One of the six schools of classical Indian philosophy, the teachings of Yoga encompass a wide array of mental and physical practices. The term Yoga (Sanskrit, from yuj, which means "to yoke, harness, bind together") could be understood to mean "union" or "integration", as well as a "harnessing" or "bringing together" of the body and spirit in a state contemplation and concentration.

	Yogacharya BKS Iyengar at around 75 years old

The Iyengar method of Yoga is an approach that was developed by Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar (born in 1918), and today it is among the most widely practiced styles of Yoga in the world. Over the course his decades-long intensive practice, Iyengar has refined, explored and delved deeply into each Yoga posture (Asana) with regard to correct position, action and effect on the body and the mind. His experiences from him own practice, as well as from teaching others over many years, led him to develop the so-called "props": sticky mats, belts, blocks, bolsters, special benches, etc. These props, among other things, enable the Yoga practitioner to do a more difficult posture if the body is not ready for the "final" position due to lack of flexibilty or injury; they are also used to enable one to more correctly perceive and understand more seemingly simple postures. The props are especially implemented in therapeutic work, an area for which Iyengar Yoga is highly regarded. The Iyengar method is thus ideally suited for both stronger, more athletic individuals and those with limitations due to weakness, lack of flexibility age, injury or illness.

Typical for the strong and challenging yet highly attentive and careful teaching style in an Iyengar Yoga class or practice are - among other things - three important aspects:

1. Technique – Physical postures are executed with great exactness and precision, and props such as blocks and belts (see above) may be used; these either facilitate or intensify, or deepen the practice.

2. Timing – This refers to the amount of time the practitioner remains in each posture in order to reach an optimal balance of strength and flexibility, and so that a biochemical and pychological effect may also take place. This timing can most always be adjusted as per the individual's needs and capacities, as well as the desired effect of the posture.

3. Sequencing – This refers to which Asanas fit the external (e.g. weather and time-of-day) and the inner conditions (e.g. nervous, physical and psychological state of the practitioner), and in which order they should be practiced in order to achieve the desired effect.

The correct combination of technique, timing and sequencing leads to a deep and profound penetration of the body of mind, ultimately to the center of one's being. Experienced practitioners experience Asana and Pranyama (the Yogic breath exercises) as a form of meditation. As B.K.S. Iyengar states: "Asana is meditation in action."