On the Light

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Light on Cooking: The Iyengar Tradition, a companion podcast to On the Light.In this series, conversations move into the kitchen and toward the role of food within the life and teachings of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. Through stories shared by family members, students, and long-time practitioners, we explore cooking, nourishment, daily ritual, and the ways yoga extends into all aspects of life.These conversations are not simply about recipes or meals, but about care, discipline, culture, and the lived experience of practice.This podcast will also document the unfolding process of creating the Light on Cooking cookbook project — a gathering of stories, traditions, recipes, and memories connected to the Iyengar family and lineage.I’m Susan Johnson, and I’ll be your host.Stay tuned for Episode One with Prashant Iyengar, coming next week.Thank you for listening.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode holds a special place for me because …it is my 50th interview! and it feels deeply appropriate that this milestone is shared with Prashant Iyengar.From the very beginning of this podcast, Prashantji has been a guiding presence. His generosity with his time, his willingness to engage in these conversations, and his continued support have made this work possible in ways I don’t take lightly. This podcast, in many respects, lives in the space he continues to illuminate.Rooted in the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, On the Light has always been about listening more deeply—to the method, to the tradition, and to the voices that carry it forward. And Prashantji sits right at the center of that living tradition.In this summative episode on sangeet— He reminds us that while forms may evolve over time, the essence remains untouched—like the sun behind an eclipse, or a diamond beneath layers of dust.Prashant speaks to the importance of preserving the source of the tradition,  even if only a very small number continue to carry that work forward. And I find myself reflecting that this podcast, in its own small way, is part of that effort—to listen, to learn, and to help keep that thread alive.It is an honor, and truly a privilege, to share this 50th conversation with him.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to On the Light. I’m your host, Susan Johnson.In this episode I am deeply honored to be in conversation with Eric Small—a pioneering teacher of Iyengar Yoga whose work has spanned more than six decades.At 93, Eric brings a lifetime of experience shaped by direct study with Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar, as well as his groundbreaking work adapting yoga for students with multiple sclerosis. Through storytelling, reflection, and lived experience, he shares what it means to teach from the heart, to observe deeply, and to serve with humility.This conversation is both a historical record and a personal testament—offering insight into the early years of Iyengar Yoga in the West, the depth of the teacher-student relationship, and the enduring power of practice as a path of healing and self-understanding.Please enjoy this conversation with Eric Small.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to On the Light. I’m your host, Susan Johnson.Today I’m joined by longtime Iyengar Yoga teacher Mary Reilly. Mary began practicing yoga in the early days of Iyengar Yoga in the United States, studying with teachers who had just returned from India after working directly with B.K.S. Iyengar. What began as a simple attempt to regain her concentration after finishing a demanding biology degree quickly became a lifelong path of practice and study.In this conversation, Mary shares what it was like to encounter Iyengar Yoga in its early years, her first trips to Pune during the intensive programs at the institute, and the profound lessons she absorbed from Guruji and Geeta Iyengar. We also talk about the art of teaching, including Mary’s memorable experience participating in the filmed teaching demonstration known as The Art of Teaching in Chicago.Along the way, Mary reflects on listening with the body, trusting the intelligence of practice, and what it means to teach from the heart rather than simply from the mind.If this episode resonates with you, I invite you to like, share, or subscribe. And if you’re able, a small monthly contribution helps sustain the continued production of this podcast.Please enjoy my conversation with Mary Reilly.Support the show

