Practical philosophy
Yoga is about our relationship with everything. It has evolved over thousands of years, from seated meditation to sequenced postures. Traditionally, practices involve concentration, stilling the mind while also cultivating strength and flexibility.
The ultimate goal is freedom – originally, from being reborn. Most modern practitioners have other priorities. Although ancient texts can still provide inspiration, some teachings might need reinterpreting, as explained in Daniel’s book, The Truth of Yoga.
Combining scholarly knowledge with light-hearted humour, he makes practical sense of timeless wisdom. His experience includes a yoga MA (from SOAS in London), and extensive study with teachers in India.
He teaches courses at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, on yoga teacher trainings and online. He also works with private students.
Latest
TEACHING
Join me online (Apr 29 – May 26) to get immersed in the Upanishads, exploring foundations of yoga philosophy as well as the earliest frameworks for practice. This engaging course relates timeless wisdom to modern priorities. Over four modules, we'll cover a selection of early Upanishads, tracing key themes in a series of videos. We’ll also look at links between the Vedas and Upanishads, as well as their influence on later traditions. Each module combines live discussion with pre-recorded lectures. You can also ask questions at any time via the course website.
Join me in the pre-Alpine hills for a four-day immersion in philosophy and practice (July 3-7, 2024). I’m excited to be teaching with Michela Montelbatti, who runs a beautiful retreat centre called Casa Corvo, near the border with Italy. We’re going to be exploring how to integrate traditional wisdom with modern priorities. Our practice will go beyond postures, including seated meditation and pranayama, and we'll investigate how yoga philosophy relates to our lives. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised – contact me here for a discount code before October 31.
OXFORD CENTRE FOR HINDU STUDIES
Daniel's next online courses at the OCHS start on January 21. They cover modern yoga history, yoga philosophy, the Yoga Sutras and the Vedas and Upanishads. Each lasts just under two months, with lectures, reading, discussion forums and an optional assignment.
The Truth of Yoga provides a clear and accessible overview of yoga’s evolution. The book’s concise and engaging chapters describe key themes that have influenced practices over the centuries. Accompanying online courses go a step further, diving deeply into yogic texts – such as the Yoga Sūtra and Bhagavad Gītā – to present what they teach in an interactive format. They‘re light-hearted and fun, and they offer a mixture of scholarly knowledge and traditional wisdom. You can find out more – and enrol today – at: http://truthofyoga.com
It can feel daunting to study alone. We often have books that we’d like to explore, but don’t find time to sit and read. And even if we do, they might spark questions we struggle to answer. It helps to discuss ideas with someone else who offers structure and support. Whatever your priorities — from reading a text to a broader inquiry on how modern practice relates to tradition — we’ll focus clearly on your goals, devising a plan that helps achieve them. Online and in person (location permitting).
Join me for two events in London (on April 9 and 10) exploring “Pole Yoga”. Better known as mallakhamb, this Indian discipline was used by wrestlers to cultivate strength and flexibility. To what extent do yoga and wrestling overlap? As we’ll discuss, techniques such as sun salutations probably came from a similar place. Both events explore a new film called The Wrestler’s Cane by Philippa Frisby, which highlights the work of Uday Deshpande, who’ll also be attending – and if you want to try “pole yoga” yourself, he’s offering workshops while he’s in London…
I recently launched a new site to share writing and interviews. It’s called Ancient Futures and it’s hosted on Substack, where you can subscribe to get updates by email, as well as share comments. I’ll be adding new material regularly, and my aim is to spark conversations inspiring new writing… For now, read on for an introductory post that describes some ideas I intend to explore. Explaining the title, it starts: “My aim is to explore how ancient wisdom – particularly from yoga and similar traditions – might offer us guidance for facing the future…”
Join me for a fun conversation about yoga history and philosophy – plus many other topics of contemporary interest, from gender imbalances to misappropriation… The Q&A was hosted by Radiant Spirit Yoga as part of their 300-hour teacher training, and they kindly agreed to me sharing the recording. It’s great to have the chance to exchange ideas in an open forum. I hope it might inspire others to include something similar in courses and trainings! Thanks to the all the participants – particularly Pam Wilson and Melissa Cohn of Radiant Spirit.
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COTSWOLDS CLASSES
[IN-PERSON CLASSES SUSPENDED] This dynamic approach to yoga is accessible - suitable both for beginners and those with experience. You don't have to be bendy, or exceptionally fit. Practice helps focus the mind while building strength and flexibility. Sports stars use yoga to help them recover and avoid injury. When restrictions permit, classes are at Upper Rissington Village Hall. In the meantime, online private instruction is available. If you have any questions, please contact the teacher, Daniel Simpson.
About Daniel
In some ways, my first proper yoga class was dull. I didn’t spontaneously levitate; nor were we asked to try, let alone fail, to wrap our knees behind our heads and lie down. Instead, we lined up on what felt like carpet underlay, in a room that resembled my junior school assembly hall. Back then, I was unemployed and depressed, smoking too much dope. The practice helped to quieten my mind and freed up space for new ideas. I felt re-energised, and eager to return. Many years later, I'm still learning.