BKS Iyengar Quotes – 100 Inspirational and Motivational Quotes by B.K.S Iyengar

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THE 100 MOST INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES BY BKS IYENGAR


B.K.S. Iyengar, founder of Iyengar Yoga was considered amongst the most important teachers of yoga in the world. He has often been credited with popularising yoga, especially in the west.

He was given the Padma Vibushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri – The fourth, third and second highest civilian award respectively – by the government of India for his outstanding work in Yoga.

At the age of 90, Iyengar continued to practice asanas for 3 hours and pranayama for one hour a day.

 

100 QUOTES filled with wisdom

– BY b.k.s iyengar

 
BKS Iyengar Quotes
1. “My body is my temple and asanas are my prayers.”

1. “My body is my temple and asanas are my prayers.”

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

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

3. “Action is movement with intelligence. The world is filled with movement. What the world needs is more conscious movement, more action.”

3. “Action is movement with intelligence. The world is filled with movement. What the world needs is more conscious movement, more action.”

4. “Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul creates the symphony of life.”

4. “Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul creates the symphony of life.”

5. “Yoga does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees.”

5. “Yoga does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees.”

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

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

7. “Breath is the king of mind.”

7. “Breath is the king of mind.”

8. “Yoga allows you to find a new kind of freedom that you may not have known even existed.”

8. “Yoga allows you to find a new kind of freedom that you may not have known even existed.”

9. “Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly trying to fit broken pieces together.”

9. “Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly trying to fit broken pieces together.”

10. “Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.”

10. “Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.”

11. “There is no difference in souls, only the ideas about ourselves that we wear.”

11. “There is no difference in souls, only the ideas about ourselves that we wear.”

12. “Be inspired but not proud.”

12. “Be inspired but not proud.”

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

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

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

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

15. “Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one’s being, from bodily health to self-realization. Yoga means union – the union of body with consciousness and consciousness wi

15. “Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one’s being, from bodily health to self-realization. Yoga means union – the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul. Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”

16. “There is only one reality, but there are many ways a reality can be interpreted.”

16. “There is only one reality, but there are many ways a reality can be interpreted.”

17. “There is no progress toward ultimate freedom without transformation, and this is the key issue in all lives.”

17. “There is no progress toward ultimate freedom without transformation, and this is the key issue in all lives.”

18. “By drawing our senses of perception inwards, we are able to experience the control, silence, and quietness of the mind.”

18. “By drawing our senses of perception inwards, we are able to experience the control, silence, and quietness of the mind.”

19. “All games are meaningless if you do not know the rules.”

19. “All games are meaningless if you do not know the rules.”

20. “You do not need to seek freedom in a different land, for it exists within your own body, heart, mind, and soul.”

20. “You do not need to seek freedom in a different land, for it exists within your own body, heart, mind, and soul.”

21. “Asanas maintain the strength and health of the body, without which little progress can be made. Asanas keep the body in harmony with nature.”

21. “Asanas maintain the strength and health of the body, without which little progress can be made. Asanas keep the body in harmony with nature.”

22. “True concentration is an unbroken thread of awareness.”

22. “True concentration is an unbroken thread of awareness.”

23. “Anything physical is always changing, therefore, its reality is not constant, not eternal.”

23. “Anything physical is always changing, therefore, its reality is not constant, not eternal.”

24. “When you see a mistake in somebody else, try to find if you are making the same mistake. This is the way to take judgment and to turn it into improvement.”

24. “When you see a mistake in somebody else, try to find if you are making the same mistake. This is the way to take judgment and to turn it into improvement.”

25. “We are a little piece of continual change, looking at an infinite quantity of continual change.”

25. “We are a little piece of continual change, looking at an infinite quantity of continual change.”

26. “Asana is perfect firmness of body, steadiness of intelligence, and benevolence of spirit.”

26. “Asana is perfect firmness of body, steadiness of intelligence, and benevolence of spirit.”

27. “You have to create love and affection for your body, for what it can do for you.”

27. “You have to create love and affection for your body, for what it can do for you.”

28. “Life itself seeks fulfilment as plants seek sunlight.”

28. “Life itself seeks fulfilment as plants seek sunlight.”

29. “It is through your body that you realize you are a spark of divinity.”

29. “It is through your body that you realize you are a spark of divinity.”

30. “As animals, we walk the earth. As bearers of divine essence, we are among the stars. As human beings, we are caught in the middle, seeking to reconcile the paradox of how to make our way upon earth while striving for something more permanent an

30. “As animals, we walk the earth. As bearers of divine essence, we are among the stars. As human beings, we are caught in the middle, seeking to reconcile the paradox of how to make our way upon earth while striving for something more permanent and more profound.”

