“No knowledge is achieved instantly.

Indeed, knowledge has a beginning but

no end. Our progress depends entirely
on our inner strength and tenacity, we
must not lose heart even if our progress
is slow.”

Dr Geeta S. Iyengar
7 December 1944 – 16 December 2018

T r i b u t e t o G e e t a I y e n g a r | S P RIN G 2 0 1 9
In gratitude for the life
of Geeta S. Iyengar
By Roger Champagne

T
his is a special issue celebrating the life and work of
B.K.S. Iyengar’s daughter, Geeta Iyengar, who passed away
on Sunday December 16, 2018, at age 74.
She lived a life of duty and commitment to her father’s
work and the Yoga community in general. The author of
many books, lectures and articles, people will perhaps be most
familiar with Yoga: A Gem for Women.
Geeta struggled with her health this past year, but she
continued to teach and held on as she led the celebrations of Geetaji teaching at IYAC/ACYI AGM 2001 at UBC
in Vancouver
her father’s Centenary in Pune in December.
Many Iyengar Yoga teachers and practitioners, both in
Victoria and nationally, who felt touched by Geeta Iyengar,
have shared their memories in this issue.
PHoto: Ramamani Institute

Young Geeta at practice

2
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
Newsletter

Submission Deadline for next issue:

April 1, 2019 In this Issue
Editor Roger Champagne
Newsletter Committee
Roger Champagne, Lauren Cox, Anne Glover,
Johanna Godliman, Melissa Hadley, 2 In Gratitude for the Life 14 Geeta Iyengar
Leslie Hogya, Hilary McPhail of Geeta S. Iyengar By Linda Shevloff, Vancouver BC
Design & Production Cady Graphics
By Roger Champagne
IYCV Logo Charles Campbell, Lauren Cox
photography Glenda Balkan, Janine 16 Remembering Geeta
Bandcroft, Nancy Black & Susan Stewart,
Leslie Hogya, Ann Kilbertus, Karen Major,
4 Reflections: In Memory By Teddy Hyndman,
Judith Mirus, Natasza Moscovitz, Shael Sharma, of Geeta S. Iyengar: Edmonton AB
Jen Van de Pol, Yoga Rahasya
Dutiful and Devoted
Cover Photo Courtesy of Sadhaka Film.net
and Jake Clennell By Shirley Daventry French, 17 II.48 Tatah Dvandvah
Victoria BC
proofing Melissa Hadley Anabhighatah
ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary McPhail
By Lauren Cox, Victoria BC
DISTRIBUTION Adia Kapoor, Laure Newnham, 7 The Resounding
Krysia Strawczynski
Influence of Geeta
MEMBERSHIP/MAILING LIST Hilary McPhail
Iyengar 18 Memories of Geetaji
Printing ARC Document Solutions
By Margot Kitchen, Calgary AB
By Ann Kilbertus, Victoria BC
Iyengar YOGA CENTRE
OF VICTORIA SOCIETY
is a non-profit society incorporated under the
Society Act of the Province of B.C., whose 9 Last Days — December 19 Eyes Wide Open,
purpose is “to encourage the physical, mental,
2018 an Experience of
and spiritual growth of its members and other
interested persons of the society at large by the Geetaji’s Teaching
study and discipline of Yoga.” The Society owes
By Leslie Hogya, Victoria BC
its inspiration to Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar.
By Melissa Perehudoff,
The Newsletter, published regularly by the Iyengar
Kelowna BC
Yoga Centre of Victoria Society, provides current 9 Dr. Geeta S. Iyengar:
information on events concerning Iyengar Yoga in
the Victoria area. An Exceptional Yogini 20 Excerpts from Geeta’s
Send contributions, articles, photographs By Phofi McCullough,
(high resolution), drawings, information or Savasana
suggestions to: the Iyengar Yoga Centre of
Kelowna BC
Victoria Newsletter, 202-919 Fort Street,
Victoria BC V8V 3K3.
Permission is hereby granted to reprint any of 10 The World Came to Pune,
our material, except that copyrighted by the
author or artists. When reprinting, please credit December 2018
this newsletter and send us two copies of the
publication containing our material. Copyright
By Leslie Hogya, Victoria BC
material is available only with written permission.
The editor/newsletter committee holds the right
to publish or edit all articles at its discretion. 11 Centenary Celebrations
Newsletter Advertising Policy in Pune, December 2018
1. Advertisements must not conflict with the
aims of the newsletter of the IYCV. By Karen Major, London ON
2. Advertisements must be only for Iyengar Yoga.
3. Priority will be given to advertisements
regarding IYCV events, IYCV-sponsored 13 Dear Geetaji
events, and IYAC-ACYI events.
Register for Classes & Workshops By Jennifer Van de Pol,
Please visit our website: Victoria BC
www.iyengaryogacentre.ca for full information
on classes and workshops.
202-919 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3K3 Due to space limitations, we regret we cannot Garlands on Ganesh Statue in
Phone: (250) 386-YOGA (9642) accept past issues of the IYCV Newsletter, Yoga the Institute grounds after
Journal, etc. at the Centre.
Geeta’s passing

3
 Reflections
By Shirley Daventry French, Victoria BC

In Memory of Geeta S. Iyengar: Dutiful and Devoted

W
hat a juxtaposition of emotions on this Master of Yoga who has been so During my first visit to Pune in
over a twenty-four hour period pivotal in my life. 1979, Geeta would have been in her early
from early evening on Friday The following day I had just watched thirties. I was attending a three-week
December 14, 2018 to early evening on the commemorative video produced in Intensive made up largely of students
Saturday, December 15. honour of Guruji and listened to Geeta from Canada, with a sprinkling of
First, a joyous celebration of Guruji, speak articulately and lovingly of her Americans and Europeans. Guruji taught
his life and work. Next, the following day, father, when I learned of her death. I sat two classes on most days: asana in the
the shocking news that his oldest daughter in an armchair in my hotel room in a morning, pranayama in the late afternoon.
Geeta had died in Pune in the early state of shock; but as with Guruji, the Practice times were in the afternoons
morning of December 16. Because Pune is feelings of loss were tempered with love and most days Guruji would be there
thirteen and a half hours ahead of Victoria, and gratitude for having known this intent on his personal practice. Today’s
here it was evening of the 15th. We were extraordinary woman. In her own unique students would be surprised to learn that
still basking in remembrances and tributes way, Geeta has made such a huge impact there were only about a dozen students
to Guruji when news of this unexpected to the Iyengar community worldwide and practising in the yoga hall during that
loss sent us into a state of shock. personally to my life and learning. time.
On the day of the centennial we Silently I was absorbing this Prashant was in our class most
celebrated Guruji’s extraordinary life news, grateful to be alone. Geeta had mornings as an assistant working under
and its impact on our lives in a very experienced poor health for some years, Guruji’s direction. There were several
different climate and culture half a world but students attending the yoga course Indian pupils correcting us in addition
away. We practised together in a full class preceding the centennial celebrations to Prashant, and one from Australia,
with students of all levels spilling out of had sent back reports about her strong, whose help was a boon to those students
the studio into the foyer and adjoining powerful teaching during the previous unfamiliar with the accent and cadence
passages, watched a demonstration week to classes of over a thousand of Indian English with its distinctive
by senior students, and served tea and students. phraseology. It was a little easier for a
birthday cake while listening to stories In the five years since Guruji’s death few like me who had grown up with
and speeches from teachers who had been Geeta had been unwavering in her duty British-English. As soon as I stepped
fortunate enough to meet and study with and devotion to her father’s legacy. Now off the plane in Mumbai I was aware
Guruji in person. it is time to honour hers. But first we of the British influence on the Indian
Guruji had always encouraged us to must send our commiserations to her sub-continent.
Love, Labour and Laugh. And this we did brother Prashant who was a partner in Geeta was to be seen going about
in abundance that evening! In one way or this work, along with her sisters, nieces her business in and around the Institute
another, everyone there had been touched and nephews and extended family. and family residence, but stayed more in
by his genius! Guruji had complete trust in Geeta the background until mid-course when
Emotions were heightened but our and Prashant, whom he described as his Guruji injured himself in a motor scooter
laughter was about to change to tears of foremost disciples and spoke of them accident and she was called upon to teach
grief. as two strong branches of the tree of our group.1 She was very tuned to the
I had decided to stay in a downtown Yoga! He appointed them directors of
hotel overnight rather than drive the the Institute and they have generated
1 Afterwards I was told (in an unverified report)
distance to my rural home, taking time to considerable loyalty and respect in their that Guruji’s family had taken his scooter away
savour the glow of the evening and reflect own right. and provided him with a car and chauffeur.
Given the traffic chaos on Pune roads even then, I
was not surprised at this news.
4
methodology and purpose of his The first time this happened it took
teaching and these were excellent her a moment to realise that he
classes. Our learning continued literally meant to teach him! Both
apace. of them were laughing and we were
Guruji returned with a few smiling too. In so many ways he
bruises but his energy remained continued to train her, and at the
focused on removing our ignorance. same time teach us too. Humour
As he constantly reminded us: we is a powerful aid in the learning
knew nothing! Guruji was on a process, as is humility! As a result of
mission to make sure that before this training Geeta became a Master
we left, some of our ignorance was of Yoga in her own right, whilst
replaced by at least a rudimentary always acknowledging her father as
understanding of yoga and its Geeta teaching pranayama at IYAC/ACYI AGM 2001 her Guru.
practice.2 Sometimes she was reluctant
Geeta taught a Ladies class sharing the fruits of our learning with to accept this mantle, as during
on Saturday mornings. It followed a others and encouraging them to take Guruji’s 80th birthday celebrations. A
Men’s class taught by Prashant. As we on responsibility for propagating yoga. week-long festival was organised at
lined up on the Institute stairs waiting Further, before this interview ended, a Sports Club outside of Pune and
to enter the studio, we would watch the Guruji told me he had decided to pass thousands of students from all over
men file out shaking their heads and on the responsibility for intensives with the world came to celebrate alongside
marvelling at how hard Prashant had foreign students to Geetaji and she would Guruji’s extended family and many
worked them! We worked hard in the be the primary teacher. Although I had prominent Indians. On December 7,
Ladies class too, although the learning had nothing but favourable exposure to Guruji had just finished teaching a class.
was of a different nature which I gleaned Geeta in and out of class, nevertheless I Geeta and Prashant were on the podium
from conversations afterwards with my was dismayed. with him along with several dignitaries. A
husband and other male students. But what a lesson to teach us. Here group of Indian women entered carrying
One significant memory from was this very great Master who had a cake and singing “Happy Birthday” to
these Ladies classes is being in the tiny worked so hard to focus the light of Yoga Geeta who quickly stepped forward and
changing room surrounded by Indian throughout the world, giving a potent told them angrily in no uncertain tones:
women who skilfully managed to get out lesson in renunciation! Sutra 1:12 states This is totally inappropriate! This occasion
of their saris and into baggy bloomers or categorically that yoga has two main is in honour of Guruji! Guruji is a Very
long pants without displaying any bare components: practice and renunciation! Great Man, famous all over the world!
skin! This was a lesson to me, that it is a And more to that affect!
I returned to Pune several times in privilege to do this work of propagating The group of women backed away,
the next few years, staying a little longer yoga but at the same time important — stood there sheepishly and didn’t know
each successive visit to participate in even vital — to let go of self-importance. what to do. Those of us who had been
general classes and intensives and give Of course, Guruji didn’t stop students in the class also stood there
myself time to adapt and digest more of teaching; his teaching evolved. And so did aghast. The candles continued to burn!
the teaching before resuming my other Geeta! And then one of Guruji’s first students
roles in life. Guruji still taught many of The first intensive I attended with and a trusted family adviser, Sam
the classes, particularly those with foreign Geeta as its official teacher was in 1985. Motivala from Mumbai, stepped on to
students. Guruji would be practising somewhere the platform. It helped that he was a
In 1982, I had arranged to interview on the periphery of the studio. From time tall, slim, imposing figure with a striking
Guruji for our newsletter and was lucky to time he would interrupt her, adding presence and sonorous voice. He stood
enough to be offered a return visit a an instruction or pointing out a student very close to Geeta, and, as I recall, put
few days later. The second of these in need of adjustment or correction. a hand on her shoulder while saying:
interviews focused on the importance of Occasionally he marched into the midst “No doubt about it. Guruji is a very
of us and called upon Geeta to teach him. great man! But there are many kinds of
He would stand there in tadasana and tell greatness and true greatness leaves room
2 Many of us thought we knew something about for others. You are a great lady! And
yoga when we arrived, but most of us left in her to teach him such and such a pose.
agreement with his assessment of our ignorance!

