3rd International Day of Yoga Sequence from Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute

From the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, We have received requests from various associations and teachers for a sequence of practice for the third International Day of Yoga. If our large Iyengar Yoga family across continents would practice the same sequence, then it would be our small tribute to Guruji.

Whenever we talk about 'Iyengar Yoga,' we talk about precision and alignment. We insist that if the legs and arms are to be straight in any asana, then the teachers insist on the straightness. "Keep the knees firm and tight. Lock the elbows. Make the legs poker stiff" are the instructions that we often give and hear. It is this sharpness in the asanas in Light on Yoga that has attracted millions. It is the sharpness in the presentation by Guruji that has inspired generations of yoga sadhakas (practitioners).

Why this insistence on straightness and sharpness? Is it merely for the aesthetic appeal? Guruji has said, "crooked body crooked mind." When the body is straight and aligned, then the intelligence flows. If there are dents and bends, then the intelligence does not flow. When the intelligence does not flow, there is no awareness. There is stagnation; the asana becomes lifeless. And, if so, how can it be healthy? Guruji has often given us the analogy of the flowing river where there is constant freshness from moment to moment.

So, on this International Day of Yoga, we would be doing the asanas that remind us of this legacy, this tradition of our beloved and revered Guruji.