The Fourth Niyama

Episode 14. Join me as I continue my conversation with Italy-based Iyengar Yoga practitioner and teacher David Meloni. In this episode, we discuss how and when to introduce "advanced asanas" into your asana practice, why strong commitment and the practice of tapas are essential for your progress and transformation in Yoga. Evolution or illusion: how to understand whether what you practice is working for you, and not against you; and why a sincere practitioner of Yoga should be ready to face critique with mildness, and not just easily get offended by it.

May what you listen to here give you inspiration and direction in your Yoga practice. 

Episode 13. David Meloni is a devoted practitioner and highly regarded teacher of Iyengar Yoga from Italy. David began his Yoga journey in 1996, initially learning from BKS Iyengar's book, "Light on Yoga."  When the light of Yoga sparked within him, David committed to this path, seeking not just any guidance but direct guidance from BKS Iyengar himself. Since 2003, he has been visiting Pune, staying there continuously for months and studying under Guruji's direct guidance.

"Guruji's verdict was, 'Your practice is empty,'" David recounts. "You must unlearn everything, return to the foundations, and grasp the connection between correct actions." Through David's unwavering efforts, perseverance, and devotion, he not only learned from his Guru but also delved deeper into the subject of Yoga. This experience also made him realise the importance of moving Yoga practice beyond its physical aspects.  

In the first part of the interview David talks about his experience of learning Yoga from the book, his learnings and the challenges that new students should be alert to. We also discuss the difference between Iyengar Yoga and Guruji’s teachings; why it is critical for a practitioner of Yoga to understand the importance of experiential knowledge and not simply rely on dry information from notes or books; what the true purpose of props is and how they could support your progress on the path of Yoga.

May what you listen to here give you encouragement and direction in your Yoga practice. 

Episode 12. Welcome to the second episode of an insightful conversation with Corine Biria, a devoted student and a highly regarded teacher of Iyengar Yoga from Paris. In this episode Corine reflects on why it is important to work on the yogic path within regular life and why Guruji never wanted his students to renounce the world but face the reality and learn to deal with the daily struggles as a practitioner of Yoga. We also explore why it is essential for a Yoga teacher to be truthful about their personal practice at all times, and what was it like for Corine to walk on the path of Yoga together with her life partner Faeq Biria.

“Svādhyāya is the subject of every minute,” Corine says. "It is a continuous wondering and examination of one’s actions and behaviour". 

I hope this interview will be a great support and inspiration in your Yoga practice and in your own svādhyāya, in your own study and discovery of the Self.

Glossary (names and Sanskrit words mentioned in the interview):

• saṃskāra - conditioning, mental impression.
• Vishvamitra - one of the most venerated sages of ancient India; through long meditation, he gained a number of spiritual powers.
• brahman - the class of men who are the repositories and communicators of sacred knowledge.
• Vasishtha - a sage and the Guru of King Dasharatha (one of the figures from the Ramayana epic).
• bhoga - indulgence, enjoyment, sensual pleasure.
• "Astadala Yogamala" - is book and a collection of works of B.K.S. Iyengar (a set of 8 volumes).

Episode 11. Corine Biria is among the most senior direct disciples of BKS Iyengar and a highly regarded Yoga teacher from Paris. Corine embarked on her Yoga journey in 1981 at the age of 20, and from the very beginning, it was clear for her that this was her path. Shortly after starting her Yoga practice, she met her husband Faeq Biria, one of the most devout students of BKS Iyengar and an internationally recognized Yoga teacher who has been spreading Yoga through his courses, intensives, and by training hundreds of teachers around the world. In 1983, after two years of intensive Yoga practice, Corine came to Pune to establish herself more firmly on the path of Yoga and to study directly from Guruji. This was a transformative experience for her, forming a strong foundation for her Yoga practice to this day.

In this interview Corine is reflecting on her journey in Yoga, her initial steps on this path, her first intensive course in Pune led by Guruji, her experience studying directly from him and why she felt protected and full of confidence while being guided by her Guru BKS Iyengar.  

What does it truly mean to be humble? Why could the wrong perception (branti darshana) be a serious obstacle to your progress on the path of Yoga? What does it mean to have a Guru, and what is his purpose in his students' lives? These questions and more will be addressed in this episode with Corine Biria.

Iyengar Yoga Center in Paris where Corine Biria teaches.

