The Art of Yoga

by B.K.S. Iyengar

Any action done with beauty and purity, and in complete harmony of 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. This book highlights the artistic interpretation of the postures.

In ‘the Art of Yoga’ BKS Iyengar, world renowned for his study, practice and teaching of Yoga, now turns his attention to the artistic interpretation of body, mind and soul through Yoga. The book highlights the artistic interpretation of the postures already mastered and, in accordance with the philosophy of BKS Iyengar, is the next stage in the practice of Yoga.

B. K. S. Iyengar, world renowned for his study, practice and teaching of Yoga, now turns his attention to the artistic interpretation of body, mind and soul through Yoga. Those familiar with Iyengar`s previously published Light on Yoga, where the technique of each posture is learnt and the thoroughness and clarity required to perform it through constant practice is mastered, will find The Art of Yoga supplementary. It highlights the artistic interpretation of the postures already mastered; it is the next stage in the practice of Yoga.

Any action done with beauty and purity, and in complete harmony of body, mind and soul, is art. In this way art elevates the artist. As Yoga fulfils the essential need of art, it is an art. Art of Yoga is an expression of the Yogacharya BKS Iyengar's artistic interpretation of the body, mind and soul. The large photographs in this volume with very apt quotes focuses the attention of the practitioner and enables him to observe in detail the action of the muscles, the holding of the joints, the spacing of the limbs, the movements of the skin and finally the way all these integrate, transmitting expressions of delicate balance and comfort, grace and poise, charm and beauty. The book is a visual delight and an aesthetic experience.

Table of Contents:

• Foreword by Yehudi
• Part One - Yoga - My Art
  • The Quest for Art in Yoga
  • Art Defined Culture Creativity
  • Beauty (Saundarya)
  • Art and the Artist
  • Two Types of Art
  • A Blend
  • The Artist: Scientist and Philosopher
  • The Aim of Yoga
  • Yoga as Art
  • Yoga as Science
  • Branches of Science and Art
  • Art and Science: Similarities and Differences
  • Yoga as Philosophy
  • Yoga: The Basic Art
  • Yoga: A Spiritual Art
  • Yoga and Yogi: An Example
  • References to Part one
• Part Two - Yoga: The Art of Teaching
• Part Three - The Asanas.

About the Author:

Yogacharya B.K.S.Iyengar (Guruji) is a living legend who has taught yoga in unique way to all his students. He finds the meaning of the yoga sutras by his practical search and regular practice of yoga. Thus, he has helped all to experience the wisdom of the yoga sutras. His style of teaching yoga is called "Iyengar Yoga" and is now being followed by certified teachers across the world.

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja (BKS) Iyengar was born on December 14, 1918. His father Sri Krishnamachar was a school teacher and therefore Guruji has all his father's qualities even at this age. Guruji was a victim of malaria, typhoid and tuberculosis in his childhood .

At the age of 16, he was introduced to yoga by his Guru Sri T. Krishnamacharya. At the age of 18, he was sent to Pune, Maharashtra by his guru to teach and preach yoga as he knew a little of English. This missed his opportunity to learn a lot about yoga directly from his guru.

Guruji was a sincere and committed practitioner. His own practice helped him to explore and achieve perfection in yoga asanas. This is reflected in his teachings all over these years.