts
Guruji would have been in his early in reality which can only be the
into rain the atmosphere is cleared, the
seventies then and Geeta was by his side present, will assuredly die, but
sun shines, and people go out to work
and it was during that intensive that I will have lived before they die.”
joyfully. Similarly, the yogi should not
had the unparalleled experience of being ([Link].53)
make the consciousness quiet in a tamasic
a student in her pranayama classes. I am
way, but in an alert, sattvic way to shine
of the middle generation of students who Ty Chandler has been practicing
forth brilliantly to live in the delightful,
have been fortunate enough to have had Yoga since the late 80s. She studies
fragrant rain-cloud of virtue.” with Shirley Daventry French and
some direct connection with the master,
has taken workshops with many
but in a different way from those who Ann Kilbertus is a long time practitioner senior teachers.
began going to Pune in the 70s and 80s and teacher who continues to live,
such as my teacher Shirley Daventry practice and study in Victoria.

French. Guruji has been like a yogic

grandparent in my life.
I was gradually drawn by the being
and the work of this great master, and
since his death there have been many

26
The Man Who Planted Vrksasanas
By Britta Poisson

T
he other day, I noticed a photograph By his example on the
of David and me on the bedside
table. His parents took this photo
royal path of yoga, by his
eighteen years ago in their front yard. We unwavering compassion,
are bundled from head to toe, knee deep
in snow. It was Christmas 1996, and
I am one of millions who
Victoria was covered by a snowfall of have been given the
historic proportions. Our beaming faces
reflect the joy we shared on the occasion
chance to learn and to
of our first family visit. experience what it means
So much has changed since then.
The snow melted, and the hedge
to be truly human.
beneath it is long gone. My auburn hair is At the same time, I had made up a list
now grey, and David’s parents have since to the Universe for the kind of work
died. This December, another family will I was seeking. At the top of the list was:
celebrate their third Christmas at this a humane working environment. It was
address. We will celebrate our first in a followed by: work that would allow time
home of our own. Yet, what struck me to pursue my yoga practice and teacher
most about this photo was that it was training. It is now thirteen years since
taken before my first Iyengar yoga class. I began working at the Centre.
The happiness I felt then was so So much has changed since then.
different from the happiness I feel now. We have a rope wall, a grill, and an
“Set thy heart upon thy work, but astonishing array of well organized props.
never on its reward. Work not for a We have hosted a dozen assessments
reward; but never cease to do thy work.” for certification and welcomed as many
2.47 Iyengar teachers from around the world.
I can honestly say this quote from the Businesses have come and gone in this
Bhagavad Gita was my first inversion! I building. Students have come and gone,
have Linda Benn to thank for reading this and come back to the Centre. Together,
in one of my earliest classes. I thought, Focusing on one point is concentration. we have faced injuries, illness, and death.
Focusing on all points at the same time
“Could this be true? If so, everything I is meditation. – B.K.S. Iyengar, The Tree
Our Guru has died.
have learned so far seems to be headed in of Yoga Yet, what strikes me most is the
the wrong direction.” happiness I felt when I began Iyengar
The realization that, at the end of noticed this alternate paradigm was very yoga classes was so different from the
my twenties, I could be so far off-base, much alive and well in the Iyengar yoga happiness I feel now.
prompted me to delve into yoga community. Inspired by the dedication
of its members, when a request came “Neither knowable, knowledge, nor
philosophy as well as yogasana classes.
for volunteers to haul bolsters in the knower am I, formless is my form,
At the same time, I looked around and
Special Needs class, I said: “I could do I dwell within the senses but they are
that!” When asked to join the board, I not my home:
said: “I could try that.” Then in 2001, Ever serenely balanced, I am neither
“Set thy heart upon thy when Shirley insisted it was time for the free nor bound –
work, but never on its community to establish a centre dedicated Consciousness and joy am I, and Bliss
to yoga, there was a big change in my life. is where I am found.”
reward. Work not for a The centre, now known as the Iyengar – Song of the Soul
reward; but never cease to Yoga Centre of Victoria, was looking for The source of this happiness stems
someone to work at reception.
do thy work.” 2.47 from Guruji’s teaching. His life and

