This discussion was recorded in London at the new Mission studio where Jason led Module I of his hybrid YTT a few weeks ago. Together, Jason and I explored the question -- Is this thing that we're all doing still actually yoga? Our power-hour or our 30-minute glo class or our rolling on foam rollers with some poses sprinkled in -- are those still yoga? Or has yoga in the West evolved into something else altogether?

A few tidbits that we discuss in the episode:

The fact that the word "yoga" has more than 350 definitions in Sanskrit, revealing its diverse nature.
The belief in a singular, authentic yoga tradition is challenged throughout history.
Swami Vivekananda's influence on bringing yoga to the United States and his perspective on Hatha Yoga.
Different yoga traditions, like Iyengar and Ashtanga, were once considered radical innovations.
The long-standing tension between "head up" and "head down" yogas: intellectual vs. physical practices.
The importance of focusing on one's practice and impact rather than judging others' practices.
The five common denominators of yoga traditions, including liberation teachings and philosophical infrastructure.
The significance of Abhyasa (effort) and Vairagya (letting go) in all yoga practices.
Yoga as a gradual process of replacing unconscious patterns with conscious beliefs aligned with self-realization.

Jason will be back at Mission in London in October -- join him for a 6-day immersion or for Module II of his Hybrid YTT. Get the details at: jasonyoga.com/london

You can find shownotes for this episode, including links to the books mentioned at: yogalandpodcast.com/episode304

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Is this thing that we're doing still yoga?

Yogaland Podcast