® used with permission of BKS IYENGAR, Trade Mark Owner

IYENGAR® YOGA (UK) Ltd

TEACHERS’

HANDBOOK

www.iyengaryoga.org.uk

1

IY(UK) TEACHERS’ HANDBOOK

Contents Introduction 2

Essential qualities of a yoga teacher 3

Qualifications of a disciple 4

IY(UK) Guidelines for the teaching of asanas and pranayama 5

Yoga Therapy 6

Classes that teachers are allowed to teach 7

Declaration form for students (an example resource) 9

Teaching asana to pregnant women 10

Teaching yoga to children: special requirements 10

Teacher training 11

First Aid qualification: advice to teachers 12

The Certification Mark 14

Certification Mark renewal and continuing professional development 15

Use of the name Iyengar by centres or businesses 17

Re-instatement of full teacher membership of IY (UK) 18

Insurance for teachers 19

Data Protection Act 1998 – information for IY (UK) members 20

Certificate levels: syllabus and restrictions 21

Teaching syllabus (for each level of teaching certificate)

Introductory Level 1 22

Introductory Level 2 22

Intermediate Junior Level 1 23

Intermediate Junior Level 2 23

Intermediate Junior Level 3 24

Intermediate Senior Level 1 24

Intermediate Senior Level 2 25

Intermediate Senior Level 3 25

Advanced Junior Level 1 26

Advanced Junior Level 2 26

Advanced Junior Level 3 26

Advanced Senior Level 1 27

Advanced Senior Level 2 27

Pranayama 28

Resources and Reference Documents 30

Selected Extracts from the Articles of IY(UK) Ltd

1. TITLE AND NATURE OF THE ASSOCIATION

31

2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Appendices from the Standing Orders:

APPENDIX A:

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RAMAMANI IYENGAR MEMORIAL YOGA

INSTITUTE

32

APPENDIX E:

ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR IYENGAR YOGA TEACHERS

33

APPENDIX G:

PRINCIPLES FOR INTERPRETING THE TERM “NOT MIXING METHODS”

35

2

INTRODUCTION

This Handbook has been produced in order to inform teachers about the rules and

regulations of their Association (Iyengar Yoga (UK) Ltd) and about their role, rights and

responsibilities within the Iyengar Yoga community. IY(UK) Ltd is the official Iyengar Yoga

Association in the United Kingdom, so is sometimes referred to as ‘the Association’ (or by its

old name, ‘IYA’). IYA(UK) has now been formed into a company called IY(UK) Ltd so that

it has the legal status necessary to develop as an educational ‘awarding authority’ in the

UK and to own the Master Certification Mark Licence necessary to be able to issue

individual sub-licences to teachers.

Within this Handbook, special attention should be paid to the sections emphasised by

Yogacharya BKS Iyengar: the qualities of a teacher, the Aims and Objectives of RIMYI (the

parent institute in Pune), ethical guidelines, not mixing methods, yoga therapy, yoga in

pregnancy and teaching yoga to children, as well as other important information about

the Certification Mark Sub-Licence and teacher membership renewal. Some of these

sections form part of the IY(UK) Ltd company Articles and associated Standing Orders and

Appendices.

The Articles and Standing Orders (rules and regulations) of the Association form a large

document which is amended or updated on a regular basis, and the same applies to the

Handbook. Teachers should consult these documents regularly (available on-line from the

website www.iyengaryoga.org.uk and familiarise themselves with the parts which are

relevant to themselves as teachers. If access to a computer or printer is not available,

paper copies of all the documents can be requested from the IY(UK) office(email

admin@iyengaryoga.org.uk or ring the IY(UK) office; see the contact details inside the

Iyengar Yoga News magazine. There is much that Iyengar yoga teachers should know

and ignorance of the rules is a poor defence if they fail in their duties towards their

students,

IY(UK) is part of a strong, world-wide community of teachers who can all look to the

inspiring and unparalleled example of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. The same methodologies

and programmes of study are followed throughout the world to maintain the high

standards set by him. Although this Handbook is to remind teachers about aspects of their

training and certification, ultimately it is the continued practice of Iyengar yoga which

unites the community and underpins the work of Iyengar yoga teachers.

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3

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF AN IYENGAR YOGA TEACHER

by Yogacharya B. K. S. lyengar

1. Teaching is a difficult art, but it is the best service you can do to humanity.

2. Be strong and positive in your approach. The moment you show doubt in your

teaching, you plant seeds of doubt in your pupil.

3. Be affirmative when teaching so as to create confidence in the pupil. Be negative

within yourself so that you can reflect upon your work. Work on your own self, quietly at

home, to find where you yourself have committed mistakes either in your explanations,

or in the method of correcting your pupil.

4. In the art of teaching you have always to work as a learner. Teachers learn from their

pupils, as every pupil is different in body and mind. It is the duty of the teacher to bring

about unity in the body and mind of each individual pupil with varying traits.

5. You should have the humility to say that you are still learning the art. Never say, I am a

teacher so I can teach. That is pride.

6. It is the nature of us all to protect our own bodies. When taking care of the bodies of

your pupils, you have to be much more vigilant than of your own body.

7. Outwardly the teachers should be tremendously strong but deeply receptive to the

needs of the pupil. Serve the pupil who has come to you, as if serving divinity.

8. Whilst teaching, show differentiation that your pupil is a pupil and you are his teacher.

9. Do not expect too much from your pupils, still generate the interest of the pupil so that

you can extract more effort from him.

10. Never fail to admonish your pupil for mistakes or for not putting forward his best effort.

Never praise a pupil, telling him that he is very good. The moment you lavish praise,

you are praising your own self. This self-laudatory praise leads to the downfall of both

teacher and pupil as it creates an attitude in the mind of the pupil that he is a very

superior person.

11. Strive to forge ahead with your pupil. Build him up physically, mentally and spiritually by

your own actions and example, and not mere words.

12. In the beginning children are dependent upon their parents. When the children

mature, wise parents treat them as equals. Your approach towards your pupils should

be similar, for you are the parent and your pupils are your children. When your pupils

become mature, tread the path of learning together with them, for further refinement.

13. When you notice a pupil using the energy created by your yoga teaching only for

gratification of the senses, never tell him that he is indulging in sensual pleasures.

Attempt to turn his mind towards the spiritual aspect of life. This is a challenge to you as

a teacher.

14. Do not judge a pupil by your own standards. The way your pupil talks and behaves will

tell you his state of development. Descend to the level of your pupil and then guide

him onwards slowly, with love and affection, till he reaches your standard.

15. Try to have a fresh approach for every lesson. Though you may be greatly advanced

in your studies, you have always room for improvement. The deeper you probe, more

fresh points will come to light. Then you will become a humble, respected and a

lovable teacher.

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QUALIFICATIONS OF A DISCIPLE

from the Taitiriya Upanishad

1. Bow down to the Lord Narayana.

2. The Guru is Brahma, the Guru is Vishnu, the Guru is Mahesvar (the creator, the preserver

and the destroyer). The Guru is the Universal Spirit, therefore pay homage to the Guru.

3. Speak the truth.

4. Be virtuous (Religion and virtue support, sustain and uphold man physically, morally,

mentally and spiritually. Without them man is nothing).

5. Neglect not the study of the sacred lore and of the self. (The Self is a vast field known

and unknown -consisting of the body, the mind and the soul).

6. Having brought wealth acceptable to the teacher, do not cut off the thread linking

generations. (Do not cut off the thread of knowledge which has been spun by the

sages of old, which has been followed from time immemorial and handed down from

Guru to Guru by those who have practiced and experienced and who know what is

good for humanity. Do not break this tradition).

7. Be not neglectful of the truth. (Do not let egoism and intellectual arrogance stand in

the way of truth).

8. Be not neglectful of virtue and religion. (Do not despise any religion. That which is

sacred to others should be sacred to you.)

9. Neglect not welfare. (Be extremely attentive for your own health and inner happiness

for only then can you help others towards a better life.)

10. Be not negligent of prosperity. (Do not overlook your own self-support and

maintenance. Work hard for you have to earn your own bread, be self-reliant.)

11. Do not leave the study and teaching of the knowledge of the Self (which has been

practised by saints and yogis throughout the ages. Learn to know your own Self.)

12. Be not negligent in your duties to God and to your fathers.

13. Treat your mother as a god (for she gave you birth).

14. Treat your father as a god (for he gave you life).

15. Treat your teacher as a god (for he initiated you in the path of knowledge and truth).

16. Treat your guest as a god (with love, warmth, respect and dignity when he visits your

home).

17. Do what is irreproachable; discard the rest. (Do what is auspicious and good, not what

is merely pleasant to the senses. The good is pure and lasting, conducive to happiness

and spiritual progress. The pleasant is only momentary and brings sorrow. Therefore

resist temptation.)

18. Follow the path shown by illuminated souls in thoughts, words and actions. Discard

other paths.

19. Whoever is learned, whoever is spiritually evolved, respect him and treat him with

reverence and offer him a seat in your heart.

20. Give with faith (and love and dedication whatever you have been graced with). Do

not give without faith. Give plenty. Give with modesty Give without fear. Give with

sympathy and compassion (expecting nothing in return).

And God is within you. You are illuminated and those who come to you for guidance are

guided for the betterment of their lives.

This extract from the Taitiriya Upanishad is taken from the leaflet published by the IY(UK)’s parent body, the

Ramamani lyengar Memorial Institute (RIMYI).

5

GUIDELINES FOR THE TEACHING OF ASANAS AND PRANAYAMA

CLASS PREPARATION

Yoga

Read the Introduction to Light on Yoga regularly.

Read Chapter 2 of the Yoga Sutras, particularly from Sutra 26 to the end, and Sutras 1-

12 of Chapter 3

Read Light on Pranayama Section 1, Chapters 1 and 2.

Read Yoga: A Gem for Women by Geeta Iyengar

Read Chapter 1 (on Asana) of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

Anatomy

Be familiar with the structure of the body, and names of the major muscles and joints.

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

Show the standing poses two or three times to new students so that they can get a

visual picture of the poses.

Repetition and Timing

Repeat the postures twice for beginners.

Do not ask beginners to hold the poses too long; initially 10 to 15 seconds on each side

is enough.

Repeat the important poses rather than increase the length of time they are held. Only

increase the length of time when the students have a good understanding and have

built up stamina.

Breathing

See that the students breathe normally while doing the postures

Check to see that the students do not hold their breath. GIDDINESS AND BLACKOUT

MAY BE CAUSED IF THE ASANAS ARE DONE WITH RETENTION OF THE BREATH.

Do not allow students to breathe through the mouth unless the nose is blocked.

Adherence to Syllabus

Keep to the methodology of your training.

If you find it difficult to solve a problem which you observe in a student or which they

bring to your notice, consult with a senior teacher. DO NOT TAKE RISKS.

Assess students’ weaknesses and ask for guidance from a senior teacher before you

suggest remedial measures.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Stiffness

If a student is stiff, do not force him or her into a posture.

Face and Eyes

Look at the face and eyes. If the eyes are red or the colour of the face is different from

that of the chest, it is an indication that something is wrong. Look for these signs.

(Flushing of the face may be caused by retention of the breath.)

Flushing and Tremors

If you observe flushing of the face, or trembling in the arms and legs, do not allow that

student to do many standing poses and, at first, none at all.

Blackout, low blood pressure and liver problems

In these cases, or in flushing and tremors as above, have the student do forward bends

and inverted poses, or lie back on bolsters and do Savasana. After a few weeks, let

them do two standing poses. As they improve, add one or more each time.

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6

DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ SKILLS

Understanding

Judge the amount of technique given by the ability of the students to understand. If

they are slow, give less.

Course Structure

Be flexible in pacing the course programme. If the students are slow to grasp the

points, extend the work planned for one lesson over two or three. Time does not

matter; the safe progress of the students is more important.

DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING SKILLS

Be courageous. Do not show fear.

Be retrospective. Build on what has been learnt.

Be bold within the limits of your knowledge but do not take risks.

Prepare each lesson using Light on Yoga. It will help to express the technique of each

asana with clarity and conviction.

Question yourself each time you explain as to the efficacy of your explanations.

Be positive on the outside. Keep negative thoughts within and consider them

afterwards. In this way your teaching will improve.

Treat your students as students, but always remember that they are God’s creation

PLEASE ALSO REFER TO GEETA IYENGAR’S BOOK, WHICH ALL TEACHERS SHOULD HAVE:

‘PRELIMINARY COURSE: BASIC GUIDELINES FOR TEACHERS OF YOGA’

GUIDELINES ON YOGA THERAPY

Therapeutic or remedial applications of yoga are an important aspect of Iyengar Yoga, as

can be seen at the medical classes held at the RIMYI in Pune.

In a way, every Iyengar yoga class is ‘therapeutic’ but our method does not adopt a

medical model, in which a particular condition is diagnosed and then treated with

specific poses. Rather, we have a much more holistic approach in which a particular

medical condition is seen as linked to a wide range of other factors; environmental,

postural, psychological etc. Yoga does not treat the condition, in the way that medical

doctors may give everyone with a certain illness the same medicine, but rather it treats

the person. The knowledge and skills that yoga teachers need in order to provide

therapeutic help to individual students with medical conditions cannot be learnt just from

a book or from a workshop; it has to be learnt and developed over many years through

practice, teaching and observing. The teacher must have a deep understanding of the

student’s body and the way they practise yoga and this can only be learnt through

experience.

Teachers who do not have this depth and length of experience can still help students who

are not in perfect health. All teachers make adjustments or use props for individual

students in their general classes. These teachers are not ‘treating’ students in a therapy

class, but are helping them practise in ways that will help with their condition.

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CLASSES THAT TEACHERS ARE QUALIFIED TO TAKE

Intro

Int.Jnr Level 1

Int.Jnr Level 2

Int.Jnr Level 3

Int.Jnr Level3 + therapy

status

Int.Snr 1,2,3

Int.Snr 1,2,3

+therapy

status

Healthy students with common

conditions with minor risks, eg: knees,

low back, neck and shoulders,

constipation, diarrhoea, headache,

high blood pressure, anxiety and

depression, diabetes and chronic

fatigue syndrome

See

note 1

See

note 1

See

note 1

See

note 1

Normal pregnancy, healthy student

who already attends your class

Antenatal class, if student has

healthy pregnancy

One to one teaching of healthy

Students

?

see

note 2

Pregnancy, including abnormalities

?

see

note 3

? see

note 3

Gentle classes, for students needing

slower pace, more assistance/props

(see note 4)

Assisting Senior teacher in therapy

class, under their supervision ?

see

note 5

Offer therapy for medical conditions

in a general yoga class situation

?

see

note 6

? see

note 6

? see note

6

Yoga therapy classes

(see note 7)

?

see

note 6

? see

note 6

? see note

6

Eligibility for CNHC Register of Yoga

Therapists (see note 8)

Themed workshops

(see note 9)

Notes to table:

1. Teachers should always consult a senior therapy teacher if students have conditions

that they are unsure how to deal with, even if those conditions are minor.

2. Teachers who gained their Intermediate Junior Level 1 qualification in 2009 or earlier

can continue to teach existing one-to-one classes. Teachers who gained their

Intermediate Junior level 1 qualification in 2010 or later must wait until they have

gained their Intermediate Junior Level 2 qualification before taking on one-to-one

classes.

3. If no Senior teachers are available locally, Intermediate Junior level 1 and 2 teachers

can teach abnormal pregnancy cases, but only under the supervision of a Senior

teacher. This does not apply to teachers who gained their Intermediate Junior level 1

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qualification in 2010 or later – these teachers should not take on students with

pregnancy complications.

4. ‘Gentle classes’ are not therapy classes and should not include therapy sequences.

They are ordinary classes for students who need to work at a slower pace or with more

help from props.

5. On the matter of Introductory teachers helping in therapy classes, Introductory Level 2

teachers can observe in therapy classes and, at the request of the senior teacher

taking the class, they can help with bringing and arranging equipment. In due course,

Intermediate Junior Level I and 2 teachers can handle students under the guidance of

the senior teacher. Helpers are covered by the Senior teacher’s Therapy insurance.

6. If an Intermediate Junior Level 2 or 3 teacher qualified in 2009 or earlier and has been

teaching a therapy class or medical cases, then they may continue, subject to

approval by IY(UK) This does not apply to teachers who gained their Intermediate

Junior Level 2 qualification in 2010 or later – these teachers must wait until they have

qualified at Intermediate Senior Level 1 before they can become therapy teachers.

7. Any teacher teaching a therapy class is expected to have assisted in the medical

classes at the RIMYI.

8. CNHC Register eligibility also requires that you should have assisted in the RIMYI

medical classes, hold a current First Aid certificate, and adhere to CNHC code of

conduct.

9. In 2011, Mr Iyengar sent a message to the IYA(UK) asking for a new ruling concerning

the teaching of themed workshops to be put in place. Only those teachers holding

Intermediate Senior Level 1 and above certification levels are qualified to teach or

advertise themed workshops or classes. Examples of themes might be: knee injuries,

back problems, classes geared towards inversions, rope work, classes for shoulders and

upper backs, etc.

Teachers can still advertise classes by level (e.g. beginners) and can describe classes

as Asana, Pranayama or restorative poses. Classes advertised as general Asana

classes can vary in their content (standing poses one week, twists and forward bends

the next week, for example). Teachers qualified at Junior Intermediate level 2 or above

are allowed to take ante-natal or pregnancy classes for women with normal pregnancies (although additional insurance cover is required).

Therapy/Pregnancy Insurance The standard insurance arranged by IY(UK) does not cover for yoga therapy or pregnancy

classes. This option is now available separately to teachers approved by the IY (UK) for

therapy and pregnancy work when they renew. Every teacher who has been approved

by the Therapy Committee to offer Iyengar Yoga therapy will need to purchase this

separate therapy insurance.

A separate pregnancy insurance option is also available for teachers who are not

approved for therapy work but hold Intermediate Level 2 and above certification levels

and are teaching specific antenatal or pregnancy classes. This can also be purchased at

the time of membership renewal.

Any queries may be sent to any member of the Therapy Committee via the IY(UK) admin

office: admin@iyengaryoga.org.uk

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DECLARATION FORM FOR STUDENTS (an example resource)

You must bear in mind, and adhere strictly to, the Association’s rules, regulations and

guidelines when approached by new people who want to join your class. You are

expected to accept only those you are qualified to teach, and should politely decline to

teach students with medical conditions that you are not qualified (hence, not insured) to

have in your class.

If your employer has not provided registration forms for your students, or you are self

employed, you are advised to get students to complete one; it is worth giving some

consideration to including a health declaration form (following the Therapy Guidelines).

DECLARATION FORM FOR STUDENTS (This is an example)

Please read the following carefully and sign below.

If you are receiving treatment from a medical practitioner, have recently had surgery or a

serious accident or illness, or are on medication, please check with the teacher to see

whether this class is suitable for your condition.

It is inappropriate for students suffering from certain medical conditions, or new students

who are pregnant, to attend a Yoga class held by a teacher holding an Introductory

teaching certificate of the IY(UK). Please talk to the teacher about any medical condition

which you may have.

I declare that I am not suffering from any medical condition: Please tick

Or

I suffer from the following medical condition which is controlled by medication and

understand that my teacher is qualified to accept me as a student:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name (block capitals, please):

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Emergency contact telephone: ………………………………………………………………..

Signed: ………………………………………………………………………………………………

Date: …………………………………………………………………………………………………

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TEACHING ASANA TO PREGNANT WOMEN All certified teachers may teach their students who become pregnant and have normal

pregnancies – see the therapy guidelines and ‘who can teach what’.

Notes on pregnancy from Yogacharya BKS Iyengar (August 1990)

See that there is no injury to the foetus. There should be no pressure on the abdomen.

Parsvakonasana - bring the back of the waist to the front.

Miscarriage can take place because of aggressiveness; standing poses can

aggravate this.

Sirsasana - use a brick between the thighs, tied with a belt. Take the heels out.

Prasarita Padottanasana - keep the chest on a stool; take the groins back and the

chest forward to ease the breathing and to make the child float. Is the student

straining the abdomen? Touch her abdomen. If there is a downward action and

pressure of the muscles this is wrong. Keep the action upward. Sometimes lift from the

extreme outer edges.

Concave forward bends are good.

Inversions should be done - Sirsasana, Sarvangasana; but not Halasana for threatened

miscarriages.

People with hypertension and hyper-sensitive people get miscarriages. Thin tall people

can do longer, heavy people cannot.

If a pregnant girl comes to your class and does not do as you say, say to her, ‘I’m sorry,

I don’t want to get a bad name for Yoga. I don’t want to harm the child. My refusal to

allow you to do what should not be done may hurt you, but let me not be a party to

inflict or abet in the injury or murder of the child. Now you have come for the growth of

the inner child’. Use soft language first, then hard.

Adho Mukha Svanasana is good to counteract miscarriages, but turn the top leg

inwards. If it is soft, there will be no miscarriage. If it is hard, give a bolster. Understretch

the lumber and overstretch the middle chest - make the lumbar slightly convex, but

not too much convex.

Avoid Baddha Konasana if there is a risk of miscarriage.

TEACHING YOGA CLASSES TO CHILDREN & VULNERABLE ADULTS:

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Children can begin Yoga at six years of age.

It is a mandatory requirement for people who take classes in schools to have Criminal

Records Bureau (CRB) clearance.

IY(UK) strongly recommends all teachers who teach private classes to children or

vulnerable adults in venues other than schools to have a CRB clearance.

Details about where to get a CRB clearance can be found on the IY(UK) website or by

contacting the main office.

For children under eight, there are special regulations if any individual child stays in

class for more than two hours each day. In this case, the teacher must be registered

and this requires an OFSTED inspection (www.ofsted.gov.uk/childcare). For less than

two hours a day this is not required.

Although the standard insurance policy available to all teachers through IY(UK) Ltd

includes cover against any injurious claim while teaching yoga to children, it does not

provide protection against an allegation of misconduct or abuse. It is therefore

strongly recommended that any Iyengar yoga teacher who teaches children or

11

vulnerable adults should select the additional option ‘Legal expenses for claims where

no injury occurs’. If there is any doubt about this please contact the IY(UK) Ltd main

office for advice.

As legislation is subject to change, it is the responsibility of teachers to keep up to date

with current policy and regulations if they are teaching children or vulnerable adults.

No special requirements are required if children between the ages of 16 and 18 (or

vulnerable adults) attend classes which are primarily set up for adults.

Private classes for vulnerable adults are those which have been set up primarily to

teach adults who are elderly, or those who are known to be incapable of making

normal everyday decisions for themselves.

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TEACHER TRAINING IN IYENGAR YOGA

Any Iyengar yoga teacher may find themselves in a position where they have a student

who has the potential to become a teacher, or one who makes an enquiry about teacher

training, so it is important to be in a position to give them advice about this. Full details

about the requirements needed to become a teacher or upgrade a certification level

can be found on the website at www.iyengaryoga.org.uk. Brief details of the

requirements are outlined here, and a copy of each individual syllabus (from APPENDIX D

of the IY(UK) Standing Orders is included in this Handbook.

have recently completed a minimum of three years of regular Iyengar yoga tuition

with a teacher who holds an IY(UK) Certification Mark.

be recommended in writing and the minimum number of years confirmed by their

current teacher, or teachers, if more than one has been involved during the

relevant period.

be deemed to have reached a practice of an acceptable standard by the IY(UK)

Teacher Trainer whose course they are applying for.

Complete an IY(UK) Teacher Training application form, pay a registration fee, and

be a member of IY(UK) when they apply. Membership of IY(UK) must be maintained

throughout the entire duration of the training course and assessments.

The trainer will be able to provide any other details about how to apply for a place on the

course.

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FIRST AID QUALIFICATION: ADVICE TO TEACHERS All recently qualified teachers have been required to have a first aid qualification to sit a

Level 2 Introductory Assessment. Once qualified, a teacher’s need to have a first aid

qualification becomes self-regulating. In some cases, for employment or health and safety

regulations, teachers are required to hold a first aid qualification. These guidelines are to

help teachers decide whether or not they need a first aid qualification.

1. Assessment of first aid needs

Do I need to make first aid provision for members of the public?

The Health & Safety (first aid) Regulations 1981 (HSE), do not oblige employers to

provide first aid for members of the public. However, HSE strongly recommends that the

public is included when any assessment of first aid needs is made. Regardless of

whether you are self employed or employed, you should be aware of first aid needs for

your students and know what to do in a medical emergency situation in your classes.

It is important for every teacher to remember that in the event of injury or sudden

illness, failure to provide first aid may result in the death of a student. Any fatal

incidents will be investigated by the HSE and legal action by the student’s family may

follow. Epileptic fits and diabetic comas are just two examples of reported incidents in

an Iyengar yoga class; both of these are potentially life threatening. Teachers should

ensure that they are equipped to deal with any student who is injured or taken ill while

taking part in their class, even if your action only involves taking charge and calling for

help.

The following should be given consideration by every IY (UK) teacher and your answers

should inform the action you may want to take:

Are you an employer or are you self employed and if so have you fulfilled your

legal Health and Safety Executive (HSE) obligations?

Do you work in an isolated situation?

Does your employer expect you to have a first aid qualification?

What first aid provision and equipment is provided where you work?

Do you keep a record of incidents?

Do you know what to do in the event of a medical emergency in your class?

Do you have any students who have specific health problems or disabilities in

your class?

If you do have any students with specific health problems do you know what to

do if they become ill in your class?

2. Employed teachers

Your employer is required to carry out a first aid needs risk assessment to ensure that

there are adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities to provide first aid for all

workers in an emergency situation. These regulations apply to all workplaces and

where necessary should include some provision for the general public, i.e. students.

Your employer should tell you what is expected from you.

If your employer requires you to have an appropriate first aid qualification you

may need to fund the training yourself. The minimum HSE recommended course is

a course which includes Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation. Your employer should

be able to tell you what is expected.

If there is first aid provision in the place where you work you should make sure that

you are aware of emergency procedures. It is not sufficient to claim that you were

not told of procedures if an emergency situation arises while you are teaching.

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When an employer’s first aid needs assessment identifies that a first aider is not

necessary, the minimum requirement is to appoint a person to: (a) take charge

when someone is injured or ill, including calling an ambulance if required, and (b)

look after the first aid equipment, e.g. restocking the first aid box

There are no legal requirements for appointed persons to have any approved first aid

training in order to carry out their responsibilities.

3. Self-employed teachers

If you are self employed you should identify your own and your students’ first aid needs

and make provision accordingly. You may have to, or wish to, complete a first aid

course. Travelling to classes in various locations should be included in any risk

assessment and you may like to keep a first aid box in your vehicle for your own

personal use. Many self-employed teachers work together or with employed workers.

Although you are responsible for your own first aid provision, it is sensible to make joint

arrangements with the other occupiers and self-employed people on the same

premises. This would generally mean that one person would agree to take responsibility

for first aid cover for all workers on the premises. HSE recommends there is a written

agreement for any such arrangement.

4. Employers

If you own, or are in charge of a private yoga facility, you are required by law to carry

out a first aid needs risk assessment. An assessment of the hazards and risks is needed

to establish an appropriate level of first aid provision.

If you are confident that you understand what is involved, you can carry out a first aid

needs risk assessment yourself. You don’t have to be a health and safety expert but

remember – you are responsible for seeing that it is adequately carried out (Five Steps

to Risk Assessment, HSE 1997)

5. First Aid Training

Training programmes are constantly being reviewed by the HSE and any first aid

training provider will be able tell you of changes as they are implemented.

6. FOR ALL TEACHERS

In the event of an incident, the following information should be recorded.

