Introduction to the Philosophy and History of Yoga 3-part talk series

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Interested in learning more about the history and philosophy of Yoga? Then this three part introductory talk series is for you! Ideal for yoga teachers wanting to consolidate their knowledge, keen yoga students, or those who are just curious to learn more. In each talk, Floss will offer a 40 minute introduction to the historical timeline of yoga's development in relation to Indian religion, and how different the philosophical ideas and practices of yoga emerged through it, from antiquity to the modern day! There will be a Q&A at the end (non recorded) to have your questions answered. Replay will be sent out to everyone.

 

Part 1: From Vedas to Upanishads: the emergence of Classical Yoga  (1500 BCE - 400 CE aprox)

December 2023. Recording available for purchase here.

This talk offers an overview of the early development of yoga through the Vedic and Upanishadic periods. It explores a central tension at this time between the authority of the orthodox Vedic religion and the ascetic culture of renunciation in the Upanishads which challenged it, leading to assimilation and integration, through which the yoga of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad-gita emerged.

 

Part 2: Colonial Encounters: The Emergence of Modern Postural Yoga

Monday 22nd Jan 2024, 6.00-7.00pm, Tickets here. 

Colonialism in India and the cultural and political exchanges it resulted in had a huge impact on the development of what we now call modern postural yoga (MPY), including Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Iyengar forms of yoga. This talk explores how modern yogas can be seen as the product of Western and Eastern influences, and how the value of the body within yogic understanding significantly shifted from the publication of Swami Vivekenanda's 'Raja Yoga' in 1896, 

to the physical yoga revival in Mysore in the 1920s. 

 

Part 3:  Medieval Developments: The emergence of Hatha and Tantra Yoga (400 CE - 1500 CE aprox)

Monday 25th Feb 2024, 6.00-7.00pm Tickets here.

Through the medieval period, yoga underwent many changes and emerged in a multiplicity of new ways and forms, for example via non-dualism, Tantra and Hatha yogas. At the same time, these changes reflect social and political changes. Yoga was no longer purely reserved for ascetics or renunciates, but become a practice for householders and kings too as new goals surrounding yoga emerged, such as that of supernatural power and physical health. 

 

About your speaker

Floss has been teaching yoga for almost five years (she can't believe it either!) and is currently finishing her Masters in the Philosophy of Religion with Sanskrit at the University of Cambridge. Floss teaches yoga in and around Cambridge, aswell as running 'Philosophy and Yoga' focussed events, workshops, and retreats. Floss is passionate about building community and conversation around the idea that Philosophy and Yoga is a way of life. Yoga Philosophy was one of the first things that attracted her to yoga, as she discovered the experiences she had through yoga became emblemtic of a much deeper philosophical and spiritual system, one she is continually enquiring into; she hopes you will join her to enquire further through this talk and discussion!

 

Payment

This event is £10 per ticket. 

Concessions £6, use code 'concession'.

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Zoom links

Will be sent to you when you register.