5
rather than detracting from Guruji’s beautiful bouquet of roses, and I touched My trusty and safe Volvo station wagon
greatness this complements it.” her feet! It was completely spontaneous; served as Geeta’s chariot on the long
Since she had known Mr. Motivala I had not planned to do this. Afterwards, drive to the coast. Donna Fornelli of
since childhood, Geeta was able to accept one of my long-time pupils, a woman not Ottawa, past-president of our national
this. And we all breathed a sigh of relief. that much younger than me, expressed association shared the driving with me.
Geeta made two visits to Canada: the her dismay. At one time, after a long spell where we
first time to be guest teacher at an annual It had disturbed her to see her teacher, saw very little traffic and absolutely no
convention of our national association in a woman older than Geeta, follow such pedestrians, Abhijata enquired: “Where
Vancouver. Before that I was honoured an antiquated custom. She thought it was are all the people?” As we came into the
to have her spend a week in my home. humiliating. For me it was an expression outskirts of Vancouver I saw someone
Guruji had stayed here in 1984 and told of respect, love and gratitude. walking by the side of the road and said:
her about the fresh air and beauty of our Geeta loved Metchosin — the fresh “Look Abhi, quickly — a person!”
Pacific coast. Before arriving in British air, mountains and ocean — not to They stayed for a few days of
Columbia she was teaching at several mention the quiet and the spaciousness. sightseeing in Vancouver: Geetaji at a
venues in the United States and I knew She told us that she would love to bring leisurely pace with Donna, Leslie Hogya
she would be tired so I offered her the Guruji here for the hot season in Pune, and me, and Abhijata rushing from sight
opportunity to come here to rest and but sadly it did not happen even though I to sight in the company of Ann Kilbertus
relax. We have a separate suite in our followed up with many invitations. and Louie Ettling. One day we rode the
home which would provide space and Apart from having guests at mealtimes, gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain
privacy and the house was large enough Geeta preferred to spend her time where there is a panoramic view of the
to accommodate some others who were practising, resting, reading, reflecting city of Vancouver, islands, ocean and
travelling with her. Another bonus was and chatting with Derek and me and the mountains. Geeta, Donna, Leslie and I
that we have a large yoga room. two women and one man making up her took in the view over a cup of coffee in
I hired an Indian yoga student who entourage plus whoever else had found a the restaurant while Ann and Louie took
was an accomplished cook and had seat at our table. Abhijata for a hike in the snow! And then
cooked for Guruji on all his visits to One day I persuaded her to take a it was time to say farewell to this great
Canada. I knew the Iyengars preferred to short stroll down to the oceanside park lady and superb teacher as she returned
have Indian food, and although I cook it which is very close to my home. All of us home.
for us occasionally, selfishly I wanted to went with her and shortly after we had Even though the physical form of
spend the time listening to and learning entered the park and taken a few steps Geeta is no longer with us, and it will be
from Geeta. From time spent with Guruji towards the beach, a young couple with sad for returning students to experience
I had learned that learning took place all a small child and a dog were walking her absence when they study at the
the time, everywhere, in and out of class. towards us. As they passed, the woman Institute in Pune, her teaching, her
Khairoon, the cook, was amazing placed her palms together and said, presence, her sense of duty, her love,
and provided nutritious meals which “Namaste, Geetaji!” This park is more than compassion and lifelong search for truth
were miraculously expanded to feed twenty kilometres from downtown. We will continue to inspire not only those
all who happened to be in the house at all laughed and I said, “Well there’s fame who knew her but those who follow
mealtimes. And I would not have missed for you!” afterwards along the path of Yoga.
the conversations around the dinner table Geeta’s second visit to Canada was in Many years ago I was staying with a
for anything. What a gift! Geeta was 2008, when she taught first at Yasodhara family with young children when their
so knowledgeable, not only about yoga Ashram3 in the mountains of eastern dog died. After burying him, the father
and eastern teaching but about what British Columbia, and then travelled to said to his daughter who was around
was going on around the world. Our Penticton in the Okanagan Valley to be four years old: “You’re really going to
conversations ranged over myriad topics. guest teacher at another of our national miss him. You loved him so much.” She
When we knew her time of arrival conventions. looked up at him, puzzled, and said: “I
in Victoria, we posted this information From Penticton we journeyed to still love him!”
on the yoga centre notice board and sent the coast for a short stay in Vancouver. Geetaji, you are missed and mourned,
out a memo. Quite a crowd drove out to but the love and the Light you nurtured
the airport to welcome her. As she came will continue.
out of customs there was a cheer, some 3 Yasodhara Ashram is a spiritual retreat and With love and gratitude,
teaching centre founded by Swami Sivananda
enthusiastic applause, we presented a Radha on Kootenay Lake, B.C. Shirley Daventry French
6
The Resounding Influence of Geeta Iyengar
By Ann Kilbertus, Victoria BC

G
eetaji was involved: Completely involved on the path of
Yoga. What does this mean?
From my point of view, having first been exposed to
Geetaji’s masterful teaching in 1992, she was uncompromising as
she carried forth the Light of her Father.
Each one of us comes into this life with a set of conditions
and circumstances. Geetaji embraced the life she was born
into with an incredibly strong sense of purpose and direction.
She embodied clarity, tenacity, and humility, in search of the
ultimate Truth.
Geetaji was clear that this involved being fully aware at the
most preliminary layer of sadhana: bahiranga sadhana or the
external quest. She said we must have complete gravitation
towards our inner improvement.
Every aspect of her teaching was helping the student build
continuity in learning from a clear foundation. Geeta could see
when our tendencies and obstacles blocked understandings.
At one time in a Pune asana class, she eyeballed me and said,
“I don’t like what is happening to your abdomen (in supta
padangusthasana III). You have to find out what to do!” Or in a
Pune remedial class, she directed me to set up pavanamuktasana
for a specific person and told me to call her when I thought it
was correct! Needless to say, assessments in Canada never had me
Geetaji receiving everyone at IYNAUS Convention in Colorado
sweating that much.
The pranayama teaching of Geetaji conveyed such
subtlety that words fail to describe the layers. Her classes wove gave interviews and wrote books — some in English and others
philosophy, metaphor, ethics, and many other fine threads in Marathi (which have not yet been translated).
together in order to continually guide us inward as practitioners. As a Doctor in Ayurveda, she had a sharpness of seeing
It was clear that Geetaji had touched her own depths and and understanding in her approach to individuals with health
could guide us with her consummate teaching skills on the challenges. It seemed she didn’t waste a single moment on the
journey towards antaranga sadhana or the inner quest. path of Yoga in her life.
Geetaji had to learn to speak English (not her first or even She could get frustrated with us and our encumbered ways
second language) as part of her own journey as a teacher, yet which blocked receptivity to the teachings. I have no doubt that
another demonstration of her remarkable skill and intelligence. she wanted every one of her students to rise to the full potential
Her work went on expanding with the publication of Yoga: of each moment of this precious life. And in that way she was
A Gem for Women, which pioneered an approach for the different insistent...she had to follow things through fully.
phases of a woman’s life. Not only that, but it picked up where In many classes, Geetaji would say variations of, ‘I don’t
Guruji’s Light on Yoga had left off. She authored many papers, know why God still wants me here”. Despite her obvious physical
challenges, she persevered until the crescendo of the celebration
of Guruji’s centenary. She gave unconditionally until her life
ended two days following this celebration.
Her classes wove philosophy, metaphor, With shock and sadness, we now have to carry on in the
Light of Guruji and Geetaji.
ethics, and many other fine threads
They left us with so much in their embodiment of kriya
together in order to continually guide us yoga: the burning zeal of their practises (tapas), continual self-
inward as practitioners. study (svadhyaya) and ultimate surrender to the Divine (ishvara

