It is truly extraordinary to have this photograph to show the continuity in the teaching. This photo was taken in the mid 1960’s. Dona remains as supple and focused as pictured. She unlocked the key for many a pose and instilled in me a home practice that I still faithfully adhere to. — Nancy Cantwell

Photograph Courtesy of Molly Rhodes

Initiation creates a special link between the guru and the devotee—a spiritual connection that represents a unique responsibility on the teacher’s part and a significant challenge for the practitioner. Through initiation, the aspirant becomes an integral part of his or her teacher’s lineage (parampara) which is understood as a chain of empowerment that exceeds the world of space and time insofar as it continues after the death of both the teacher and the disciple. Admission to this chain must be earned through wholehearted dedication to the spiritual path, which is a form of self-surrender. — George Feuerstein, The Yoga Tradition

Vrschik means a scorpion. In order to sting its victim the scorpion arches its tail above its back and then strikes beyond its head. This asana resembles that of a striking scorpion, hence the name.

I am riveted to these pictures trying to appropriate for myself the adjustments Mr. Iyengar is administering to his student, Raya; the specific touch that would inspire the body and mind to strike, to form, the posture. At first viewing one can detect how Guruji is using his own body to guide Raya with the mechanics of the posture. Then, on closer inspection, you can see a more subtle transmission of energies, another layer of wisdom at work.  – Nancy Cantwell

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Photos Courtesy of Stephanie Quirk