About L.A. Yoga Group
B.K.S. Iyengar on Hatha Yoga
Home
Community
History of Yoga
B.K.S. Iyengar on Hatha Yoga
Meditation
Yoga's Health Benefits

The Tree of Yoga written by Iyengar

Iyengar explains that “Ha” means sun or soul and “tha” means moon or consciousness.  When consciousness and body are brought into union with each other, the energy of the mind stills and the soul pervades the body.  Hatha yoga seeks to control the breath and bring mind to stillness. 
 
Iyengar believes that yoga helps all parts of the body work together in harmony. Only when you are healthy and in harmony, can you bring health and peace to those around you. He states that meditation is part of yoga and through it, you detach from the world and attach towards the soul. 
 
According to Iyengar, when you are completely absorbed, dedicated and attentive while doing the yoga posture, it will lead your mind from attachment to the body towards the soul. "Prana" means energy and "ayama" means creation.  When you practice "pranayama" or breathing exercises, you exhale to release tension or toxins in the cells.  Exhalation is vital and organic.  Inhalation is a physical action that sends energy throughout your body. 

The Yoga Sutras of Pantajali is the basis of all yoga practices.  In chapter one, it states that yoga is the analysis of movement and the behavior of the mind so one should continue practicing until one reaches the highest state of wisdom and exists in complete integration.