7
 Geeta teaching urdhva hastasana at IYAC/ACYI AGM 2001 to a very happy audience

pranidhana). I have never seen a more joyful Geeta than the She said so many things that resonate with me, and this
time many of us studying at a Canadian Intensive in Pune quote from a 1996 Teachers Exchange in Colorado, USA is one I
were invited to join the Iyengar family in a ritual at the temple return to often:
affiliated with their family. We followed Geeta through the street  e philosophy of Yoga is not different from practical life. Yoga is
Th
to find this oasis in a very dense part of Pune. with the flow of life. If you don’t make use of (its) grace, nothing
Personally, I have many reasons to be deeply grateful to can be done. When you go into it, the Truth reveals itself...then
Geetaji. She responded to my confusions as a practitioner who you realize....
didn’t know where to turn as a result of additional cervical
In these words, she points towards antaratma sadhana or the
cellular changes due to DES exposure in utero. Later, at another
innermost quest...the state of assimilation and absorption that
very complex crossroads in my health, it was Geetaji’s clear
may come if the conditions are there. And the setting of these
articulation of how to practise that really gave me the slow, steady
conditions requires our daily work.
direction to stabilize myself and to recover with an even deeper
I knew one day our Yoga community would lose the
experience of the hidden aspects of these practices.
common sense and deep wisdom of dear Geetaji. Still, her death
came as a surprise. With deep gratitude for having had the
privilege of experiencing her teachings, I humbly carry on with
“No knowledge is achieved instantly. the sense of her close by.
Indeed, knowledge has a beginning
but no end. Our progress depends
entirely on our inner strength and
tenacity, we must not lose heart even
if our progress is slow.”
– Geeta Iyengar

8
Last Days — December 2018
By Leslie Hogya, Victoria BC

O
ur last days with Geeta were filled with her words as she
bade us, “Go, go, go” further into our poses. Hours a
day, she was teaching or giving talks at the Centenary
celebrations in Pune. She was overflowing with wisdom and
clarity. She also charmed us with stories of her father and
mother when she was young. We helped celebrate her 74th
birthday December 7, and she assured us that she loved us.
The last day of the celebrations was Friday December 14,
Guruji’s birthday, and we could see she was exhausted. On
Saturday, the 15th, Prashant and many of the family flew to
Bellur to continue celebrations for Guruji’s 100th birthday in
his home village. Then Geeta woke early Sunday and felt short
of breath. She apparently died of cardiac arrest on the way to
the hospital.

In one of her last talks Geeta told us to Geetaji performing Puja at the opening ceremony at IYAC/ACYI
AGM 2001. Khairoon Quadir in the background.
follow the path that Guruji set for us.
Dr. Geeta S. Iyengar:
I arrived at the Institute in the afternoon as soon as I heard
the news. Prashant and the others had already returned from An Exceptional Yogini
Bellur. Hundreds of people, the family, the local community
of teachers and students, international students, were crowded By Phofi McCullough, Kelowna BC

W
into the courtyard between the house and the Institute. We ith great sadness I write about our beloved Geetaji.
were in shock, with tears being shared by all. Then the bier She was the only Yoginicharya (female yoga teacher)
was carried out with the priests chanting prayers. Chairs were in a male-dominated field. She walked in her father’s
found for her sisters. An ambulance arrived and we followed footsteps and became an outstanding teacher equal to her
to the cremation grounds. The rituals and prayers continued father, B.K.S. Iyengar.
as the pyre was lit. Usually women would not be allowed, but Geeta was a remarkable person: a daughter, a sister, a yoga
apparently at the time of Guruji’s death, the restriction was teacher and an Ayurvedic doctor. She had a taste of yoga since
loosened for us, and we were allowed to be present. After a early childhood, both practising yoga with Guruji and stepping
short time, we were told to disperse. Classes were cancelled at in to teach his class whenever the train he took from Mumbai
the Institute in the days following her death. We came and sat to Pune was late to arrive.
in the hall in ones and twos, offering our own silent prayers. She lived, breathed and wedded yoga. When the time came
After I returned home other events took place in Pune and for her to choose a married life or a career in yoga, she chose
around the world to honour Geetaji. yoga and subsequently wore the white colour of widowhood.
I feel deep gratitude for the many opportunities I have had Her choice was a great gift to us! An energetic, spiritual and
to study with her. Her legacy will live on. She never wanted the untiring teacher, she travelled the world to spread her father’s
focus to be on her, but on Guruji, her father and her guru. For teaching. While in Pune she taught women and general classes
today, we light the candle for Geetaji. In one of her last talks in the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute six days a
she told us to follow the path that Guruji set for us. She helped week, either in the morning or evening.
light that path with her own brilliance. Geeta possessed a great characteristic: she embraced us all as
her friends and treated us as family. She advised us, she urged
us in our practice, she admonished us like a mother. She was a
great person and a great teacher.
May she rest in peace.

9
The World Came to Pune, December 2018
By Leslie Hogya, Victoria BC

a while and then said, “Yes, but that

doesn’t mean I don’t get cross and yell at
you!”
Abhi’s next question had many of us
in tears: “Do you miss your father?”
Geeta: “ Yes I miss him so much. He
gave me so many clues. He was always my
Guru. As a child, he was loving, but strict;
we were a little afraid of him. We were
quiet when he came home and did his
practices. There were no yoga books, but
The stadium for centenary celebrations held 1,300 people from 53 countries.
kept safely at home was Guruji’s album
of photos and I used to open his album