Date, time and place of incident

Name of the injured or ill person

Details of the injury/illness and what action was taken

What happened to the person immediately afterwards, e.g. they went home,

remained in class, were taken to hospital etc.

Name and signature of teacher or person dealing with the incident

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14

THE CERTIFICATION MARK

The Certification Mark was introduced by BKS Iyengar in

2004, for all those trained and qualified to teach the

Iyengar method of yoga. To be a registered teacher in

the UK it is necessary to be a member of IY(UK) and buy

the UK Sub-Licence to use the Certification Mark (CM).

What the Certification Mark is

The CM is a worldwide mark standing for high quality in yoga teaching. It is only for Iyengar

Yoga Teachers. At the request of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, all Iyengar Yoga Teachers

outside India are required to have it. The aim of the Certification Mark is to show that a

teacher who displays the CM logo can meet the high standards for the teaching of

Guruji’s methods and philosophy of Yoga. It is a kite mark for Iyengar Yoga so that the

public will know what they are getting. It is there to protect Guruji’s name and reputation,

and at the same time it protects us as Iyengar Yoga teachers. We have worked hard to

get our qualifications and now no one without our training can make a false claim to be

an Iyengar teacher and endanger all our reputations.

The Association is the licence holder in the UK and is therefore responsible for the

administration of the CM on behalf of BKS Iyengar, who owns the trade marks that make

up the Certification Mark. In Europe (including the UK) the CM is registered as two trade

marks:

firstly, the logo, a silhouette of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar in Natarajasana (above),

and secondly, the name IYENGAR

These Trade Marks are for the use of all our certificated teachers but you must be licensed to use them by the IY(UK) on behalf of the owner, Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. Buying the

licence allows you to use the name “IYENGAR” to describe the style of yoga you teach,

and to use the Iyengar Yoga logo. The logo is sent to all teachers when they first take out

the licence in the form of an acetate or electronic copy. The logo and the name IYENGAR should be used by you as often as possible, so they come to stand for the

excellence of the Iyengar method in the public mind.

When you become a teacher you are sent two copies of the CM contract. The contract

consists of the SUB-LICENCE AGREEMENT which has 3 annexes.

Annex A explains the goods and services the two Community Trade Marks (which

make up the Certification Mark) covered. You may put the CM on letterheads, on

videos or DVDs and advertising classes and lectures. Read the list for details.

Annex B explains use the name IYENGAR® and the standing figure (Natarajasana)

device which many people will think of as the Certification Mark.

Annex C lists the Ethical Guidelines for teachers using the Certification Mark. They

have been taken from the US guidelines approved by Guruji. Please note that they

are for guidance only and have been replaced in the UK by the ethical guidelines

(Appendix E) in the IY(UK) rules and regulations.

15

The Sub-Licence Agreement and the 3 annexes all have to be signed by the teacher and

by a representative of the IY(UK). One copy is to be retained by the teacher and one by

the Association.

As holders of the CM, teachers enter into a contract with the Association (as Mr Iyengar’s

representative) to uphold the standards of Iyengar Yoga. Signing the Sub-Licence

Agreement shows that teachers are willing to abide by the rules of the contract and the

rules of the Association.

The licence to use the CM has to be renewed annually by payment of a fee but its

renewal is also subject to the terms and conditions of its use. The terms and conditions (or

rules of the Agreement or contract) are clearly outlined in the CM documents and

Standing Orders, as well as being reinforced in the teacher membership annual renewal

papers. By renewing teacher membership and the licence annually, a teacher confirms a

willingness to continue to abide by the rules of the contract and agrees to follow the rules

of the Association. The following is a summary of the rules and a guide to where these rules

can be found.

In the CM Sub-Licence Agreement, it plainly states that Iyengar yoga teachers must teach

‘only in accordance with the IYENGAR method without mixing other styles of yoga or other

disciplines’. Therefore, by signing or renewing the contract, Iyengar yoga teachers agree

not to teach other forms of yoga nor mix the Iyengar method with other teaching

methods. A more complete definition of what this means can be found in Appendix F of

the Standing Orders.

It is also stated in the IY(UK) rules that each certificate has a separate syllabus. In the

classroom situation and in the use of electronic media used for teaching, members are

expected to adhere to the syllabus appropriate to their certificate. Therefore, teachers

are qualified to teach only the asanas and pranayama from the syllabus of their

certification level and from the syllabuses of any lower certification levels.

The CM Sub-Licence and related documents are provided when an Iyengar Yoga

teacher becomes a teacher member of IY(UK). It is recommended that these are kept in

a safe place for reference purposes. Replacement copies can be obtained from the main

office but there will be a charge for this.

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IY(UK) CERTIFICATION MARK (CM) SUB-LICENCE RENEWAL (Continuing Iyengar yoga education and professional development)

It is a compulsory requirement for all teachers to complete 25 hours regular Iyengar yoga

tuition every year, preferably with a tutor who has a more senior Iyengar yoga

qualification or more Iyengar yoga teaching experience than themselves, and 5 hours of

specialised training (included in the 25 hours) every other year.

It is strongly recommended that the hours of regular tuition should be completed by

attending regular classes throughout the year.

Approved Specialised Training for all teachers:

RIMYI (Attendance at general classes at the Iyengar Institute in Pune)

IY(UK) PD Day

Teachers’ Day at an IY(UK) Convention

16

NOTE: Only full teacher members are eligible to attend specialised training days or

courses organised by IY(UK).

New Teachers

Completion of an Iyengar yoga teacher training course counts for the 25 hours

tuition for the first full membership year and is also classed as specialised training.

Failure to comply with the IY(UK) CM renewal requirements

Applications for renewal from teachers who have been unable to comply must include a

letter of explanation, which should be submitted with the form and payment. Teachers

who renew on-line should include an explanation in the space provided. All applications

from teachers who have been unable to comply will be considered on an individual basis

by the Ethics & Certification Committee.

Teachers who repeatedly fail to comply, without an acceptable reason, will not be

allowed to renew the CM Sub-Licence and the teacher membership fee will be refunded.

Teachers who live outside the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland

Those living in European (EU) countries where there is no Iyengar Yoga Association with a

Master Licence able to issue Sub-Licences are eligible to apply for full teacher

membership and the UK CM (which reflects European law). They are required to

complete 25 hours of regular Iyengar yoga tuition in the country where they live but

completion of the 5 hours of specialised training is not compulsory.

Those living in EU countries and who already have a CM Sub-Licence issued by the

Association in the country where they live, are also eligible to be members of IY(UK) and

be listed on the IY(UK) teacher lists but they are not required to buy the UK CM Sub-

Licence and therefore not required to comply with the UK CM requirements.

Those living in other countries (outside the EU area) for more than one year are eligible to

apply for IY(UK) membership, but they are required to apply to Gloria Goldberg in the USA

for a CM Sub-Licence.

Ethics & Certification Committee/Membership Office

August 2011

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BUSINESS USE OF THE NAME ‘IYENGAR’

An Iyengar Certification Mark Sub-Licence is not a licence to use the name 'IYENGAR' as

part of a teacher's business name. Teachers who are eligible to apply for business use of

the name Iyengar must:

a. be a current full teacher member of the IY(UK) licensed to use the Certification

Mark;

b. be qualified at Junior Intermediate Level II or above;

c. normally have attended classes at the RIMYI in Pune or be known to be

wholeheartedly, sincerely and dedicatedly passing on B.K.S. Iyengar’s teaching.

Requirements are:

a. the proposed name of the centre must not cause any conflict with any other

Iyengar yoga centres;

b. the only yoga taught or advertised in the centre must be Iyengar yoga;

c. Teachers resident in the UK conducting regular or occasional classes in the Centre

must be current full teacher members of the IY(UK).

d. any visiting teachers must either hold a valid CM or have RIMYI approval;

e. B.K.S. Iyengar has requested that if a location is specified in the centre or business

name, it should be a suburb, or a small geographical unit, not a large area such as

a city or county, which might infringe upon the rights of other Iyengar Yoga

teachers in the same city, county etc;

f. permission to use the name Iyengar in the title of a centre is granted to the teacher

owning or running the centre, not to the centre or business itself;

Applications from eligible teachers for business use of the name Iyengar should be made

in writing to confirm the details above and sent to the Main Office or e-mailed to:

admin@iyengaryoga.org.uk, marked for the attention of the Ethics & Certification

Committee.

NOTE: Teachers who have previously been granted permission for business use of the

name 'Iyengar' and who own or run a private centre may apply for Affiliated Centre

membership of IY(UK) for their business.

EC Committee & Membership Office 2011

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RE-INSTATEMENT OF FULL TEACHER MEMBERSHIP OF IY(UK)

“Once a person holds a certificate of any level from Introductory Level 2 onwards, that

certificate can never be taken away or deemed as invalid”. BKS Iyengar, 2007

1. To teach Iyengar Yoga in the UK a qualified teacher must have the following:

a. An Iyengar yoga teaching certificate

b. A Certification Trademark Licence (CM)

c. Full teacher membership of IY(UK)

2. Cancellation of the Certification Mark Licence means:

a. You are unable to promote yourself or teach as an Iyengar yoga teacher

b. Your name is removed from the IY(UK) teacher lists and website

c. You are not eligible to attend any of the specialised training days for teachers

3. To re-instate your Teacher Member status following a lapse of Teacher Membership of

less than 3 years you must:

a. Complete the minimum number of hours of Iyengar yoga tuition necessary to

comply with the CM licence requirements during the year prior to re-

application for Teacher Membership

b. Complete the IY(UK) Teacher Membership and CM licence forms

c. Be committed to adhering to all the rules, regulations and ethical guidelines as

highlighted in the Teachers’ Handbook.

d. Pay your Teacher Membership and CM licence fees

e. Pay an Administrative charge to be determined by a panel of 3 members to

represent Finance, Membership and the Ethics & Certification Committee.

