Live before you die, so that death is also a lively celebration.
Asana done from the brain makes one heavy and done from the heart makes one light.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the difference between doing tasks with intellectual burden versus genuine passion, where the latter brings joy and ease.
B.K.S. Iyengar's quote highlights the distinction between approaching tasks with a purely intellectual mindset versus engaging with them from an emotional or heartfelt place. When we approach our activities intellectually, they can feel burdensome and heavy, leading to fatigue and stress. In contrast, when we engage in the same activities with passion and heart, they become lighter and more enjoyable, allowing us to find joy and fulfillment in our efforts.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a yoga class, a teacher might use this quote to inspire students to connect emotionally with their practice.
More from B.K.S. Iyengar
All quotes βHard work and humility are essential for spiritual sadhana.
The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.
Healthy plants and trees yield abundant flowers and fruits. Similarly, from a healthy person, smiles and happiness shine forth like the rays of the sun.
Before peace between the nations, we have to find peace inside that small nation which is our own being.
The light that Yoga sheds on life is something special. It is transformative. It does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees.
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To be mindfully engaged is the most natural, creative state we can be in.
Action and contemplation are very close companions; they live together in one house on equal terms. Martha and Mary are sisters.
He who repeats what he does not understand is no better than an ass that is loaded with books.
People with great gifts are easy to find, but symmetrical and balanced ones never.
The temperament that produces a talent for little things is the opposite of that required for great ones.