Yoga's Hidden History: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda, MA

This podcast explores the complexities of yoga history and its relevance to contemporary yoga practices. Firdose Moonda, a yoga teacher, journalist, academic, and researcher, challenges the necessity of in-depth knowledge of ancient yoga philosophy for modern instructors, particularly when teaching predominantly female students. The conversation questions the overreliance on Sanskrit and ancient texts like the Yoga Sutras, which may not directly apply to present-day practitioners. Moonda advocates for a nuanced understanding of yoga's evolution, acknowledging Western influences and the impact of physical culture movements. She highlights the importance of adapting yoga to meet the needs of diverse bodies and lifestyles, encouraging teachers to move beyond romanticized notions of ancient India and create practices relevant to their students' lives.