The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune is the centre of Iyengar Yoga. It is the mother institute of Iyengar Yoga worldwide. One of the most popular yoga institutes in the world, this institute is the place to be for all experienced Iyengar yoga students. The Iyengar School of Yoga is highly followed by thousands of disciples and practitioners in India and all over the world.
The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute was founded in 1975 by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. He had learned, practiced and then developed a new school "Iyengar Yoga", out of ancient science of yoga. Today the institute's directors are BKS Iyengar, his daughter and his son.
There is a great meaning behind the unique design of the building of Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI). The building has three floors which signify the body, mind and soul. It is 71 feet in height with 8 columns which represent the eight limbs of ashtanga yoga i.e.yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. The Yoga institute has a well-stock library with 8,000 titles. The knowledge of several languages on a variety of subjects ranging from philosophy, human anatomy and physiology, modern medicine, ayurveda, and of course yoga are treasured here.
This Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute emphasizes on tools and props for performing the asana or postures. Iyengar yoga requires some unique postures for which props like belts and blocks are needed. Iyengar School of yoga is highly influenced by Yoga Sutra, written by yoga guru Patanjali. It is a traditional form that stresses on the eight limbs of yoga.
Iyengar Yoga is an all-inclusive form of postures providing stability to both body and mind. This yoga is also advantageous for the purpose of mental flexibility and balance. In addition to the use of tools and props while performing the yoga postures, Iyengar yoga also stresses on the importance and the practice of dhyana or meditation. While the asana provides you with physical strength and flexibility, meditation helps you to develop a close mental balance.
Iyengar yoga classes at RIMYI:
- regular classes for all (beginners to advanced)
- special classes for ladies, children and individuals having medical problems.
Classes at the institute are conducted by Smt. Geeta S. Iyengar, Sri Prashant S. Iyengar, or senior teachers trained by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar himself.
For students who want to participate and learn yoga at the institute should be practicing "Iyengar Yoga" for at least 8 years. This should include regular practice of inverted postures such as Sirsasana, Sarvangasana for 8-10 minutes. Participants are allowed only after filling up application and proper scrutiny.