G
eeta and Prashant, describing that is too confining a word, it was an and practice. It was my mother who often
themselves as two branches of the open architecture. corrected me, and she showed me how to
Iyengar tree, were the main teachers Imagine Guruji at 16, sent to Pune practise in menstruation.”
this past December in Pune, where 1,300 without family or friends, to teach in Another question to Geeta was about
people from 53 countries gathered to English. His language of mind was the writing of Yoga: A Gem for Women
celebrate Guruji’s 100th birthday. They not English. His language of dreams and the taking of the photos. She said
spoke eloquently about their father, was not English. His language for writing that Guruji encouraged her to write the
their mother and their journey in yoga, was not English. He often wrote in book and he directed the photo sessions,
distilling their years of experience and Kanada, his native language, and then drawing on what he learned from the
offering their finest words in sharing their translated it. years of effort to do the photos for Light
memories. On Yoga.
Guruji didn’t put on a mask, he never
*** The last question was how to make
compromised his nature. He was
her happy on her birthday and she
Selected notes from Prashant on intuitive, creative, playful, and joyful.
replied, “Don’t leave the path Guruji set,
Guruji: Yoga depends on happiness not just do,
and read his books”.
When he performed he was an artist. do, do. We get well-being from yoga.
***
When he taught he was a scientist Guruji was always exploring. At some
juncture in his journey, he discovered the These are just a few words out of
When he practised he was a philosopher. so many that enriched the 12 days of
importance of twists: equanimity of mind
He had 75 years of practise and teaching, comes after a twist, the mind becomes celebrations. There were forums and
it was astronomical! straight. films, and demonstrations from the
Guruji would say, “Come ooooott!” children of Bellur. We were on our feet
Every Thursday, when Prashant was
and everyone followed and they were cheering after their spectacular offering.
young, his father would come home from
electrified! The classes were demanding and
teaching and do paschimottanasana for 45
inspiring. The opportunity will be
One of the gifts of Guruji’s life is that minutes!
available to all to watch videos of these
no one taught him. He had no training *** classes and presentations; watch for
in how to teach, no instruction on announcements.
The program guide for the afternoon
pranayama, and very little instruction I feel incredibly blessed to have been
of December 7 said, ‘to be announced’.
on asana. He had to delve into himself there for this spectacular event, to hear
The joy for us was that it was Geeta who
— his very cells — to learn yoga. He Geeta’s last teachings, her last public
came and it was her birthday.
developed his unique approach through address, and witness her last beacon of
Abhijata, her niece, said it was to be
long hours, days, weeks, and years of light spreading out to the world.
a ‘chit chat’ session, and began with the
practice. He didn’t develop ‘a system’,
question: “Do you love us?” Geeta paused
10
 Copyright RIMYI, Pune. Photos this article: Shael Sharma
Geetaji teaching with Raya and Abhijata doing stage presentations

Centenary Celebrations in Pune, December 2018

By Karen Major, London ON

T
he 10-day Yoganusasanum in Pune for the 100th Prashantaji, and Abhijata. In the final days, they also shared the
anniversary year of Guruji’s birthday was one of the fullest shocking news of Geetaji’s death, only days after her father’s
and richest experiences I have had with the Iyengars. birthday and a week after her own.
Over 1,200 people from some 53 countries came together For me, the feelings from such experiences are often
as a community to pay their respects and honour their difficult to put into words. Like the Buddhist expression of the
lineage through stories and experiences, to practise, and to ‘finger pointing at the moon’, the finger that is pointing is not
immerse themselves in memories of Guruji shared by Geetaji, the moon, but a shadow or reflection of the actual experience
of the moon. Though hard to convey, I offer my thoughts and
memories on the experience of this Yoganusasanum.
Prashantaji and Geetaji shared the teaching of morning
classes in asana and pranayama, working in complementary
approaches to further their father’s work. They both
commented that although their teaching appears on the surface
to be quite different, they are actually like different branches
of the same tree of Yoga. Prashant mined the depth of asana
through his philosophical segues, play with words, work with
the breath “through the asana, on the asana, in the asana, by
the asana,” and more. He asked us to challenge ourselves, to
delve deeper, beyond the shape of the asana, and open the
gateways for observation, sensitivity, awareness: “They are a
tremendous means to increase our potentials. Be open minded!”
Though we could see that Geeta was not well, she was
vibrant in her teaching — it was like a spark of divinity ignited
her, she had her duty to complete and nothing would stop
her. Penetrating and precise, she used humour, compassion,
her X-ray eyes, and many yogic insights to guide us further
in our practice and understanding of ourselves through yoga.
Abhijata consulting with Geetaji during the asana sessions She said, “I love you, that’s why I can shout at you; it comes
11
from my heart that you should die in front of the eyes of her
go the whole way, not half father, she wanted to honour
way…Yoga is a universal him with this event: “More
philosophy...we have to than father/daughter he had
become better human beings.” been my guru.”
One afternoon, Abhijata Other days we participated
led a session with frank in panel discussions with
questions to Prashantaji practitioners, assessors, newly
and Geetaji. On behalf of certified teachers, and long-
many teachers all over the time certified teachers, all
world, she asked for their talking about the merits and
wisdom and guidance about challenges of assessments.
Guruji’s approach to the Birjoo skillfully facilitated
apprenticeship/mentorship of these panels, asking us to
Many gathered at the Institute in Pune following Geetaji’s cremation
teachers rather than a model to chant sutras, prayers, and slokas/verses for Geetaji for 9 days. For
see both sides in order to
of courses for teacher training. the 4 days following, there was no chanting or listening to Geetaji’s best express the vibrancy,
The next afternoon she gave an recorded chants so her soul could be released. On the 13th day of her intelligence, and creativity
mourning period, her Shradhanjali (homage to Geetaji) was streamed
engaging and emotional talk live for practitioners around the world. The openness of the Iyengars of Iyengar Yoga, and to not
about ‘What is Iyengar Yoga?’ to include all during this event was greatly appreciated. be boxed in by our narrow
in which she shared memories interpretations of this vast
reflecting on the integrity of Guruji. She spoke of his fierceness, subject that Guruji imparted. When asked for her opinion,
his compassion, his insight, his creativity, his dedication, his Abhijata was clear that she wanted assessments to continue
tenacity, his commitment to his practice and to guiding all his to keep the integrity of her grandfather’s work: “I want my
students, and his boundless energy! She also shared her deep grandfather’s teachings to be known.” We heard an ‘open
questioning of whether she deserves to be called an Iyengar forum’ from many who were deeply touched by Guruji in the
teacher: “Am I doing justice to Iyengar Yoga? Do we deserve to early days, and also from those who never had the privilege of
call ourselves an Iyengar teacher?” We could see how Abhijata being in his presence yet felt his profound impact on their lives.
might feel the weight of carrying her grandfather’s torch Prashantaji began and concluded the formal part of the
forward, yet we also witnessed her undeniable humility and Yoganusasanum asking us to delve into the deeper aspects of
ability to do so! yoga. A keen observer of his father, Prashant was always looking
The ‘to be announced’ afternoon session of December 7th to reveal the underpinnings of Guruji’s work and approach
was Geetaji, arriving in a wheelchair to roars of love and good to the subject of yoga. He asked us to look into the depth of
wishes for her ‘happy birthday’ from us all! She shared stories Guruji’s quote: “Yoga is for One and All” and understand that
of her shishya (pupil to guru) relationship to Guruji, as well as the core aspects of yoga transcend surface conditions such as
memories as a daughter, a student, a teacher, and a devoted nationality, gender, or age. He noted that a seeker in yoga needs
yoga practitioner. She explained that she had never wanted to to be an explorer of yoga within oneself: “The guru principle
is within you, and access to wisdom is not obstructed by age,
time, and place.” It is a higher reality available to all.
The two days following the Yoganusasanum included talks
by special guests, documentary films, a yoga demonstration by
students from Bellur (Guruji’s birthplace, which he endowed
with schools, hospitals, clean drinking water and health
programs), and more reflections on the brilliant work of a man
who affected so many people around the globe.
It was during this time that Geetaji expressed how
exhausted she was. Then, on December 16, after struggling
with breathing, she died from a heart attack on the way to
the hospital. Many have said that over the last several months
she expressed her desire to see Guruji’s 100th anniversary
celebration through, that her work would then be done, and
Prashantaji and Geetaji answer questions from Abhijata she would be OK with leaving her earthly existence. It was as
12
if she held strong enough to do all these things, honouring her her insights, for being in her presence on so many occasions,
father one more time, before letting go. and to have had the honour and gift of her last teachings. We
We practice savasana (corpse pose) to learn to surrender, must surrender to the loss of Geetaji but she will forever be in
so that we can give over to what is, not to what we wish things our hearts and in our consciousness.
were. It is with a very full but heavy heart that I express my Aum shanti, shanti, shanti; peace, peace, peace.
gratitude for Geetaji’s courage, her tenacity, her compassion,

Dear Geetaji
By Jennifer Van de Pol, Victoria BC I bowed to your feet, I saw your eyes. Pranams.

