A Practice History of Yoga

In this course we will approach the practices of yoga through its history: what were the practices people were doing two thousand years ago, or five-hundred years ago? What can we learn from a deep archaeology of practice?

Contemporary American yoga culture reflects a very narrow, short branch of yoga history. Many of the original practices and philosophies have fallen away, and been replaced with new or transformed elements. Much of yoga’s long history is plain forgotten in today’s marketplace of yoga. But by looking closely at yoga’s history of practice, and carefully considering the role and goal of these practices, we can open out possibilities for our present moment.

Some of this history of the ancient past may seem strange to us. Nevertheless, in examining these ideas, and how practices work in different contexts, we become able to reflect more deeply on our own practice, and our own goals, in a new and fresh light. This process can open new doors, enrich our practice, and help us reflect more deeply on what it means to “do yoga” today.

JOY students must first apply to the JOY 300-Hour Certification to receive credit.