Cultivating Sankalpa at IYNAUS Convention 2023 by Laura Plofchan

“Perfection in an asana is achieved when the effort to perform it becomes effortless and the infinite being within is reached.”   

B.K.S. Iyengar’s translation of Sutra 2.42          

Said another way: by cultivating contentment and inner peace, supreme joy unfolds. I keep coming back to this sutra as I reflect on my experience of going in person to IYNAUS Convention 2023. This was my first convention, so I was very excited to travel to San Diego to spend time with the Iyengar community and learn more from Abhijata. 

At first, I had some anxiety and doubts, mostly about myself and my practice. I was also a bit overwhelmed with the size of the practice hall, the large amounts of props that needed to be packed and stored, all of the yoga mats, everyone’s shoes stored on the tables or floors (would I be able to find mine at the end?), and all of the other students and teachers practicing together in one large space. However, soon after starting the first class, all of those worries melted away, and I felt content and at peace. This is where I belonged and it seemed that I had been preparing for this experience all of my life.  

Abhijata started the first class on Tuesday morning, discussing the concept of bhranti-darshana and told us to use the corrections in the asanas as props to become more truthful in our bodies with our practice.  It felt like she was speaking directly to me … how did she know that I struggle with this obstacle often? The way she walked through the practice hall with grace and keen eyes on all of us in the room brought so much comfort.

I enjoyed the second day of practice the most because of the partner work.  Abhijata told us that Guruji often practiced with a partner and emphasized that there is no substitute to the sensitivity gained through touch. We used blocks behind the thigh, straps at the hips, our hands to push the thoracic spine in and up, and so much more.  Each adjustment brought on a different level of awareness for me. I started to let go of the effort and reach the inward state of effortlessness. I loved the afternoon sessions each day as well. I wasn’t sure how pranayama would work for me in the afternoon (I practice in the mornings) and amongst so many people would I truly be able to let go of my surroundings and connect to my breath) … YES, YES, and YES.

I have watched the recordings over and over as time permits, and with each rewatch I learn something completely different about myself and my practice. I am so incredibly grateful to IYASE for providing a scholarship to help with my expenses. … coming from South Florida … I couldn’t come up with the expenses of airline travel, food, accommodations, and the convention cost. I had resigned myself to taking the classes online as I did during Covid.  I saw the social media post, and thought ... Why not ask? To my delight, I was granted a scholarship. I know I would not have had the same experience if I was not there in person …I needed to be in person to feel the energy of the students around me.  It was also great to meet so many people who I had only met on zoom and connect with them in person. Perhaps most importantly this convention brought me towards my quest …  closer towards a life of yogic intent ... such a great name for this convention SANKALPA.

As I prepare again to take the Level 2 assessment, I realize that we are all on this journey together. To watch Senior teachers and beginners practicing all together during the convention was a humbling experience. To witness Abhijata’s knowledge of asanas and pranayama and seamlessly tie in so much yoga philosophy was incredible. It was like she anticipated the needs before they arose and then stayed fully absorbed in taking care of all of us. From assisting with props, answering questions that had come in from students, sharing stories of her family, and pushing those in the practice hall to do more … she was inspiring on her enlightened path.

I will always cherish this experience and have used it once again to go inwardly deeper in my practice. I am also recommitted to sharing this Iyengar Yoga with others through my teaching and staying on my path. To answer your question, yes, I am already planning and looking forward to the next one in Philadelphia in 2026. Thank you IYNAUS for bringing us all together in this way and to IYASE for making my trip possible. I am blessed.