Historical Figure
B. K. S. Iyengar
1918–2014
Indian yoga teacher and author (1918–2014)
Talk to B. K. S. Iyengar
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar was an Indian teacher of yoga and author. He is the founder of the style of yoga as exercise called "Iyengar Yoga", and was considered one of the foremost yoga gurus in the world. He was the author of many books on yoga practice and philosophy including Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and Light on Life. Iyengar was one of the earliest students of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who is often called "the father of modern yoga". He has been credited with popularizing yoga, first in India and then around the world.
In Their Own Words (5)
Asanas keep the body healthy and strong and in harmony with nature.
As quoted in Analecta Husserliana, Yearbook of Phenomenological Research, Vol. 78 : Gardens and the Passion for the Infinite (2003) edited by Teresa Tymieniecka, p. 87 , 2003
I can remain thoughtfully thoughtless. It is not an empty mind.
As quoted in "Iyengar, Who Helped Bring Yoga to the West, Dies at 95" by Ellen Barry, in The New York Times (20 August 2014) , 2014
You do not need to seek freedom in a different land, for it exists with your own body, heart, mind, and soul.
p. xxii , 2005
When we free ourselves from physical disabilities, emotional disturbances, and mental distractions, we open the gates to our soul.
p. 22-23 , 2005
Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly trying to fit broken pieces together.
p. xiv , 2005
Timeline
The story of B. K. S. Iyengar, told in moments.
Began teaching yoga at 18 in Pune on the invitation of the Deccan Gymkhana. He was a student of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, often called the father of modern yoga. Iyengar couldn't touch his toes when he started.
Published Light on Yoga, with over 200 asanas photographed and described. It sold millions and was translated into 17 languages. Yehudi Menuhin, the violinist, wrote the foreword.
More from the Early 20th Century
Explore what happened on the days that shaped B. K. S. Iyengar's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.