Dear Geetaji, Like an inch worm, work your way up the mountain.
Parvatasana.
Thank you.
For contentment, we need to overcome desire.
It’s now over two months since I was in Pune, and I think of
you often. I learned new things about warriorship from you.

When I sit in the morning I feel you sitting on the platform to You gave us everything in those days,
my front/right. 1,200 practitioners and yet total silence as you And then you left.
slowly, patiently, describe how to be with the inhale. With the
May your rest be deep and pure.
exhale.
I had heard so many stories of sternness, that your deep love,
care and generosity surprised me to tears.
When confusion comes, pause.
Have a few breaths.
I knew I had to come.
PHOTO: Shael Sharma

The way you and Abhi looked at each other,

Thank you.
Let what comes come, what doesn’t come, don’t bother about it!
For as long as you’re afraid, I cannot help you
Geetaji taking in the centenary celebration films and performances.

13
Geeta Iyengar
By Linda Shevloff, Vancouver BC

O
ur teacher, Geeta Iyengar, daughter of B.K.S. Iyengar, She was asked how it felt to always be in
died this past December. ‘Geetaji’, as we called her, was
her father’s shadow. She replied that she
the Director of RIMYI, the one who held our worldwide
community together, and a pillar of the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga was not in her father‘s shadow but rather
Association. A titan in the field of asana and pranayama, she
in her father’s light.
taught Iyengar teachers how to teach. She was an Ayurvedic
doctor who understood how to heal illnesses and injuries with
yoga. She was also a watchdog over our behaviour, ready to call
to question any who might have neglected the ethical precepts
of the yamas and niyamas in their yogic lives. She could be
fierce and she could be tender. Around the world we are feeling
her absence, as we must now find our way forward without her.
Geeta was always an enigma to me. Because her age was
similar to mine, I naturally wondered how her life compared
with my own. In 1987, when I first went to Pune, she was
a young woman too. I remember wearing a colourful body
leotard, common at that time in the West. She wore a baggy

white T-shirt tucked into a pair of green cotton bloomers.

Although I may have felt somewhat modern and appropriate
in my yoga wear, she was much more confident and practical
in hers. In fact, all of the 30 or so Western female students
were asked to switch to the loose T-shirts and cotton bloomers
available at the Institute. We had to learn to become more
modest in the way we showed our bodies. Besides, the T-shirt
could be lifted at the back when we did shoulderstand so
our hands could grip our skin, and the bloomers allowed the
teacher to see our kneecaps and how the muscles and skin were
being activated.
Geeta presented beautiful poses on the platform at RIMYI
and was often used as a model when Guruji taught. Sometimes
she gave instructions and sometimes she acted as his assistant
in the room, walking amongst us and correcting our postures.
One time, when I was struggling in urdhva dhanurasana, Geeta
stepped behind me and pulled my right shoulder as I had never
experienced before. I think I yelled out and then came down.
As she looked at me, my eyes began to tear up. She asked me if
I thought she cared about my tears, then told me to do the pose
again. My ego was bruised, and I saw that this was her intent.
We were chastised about our precious egos throughout the
month. If we could get over our egos, perhaps we could learn
something.
Toward the end of that 1987 Intensive course, Geeta
invited everyone to dinner. We gathered in the Institute
Geeta at UBC 2001

14
courtyard one evening and Geeta presented us with a delicious me: “You Hong Kong. You write my name on the same page
feast of Indian food. She had cooked dinner for thirty or forty as the name of someone else?” I was living in Hong Kong. She
people on the same day she had been present for the morning was talking to me. I was not ‘Linda’ or ‘You in the red shirt’ but
and afternoon classes. She was an excellent cook and a quiet rather I was ‘Hong Kong’ and she was angry about something
hostess, first serving her father and then everyone else, ladling in our newsletter. I was not sure about what. She was so cross
scoops of delicious dhal and curries onto our plates. She seemed that she did not respond to my request for an interview with
happy, though I wondered about the amount of work she her, nor did she take any notice of me for the rest of the month.
seemed to do. She was always on duty. What would it be like Over the years I have travelled to Pune many times and
to live a life of service like she did? In my world there was so Geeta was always there. In 2017, I went with some reluctance
much independence and choice. Everyone sought personal due to health issues that prevented me from performing many
fulfillment. Was she fulfilled? Was I selfish? asanas very well. In an email before going, I suggested to Geeta
In an interview many years later, she was asked how it felt that I might be better in the medical classes rather than the
to always be in her father’s shadow. She replied that she was not regular class. She replied that she would see once we got started.
in her father‘s shadow but rather in her father’s light. She often From the beginning, she called me by name and pronounced to
asked us all to do our duty and made us consider what our duty everyone that I was a senior teacher. I did not want to be called
really was. It was for each of us to decide. a ‘senior teacher’ just then. I felt completely inadequate and
Geeta did not usually get personally involved with the many would have preferred to remain anonymous. It was ironic that
individuals in the large classes, addressing us as: “You in the red she was now going to call me by my name and she expected me
shirt,” or “You in the blue shirt”. But one year, when she taught to live up to a certificate I held. I helped in the medical classes
at Yasodhara Ashram in the Kootenay area of B.C., she had and Geeta gave me personal help in asana classes. She was,
me do trikonasana at the trestler because my neck and shoulder herself, in dreadful medical condition; she could barely walk.
needed attention. When she took my head back over the corner Though she was suffering, she was tender and fierce and dutiful
of the trestler, she looked at me and said “Don’t be afraid of and philosophical all at once. She was Geetaji as she had always
me. You should come and be my friend.” been.
That was a big moment. When I went to Pune the next Every time I went to Pune I had an awakening from Geeta.
year, I thought I would perhaps get to know her more. I was Sometimes I liked it and sometimes I did not, but she always
anticipating something. However, on the first day, when the taught me something about myself and made me reflect on
hundred or so of us were sitting in sukhasana and listening to who I was and how I was. She did not shy away from sensitive
her speak, I was jarred and crushed by her voice booming at topics. She did not strive to be a nice person. She was direct,
forthright, honest and sincere. She always helped me when I
needed her help and she did the same for many, many others. I
am going to miss her; I will not forget her; and I wish the very
best for her soul’s journey on the way back to its source.
Jaya Jaya Geetaji.

