The Source Of Iyengar Yoga
The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (also known as RIMYI), is the source, and heart and soul, of Iyengar yoga. Situated in Pune, India, it was constructed by BKS Iyengar in 1975. Before completion Iyengar’s wife passed away at the age of 46, and so it was named in her memory. RIMYI is a place of regular pilgrimage for students and teachers of Iyengar yoga worldwide, a way of maintaining parampara, or lineage, within the Iyengar tradition. Parampara is the passing down of knowledge from teacher to student over generations and is central to the authenticity of any pure yoga tradition. Visiting RIMYI, and staying for a month or more, also provides an enriching, challenging and inspiring experience.
Recently Lorenzo was interviewed for a book - 50 Places To Practice Yoga Before You Die - and here follows the chapter about his reflections on the Institute and Pune:
"With every yoga tradition, there is a place, a city that is symbolic to that lineage, where the Guru lived and has his Institute," began Lorenzo Sacchini. "Pune is the home of Iyengar yoga. It is a place you really should try to go to, especially if you are a dedicated practitioner or teacher.”
Pune, also known as Poona, has spent the last few decades stepping out of the shadow of its more famous neighbour, Mumbai, and carving its own niche on the Indian map. Located in the centre of the country, with a cool, breezy climate that encourages lush greenery and temperate summers, the city has a strong international community and position of prominence. This is due in part to its rich history as seat of the Peshwas (the Prime Ministers of the 18th century Maratha Empire) and its gurus. Although most come to study at the Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Memorial Institute (RIMYI), the famous leader of the Rajneeshi's is, also, once lived here, and his followers still keep an active ashram. "My impression when I got there was that it's quite intense", continued Lorenzo. "Compared to Mumbai, it's a country village, but it still has three million people in one city. On the other hand, everyone is everywhere doing everything. But at the same time there's this atmosphere of the sacred, of ancient practices, of respect. Somehow, they managed to have this many people together and it has the sacred feeling. When I first came, I think I imagined it would be in a quiet zone that's surrounded by nature, but RIMYI is actually just in the middle of a busy street in the suburbs. It feels just as powerful as if it was alone on a hill.”
B.K.S. Iyengar (often affectionately referred to as ‘Guruji') originally founded his eponymous branch of yoga as a way to heal from tuberculosis. The style has a particular emphasis on props to accommodate a variety of body shapes and to encourage, above all, proper alignment during postures. This proper physical alignment is said to be the gateway to alignment of the mind. Founded in 1976, RIMYI in Puna remains the mother Institute of Iyengar yoga worldwide, a beacon for students and teachers across the globe. Prashant and Abhijata Iyengar (Guruji’s son and granddaughter, respectively) continue to teach and evolve the method that is one of the worlds most widely practised yogas.
"Going to the Institute charges you up like a battery and keeps you inspired,” reflected Lorenzo. “It's really important as a teacher to have this reference. Ultimately, yoga was given to you. It's important to have this feedback and this relationship where you keep yourself updated and in line with the tradition. Being there also provides a wonderful opportunity to meet so many other practitioners from all over the world who I like you, but from literally everywhere.”
Most yogis come to study at RIMYI for a month, under the structure of the prestigious teachers therein. Daily classes with rotating teachers, along with time for self-practice, are paired with opportunities for class observation, to see other teaching methods and student-teacher interactions. The institute offers a variety of children's classes, classes for seniors, and therapy classes to accommodate all different needs. For those looking for a place of deep commitment to their practice, this experience is unparalleled. "I was at the institute Monday to Saturday for six hours a day. You only have time to eat and sleep when you are not at the institute. You rent an apartment close by so that you can save most of your energy for being at the institute. Even my teacher said (not to spend too much energy exploring the city).”
This is good advice, as Pune is home to many treasures besides RIMYI. Trees and lush forests coexist with majestic buildings like the Aga Khan Palace, which served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian independence movement, and the 2000 year old Sinhagad Fort, covered in vines and myths of battles past. The famous Shaniwar Wada, the seat of India’s Maratha Empire for most of the 18th century, attracts the most tourists. Beyond the historical riches, Pune is famous for its shopping and nightlife, with many international headliners booking concerts. There are a plethora of yogi-friendly eats as well, from high-end restaurants to street fare. You can even visit India's oldest Parsi bakery, Kayani, for a vegetarian treat.
However, if connection with Hindu treasures is more appealing than shopping or snacking, the green hills around Pune offer tremendous treasures. "I became friends with a rickshaw driver named Nana," reflected Lorenzo. “He would come around and drive us to different temples. Anyone who goes must visit the Pataleshwar caves - it's beautiful and so close to the institute. It's a temple dedicated to Shiva, carved into a single block of basalt rock thousands of years ago. You can also go to Parvati Hill, the oldest structure in Pune, a temple situated on top of a hillock, dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. From the top of the hill, you can look down and see the whole city.”
“The first time I went, it was Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of Ganesh," remembered Lorenzo. "It's a festival that goes on for ten days. People build up these Ganesh statues and mini temples, and then, on the birthday, they march toward the river and immerse the idols. The main ceremony is huge. There are music, dances, ceremonies – there's always some kind of ceremony in India. Whenever you go at any time of the year, you're always going to see a festival.”
"It's really beautiful. I'm always sad when I have to come home from Pune.”
This was an extract from Fifty Places To Practice Yoga Before You Die: Yoga Experts Share The World’s Greatest Destinations by Chris Santella & Diana Helmuth. This book can be purchased here.
Get the RIMYI experience by attending a class at the Central Yoga School - in-person or online!
Lorenzo Sacchini
Lorenzo Sacchini is a level 2 certified Iyengar yoga teacher and Ayurvedic lifestyle consultant. He teaches regular classes at the Central Yoga School, which can be attended both in-person and online.
References
Fifty Places To Practice Yoga Before You Die: Yoga Experts Share The World’s Greatest Destinations Chris Santella & Diana Helmuth