Gem for Women - Dedication and Forward

Yoga: A Gem for Women - by Geeta Iyengar

As I begin to write about Geeta Iyengar's book - Yoga: A Gem for Women, I again am interested in how the book begins.

Geeta begins by giving a dedication to the Guru, Adorations to the Guru. Given in Sanskrit and English, I will give the English translation here.

Adorations to the Guru

The Guru is Brahman, the Guru is Vishnu, the Guru is Lord Achyuta the God;
There is none greater than the Guru in all the three Worlds.

The Guru bestows Divine Wisdom; he is the Spiritual Guide and like the Supreme Lord Himself.
He who worships the Guru with supreme devotion attains Jnana.

God is like the Guru; the Guru is like God;
There is no difference between the two;
He should be worshipped with great devotion.

The Guru should be obeyed at all times;
With single minded devotion.
He should be contemplated upon as God and Atman.

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On the next page Geeta has dedicated her book to her mother.  She writes that her mother was her guru and gave her the freedom and the moral courage to follow the path of yoga.

"The debt to a Mother can never be repaid."

-Geeta Iyengar

 

Geeta has been a very devoted daughter to both her parents and this book is a wonderful way to share the gift of yoga that her parents shared with her.

 

 

After the Table of Contents the Forward to the book is given by B.K.S. Iyengar himself.

He is very honest that he had two minds about writing the Forward as he did not want to be seen as not assessing her work with a critical eye.

 

He tells of how Geeta, when young did not have an interest in yoga until she became sick with nephritis.  Medical treatment was not helping and was an expense they could not afford.   He asked her to embrace yoga.  She understood this and took to yoga.

 

B.K.S. Iyengar writes that she became a dedicated student and underwent rigorous training.

 

From the forward:

"Having mastered the subtle techniques of this art, Geeta has presented it, highlighting the importance of Yoga in a woman's life, and giving a variety of asana with their physical and curative values, Pranayama with its Bandhas, and Dhyana - meditation.  Their practice will enable the aspirant to lead a peaceful and content life."

 

"Very few women have obtained proficiency in Yoga.  Geeta occupies a unique place and is recognized for her knowledge of the art and for her skilled performance.  She is a source of inspiration for others to emulate."

 

 

How wonderful to have the support of her father as we delve into the wonderful teachings of Geeta Iyengar!

 

 

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson