Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar are two of the most influential figures in modern yoga. Both were direct students of T. Krishnamacharya, often regarded as the "father of modern yoga," and each developed their own distinctive styles that have had a profound impact on the practice of yoga globally. Here, we explore the similarities and differences between these two yoga luminaries.
Background and Training
Pattabhi Jois
- Birth: July 26, 1915, in Kowshika, India.
- Training: Began practicing yoga at age 12 under T. Krishnamacharya.
- Contribution: Founder of the Ashtanga Yoga style.
- Legacy: Established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India, attracting students worldwide.
B.K.S. Iyengar
- Birth: December 14, 1918, in Bellur, India.
- Training: Started yoga practice under his brother-in-law, T. Krishnamacharya, in 1934.
- Contribution: Developed Iyengar Yoga, known for its emphasis on precision and alignment.
- Legacy: Wrote the seminal book "Light on Yoga" and established the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India.
Style and Philosophy
Pattabhi Jois - Ashtanga Yoga
- Focus: Synchronization of breath with a progressive series of postures.
- Practice: Known for its vigorous, flowing sequences (vinyasa) and emphasis on building internal heat.
- Structure: Composed of six series of increasing difficulty, beginning with the Primary Series.
- Approach: Traditional and rigorous, often requiring daily practice.
- Philosophy: Emphasizes the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga) as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.
B.K.S. Iyengar - Iyengar Yoga
- Focus: Precision, alignment, and the use of props.
- Practice: Slow, methodical approach to asana practice, emphasizing correct alignment.
- Structure: Incorporates a wide range of postures and extensive use of props (blocks, straps, blankets) to achieve proper alignment and accommodate practitioners of all levels.
- Approach: Detailed instructions and longer holds in postures.
- Philosophy: Stresses the importance of anatomical alignment and the therapeutic aspects of yoga.
Teaching Style
Pattabhi Jois
- Method: Hands-on adjustments, with a focus on helping students achieve deeper postures.
- Environment: Often taught in a group setting but with individual attention within the context of the Mysore style (self-led practice).
- Expectations: High discipline and commitment from students, with a strong focus on physical endurance and stamina.
B.K.S. Iyengar
- Method: Detailed verbal instructions and demonstrations.
- Environment: Structured classes with a focus on precision, often involving the use of props.
- Expectations: Emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of yoga and adapting the practice to individual needs, including those with injuries or limitations.
Influence and Legacy
Pattabhi Jois
- Global Reach: Popularized Ashtanga Yoga worldwide, influencing many modern vinyasa styles.
- Notable Students: David Swenson, Richard Freeman, and Kino MacGregor.
- Institutions: Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, now known as the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI).
B.K.S. Iyengar
- Global Reach: Made yoga accessible to people of all ages and abilities through his use of props and emphasis on alignment.
- Notable Students: Yehudi Menuhin, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and many others who went on to become influential yoga teachers.
- Institutions: Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) and numerous Iyengar Yoga centers worldwide.
Philosophical and Practical Differences
Sequence and Structure:
- Ashtanga: Fixed sequences; progression through series.
- Iyengar: No fixed sequences; focus on individual postures and their alignment.
Use of Props:
- Ashtanga: Minimal to no use of props.
- Iyengar: Extensive use of props to achieve proper alignment and support.
Approach to Learning:
- Ashtanga: Emphasis on memorization and self-led practice in the Mysore style.
- Iyengar: Emphasis on understanding each posture in depth, often with detailed instructions.
Philosophical Emphasis:
- Ashtanga: Strong emphasis on the eight limbs of yoga as a holistic path.
- Iyengar: Strong emphasis on the alignment and therapeutic benefits of each posture, integrating the eight limbs into practice.
Both Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar have left an indelible mark on the world of yoga, each contributing unique elements that have shaped modern practice. While Jois's Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes a dynamic, flowing sequence and internal heat, Iyengar's approach focuses on precision, alignment, and the therapeutic potential of yoga. Together, they represent the rich diversity of yoga and its potential to transform lives through disciplined practice and dedicated teaching