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31. “Nothing can be forced, receptivity is everything.”

31. “Nothing can be forced, receptivity is everything.”

32. “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.”

32. “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.”

33. “Spirituality is not some external goal that one must seek, but a part of the divine core of each of us, which we must reveal.”

33. “Spirituality is not some external goal that one must seek, but a part of the divine core of each of us, which we must reveal.”

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

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

35. “One's spiritual realization lies in none other than how one walks among and interacts with one's fellow beings.”

35. “One's spiritual realization lies in none other than how one walks among and interacts with one's fellow beings.”

36. “There is a universal reality in ourselves that aligns us with a universal reality that is everywhere.”

36. “There is a universal reality in ourselves that aligns us with a universal reality that is everywhere.”

37. “Yoga allows you to find an inner peace that is not ruffled and riled by the endless stresses and struggles of life.”

37. “Yoga allows you to find an inner peace that is not ruffled and riled by the endless stresses and struggles of life.”

38. “You exist without the feeling of existence.”

38. “You exist without the feeling of existence.”

39. “Love begets courage, moderation creates abundance and humility generates power.”

39. “Love begets courage, moderation creates abundance and humility generates power.”

40. “We must create a marriage between the awareness of the body and that of the mind. When two parties do not cooperate, there is unhappiness on both sides.”

40. “We must create a marriage between the awareness of the body and that of the mind. When two parties do not cooperate, there is unhappiness on both sides.”

41. “Meditation is oneness, when there is no longer time, sex, or country. The moment when, after you have concentrated on doing a pose (or anything else) perfectly, you hold it and then forget everything, not because you want to forget but because

41. “Meditation is oneness, when there is no longer time, sex, or country. The moment when, after you have concentrated on doing a pose (or anything else) perfectly, you hold it and then forget everything, not because you want to forget but because you are concentrated: this is meditation.”

42. “The union of nature and soul removes the veil of ignorance that covers our intelligence.”

42. “The union of nature and soul removes the veil of ignorance that covers our intelligence.”

43. “A fusion of nature and soul.”

43. “A fusion of nature and soul.”

44. “It is Einstein’s famous equation E=MC^2, in which E is energy (rajas), M is mass (tamas), and C is the speed of light (sattva). Energy, mass, and light are endlessly bound together in the universe.”

44. “It is Einstein’s famous equation E=MC^2, in which E is energy (rajas), M is mass (tamas), and C is the speed of light (sattva). Energy, mass, and light are endlessly bound together in the universe.”

45. “As breath stills our mind, our energies are free to unhook from the senses and bend inward.”

45. “As breath stills our mind, our energies are free to unhook from the senses and bend inward.”

49. “But a yogi never forgets that health must begin with the body. Your body is the child of the soul. You must nourish and train your child. Physical health is not a commodity to be bargained for. Nor can it be swallowed in the form of drugs and p

49. “But a yogi never forgets that health must begin with the body. Your body is the child of the soul. You must nourish and train your child. Physical health is not a commodity to be bargained for. Nor can it be swallowed in the form of drugs and pills. It has to be earned through sweat.”

50. “As we explore the soul, it is important to remember that this exploration will take place within nature (the body), for that is where and what we are.”

50. “As we explore the soul, it is important to remember that this exploration will take place within nature (the body), for that is where and what we are.”

51. “You exist without the feeling of existence.”

51. “You exist without the feeling of existence.”

52. “When we free ourselves from physical disabilities, emotional disturbances, and mental distractions, we open the gates to our soul.”

52. “When we free ourselves from physical disabilities, emotional disturbances, and mental distractions, we open the gates to our soul.”

53. “Love begets courage, moderation creates abundance and humility generates power.”

53. “Love begets courage, moderation creates abundance and humility generates power.”

54. “Meditation creates oneness, when there is no longer time, sex, or country. The moment when, after you have concentrated on doing a pose (or anything else) perfectly, you hold it and then forget everything, not because you want to forget but bec

54. “Meditation creates oneness, when there is no longer time, sex, or country. The moment when, after you have concentrated on doing a pose (or anything else) perfectly, you hold it and then forget everything, not because you want to forget but because you are concentrated: this is meditation.”

55. “Each one’s capacities are a function of his or her internal strength.”

55. “Each one’s capacities are a function of his or her internal strength.”

56. “Know your capacities and continually improve upon them.”

56. “Know your capacities and continually improve upon them.”

57. “The union of nature and soul removes the veil of ignorance that covers our intelligence.”

57. “The union of nature and soul removes the veil of ignorance that covers our intelligence.”

