Part I: Basic Questions

1. Introduction: Controversy about Iyengar´s method of Yoga

Both in India and in the Western World the way of Yoga developed by B.K.S. Iyengar has caused considerable controversy over the past two or three decades. One cannot say that the debate so far has been on a particulary high level. It rather can be characterized by repetition of a handful of cliches.

The critics of Iyengar´s method reproach it as reducing Yoga to mere physical exercises. They condescendingly look down upon the "knee-cap-yogis" who allow themselves to be tortured by their sadistic master. The euphoric supporters of Iyengar counter by asserting that the critics have no idea at all what Iyengar Yoga is about. It´s much more than mere gymnastics, they say. The master is not aggressiv either, but through his provocative behaviour he teaches the students to become humble and to do their utmost. Filled with contempt Iyengar´s students look down upon the "armchair-yogis": "They want to meditate and cannot even stretch their knees yet!"

One might wonder what psychological dynamic exists behind the fact that two groups by virtue of their prejudices constantly dismiss one another with the same arguments. It turns out very often in such cases that each side hits the other where it hurts. However, instead of admitting to being hit each replies immediately with a counter-attack.

I do not want to take part in the controversy between the "knee-cap-yogis" and the "armchair-yogis", but instead try to contribute towards transforming this often fruitless quarrel into a more interesting discussion. In order to go beyond the usual prejudices and to enter into an objective investigation it is necessary to study carefully the relationship between Iyengar`s way and the traditional Yoga. To take a few beginning steps down this path, I use Iyengar`s remarks on this issue as a starting-point.

As Iyengar Yoga is very complex, and the tradition of Yoga as a whole is an extensive and difficult subject, I can tackle only a few aspects of it without claim to completeness.