Edinburgh Iyengar Yoga Centre

Edinburgh Iyengar Yoga Centre We follow the methods of BKS Iyengar, world renowned yoga master. His methods are safe, precise and Edinburgh's Iyengar Yoga Centre with classes for all levels.

Our teachers are trained to top international level in the Iyengar Yoga method.

A month’s study at RIMYI used to include a daily class and daily practice session with the possibility also of observing...
17/11/2025

A month’s study at RIMYI used to include a daily class and daily practice session with the possibility also of observing classes. Since covid they have included a raft of other sessions for foreign students which involve, for example, reading together, special sessions on helping back pain, shoulder problems, Q&A and chit chat with Abhi - it is a lovely way of getting to know the newer teachers who teach upstairs and assist Abhijata and of getting to know each other. One session is always very special and that is a recording of a class by Geetaji - her voice is so clear - she is absolutely, palpably with us in the main hall once again, teaching us and seeing right through us with her sharp eyes. Each one of us filled with so many emotions. Gratitude and amazement at learning so much from her unparalleled gift as a teacher and to enjoy her wonderful humour and dry wit… those searching questions “Where are you from and who is your teacher”? I learned loads today - it began with standings and then Vasistasana, Visvamitrasana leading to Bhujapidasana and Tittibhasana where she taught so thoroughly the actions required to get the arms under the legs and take the weight into them, to study where the lift comes from and what happens to the abdomen. We had just finished a very challenging backbend class with Prashantji so it counteracted that beautifully and was a highly affecting experience.

https://www.yoga-edinburgh.com/

15/11/2025

More news from Katie in Pune!

Abhijata’s Wednesday class is now a teachers class and is a rich source of learning on many levels. She addresses firmly but sensitively some of the misconceptions that have arisen over the decades about Guruji’s teaching. Iyengar yoga is often associated with “alignment” and this is what she said in Wednesday’s class:

“ There are questions that come from those on the way to becoming teachers - - an assessor or senior teacher has told me “use alignment when teaching in classes”. Now “use alignment when you teach in classes” cannot be your starting point. Alignment will come. When Guruji was expressing what he has done he used the word alignment. When he taught a class he didn’t say “align your hip and thigh”. He gave the modus operandi whereby the alignment came. Last week’s class we focused on firmness of the legs - “Keep the legs firm” - as an adage that is fine but, as teachers we need to explore how to get that firmness. If you are going to say “Keep aligned in trikonasana”. Why is a teacher needed? The teacher is there to show how to bring that. So “use alignment for Level 2 teachers”. “Intermediate class you have to teach alignment” - no! No you don’t have to teach alignment. You please teach the asana - that is all - alignment will come like a shadow. You teach the asana. Alignment is not the point. What to do is the point.”

Another report from Pune by Katie Rutherford. Sounds like great classes are going on, as ever!
11/11/2025

Another report from Pune by Katie Rutherford. Sounds like great classes are going on, as ever!

Katie has arrived in Pune. Here is her report:What a joy to be back here at the Institute with old friends and new looki...
03/11/2025

Katie has arrived in Pune. Here is her report:

What a joy to be back here at the Institute with old friends and new looking forward to a month of learning from our esteemed teachers. Still not that many foreigners at the Institute but all gearing up for Yoganusasanam that many of you will be attending next month at Deccan Gymkhana.

Biggest shock is the demise of the Chetak where so many of us have stayed over the decades - it was always part of the whole experience whether staying there, phoning home, using their internet before Wi-Fi became ubiquitous, eating their delicious tiffin, hanging out with friends on the patio. It is now literally a hole in the ground waiting to be filled with the foundations of a high rise building - which Harshada tells us will include studio apartments. Yes, Guruji encouraged us to welcome change rather than fear it but a wave of wistful longing got the better of me as I stood and remembered all those spirits, alive and dead, who shared this amazing journey with me. RIP the wonderful Chetak Hotel.

But our joyful friends at the fruit and veg stall are very much still here, with their big welcome smiles and wonderful produce. And the Institute is forever blessed with the presence of Guruji and Geetaji and decades of students passing through and having the great good fortune to be touched by their grace.

www.yoga-edinburgh.com

Our dear friends at Edinburgh Iyengar Yoga Centre are launching a new class for younger practitioners — and they’re gen...
20/10/2025

Our dear friends at Edinburgh Iyengar Yoga Centre are launching a new class for younger practitioners — and they’re generously offering 20% discount on all classes for anyone aged 30 and under! 🌿

Here’s their message:
“We’re excited to be holding a new class for anyone under 30, where we’ll be moving, breathing, and learning together. Please join Emma and Toni on Saturdays at 4pm. Use the code UNDER30 at checkout for your special discounted rate.”

Find out more and book at 👉 yoga-edinburgh.com

25/09/2025

Becoming a teacher is not just about knowing techniques or earning certificates. True teaching comes from clarity, inquiry, and lived experience.

Here are 7 qualities of an effective teacher:
1️⃣ Teach from Experience, Not Just Credentials
Certificates may open doors, but wisdom comes from life and practice. A true teacher shares knowledge that endures.
2️⃣ Clarity Over Quantity
More techniques don’t mean better teaching. A good teacher explains the why behind the practice, guiding students toward self-understanding.
3️⃣ Encourage Inquiry
Instead of blind acceptance, students are inspired to question, explore, and reflect on contradictions within themselves.
4️⃣ Go Beyond Herd Mentality
Teaching isn’t about popularity or followers—it’s about integrity, authenticity, and truth.
5️⃣ Guide Inner Exploration
A good teacher leads students into the mysteries of their own mind—its nature, habits, and relationship with life.
6️⃣ Offer Practical, Helpful Guidance
Whether through breathwork, food habits, or mental resilience, teaching must serve well-being in real, tangible ways.
7️⃣ Preserve Personal Clarity & Health
Teachers must embody balance and ensure their own peace and health remain intact while guiding others.

👉 In essence, a teacher is not a transmitter of information, but a compass that directs students to clarity, strength, and peace.



🌍 https://www.bksiyengaryogashala.com/

Come and join a new class at the prestigious Edinburgh Iyengar Yoga Centre, the oldest yoga studio in Edinburgh. Startin...
23/09/2025

Come and join a new class at the prestigious Edinburgh Iyengar Yoga Centre, the oldest yoga studio in Edinburgh. Starting on Saturday 27th September.
www.yoga-edinburgh.com

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195 Bruntsfield Place
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EH104DQ

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Edinburgh's Iyengar Yoga Centre is one of the longest established yoga centres in Edinburgh and have classes for all including beginners, advanced, pregnancy and new mums classes.

We are a Community Benefit Society, owned and run by its members. Our emphasis is on the high quality of our teaching; all our teachers have at least five years of practice and training and most have very much more. All our teachers pass rigorous examinations to an international standard after at least three years of study and then two years of teacher training.

Most of our teachers have a more advanced level of yoga teaching qualification and most have also studied personally with the Iyengar family at the Institute in Pune, India.

We supply mats and all the equipment you need at no extra cost.