Rita Keller stands as a prominent figure in the global Iyengar Yoga community, renowned for her dedication to the therapeutic and philosophical dimensions of the practice. Her journey into yoga commenced in the 1970s, catalysed by a severe leg injury sustained during her youth, which curtailed her aspirations in sports medicine. This pivotal event led her to explore yoga as a means of rehabilitation and self-discovery. Initially engaging with Kriya Yoga and meditation, Keller’s quest for a more physically engaging practice eventually guided her to the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. The profound impact of his seminal work, Light on Yoga, resonated deeply with her, igniting a lifelong commitment to the Iyengar method.
In 1974, Keller attended her first Iyengar Yoga class in London, marking the beginning of her formal training. Her dedication culminated in 1986 when she met B.K.S. Iyengar in Amsterdam, subsequently enrolling in the Iyengar Yoga teacher training program. From 1990 onwards, she made annual pilgrimages to the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, to study directly under the Iyengar family. Recognising her commitment and depth of understanding, B.K.S. Iyengar personally certified her as an Advanced Junior teacher and entrusted her with the mission of establishing Iyengar Yoga training programs in Germany .
Keller’s contributions to the dissemination of Iyengar Yoga are multifaceted. She founded the Iyengar Yoga Akademie Rhein-Ahr and the Ayurvedic health centre Samdosha in Germany, both serving as hubs for education and holistic wellness . Her teaching is characterised by a harmonious blend of rigour and compassion, reflecting the influence of her mentor. Beyond her instructional roles, Keller has co-authored several significant publications, including Iyengar Yoga for Motherhood and Iyengar Yoga for Menopause, in collaboration with Geeta Iyengar and her daughter, Kerstin Khattab. These works underscore her commitment to addressing the specific needs of women through yoga
In 2025, Keller released Milestones in the Life of a Master – 1918–2014 and His Legacy Beyond, a comprehensive biography of B.K.S. Iyengar that not only chronicles his life but also delves into his enduring impact on the global yoga community . Through her extensive teaching, writing, and organisational efforts, Rita Keller continues to illuminate the path of Iyengar Yoga, ensuring its relevance and accessibility for future generations.
This conversation with Rita Keller and Alan Goode was recorded in Lantershofen, Germany on 29/08/2024, as part of the Yoga and Christianity conference