27
work has transformed my life and work.
By his example on the royal path of yoga,
Tribute from New Teachers
by his unwavering compassion, I am
one of millions who have been given the Suzanne Trembley, Tracy
chance to learn and to experience what it Silberer, Tracy Harvey, Brandy
means to be truly human. Baybutt and Soo Ham were
Recently, I read a favourite story by given Introductory II level
Jean Giono called The Man Who Planted certification in September
Trees. In it, he writes of a fictional 2014, one month after Guruji’s
character which to him would be most death. They are Victoria and
unforgettable. Nanaimo’s newest certified
“For a human character to reveal truly teachers. Below they answered
exceptional qualities, one must have the following questions:
the good fortune to be able to observe 1. Why did you choose to follow
its performance over many years. If this the Iyengar teacher training
performance is devoid of all egoism, method?
if its guiding motive is unparalleled 2. How does the method differ from others
generosity, if it is absolutely certain that you may have tried? teacher who understood what escapes all
there is no thought of recompense and 3. What are your thoughts about how others. I know I need to listen attentively
that, in addition, it has left its visible B.K.S. Iyengar influenced you, even if to him.
mark upon the earth, then there can be you did not meet him? Tracy Silberer: The Iyengar method
no mistake.” is accessible to all; regardless of age
I feel he must, somehow, be Suzanne Trembley: I only knew of or level of fitness by employing props
remembering our Guru. this method. Having started yoga under where and if necessary. What he offers is
Namaste. Karyn Woodland, and feeling grateful for inclusivity, a path of well being designed
what she had introduced me to, I started for everyone.
Britta Poisson has lived, practiced and contemplating becoming a teacher after There is intelligence and reflection in
studied in Victoria for many years. She
teaches and works at the reception desk
a while. the practice not simply doing. There is
at the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria. I had not tried very many other an opportunity to integrate oneself.
styles of yoga, but the little bit else Mr Iyengar has led by example
seemed phony at times. In truth, I did unwavering in his dedication to the
not know that this was the best method, teaching of yoga. He lived through his
To win a battle a general it was the one that made the most sense teachings and his students. His life’s
surveys the terrain and the to me, that seemed to have the most work is inspiring. I discovered this in his
enemy and plans counter rigour. book Light on Life.
The more I journey along the
measures. In a similar way path, the more I am attracted to his
Soo Ham: I followed this method
because of the teachers at the Iyengar
the Yogi plans the conquest written work. B.K.S. Iyengar made me
Yoga Centre. Starting with my mentor,
of self. – B.K.S. Iyengar understand that Western logic, science
Ty, I could always trust in and rely on
and rationality are not the only way that
them with their profound knowledge,
yield deeper understanding. I think of
invaluable experience and wisdom. And
him as the Einstein of yoga, i.e. he is to
so, I’ve never tried any other method.
yoga what Einstein is to physics, or Bach
I was fortunate that I could meet
to music. He was a uniquely talented
him and learn from him at my visit to
RIMYI in the winter of 2010-2011.
I think of him as the He was a true yogacharya. Guruji was
Einstein of yoga, i.e. he is roaring like a lion standing on his
head at the corner of the studio, seeing
to yoga what Einstein is to everyone of us, correcting and teaching
physics, or Bach to music. us for hours each day. Since the visit,

