Home » About
Welcome to the Iyengar Yoga Community of Singapore (IYCS), a vibrant and dedicated group of certified Iyengar Yoga teachers and practitioners committed to preserving and sharing the profound teachings of Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar. Our community consists of approximately 45 certified Iyengar Yoga teachers and hundreds of dedicated students who strive to deepen their practice and understanding of this transformative discipline.
At IYCS, our mission is to promote the authentic practice of Iyengar Yoga under the
guidance of certified teachers. We believe in the transformative power of Guruji’s
teachings—precision in alignment, awareness, and the therapeutic benefits of yoga for
body, mind, and spirit. Through structured classes, workshops, and community initiatives,
we aim to make Iyengar Yoga accessible to all, helping individuals experience its profound
effects in their daily lives
Iyengar Yoga is renowned for its emphasis on precision, alignment, and the use of props to make yoga accessible to all—regardless of age, flexibility, or experience level. Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar’s method is deeply therapeutic, helping practitioners develop strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Whether you are recovering from an injury, seeking stressrelief, or looking to deepen your practice, Iyengar Yoga offers a structured and safe pathway to holistic well-being
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, we invite you to be part of our growing community. By practicing with certified Iyengar Yoga teachers, you ensure that you receive expert guidance rooted in decades of tradition and innovation. Together, we honour Guruji’s legacy by spreading the light of yoga in Singapore and beyond. Explore our classes, meet our teachers, and discover how Iyengar Yoga can transform your life—one asana at a time.
Let’s practice, learn, and grow together.
Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, widely known as B.K.S. Iyengar, was born on December 14, 1918, in Bellur, Karnataka, India. A sickly child suffering from malaria, tuberculosis, and malnutrition, young Iyengar was introduced to yoga at the age of 16 by his brother-in-law and revered yoga guru, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Under Krishnamacharya’s strict guidance, Iyengar began his rigorous training in Mysore, where he overcame his frail health and discovered his life’s calling.
Through decades of dedicated practice, Guruji developed Iyengar Yoga, a method
characterised by precision, alignment, and the use of props (such as belts, blocks, and
ropes) to make yoga accessible to all, regardless of age or physical limitations. His
approach emphasised:
• Anatomical precision in postures (asanas)
• Therapeutic benefits for healing injuries and chronic conditions
• Mental discipline through breath control (pranayama)
His teachings transformed yoga from an esoteric practice into a globally respected
discipline backed by scientific and medical validation.
Guruji’s first international breakthrough came in 1954, when the legendary violinist Yehudi Menuhin became his student. Menuhin’s endorsement introduced Iyengar Yoga to the West, leading to worldwide recognition. In 1966, Iyengar published his seminal work, “Light on Yoga”, often referred to as the “Bible of Yoga”. This book remains one of the most authoritative texts on yoga asanas and philosophy, translated into multiple
languages.
Other notable books by Guruji include:
Guruji’s contributions earned him numerous accolades, including:
• Padma Shri (1991), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2014) – Among India’s highest civilian honours
• Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” (2004)
• The “Overseas Personality of the Year” Award by India’s Ministry of External
Affairs (2005)
• Honorary Doctorates from multiple universities
Documentaries and Media
Several documentaries have captured Guruji’s life and teachings:
• “B.K.S. Iyengar: The Man, The Yoga, The Journey” (2008) – A biographical film
exploring his legacy
• “Breath of the Gods” (2011) – A global journey tracing the origins of modern yoga,
featuring Iyengar’s influence
• “Iyengar: The Man, The Yoga, The Legacy” (2018) – A tribute released
posthumously
Guruji taught until his final days, passing away on August 20, 2014, at the age of 95. His legacy continues through the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, and millions of practitioners worldwide. B.K.S. Iyengar was not just a yoga teacher but a visionary who brought yoga into the
modern world with scientific rigour, compassion, and wisdom. His teachings remain a guiding light for all who seek physical, mental, and spiritual transformation through yoga.
“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.”– B.K.S. Iyengar
We are Iyengar Yoga practitioners and teachers located in Singapore. Our aim through Iycs website is to build a strong community and promote the teachings of Guruji BKS Iyengar in Singapore.