Book Club: Yoga in Upanishads

A three-week online study group

The earliest yogic teachings

With Daniel Simpson

Mon, 6 Apr - 20 Apr 2020
(7:00 - 8:00 PM)

** ORIGINALLY IN LONDON, NOW ONLINE **

Originally scheduled at Triyoga Camden

The oldest descriptions of yoga in practical terms can be found in the Upanishads. They talk about focusing inward, revealing knowledge of an underlying oneness pervading all things. This is often why yoga is said to mean union.

Over three weekly sessions, we’ll discuss the foundations of Upanishadic thought, exploring how this influenced texts that teach yogic practices. We'll look in detail at the Katha and Shvetashvatara Upanishads, plus extracts from others that add more context.

The word "upanishad" refers to connections, particularly those that are hiding in plain sight. Our book club will bring these to light, as well as sharing ideas about how they relate to modern yoga.

A handout is provided each week with some guidelines for reading. Please use this link to access the first one before we begin.

We recommend the translation by Patrick Olivelle, available in paperback from Oxford World's Classics. It's also fine to read other editions if you prefer.

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About Daniel

Daniel presents yogic texts in accessible ways. His light-hearted approach combines practical experience with scholarly insight. He holds an MA in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation (from SOAS in London), and teaches courses at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, and on teacher trainings at triyoga.