Yoga Readers an online community dedicated to the exploration and discussion of the profound wisdom contained in the works of B.K.S. Iyengar and the Iyengar family. This initiative is designed to engage practitioners worldwide in thought-provoking discussions, gain invaluable insights from diverse perspectives, and delve into the multifaceted aspects of yoga through curated materials and interactive sessions.
Join us and delve into thought-provoking discussions, gain invaluable insights from diverse perspectives, and explore yoga’s multifaceted aspects through curated materials and interactive sessions.
Yoga Readers is committed to disseminating and preserving the authentic tradition of Iyengar Yoga, with its emphasis on alignment, precision, and in-depth understanding of asanas. Yoga Readers aims to create and nurture a worldwide network of Iyengar Yoga practitioners, teachers, and enthusiasts. Our community encourages the exchange of ideas and experiences, enriching the practice for all members. By engaging deeply with the works of B.K.S. Iyengar and the Iyengar family, we ensure the authenticity and continuity of their teachings. Our discussions honor the legacy of Iyengar Yoga and make its profound wisdom accessible to a global audience.
Our community serves as a platform for Iyengar Yoga practitioners to connect, share insights, and foster a sense of belonging. In our fast-paced, digital world, participating in a community that encourages thoughtful discussion and reflection is increasingly valuable. Yoga Readers supports both new and established Iyengar Yoga groups by providing a continuous learning environment. The collaborative nature of our community enhances the collective growth and development of its members.
Reading Schedule
Opening Zoom session: Sunday, 3rd November, 7 AM GMT (Add to GoogleCalendar 📅)
3rd November – 16th November
Unit 1: Foreword, Editor’s Note and Acknowledgements, Part One: Yoga and Life (pages ix-38)
Zoom session #1: Sunday, 17th November, 10 AM GMT – Discussing Unit 1 (Add to GoogleCalendar 📅)
17th November – 30th November
Unit 2: Part Two: The Tree and Its Parts (pages 41-77)
Zoom session #2: Friday, 29th November, 6 PM GMT – Discussing Unit 2 (Add to GoogleCalendar 📅)
1st December – 14th December
Unit 3: Part Three: Yoga and Health (pages 81-112)
Zoom session #3: Sunday, 15th December, 10 AM GMT – Discussing Unit 3
16th December – 4th January
Unit 4: Part Four: The Self and Its Journey (pages 115-151)
Zoom session #4: Sunday, 5th January, 10 AM GMT – Discussing Unit 4
5th January – 18th January
Unit 5: Part Five: Yoga in the World (pages 155-167)
Zoom session #5: Sunday, 19th January, 10 AM GMT – Discussing Unit 5
Final Zoom session: Sunday, 2nd February, 10 AM GMT
Community gathering and closing reflections: Review and discuss key themes from the entire book
Tree of Yoga
I am delighted to announce the next chapter in our Yoga Readers community: an exploration of B.K.S. Iyengar’s seminal work, “The Tree of Yoga.” This enlightening book transcends the physical realm of yoga, offering a comprehensive view of yoga as a transformative life philosophy. While Iyengar’s earlier work, “Light on Yoga,” delved into the intricacies of asanas, “The Tree of Yoga” elevates our understanding to encompass the entire spectrum of yogic wisdom.
In this masterpiece, Iyengar invites readers on an introspective journey, sharing invaluable insights gleaned from his decades of devoted practice and teaching. His words serve as a beacon, illuminating the path to self-discovery and inner harmony. “The Tree of Yoga” meticulously examines the eight limbs of yoga, providing practical guidance on integrating these ancient principles into modern life. Iyengar’s teachings reveal how the holistic practice of yoga can cultivate balance, clarity, and profound inner peace. Through our collective reading and discussion, we will uncover the multifaceted nature of yoga and its far-reaching impact on our overall well-being. This shared exploration will reveal yoga’s true essence as a transformative path leading to self-realization and spiritual growth.
I invite you to join us in this captivating journey through “The Tree of Yoga.” Together, we will delve into the depths of yogic philosophy, emerging with a richer understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Your insights and questions are not only welcome but essential to our collective growth. I look forward to embarking on this enlightening adventure with you, as we nurture our understanding and practice under the expansive canopy of Iyengar’s wisdom.
Introductory Session: Coming Together as a Reading Community
Our inaugural session brought together practitioners interested in deepening their understanding of yoga philosophy through B.K.S. Iyengar’s wisdom. We explored our motivations, shared our aspirations, and established the foundations for our reading community. This session reflects our commitment to inclusive learning and mutual support.
