A wide-ranging interview about the origins of yoga and how it developed, people’s search for meaning, finding one’s way by taking wrong turns, and why getting slaphead stoned didn't get me enlightened. As broadcast on the SenseSpace podcast (March 23, 2020). The show notes call it “a conversational journey with the eccentric and insightful Daniel Simpson through hash smoking Indian yogis, the history of meditation, 'woo woo', 'McMindfulness', Tantra and Spiritual Bypass,” as well as “the importance of embodied acceptance.”

I was invited to give a presentation to the Independent Yoga Network conference in 2019. All speakers were asked the same question: “What is Yoga?” My response, based on traditional texts, suggested that yoga means self-inquiry. Therefore, conclusions can only be drawn from direct experience. As a result, attempts to police others’ practice and declare it “not yoga” are themselves “unyogic”. A longer essay based on the talk was later published in the journal Spirituality Studies. Entitled “Yoga Police? No Thanks!” it’s available here.

What exactly is yoga, and how did it evolve from transcending the world to a global industry worth billions of dollars? This workshop explores where yoga comes from, and how its practice relates to philosophy over the centuries. We begin with ancient texts, tracing the development of yogic teachings, and seeing how ascetics from different traditions exchanged ideas. We then focus in depth on the physical practice known as hatha, and see how priorities changed to transforming the body, eventually developing into modern forms of yoga.

There has always been a tension in yoga between social engagement and inward retreat. Although some teachings promote being kinder, this is to help with withdrawal from the outside world not harmonious relationships. That’s not how yama and niyama are usually presented to modern practitioners – or how people interpret them. If old texts need adapting to sound more appealing, should we look elsewhere for moral guidance? Might other ethical frameworks be more relevant to modern challenges? Come and share ideas at a workshop in London!

From triyoga’s blog: “This summer, the triyoga book club turn their attention towards Eckhart Tolle’s best-seller The Power of Now. Yoga practitioner and scholar Daniel Simpson will guide students on a four-week exploration of how to be here now. Ahead of the course’s start, Daniel touches on his personal experience with the book as well as core themes to be discussed and questioned. If finding lasting peace of mind is of interest to you, booking this course is a no-brainer…”

I’m co-teaching this weekend immersion (May 4-5) on Patanjali’s sutras, traditional commentaries and modern applications. It’s a great opportunity to focus in depth on foundational aspects of yogic philosophy, to ask lots of questions and meet fellow students. This might have added appeal if you’ve already taken an online course through the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, which is hosting the event. There’ll be presentations from Dr Nick Sutton and other OCHS staff, plus some guest contributions.

What exactly is hatha? In modern yoga usage, it often refers to a slow approach – perhaps in contrast to flow – but originally it covered all aspects of physical practice, from breathing techniques to arm balances. In Sanskrit, the traditional language of yogic texts, the word hatha means “force”. It is therefore a “forceful” form of yoga, whose dynamic techniques have powerful effects. Another meaning of hatha is “obstinacy”, which suggests a need for strength of will.

What exactly is yoga? How did it evolve from a meditative way of transcending the world to a global industry worth billions of dollars? This talk explores the meaning of yoga in multiple contexts: from ancient ascetics who never sat down to modern stretching for affluent urbanites. Despite what Hindu nationalists claim, there is no such thing as “One True Yoga.” Come and find out more on Tuesday, March 12 (7:00 PM), at Cafe 1001 on Brick Lane, E1 6QL. Tickets available here.