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Welcome to "On the Light," a podcast dedicated to illuminating the profound teachings and legacy of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar.
Join us as we engage in enlightening conversations, diving deep into the life's work of B.K.S. Iyengar, whose dedication and insight have touched countless lives around the world. From his innovative approach to asana practice to his profound spiritual teachings, we'll uncover the essence of Iyengar Yoga and its relevance in today's world.
This podcast also explores the auspicious subject of yoga itself, delving into its ancient roots and texts, and receiving insight from established Iyengar Yoga teachers.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yoga practice, "On the Light" offers a space for learning and inspiration. Please enjoy “On the Light”.
“Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.” B.K.S. Iyengar
42 Episodes
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Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. I'm so happy to re-release this interview with Joan White. I had so much fun recording this interview. A few months after this interview I got to be Joan's roommate in Bellur while we were there to study with Prashant. That experience was just as much fun! I feel so fortunate to call this amazing woman my friend. Joan began her studies with BKS Iyengar in 1973. In this episode you will hear Joan talk about Guruji’s incredible power of observa...
Send us a text Today I invite you to re-listen (or listen for the first time) my first interview with Prashantji. This is a very special episode as he recounts Guruji's early years ... Welcome to "On the Light," a podcast dedicated to illuminating the profound teachings and legacy of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. I’m your host, Susan Johnson. In this first episode, I'm happy to be joined by Lee Sverkerson, a long-time teacher of mine and co-founder of the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Center in Minneapoli...
Send us a text For today’s episode I am honoring the request of listener, Ramani, from Northern Virginia. She wrote to me and asked if I could have Prashant tell the story of when Guruji and his wife had an identical dream which then changed their fortune. Prashantji recalls this remarkable incident and brings it to life for us today. I want to thank you all for listening and supporting the podcast. If you’re able to contribute a small monthly donation to help sustain the costs of the p...
Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Marla Apt about her journey into Iyengar Yoga. Inspired by her mother and shaped by her college studies in Buddhist philosophy, Marla found her way to the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles and, eventually, to Pune to study directly with Guruji, Geeta, and Prashant. She shares vivid stories of those experiences—Guruji’s precise adjustments, Geeta’s compassionate guidance, and the generosity of the Iyengar family. We also discuss her work in yoga ...
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In this episode, I sit down with Kirsten Agar, who shares how she first came to Iyengar Yoga in her early twenties after years of intense academic study. What began with a simple weekly class soon became a central part of her life. Kirsten talks about her unforgettable encounter with Guruji at the 1993 Euro Yoga Convention and how his teachings shaped her practice. She reflects on the importance of spirituality, authenticity, and staying rooted in ...
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode Prashantji continues the discussion on practice where he tells us that practice is not something that should be belittled. It is necessary in our formative periods of our education. He says that any effort to be steady the citta is abhyasa. Then he goes on to explain Sadhana and the importance of Satsangha. Please enjoy this very educational episode of On the Light. Support the show
Send us a text In today’s episode, I ask Prashantji to help us understand the difference between practice and sadhana. He not only defines practice, but also shares why it’s so essential—and what it truly asks of us as yoga students. I think you’ll find his perspective both clarifying and inspiring. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In this episode, I have a lively conversation with Tori Milner from the Iyengar Institute of New York. Tori shares about her introduction to Iyengar Yoga, from her early influences at home to discovering Unity Woods Yoga Center and learning from John Schumacher and Mary Dunn. She also shares some significant experiences while studying in Pune with the Iyengar family. Additionally, Tori gives us a look ahead to the 2026 convention with A...
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. Today I’m honored to speak with Dr. Rajvi Mehta, a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher who began studying with Guruji in 1979. She’s been teaching at the Light on Yoga Research Trust in Mumbai since 1987 and is the creator and editor of Yoga Rahasya. In our conversation, Rajvi shares how her family came into the practice of yoga and shares lessons and insights of her decades of study with Guruji. Please enjoy this rich and inspiring episode of ...
Send us a text Dear listeners of On the Light, This week, I’m taking a short pause to catch up on interviews and prepare new episodes, so there won’t be a new release today. Still, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to share my heartfelt gratitude—for listening, for supporting the podcast, and for joining me on this journey. On the Light launched in February 2024, after more than a year of reflection and planning. As a longtime podcast listener, I often wished for a space dedicated entirel...
Send us a text Today I have a delightful conversation with John Schumacher. John began practicing yoga in 1970 and teaching in 1973. A former professional musician, he was drawn to yoga through a deep interest in consciousness and transformation. In 1975, he encountered Light on Yoga, which eventually led him to study with B.K.S. Iyengar in India in 1981. That relationship profoundly shaped his practice, teaching, and life. John is a certified Advanced Iyengar Yoga teacher and the founder of ...
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In this episode with Prashant Iyengar, he gives us a lot to consider about the proper approach to practice, and he gives us some insight into the difference between practice and Sadhana. He discusses the importance of pranayama and the pranayamic aspect in asana. For the listeners, I have an advantage with all of these interviews on the podcast, especially in the episodes with Prashantji, because through the process of preparing the episodes ...
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have the pleasure to be speaking with James Murphy. James began practicing Iyengar Yoga in 1988 and was a founding member of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York in 1992. He studied extensively in India with B.K.S. Iyengar, Geeta, and Prashant, making over 25 trips. A former professional dancer, James trained under Mary Dunn and assisted her until her passing. James teaches a wide range of classes at the institute from...
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have a meaningful conversation with George Dovas. Originally from Australia, George moved to Hong Kong in 2001 where he is now the director of the Iyengar Yoga Centre. I had the good fortune of meeting George this past January during my trip to Bellur for Prashantji’s teaching. One afternoon in the dining hall, my friend Sara Russell and I were searching for a place to sit for lunch. George, who was sitting with James Murphy, ...
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I ask Prashantji about the history of Iyengar Yoga. As always, he is able to take a mundane question and offers a response filled with depth and insight. In this conversation, he reflects on his father’s teaching and practice, offering a unique perspective that only he can provide. I’ve listened to this recording multiple times, and each time, I discover something new. I encourage you to listen closely — there’s a wealth of wisd...
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Stephanie Quirk. Stephanie shares the story of her first Iyengar Yoga class and the deep, lasting impact it had on her. Stephanie’s journey took her to the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune in the early 90s — a visit that turned into a two-decade stay. During that time, she gained a rare depth of insight into how the Iyengars taught and how Guruji approached his practice. In our conversation, St...
Send us a text In this episode of On the Light, I had the distinct honor of speaking with two of Guruji’s daughters: Vanita, the second eldest, and Savita, the youngest. It was a truly special conversation, and I was deeply moved by their warmth and generosity in sharing their time and stories. With grace and joy, they reflected on their parents’ lives, the profound role Geetaji played in their family, Savita’s journey in dance, their connection to music, and much more. I’m grateful to share ...
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s final episode of season 2, I have a delightful conversation with Patricia Walden. Patricia met BKS Iyengar in 1976. In this interview, she shares memories and insights from her decades of experience studying under B.K.S. Iyengar. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light Support the show
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have a very engaging conversation with Joan White. Joan began her studies with BKS Iyengar in 1973. In this episode, Joan will talk about Guruji’s incredible power of observation, his continuum of practice over the years, how he loved to be a grandfather and much more. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show
Send us a text Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, Prashantji discusses the auspiciousness of yoga. He explains anustanum and emphasizes that yoga is not merely about practice but also about exploration and understanding the self. He encourages us to aspire to a higher level of understanding in our practice of yog. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show
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