ART, SCIENCE, AND PHILOSOPHY IN OUR PRACTICE BY LAURIE BLAKENEY
W
hat I love about the study, practice, and teaching of Iyengar Yoga is that it helps us to live an artistic, philosophical, and investigative life. Guruji, Prashant Sir, and Geetaji have often spoken and written about the art, science, and philosophy of yoga.
Gita, and the Upanishads among other texts. These works add color and texture to the asana and pranayama we practice. We have been advised by our teachers at RIMYI to study seriously, and often, the philosophical texts. As a result, our practice is not allowed to be merely physical or “health-oriented.” The scientists in society are the ones who have the creative and expansive intellects to consider new ideas, explore unknowns, and discover knowledge that has not before been examined. I am amazed by, and try to share, the science of yoga practice, as it has been developed by our Guruji, B.K.S. Iyengar. His penetrating understanding of human minds and bodies and his innovative approach with props and sequences makes us appreciate the “laboratory” approach as we investigate the subject. To live like scientists means we have to summon the courage and curiosity to surge into the unknown. Our practice gives us the tools to do this.
Laurie Blakeny takes Eka Hasta Bhujasana.
To live philosophically, scientifically, and artistically, we must be acute listeners and appreciative watchers. We need to
These three intersecting aspects, or perspectives, intrigue me,
embrace the art and science of learning itself. We must learn to
and I try to share that curiosity with my students. The artists of
be expressive—expressive and clear with our words, our
society are the ones among us who observe and comment on
movements, our actions, and our thoughts. And as artistic as
human life and nature—and God. They sing, sculpt, write,
the practice of yoga is, it is only on rare occasions a
dance, and paint our point of view into greater appreciation for
“performance art.” So there is no pressure to perform, and the
the nuance, variety, and glory of life. When we practice, we are
ego need not worry itself with that possible strain. Yoga is for
involved with this artistry and can devote it to a sacred awareness.
our own evolution, a philosophy that took B.K.S. Iyengar well into his nineties.
The philosophers in society are the ones who ask hard questions and challenge the human mind to explore truth,
Laurie Blakeney (Advanced Junior I) is the director of the Ann Arbor
aspects of knowledge, and moral living. I love to study and
School of Yoga. She has been studying Iyengar Yoga since 1971 and
share the philosophy of the Patanjali Yoga Sutra, the Bhagavad
has studied at RIMYI every year since 1983.
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Yoga Samachar Spring /Summer 2015
