Yoga World

Why do we practice yoga postures? What are the benefits that we hope to get, and what have teachers told us will happen? This episode digs into the purpose and benefits of posture practice, especially in the past hundred years. Two big schools emerge, one of subtle energy and one of the body. Finally, what is the scientific evidence of any of it?

Continuing the conversation about alignment from the last episode, the discussion veers into 'prana' and 'virtue.' How does the body affect the flow of prana? For that matter, what is prana? And how does our physical alignment affect or symbolize our moral nature? Scott and Ida discuss these questions, along with abundant references and tangents.

Scott and Ida discuss the nature of "alignment" throughout the last hundred years. Did older texts talk about alignment? When did it become important, and how did that change the way we practice yoga? Is alignment a good idea? They cover early pioneers such as Krishnamacharya, Shivananda and Yogendra, as well as Iyengar and Jois, all the way into the modernity of Birch.This episode is the first of two about alignment, covering the first three "buckets" of what it means.

Prior to the Yoga Sutras, the body is mostly held still to facilitate meditation. Also, a discussion of the Jain practices of austerity to burn karma. And an exploration of the Buddhist walking meditation, a practice that intentionally moves the body!

We dig into the Yoga Sutras to see what they say about asana practice. They are briefly explained as part of the eight-limbed system, and often included in arguments about disease and health. Are they a suitable form of meditation? Is modern asana practice squeezed into the Yoga Sutras via a loophole?

Following last week's episode which looked at yoga postures in the main texts of hathayoga, this week we look at postures in the earliest hathayoga as well as the tantric practices that influenced them. Plus discussion of the three (or four) ways to use the body in spiritual practice. And a brief appearance of Tibetan Buddhism.

What are yoga postures like in hathayoga? Scott & Ida dig into a couple Hatha texts and compare the asana instruction to modern practice.

Season 2 of Yoga World is all about asana! Myths, questions, history- a whole bunch of fascinating topics that relate to the practice of yoga postures. Heat? Oxygenation? We will dive into the concept of yoga as health. Make sure to subscribe and follow @ghoshyoga on social media. http://www.ghoshyoga.org#ghoshyoga

Scott & Ida consider the whole century, including its progression, its changes, and the questions left unanswered. Is yoga healthy? Do the internal organs relate to the chakras? Is yoga inherently peaceful? They cover lots of territory as they sort out the entire season's topics.

In the 1990s, yoga becomes powerful and hot. The birth of "Power Yoga", and everyone ties their teaching back to the Yoga Sutras. AG Mohan stimulates a conversation about the paradox of belief.

Fitness is king. While yoga has gradually become more physical, now we just want the exercise without the label 'yoga'. The first significant scientific study about yoga's aerobic impact, and Iyengar writes about performing for crowds.

The spiritual roots get stripped out of both yoga and meditation, leaving non-denominational practices for health and happiness. Add to that new trends in fitness and the dawn of aerobic exercise. Plus a special Elvis song about yoga.

The culture of the world changes drastically in the 1960s and yoga is part of it. Even the Beatles are meditating and put Yogananda on their cover. Two of the most game-changing books of the 20th century are here, as asana becomes central, with a side of yoga philosophy.

Scott and Ida discuss yoga in the 1950s, including the arrival of yoga in Hollywood, the rise of contortion, and whether holistic health is in opposition to accomplishing the impossible.

The second world war puts a lot of things on hold including yoga, but it creates famine and Indian Independence. This week we discuss yogic superpowers, nationalism and the idea that all religions are actually the same. Join us!

By 1930 yoga and physical exercise are synonymous. The 1930s bring the marriage of the Sun Salute with yoga asanas, as well as the continuation of exercises for beauty, for women this time.

Yogis in India develop scientific experiments and strive for the perfectly proportioned body. Above all, yoga is refashioned as a health regimen that is fit for Indian nationalism.

Aurobindo marries Western science with Eastern consciousness, Bukh encourages suppleness for health and Yogendra invents the yoga studio. Yoga tries to outgrow the occult mysticism of its recent past while embracing the idea that 'will-power' can grant all wishes.

The first episode of "Traveling Through the Decades" which digs into each decade of the 20th century and its impact on yoga. The first decade of the century brings the reintegration of Hatha Yoga into the conversation, as well as some new techniques from Denmark. And a prolific yogi from Baltimore.

A month at an ashram in the Bahamas and up before dawn. Breathing practice, chores and 12+ hours spent sitting. Plus, how Swami Vishnudevananda started the first teacher training (maybe) in the West.

Hatha yoga underwent a big change in the 1920s and 30s, mixing with various health and exercise practices to resemble what we think of as modern yoga. Scott & Ida discuss the transition and their trip to Kuvalayananda's laboratory in Lonavla, India, a vital piece of yoga history.

Ida spends countless painful hours at the library in search of Labanya Palit's mythical lost book from the 1950s.

Scott and Ida remember the first time they heard about the lost manuscript of Buddha Bose. How it brought them to Kolkata, introduced them to the family of Buddha Bose, and how they spent months shipping thousands of books around the world.

On their first trip to India with Jerome, the trip to Ranchi provided plenty of stress and difficulty. When they finally arrived, a beautiful garden awaited.