Yoga Quotes Inspirations by B.K.S. Iyengar on Life, Practice, Teaching & Mind-Body


Yoga GURU BKS Iyengar

image from internet

"I always tell people, live happily and die majestically. "
- B.K.S Iyengar


If you practice yoga, you know Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar is the foremost yoga guru in the world. His teaching transforms the lives and health of many worldwide, together with many must-read yoga books. The words of Iyengar are inspirational to all of us and often give us a new view when we need guidance in our lives, yoga practice, and even teaching (if you're a yoga teacher). 

We shortlisted some of our favorite quotes from the internet and books. Enjoy and stay inspired.



Quotes on Life & Transformation

iyengar quote Half Moon Pose.
  • "Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees."

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

  • "The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life."

  • "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."

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

  • "Yoga is firstly for individual growth, but through individual growth, society and community develop."

  • "Live before you die, so that death is also a lively celebration."

  • "Be inspired but not proud."



  • "There is no progress toward ultimate freedom without transformation, and this is the key issue in all lives."

  • "Life itself seeks fulfillment as plants seek sunlight."

  • "Yoga is a way of life; it is an art, a science, a philosophy."

  • "As long as you do not live totally in the body, you do not live totally in the Self."

  • "Do not live in the future, only the present is real."

  • "There is no progress toward ultimate freedom without transformation, and this is the key issue in all lives."

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

  • "I always tell people, live happily and die majestically. "

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

  • "Life means to be living. Problems will always be there. When they arise, navigate through them with yoga—don't take a break."

  • "Change leads to disappointment if it is not sustained. Transformation is sustained change, and it is achieved through practice."

  • "When you see a mistake in somebody else, try to find if you are making the same mistake."

  • "Yoga releases the creative potential in life."


 Quotes on Spirituality

  • "Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame."

  • " The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in."

  • " Your body exists in the past and your mind exists in the future. In yoga, they come together in the present."

  • "My body is my temple and asanas are my prayers."

  • "I am standing on my own altar. The poses are my prayers."

  • "Yoga is the golden key that unlocks the door to peace, tranquility and joy."

  • "We can rise above our limitations, only once we recognize them."

  • "Keep your attention internal, not external, not worrying about what others see, but what the Self sees."

  • "Yoga allows you to find a new kind of freedom that you may not have known even existed."

  • "It is through your body that you realize you are a spark of divinity."

  • "There is no difference in souls, only the ideas about ourselves that we wear."


Quotes on Yoga Practice

  • "Hatha Yoga teaches us to use the body as the bow, asana as the arrow, and the soul the target."

  • "When I practice, I am a philosopher. When I teach, I am a scientist. When I demonstrate, I am an artist."

  • "The brain is the hardest part of the body to adjust in asanas."

  • "Regulate the breathing, and thereby control the mind."

  • "As leaves move in the wind, your mind moves with your breath."

  • "Know your capacities and continually improve upon them."

  • "It is never too late in life to practice yoga."

  • "Nothing is achieved by a mind that doubts."

  • "Your body is the child of the soul. You must nourish and train that child."

  • "Focus on keeping your spine straight. It is the job of the spine to keep the brain alert."

  • "It is while practicing yoga asanas that you learn the art of adjustment."

  • "Words cannot convey the value of yoga—it has to be experienced."

  • "We need sound bodies so we can develop sound minds." 



Quotes on Mind-Body-Soul

  • "Your whole being should be symmetrical. Yoga is symmetry. That is why yoga is a basic art."

  • "Any action done with beauty and purity, and in complete harmony of body, mind and soul, is Art."

  • "In whatever you are doing, be one: body, soul, mind. Do it beautifully and with purity."

  • "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."

  • "It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence."

  • "Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life."

  • "It is through your body that you realize you are a spark of divinity."

  • "You do not need to seek freedom in a different land, for it exists with your own body, heart, mind, and soul."

  • "Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit."

  • "You do not need to seek freedom in some distant land, for everything already exists within your own body, heart, mind and soul."


Quotes on On Teaching

  1. "Confidence, clarity and compassion are essential qualities of a teacher."

  2. "The art of teaching is tolerance. Humbleness is the art of learning."

And the list continues with your contributions, comment below if you have other great Iyengar quote with you, we will add them to the list from time to time.

As Iyengar reminded, "Yoga is firstly for individual growth, but through individual growth, society and community develop.". Peace be with you.

Special thanks for to below reference sites, 
Seattleyoganews.com / Happier.com / Yogamedicine.com / Parade.com / Bookretreats.com / Quotefancy.com / Talkativeman.com / Elephantjournal.com



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