28
I still hear his voice and feel his presence the spiritual aspect. This was important throwing so many challenges in my
in my practice. Guruji embarked on his to me as I had avoided teacher training direction that I wasn’t sure how to move
own practice eight decades ago! for years being disillusioned with forward. Then I would read something
how commercial yoga had become. from Light on Life or one of his other
Tracy Harvey: [Nanaimo] The gratitude
The attention to detail in poses was books and deep down I knew I would
and feelings I have are strong, but the
something that challenged me where I make it through. I was given the gift
words just don’t match.
needed to be challenged and something of his guidance and understanding of
My very first yoga class was as an
I hadn’t found elsewhere. I wanted to yoga through my teachers, his writing,
Iyengar class. I was hooked from my
teach yoga with the right tools to help and the way in which he shared his
very first tadasana, even though I didn’t
others. The Iyengar training gives a solid understanding with the world. He
know why. Even Iyengar yoga teachers
foundation for learning how to teach. shared this gift so openly and I feel so
in training had something special to
This method differs from others fortunate to have walked into my first
offer me. In the beginning it seemed like
I have tried as the teachers are highly Iyengar class. I felt I had been searching
magic to me. As I became more familiar
trained to teach and their focus when for a long time for a spiritual path that
with the approach to the teaching I
teaching is on the students. Some styles I could devote myself to. The impact
came to realize that the years and years
included the teacher doing their practice his work has had on my life has been
and more years of dedicated practice
alongside the students and this didn’t immense. There may be moments where
and study were what gave Iyengar yoga
offer me an opportunity to learn in the I feel lost but now there is something to
teachers the ability to communicate so
same way. The Iyengar method goes keep coming back to. My life has gained
clearly, intelligently and safely to the
to the root of how to practice, how to a deeper sense of purpose. It is a blessing
students. It takes thousands of hours of
change oneself, and how to follow a to have my teachers who were in direct
classes and study, not including practice
dedicated path of yoga. I felt this the contact with Mr. Iyengar share their
time, and a rigorous assessment process
first time I walked into the Victoria stories with us.
to just achieve the Introductory Level II
Iyengar Centre. The teachers I met had
certification. The standards are high and
a sense of clarity about what they were
it shows in the calibre of the teaching.
doing and their teaching reflected this.
The practice is also not just about asana,
Also the attention to detail in poses was
but includes the implementation and
something that challenged me where I
study of all the eight limbs of Ashtanga
needed to be challenged and something During the week of the one
yoga. Iyengar yoga is a full and complete
I hadn’t found elsewhere. Because month anniversary of B.K.S.
practice. I love to help people and
it challenged me on certain physical Iyengar’s death, Robin
combining that with my passion for
levels it also challenged me spiritually Cantor and her students
Iyengar yoga seemed like something
where I needed to look more closely. practiced the Canadian ‘Day
worth working toward. In my early
One thing that stands out for me about of Remembrance’ yoga asana
yoga years I did drop in on a variety of
Iyengar yoga is how it offers a way of practice. Students commented
“yoga” classes at various fitness centres
being in the world on an everyday basis. on how inspired they are
(a common place for many people to
I had previously gone on long silent by Guruji’s dedication and
first be introduced to yoga). The classes
meditation retreats and found it difficult devotion to yoga. Also, how
were more like gymnastic classes. I am
to connect what I practiced while being their lives have become
eternally grateful to B.K.S. Iyengar for
away into my everyday life. I could enriched through the practice
his lifelong dedication to the study of
see that those dedicated to the path of of yoga and how they will
yoga and for keeping the teachings alive
Iyengar yoga were given tools to bring always carry the spark of
so that someone like me, and now my
their practice into their daily lives and divinity that he has instilled in
students, may also derive the benefits of
the level of community felt very strong. each of them.
yoga.
For this I am so grateful.
Brandy Baybutt: I chose the Iyengar When I read the e-mail about
method teacher training as it was the Iyengar’s passing I was filled with a deep
most comprehensive teacher training sense of emotion. Here was a person
I had come across. When I discovered I had never met yet who affected my
Iyengar yoga I was struck by the life so profoundly. There were many
connection of the physical practice with days during my training where life was
29
Light and Joy
By Athena George

S even years ago I traveled to Pune

to study yoga with B.K.S. Iyengar.
I carried with me four packets of
Patanjali’s contributions to grammar
and medicine. When Iyengar took
the stage, he smiled and thanked
maple sugar candy. I wanted to his son, saying, “It’s good Prashant
give him a gift, to thank him for his talked so long because I don’t know
lifetime of practicing, teaching and what I’m going to say.”
writing about yoga. I heard that he “I want to talk about words,”
had a sweet tooth. he said. “Use your words with guts,
When I first entered the Institute power and wisdom.”
and spied him in the corner, How do you get guts, power
suspended upside-down in rope and wisdom? He told us we needed
headstand, I stared openly. Here was Abhijata and Guruji 2010. Photo: James Burton to experiment. Try things out for
the famous eighty-eight year-old man ourselves. Practice and discipline. He
in the flesh. All the photos I’d seen of shifted from talking about words to
him had been true: wavy white hair, yoga asanas. “Find out for yourself
broad chest and abundant eyebrows. why the backs of the thighs go in
No way was I going to give different directions in tadasana and
B.K.S. Iyengar those maple candies, sirsana.”
I thought. He probably gets buckets Near the end of his talk, he said,
of sweets. It’s probably a disposal “It’s not just about doing, moving
issue for his family, even a danger to this muscle and that bone, nor about
his health, like when US fans pelted doing with the mind, but about
The Beatles’ George Harrison with doing with the soul and filling it with
jelly beans. light and joy.”
He didn’t teach regular classes Mr Iyengar teaching at RIMYI With all the yoga I was practicing
anymore, leaving that to his son in India, sometimes I began to catch
and daughter. I liked them both, for different reasons. Geeta glimpses of what he was talking about. Other times, I sank into
ordered us, “Side ribs open!” Prashant challenged us, “What a pit of homesickness, aching for a breath of clean air and the
is your purpose?” Iyengar did still teach—his granddaughter, arms of my husband. It was during one of these bad spells that I
Abhijata. If she filled in for Geeta, he was there, stopping her in ripped open two of the four packets of maple candies meant as
mid-sentence, gathering us around to watch her adjust students gifts for Iyengar. Each leaf-shaped sweet resisted under my teeth
with his help. When she did her own practice, he welcomed us and then melted into syrup in my mouth. They tasted like home.
to watch as he molded her poses with his hands, feet, knees My teachers back home had told me that he worked in the
and elbows. library and that I should hang out there. Every afternoon, I
It was Abhijata who did the honours at the celebratory would descend into the narrow basement library and pass his
evening for Patanjali’s birthday, lighting candles in front of desk, sitting at one of the nearby study tables. The room was
the flower-adorned statue. We sat on the floor, cross-legged on humid. I had to mop sweat from my forehead so it wouldn’t
bolsters, women wearing saris and men in dress pants and shirts. drip onto my teacher training essays. I would have been more
Prashant spoke for an hour and a half about the ancient sage comfortable back in my room, lying on my bed under the fan,
but instead I stayed, waiting for something exciting to happen.
For two months I went to the library almost every weekday
“It’s not just about doing, moving this afternoon. During that time, Iyengar answered mail, wrote and
muscle and that bone, nor about doing read. An assistant and the librarian helped him. They spoke
mainly Marathi. They laughed a lot. Sometimes, people would
with the mind, but about doing with the come and ask him questions and he would answer directly and
soul and filling it with light and joy.” return to work.

