I was away at a week long yoga teacher training when I heard the news that B.K.S. Iyengar had been admitted to the hospital. It was nice to be in a group putting our energizes into generating positive energy for him, his family and even ourselves.
It is with saddness that I have now learned that he has died.
He was a great teacher to many and those teachings will continue as we aspire to reach our own highest potential on this journey.
I hope I can glean even a little of his wisdom in this lifetime and use it towards a useful life.
One of my favourite books is Light on Life. It encompasses so much of his teachings and wisdom and is full of true gems to read over and over and try to put into practice.
The last page seemed so fitting for this post.
On page 266 of Light on Life, Mr. Iyengar writes so eloquently, "I am old, and death inevitably approaches. But both birth and death are beyond the will of a human being. They are not my domain. I do not think about it. Yoga has taught me to think of only working to live a useful life."
On the same page he advises,
"Live before you die, so that death is also a celebration."
And the last sentences of the book,
"I do pray that my ending will be your beginning. The great rewards and the countless blessings of a life spent following the Inward Journey await you"
With love, respect and gratitude.
Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