4. To re-instate your Teacher Member status following a lapse of Teacher Membership of

more than 3 years you must:

a. Hold Non–teacher membership of IY(UK) for at least one year before

application for full Teacher Membership

b. Complete the minimum number of hours of Iyengar yoga tuition necessary to

comply with the CM licence requirements during the year prior to re-

application for Teacher Membership

c. Be seen to be “stable in your practice and wholly within the method”* before

you can become eligible to join IY(UK) as a full Teacher Member and hold

and use the “Certification Mark”. * BKS Iyengar, 2007

d. Have your application for renewal of IY(UK) Teacher Membership and CM

licence forms supported by a recommendation from a Senior teacher or

teachers. Under normal circumstances this should be in the form of a letter

from a Senior teacher or in exceptional circumstances from two Junior

Intermediate teachers

f. Complete the IY(UK) Teacher Membership forms and CM licence forms.

g. Be committed to adhering to all the rules, regulations and ethical guidelines as

highlighted in the Teachers’ Handbook.

h. Pay your Teacher Membership and CM licence fees

i. Pay an Administrative charge to be determined by a panel of 3 members to

represent Finance, Membership and the Ethics & Certification Committee

Ethics & Certification Committee, January 2011

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INSURANCE FOR IY(UK) TEACHERS Professional Indemnity insurance is an essential requirement for full teacher membership of

IY(UK). This is not only to protect a teacher against claims for compensation sought by a

student if mistakes are made, or a teacher is found to have been negligent but is also to

protect the Certification Mark Sub-Licence.

In order to keep the cost of individual insurance for teacher members to a minimum, IY

(UK) has been able to secure professional indemnity insurance through an external broker

and insurer (DSC-Strand) as a group. The Yoga-Link Policy documents are available to

check at www.yoga-link.co.uk.

The standard policy, which can be extended to include the Republic of Ireland, provides

cover to teach general classes, classes for children and temporary overseas cover. Details

of this and other optional policies are available at renewal time.

The indemnity policy is a based on ‘losses occurring’. This means that a teacher is covered

if an alleged injurious claim is made against a teacher, providing a premium was being

paid at the time that the incident occurred and the teacher has complied with the IY(UK)

CM requirements. This cover continues for a period of three years after a teacher has

retired or given up teaching when a premium is no longer being paid.

It also automatically provides indemnity for IY(UK) teacher trainees to work under the close

supervision of the policy holder.

Queries about the fine details of the policy, or about extending the policy to cover other

types of professional insurance should be made directly to DSC Strand (01252 735806).

OWN INSURANCE

It is not an essential requirement for teachers to have the insurance provided for IY(UK) by

DSCStrand but the low premium for the insurance offered does depend upon the strength

of the group. Therefore teachers are asked to give consideration to this if they are

considering alternative arrangements. Teachers who do decide to use an alternative

provider for any reason must ensure that they are covered for the following:

a. Yoga teaching (according to the classes taught)

b. Limit of indemnity: UK £5,000,000 / RoI €6,500,000

In addition:

There must also be provision for the policy to indemnify any student in your class

who becomes an IY(UK) trainee teacher, before you can allow them to practise

their teaching skills in your class.

IY(UK) must hold a copy (provided by you) of your current insurance certificate

from the alternative source on file during the whole membership year.

IY (UK) Membership Office, March 2011

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20

DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998 –

IY(UK) INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS 1. Personal Data : Personal data is defined, under the Data Protection Act 1998, as data

which relates to a living individual who can be identified from:

a. The data held

b. Any other information held, which includes any expression of

opinion about the individual

c. Any indications of the intentions of the data holder with respect to

that individual.

IY(UK) has a duty, and is bound by the Data Protection Act 1998, to

treat information given by any member as confidential and wherever

necessary will seek to have your written permission to pass information

to another party according to the Data Protection Act.

2. Why we need

your information :

To provide high quality support for all members of IY(UK) by keeping

membership records up to date

3. We use your

information for :

a. Communication, such as informing members of important

announcements and yoga-related events likely to be of interest, and

other matters of concern to members, including BKS Iyengar’s

Bellur charity

b. To assist the general public to locate yoga classes (to the extent

that teachers have agreed)

c. Financial administration

d. Child protection

e. Auditing records

f. Preparing statistics for the IY(UK)

g. Investigating complaints or legal claims

h. Confirming certification and qualification levels

i. Administration of teacher training, assessment and development

4. Why we may

disclose your

personal

information :

In order to protect members (for example, in cases concerning the

protection of children or vulnerable adults) it may be necessary to pass

information to other organizations including the Police Authorities and

Social Services. This does not constitute a breach of data protection.

5. Your rights : In the interests of transparency IY(UK) Ltd is fully committed to facilitating

access by members to their personal data, while bearing in mind the rights of

privacy of other individuals. Where we hold your personal data you may apply

in writing for access to the information concerned, for which you may be

charged a fee.

6. How long will

we keep your

record on file?

Once your membership has lapsed, information will only be held on file

for as long as is necessary for your membership type.

7. Further

information:

For further information please contact the IY(UK) main office.

Membership Office, January 2011

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CERTIFICATE LEVELS: SYLLABUS AND RESTRICTIONS

Each certificate has a separate syllabus. In the classroom situation and in the use of

electronic media used for teaching, members are expected to adhere to the syllabus

appropriate to their certificate. It is also important to remember that teaching beyond a

certification level which results in injury to a student will negate any insurance policy

should the student make an injurious claim against the teacher.

The Introductory certificate does not qualify a teacher to take specialist therapy or

one-to-one classes.

One-to-one classes may be taken by a teacher holding an Intermediate Jnr Level 1

certification level (if qualified in 2009 or before) and Intermediate Junior Level 2 (if

qualified in 2010 or after) when the student has no remedial or medical problems.

To teach therapeutic yoga classes of any kind (including one to one therapeutic

classes), teachers must be approved by IY(UK) and have appropriate insurance (see

the Therapy Guidelines).

Only those teachers who have Intermediate Senior Level 1 and above certification

levels are qualified to advertise and teach themed workshops or classes.

The syllabuses of asana and pranayama for each level of teaching certificate given on

the following pages are those which have been provided by Mr Iyengar. Important

asanas are in bold face and will be seen again at the next level for the Assessors to make

sure the practice is maintained.

Some non-Iyengar teacher training courses require their trainees to attend classes taught

by teachers trained in other methods. Such students may ask the teacher to sign or initial

forms to confirm they have fulfilled this requirement as part of their training. To avoid any

confusion with our own teacher training and to protect the use of the IYENGAR name, you

are advised not to sign or initial such forms.

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Introductory Level 1 1 Tadasana 2 Vrksasana 3 Utthita Trikonasana 4 Virabhadrasana 2 5 Utthita Parsvakonasana 6 Virabhadrasana l 7 Ardha Chandrasana 8 Parsvottanasana (arms down/ head up) 9 Prasarita Padottanasana 1 (concave back) 10 Parighasana 11 Padangusthasana 12 Padahastasana 13 Uttanasana (concave back) 14 Adho Mukha Svanasana (support hands/heels) 15 Utkatasana 16 Dandasana 17 Gomukhasana (arms only) 18 Siddhasana 19 Virasana

20 Parvatasana 21 Triang Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana 22 Marichyasana 1 (twist only) 23 Malasana (a) with/w’out wall support for back (b)

(heels on rolled blanket) 24 Salamba Sarvangasana 1 25 Halasana (legs on stool) 26 Karnapidasana 27 Supta Konasana 28 Chatushpadasana (ref. L.O.Y. plate 258 & Gem for Women pl.102) 29 Setubandha Sarvangasana (on a brick) 30 Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (90°) 31 Bharadvajasana1 (turn without holding arm) 32 Savasana (on a bolster with an eye band, observing

the normal in & out breath) PRANAYAMA: 33 Ujjayi (stages 1 & 2)

34 Viloma (stages 1 & 2)

Introductory Level 2 1 Garudasana 2 Parivrtta Trikonasana 3 Parivrtta Parsvakonasana 4 Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana 5 Virabhadrasana 3 6 Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana 1 (leg to front) 7 Adho Mukha Svanasana (support) 8 Parsvottanasana (final) 9 Prasarita Padottanasana (final) 10 Uttanasana (final) 11 Urdhva Mukha Svanasana 12 Chaturanga Dandasana 13 Bhujangasana 14 Dhanurasana 15 Salabhasana & Makarasana 16 Ustrasana 17 Paripurna Navasana 18 Ardha Navasana 19 Supta Virasana (supported & non-supported) 20 Baddha Konasana (give margin if difficult) 21 Supta Baddha Konasana 22 Upavistha Konasana (sitting straight) 23 Janu Sirsasana 24 Marichyasana 1 (bend forward/hands entwined) 25 Paschimottanasana (Ugrasana/Brahmacharyasana) 26 Salamba Sirsasana (against wall and rope)