Send us Fan MailToday I’m joined by Jennie Williford, a longtime practitioner and teacher of Iyengar Yoga. Jennie has spent the past two decades studying, teaching, volunteering,  and helping build Iyengar Yoga communities across the Midwest and beyond.In this episode, Jennie shares how she first discovered Iyengar Yoga, what drew her deeply into the method, and her experiences studying at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune. We talk about the powerful presence of Guruji and Geetaji, the teachings of Prashant Iyengar, and the importance of community and service in sustaining this living tradition.If this episode resonates with you, I invite you to like, share, or subscribe. And if you’re able, a small monthly contribution helps sustain the continued production of this podcast.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. I’m your host, Susan Johnson.Today, it is my great honor to speak with Gloria Goldberg, a longtime student and teacher of the Iyengar method, whose decades of dedicated study and service have placed her in direct contact with Guruji, Geetaji, and the Iyengar family for many many years.Gloria’s journey began in the early 1970s, when she was first drawn to yoga as a way to manage her asthma. What began as a simple, personal practice soon became a lifelong path—one that led her to study in Pune, assist in organizing conventions, help develop teacher education programs, and serve the Iyengar community with extraordinary devotion.In this conversation, Gloria shares intimate memories of her time with Guruji and Geetaji, reflections on practice as an experiential and transformative process, and the profound responsibility of preserving and transmitting this work to future generations.If this episode resonates with you, I invite you to like, share, or subscribe. And if you’re able, a small monthly contribution helps sustain the continued production of this podcast.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. I’m your host, Susan Johnson.In today’s episode, I’m grateful, as always, to sit down with Prashant Iyengar for another conversation that takes us deeper into the subject of Sangeet.Prashant begins by explaining that Sangeet arises from the Natya Shastra — the ancient Indian treatise on dramaturgy and the performing arts, a text that explores music, dance, theatre, rasa, and the inner mechanics of expression itself.From there, he leads us into a profound reflection: that life itself is a kind of drama.We are not the roles we play.Father, mother, friend, student — these are enactments.Costumes. Movements within a larger unfolding.And the Self, he reminds us, is beyond all of it.If you enjoy On the Light, please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. I’m your host, Susan Johnson. Today I’m joined by Devki Desai.Devki’s journey with Iyengar Yoga began in Mumbai in the mid-1980s, when her father first brought her to class as a teenager. What began with some resistance soon became a lifelong path, shaped by early study with senior teachers and, soon after, direct exposure to B.K.S. Iyengar himself. Over the years, Devki’s life became deeply interwoven with the Institute in Pune—through practice, teaching, family, and seva.In this conversation, Devki shares intimate stories of being guided and trained by Guruji, Geetaji, and Prashantji —three influences she never separates, but experiences as a woven whole. She reflects on learning to teach through direct instruction, observation, and responsibility; on being “thrown into” classes as a form of training; and on the grace that carried her through those formative years.She also speaks movingly about pranayama, motherhood, devotion, and the subtle ways yoga shapes a life over time.This is a conversation rich with memory, lineage, and lived experience, and I’m so grateful to share it with you.If you enjoy On the Light, please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. I’m your host, Susan Johnson. Today I’m honored as always to speak with Prashant Iyengar.In this episode, Prashant offers a rich historical lens on yoga, he further discusses the origins of Sangeet,  where he speaks to sound not as performance, but as a spiritual practice deeply woven into nature, ritual, and self realization. In this episode he also shares some family history, including a very special story of the time he went to visit the Krishna temple with Guruji and his mother.If you enjoy On the Light, please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. I’m your host, Susan Johnson.Today I’m honored to be joined by Lois Steinberg.Lois’s journey into Yoga began at just fourteen years old, sparked by a black-and-white television screen and a young girl’s curiosity about movement. What followed was a lifelong devotion to practice, study, and teaching that would place her heart devoted in the Iyengar tradition.Lois spent extended, immersive periods at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, studying closely with B.K.S. Iyengar, Geetaji, and Prashant Iyengar over decades. Her path was rigorous, demanding, and transformative—shaped by discipline, deep inquiry, and profound personal experience.Known worldwide for her work in yoga therapeutics and women’s health, Lois has played a pivotal role in transmitting these teachings with clarity, integrity, and compassion. She brings not only extraordinary technical knowledge, but a living memory of the teachings as they were embodied, tested, and refined at their source.In this conversation, Lois shares candid stories from her early years of practice, her time in Pune, and the lessons—sometimes fierce, sometimes tender—that continue to inform her teaching today. This is a rare