About Pranayama from Light on Yoga
“Prana means breath, respiration, life, vitality, wind, energy, or strength. It also connotes the soul as opposed to the body. Ayama means length, expansion, stretching, or restraint. Pranayama thus connotes extension of breath and its control. Pranayama is thus the science of breath. It is the hub round which the wheel of life revolves.”
About this class:
In the preface to Light on Pranayama, B.K.S. Iyengar described pranayama as “…the techniques developed in ancient India for examining the systems of breathing, blood circulation, digestion, assimilation, nourishment, the endocrine glands, and the nerves…” The body of this text elegantly illuminates steps to study the universal energy through one’s own vital breath and organic processes.
B.K.S. Iyengar helped plan the approach for these classes: a progression of tools and skills to handle obstacles keeping us from the best parts of human existence. He asked that this be taught in ways that give life. To fulfill this goal, we study Light on Pranayama teachings systematically, progressing through the full range of pranayamas and their effects to explore our capacity for trust, intuition, and wellness. Each class begins with a short practice suitable for all levels of pranayama experience. To develop each person’s potential in respectful, kind ways, modifications are given to accommodate everyone.
We will study specifics of alignment and technique, building direct experience, reflection, fulfillment and concentrated insight.
Prerequisite: Six months’ asana practice with a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher