Listen " The Story of Yoga: Honoring Its History, Embracing Its Future "
Episode Synopsis
Summary
In this episode, Lauren Leduc explores the rich history of yoga, tracing its evolution from ancient spiritual practices to its modern-day interpretations. She discusses the significance of understanding yoga's roots for both practitioners and teachers, emphasizing the importance of honoring its origins while adapting to contemporary needs. The conversation highlights key historical figures and texts that shaped yoga, the challenges of commodification and cultural appropriation in the modern yoga industry, and the call for a deeper connection to yoga's philosophical teachings.
Takeaways
Understanding the history of yoga provides context for modern practice.
Yoga's origins may trace back to ancient Egypt or the Indus Valley.
The Vedic period introduced the first yogic texts, the Vedas.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras formalized the philosophy of yoga.
The Bhagavad Gita outlines different paths of yoga beyond physical postures.
Tantra and Hatha yoga emphasized the physical body for spiritual awakening.
Modern yoga emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century.
Krishnamacharya is considered the father of modern yoga.
The yoga industry faces challenges of commodification and cultural appropriation.
Practitioners should strive to honor yoga's roots while adapting to modern needs.
Chapters
00:00 The Historical Roots of Yoga
10:35 The Evolution of Yoga Practices
14:46 Modern Yoga: Challenges and Opportunities
More episodes of the podcast Deepen Your Yoga Practice
Root Chakra: Finding Stability Through Yoga
29/09/2025
10 Years of True Love Yoga
15/09/2025
Back to Yoga: Recommitting to Your Practice
08/09/2025
Inversions 101: Safe, Strong & Supported
01/09/2025
Finding Your Voice as a Yoga Teacher
25/08/2025
Chakras: Map, Metaphor, or Something More?
18/08/2025
Yoga to Counter Sitting All Day
11/08/2025