Lost Ways of Knowing

Season 4 - ModernityThis episode focuses on modern, transnational, anglophone yoga, which has tended to emphasize the practice of asana over certain other techniques that were central to the Hatha tradition: e.g. shatkarmani, mudra, and etc. This emphasis is fueled by the influence of European systems of physical education, and the revival of the physical culture movement in India that they helped to spawn. T. Krishnamacharya (the Father of Modern Yoga) is a key influence on modern practice. His tenure at the Mysore palace was a time of great experimentation with regard to Yogasana, and his vision made its way to the west through many famous students. His imperative that Yoga is to be taught via an appropriate adaptation strategy relative to time, place, and culture remains a guiding principle here at the shala. (Vini-yoga)-Support our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:Modern, transnational, anglophone yoga, and how it has tended to emphasize the practice of asana over certain other techniquesThe influence of European systems of physical education and the revival of the physical culture movement in India that they helped to spawn. T. Krishnamacharya (the Father of Modern Yoga) T. Krishnamacharya's imperative that Yoga be taught via an appropriate adaptation strategy relative to time, place, and culture

Season 4 - ModernityThis episode focuses on Swami Vivekananda, a key figure who brought Yoga to the West. His political and spiritual leanings show a strong influence from British colonialism, including: Western (Greek) notions of rationality and more universalist interpretations of Christian doctrine. His legacy left us a  polarization between systems of yoga oriented by his definition of raja (“royal”, superior), and those oriented toward the more gross-physical  (in his estimation) concerns of the Hatha Yogins.  We see this value system at work today when, for instance, “gym yoga” is disparaged as “unspiritual”, or we hear “it's not about the asana.” We should be careful with such ideas...-Support our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:Swami Vivekananda, a key figure who brought Yoga to the WestHis political and spiritual leanings influence from British colonialismThe polarization between systems of yoga oriented by his definition of raja (“royal”, superior), and those oriented toward the more gross-physical (in his estimation) concerns of the Hatha Yogins

Season 3 - SecrecyThe last episode on Siddha based practice looks deeper into two famous aspects of the subtle body: the chakras and the Kundalini. We discover a dizzying array of teachings concerning these matters, not all in agreement with one another. We also find that our modern notions of the chakras and the kundalini as endowments with which we are born is only half of the story, for each must also be created, or “installed” via dedicated practice. This is a paradox necessitated by the nature of the enlightenment endeavor, or what we have already called qualitative transformation in previous episodes, and which is also the central subject of many future episodes. -Support our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:The final stage of the Siddha's alchemical endeavorsThe nectar of immortalityThe ebb and flow of spirit and essence

Season 3 - SecrecyThis episode elucidates the final stage of the Siddha's alchemical endeavors, which is known as reversal, or “ulata sadhana”. In reversal, the breath, mind, and seed of the human being are coagulated into a stable substance and directed into the subtle body to be transformed into the nectar of immortality. We look closely at the nature of this process and the specifics of the subtle body itself, which is found to be lunar in its nature: an ebb and flow of spirit and essence, coming into and passing out of being like the waxing and waning moon in its journey across the night sky.-Support our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:The final stage of the Siddha's alchemical endeavorsThe nectar of immortalityThe ebb and flow of spirit and essence

Season 3 - SecrecyThis episode focuses on the period that follows preparation and purification, which for Siddha based practices is known as immobilization. It turns out that the subtle sexual essences humans produce are also homologs of breath and mind. Breath, Mind, and Seed tend to evaporate and disperse quickly and must be caught and held in one place in order for the transformational process to proceed. The classic techniques of asana, pranayama, bandha, mudra etc are discussed as the means that drive this process. -Support our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:Immobilization - the period that follows preparation and purification for Siddha based practicesThe connection of Breath, Mind, and Seed with the transformational processThe classic techniques of asana, pranayama, bandha, mudra as the means that drive that process

Season 3 - SecrecyThis episode focuses on the period of preparation and purification that must precede the generation of the divine body and the emergence of its powers of transformation. We look closely at how preparation and purification are themselves patterned on the Vedic sacrifice, and specifically how the metaphors used to describe the process are those of fertility and gestation. -Support our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:The preparation and purification that must precede the generation of the divine bodyHow preparation and purification are themselves patterned on the Vedic sacrificeHow the metaphors used to describe the process are those of fertility and gestation