November 3rd - 16th: Unit 1 pages ix-38
Focus questions to think about:
1. How does Iyengar define yoga, and how does this definition differ from common misconceptions?
2. What are the eight limbs of yoga according to Iyengar, and how do they relate to each other?
3. How does Iyengar address the relationship between Eastern and Western approaches to yoga?
Part 1: Yoga and Life
In this session we explored Part One of “The Tree of Yoga,” diving deep into Iyengar’s elegant metaphor of yoga as a living tree. Our discussion brought to life how each element – from the roots of Yama to the fruits of Samadhi – forms an interconnected whole. The group engaged thoughtfully with key concepts including the simultaneous growth of the eight limbs, yoga’s universal accessibility, and the distinction between belief and faith. Our rich dialogue reflected on how these teachings remain deeply relevant to our modern practice and daily lives.
November 17th – 30th Unit 2: pages 41-77
Focus questions to think about:
1. How does Iyengar describe the relationship between effort, awareness, and joy in yoga practice?
2. What is Iyengar’s perspective on the depth of asana practice beyond just physical exercise?
3. How does Iyengar explain the concept of pranayama and its importance in yoga?
Part 2: The Tree and It's Parts
In this session, we explored Part 2 of The Tree of Yoga. We discussed the different layers of asana practice: from cognitive action to meditation in action. We also mentioned the “vitamins” needed for yoga practice: faith, memory, courage, absorption, and uninterrupted awareness. Then, we observed the connection between breath and consciousness in pranayama. Further, we asked, how the metaphor of the tree helps us understand the interconnected nature of yoga practice. Key highlights include our discussion about sensitivity in practice, the relationship between flesh and skin in asanas, and Iyengar’s profound insights about the evolutionary and involutionary processes in pranayama.
December 1st-14th
Focus questions to think about:
1. How does Iyengar’s definition of health differ from our conventional understanding?
2. What strikes you about his approach to yoga therapy?
3. How might viewing health through this holistic lens change our approach to wellbeing?
About Agi Wittich
Agi Wittich is a yoga practitioner since two decades, and is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher. Wittich studied Sanskrit and Tamil at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, completing a PhD with a focus on Hinduism, Yoga, and Gender. She has published academic papers exploring topics such as Iyengar yoga and women, the effects of Western media on the image of yoga, and an analysis of the Thirumanthiram yoga text.
Light on Life
In our newly formed yogic reading community, “Yoga Readers,” we have chosen to commence our journey with the enlightening book “Light on Life” by the renowned yogi, B.K.S. Iyengar. This profound work serves as a befitting introduction to the profound wisdom and transformative power of yoga, extending beyond the physical practice of asanas.
While Iyengar’s earlier masterpiece, “Light on Yoga,” delved into the intricate realm of yogic postures, “Light on Life” offers a more holistic perspective, encapsulating the very essence of yoga as a way of life. Through this book, Iyengar invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, sharing his personal experiences, anecdotes, and invaluable insights gleaned from over seven decades of dedicated yoga practice.
Beyond the mere physical aspects, “Light on Life” delves into the deeper realms of yoga, exploring the yogic goal of integrating the various facets of our being – the body, mind, consciousness, and emotions – to achieve a state of wholeness and harmony. Iyengar’s wisdom shines through as he illuminates the path to harmonizing these intricate aspects of our existence, guiding us towards a life of balance, clarity, and inner peace.
By commencing our reading journey with this profoundly insightful work, we aim to lay a robust foundation for our community, enabling us to appreciate the multidimensional nature of yoga and its profound impact on our overall well-being. As we delve into Iyengar’s wisdom, we will gain a deeper understanding of how yoga transcends the physical realm, offering a transformative path towards self-realization, spiritual growth, and a harmonious existence.
Reading Schedule
Week 1 (May 1st - May 11th) Preface & Introduction
Week 2 (May 12th - May 18th) - Chapter 1
Questions to observe during the reading:
- What are the five sheats of being (Kośa)?
- What is the difference between nature (Prakṛti) and the universal soul (Puruṣa)?
- What are the eight petals of yoga (Aṣṭāṅgayoga)?
In this chapter BKS Iyengar introduces the inward journey of yoga, which aims to reveal our divine core or soul through exploring the different sheaths (Kośa) of our being. It outlines the five koshas or layers – the physical body (annamaya kośa), the energetic body (prāṇamaya kośa), the mental body (manomaya kośa), the intellectual body (vijñānamaya kośa), and the blissful soul body (anandamaya Kośa). According to Iyengar, the goal is to integrate these sheaths and harmonize the relationship between our nature (Prakṛti) and soul (Puruṣa). This is achieved through the eight limbs of yoga – ethical disciplines (yama and niyama), postures (āsana), breath control (prāṇāyāma), sense withdrawal (pratyāhāra), concentration (dhāraṇā), meditation (dhyāna), and ultimate union (samādhi). The chapter explains how āsana and prāṇāyāma prepare the body and mind for the inward journey by cultivating stillness, concentration and dissolution of the ego.