“A yoga practitioner should have three

qualities which are the most important.
One is shakti: Physical force or physical
strength. Another is yukti: clarity,
sharpness of intelligence and the third
is bhakti: surrender, devotion.”
Lecture by Geeta Iyengar Memorial Convention during its 60 years
(13/12/2004, PYC Hindu Gymkhana)

15
Remembering Geeta
By Teddy Hyndman, Edmonton AB

G
eeta’s first visit to the US was in 1996, at Estes Park
Colorado. I had been to Pune for workshops with Guruji
and the odd class taught by Geeta (while Guruji was in
the room). I went to the US convention on my own and did
not know the other one or two Canadians in attendance.
It was overwhelming to see hundreds of students in one
gymnasium. I took a back-corner spot behind all the other
attentive practitioners. The first pose Geeta called from the
stadium, upavistha konasana, I felt I ‘knew’ and confidently
spread my legs and pressed my thighs down.
Geeta in action at the Canadian Iyengar Yoga Conference in 2001
Suddenly over the speaker came a loud “YOU!” I looked
to see who was the appointed ‘YOU’. It was directed in our
quadrant. I looked to see who the poor ‘YOU’ might be. Oh
no! It was ME.

I learned then that there was no hiding

from Geeta’s eye. Her ability to see set the
discipline for those practising.

Up to the stage I went, in front of all these American well-

practised yogis (so I thought). I stood in tadasana while Geeta
professed in very loud Indian English the important connection
between the action of the thighs and the nervous system. It
seemed like forever before I humbly returned to the back comer.
I learned then that there was no hiding from Geeta’s eye.
Even when, in later years, the numbers of students in the room
grew to almost a thousand, I still felt that she could see me.
Her ability to see set the discipline for those practising. To
really experience the asana, Geeta created an atmosphere of
concentration and focus in the moment.
Since the convention, I have been in many classes and
workshops with Geeta. I began to realize her role as more than a
‘seeing’ teacher. She became the strong female leader of Iyengar
Yoga — totally dedicated in her duty to honour the teachings
of her father and to keep the worldwide spread of his teaching
honest.
With all her duties, poor health, her dedication to Iyengar
Yoga, what was her deeper message?
During the Yoganusasanam convention near Pune, in
December 2015, Geeta spoke of yoga as freedom. Her ability
to ‘see’ seemed to have penetrated beneath health and duty to a
deeper level — to an expression of freedom.
With stellar devotion, she did what she came to this earth to do.
She seemed then and is now free.

16
II.48 Tatah Dvandvah Anabhighatah
From then on, the sadhaka is undisturbed by dualities.

By Lauren Cox, Victoria BC and devotion to her father and guru,

she kept her earth body working

O
ur practice on the mat is
so that she could live to be part of
meant to support us in finding
the Centenary celebrations. She
equilibrium in the ups and
has left pain and all the challenges
downs of life. The yoga asanas teach
that come with the earth body. In
and encourage us to find balance and
her spirit body, she is in the very
not be attached to the dualities that
best place ever — reunited with her
constantly come our way. The roller
father and guru.
coaster of life certainly was felt this
From Light on the Yoga Sutras of
past December.
Patanjali, B.K.S. Iyengar:
On December 14, over 1,200
The effect of asana is to put an end
practitioners gathered in Pune to

Illustration: Lauren Cox

to the dualities or differentiation
celebrate Mr. Iyengar’s centenary.
between the body and mind, mind
Representatives from 53 countries
and soul. None of the pairs of
came together to honour Guruji with
opposites can exist for the sadhaka
joyous celebrations. Simultaneous
who is one with body, mind and
events took place worldwide on this
soul. The mind, which is at the
auspicious date. Truly a global event!
root of dualistic perception, loses
Less than two days later on
its identity and ceases to disturb
December 16, the Iyengar world was
and now compacting and condensing the practitioner. Unity is achieved
shocked with the news of Geetaji’s
to a personal level in our hearts. between body and mind and mind
death. Confusion, disbelief, grief,
Our local gathering with Shirley and soul. There is no longer joy or
denial — you could feel the shock
Daventry French leading us all in the sorrow, heat or cold, honour or
waves as the news spread. Many of the
Divine Light Invocation was profound. dishonour, pain or pleasure. This
students who travelled to Pune for the
The image of light filling the many is perfection in action and freedom
celebrations were still present. What
bodies in the large circle with the in consciousness.
emotions and stories they must have.
overflowing of light coming from all
Pune was once again the epicenter. Like
our heart centres into the centre of
a natural disaster, the reverberations
the Circle in which we placed Geetaji
were felt and continue to be felt.
and Guruji brought peace, love and
On a global level there was a
closure. I experienced a sense of healing,
collective sense of shock and disbelief,
surrender and acceptance.
then onto the national level where
Once again, I’ve come to realize
the news was confirmed, condolences
what a gift we’ve been given. Guruji
sent and sadness shared. On a local
& Geetaji continue to teach us! Time
level, communities gathered together
and time again. On the mat and off the
to honour Geetaji with fond stories
mat. The gift of practice once again has
and ceremonies. Flowers to honour the
helped us regain our equipoise. We’ve
passing of Geetaji were added to flowers
gone from light to darkness and back
honouring Guruji’s centenary. Photos
to light again. We’ve experienced joy to
of Geetaji were placed alongside Guruji.
find sorrow and now back to joy again.
Candles were lit and kept burning.
Geeta has shown us the way to
Now, with the passing of time, each of
be the ultimate practitioner! Tapas
us has come away with time to reflect.
supported her to see the celebrations to
The global epicenter converging to local
the end. Showing her love, admiration

