Reflections on Karin O’Bannon By Christine Stein
K
arin O’Bannon, a dedicated student of B.K.S. Iyengar and one of our senior teachers, left this world in June 2013. She was 76 years old. Both her life and passing affected so many people
all over the globe. To remember Karin O’Bannon in Yoga Samachar is fitting and truly honors her memory. Photo by Effi Gang.
Those of us in Los Angeles remember when Karin walked through the door of the B.K.S. Iyengar Institute of Los Angeles in 1984. She had just returned from the San Francisco Convention and was inspired by Guruji’s teachings.
In one of her writings, she gave advice on teaching yoga:
Teachers Teachers have to set a good example for students,
At the time, Karin’s children were grown, and she had entered a Jain ashram, where the yogic discipline of devotion and nonviolence were deeply practiced. She said that she entered the
And students keep teachers on the right path. Wherever we are, we are representing yoga. To be a teacher requires vigorous discipline of one’s own self.
Jain ashram to study and practice yogic principles and to have association with others who were practicing in community. This
Be one with the students.
was Karin O’Bannon: a true seeker. She understood the value of human life, the value of receiving this human form of life, and the
After many years spent training the southern California teachers,
responsibility that goes along with it. She was fully involved in
Karin made a decision to leave Los Angeles and live in Hrishikesh,
looking for the answers to “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” She
next to the sacred Ganges River. She continued to study and teach
chose the yogic path to find these answers.
yoga to international pilgrims who visited Hrishikesh.
At one point, she left the ashram to share her knowledge and
During this time, she met very sincere students from Malaysia.
began teaching at the B.K.S. Iyengar Institute of Los Angeles,
They were inspired by Karin and asked to her to come to
which was a great boon for all of us. Her teaching was pure and
Malaysia to teach. She appreciated the mood of the Malaysian
infused with the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. Her personal
people: Their attitude of respect toward tradition and their
lifestyle was one of a true yoga practitioner. She started her day
humility in the face of knowledge resonated with Karin. She
before sunrise, which is called the Brahma Muhurta hour (the
loved Malaysia and always considered living there. One of her
most auspicious time for meditation and yogic practices). She
dedicated students, Vivien, wrote, “Karin was the first certified
chanted, she read, she practiced. During her day, she taught her
Iyengar Yoga teacher that I met in Malaysia. This meeting
students and always had time for them. Her association and
changed my destiny. Karin’s knowledge, her precision in
her advice were sought by all of us who taught and practiced at
teaching, her humble demeanor, attentive and affectionate care
the Iyengar Institute.
for her students inspired me. This deep impression that came forth inspired me to teach and study in Pune. Karin has planted yoga seeds in Asia and influenced many students of yoga. Her
She understood the value of human life, the value of receiving this human form of life, and the responsibility that goes along with it.
spirit lives forever in our hearts.” When Karin received the diagnosis that her health was failing and that she would be leaving this world shortly, her demeanor was one of a true yogi. She said, “I have had a good life.” With a short time left, she prepared for leaving this world. Her mind was steady, her wisdom profound, her acceptance and devotion to God kept her strong until her last breath.
Fall 2013/Winter 2014 Yoga Samachar
25
