On the Light

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to On the Light. I am your host, Susan Johnson.

In this episode, I speak with Corine Biria, who lives and teaches in Paris and around the world. Corine shares how a chance introduction to yoga led to a lifelong dedication to the Iyengar method, and how meeting B.K.S. Iyengar (Guruji) in Pune in 1983 profoundly changed her life.

She reflects on Guruji’s disciplined and inspiring teaching, his ability to challenge students to move beyond their limits, and the importance of honesty and depth in practice. Corine also speaks about studying with Geetaji and Prashantji, and about the balance between effort, discipline, and maintaining an innocent, open mind.

This episode is a heartfelt reflection on Guruji’s legacy and the power of lived experience in the practice of yoga.

If you enjoy On the Light, please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

✨Welcome back to On the Light with Susan Johnson.✨

In this first episode of season 4, I have an absolutely fascinating and  in-depth discussion with Prashant Iyengar on the profound spiritual connection between the traditional Indian concept of 'sangeet' (a combination of vocal music, instrumental music, and dance) and its role in yoga. Prashantji distinguishes between 'sangeet' and Western music, emphasizing that 'sangeet' has its roots in devotion to divinity and is an integral aspect of the Vedas. The discussion touches upon the historical and spiritual significance of 'sangeet', its transformation into a performing art, and how it contrasts with contemporary Western music. The session also highlights the role of vocal expression in spiritual practices and the importance of singing for mental well-being. The discussion concludes with a reflection on Prashant’s personal experiences with music, its impact on his yoga practice, and the overarching importance of maintaining the spiritual essence of 'sangeet'.

Please enjoy this opening episode of Season Four of On the Light.

If you enjoy On the Light, please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast

Namaskar. 🙏🏼

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

This very special episode is a must listen! Prashantji opens this episode with a touching tribute to his sisters and all they did for the family after they lost their mother. Listening to Vanita and Savita speak is very heartwarming. Please listen or listen again to this episode and enjoy. 😊 

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 this meaningful episode with you. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

I hope you are enjoying the re-release of these episodes while I work on preparing new interviews for season 4. Whether you're listening again or tuning in for the first time, I hope these conversations continue to inspire, inform, and bring a little more light to your day. ✨

Episode 3:

Welcome back 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 episode I am joined by Gulnaaz Dashti, a dynamic and seasoned Iyengar Yoga teacher at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune.  

Gulzaaz Dashti’s immersion into the world of yoga began in 1990. She was encouraged to come to the Institute by her brother, Ali. On that day, Gulnaaz embarked on a path that would shape her life in profound ways.

Here, Gulnaaz explains how Guruji was able to teach to the caliber of each student in front of him, and how Geetaji helped her in a motherly way to understand her fathers teachings. 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to On the Light. I’m your host, Susan Johnson.

Today, I’m re-releasing a special episode with Srineet Sidharan, grandson of B.K.S. Iyengar. Srineet shares personal memories of his grandfather and offers a beautiful glimpse into Guruji’s life beyond teaching. It’s one of my favorite conversations, and I’m so happy to share it with you again...

In this episode I have a very rich conversation with  the grandson of BKS Iyengar, Srineet Sridharan. Srineet talks about how the practice of yoga was always in the family and how he remembers as a child going to Model Colony to take the children's classes at RIMYI. Srineet also talks about the scope of his own learning of the philosophy of yoga and the importance of culturing the mind. 

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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 observation, his continuum of practice over the years, how he loved to be a grandfather, and much much more.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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 Minneapolis. Together, we are honored to embark on this first of several interviews with Prashant Iyengar, B.K.S. Iyengar’s son, as he lays out the early years of his father's life. 

We will hear how B.K.S. Iyengar came to live with his sister and brother-in-law, T Krishnamacharya, and how his yoga journey began.

Throughout our conversation, Prashant shares profound reflections on Guruji's teaching philosophy, revealing how his father's wisdom transcended the mere physical aspects of yoga. We explore the notion that sometimes, not teaching can be the most profound form of instruction and how Guruji embraced this principle in his own practice.

Furthermore, Prashant shares the touching story of how his father met his mother, Ramamani Iyenger. 

Join us as we shine a light on the early years of B.K.S. Iyengar’s extraordinary life.

Please enjoy On the Light.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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 podcast, it would be deeply appreciated. 

If you have suggestions for teachers you’d love to hear from—or if you’d like to be interviewed yourself—please reach out. I can be contacted at [email protected].

In the next few short weeks I’m going to be getting caught up on new interviews in preparation for season 4. In the meantime I will be rereleasing some significant episodes that I think are worth relistening to. Thank you to all of you listeners and especially to the guests of season 3 who shared their luminous stories of our beloved Guruji and about this beautiful method.

Please enjoy this episode of On the LIght.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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 therapy research and the development of Iyengar Yoga therapeutics. It’s a rich conversation about the transformative power of this practice and the legacy we’re all connected to.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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 the tradition, and she shares moving stories from her time at RIMYI in Pune. We also talk about what it means to carry forward Guruji’s legacy through ongoing practice and community.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

Support the show