Yoga Book Club: Roots of Yoga

Yogic Practice in Traditional Sources

An online study group with Daniel Simpson

Sundays, from January 19, 2020

5:00 - 6:00 PM (UK)

Despite the popularity of yoga, the origins of practice are often obscure. The best-known texts — from the early Upanishads to the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutra — have little to say about physical methods. Other sources with more information on how they developed are harder to access.

Roots of Yoga, by James Mallinson and Mark Singleton, is a fascinating guide to neglected texts. Translating extracts from more than a hundred traditional sources, it covers almost 3,000 years of history. Studying these passages closely show how practices change in different contexts, while also revealing common themes.

Although the book is aimed at a general audience, its style and approach are academic. There are comprehensive summaries of scholarly work and extensive footnotes. It can therefore be complex to read by oneself, which makes it ideal for group discussion. Working through it together one chapter at a time, we’ll consider its insights and share our reflections. In the process, we’ll learn which dimensions of yogic tradition appeal to us most, and discover ideas to explore for ourselves.

Including an overview of yoga history, the book has twelve chapters. Each of these looks in detail at one theme, from definitions of yoga to physical practice, meditation, powers and liberation. To keep the reading manageable, participants will focus each week on a few key extracts, preparing to discuss them with each other. Weekly handouts offer questions and guidance to give us some structure. Group conversations are moderated lightly, ensuring that everyone is free to contribute as they wish.

Practicalities

We meet using Zoom, an interactive video app. The course’s twelve sessions start on January 19. After four consecutive Sundays, we take a week off before the next four sessions from February 23. There’s another short break before the final four weeks from March 29 (full details below).

For those unable to join us live, discussions are recorded to access later, and questions can be asked by email or in a Facebook group.

Format

Each chapter has an introductory summary, followed by extracts. Suggestions are also provided for further reading.

Week 1 - INTRODUCTION

January 19, 2020

There is very little evidence of systematic practice until 2,500 years ago. The earliest definition of yoga in meditative terms is from the Upanishads. Texts can only tell us so much about oral traditions, but they do show how yogic ideas have been put into practice in different contexts.

Week 2 - YOGA

January 26, 2020

Is yoga the practice, its outcome or both? Definitions vary widely. There are many different systems. Not all have eight parts. Some contradict each other. There are also influential critiques of yogic practice and philosophy. Are there nonetheless ideas that transcend these divisions?

Week 3 - PRELIMINARIES

February 2, 2020

Before starting to practise, firm foundations are needed. Texts describe obstacles and supportive preconditions. Among these are ethics and preliminary methods of purification, along with a suitable dwelling and diet. One important requirement for yogic success is a qualified teacher.

Week 4 - POSTURE

February 9, 2020

The word asana means “seat”. Most early texts describe seated positions, yet there are also ascetic traditions of non-seated practice. Postures became more complex over 1,000 years ago, combined with ideas of transforming the body. However, flowing sequences seem to be modern.

*** BREAK ***

Week 5 - BREATH-CONTROL

February 23, 2020

While modern yoga highlights postures, the defining practice of earlier methods was pranayama. Control of the breath is often said to be a fast-track to yogic success, because it steadies the mind for meditation. Tantric influences lead to more dynamic approaches to practice.

Week 6 - THE YOGIC BODY

March 1, 2020

In additional to the physical body, the yogi manipulates subtle energies. This invisible body of channels and chakras is often described in different ways. One important component in later texts is a powerful force called Kundalini, which is raised up the spine to dissolve the mind.

Week 7 - YOGIC SEALS

March 8, 2020

Ascetics used physical means to control other forms of vital energy - including semen (bindu). Techniques known as mudras, or “seals”, were part of early hatha yoga. Perhaps the best known are the three “locks”, or bandhas, which are used to manipulate breath in pranayama.

Week 8 - MANTRA

March 15, 2020

The sacredness of sound is the basis of ancient Vedic ritual. Although early yoga makes no mention of mantras, there are still some references to chanting - especially of the syllable Om, which stands for everything. Mantras are also central to Tantric practice, invoking deities.

*** BREAK ***

Week 9 - INTERNALISATION

March 29, 2020

The earliest forms of yoga describe the restraint of the mind and the senses. Inward focus (pratyahara) is required for concentration (dharana), and deepening the focus on a meditative object (dhyana). This ranges from formlessness to elaborate visualisations, as in some Tantras.

Week 10 - ABSORPTION

April 5, 2020

Samadhi is often described as a synonym of yoga, or the highest goal of practice - transcending the mind. It’s sometimes presented as an extension of meditation, or in Tantric systems as the final stage before connection with divinity. There are many different levels and interpretations.

Week 11 - SPECIAL POWERS

April 12, 2020

Magical powers are said to arise from yogic practice. However, these attainments can act as distractions, so some traditions say they need to be abandoned. Modern readers find them hard to interpret, but descriptions of flying and other supernatural feats are often mentioned.

Week 12 - LIBERATION

April 19, 2020

Yoga began as a way to avoid rebirth. There are multiple terms for this liberated state (such as mukti, moksha, nirvana and kaivalya), and many ideas of what freedom means. Can it be reached in this lifetime or only at death? Are there ways to be enlightened and part of society?

About the Facilitator

Daniel Simpson presents ancient texts for modern times.

He teaches courses on yoga philosophy at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, at Triyoga in London, and on teacher trainings.

He earned his Master’s degree from SOAS, University of London, where he studied with some of the world’s leading scholars of yoga.

Daniel is also a devoted practitioner, having first encountered yoga in India in the 1990s. His practical guidebook to yoga philosophy will be published soon.

Endorsements

Student feedback from previous courses.