“Study of the consciousness and stilling it is Practice (abhyāsa). Practice is the positive aspect of yoga; detachment or renunciation (vairagya) the negative. The two balance each other like night and day; Inhalation and exhalation. Practice is the path of evolution; detachment the path of involution. Practice is involved in all the eight limbs of yoga. “
Practice represents the ha or ‘sun’ aspect, and renunciation the tha or ‘moon’ aspect of hatha yoga.”
– Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, Light on Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by B.K.S. Iyengar, sutra I.12
Jaya, Primary Teacher
“Not a dancer, an acrobat, a ballerina, or even a sportsperson. Not a young, bendy lady. It was a sedentary, shy person with a weak back and a fearful mind who walked into the first yoga class in 2000. Till then (and even thereafter), I had not been interested in any organized physical activity. I did abysmally at all the compulsory games in school, and still cannot appreciate the much touted virtues of ‘competitiveness’. It was curious, therefore, that since that first class, the physicality of this subject exhilarated me. The body is, indeed, a precious tool. I had seen pictures of Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar in incredible poses, but when I blundered into that first class at the Iyengar Institute of New York city , I did not know much about how it was different from any other yoga class. Eventually, the New York centre came to occupy an important place in our lives in the city. The kindness, friendship, honesty and chutzpah of the teachers, and of the several friends we made there, was only to be expected of citizens of the greatest city of them all.
in 2005, we returned to India, settling first in our own maximum city, Mumbai.
Like all classical subjects, the study of yoga works best when learnt consistently with one teacher. Soon after returning to India, I started studying with Zubin Zarthoshtimanesh, and later teaching at his centre in Mumbai. (more about my teacher here). Zubin continues to be my primary teacher. I also continue to study at the fountainhead of this tradition – the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune.
Apart from yoga, I have studied science at the undergraduate level, spent two wonderful years at the Institute of Rural Management in Anand (IRMA), and two more at the New York University studying biology and environmental sciences. I have spent a few joy-less years working in the corporate sector, and some joyous ones working as part of a construction crew, teaching cooking, and working with rural artisans around India.”
Jaya, and the practice room, are mentioned in the list of recognised teachers in Bangalore:
Priyanktha Iyengar
I have been a student of Iyengar Yoga for the last 8 years.
My dad was my very first yoga teacher. The teachers at the Practice Room have been my main teachers. I am inspired by Zubin Zarthoshtimanesh for his compassion and kindness, and by Raya UD whose style of teaching I admire.
I have more than two decades of experience in Apparel Design. My interest in yoga and sustainability led to the birth of the yoga wear brand – Proyog
I am committed to education, and am actively involved with Ashwini Charitable Trust, a grassroots organization that works towards educating and empowering underprivileged children.
I love working with my hands, dabbling in natural dyes, paints and fabrics. Indigo is my favourite color, and 70% of my wardrobe is blue:)
The time I spend on my mat is really special as it allows me to disengage from everything else and go inwards. Every challenge I have faced in my yoga practice over the years has also been my inspiration to overcome my limitations, and find a new way to heal and strengthen myself.
Pushpa Ramesh
I have been a student of Iyengar Yoga for the last 8 years.
Dr Abhay Keste, and then the teacher at the Practice Room have been my main teachers. More recently, I have been taking online classes from Shobha Shetty who has patiently guided me and contributed significantly to progress and results that I have achieved.
Yoga has played significant role in my swimming practice, enabling me to bag Gold,Silver and Bronze in 3 events in Masters Short Course Swim Meet 2018.
I have also completed Teacher Training Certificate from S Vyasa University
It is my endeavour to imbibe the discipline and consistency that are the core values of Yoga.
Mahesh Devaiah
I started my yoga journey at TPR eight years ago. It was my first ever experience with any form of yoga. The level of detail to achieve the correct alignment and the internal journey starting with the body, breath and mind is fascinating to me and has impacted every aspect of my living.
Entrepreneur, Swimming champ, Lawyer...Meet Our New Teachers...
Established in the year 2013, we are located in the heart of Cooke Town, a pleasant, residential neighbourhood in north-central Bangalore.
If you want to speak with us in person, or to observe a class, please visit us just before or after a class. You can find our current class schedule here