58. “Body is the bow, asana is the arrow, and the soul is the target.”

58. “Body is the bow, asana is the arrow, and the soul is the target.”

59. “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 mea

59. “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.”

60. “Change leads to disappointment if it is not sustained. Transformation is sustained change, and it is achieved through practice.”

60. “Change leads to disappointment if it is not sustained. Transformation is sustained change, and it is achieved through practice.”

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61. “Confidence, clarity and compassion are essential qualities of a teacher.”

61. “Confidence, clarity and compassion are essential qualities of a teacher.”

62. “Do not stop trying just because perfection eludes you.”

62. “Do not stop trying just because perfection eludes you.”

63. “Focus on keeping your spine straight. It is the job of the spine to keep the brain alert.”

63. “Focus on keeping your spine straight. It is the job of the spine to keep the brain alert.”

64. “How can you know God if you don’t know your big toe?”

64. “How can you know God if you don’t know your big toe?”

65. “Illuminated emancipation, freedom, unalloyed and untainted bliss await you, but you have to choose to embark on the Inward Journey to discover it.”

65. “Illuminated emancipation, freedom, unalloyed and untainted bliss await you, but you have to choose to embark on the Inward Journey to discover it.”

66. “It is while practicing yoga asanas that you learn the art of adjustment.”

66. “It is while practicing yoga asanas that you learn the art of adjustment.”

67. “Life means to be living. Problems will always be there. When they arise navigate through them with yoga- don’t take a break.”

67. “Life means to be living. Problems will always be there. When they arise navigate through them with yoga- don’t take a break.”

68. “One's spiritual realisation lies in none other than how one walks among and interacts with one's fellow beings.”

68. “One's spiritual realisation lies in none other than how one walks among and interacts with one's fellow beings.”

69. “The art of teaching is tolerance. Humbleness is the art of learning.”

69. “The art of teaching is tolerance. Humbleness is the art of learning.”

70. “The supreme adventure in a man’s life is his journey back to his Creator.”

70. “The supreme adventure in a man’s life is his journey back to his Creator.”

71. “When I practice, I am a philosopher. When I teach, I am a scientist. When I demonstrate, I am an artist.”

71. “When I practice, I am a philosopher. When I teach, I am a scientist. When I demonstrate, I am an artist.”

72. “When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world. When you inhale, you are taking the strength from God.”

72. “When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world. When you inhale, you are taking the strength from God.”

73. “Willpower is nothing but willingness to do.”

73. “Willpower is nothing but willingness to do.”

74. “Words cannot convey the value of yoga – it has to be experienced.”

74. “Words cannot convey the value of yoga – it has to be experienced.”

75. “Yoga is a means and an end.”

75. “Yoga is a means and an end.”

76. “Yoga is the golden key that unlocks the door to peace, tranquillity and joy.”

76. “Yoga is the golden key that unlocks the door to peace, tranquillity and joy.”

77. “You must purge yourself before finding faults in others.”

77. “You must purge yourself before finding faults in others.”

78. “Your body exists in the past and your mind exists in the future. In yoga, they come together in the present.”

78. “Your body exists in the past and your mind exists in the future. In yoga, they come together in the present.”

79. “Your body is the child of the soul. You must nourish and train that child.”

79. “Your body is the child of the soul. You must nourish and train that child.”

80. “Yoga is about the will, working with intelligence and self-reflexive consciousness, can free us from the inevitability of the wavering mind and outwardly directed senses.”

80. “Yoga is about the will, working with intelligence and self-reflexive consciousness, can free us from the inevitability of the wavering mind and outwardly directed senses.”

81. “The physical body is not only a temple for our soul, but the means by which we embark on the inward journey toward the core.”

81. “The physical body is not only a temple for our soul, but the means by which we embark on the inward journey toward the core.”

82. “Breath is the vehicle of consciousness and so, by its slow measured observation and distribution, we learn to tug our attention away from external desires toward a judicious, intelligent awareness.”

82. “Breath is the vehicle of consciousness and so, by its slow measured observation and distribution, we learn to tug our attention away from external desires toward a judicious, intelligent awareness.”

83. “Often, we hear people saying they remain active and light when they do just a little bit of asana practice. When a raw beginner experiences this state of well-being, it is not merely the external or anatomical effects of yoga. It is also about

83. “Often, we hear people saying they remain active and light when they do just a little bit of asana practice. When a raw beginner experiences this state of well-being, it is not merely the external or anatomical effects of yoga. It is also about the internal physiological and psychological effects of the practice.”

84. “The primary aim of yoga is to restore the mind to simplicity, peace, and poise, to free it from confusion and distress.”

