About IYANW

Mission Statement

The Iyengar Yoga Association of the Northwest (IYANW) is committed to study, teach, disseminate, and promote the art, science, and philosophy of yoga according to the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. Our non-profit is exclusively educational and charitable. We serve and represent the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar (1918-2014), author of the classic yoga treatise Light on Yoga. Named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, B.K.S. Iyengar is universally acknowledged as the world’s greatest yoga teacher.

B.K.S. Iyengar’s intense practice and over 70 years of teachings have produced significant innovations in the teachings of yoga. As one of the first teachers to hold public classes, Yogacharya Iyengar explored and adapted the classical poses with the innovative use of yoga props. He brought yoga to the west with his pioneering teaching in the 70s, the beginning of today’s explosive growth in yoga. He also revolutionized the therapeutic applications of yoga, gaining recognition for yoga as treatment for many medical conditions.

Dr. Geeta S. Iyengar (1944-2018), the eldest daughter, of B.K.S. Iyengar was also a world authority on yoga. She taught at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMY) and around the world from 1962 until her death.

Sri Prashant S. Iyengar, the son of B.K.S. Iyengar and Abhijata Iyengar, granddaughter, are also accomplished teachers. The Iyengar family’s teachings are deeply grounded in the yoga sutras of Patanjali, an ancient summation of the path of yoga considered to be at least 2500 years old.