30
 On my last day in Pune, I went down
into the library with the two remaining
packets of candy in my pocket. I stopped Guruji’s Gift to Me
in front of his desk and waited for him
to look up. He did and smiled. I set the By Marilyn Shepherd
candies on his desk.
“These are for you. Thank you practicing. She was working on
for everything you’ve done. All the a posture as Guruji had taught
teachings…and the books. I really like her to do on a previous visit.
your books.” She said, “He looked at me and
“Thank you,” he replied. He saw the said, “Why are you still doing
red maple leaves on the cellophane. “Ah, it that way? Why don’t you
Canada. From which part?” come up with something new?”
“The west coast.” Of course that was what he
“You know Shirley?” did—exploring, trying things
“She’s one of my teachers.” differently to see how it would
“Please tell her I said hello.” affect the body. So many I times
During my time in India, I’d seen I have heard people come back
B.K.S. Iyengar in many roles: yoga from India to say, “things have
practitioner, teacher, father, grandfather, changed, this is the way we are
writer, philosopher, leader of the doing (something) now.”
Institute, founder of a world-wide yoga On another occasion, I
movement, and also for a brief moment, asked my teacher from Calgary,
a famous and busy man who took the Margot Kitchen, what she
time to be friendly. All these aspects
were out in public for everyone to see. W hen I think of B.K.S.
Iyengar, I think of a
man of action, an explorer,
thought he would say, if I
asked him, what his one piece
of advice would be. Without
He lived what he taught. Try things out
and if that doesn’t work, try something an explorer of the interior hesitation, she responded,
else. Practice. Discipline. All this he did, landscape of the body. In a way, “Practice…Practice…Practice.”
while filling his soul with light and joy. I he charted a course in detail for And how do we practice,
will miss him. us, leaving us with signposts to not out of duty or by rote, but
guide us. I have received the out of joy, with a childlike
Athena George discovered Iyengar yoga impression from my teachers curiosity of an explorer. Practice
on Saltspring Island with Sheri Berkowitz. who knew him better than I, the way he did, realizing that
She now lives, practices and teaches on that he would want us to be the body is not the end, but
Saturna Island, BC.
explorers too, not just follow the way through to the soul.
the map from point to point, As he put it, ”The body is the
He lived what he taught. but what can we add to it? bow, the asana is the arrow,
Try things out and if A comment from Maureen the soul is the target.” From his
that doesn’t work, try Carruthers from a workshop has inspiration may we continue
stuck with me. As I remember our practice, our exploring and
something else. it, she was at the institute our journey to the soul.

Marilyn Shepherd has lived and

“The body is the studied in many places in Canada.

bow, the asana is She currently lives, practices

and teaches in the Western

the arrow, the soul communities, a short drive outside

the city limits of Victoria, BC.
is the target.”

31
 Around the Institute in Pune

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