Namaskar - Oct 09

My Story
A Journey to my Guru
Yogaraj CP
Gurur Brahma
Gurur Vishnu
Gurur Devo
Maheshwaraha
Gurur Saakshaat
Para Brahma
Tashmai Shree
Gurave Namaha
Guru Mantra
Yogaraj with B.K.S. Iyengar
36
Pune, India: A city of green, a city of
riches. The journey to Pune from the
airport was through dense green
forest and lovely mountains. A two-hour
flight from Chennai took me to Pune and
the cool breeze welcomed me with fond
memories. I was on my way to Pune to
meet my yoga Guru Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar.
Yogacharya K.S.Iyengar (Guruji) is a living
legend who has taught yoga in a unique way
to each of his students. He finds the
meaning of the yoga sutras through his
practical search and regular practice of yoga.
He has helped all his students experience the
wisdom of the yoga sutras. His style of
teaching yoga is called “Iyengar Yoga” and it
is followed by certified teachers across the
world. The bus was heading towards central
Sivaji Nagar in Pune. My memories traveled
back in time to when I first met my Guru.
I first met him in Calcutta in 1998. The
World Yoga Society was conducting an All
India Yoga Competition. The previous year
I had won the competition and was
awarded the prize by the then Chief
Minister of Bengal Mr. Joyti Basu. This
year, the main goal of my trip was to meet
Mr. Iyengar, I had read a lot about him
in books, magazines and newspapers. Since
then it had been a burning desire to meet
him in person or at least get a glimpse of
him from a distance. I met him on the stage
with the dignitaries. He looked like an
emperor sitting on his throne in casual
wear. His face was lit with a divine glow. I
was introduced to him and he blessed
me. Although it must have been a
very casual act for him, I felt as though my
inner self was transformed from the
moment he touched my forehead, a change
which cannot be explained in words. From
then on I started to believe Mr. Iyengar was
my Guru and I seated him in the highest
throne of my heart. The very same day I also
pledged in my mind that before I met my
Guru again I must accomplish some
achievement in Yoga. What other joy could
I give to my great Guru?
Ten years later, I got an opportunity in
Hong Kong to perform a Guinness world
record of 28 hours non-stop
Yoga with 1019 asanas. Upon receipt of the
award for the successful completion of the
Guinness feat, my mind was flying to Pune
to salute my Guru. He was the inspiration
for this achievement. To get an appointment
to meet Guruji I approached Ramamani
Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI)
in Pune and expressed my long term desire
to meet Guruji. I told them about the
Guinness world record and his secretary
gave me permission to visit Pune.
The bus stopped. It had arrived at the
Institute. The Institute had a serene
atmosphere, a perfect platform for
practicing Yoga. I was told Guruji usually
spends more time in the library. He has
stopped teaching yoga over the past couple
of years, but even at the age of 91 he
continues to practice yoga and never
misses even a day of practice. Mr.
Elavalagan, who teaches yoga in the
Institute, was kind enough to share his
experience with me. He explained during
practice Guruji is an artist at work. He is
always at ease in any posture he performs.
Precision and beauty mark the asana. The
regular practice he advocates integrates the
body, mind and emotions. I met my Guru
in the library. I saw him sitting there and
noticed time had done nothing to him. He
looked exactly the same and still had the