and deeply human glimpse into the lineage, the learning, and the lived experience of Iyengar Yoga.If you enjoy On the Light, please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. I’m your host, Susan Johnson.In today’s episode, Prashantji continues to explain the spiritual heart of Indian classical music, or sangeet, and its profound relationship to yoga and devotion. Prashantji draws important distinctions between Indian classical music and Western music, emphasizing that sangeet was never meant to be mere performance or entertainment, but a sacred practice rooted in eternal culture and devotion to the divine.Please enjoy this rich and contemplative episode of On the Light.If you enjoy On the Light, please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast.Thank you for listening.Namaskar.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. I am your host, Susan Johnson.In this episode, I speak with Corine Biria, who lives and teaches in Paris and around the world. Corine shares how a chance introduction to yoga led to a lifelong dedication to the Iyengar method, and how meeting B.K.S. Iyengar (Guruji) in Pune in 1983 profoundly changed her life.She reflects on Guruji’s disciplined and inspiring teaching, his ability to challenge students to move beyond their limits, and the importance of honesty and depth in practice. Corine also speaks about studying with Geetaji and Prashantji, and about the balance between effort, discipline, and maintaining an innocent, open mind.This episode is a heartfelt reflection on Guruji’s legacy and the power of lived experience in the practice of yoga.If you enjoy On the Light, please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail✨Welcome back to On the Light with Susan Johnson.✨In this first episode of season 4, I have an absolutely fascinating and  in-depth discussion with Prashant Iyengar on the profound spiritual connection between the traditional Indian concept of 'sangeet' (a combination of vocal music, instrumental music, and dance) and its role in yoga. Prashantji distinguishes between 'sangeet' and Western music, emphasizing that 'sangeet' has its roots in devotion to divinity and is an integral aspect of the Vedas. The discussion touches upon the historical and spiritual significance of 'sangeet', its transformation into a performing art, and how it contrasts with contemporary Western music. The session also highlights the role of vocal expression in spiritual practices and the importance of singing for mental well-being. The discussion concludes with a reflection on Prashant’s personal experiences with music, its impact on his yoga practice, and the overarching importance of maintaining the spiritual essence of 'sangeet'.Please enjoy this opening episode of Season Four of On the Light.If you enjoy On the Light, please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcastNamaskar. 🙏🏼Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis very special episode is a must listen! Prashantji opens this episode with a touching tribute to his sisters and all they did for the family after they lost their mother. Listening to Vanita and Savita speak is very heartwarming. Please listen or listen again to this episode and enjoy. 😊 In this episode of On the Light, I had the distinct honor of speaking with two of Guruji’s daughters: Vanita, the second eldest, and Savita, the youngest. It was a truly special conversation, and I was deeply moved by their warmth and generosity in sharing their time and stories. With grace and joy, they reflected on their parents’ lives, the profound role Geetaji played in their family, Savita’s journey in dance, their connection to music, and much more. I’m grateful to share this meaningful episode with you. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailI hope you are enjoying the re-release of these episodes while I work on preparing new interviews for season 4. Whether you're listening again or tuning in for the first time, I hope these conversations continue to inspire, inform, and bring a little more light to your day. ✨Episode 3:Welcome back to "On the Light." a podcast dedicated to illuminating the profound teachings and legacy of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. I’m your host, Susan Johnson.In this episode I am joined by Gulnaaz Dashti, a dynamic and seasoned Iyengar Yoga teacher at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune.  Gulzaaz Dashti’s immersion into the world of yoga began in 1990. She was encouraged to come to the Institute by her brother, Ali. On that day, Gulnaaz embarked on a path that would shape her life in profound ways.Here, Gulnaaz explains how Guruji was able to teach to the caliber of each student in front of him, and how Geetaji helped her in a motherly way to understand her fathers teachings. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. I’m your host, Susan Johnson.Today, I’m re-releasing a special episode with Srineet Sidharan, grandson of B.K.S. Iyengar. Srineet shares personal memories of his grandfather and offers a beautiful glimpse into Guruji’s life beyond teaching. It’s one of my favorite conversations, and I’m so happy to share it with you again...In this episode I have a very rich conversation with  the grandson of BKS Iyengar, Srineet Sridharan. Srineet talks about how the practice of yoga was always in the family and how he remembers as a child going to Model Colony to take the children's classes at RIMYI. Srineet also talks about the scope of his own learning of the philosophy of yoga and the importance of culturing the mind. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. I'm so happy to re-release this interview with Joan White. I had so much fun recording this interview. A few months after this interview I got to be Joan's roommate in Bellur while we were there to study with Prashant. That experience was just as much fun! I feel so fortunate to call this amazing woman my friend. Joan began her studies with BKS Iyengar in 1973. In this episode you will hear Joan talk about Guruji’s incredible power of observation, his continuum of practice over the years, how he loved to be a grandfather, and much much more.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailToday I invite you to re-listen (or listen for the first time) my first interview with Prashantji. This is a very special episode as he recounts Guruji's early years ...Welcome to "On the Light," a podcast dedicated to illuminating the profound teachings and legacy of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. I’m your host, Susan Johnson.In this first episode, I'm happy to be joined by Lee Sverkerson, a long-time teacher of mine and co-founder of the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Center in Minneapolis. Together, we are honored to embark on this first of several interviews with Prashant Iyengar, B.K.S. Iyengar’s son, as he lays out the early years of his father's life. We will hear how B.K.S. Iyengar came to live with his sister and brother-in-law, T Krishnamacharya, and how his yoga journey began.Throughout our conversation, Prashant shares profound reflections on Guruji's teaching philosophy, revealing how his father's wisdom transcended the mere physical aspects of yoga. We explore the notion that sometimes, not teaching can be the most profound form of instruction and how Guruji embraced this principle in his own practice.Furthermore, Prashant shares the touching story of how his father met his mother, Ramamani Iyenger. Join us as we shine a light on the early years of B.K.S. Iyengar’s extraordinary life.Please enjoy On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailFor today’s episode I am honoring the request of listener, Ramani, from Northern Virginia. She wrote to me and asked  if I could have Prashant tell the story of when Guruji and his wife had an identical dream which then changed their fortune. Prashantji recalls this remarkable incident and brings it to life for us today.I want to thank you all for listening and supporting the podcast. If you’re able to contribute a small monthly donation to help sustain the costs of the podcast, it would be deeply appreciated. If you have suggestions for teachers you’d love to hear from—or if you’d like to be interviewed yourself—please reach out. I can be contacted at [email protected] the next few short weeks I’m going to be getting caught up on new interviews in preparation for season 4. In the meantime I will be rereleasing some significant episodes that I think are worth relistening to. Thank you to all of you listeners and especially to the guests of season 3 who shared their luminous stories of our beloved Guruji and about this beautiful method.Please enjoy this episode of On the LIght.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I talk with Marla Apt about her journey into Iyengar Yoga. Inspired by her mother and shaped by her college studies in Buddhist philosophy, Marla found her way to the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles and, eventually, to Pune to study directly with Guruji, Geeta, and Prashant. She shares vivid stories of those experiences—Guruji’s precise adjustments, Geeta’s compassionate guidance, and the generosity of the Iyengar family. We also discuss her work in yoga therapy research and the development of Iyengar Yoga therapeutics. It’s a rich conversation about the transformative power of this practice and the legacy we’re all connected to.Please enjoy this episode of On the LightSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light.In this episode, I sit down with Kirsten Agar, who shares how she first came to Iyengar Yoga in her early twenties after years of intense academic study. What began with a simple weekly class soon became a central part of her life. Kirsten talks about her unforgettable encounter with Guruji at the 1993 Euro Yoga Convention and how his teachings shaped her practice. She reflects on the importance of spirituality, authenticity, and staying rooted in the tradition, and she shares moving stories from her time at RIMYI in Pune. We also talk about what it means to carry forward Guruji’s legacy through ongoing practice and community.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light.In today’s episode Prashantji continues the discussion on practice where he tells us that practice is not something that should be belittled. It is necessary in our formative periods of our education. He says that any effort to be steady the citta is abhyasa. Then he goes on to explain Sadhana and the importance of Satsangha.Please enjoy this very educational episode of On the Light. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, I ask Prashantji to help us understand the difference between practice and sadhana. He not only defines practice, but also shares why it’s so essential—and what it truly asks of us as yoga students.I think you’ll find his perspective both clarifying and inspiring.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In this episode, I have a lively conversation with Tori Milner from the Iyengar Institute of New York. Tori shares about her introduction to  Iyengar Yoga, from her early influences at home to discovering Unity Woods Yoga Center and learning from John Schumacher and Mary Dunn. She also shares some significant experiences while studying in Pune with the Iyengar family. Additionally, Tori gives us a look ahead to the 2026 convention with Abhijata Iyengar, aimed at bringing together our large community to experience Iyengar Yoga with the theme: Cultivating Freedom.If you’ve been enjoying On the Light and would like to support the podcast, consider making a small monthly donation. Your support helps cover production costs and allows me to continue sharing meaningful conversations like this one. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference — and I’m truly grateful for your support.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. Today I’m honored to speak with Dr. Rajvi Mehta, a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher who began studying with Guruji in 1979. She’s been teaching at the Light on Yoga Research Trust in Mumbai since 1987 and is the creator and editor of Yoga Rahasya.In our conversation, Rajvi shares how her family came into the practice of yoga and shares lessons and insights of her decades of study with Guruji. Please enjoy this rich and inspiring episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailToday, I’m honored to share an illuminating conversation with Prashantji. In this episode, he reflects on how teaching in Mumbai exposed Guruji to Western students and how, had he remained in the South—where he could have taught in his mother tongue—the evolution of Iyengar Yoga might have taken a very different path.He also offers insightful guidance on how we might approach a question many of us are asked: “What is Iyengar Yoga?”Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDear listeners of On the Light,This week, I’m taking a short pause to catch up on interviews and prepare new episodes, so there won’t be a new release today. Still, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to share my heartfelt gratitude—for listening, for supporting the podcast, and for joining me on this journey.On the Light launched in February 2024, after more than a year of reflection and planning. As a longtime podcast listener, I often wished for a space dedicated entirely to Guruji and Iyengar Yoga. With encouragement from friends, I finally looked into what it would take to bring this vision to life—and then took the plunge.I’m especially grateful to Prashantji, whose generous support and deeply insightful interviews have been at the heart of this project. I also want to thank all of the teachers who’ve sat down with me to share their memories of Guruji and their reflections on this profound subject that connects us all. Each conversation has been a privilege and a learning experience, and I feel honored to host them.To you—the listeners—thank you. Every time I check the podcast stats and see listeners tuning in from around the world, I’m truly humbled and inspired.I also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the editors who have generously volunteered their time and skills. I couldn’t do this without them.While this podcast has never been a money-making venture, there are monthly costs involved. If you’re able to contribute a small monthly donation to help sustain the podcast, it would be deeply appreciated. A special thank you to Rebecca, Ruth, and Courtney for already stepping forward with your support!Finally, if you have suggestions for teachers you’d love to hear from—or if you’d like to be interviewed yourself—please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can be reached at [email protected] episodes are on the way soon. In the meantime, thank you for being part of this unfolding journey.With gratitude,SusanSupport the show

Send us Fan MailToday I have a delightful conversation with John Schumacher.John began practicing yoga in 1970 and teaching in 1973. A former professional musician, he was drawn to yoga through a deep interest in consciousness and transformation. In 1975, he encountered Light on Yoga, which eventually led him to study with B.K.S. Iyengar in India in 1981. That relationship profoundly shaped his practice, teaching, and life.John is a certified Advanced Iyengar Yoga teacher and the founder of Unity Woods Yoga Center in Maryland. He has taught for over 40 years, leading workshops across the U.S. and internationally. In our conversation, John recalls the intensity of his first experience in Pune, as well as the sweet memories of hosting Guruji in his home. If you’ve been enjoying On the Light and would like to support the podcast, consider making a small monthly donation. Your support helps cover production costs and allows me to continue sharing meaningful conversations like this one. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference — and I’m truly grateful for your support.NamaskarSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In this episode with Prashant Iyengar, he gives us a lot to consider about the proper approach to practice, and he gives us some insight into the difference between practice and Sadhana. He discusses the importance of pranayama and the pranayamic aspect in asana. For the listeners, I have an advantage with all of these interviews on the podcast, especially in the episodes with Prashantji, because through the process of preparing the episodes to go out, I get to listen to them multiple times. Through that process I pause the recording often and really contemplate what Sir is teaching us. As many of you know, Prashantji has a beautiful way of orchestrating the presentation of his teachings. If you don’t already do so, I encourage you to listen to the orchestration again and again, the same way you would listen to a musical masterpiece. If you’ve been enjoying On the Light and would like to support the podcast, consider making a small monthly donation. Your support helps cover production costs and allows me to continue sharing meaningful conversations like this one. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference — and I’m truly grateful for your support.Without further ado, please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have the pleasure to be speaking with James Murphy. James began practicing Iyengar Yoga in 1988 and was a founding member of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York in 1992. He studied extensively in India with B.K.S. Iyengar, Geeta, and Prashant, making over 25 trips. A former professional dancer, James trained under Mary Dunn and assisted her until her passing. James teaches a wide range of classes at the institute from Level 1 to Level 4, Specific Needs, and a free weekly class for the LGBTQ community. He also mentors teachers through the Institute’s Teacher Education program. This was such a fun episode for me to record. I enjoyed Jame’s positive outlook. He is very humble and sweet and personable. If you’ve been enjoying On the Light and would like to support the podcast, consider making a small monthly donation. Your support helps cover production costs and allows me to continue sharing meaningful conversations like this one. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference — and I’m truly grateful for your support.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have a meaningful conversation with George Dovas. Originally from Australia, George moved to Hong Kong in 2001 where he is now the director of the Iyengar Yoga Centre.I had the good fortune of meeting George this past January during my trip to Bellur for Prashantji’s teaching. One afternoon in the dining hall, my friend Sara Russell and I were searching for a place to sit for lunch. George, who was sitting with James Murphy, noticed us looking around and they kindly invited us to join them. Both George and James were warm, welcoming, and easy to talk to. We ended up having a great conversation AND I was able to get them to commit to interviews for the podcast! I felt like I left the table after lunch with two new friends … and I don’t say that lightly. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.If you’ve been enjoying On the Light and would like to support the podcast, consider making a small monthly donation. Your support helps cover production costs and allows me to continue sharing meaningful conversations like this one. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference — and I’m truly grateful for your support.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I ask Prashantji about the history of Iyengar Yoga. As always, he is able to take a mundane question and offers a response filled with depth and insight. In this conversation, he reflects on his father’s teaching and practice, offering a unique perspective that only he can provide. I’ve listened to this recording multiple times, and each time, I discover something new. I encourage you to listen closely — there’s a wealth of wisdom here. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Please consider supporting the podcast by making a monthly donation. ✨Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Stephanie Quirk. Stephanie shares the story of her first Iyengar Yoga class and the deep, lasting impact it had on her. Stephanie’s journey took her to the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune in the early 90s — a visit that turned into a two-decade stay. During that time, she gained a rare depth of insight into how the Iyengars taught and how Guruji approached his practice. In our conversation, Stephanie offers reflections on those teachings, along with personal stories and memorable interactions she had with Guruji.  I’m delighted to share this rich and thoughtful conversation with you. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Please consider supporting the podcast by making a monthly donation. ✨Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of On the Light, I had the distinct honor of speaking with two of Guruji’s daughters: Vanita, the second eldest, and Savita, the youngest. It was a truly special conversation, and I was deeply moved by their warmth and generosity in sharing their time and stories. With grace and joy, they reflected on their parents’ lives, the profound role Geetaji played in their family, Savita’s journey in dance, their connection to music, and much more. I’m grateful to share this meaningful episode with you. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In today’s final episode of season 2, I have a delightful conversation with Patricia Walden. Patricia met BKS Iyengar in 1976.In this interview, she shares memories and insights from her decades of experience studying under B.K.S. Iyengar. Please enjoy this episode of On the LightSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have a very engaging conversation with Joan White. Joan began her studies with BKS Iyengar in 1973. In this episode, Joan will talk about Guruji’s incredible power of observation, his continuum of practice over the years, how he loved to be a grandfather and much more.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, Prashantji discusses the auspiciousness of yoga. He explains anustanum and emphasizes that yoga is not merely about practice but also about exploration and understanding the self. He encourages us to aspire to a higher level of understanding in our practice of yog.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have a conversation with Faith Russell. Faith is a level 3 teacher at the Yoga Co-Op of Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. Faith talks about the unique way in which Guruji could teach us with such firmness and compassion. She also elaborates on the importance of being quiet and reflecting and how Geetaji advised her to “let the yoga seep in.” Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, Lee and I had the pleasure of talking with Neeta Datta. Neeta is one of the few people who was fortunate enough to be able to study with Guruji from a very young age. Her father began taking classes from Guruji in the 70s and encouraged her and her siblings to go to yoga classes. Neeta was a reluctant teenager who didn’t want to go, but as you will hear her say, from that very first class with Guruji, she was hooked. Neeta shares many memories of Guruji that speak to his kindness, sensitivity, and forward-thinking. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode I had the pleasure of talking with Bobby Clennell. Bobby began studying Iyengar Yoga in the early 70’s. Shes been teaching for over 30 years and has authored several books including, The Women’s Yoga Book: Asana and Pranayama, Yoga for Breast Care, and the children’s yoga book titled, Watch Me Do. Bobby is from London and currently lives and teaches in NYC. Bobby is an artist and in our conversation she talks about the relationship between yoga and art, as well as some very meaningful lessons she learned from Mr. Iyengar. I really enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do as well.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Lee and I are joined by Prashant Iyengar. This interview took place on August 18, 2024 … a little over a month from today. When Prashantji joined the call he knew exactly what he wanted to talk about which is not unusual for him. In this episode Prashantji gives us a history of Iyengar Yoga and shares with us the ways in which Guruji was a revolutionary. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to On the Light. In this episode I have a very meaningful and inspiring conversation with Garth McLean. Garth was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1996. He shares with us how that unfortunate fate brought him to Iyengar Yoga. We hear about how the Iyengar Method helped him with his illness. We also hear Garth tell us about his first trip to Pune and his conversation with Guruji upon arrival. Throughout the years of traveling to RIMYI, Garth had many valuable lessons learned by Guruji, Geeta, and Prashant. In this episode Garth shares some of those special nuggets with us. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I was able to sit down with Chris Saudek who I’m sure many of you are familiar with. Chris is an incredible teacher of yoga and resides in the La Crescent Minnesota and teaches across the river in LaCrosse Wisconsin.In our talk Chris shares with us her unique journey into the Iyengar method as well as her first experience with Guruji in the practice hall. She also shares something that Guruji said to her in class that had a great impact on her teaching and how much yoga has influenced her life. Towards the end she gives some valuable advice to new teachers you won’t want to miss.