Weeks 3 & 4 (May 19th - June 8th) - chapter 2
Questions to observe during the reading:
- What is bodily health and how is it related to the health of the mind?
- What is the difference between self-awareness and self-consciousness?
- How should one aim for perfection and avoid over ambition?
In chapter 2, Iyengar explains that the physical practice of yoga asanas is an entry point for deeper spiritual exploration. Asana practice works from the outer layer of the physical body inwards, creating openings to allow the inner spiritual essence to reveal itself. As one engages in the physical movements and efforts of the asanas, the true Self simultaneously strives to express and manifest itself. The yoga postures challenge the physical form, creating spaciousness that extends to the realms of the mind and intelligence, allowing the inner light of consciousness to shine through. However, this process is not merely mechanical; the more dedicated, virtuous, and ego-transcending one’s practice is, the greater the aid and benefits one receives from the forces of nature itself.
When the practice is imbued with the proper intention – as an offering rather than an egoic pursuit – and the innermost Self succeeds in fully opening and expressing itself through the asana practice, it is referred to as “divine yoga,” signifying a connection to the divine essence within. The heart plays a vital role in this process, as one must “do the asana with the soul” by feeling one’s way into the posture through love, devotion, and the offering of the heart’s spiritual essence. Tangible signs of progression on this spiritual path through asana practice include experiences of serenity, joy, and lightness permeating the physical body, indicating a movement beyond the purely physical into subtler realms of spiritual awakening. Iyengar conveys yoga as a holistic system, where the physical asana practice acts as the ground, a stepping stone towards elevating one’s consciousness and connecting to the divine spiritual essence within.
Weeks 5 & 6 (June 9th - June 22nd) - Chapter 3
Questions to observe during the reading:
What is the connection between stress and prana energy? How does yoga practice affect stress?
How does yoga change our perception of death?
What are the non-physical benefits of yoga poses?
In this chapter B.K.S. Iyengar dives deep into the heart of yoga – Prana. Prana is described as the vital life force energy, the animating spark that flows through all existence. He emphasizes that Prana is not just about the physical body; it’s the source of vitality on all levels – physical, mental, and spiritual. This chapter establishes Pranayama, the practice of regulating breath, as a key tool for interacting with Prana. Iyengar explains how specific breathing techniques, with their focus on deep, rhythmic breaths and retentions, allow us to cultivate and expand our Prana energy. However, he cautions that a strong foundation in asana practice is crucial before attempting pranayama techniques. Also, this chapter delves into the fascinating connection between breath, body, and mind. Iyengar describes inhalation as an outward expansion, while exhalation is seen as a movement inward towards the core. Through pranayama, we bridge the gap between the external and internal realms, integrating the physical body with the mind. Iyengar takes the concept of pranayama a step further, presenting it as a form of devotion. By controlling the breath, we surrender our ego and connect with the infinite cosmic energy. This self-abnegation fosters a sense of oneness with the divine, a form of spiritual connection achieved through pranayama practice.
Finally, the chapter explores how pranayama helps us navigate the challenges of the modern world. Stress and emotional disturbances like anger, lust, and greed can deplete our Prana energy and create imbalances. Iyengar explains how pranayama, by regulating the breath, empowers us to manage these stresses and gain control over our senses and mind. This allows us to remain calm and centered even amidst the chaos of daily life. While Chapter 3 doesn’t directly discuss pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), it lays the groundwork for this concept. The emphasis on inward focus and self-control cultivated through pranayama practice naturally leads to the concept of pratyahara, which will likely be explored in a later chapter.
Weeks 7 & 8 (June 23rd - July 13th) - chapter 4
Questions to reflect on while reading
1. What’s the difference between instinct and intuition?
2. What is cellular intelligence?
3. What is the manas and how does it differ from intelligence?
In chapter 4, Iyengar discusses the workings of the mind and consciousness from a yogic perspective, highlighting it’s three components: 1) mind (manas), 2) ego (ahamkara), and 3) intelligence (buddhi). He explains that the mind is fickle and unable to make productive choices on its own. It processes thoughts and experiences but is prone to creating repetitive patterns. How so? The ego or “I-shape” (ahamkara) creates our sense of individual identity but can become overly attached to experiences and possessions. The key is the intelligence (buddhi) to making conscious choices and breaking free from habitual patterns, since it has the ability to objectively perceive situations and exercise will.
Chapter 4 also explains the concept of samskara – ingrained mental habits that create conditioned responses. Yoga aims to reduce negative samskara and cultivate positive ones. Later, Iyengar describes the role of memory – that can either liberate or constrain us depending on how it’s used. According to Iyengar, the intelligence should interrogate memory constructively rather than mind just reacting to it.
