Dr. Jim Mallinson, Boden Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford, delves into the ancient roots of yoga, tracing its origins over 3,000 years back. He discusses the significant differences between ancient practices and modern interpretations, highlighting asceticism's role. Mallinson examines early yogic texts, the influence of the Shramana movement, and critical works like the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. He also explores the connections between breath, meditation, and the evolution of yoga into a transformative spiritual practice.
