The Philosophy of Yoga: Beyond the Physical

If you are too close to a mountain, you cannot see its height. Similarly, if you get stuck in the performance of an asana, the plot of yoga is lost. We discuss moving beyond the physical experience to use yoga as a tool to understand who we are.

How does pranayama fit within the framework of Ashtanga yoga? We explore the foundations of the practice, explaining how balancing the body through asana prepares you to work with the subtle energy of the breath.

Yoga can be described as a process of purification. Through practice, we remove the colored films of our past experiences, allowing us to see life as it is. This is the essence of *Yogaś-citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ*.

Indian mythology is filled with rich stories that give context to our practices. Here, we share the fun story of how Hanuman, in his devotion to his guru Surya (the sun), is said to have created the poses of Surya Namaskara.

A practitioner often faces a dilemma: are the answers within, or in the scriptures? We explore this common challenge on the spiritual path and the importance of putting knowledge into practice to avoid stagnation.

Where did spiritual thought systems originate? We delve into the idea that the inherent fear of non-existence gives rise to desire, and the questioning of this desire led to the development of practices for self-refinement.

We explore the wisdom of women in yoga's history. This course delves into the life and revolutionary Vachanas (poems) of Akka Mahadevi, a 12th-century mystic from Karnataka who chose the path of *bhakti*.

We all share a common pool of energy. When we practice yoga, we regulate our own energy, and this positively affects those around us. We discuss how individual practice contributes to the well-being of the collective.

The theme 'One Earth, One Health' or *Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam* is central to our philosophy. We explain how creating harmony within yourself through practice is the first step to creating a chain of positive interactions in the world.