About IYNAUS

MISSION STATEMENT: IYNAUS promotes the art, science, and philosophy of yoga according to the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar.

About Us

The first Iyengar Yoga studio in the United States was opened by Mary Palmer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1973. By 1977, the first B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Teachers’ Association was formed, and in 1984, the first international Iyengar Yoga Convention took place in San Francisco, drawing 800 Iyengar-trained teachers and their students.

The B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS) was formally incorporated and designated as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1991. B.K.S. Iyengar drafted what is referred to as the Pune Constitution in 2004 and where applicable, IYNAUS incorporated this into the IYNAUS Bylaws.

Currently, IYNAUS is guided by Prashant Iyengar and Abhijata Iyengar of RIMYI. However, the guidance given to IYNAUS by B.K.S. Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar continues to live on.  

IYNAUS conducts annual certification assessments, monitors the fulfillment of continuing education requirements, and maintains a code of ethics for certified teachers. IYNAUS also produces The Light, a biannual digital journal for members, and the quarterly e-newsletter Yoga Samachar. Additionally, IYNAUS sponsors conventions and events, maintains an archive of materials related to Iyengar Yoga, and operates an e-commerce store. IYNAUS has over 4,000 members.

Membership

Membership in IYNAUS, the national association, includes membership in a regional association of the member’s choosing.

Each regional association serves members in their geographical area with regular communications about news, opportunities for study in the region, access to scholarships and lending libraries, special member-only events, and more. There are 12 Regional Iyengar Yoga Associations throughout the United States.

As a not-for-profit organization, IYNAUS’s mission extends well beyond financial return. The Board of Directors understands its fiduciary responsibility to use member funds wisely and make financial activities transparent to the membership. Copies of our IRS Form 990 tax return are available by request.

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  • 2020

    The first virtual workshop.
    The Power of Unity with Abhijata Iyengar hosted 1400 participants globally in this week-long event of daily asana and pranayama classes.

  • 2009

    The founding of the
    IYNAUS Store carrying books, props, DVDs, CDs, and more.
    Please visit the
    IYNAUS Store to see all the store offerings.

  • 1997

    The B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS) was formally incorporated and designated as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1997.

  • 1984

    The first B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Teachers’ Association was formed, and in 1984, the first international Iyengar Yoga Convention took place in San Francisco drawing 800 Iyengar teachers and practitioners.

  • 1973

    The first Iyengar Yoga studio in the United States was opened by Mary Palmer in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1973.