Is this thing that we're doing still yoga?

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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