27 Salamba Sarvangasana 1 28 Halasana (toes on floor) 29 Eka Pada Sarvangasana 30 Parsvaika Pada Sarvangasana (as far as possible) 31 Parsva Halasana 32 Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (UttanaMayurasana

with support i.e. feet on wall, brick or stool) 33 Supta Padangusthasana 1 and 2 34 Bharadvajasana 1 (final) 35 Bharadvajasana 2 36 Malasana (c) heels down, gripping wall/column 37 Marichyasana 3 (twist, opposite bent elbow over

the bent knee) 38 Ardha Matsyendrasana 1 (preparatory learning to

sit on the foot, wall/foot support LOY pl.307-308)

39 Urdhva Dhanurasana 1 (from chair or stool) 40 Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (on a chair , legs

parallel to the floor) 41 Savasana (eye band, normal in breath and deep

out breath) PRANAYAMA : 42. Bhramari 43. Ujjayi (stages 3 to 4) 44. Viloma (stage 3)

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Intermediate Junior Level 1 1. Parsva Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

(with & without support) 2. Urdhva Prasarita Ekapadasana 3. Prasarita Padottanasana 2 4. Gomukhasana (final) 5. Parsva Dhanurasana 6. Lolasana 7. Paryankasana 8. Bhekasana 9. Svastikasana and Supta Svastikasana 10. Maha Mudra 11. Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana (both

hands holding foot ref. Gem for Women pl.27) 12. Ubhaya Padangusthasana 13. Purvottanasana 14. Sirsasana 1 (independent) 15. Salamba Sarvangasana 1 16. Salamba Sarvangasana 2 17. Eka Pada Sarvangasana (top leg perpendicular to

the floor/ Halasana leg straight/L & R sides of spine parallel)

18 Halasana (feet on floor) 19 Parsva Halasana (feet on floor) 20 Setubandha Sarvangasana

(final - dropping from Sarvangasana) 21 Urdhva Prasarita Padasana 21 Ardha Matsyendrasana

(entwining arms or with bent elbow) 23 Jathara Parivartanasana (with legs bent) 24 Eka Hasta Bhujasana 25 Pincha Mayurasana (against wall) 26 Adho Mukha Vrksasana

(palms sideways, against wall) 27 Urdhva Dhanurasana (from a chair) 28 Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana

(supported, with interlock of fingers behind the head ref. Gem for Women pl. 144 & 146)

29 Savasana PRANAYAMA : 30. Ujjayi (stages 5 - 8) 31. Viloma (stages 4 - 5) 32. Kapalabhati

Intermediate Junior Level 2 1 Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana

(both hands on floor) 2 Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana

(holding from behind with help of belt) 3 Padmasana 4 Tolasana 5 Matsyasana 6 Akarna Dhanurasana 1 ( LOY pl.173 ) 7 Parsva Sirsasana 8 Eka Pada Sirsasana 9 Eka Pada Sarvangasana (toe touching the floor) 10 Jathara Parivartanasana (with legs bent) 11 Supta Padangusthasana 1, 2, & 3 12 Parivrrta Supta Padangusthasana 2

(leg across the body) 13 Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

(front, independent, 1 & 2 hand holding the feet and final head to knee)

14 Dwi Hasta Bhujasana 14 Adho Mukha Svanasana (no support) 15 Adho Mukha Vrksasana (palms front)

16 Upavistha Konasana (final) 17 Malasana 2 (head down) 18 Kurmasana (stage 1) (LOY pl. 361 to 364, arms

extended sideways) 19 Marichyasana 3 (final) 20 Urdhva Dhanurasana (from 2 bolsters) 21 Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (legs on the floor,

with bent elbows hold the front legs of the chair ) 22 Savasana

PRANAYAMA : 23 Bhramari 24 Ujjayi (stage 9 and 10) 25 Viloma (stage 6) 26 Kapalabhati 27 Bhastrika (stage 1 and 2, 3 or 4 cycles, 5 to 6

strokes at a time, followed by Savasana Note: Better Bhastrika is done first before other pranayama at all levels.

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Intermediate Junior Level 3 1. Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana

(classical asana) 2. Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana

(classical asana) 3 Parsva Upavistha Konasana 4 Parivrtta Upavistha Konasana 5 Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana 6 Parivrtta Paschimottanasana 7 Akarna Dhanurasana 2 ( LOY pl. 175 ) 8 Marichyasana 2 9 Parivrttaikapada Sirsasana 10 Parsvaika Pada Sirsasana (final) 11 Urdhva Padmasana in Sarvangasana (see

NB: below) 12 Pindasana in Sarvangasana (see NB: below) 13 Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (coming

up to Sarvangasana) 14 Jathara Parivartanasana (with

legs straight, as far down as possible) 15 Ardha Matsyendrasana (arm straight and gripping

the foot ref. LOY pl. 313-316) 16 Parivrtta Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

17 Bhujapidasana 18 Adho Mukha Vrksasana

(palms back, like Mayurasana, with hands apart, one and a half feet distance from the wall)

19 Pincha Mayurasana (palms downwards and then learn with palms upwards)

20 Malasana 3 (arms around legs and back LOY pl. 319 & 320 )

21 Kurmasana 2 (arms extended backwards LOY pl. 365 )

22 Eka Pada Sirsasana 23 Urdhva Dhanurasana 1 (straight from ground) 24 Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (elbows

supported, feet on 1 ft high support e.g. viparita karani box, setubandha bench that does not shake, then bent knees with feet on the floor to do independently)

PRANAYAMA: 25 Bhramari 26 Ujjayi (stage 11 & stage 12 - to capacity

without strain) 27 Viloma (stages 7 and 8) 28 Bhastrika (stage 3, followed by Savasana)

Intermediate Senior Level 1 1 Nakrasana 2 Krounchasana 3 Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana 1 4 Parsvaika Pada Sirsasana (foot

touching the floor) 5 Niralamba Sarvangasana 1 6 Uttana Padasana 7 Jathara Parivartanasana (final: both legs straight) 8 Anantasana 9 Malasana 2 10 Ardha Matsyendrasana 1 (final) 11 Eka Pada Sirsasana

12 Supta Kurmasana 13 Bhujapidasana 14 Bakasana 15 Parsva Bakasana 16 Urdhva Dhanurasana (rising up from the floor and

with heels on floor) 17 Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (final) PRANAYAMA 18 Bhramari 19 Ujjayi 8 & 9 (mastered) 20 Viloma 7 & 8 21 Savasana

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Intermediate Senior Level 2 1. Simhasana 1 & 2 2. Baddha Padmasana (if

Padmasana has been achieved) 3. Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana 2 4. Urdhva Dandasana 5. Urdhva Padmasana in Sirsasana 6. Pindasana in Sirsasana 7. Niralamba Sarvangasana 2 8. Eka Pada Setu Bandha Sarvangasana 9. Chakrasana (ref. LOY pl. 280 – 283) 10. Pasasana 11. Skandasana 12. Parsva Bakasana (going up from the floor) 13. Eka Pada Bakasana 2

14. Urdhva Dhanurasana 2 (going up from the floor, legs straight)

15. Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana from Sirsasana 16. Eka Pada Viparita Dandasana PRANAYAMA 17. Ujjayi 8 (controlled practice) 18. Viloma 9 19. Shitali (Guruji’s note: Shitali has a better effect

than Shitakari – being a cooling method, it can be done in a hot climate – as stage 1 only, no digital exhalation. Shitakari – should be known but Shitali is effective)

20. Anuloma Pranayama Ia and Ib 21. Sanmukhi Mudra 22. Savasana

Intermediate Senior Level 3 1 Vatayanasana 2 Baddha Padmasana (must be achieved) 3 Yoga Mudrasana 4 Skandasana 5 Simhasana 2 6 Urdhva Kukkutasana (attempt from

Sirsasana and learn to place the arms and legs) 7 Garbha Pindasana 8 Parivrttaika Pada in Sirsasana 9 Parsva Urdhva Padmasana in Sirsasana 10 Niralamba Sarvangasana 2 11 Parsva Pindasana in Sarvangasana 12 Mayurasana 13 Astavakrasana 14 Tittibhasana

15 Urdhva Dhanurasana from Tadasana (LOY pl. 483 to 486 )

16 Laghuvajrasana 17 Kapotasana 18 Ardha Matsyendrasana 2 ( LOY pl. 330 & 331 ) 19 Marichyasana 4 20 Bhairavasana 21 Viranchyasana 22 Yoganidrasana 23 Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana PRANAYAMA 24 Ujjayi 8 (controlled practice) 25 Viloma 7 26 Anuloma Pranayama IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb 27 Pratiloma Pranayama Ia and Ib 28 Viloma II (in Savasana)

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Advanced Junior Levels 1, 2 and 3 NB These Certificates are only given by Guruji - candidates assessed at RIMYI LEVEL 1 1 Sirsasana II & III - [ plates 192 & 194,195] 2 Baddha Hasta Sirsasana 3 Mukta Hasta Sirsasana 4 Parsva Sarvangasana 5 Setu Bandhasana 6 Bakasana and Parsva Bakasana from Sirsasana 7 Vasistasana 8 Visvamitrasana 9 Eka Pada Galavasana from Sirsasana 10 Galavasana from Sirsasana 11 Eka Pada Koundinyasana I - from Sirsasana

12 Vamadevasana I 13 Urdhva Dhanurasana from Tadasana coming up

with no jerks but with rhythm. 14 Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana from Sirsasana and

back to Sirsasana 15 Eka Pada Viparita Dandasana from Sirsasana 16 Kapotasana 17 Eka Pada Rajakapotasana II 18 PRANAYAMA 19 Anuloma IVa & IV b Guruji’s note: stages Va to

VIIIb, like Shitakari, may be occasionally practised, say once a week or once a fortnight.