17
Memories of Geetaji
By Margot Kitchen, Calgary AB

T
he first time I met Geetaji was in 1985. She was

PhOTO: Nancy Black and Susan Stewart 2001

co-teaching the Canadian Intensive with Guruji. At
one point, Guruji was using me to demonstrate utthita
parsvakonasana and I was totally exhausted after several minutes
on one side. Geeta, bless her, intervened and quietly said, “I
think she’s had enough!” I was so grateful!!!
Over the years we’ve corresponded, and I particularly
treasure the letter she wrote after my mother died. I’ll quote a
passage here:
I ’m very sorry to hear the demise of your mother who was 94.
In spite of having illness she died gracefully. A Great Soul! Do
not feel sorry. She is a blessed one who died peacefully. It is
The fact that she taught brilliantly and finished the Centenary
obvious for you to feel void yet; we have to learn to take such
celebrations for her father, before leaving us, attests to this.
shocks courageously. Let the Soul rest in peace! In this world
Geetaji’s classes in Pune were amazing. I remember one
nobody wants to lose Mother. The Mother is ‘The Mother’.
forward bend class in particular when Shirley and I walked out
Reading this, it’s as if Geetaji is preparing us for her death. on clouds. Shirley remarked, “I’d have come to India just for
We must take such shocks courageously! She is my inspiration. this class!!!” — and I shared that sentiment. What a brilliant
She showed such strength after the loss of her mother and she daughter, devotee, sister, aunt, teacher — and yes, Guru —
quietly assumed many of her mother’s roles, in addition to her paving the way for safety and understanding for women in
already busy life. I endeavour to follow her example. yoga.
She really enjoyed coming to Canada and there’s one funny At the Institute in Pune there were always lessons in asana
incident in 2008 that I’m sure she laughed about for years from Geetaji, but the most important lessons came in ways one
after! We were driving in convoy from Yasodhara Ashram to least expects. The asanas opened us to receive deeper insights.
Penticton. Shirley [Daventry French] had Geetaji in the first When I think of Geetaji, many memories surface, some
car and I was driving the second. At one point I phoned Shirley very happy and some uncomfortable as she has challenged me
to say I really had to visit a washroom! We roared into the to really look at myself — such is the nature of a great teacher.
next gas station and I jumped out. I was sitting happily when I Surrender — My health problems have forced me (rather
heard Cynthia at the door, “Margot’s in there but she’ll be out unwillingly) to give up many aspects of my asana practice. I
in a minute.” It was a large bathroom with an open ‘throne’ at looked to Geetaji for guidance. Her example of quiet surrender
one end. I called out, “There’s lots of room in here — please with dignity in the face of her health challenges has inspired me
come in, we’re all ladies!” — and with that Geetaji walked in, tremendously. I endeavour to follow her example.
giggling like mad as I fell all over myself trying to get decent! Gratitude — I saw Geetaji’s devotion and her gratitude, to
I’m smiling as I write this. God, Patanjali and Guruji for the gift of yoga in her life and
I remember at the Portland convention in 2010, how I am inspired by her. I find my own sense of devotion and
excited she was to tell Shirley and me that they had found gratitude heightened.
a husband for her niece, Abhi. In that moment, we weren’t I miss Geetaji but she and Guruji are always on the mat
teacher and students, but three women sharing life experiences. with me and I turn to them for advice in weathering the
I know she missed being ‘one of the girls’, but I also know she sometimes-turbulent aspects of my life.
was totally committed to her duty of carrying on the work. Thank you, Geetaji, for the many gifts which you so
willingly and tirelessly gave to the art of yoga and to the art of
I miss Geetaji but she and Guruji are life.
always on the mat with me. I turn to them Geetaji, it’s time to rest. Our memories will carry you with
us forever and how blessed we are to have had this time with
for advice in weathering the sometimes- you.
turbulent aspects of my life. With love and gratitude, your devoted student,
Margot Kitchen
18
Eyes Wide Open, an Experience of Geetaji’s Teaching
By Melissa Perehudoff, Kelowna BC

T
here was no hiding from Geetaji’s tried to grasp my foot with my hand. did not want our attention to stray from
penetrating, all-seeing eyes. We The second time it was, “You in the the clarity and purity of the teachings.
all experienced her noticing — in saffron T-shirt...” for being crooked in Once in class she expressed stern
the back of the room of 100 or more sarvangasana. With my condition of dissatisfaction with our presentation of
practising yogis — one person who slight scoliosis, I knew I had a tendency utthita parsva hasta padangusthasana II.
had not turned the back leg in, or to be crooked. I did not know that my She got us to do the pose on the floor
straightened the arms, or levelled the purple T-shirt could be called saffron for from the understanding of parsva supta
hips. We all waited for our breath to the colour of the flower’s petals when padangusthasana II. And then we
get stuck in our rib cage, caught by they are in bloom. repeated the standing pose with the
her all-knowing eyes as she called out, How much of Geetaji’s teaching lateral leg lower than most flexible
“You in the green shirt...” Or maybe it did I miss because of the rigidity of my yoginis habitually practised. She knew
was just me. I did not understand the mind? How could I learn to relax my how to teach us ‘sobriety in the pose’
sharpness of her eye, the power of her mind and work my body to its edge so and to break our habits. To break a
teaching force beyond the precision her penetrating instructions could reach pattern creates a crack in the layers of
of her instructions, or her ability to the core of my being? What kaleidoscope protection and holding that keep us
transform 100 assorted bodies into the of colours, habits, skin tension, muscle from reaching our potential and residing
archetype of a pose with feet connected movement, breath circulation, energetic in our true nature.
to the earth, kneecaps lifted, legs dissipation or extension did Geetaji see Geetaji’s true nature was compassion.
straight, chest open and mind poised in with her all-observing eyes? She was a Her fiery brown eyes would soften and
the present moment. beacon of devotion and sacrifice as she widen in compassion even as her voice
She called out my T-shirt colour tirelessly encouraged us to grow from chided us for our ignorance. Her eyes
twice. The first time it was, “You in the the darkness of the seed to a blossom of sparkled and twinkled with delight as
pink T-shirt...” to admonish me for not light. she laughed when telling a story while
closing the gap between side ribs and The directness of her voice was to teaching. How you have to treat your
opposite thigh in ardha matsyendrasana. wake us up, to transform us from the two legs like your two children in the
I was completely unaware that I had bud to the fully fragrant flower. The standing poses, giving each of them
let the gap widen as I desperately mind responds to firm commands. She equal attention. How your palms
must be open for sirsasana as if you
were receiving a cup of coffee or a few
chocolates. She sometimes asked us to
chant the opening Invocation to Patanjali
with our mouths and eyes wide open.
She taught us to be attentive, alert
and sincere practitioners. She blessed us
with her wisdom, insight and profound
knowledge. The teachings could only
penetrate in my body and through my
heart according to my physical capacity,
mental receptivity and humility. I am
forever grateful to have been seen by
Geetaji’s passionate and compassionate
eyes, if only for a moment.

19
Excerpts from
Geeta’s Savasana
Anushasanam 2015

In savasana the body has to be

absolutely fluid and not solid…
Don’t hold yourself anywhere
tight especially palm, fingers, and
the throat region…Absolutely a
silence from inside so the vessel
of the ears, vessel of the eyes,
everything has to be calm and
quiet….In a good savasana you
feel that the inner body has only
just space. The cylindrical body
remains as it is. Every other area
you have to surrender to the
mother earth and that creates
a kind of empty space within:
akasha tattva inside...don’t hold
anywhere tight with that rigidity
of the mind, the body is relaxed
and the mind rigidity has to go...
let go in such a manner that there
is an empty space within. Your
presence should be felt at every
other area of the body for the
space to be present there.

PHOTO: Natasza Moscovitz