Ashtanga for Activists
This course shows how Ashtanga Yoga is a path for activists—politically, emotionally, psycho-somatically, and even spiritually. The word ‘Ashtanga’ is often associated with Pattabhi Jois’ codified series of physical activity called tristhana practice (breath, gaze and bodily action). While this is correct, it is crucial to know that Jois called his method '“Ashtanga” because it is a specific remedy (or upāya) recommended by Patañjali for those who do not understand or cannot yet practice Yoga. In many ways, what is often portrayed in the West as ‘Yoga’ is a kind of preparation for the practice itself.
We will explore the second and third books (where the eight ‘branches’ of Ashtanga are found) of the Yoga Sūtra in order to better explicate and understand how this is indeed a practice of ACTION. From the very first Yama of ahimsā, which encourages us to take action against systems of harm, to īśvara pranidhānā, which reminds us to be devoted to the highest/truest/purest version of ourselves as we act in the world, to āsana, which is a state of being in which we can do the dishes, pick up the kids, go to a protest, dance at a party or do a handstand, to dhyāna, which is when we have done the work to then be moved into effortless action and awareness—we will see how this path of Ashtanga is for the brave. We will ask questions such as:
What does it mean to take action?
What are the requirements for a safe and sovereign life for all?
How do we affect our environment and the people living in it?
What does Yoga have to do with politics?
How to know when to take action and when to take rest?
Why is being active in our lives our responsibility?
Who is an activist and what is “burnout” according to Yoga?
How do we build courage and sustain curiosity?
How will engaging in Ashtanga affect my life, community and future?
We will work to explicate for ourselves what Patañjali presents in the Yoga Sūtra. In this process, we will acknowledge our current psychological standing—both individually and culturally. Whether our aim is to choose Yoga or only to understand it, we will recognize that it is only possible by better appreciating these Southeast Asian philosophical contributions.
Immense gratitude to Dr. Shyam Ranganathan, MA, MA, PhD, of Yoga Philosophy, who is a field-changing researcher, scholar, author and teacher of philosophy, and an expert in the neglected traditions of Indian moral philosophy, which covers practical questions of how to live, what to aim for, and what we should value—including Yoga.
No prior Yoga study necessary.
This course is guided by Julia.
10 Yalla Yoga School credits.
Each class will include:
Theory
Discussion
Details:
Four 60-minute pre-recorded sessions
Direct access to me via email to ask questions
Private Facebook Group dedicated to Yalla Yoga students
