Gem for Women - Four Paths to Liberation

 

Yoga: A Gem for Women

by Geeta Iyengar

 

Chapter II in the Theory section of Gem for Women  is titled "Four Paths to Liberation". 

As I continue to read through Geeta's book and write this blog I hope many can also see that yoga is not just a "Gem for Women", but for all. 

This book may be tailored to women, but if you read the whole book you will see yoga is for all!

 

Geeta writes how many sages and philosophers have "compared life to a chariot drawn by two horses - the material and the spiritual - both running in unison.  Any imbalance in their speed results in unhappiness."  I like this and can put many things into perspective when we start to look at our lives.  More technology, less physical labour, more stress, less sleep.  Geeta says also, "The trouble with our age is that the material steed of the chariot is running faster than the other - the spiritual."

 

So, Geeta asks, "Is there a way to balance material and spiritual knowledge in order to create harmony in our lives?"

This leads into the four paths of Self-Realization.

They are:

1. The path of Knowledge - which allows one to discriminate between good and evil

2. The path of Action - Considers service to humanity as service to God

3. The path of Devotion - With love for all animate and inanimate objects one attains liberation

4. The path of Yoga - One learns to control the fluctuations of the mind, stabilize the mind and realize the Supreme

 

Geeta shares quotes from many ancient texts to show how Yoga can lead to liberation.

She writes, "The fact that the path of Yoga has been highly praised does not mean that the other three paths are inferior, but that Yoga has attained a fullness by absorbing the other three paths of knowledge, devotion and action.

 

Geeta says in the science of  Ayurveda the human body is divided into six main parts. Those being, the head, the chest, two arms and two legs. 

 

She then writes," The head is the seat of knowledge, the heart that of devotion, the arms and legs are for action.  The path of Yoga combines these three - body, mind, and soul - which act in unison.  Therefore, Yoga is the foundation for all the other paths."

 

I like thinking of Yoga as a path. I can look ahead and envision an actual path and know the knowledge, action and devotion on the yogic path never ends.  Sometimes the path I see is beautiful, sometimes cloudy and grey, sometimes - often there is many obstacles on my path, but I know it is there ahead of me, guiding me even when I am not sure where I am going.

 

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gem for Women - First Steps in Yoga

Chapter 1 - First Steps in Yoga

Geeta writes about how she began yoga. Like her father she was very ill as a child, almost not surviving at one time during a severe attack of nephritis.  This is when her father said that they could not afford the medicines and she must either take to yoga or prepare to die.

Strong words,  but a reality.  That is when Geeta slowly started yoga and gradually saw her health returning.
Also, seeing many foreign students coming such a long way to study with her father made her realize she must also be sincere and regular.  Geeta said she resolved to learn about Yoga and one day be a teacher like her father. She has been doing that since 1961 - 55 years!

Geeta shares her knowledge in this book, writing, "The more I thought about my sisters - women and their particular problems the more I was convinced that Yoga was the answer.  This book considers how women can achieve fulfilment in their lives through the practice of Yoga."


Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com
plnyogastudio@gmail.com

Gem for Women - Preface

 

 

Yoga: A Gem for Women - by Geeta Iyengar

 

In the Preface to her book Geeta tells how it was the publisher of her father's book in Marathi who urged her to write a book on Yoga for Women.  Although at first she hesitated, Geeta say this book is the outcome of her mother's encouragement to reveal the gift yoga was to women.

 

For the book to be published in English a translator was used.  This was a hard undertaking as there are so many subtle nuances that must be retained during translation.  Mr. Shinde, a valued friend did a wonderful job and Geeta thanks him and Mr. Patwardhan also, the publisher.

 

Geeta spent time before writing trying to best think of how to present yoga to women of today as they are so busy maintaining harmony in the home and family as well as working outside the home.

The need to withstand the stresses and stains of life are great and Geeta writes how "yoga is capable of giving this needed relief if she devotes a little of her time daily to its practice."

 

Geeta's true words of how life is an "admixture of happiness and sorrow" makes yoga important to help us face "both happiness and sorrow with equanimity."

 

In the preface Geeta tells how her father did not impose Yoga sadhana on her, but once she started during her lessons she was a pupil. As B.K.S. Iyengar expected keen attention and discipline from each pupil Geeta has learned from the best and is writing this book from her many years of experience and observation.

 

Geeta is a humble person also and gives thanks to all that helped her book come to printing. 

 

Soon we will begin the First Steps in Yoga....

Until then, hope you have a wonderful day and can find even a small amount of time for your yoga sadhana.

 

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

 

 

 

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.

------------------



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

 

 



 



Yoga a Gem for Women - by Geeta Iyengar

 

 

Last year celebrated the 50th anniversary of B.K.S. Iyengar's book - Light on Yoga.
I enjoyed very much writing 50 days on Light on Yoga to help celebrate this.

Although I may not be able to write everyday I'd like to now share through this blog the book by Geeta S.Iyengar - Yoga a Gem for Women.

Geeta is Mr. Iyengar's eldest daughter.  She has been teaching for 55 years and along with her brother Prashant S. Iyengar directs the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI).

As a young girl she was diagnosed with kidney disease. As they did not have the money for medicine with her father's support she turned to yoga.

Geeta is well known for her dedicated work in yoga and in women's health and is generous with her knowledge and compassion for those she helps.

Yoga: A Gem for Women was first published in English in 1983 by Allied Publishers. 
This book is as essential to read as B.K.S. Iyengar's, Light on Yoga as it contains much details and photos to help those on the yoga path.

From the back cover:

Yoga a gem for women presents a detailed, practical guide for the yoga student who wants to go deeper with her practice of Hatha Yoga.  The book is divided into three sections that create an integrated path of yoga suitable for both the beginner and advanced student:

Theory: Yoga and Women - A natural bridge to health and well-being.

Practice - knowing your Body - Techniques and benefits of over 80 asanas complete with photographs and detailed instructions.

Experience - On the threshold of peace
Relaxation, breathing and the practice of meditation

I hope you will enjoy this journey through Geeta's book with me.

"We are missing the gold if we do asanas as a physical practice only."

-Geeta Iyengar

 

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor

 



 

Happy New Year! Welcome 2017!

As I put away my calendar from 2016 and look ahead to the busy-ness 2017 has in store I am very grateful for all I have and was able to experience this past year.

Thank you to my family for their continuous support of my teaching and trips away for training.
Thank you also to my friends and students who come to classes.  I really am so fortunate to have this opportunity to meet so many wonderful people.

Wishing you the best in 2017!

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com
plnyogastudio@gmail.com

Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor