Props are now used to support, open, enable and enhance the practice of meditation, yogasana and pranayama. Various supports have been used throughout history but it is BKS Iyengar who has really developed the use of props.
For his own personal practice Iyengar searched for items to help him open and support specific areas of his body. He went to the street for bricks and there he also found big drums to bend backward over. And of course it is common in Indian homes to find bolsters and stools.
When teaching he found that it was helpful to support his students with his hands. This worked well for one student, and perhaps two at a time. But when teaching three or more he needed “extra hands”. So he devised props to support the students in positions.
Through his genius and innovation props are now used to enable even beginning students to rest more deeply, be in better alignment, and simply be able to take the shape of poses in order to derive the benefits of each pose. Props are also helpful in building greater awareness. And sometimes we use them just for fun!
Whenever Iyengar is visiting his students from the west we look to our commonplace items: dowels, chairs and rug underlay. These items have proved to be so useful that we carry them to India for the classes there.