Season 3 - SecrecyThis episode is the first in a series that delves into what is known as “Siddha” yoga, which is a combination of indigenous Hindu Alchemy, Tantra, and Hatha Yoga. We discuss each of these areas as key sources for the ideological framework, the aims, and techniques of Modern practice. The images that emerge are those of mystical eroticism, in which all aspects of the universe are in an alchemical process of generating a subtle essence whose symbolic representation is that of divine and human sexual fluids. Via interaction with this sexual essence, the Siddha based traditions aim at the creation of an immortal body with the power to transform reality at any level.-Support our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:“Siddha” yoga, the combination of indigenous Hindu Alchemy, Tantra, and Hatha YogaMystical eroticismthe Siddha based traditions aim to create of an immortal body with the power to transform reality at any level

Season 2 - Synthesis & HeresySupport our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:The life of the Buddha and the impact of his teaching in the Indian philosophical sphereThe teaching of no-self (anatman) and the shift away from the atman based traditionsThe concept of the Madhya-marga (“the middle way”), expressed in the four noble truths, and the eightfold path

Season 2 - Synthesis & HeresySupport our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:The intersection of the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutra of PatanjaliComparisons and contrasts between the two texts by way of the three great yogas, karma, jnana, and bhaktiThe elements of Kriya Yoga, known as tapas, svadhyaya, and Ishvarapranidhana

Season 2 - Synthesis & HeresySupport our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:The central epic in Indian history known as the Mahabharata, specifically the twelfth chapter of which is the Bhagavad GitaThe Gita as a great synthesis of the Vedic tradition of sacrifice and the mysticism of the UpanishadsRenunciation in action, and how it leads to devotionThe three great paths known as jnana, karma, and bhakti yoga and how they prefigure our modern concerns

Season 2 - Synthesis & HeresySupport our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode we talk about:One of the most influential philosophical system in the history of India, known as SmakhyaThe tenets of the philosophyHow it influenced the idea of Yoga in the Mahabharata, the Gita, and the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali

Season 1 - Rapture & KnowledgeSupport our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode:The UpanishadsInternalization of the sacrificial riteThe human body as an object of meditative inquiryInnovations in Ayurveda and Hatha YogaReference readings for season one - Ardor, Roberto CalassoThe Advaita Worldview, Anantanand RambachanThe Alchemical Body, David Gordon WhiteThe Bhagavad Gita, S. RadhakrishnanThe Bhagavad Gita, Winthrop SargentBiography of the Yoga Sutra, David Gordon WhiteThe Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Edwin BryantThe Principal Upanishads, S. RadhakrishnanThe Roots of Yoga, Mallinson and SingletonYoga Body, Mark SingletonThe Yoga Tradition, Georg Feuerstein

Season 1 - Rapture & KnowledgeSupport our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.comIn this episode:Texts and biases that affect the way modern yoga is understoodSacrificial triad in the Brahmanasa story about Prajapati, the primal creator godHatha yoga as the ‘yoga of the pot' Reference readings for season one - Ardor, Roberto CalassoThe Advaita Worldview, Anantanand RambachanThe Alchemical Body, David Gordon WhiteThe Bhagavad Gita, S. RadhakrishnanThe Bhagavad Gita, Winthrop SargentBiography of the Yoga Sutra, David Gordon WhiteThe Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Edwin BryantThe Principal Upanishads, S. RadhakrishnanThe Roots of Yoga, Mallinson and SingletonYoga Body, Mark SingletonThe Yoga Tradition, Georg Feuerstein

Season 1 - Rapture & KnowledgeSupport our podcast on patreon: Patreon.com/circleyogashalaReceive early access to podcasts, Matt's notes: a printable study guide, Yoga in Action publication subscriptions, Ask Matt quarterly zoom calls, discounts on retreats, and more!Learn more about our trainings and programs: www.circleyogashala.com Reference readings for season one - Ardor, Roberto CalassoThe Advaita Worldview, Anantanand RambachanThe Alchemical Body, David Gordon WhiteThe Bhagavad Gita, S. RadhakrishnanThe Bhagavad Gita, Winthrop SargentBiography of the Yoga Sutra, David Gordon WhiteThe Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Edwin BryantThe Principal Upanishads, S. RadhakrishnanThe Roots of Yoga, Mallinson and SingletonYoga Body, Mark SingletonThe Yoga Tradition, Georg Feuerstein

Learn more about Circle Yoga Shala: A School for Yoga, Creative Movement, and Self-Inquiry in Arkansas' Ozark MountainsCircleYogaShala.com Reference readings for season one: Ardor, Roberto CalassoThe Advaita Worldview, Anantanand RambachanThe Alchemical Body, David Gordon WhiteThe Bhagavad Gita, S. RadhakrishnanThe Bhagavad Gita, Winthrop SargentBiography of the Yoga Sutra, David Gordon WhiteThe Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Edwin BryantThe Principal Upanishads, S. RadhakrishnanThe Roots of Yoga, Mallinson and SingletonYoga Body, Mark SingletonThe Yoga Tradition, Georg Feuerstein