20 Pratiloma II a & II b

LEVEL 2 1 Goraksasana 2 Supta Vajrasana 3 Parsva Urdhva Padmasana in Sarvangasana 4 Ardha Matsyendrasana III - [plate 332, 333] 5 Padma Mayurasana 6 Hamsasana 7 Eka Pada Koundinyasana II from Visvamitrasana 8 Eka Pada Bakasana from Sirsasana 9 Urdhva Kukkutasana from Sirsasana 10 Eka Pada Urdhva Dhanurasana

11 Eka Pada Galavasana from Sirsasana 12 Mandalasana 13 Vamadevasana 14 Chakorasana 15 Ruchikasana 16 Hanumanasana PRANAYAMA 17 Pratiloma IIIa & IIIb 18 Surya Bhedana I & II 19 Chandra Bhedana I & II 20 Nadi Sodhana Ia & Ib

LEVEL 3 1 Eka Pada Koundinyasana I and II from

Sirsasana 2 Dwi Pada Koundinyasana from Sirsasana 3 Eka Pada Bakasana I and II from Sirsasana 4 Mulabandhasana 5 Supta Bhekasana (Uttana) (LOY pl. 457, 458) 6 Yogadandasana - (learn to fix the arms only) 7 Urdhva Dhanurasana II

(upright drop and straight legs) 8 Eka Pada Viparita Dandasana II 9 Chakra Bandhasana 10 Vrschikasana I

11 Eka Pada Rajakapotasana II and III 12 Kasyapasana 13 Durvasasana PRANAYAMA 14 Pratiloma - III a & III b 15 Surya Bhedana – II & III (stage IV is occasionally

touched i.e. 1 x day in a week) 16 Chandra Bhedana - II & III

(same as for Surya Bhedana) 17 Nadi Sodhana - IIa one day IIb the other day Guruji’s note: As Mula Bandha and Uddiyana bandha together are strenuous, do one day Mula bandha and the other day Uddiyana bandha.

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Advanced Senior Levels 1 and 2 NB These Certificates are only given by Guruji - candidates assessed at RIMYI LEVEL 1 1 Uttana Padma Mayurasana 2 Sayanasana 3 Viranchyasana II 4 Eka Pada Sirsasana and possible cycles with

Ruchikasana 5 Kapinjalasana 6 Parsva Kukkutasana 7 Yogadandasana - (entwine arms) 8 Vamadevasana II

9 Samakonasana 10 Viparita Chakrasana in Urdhva

Dhanurasana 11 Vrschikasana II 12 Eka Pada Rajakapotasana IV 13 Bhujangasana II

14 Natarajasana PRANAYAMA 15 Nadi Sodhana Pranayama III a & IIIb

LEVEL 2 1 Buddhasana 2 Kapilasana 3 Kala Bhairavasana 4 Dwi Pada Sirsasana 5 Paripurna Matsyendrasana 6 Kandasana 7 Supta Trivikramasana 8 Valakhilyasana 9 Rajakapotasana 10 Padangustha Dhanurasana 11 Sirsa Padasana 10 Gherandasana I & II

12 Ganda Bherundasana 13 Viparita Salabhasana 14 Triang Mukhottanasana PRANAYAMA 16 Nadi Sodhana - IVa & IVb As these are variations of pranayama, a teacher should keep in touch with all the stages as students may need certain guidance to react to their problems. But for regular practise, one can keep up Ujjayi, Anuloma, Pratiloma and Nadi Shodhana. Sometimes even in a regular practitioner the nostrils, or the lungs or the spine may give way accordingly one has to adjust what pranayama fits that day.

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PRANAYAMA SYLLABUS

Introductory Level 1

Ujjayi (stage I & II) Viloma (stage I & II)

Introductory Level 2

Bhramari Ujjayi - (stages III to IV) Viloma - (stage III)

Intermediate Junior Level 1

Ujjayi - (stages V to VIII) Viloma - (stages IV and V) Kapalabhati

Intermediate Junior Level 2

Bhramari Ujjayi (stage IX & X) Viloma (stage VI) Kapalabhati Bhastrika - (stage I & II, 3 or 4 cycles, 5 to 6 strokes at a time followed by Savasana) (Note: Better Bhastrika is done first before other Pranayama in all levels)

Intermediate Junior Level 3 Bhramari Ujjayi - (stage XI & stage XII - to capacity without strain) Viloma - (stages VII & VIII) Bhastrika - (stage III followed by Savasana)

Intermediate Senior Level 1

Bhramari Ujjayi VIII & IX - (mastered) Viloma VII & VIII Bhastrika IV Savasana

Intermediate Senior Level 2

Ujjayi VIII - controlled practice Viloma IX Shitali – Guruji’s note: Shitali has a better effect than Shitakari – being a cooling method, it can be done in a hot climate - as stage one only, no digital exhalation. Shitakari – should be known but Shitali is effective. Anuloma Pranayama – Ia & Ib Sanmukhi Mudra Savasana

Intermediate Senior Level 3 Ujjayi VIII - (controlled practice) Viloma VII Anuloma Pranayama - II a & II b, III a & III b Pratiloma Pranayama - Ia & Ib Viloma II in Savasana

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Advanced Junior Level 1

Anuloma - IVa & IV b – Guruji’s note: stages Va to VIIIb, like Shitakari, may be occasionally practised, say once a week or once a fortnight. Pratiloma - II a & II b

Advanced Junior Level 2

Pratiloma - III a & III b Surya Bhedana - I & II Chandra Bhedana - I & II

Nadi Sodhana - la & Ib

Advanced Junior Level 3 Pratiloma - III a & III b Surya Bhedana – II & III (stage IV is occasionally touched i.e. 1 x day in a week) Chandra Bhedana - II & III (same as for Surya Bhedana) Nadi Sodhana - IIa one day IIb the other day Guruji’s note: As Mula Bandha and Uddiyana bandha together are strenuous, do one day Mula bandha and the other day Uddiyana bandha.

Advanced Senior Level 1

Nadi Sodhana Pranayama - III a & b

Advanced Senior Level 2

Nadi Sodhana - IVa & IVb As these are variations of pranayama, a teacher should keep in touch with all the stages as students may need certain guidance to react to their problems. But for regular practice, one can keep up Ujjayi, Anuloma, Pratiloma and Nadi Sodhana. Sometimes, even in a regular practitioner, the nostrils or the lungs or the spine may give way; accordingly one has to adjust what pranayama fits that day.

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Resources and Reference documents

All Iyengar Yoga teachers in the UK are members of the IY(UK), so should be familiar with

its Aims and Objectives. Your students may ask you about the Association; please

encourage them to join. Non-teacher membership costs little, and may be even less when

it is taken through a Member Institute of the IY(UK).

Although the main Aims and Objectives and structure of the Association rarely changes,

its Standing Orders (Rules and Regulations) and associated documents are likely to be

amended more frequently, as the Association develops. In accordance with IY(UK)’s

environmental policy, paper copies of the changes will not normally be sent out. The

latest version is lodged on the IY(UK)’s website, for you to download or consult online. If

you need to refer to the documents and you cannot access it this way please ask the

IY(UK)’s administrator for help.

Certain sections of the Standing Orders are of particular significance for teachers; the

most important are included in the Appendix to this Handbook. Please read them, and

bear in mind that there may be updated versions published later.

The extracts from the Standing Orders provided in this Appendix are:

TITLE AND NATURE OF THE ASSOCIATION - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

APPENDIX A:

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RAMAMANI IYENGAR MEMORIAL YOGA INSTITUTE

APPENDIX E:

ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR IYENGAR YOGA TEACHERS

APPENDIX G:

PRINCIPLES FOR INTERPRETING THE TERM “NOT MIXING METHODS”

More extensive information is available to teachers on-line:

www.iyengaryoga.org.uk

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Articles of the Association Title and nature of the Association

The Association shall be called Iyengar Yoga (UK) Ltd, hereinafter referred to as the Association.

The President of the Association shall be Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar or his

designated successor.

The Association shall be affiliated to the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga

Institute, situated in Pune, India, hereinafter referred to as the RIMYI.

The Association shall be a not-for-profit organisation.

