In December 2018 Madeline, Erica and Geraldine attended a special 12- day event in Pune commemorating 100 years since the birth of Mr BKS Iyengar, celebrating his life and work. He was undoubtedly one of the worlds’ most influential exponents of yoga practice who developed a teaching methodology that made “Yoga for one and for all”.
Over 1250 people gathered from more than 50 countries worldwide, both teachers and students, side by side on their mats, from junior to most advanced, to practice together under teaching of Prasant and Geeta Iyengar.
Prasant, a philosopher and a poet, is the only son of Mr Iyengar and a writer of many books on yoga sutras, breath dynamics and esoterics. He shared his experiences of growing up in a household with a famous father and described “being carried on the shoulders of Guruji”, his duty not to follow Guruji but to understand his teachings.
Geeta, the oldest daughter of Mr Iyengar, a doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine and author of “Gem For Women”, demonstrated her compassion and unfailing curiosity in guiding people through various medical issues. She ignited all of us with her fervour and passion and devotion to yoga as a path to moral, physical, mental, and spiritual well being.
Morning classes were followed by afternoon talks, cultural and theatrical presentations, interviews, panel discussions and yoga demonstrations from the children of Bellur, the birth -place of Guruji.
Less than 36 hours after completion of the event, news travelled of the death of Geeta aged 74. She had spoken generously and lovingly of her father, Guruji, and her life as a teacher to the International Yoga community.
I feel privileged to have received her teachings in the last days of her life, and for her “namaste” blessing as I kneeled at her feet in gratitude.
Abhijata, one of granddaughters of Guruji, spoke openly and honestly in a soul -searching speech, and demonstrated a willingness to listen by inviting contributions to discussions in open-mike sessions. She now carries the legacy of Iyengar Yoga on her shoulders.
When asked about the future of Iyengar Yoga Geeta replied,
“Why worry about it…Reincarnation will be there… wait and see…”
