Quotes of B.K.S. Iyengar

B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century, dedicated his life to the practice, study, and teaching of yoga. Founder of Iyengar Yoga, he is renowned for his emphasis on precision, alignment, and discipline, making yoga accessible to practitioners of all levels.

His teachings have helped millions develop a deeper understanding of their body, breath, and mind. Below, we explore some of his most iconic quotes, offering reflections and insights on how they resonate in our practice and lives.

B.K.S. Iyengar Quotes

"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured."

This quote reflects Iyengar's belief in the transformative power of yoga. The practice allows us to navigate life with clarity, helping us address unnecessary suffering while cultivating resilience for challenges that cannot be avoided.

As practitioners, we learn when to take action and when to surrender. This duality, mastering both active participation and passive acceptance, helps bring peace and harmony into our lives, both on and off the mat.

"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured."
– B.K.S. Iyengar

Yoga helps us gain discernment, allowing us to take action where possible and cultivate acceptance and resilience where change is out of our control.

— Jack Utermoehl (@AsivanaYoga) November 19, 2024

"The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in."

Iyengar's philosophy emphasizes respect for the body as the dwelling of the soul. Yoga is not only a physical discipline but a spiritual practice, demanding a certain reverence for the vessel that carries us.

This quote serves as a reminder to treat our bodies with care, through proper diet, exercise, rest, and mental tranquility. When we nurture the physical form, it creates a stable and clean foundation for spiritual growth.

"The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in."
– B.K.S. Iyengar

Caring for the body through cleanliness, exercise, and healthy choices creates a supportive environment for spiritual growth and well-being.

— Jack Utermoehl (@AsivanaYoga) November 20, 2024

"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open."

In Iyengar's view, health goes beyond the absence of illness. It is a holistic integration of the body, mind, and spirit, where all aspects of the self are in balance.

The practice of asana (physical posture) and pranayama (breath control) aids in dissolving physical tension and mental disturbances, allowing practitioners to access deeper levels of awareness. This harmony ultimately opens the door to self-realization and an enriched connection to the soul.

"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open."
– B.K.S. Iyengar

True health encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, freeing us to fully…

— Jack Utermoehl (@AsivanaYoga) November 19, 2024

"It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence."

Alignment is at the core of Iyengar Yoga. By aligning the body in asana, we cultivate a deeper awareness that extends beyond the physical layer.

This quote reminds us that the discipline of aligning the body brings steadiness to the mind and fosters a connection between our inner and outer worlds. Alignment is not simply a physical concept; it is a practice of harmonizing every part of our being.

"Penetration of the mind is our goal, but in the beginning to set things right, there is no substitute for sweat."

Iyengar believed that the true essence of yoga is the control and penetration of the mind. However, he recognized that this level of mastery cannot be reached without dedication and effort.

In the beginning, it is the hard work—the sweat—that purifies the body and focuses the mind. Only through dedicated physical practice can we hope to penetrate the subtler layers of our consciousness.

"Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees."

Transformation is at the heart of yoga practice. As we engage with the practice over time, it changes our perspective on ourselves and the world.

Iyengar understood that yoga reshapes our perception from the inside out, shifting our responses, thoughts, and reactions. This transformation enables us to see with greater compassion, wisdom, and equanimity, ultimately helping us evolve into a more balanced and grounded individual.

"Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees."
– B.K.S. Iyengar

Yoga is a path of personal transformation that not only alters our perspective but also reshapes our inner self, allowing us to grow beyond our past limitations.

— Jack Utermoehl (@AsivanaYoga) November 19, 2024

"The hardness of a diamond is part of its usefulness, but the true value is in the light that shines through it."

This quote speaks to the inner qualities we develop through practice. Just like a diamond, yoga helps us become resilient and strong, yet Iyengar points out that our true value lies not in our toughness but in the light we bring to the world.

Through consistent practice, we cultivate inner luminosity—qualities of kindness, empathy, and presence that shine outwards.

"Breath is the king of mind."

Pranayama (breath control) plays a vital role in yoga as it helps bridge the gap between body and mind. Iyengar's quote underscores the power of breath as a tool to master the mind.

When the breath is regulated, the mind becomes calm and focused. By mastering the breath, we bring stability to our thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, our entire being.

"Do not aim low, you will miss the mark. Aim high, and you will be on a threshold of bliss."

Iyengar encourages us to set ambitious goals in our practice and life. Yoga is a journey of self-discovery, and aiming high helps us reach our fullest potential.

Even if we do not always succeed, striving towards a higher purpose enriches our practice and brings us closer to an experience of bliss—the state of unity and connection that yoga ultimately aims for.

"Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they’re meant to be."

Change is inevitable, and Iyengar's teachings remind us to embrace it rather than resist it. On the mat, we often face physical or mental challenges that push us beyond our comfort zone.

Off the mat, we encounter changes that test our resilience. By welcoming change, we open ourselves to growth, learning, and transformation, ultimately moving closer to our true selves.

"Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they're meant to be."
– B.K.S. Iyengar…

— Jack Utermoehl (@AsivanaYoga) November 20, 2024

Integrating Iyengar's Wisdom into Practice

These quotes from B.K.S. Iyengar serve as guiding lights, helping us navigate our journey in yoga and life. To truly benefit from his teachings, let them inform your practice both on and off the mat.

Whether it is through aiming high, embracing change, cultivating alignment, or focusing on breath, Iyengar's words invite us to continually deepen our connection with ourselves and grow as practitioners.

Take these reflections into your next practice, and see how they transform not just your asanas but your inner being as well.