There are events in our life, where time stands still. And as we look back, in that interval of a moment, we remember exactly where we were. September 11, the assassination of John Lennon, perhaps even the day we landed on the moon.
A year ago, I was on an airplane back from Pune. As soon as I landed, the first text I read said, "Guruji has passed." I knew it was coming, but it still seemed unreal. I had seen him just a few days before he went into the hospital.
He looked tired.
He had offered his final goodbyes. He had shared everything he knew about yoga with so many people. It seemed unfair to be sad for someone who embodied his teachings.
He taught us about the Cosmic Breath, and then he joined it.
He offered his devoted prayers, practice, and work to The Lord. His final offering was himself. He deserved to rest.
This selfless man taught us about feeling unworthy, and then conquering the world through his teachings of yoga. He taught us not to feel sorry for ourselves because of our suffering. He confronted us with our fears, and taught us how to overcome them. He was so human in front of us, and somehow showed us his own sparks of divinity.
He taught us the philosophy of yoga through the understanding of our own bodies. He made us cry, laugh, sweat, and taught us what relaxation really means.
The "Lion of Yoga" roared and learned beside us. He removed our ignorance, and left us with so many gifts. He brought us together and taught us about peace.
We learned how to listen, how to see, to feel, and he led us to taste the nectar of ambrosia. We thought we knew how to breathe, and he led us into silence, so that we could have a vision of the soul.
Last year, BKS Iyengar took his last breath. But he continues to breathe life into each and every one of us. Each one that he touched in his own special way. And he didn't leave us alone. He left us his legacy, which continues to expand throughout the world in his teachings, living on and passed down from teacher to pupil, and through his books.
Today lets honor his life by practicing what he taught us: to practice. With dedication, devotion, and supreme attention. And put yourself back there, in that first yoga class. And continue your practice as a beginner, open to a new discovery each time. And when you have a question, ask Guruji. You may just get a soft whispering cosmic answer. Be ready, practice, and listen.
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