Hatha Yoga Iyengar Tradition
The Centre is dedicated to the teachings of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, who is recognised as one of the world’s foremost authorities on Hatha Yoga.
Peace in the body brings poise to the mind.
In Hatha Yoga, the body is used as a tool to modify consciousness and to still the mind of disturbances. Our lineage Guru BKS Iyengar discovered that unless alignment was given full and detailed attention the desired result could not be achieved. Thus the teachings involve precise physical postures and breathing techniques leading to harmony in both body and mind.
BKS Iyengar’s knowledge of the body is unparalleled and the help that he gave to the ailing was incredible. He was always discovering new things to help patients and his discovery of using props for alignment, relaxation and healing purposes is a blessing for mankind.
Sharat Arora
Sharat was born in 1953 and discovered Yoga in 1978. He went through intensive, full-time training for seven years with BKS Iyengar at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Institute in Pune and assisted B.K.S. Iyengar on all levels of Asana classes. However, more significant in his development as a practitioner and teacher was his involvement in the daily therapy sessions serving countless patients. His fusion of this experience with his extensive study of western and ayurvedic medicine greatly influenced his continually evolving Yoga technique and sharpened his unique Yoga therapy skills.
Postures and breathing of Hatha Yoga practices are there to bring about balance between Ha (Sun) and Tha (Moon), so that blockages are removed and Prana, the life force, is able to flow everywhere equally.
During this time of his growth and transformation Sharat was living in a Buddhist community and became interested in meditation, particularly Vipassana. With this added insight Sharat made a breakthrough in understanding what Yoga techniques were meant to bring about in himself and others. He was further inspired by the teachings of J. Krishnamurti and later by HWL Poonja (the linage of Ramanamaharishi) leading to a more holistic practice and Yogic life. Sharat’s clear and precise instructions, his constant and detailed attentiveness, his focus on providing students with the tools to practice and explore independently, and his therapeutic knowledge for treating ailments and injuries are combined with a spiritual depth that makes his instruction unique.
Sharat speaks French, German and English fluently and has lived and travelled extensively in Europe.
The Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre
Aligning, rejuvenating and unifying body and mind through daily professional and compassionately guided yoga classes within the ambience of the majestic Himalayan mountains is the forte of the centre. It was established in 1985 in the small village of Dharamkot, just above McLeod Ganj with the desire to give visitors a feeling of inspiration and devotion. The Yoga Hall provides all the practical needs for students as well as unique artistic beauty. The centre is located within a lush garden where an abundance of trees, flowers and shrubs create a haven of peace.
We not only wish to encourage an awareness of body, mind and spirit, but also a sensitivity and gratitude for our natural environment, which in itself is devotion and respect to the highest principle of nature.
Your Yoga Course
Depending on your holiday package, you will join either one introductory or the introductory and a consecutive five day yoga course, which builds upon the first and with a two day break in between the two courses. Each session lasts up to 3 hours and introduces you skilfully to the essence of Sharat Arora’s Yoga version of the Iyengar Yoga style. Great attention will be paid to all practical and philosophical aspects of the poses, teaching you alignment of body and mind and encouraging you to go deeper within and stay in the present.
The five day introductory course will give you a comprehensive overview of Sharat’s Iyengar yoga style and you will leave with a basic understanding of the method. During the consecutive five day course, some very beneficial and therapeutic asanas will be added and your practice will become more refined.
Yoga is the journey of the Self, through the Self, to the Self.
