In 2006, B.K.S. Iyengar shared a powerful insight into the deeper purpose of yoga:
“Our practice of asana is not for the sake of the body, that is only a support. If the earth is not there you can't walk. Can you walk on water? So, asanas are the foundation or the earth for us, so that from holding the earth we can touch the light of the soul.”
This beautiful teaching reminds us that yoga is not just about physical exercise, but a pathway to unity – yoga itself means union. It is a practice that invites us to connect body, mind, and spirit, ultimately leading us to realise the profound truth of non-duality: that all aspects of existence are interconnected and one.
Yoga is often seen as a practice of physical postures, but these asanas are only the starting point. Iyengar’s metaphor of asanas as the earth beneath us offers a deeper understanding. Just as the earth provides the foundation for our steps, asanas ground us in the present moment. They stabilise the body and mind, creating a sense of presence that allows us to move toward something greater: the realisation of our true nature.
This union of body, mind, and spirit is the essence of yoga. Through our practice, we come to understand that these aspects of ourselves are not separate; they are interconnected, working together to guide us toward wholeness.
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At the heart of yoga lies the concept of advaita, or non-duality – the understanding that the perceived separation between us and the world, body and mind, is an illusion. As we practice yoga, we begin to dissolve these boundaries and experience a deeper sense of connection.
Iyengar’s teaching shows us that the body is not an obstacle to spiritual growth, but a vehicle for it. As we ground ourselves in the physical form through asanas, we begin to access the subtle aspects of our being. Each posture becomes an opportunity to move beyond the physical and experience the unity between body, mind, and spirit.
From the Earth to the Light
Iyengar’s words also point us toward the light within – the essence of who we truly are. This light is not external, but an inherent part of us. Through yoga, we learn to connect with this inner light by grounding ourselves in the present moment and transcending the illusion of separation.
The practice becomes a way to experience and realise that we are not isolated beings, but integral parts of a unified whole. The light that resides within us is the same light that connects us to others, to nature, and to the universe. Yoga reveals this unity, helping us see beyond the surface and recognise the interconnectedness of all things.
The next time you step onto your mat, reflect on how each posture can guide you toward this sense of unity. Feel the grounding support of the earth beneath you as you move through asanas. Notice how the connection between breath and body creates a bridge between the physical and the spiritual.
As you practice, allow yourself to experience the union between the outer form and the inner essence. Yoga offers us the opportunity to transcend duality and see the interconnectedness of all things, reminding us that the body is not separate from the soul, and neither is the self separate from the world.
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Yoga is not just about physical strength or flexibility; it’s about recognising the unity that already exists within us. Iyengar’s teaching invites us to see that asanas are the foundation, not the end goal. From this grounded place, we can move toward the light of the soul and experience the deep connection that yoga offers.
Through our practice, we gradually come to realise that the boundaries between body, mind, and spirit are not fixed. Yoga helps us experience the non-dual nature of reality, where we are all interconnected, and our true essence is one with everything.
I invite you to carry this awareness into your practice, using each moment on the mat as a reminder of the unity and light that resides within and around you. Together, let’s continue this journey of union and discovery.
Hari Om
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