Laura von Ostrowski - ( uni-hamburg.academia.edu/Laur... | @yoganerds_de )
Adam and Laura discuss the application of the Yoga Sutras to modern yoga practice. Laura's PhD focused on how the Yoga Sutras can be applied to the physical practice of Ashtanga yoga. They explore the concept of embodiment and how it relates to the classical philosophy of the Yoga Sutras. They also discuss the idea of concentration and absorption in modern practice, and how it may differ from the traditional interpretation of Patanjali's teachings.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Topic
00:28 Applying Classical Philosophy to Modern Practice
04:25 Practices for Concentration and Absorption
06:16 The Relationship between Body and Mind
07:36 Differentiating Samadhi and Flow State
08:05 Adapting Patanjali's Teachings to Modern Life
09:27 The Role of Enlightenment in Modern Ashtanga Yoga
10:53 Interpreting the Yoga Sutras for Modern Practitioners
12:24 The Concept of Ego in Practice
13:57 Understanding the Context of the Yoga Sutras
15:22 The Practicality of the Yamas
19:11 The Interpretation and Relevance of the Yoga Sutras
21:38 The Influence of Other Texts on the Yoga Sutras
23:08 The Importance of Context in Understanding the Sutras
25:27 Exploring the Commentary on the Sutras
28:23 The Evolution of the Yoga Sutras and Interpretation
31:03 Taking Responsibility for Interpretation and Practice
33:24 Approaching the Commentary on the Sutras
35:32 Recognizing the Original Context of the Sutras
37:02 Krishnamacharya's Love for the Yoga Sutras
37:13 Different Perspectives on Yoga Sutras
38:02 Questioning the Texts
38:59 The Role of Ego in Yoga
39:53 Living Fully in the World
40:19 The Problem of Ego and Preferences
41:18 Engagement with Life
44:20 The Fascination with Patanjali's Philosophy
45:14 The Importance of Ego in Life
48:07 Curiosity and Open-Mindedness
51:05 Vivekananda's Influence on Modern Yoga
53:26 The Holistic Movement Practices of the West
56:08 The Mind-Body Split in Modern Yoga
01:04:09 Inspiration: Curiosity
01:06:31 Guilty Pleasure: Lying Around and Doing Nothing
Key Points
• The Yoga Sutras can be applied to modern yoga practice, but it's important to consider the context and adapt the teachings to fit our current lifestyles.
• Observing the mind and finding practices that lead to heightened states of concentration can be valuable in modern practice.
• The concept of the ego in yoga practice is complex and can be interpreted differently. It's important to find a balance between honouring the teachings of Patanjali and adapting them to our modern worldview.
• The Yamas, or ethical guidelines, can be seen as contemplation points rather than strict rules to follow. It's important to reflect on how they apply to our lives and make conscious choices.
• Reading the commentaries on the Yoga Sutras can provide a deeper understanding of the text, but it's helpful to have guidance from a teacher or someone knowledgeable in Sankhya philosophy.
• Recognizing that the Yoga Sutras have been interpreted and adapted throughout history can provide mental clarity and a sense of relaxation when exploring their teachings. There are different perspectives on interpreting the Yoga Sutras, including the emic (within the culture) and etic (cross-cultural) approaches.
• It is important to question and critically examine the text rather than blindly following it.
• The concept of ego should not be eliminated, as it is necessary for engagement and living fully in the world.
• Vivekananda played a significant role in bringing the Yoga Sutras to the modern context, but his promotion of disembodied practices should be reconsidered.
• Curiosity is a valuable trait that allows for open-mindedness and continuous learning.
• Taking time to simply be and do nothing can be a guilty pleasure that provides a break from the busyness of life.