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 2 of  "On the Light". I’m very happy to be releasing this special episode of an interview about Guruji given by his daughter, Geeta Iyengar. This interview took place in 2003. Kristin and Lee were in Pune for Guruji’s 85th birthday celebration. Our region was busy preparing for the 2004 convention that would be held here in Saint Paul. Neither Geetaji nor Guruji were able to attend, so Kristin and Lee had the idea to ask Geeta for an interview that could be shown at the convention. She generously accepted. You will only hear Geeta’s voice in this interview. Kristin and Lee wanted it to be that way. I think you’ll find as I did that hearing the questions isn’t necessary to be able to follow along with what she is speaking about. What you are hearing today is just the audio of the interview. Perhaps at some point we can release the video in some format. Please enjoy this episode of “On the Light”.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to this episode of  "On the Light" a podcast dedicated to illuminating the profound teachings and legacy of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. Today we acknowledge Guruji’s 10 year Punyatithi. Lee and I were able to sit down with Prashant, as he tried to impart the greatness of his father and his life’s work. At one point in our talk he says that Guruji was as lofty as the Himalayas, and that if we can realize that it will increase our gratitude multi-folds. Please enjoy this special episode of On the LightSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this final episode of season 1, I have a very rich conversation with  the grandson of BKS Iyengar, Srineet Sridharan. Srineet talks about how the practice of yoga was always in the family and how he remembers as a child going to Model Colony to take the children's classes at RIMYI. Srineet also talks about the scope of his own learning of the philosophy of yoga and the importance of culturing the mind. Episode notesYoga Sutra Sessions at RIMYIPlease enjoy this episode of On the Light. #iyengarpractice #iyengaryoga #bksiyengar #yogaphilosophy #yogainspiration#prashantji #prashantiyengar #rimyi #iynaus #onthelightpodcast 🕉️🪷🧘🏽‍♀️Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Prashantji tells us the colorful story of Guruji’s first flight on an airplane in May of 1954 . Guruji was going to Switzerland for a month to teach Yehudi Menuhin. Prashant recalls that day when the whole family went to the airport to see him off and what it was like for them. He was just 5 years old at the time. Prashant also explains to us how everyone can come under the tree of yoga. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I start out asking Prashant a question on Karma. I wanted to know if we are able to pick - up where we leave off from this life - in terms of our progress on our yoga spiritual journey. His answer is unsurprisingly profound and thought provoking. He explains … “if you have taken something from Adyatma - it will not betray you.”We also hear Lee share a story of Guruji’s first experience traveling to the United States which gives us some perspective of the challenges he faced, especially in the earlier years of his teaching.Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. 🧘🏽‍♀️🕉️🧘🏼‍♂️🪷 #iyengaryoga #bksiyengar #yoga #geetajiiyengar #prashantiyengar #yogatherapeutics #rimyi #austinyoga  #iynaus #yogaphilosophy #bksiyengarSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I have a captivating conversation with Devon Dederich. I first met Devon when she, and other teachers, spoke on a panel to share their experiences around working with students in trauma. I also see her every Saturday morning during our Interactive Sessions with Prashant Iyengar on the Philosophy of Teaching Yoga. Both of these events hosted by IYNAUS. Devon is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor and has been studying yoga since 1978. She  developed a neurological disorder which causes a vocal and respiratory tremor. In 2018 Devon went to Pune to study with Geetaji and Prashantji. Each of them had a unique and profound way of working with Devon which was transformative in her life and her yoga practice. Today Devon shares this fascinating experience and the lessons she learned, which are applicable  to all of us. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Lee starts out by posing the notion that just because we call something yoga, doesn’t mean it is yoga. Prashantji address this and points out that there is “unyoga” and “non-yoga”. He further goes on to explain that yoga must be learned from life conditions, and it should be for life conditions. You will also hear Prashant address my question about the teacher’s responsibility in preparing the students for the essential teachings of yoga. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show