Library- more than just a collection of books

Good evening, everyone.

My pranams to Prashantji, Sunita Tai, all my teachers and everyone present here.

Thank you Abhijata for the opportunity to share about one of the most precious yet overlooked aspects of our beloved RIMYI. The Library. I am not sure if everyone here has visited the cool basement which houses a huge collection of books, many of them out of print. But, as the title of my talk goes, let us see how it is more than just a collection of books.

When I sat down to prepare what I wanted to share, I remembered an article in a Yoga Rahasya about the library and went searching for it. It is in the 100^th issue, the commemorative edition during the centenary celebrations, for those who want to look it up. Rajvi wrote about the origins of the Yoga Rahasya, how it was born right in this very library. Many of you may have read it. In fact, the first issue was printed on Hanuman Jayanti nearly 30 years ago! (SHOW BOOK). If you want to read this issue, you will have to come to the library.

When we think of a library, the image that springs to mind is one of silence and stern-faced librarians who make big-big eyes if you speak loudly. We recall memories of small and large libraries of schools, colleges and perhaps neighbourhood ones with rows of shelves and cupboards full of books, neatly labelled and arranged. But, the library at RIMYI is more than just rows of cupboards. Of course, it is extensive, nearing 11,000 books at last count besides numerous magazines, periodicals, audiotapes, notes, etc. It began with Guruji’s personal library of 1500 odd books around 1978. Prashantji added to it by acquiring many books that has made it the eclectic and massive collection it is today. There are books on a wide range of topics straddling ancient texts, medicine, Ayurveda, philosophy and yoga. There are books in nearly 40 languages, both Indian and foreign. Yet, it is not simply a storehouse of inanimate books.

If the practice hall is the heart of Iyengar yoga, the library has been the quiet heartbeat where our beloved Guruji spent time every afternoon. I would like to share an image many of you would be familiar with. (SHOW FRAME) Image is courtesy Raya. He spent many hours here attending to his voluminous correspondence, writing, and revising his books as they were being written. Inevitably, conversations would happen as students asked something or he mischievously questioned them. I have heard that impromptu classes would happen as he made someone do an asana to demonstrate a point he wished to make. Many interviews were held here. In the book, ‘Beloved Guruji’, there are numerous recollections of students and teachers that mention Guruji in the library.

I have only heard the stories but even second hand they seem magical. His presence lives in the walls of the basement, in his writings, in his notes, in his books. While working in the library, I’ve listened to experiences of students who worked long with him in this cool underground basement. Definitely not the silent, inert image of a vault of books but very much a space that was lit with the vibrance of his learning and teaching. The RIMYI library is a fertile ground for study, ideas, innovation, not in isolation but in community. So, we have history of this library as a place of study, a space of fellowship and a ground for new ideas. How are we using it today?

Over the last few years, the library lost that momentum and became quieter. Many people slowly drifted away, bereft of Guruji’s presence. It is hard to occupy a space where one spends time with a loved one. Understandably so. But I wish for their presence. Selfishly perhaps. I want a little of that sense as a student far apart from his time. We are inspired by stories and memories.

A few people continued to carry on the work. And then a pandemic hit. As the institute reopened and students and teachers flocked back to RIMYI, it was time to open the library. It took a while and it was possible thanks to dedicated volunteers who made it happen. With the help of all the volunteers, we were able open the doors once again since December last year. People started trickling in and the library began to hum with life. The very air changed; the energy changed. With the presence of readers, the engine of community came to life. Serious reading, exchange of ideas and experiences, conversations, and the joy of working together. I never had the privilege of witnessing Guruji in the library but in the thrum of activity now, I can glimpse a faint shimmer of that connectivity and community.

Libraries are a respite in today’s world, a time to disconnect from devices and algorithms that determine your choices. They preserve knowledge for generations that have come long after those who wrote the books passed on. As a reader, I see how the older books have an enduring value that has stood the test of time. I could go on extolling all the good things about a library habit but you already know that. So, what next?

Just as we feed ourselves healthy food, we need to dedicate time in cultivating our thoughts and understanding. Today’s pace of life is hectic and screens increase that dizzying pace by giving us information at the click of a button. But we miss the time, quiet, and focus necessary to soak all of it in. It is important to disconnect from the constant digital connectivity to engage fully. If nothing else, half an hour a week is a good start as a commitment to oneself, to expand the horizons of one’s thinking. Bring your own book or sit with one from the shelves. Read. Ruminate. Reflect. Discuss. If the pinnacle of RIMYI is the presence of Lord Hanuman, the very bedrock of it is the library. As a student, Guruji remained a curious explorer. I am sure he would have wanted us to continue his legacy of learning and exploration together.

Thank you