An article for Dipika, the magazine of Iyengar Yoga London, addressing the question “Why study philosophy?” This makes most sense if it’s combined with history – exploring what's practised and why, and how things change. Yoga was originally a meditative state that involved sitting still. The ultimate goal was avoiding rebirth through ascetic detachment. New methods and objectives have evolved in the meantime, but modern forms of yoga can still be connected to older traditions – which is where the philosophy comes in… Find out more at truthofyoga.com.