Joon Faii Ong Explains the Difference Between Iyengar and Other Yoga Practices

Joon Faii Ong
2 min readJul 13, 2022

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Iyengar Yoga is but one of many available systems of yoga practice. Joon Faii Ong explains that one of the primary draws to this yogic system, or “school,” is its close alignment with the practices and ideals of Buddhism. The focal points of Iyengar Yoga are precision, timing, and use of props such as blocks, bricks, and sandbags — the latter of which separates it from many other yoga practices. In this article, Joon Faii Ong examines several key features that separate Iyengar yoga from the many other yogic systems.

Execution

Iyengar yoga relies heavily on props. Regardless of how well you can perform an asana, your instructor will require you to use various tools like bricks, chairs, and blankets.

Practice

While other forms of yoga focus on flow or chakra, Iyengar yoga helps yogis reconnect with themselves through sequence and alignment. Joon Faii Ong explains that this method requires a different mindset focusing on introspection.

Benefits

Iyengar yoga appeals to a broad audience due to its versatility. It has straightforward sequences that beginners can perform on their first day, but the practice also consists of complex teachings that take years to understand.

History

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/Clicked_%40Beluru_which_depicts_amazing_art_of_ancient_INDIA_and_KARNATAKA.jpg

Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

Iyengar yoga was founded in the early 1900s by Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, though records show that its foundations date back to ancient India. Some yogis claim that its roots reach back as far as 150 BCE.

Bottom Line

Overall, Iyengar focuses on sequence and alignment, while other yoga practices rely on the flow of spiritual energy. Beginners can expect to understand poses early on by utilizing posture-assisting props.

Joon Faii Ong advises beginners not to feel discouraged if they don’t understand Iyengar yoga’s teachings immediately, as most yoga forms take years to learn. Instead of obsessing over achieving perfection, approach the practice with an open mind and a willingness to explore its teachings and practices.

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