Yoga & Western Esotericism with Anya Foxen

In this episode of the Chit Heads podcast, Anya Foxen, a professor and author of "Inhaling Spirit," dives into the Western roots of contemporary yoga. She shares her personal journey from yoga enthusiast to academic, recounting her initial struggles to reconcile traditional Indian yoga philosophy with the modern postural practice we see today. Foxen introduces "harmonialism," a Western esoteric tradition that emphasizes interconnectedness and cosmic harmony, arguing that it has played a crucial role in shaping modern yoga. The conversation also explores the impact of Hellenistic ideas and Orientalism on Western views of yoga, urging listeners to adopt a more nuanced perspective on yoga's evolution and the intricacies of cultural exchanges. A significant takeaway is the understanding that modern yoga is a hybrid practice, intricately linked to Western esotericism as well as Indian traditions.