Yoga practices like asana and pranayama help create mental clarity and stability, allowing us to catch and change habitual thought patterns. Finaly, the ultimate goal is to act with awareness in the present moment, free from conditioned responses and karmic consequences. This requires sustained practice to transform consciousness over time.
Weeks 9 & 10 (July 14th - July 27th) chapter 5
Questions to reflect while reading:
1. How does breath control relate to the attainment of wisdom?
2. How does yoga help us achieve a state of mental stillness?
3. How can we achieve a state of non-duality?
In Chapter 5 of “Light on Life,” titled “Wisdom: The Intellectual Body,” B.K.S. Iyengar explores the deep connection between yoga practice and inner wisdom. He challenges the notion that intelligence is purely mental, arguing instead that individual intelligence is part of a larger cosmic intelligence. Iyengar posits that yoga postures (asanas) serve as gateways to this deeper wisdom, allowing practitioners to access insights beyond rational thought through bodily sensations and mindful movement.
Awareness plays a crucial role in Iyengar’s teaching. He emphasizes that true awareness in yoga goes beyond physical presence, involving a clear and honest perception of oneself both physically and mentally. This awareness facilitates mind-body integration, helping to quiet an overly critical mind and allowing the body to move with freedom and grace, fostering a sense of wholeness and integrity. Iyengar links the quality of yoga practice to other life aspects, particularly memory and sleep. He suggests that unresolved emotions can hinder presence in yoga postures, making it essential to process and release negative feelings. Sleep quality also impacts practice, with restorative (sattvic) sleep enhancing yoga, while agitated or dull (rajasic or tamasic) sleep hinders it.
The ultimate goal of yoga, according to Iyengar, is self-realization. He identifies the ego, or sense of separate self, as a major obstacle. Meditation and breath control (pranayama) techniques are presented as tools to quiet the mind and loosen the ego’s grip, leading to a deeper sense of universal connection. Iyengar emphasizes that yoga extends beyond the mat, influencing all aspects of life. As practitioners develop emotional and ethical maturity, their yoga practice deepens. This holistic approach fosters compassion and integrity in all interactions, unlocking yoga’s true transformative power.
Weeks 11 & 12 (July 29th - August 24th) - chapter 6
1. What is the experience of kindness and how is it different from sensory pleasure?
2. How does practicing yoga poses advance us towards an experience of kindness?
3. What is the connection between meditation practice and kindness?
In Chapter 6 of “Light on Life,” B.K.S. Iyengar explores the profound concept of the “bliss body” (anandamaya kosha) and addresses the fundamental philosophical question of self-identity. He presents a comprehensive framework for understanding human consciousness and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Iyengar begins by elucidating the Five Afflictions (Klesa) that impede spiritual progress: Ignorance (avidya), Pride (asmita), Attachment (raga), Aversion (dvesa), and Fear of Death (abhinivesa). He posits that ignorance is the primary obstacle, from which the other afflictions stem. Overcoming this ignorance, Iyengar asserts, is crucial for genuine spiritual growth and self-realization. He then draws a clear distinction between the ego-driven self and the true Self or Soul. He explicates how identification with the ego leads to suffering and a distorted perception of reality, emphasizing the importance of connecting with one’s eternal, immutable Self. Also, Meditation is presented as a critical practice for transcending the Five Afflictions and attaining higher states of consciousness. Iyengar describes samadhi as the ultimate state of union with the Supreme Soul, characterized by ineffable joy and tranquility.
Iyengar delves into the yogic understanding of nature’s evolution, describing it as originating from a primordial source (mula prakrti) with three fundamental qualities (gunas): inertia (tamas), dynamism (rajas), and luminosity (sattva). The practice of yoga, he explains, aims to harmonize these gunas and facilitate the progression from gross to subtle forms of existence. Then, Iyengar introduces the concept of yoga as involution – an inward journey from the material world to the subtle essence of nature. This process, Iyengar maintains, requires personal effort, willpower, and divine grace. Iyengar emphasizes the significance of prana (cosmic energy) in the yogic journey, drawing parallels between ancient wisdom and modern scientific concepts to demonstrate the enduring relevance of yogic philosophy.
The attainment of samadhi is portrayed as a divine gift, earned through disciplined practice involving the integration of mind, heart, body, and breath. Iyengar stresses that dedicated effort and spiritual alignment are essential for this achievement. In conclusion, Iyengar underscores the interconnectedness of all aspects of yoga practice, emphasizing the importance of balancing spiritual aspirations with ethical living and practical effort. This holistic approach, he argues, leads to harmony between nature and soul, ultimately guiding practitioners toward a deeper understanding of their true, blissful nature.