Episode 10. Join me in the second part of my conversation with Uday Bhosale, a highly regarded Iyengar Yoga teacher from Pune, India, currently residing in the UK. In this conversation we’ll explore the meaning of compassion and why it is the core part of Iyengar Yoga. Uday will share his guidance for junior Yoga teachers on how to navigate through the challenges and uncertainties in the beginning of their teaching journey, so one could thrive and serve their students.

We’ll also explore what svādhyāya means for Uday, and why it is important to reflect on your Yoga practice with radical honesty. Uday Bhosale’s website

Episode 9. Uday Bhosale is a highly regarded Iyengar Yoga teacher originating from Pune and currently based in the UK. Uday embarked on the path of Yoga in his late teens, when in 1998 he enrolled in classes at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) as part of his martial arts training. Gradually, his passion for yoga overtook his interest in martial arts. For fifteen years, Uday has been studying, assisting, and teaching at the RYMYI in Pune with the Iyengar family. He also assisted in Geetaji’s therapy classes.

In this interview, Uday shares how his journey in Yoga has evolved over the years, what drives him today to practice Yoga and teach his students. He also recalls some moments and sweet memories of Guruji and the Iyengar family.

Uday was awarded a British Empire Medal  for fundraising services to National Health Service charities and for supporting the mental health of yoga practitioners during COVID-19.

Currently based in Reading, UK, Uday teaches online and in-person classes and workshops in the UK, India and Europe.

Uday Bhosale’s website

Episode 7. Join the second part of my conversation with Eyal Shifroni, a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher from Israel. Here we explore how a practitioner of Yoga should look and approach global crises; what a Yoga teacher should be mindful of when promoting their work on social media, in order to remain authentic and avoid becoming commercial; and how Yoga could transform not only an individual but the whole society.

Eyal Shifroni's Instagram:

Episode 6. Eyal Shifroni is among the most senior Iyengar Yoga teachers in Israel. His journey in Iyengar Yoga began in 1982, and since then, he has been studying, teaching, and writing about the Iyengar method. In 1988, he went to Pune for the first time, where he studied directly from Yogacharya BKS Iyengar.

Eyal is active in the Iyengar Yoga Association of Israel. He conducts teacher training courses and actively participates in the certification process. He has also written 8 books on Iyengar Yoga. His first book, “A Chair for Yoga,” was internationally acclaimed, and is also the reason why some practitioners from the Iyengar Yoga community affectionately call him a "Chairman". His recent book, “Yoga in Nature and Natural Props for Yoga,” is a personal exploration of the Yoga asana practice with natural props. Eyal has also translated two of B.K.S. Iyengar's books into Hebrew: "The Tree of Yoga" and "Light on Pranayama."

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the three major practices that define any spiritual path; why the world leaders should study Yoga; and how to find the "natural Yoga props" and use them in your practice. Eyal also shares his impressions from his first visit to Pune, and what Svadhyaya, the study of the Self, means personally for him. Currently, Eyal teaches at his school, the Iyengar Yoga Center of Zichron-Ya’akov, in Israel, and conducts Yoga workshops in Israel and around the world.

Eyal Shifroni's Instagram:

Episode 5. In this episode, I continue my conversation with Sri H.S. Arun, a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher from Bangalore. Join us as Arunji shares a touching story of Guruji's visit to the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Bangalore, Prashant Yogashraya. You'll also discover why the practice of Maitrī (friendliness, loving kindness) is so crucial for a Yoga teacher, and what is Arunji's favorite Yoga asana.

Episode 4. Sri H.S. Arun is a senior teacher of Iyengar Yoga from Bangalore. He met his Guru, BKS Iyengar, in 1978 and became his devoted disciple. Sri Arun has been teaching Yoga at his Yoga center, Prashant Yogashraya, for nearly 40 years. His wife, Shreematha, is also an ardent student of Iyengar Yoga; she teaches yoga when Arunji travels abroad to conduct workshops for his students around the world. For Arunji’s outstanding grasp of the subject and teaching skills, the state government of India and various institutions have honored him with numerous titles, such as Yoga Praveena and Adarsha Yogacharya. How can you connect with your teacher when they are no longer around? In what ways should a practitioner of Yoga correct and adjust their body in asanas to attain calmness of mind? Which yoga prop Arunji calls “the star of the props”? How does experimenting contribute to our yoga practice? And, how could the practice of yoga influence relationships with your partner? These questions will be addressed in this interview with Arunji.