Aims and objects of the Association

promote and encourage the teaching of the Iyengar method and to maintain the

teaching standard set by Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute situated in Pune, India;

provide facilities for the instruction and training of individual persons in the principles of Yoga according to the Iyengar method;

affiliate to the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute situated in Pune, India and to support its aims and objects;

act as the sole Awarding Organisation in the UK for recognised Iyengar Yoga teaching Qualifications

be solely responsible in the UK for training and assessing applicants for Iyengar Yoga teaching certificates and issue those certificates;

maintain and disseminate a national register of approved teachers and teacher trainers of Iyengar Yoga;

provide qualified teachers of Iyengar yoga with opportunities for continuing professional development

promote and advance the study and the practice of, and research into, the

therapeutic effects of Iyengar Yoga as a means of improving the mental, physical

and spiritual health of the community, and to publish the useful results of any such

research;

advance public education and engagement in the classical teachings of the

science of Yoga based upon the principles of the highest standards of personal conduct and service to others;

arrange and provide for the holding of Yoga demonstrations, meetings,

conventions, lectures and classes;

encourage communication, harmony and unity among Iyengar Yoga practitioners

in the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world;

establish and maintain links with Iyengar Yoga Institutes and groups in the UK and

overseas.

provide information and advice services to Members and to the general public

including the publication of a regular magazine and/or other publications as

appropriate, and the maintenance of a website

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IY(UK) STANDING ORDERS - APPENDIX A: THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF

THE RAMAMANI IYENGAR MEMORIAL YOGA INSTITUTE

1. To promote yogic education and impart yogic instruction for the development of and

integration of human personality in all its aspects, physical, mental and spiritual, in

accordance with the techniques evolved and developed by the Director,

Yogacharya B. K. S. Iyengar, and as followed by Associate Directors Dr Geeta S

Iyengar and Sri Prashant Iyengar.

2. To make proper arrangements for the teaching of Yoga and Yoga science.

3. To initiate aspiring individuals in Yoga irrespective of caste, colour, sex, religion and

nationality.

4. To propagate the value of the yogic order of living to the intelligentsia and the masses

in all forms of media without detracting from the dignity and value of the subject.

5. To initiate, encourage and guide in the works of methodology and techniques.

6. To print and aid in the writing of publications, books, articles, magazines and journals

connected with the subject of Yoga.

7. To do all acts and things necessary to achieve the objects mentioned above either

alone or in conjunction with any other person or institution.

8. To establish a library of Yogic literature.

9. To render Yogic advice and organise Yoga clinics where physical, nervous, and

psychic disorders and diseases can be treated according to Yogic methods

10. To arrange cultural and social programmes and/or Yoga performances on behalf of

the Institute.

11. To make films either in black & white/or colour on Yoga Asanas, Pranayama and

Meditation, with or without sound, and distribute the same for exhibition in schools and

colleges, educational institutions and elsewhere and/or making television films for the

education and propagation of Yoga.

12. To train teachers and instructors in the science and art of Yoga, conduct tests, and

award Certificates of merit to successful candidates.

13. To revive interest in the teachings of the ethical and spiritual philosophy of India.

14. To invite scholars, philosophers and others to give talks on Yoga.

15. To grant scholarships, or give monetary and/or other assistance, feeships, to students

studying Yoga.

16. To give donations or contribute to any other public charitable institution.

17. To foster and develop correct meditative practice, and to make comparative studies

in the meditative practices of East and West. In this way the Institute will contribute

positively to the dialogue between different schools of philosophy.

18. To enter into agreements with other public charitable institutions or Trusts for running

and conducting Yoga classes in conjunction with others and for the spread and

propagation of the aims and objects of the Institute.

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IY(UK) STANDING ORDERS, APPENDIX E:

ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR IYENGAR YOGA TEACHERS

The Executive Council of the IY(UK) hereby announce, pursuant to Association’s Bylaws,

the Ethical GUIDELINES for Iyengar Yoga Teachers. The formulation of these guidelines

took into consideration the unique position of Iyengar Yoga Teachers. A position unique in

that it was at the request of our teacher B.K.S. IYENGAR that the Yamas and Niyamas (in

particular Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Bramacharya, Aparigraha and Sauca), along with

current U.K. Law and social climate, be blended into a set of ethical GUIDELINES that are

reasonable and yet set high standards for individual, social and professional conduct

binding on all member teachers of the IY(UK).

1. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS OF IYENGAR YOGA TEACHERS

Iyengar Yoga Teachers are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of

professional competence and integrity.

a. Iyengar Yoga Teachers dedicate themselves to studying, teaching, disseminating

and promoting the art, science and philosophy of Yoga according to the

teachings and philosophy of Yogacharya Sri B.K.S.IYENGAR (Tapas)

b. Iyengar Yoga Teachers seek to continue their studies of Yoga put forth by

Yogacharya Sri B.K.S.IYENGAR and family directly by attending classes at the

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute or indirectly by attending workshops,

classes or conventions organised by members of IY(UK). Study should be with

Iyengar Yoga Teachers certified at a higher level, i.e. the teacher in training should

be at least one level below the teacher (Svadhyaya).

c. Iyengar Yoga Teachers endeavor to accurately represent their education, training

and experience relevant to their teaching of Iyengar Yoga (Satya).

d. When in an Iyengar classroom situation, Iyengar Yoga Teachers will not mix the

teachings of Iyengar Yoga with any other disciplines. (Aparigraha).

e. Iyengar Yoga Teachers strive not to be publicly critical of other Iyengar Yoga

Teachers in their absence or of other systems of Yoga (Ahimsa).

f. Iyengar Yoga Teachers refrain from using the figure Hanumanasana and temple

trademark design registered with the United States Patent and Trade Mark

Department in Mr. Iyengar’s name. The use of this Service Mark is reserved for use

by non-profit organizations composed of students and friends of Yogacharya Sri

B.K.S.IYENGAR who meet the criteria of 1(a) and are approved for such usage by

the Service Mark Committee (Asteya) of the B.K.S.Iyengar Yoga National

Association Of The United States.

g. The Service Mark is owned by and licensed from BKS Iyengar, Pune, and

administered by Ms. G. Goldberg in the USA.

2. RESPONSIBILITY TO STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY- SOCIAL ETHICS

Iyengar Yoga Teachers are committed to enhancing the general health and welfare

of their students and the community in which they live. This includes respecting the

rights and opinions of their students and obeying local laws.

a. Iyengar Yoga Teachers embrace truthfulness in all dealings with their students and

the community (Satya).

b. Iyengar Yoga Teachers welcome all students regardless of race, religion, gender,

sexual orientation, financial status, national origin, or physical disability (skill level of

teacher permitting) (Asteya).

c. Iyengar Yoga Teachers avoid all forms of sexual harassment of students and are

honest in their intimate relationships (Ahimsa and Bramacharya).

d. Iyengar Yoga Teachers recognize the responsibility inherent in the relationship

between student and teacher and will avoid exploiting the trust and potential

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dependency of such students (Ahimsa and Aparigraha). Iyengar Yoga Teachers

recognise that they are in a position of power in the classroom and do not exploit

the trust or acquiescence of students. Having regard to the power differential,

Iyengar Yoga Teachers are aware of the possibility of relationships between

teachers and students outside the classroom complicating or compromising the

student-teacher relationship.

e. When possible, Iyengar yoga Teachers generously assist students in finding another

Iyengar teacher when requested. (Aparigraha).

f. Iyengar Yoga Teachers espouse the importance of being earnest and sincere in

their efforts to avoid casual or careless teaching (Tapas).

3. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF IYENGAR YOGA TEACHERS- INDIVIDUAL ETHICS

Iyengar Yoga Teachers sincerely cultivate a level of purity in matters of personal habits

and lifestyle (Sauca).

a. Iyengar Yoga Teachers maintain a clean and well-groomed appearance (Sauca).

b. Iyengar Yoga Teachers dress in a modest manner when teaching or participating in

an Iyengar Yoga class. (Sauca and Bramacharya).

c. Iyengar Yoga Teachers avoid abuse of substance such as drugs and alcohol

(Sauca).

4. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE IY(UK) ETHICAL GUIDELINES

Iyengar Yoga Teachers find these IY(UK) Ethical Guidelines binding by virtue of their

membership in the IY(UK).

a. The IY(UK) Ethical Guidelines are not exhaustive. The fact that a given conduct is

not specifically addressed by the IY(UK) Ethical Guidelines does not mean that the

conduct is necessarily ethical or unethical. Classical codes of conduct should be

honoured and observed as well as UK Law.

b. Lack of familiarity with or misinterpretation of these Ethical GUIDELINES is not

justification for unethical conduct.

c. Failure to cooperate in an ethics investigation or disciplinary proceedings is a

violation of the IY(UK) Ethical Guidelines.

d. Iyengar Yoga Teachers who are uncertain as to the meaning or content of the

IY(UK)

e. Ethical Guidelines as it relates to a particular situation shall contact the IY(UK) Ethics

& Certification Committee for clarification before acting.

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IY(UK) STANDING ORDERS - APPENDIX G:

PRINCIPLES FOR INTERPRETING THE TERM “NOT MIXING METHODS”

All certificated Iyengar Yoga teachers who are licensed to use the Certification Mark are

not permitted to teach any form of yoga other than that which has been approved by

BKS Iyengar.

This does not mean that Iyengar Yoga teachers cannot have an interest or be qualified in

another field or discipline, even one which may be closely related to yoga either in reality

or by its appearance, but it is the individual responsibility of all certified teachers not to

introduce into their Iyengar yoga classes teaching methods from other yoga disciplines or

teaching schools.

Where permission for business use of the name Iyengar has been given to the owner of a

yoga centre, studio or other organisation, no other form of yoga should be taught or

advertised.

Iyengar Yoga teachers teaching through other organisations or using their buildings to

hold classes, must not link these organisations to Iyengar Yoga or introduce other activities

into the Iyengar Yoga class and must make it clear to their students that Iyengar Yoga is a

separate system.

For Iyengar Yoga teachers who also teach meditation or other spiritual or religious

techniques from a different tradition, it is important that such techniques are taught as a

separate entity and that they do not in any way become part of their Iyengar yoga

classes.

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