I've been practicing Iyengar yoga (with diversions to explore other body practices) for just over 25 years and I've never lost my passion for it. I'm still finding opportunities to deepening my understanding and experience, especially whenever I teach as I do now once a week in a beautiful forest studio.
I feel very fortunate to have gone to Pune, India, where B.K.S. Iygengar has his school (Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute), back in 1990. He was still teaching and just about to celebrate his 80th birthday. I remember him being tough on someone and thinking I'd have to step in to defend her - until he winked at me (!) and disarmed my protective zeal.
This month (14 December 2008) this inspiring man turns 90. He was the first person I ever heard talk of 'body intelligence' (with reference to shins!) and I had no idea what he meant at the time. His life of commitment to practice (from very inauspicious beginnings as a child) and service to others are surely a testament to yoga.
Here is a quote from his work, where water provides a good metaphor regards wise use of life energy: Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, BKS Iyengar,The Aquarian Press, 1993, p. 36.
The yogi's judicious use of natural forces [kundalini] can be compared to the farmer who floods his fields one by one within their earthen banks, letting the water thoroughly drench the soil before breaking open a new channel into another. For safety's sake, the yogi employs method and restraint so as to use nature's energy intelligently to gain wisdom.
For a recent article referencing kundalini energy and it's possible connection with aquatic bodywaves see 'An aquatic kriya' on this blog.
