It has been almost one year since BKS Iyengar passed and it has been one year since my last post. When I wrote of his death and the beautiful ceremonies that took place in Pune, I had no idea I would not write again for this long. It was only about one month ago that I first realized how long it had been.
Being in Pune for Iyengar’s passing had a profound impact on my life. As I look back to those days and the depth I felt, my heart is filled with love. Each breath, each step, each gust of wind was experienced. In some ways, it was like I was touching what he said yoga was; a penetration of awareness into every single cell.
Right now I am in the mountains of northern Japan and the similarities to where I was at this time last year are uncanny. 5 days after Guruji’s passing, with all the ceremonies, the tears and the utter confusion, I had to leave. I landed in Mahabaleshwar, a hilltop station in the mountains of India. It was colder than Pune and rainy every day. I hiked to temples, got soaked in the rain, sat in meditation and prayed. It was exactly what I needed.
I feel Guruji’s presence in my practice these days. For the first time since injuring my foot in April and taking 3 rounds of antibiotics, my practice is getting strong again. I am reminded of how much I love yoga and how devoted to the path I have been for 18 years. I am learning, teaching, laughing and enjoying the wonderful fruits of the practice.
As far as I know, BKS Iyengar held nothing back in his teachings. I believe this is true of all great teachers. They do not hoard the information but make it readily accessible for the people that cross their paths. I have nowhere near the information or understanding that Guruji had but I will continue to share all that I can with the people whom I come across.