84. “The primary aim of yoga is to restore the mind to simplicity, peace, and poise, to free it from confusion and distress.”

85. “A stable mind is like a hub of a wheel. The world may spin around you, but the mind is steady.”

85. “A stable mind is like a hub of a wheel. The world may spin around you, but the mind is steady.”

86. “Change leads to disappointment if it is not sustained. Transformation is sustained change, and it is achieved through practice.”

86. “Change leads to disappointment if it is not sustained. Transformation is sustained change, and it is achieved through practice.”

87. “Intellectuals tend to be arrogant. Intelligence, like money, is a good servant but a bad master. When practicing pranayama, the yogi [makes] himself humble and without pride in his intellectual attainments.”

87. “Intellectuals tend to be arrogant. Intelligence, like money, is a good servant but a bad master. When practicing pranayama, the yogi [makes] himself humble and without pride in his intellectual attainments.”

88. “The beauty of a lake reflects the beauty around it. When the mind is still, the beauty of the Self is seen reflected in it.”

88. “The beauty of a lake reflects the beauty around it. When the mind is still, the beauty of the Self is seen reflected in it.”

89. “A yogi’s brain extends from the bottom of the foot to the top of the head. A crooked body means a crooked mind.”

89. “A yogi’s brain extends from the bottom of the foot to the top of the head. A crooked body means a crooked mind.”

90. “The popularity of yoga and my part in spreading its teachings are a great source of satisfaction to me. But I do not want its widespread popularity to eclipse the depth of what it has to give to the practitioner.”

90. “The popularity of yoga and my part in spreading its teachings are a great source of satisfaction to me. But I do not want its widespread popularity to eclipse the depth of what it has to give to the practitioner.”

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91. “Penetration of our mind is our goal, but in the beginning to set things in motion, there is no substitute for sweat.”

91. “Penetration of our mind is our goal, but in the beginning to set things in motion, there is no substitute for sweat.”

92. “The material body has a practical reality that is accessible. It is here and now, and we can do something with it. However, we must not forget that the innermost part of our being is also trying to help us. It wants to come out to the surface a

92. “The material body has a practical reality that is accessible. It is here and now, and we can do something with it. However, we must not forget that the innermost part of our being is also trying to help us. It wants to come out to the surface and express itself.”

93. “The popularity of yoga and my part in spreading its teachings are a great source of satisfaction to me. But I do not want its widespread popularity to eclipse the depth of what it has to give to the practitioner.”

93. “The popularity of yoga and my part in spreading its teachings are a great source of satisfaction to me. But I do not want its widespread popularity to eclipse the depth of what it has to give to the practitioner.”

94. “Do not look at others’ bodies with envy or with superiority.”

94. “Do not look at others’ bodies with envy or with superiority.”

95. “Our flawed mechanisms of perception and thought are not a cause for grief, but an opportunity to evolve, for an internal evolution of consciousness that will also make possible, in a sustainable form, our aspirations toward what we call individ

95. “Our flawed mechanisms of perception and thought are not a cause for grief, but an opportunity to evolve, for an internal evolution of consciousness that will also make possible, in a sustainable form, our aspirations toward what we call individual success and global progress.”

96. “I always tell people, live happily and die majestically.”

96. “I always tell people, live happily and die majestically.”

97. “The decision to relax rather than to grip, even in the face of impatience or fear, is a conscious and brave choice.”

97. “The decision to relax rather than to grip, even in the face of impatience or fear, is a conscious and brave choice.”

98. “Regular practice of yoga can help you face the turmoil of life with steadiness and disability.”

98. “Regular practice of yoga can help you face the turmoil of life with steadiness and disability.”

99. “A good teacher helps you explore the maximum.”

99. “A good teacher helps you explore the maximum.”

100. “The practice of yogasana for the sake of health, to keep fit, or to maintain flexibility is the external practice of yoga. While this is a legitimate place to begin, it is not the end… Even in simple asanas, one is experiencing the three level

100. “The practice of yogasana for the sake of health, to keep fit, or to maintain flexibility is the external practice of yoga. While this is a legitimate place to begin, it is not the end… Even in simple asanas, one is experiencing the three levels of quest: the external quest, which brings firmness of the body; the internal quest, which brings steadiness of intelligence; and the innermost quest, which brings benevolence of spirit.”

 
 

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Ked Suri, Founder of The Yogi Press

Ked was born and raised in Barcelona. He considers himself a blend of East and West, keeping from each world what is most exceptional.Yoga has played an important part of his life since his early years; he was initiated at the Bihar School of Yoga at the age of seven and experienced ashram life every year whilst growing up, spending much time with swamis, yogis and renunciates. Get in touch with him.

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