Pearls
The room grew quiet. People moved together towards the door. Silence. And then thunderous applause. Mr. Iyengar entered. He wore ivory robes. His white hair wild, like a lion's mane. Enormous, bushy eyebrows. A red line running down from the top of his head to his third eye.
Some people prostrated themselves and kissed his feet. He walked, followed by his senior teachers, to the stage. The applause grew deafening. Guruji was clearly pleased, and moved.
So was I. I had never seen Guruji before, and his energy and presence was palpable. After the applause quieted, he began to speak. He said many things, including: "We are all students of yoga. In that way, we are all equal. I am a guide. I will guide you so you can steady yourselves"
"Asana is a bridge. It helps you understand the weather of your mind. You do the asana to see yourself."
And this, which to me seemed quite profound. "Let the energy of the intellect descend to the spine, and meet at the heart."
I am glad I have a lifetime to learn that one.
