This week we are talking about all things "chakra." Where did they come from and how have they changed over time. We dig into the details of the "modern" or "western" chakra system before going back in time. The chakras find their origins in another practice of purifying the elements of the body. Over the centuries, many different chakra systems appear, until the modern age when the 7 chakra system gains prominence. This modern system has a few distinct traits, especially that there are 7 of them, they are associated with the nervous system or glands, they are rainbow colored and associated with psychological states. 

Referenced:
Roots of Yoga by Mallinson and Singleton
Yoga Body by Mark Singleton
The Serpent Power by Arthur Avalon
Rainbow Body by Kurt Leland

How do you say the word "chakra"? Is it shakra, kakra or chakra? It is easy to mispronounce this word because of the way it transliterates into the Roman (English) alphabet. But ultimately it is not a hard thing to understand or say. 

We continue the conversation about the nature of the Yogic Body, discussing a couple more big picture concepts. Sometimes the Yogic Body is a microcosm of the universe, with winds, planets and moons. We also consider whether the body evolves from the mind or vice versa, which is vital for most practices of yoga. Finally, we discuss the Yogic Body as represented by the life-force centers of the body, like the navel and heart.

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Referenced: Roots of Yoga by James Mallinson and Mark Singleton

We kick off our season-long discussion of The Yogic Body, tackling some big questions before digging into details. What is the difference between the "Yogic Body" and the "Subtle Body"? (5:42) We briefly introduce all the elements of the Yogic Body — chakras, kundalini, prana, vayus, nadis, bandhas, koshas (8:53) — before delving into whether the yogic body is real. (23:00) Of course, that question is more complex than it seems. Join us as we dig in!

www.ghoshyoga.org

Referenced: Yoga Body by Mark Singleton

We are back for a new season of Yoga World! This miniseries will cover the Yogic Body — chakras, kundalini, nadis and so much more. Stay tuned!

Why do we practice yoga postures? What are the benefits that we hope to get, and what have teachers told us will happen? This episode digs into the purpose and benefits of posture practice, especially in the past hundred years. Two big schools emerge, one of subtle energy and one of the body. Finally, what is the scientific evidence of any of it?

Continuing the conversation about alignment from the last episode, the discussion veers into 'prana' and 'virtue.' How does the body affect the flow of prana? For that matter, what is prana? And how does our physical alignment affect or symbolize our moral nature? Scott and Ida discuss these questions, along with abundant references and tangents.

Scott and Ida discuss the nature of "alignment" throughout the last hundred years. Did older texts talk about alignment? When did it become important, and how did that change the way we practice yoga? Is alignment a good idea? They cover early pioneers such as Krishnamacharya, Shivananda and Yogendra, as well as Iyengar and Jois, all the way into the modernity of Birch.

This episode is the first of two about alignment, covering the first three "buckets" of what it means.

Prior to the Yoga Sutras, the body is mostly held still to facilitate meditation. Also, a discussion of the Jain practices of austerity to burn karma. And an exploration of the Buddhist walking meditation, a practice that intentionally moves the body!

We dig into the Yoga Sutras to see what they say about asana practice. They are briefly explained as part of the eight-limbed system, and often included in arguments about disease and health. Are they a suitable form of meditation? Is modern asana practice squeezed into the Yoga Sutras via a loophole?

Following last week's episode which looked at yoga postures in the main texts of hathayoga, this week we look at postures in the earliest hathayoga as well as the tantric practices that influenced them. Plus discussion of the three (or four) ways to use the body in spiritual practice. And a brief appearance of Tibetan Buddhism.

What are yoga postures like in hathayoga? Scott & Ida dig into a couple Hatha texts and compare the asana instruction to modern practice.

Season 3 of Yoga World is all about asana! Myths, questions, history- a whole bunch of fascinating topics that relate to the practice of yoga postures. Heat? Oxygenation? We will dive into the concept of yoga as health.

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Scott & Ida consider the whole century, including its progression, its changes, and the questions left unanswered. Is yoga healthy? Do the internal organs relate to the chakras? Is yoga inherently peaceful? They cover lots of territory as they sort out the entire season's topics.

In the 1990s, yoga becomes powerful and hot. The birth of "Power Yoga", and everyone ties their teaching back to the Yoga Sutras. AG Mohan stimulates a conversation about the paradox of belief.

Fitness is king. While yoga has gradually become more physical, now we just want the exercise without the label 'yoga'. The first significant scientific study about yoga's aerobic impact, and Iyengar writes about performing for crowds.

The spiritual roots get stripped out of both yoga and meditation, leaving non-denominational practices for health and happiness. Add to that new trends in fitness and the dawn of aerobic exercise. Plus a special Elvis song about yoga.

The culture of the world changes drastically in the 1960s and yoga is part of it. Even the Beatles are meditating and put Yogananda on their cover. Two of the most game-changing books of the 20th century are here, as asana becomes central, with a side of yoga philosophy.

Scott and Ida discuss yoga in the 1950s, including the arrival of yoga in Hollywood, the rise of contortion, and whether holistic health is in opposition to accomplishing the impossible.

The second world war puts a lot of things on hold including yoga, but it creates famine and Indian Independence. This week we discuss yogic superpowers, nationalism and the idea that all religions are actually the same. Join us!