Films and Documents
Beautiful video from 1977 of Mr Iyengar practicing and teaching. Scratchy but awe inspiring – especially from the 10th minute of Mr. Iyengar practicing with and instructing a small group of practitioners. Samadhi was made by the Film and Television Institute of India and won a Silver Lotus. The link leads to a Youtube video. Though original citations mention 22 mins., this video is only about 14 mins long.
This is a feature-length documentary film about Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar’s practice, life and influence. Made and guided by film makers who are also yoga practitioners, this is an inspiring film for all practitioners of the subject.
The film is available for streaming on various platforms.
Directed by: Jake Clennell
Runtime: 106 min.
Feature documentary on how people, with serious addiction problems, have used yoga as part of their recovery in 12 step programs, to a new life of health and emotional stability.
Directed by Lindsey Clennell
Runtime: 85 min.
Recored at the Barbican Centre in London in 1984, this films starts with Mr Iyengar giving a lecture on yoga. At the 22nd minute, he leaves behind his regal attire and gives an extraordinary demonstration of the pranayamic breath. The asana demonstration starts at the 28th minute, and builds up to a crescendo of back arches and inversions. Mr. Iyengar was 66 years old at the time of this recording.
Runtime: 61min.
The lecture given by Dr Geeta S. Iyengar in Poland during her visit to Europe in 2002, was transcribed and published. With her usual generosity and care, Geetaji edited and added to the lecture for its publication. Succinctly and clearly she explains how women should adjust their practice to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. All teachers, men and women, and all female practitioners will find this an invaluable source of knowledge and wisdom which will enhance their practice and understanding of the marvellous and vast subject of Yoga
(look at our recorded resources on this subject in the rental and free resources sections of this portal
As with asana, Mr Iyengar’s approach to pranayama was revolutionary – removing the veils of mystery and misinformation, and making this subject available to the average practitioner. Following the clear direction given by Patanjali in the yoga sutras, pranayama is introduced only once a level of proficiency is reached in the practice of asanas. Pranayama is introduced, gradually and safely, to be incorporated in the personal practice of the student in an intelligent manner.
Mr. Iyengar has left behind a wealth of information on pranayama, including the seminal book ‘Light on Pranayama’ – a must-have resource for anyone interested in unravelling the deeper and subtler workings of the breath.
We transcribed this brief 12 minute informal talk given by Guruji on pranayama because it explains the the profound subject with such matter of fact elegance.
We say this invocation at the beginning of the class. Includes english transliteration, meaning, and a commentary by Geetaji on the significance of the invocation.
