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The Yoga Book Club Podcast

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“High quality courses and classes with experienced and authentic instructors.”

Have you ever wanted to dig deeper into yogic concepts you’ve learned about? Or maybe you’re beginning your yoga journey and are curious to find out how the practice has been written about over the centuries? In the Yoga Book Club podcast, you’ll have an opportunity to dive into different aspects of yoga philosophy, practice, theory, and technique. Expert hosts shed light on classic and contemporary books about yoga to bring forward the timeless and timely themes that affect all of us and to help you begin (or enrich) your path of self-inquiry.

Each season has its own host and book. The first two seasons, hosted by wellness consultant and yoga teacher Anusha Wijeyakumar, are on the Bhagavad Gita (one of yoga’s central philosophical texts). In the first episode, she delves into the background of Swami Nikhilananda's introduction to the Gita, analyzes the concept of dharma (right conduct) and its application to our modern lives, and reflects on how we can grapple with the legacy of colonial rule in India as we explore the essence of dharma.

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Section 1
  • In this episode we explore an introduction to the Bhagavad Gita using Swami Nikhilananda's translation directly from Sanskrit. (Swami Nikhilananda was a Hindu monk of the Ramakrishna Order of monastics, and he was a direct disciple of the Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi.) In Chapter 1 we explore Arjuna's grief, the path of dharma (right conduct), and the need for caste reform in India according to Swami Yogananda and Mahatma Gandhi. The episode ends with a reflection on how we can tap into following our dharma in this life.
  • In this episode we explore the meaning of karma and reincarnation as it pertains to the Gita and yoga philosophy. We also discuss the different paths of yoga and the gunas. The episode ends with a reflection on how we can bring the gunas into balance and start living our yoga practice off our mat and into our daily lives by the use of karma yoga and right action.
  • In this episode we explore the importance of attuning our actions with a higher consciousness. We discuss the importance of action versus inaction. We also discuss the need to dismantle the caste system in India which is a form of religious fundamentalist supremacy. I expand upon the kleshas and how they relate to bringing our mind and senses under our control. We end with a reflection on how utilizing tapas, one of the niyamas, can assist us in self-discipline and self-control.
  • In this episode we discuss the importance of pursuing knowledge or Vidya on the path of Yoga. We also discuss Lord Krishna as an avatar of Lord Vishnu. We explore reincarnation and the significance of this in understanding maya and the delusion that is created by attachment to the world that we live in. We break down further the path of action versus inaction and how we can achieve liberation through selfless action and service to humanity. We navigate the different types of Prana and how this relates to pranayama. We end with a reflection on the importance of pranayama in our Yoga practice as...
  • In this episode Anusha discusses the path of selfless action as a way of renunciation. She explores the concepts of abhyasa (constant and dedicated practice) and vairagya (freedom from desire) and non attachment as pivotal in our pursuit of the ultimate goal of yoga: a goal which has got nothing to do with mastering poses. She also talks about how destructive attachment to titles can be and how we must start decolonizing our yoga practice in order to understand what the essence of yoga really is. The episode ends with a reflection on the importance of meditation and mindfulness as ways to let go...
  • In this episode we explore the 4 parts of the mind and Limbs 6 and 7, Dharana and Dhyana as a way to liberation. We discuss the 4 stages of a Hindu householder's life and delve further into the definition of what being a "Yogi" means according to the Gita, moving away from the whitewashing and continual colonization of this term. We end with a reflection on how we can utilize the mantra OM as a way to unite individual consciousness with universal consciousness and yoke all of our actions to the Divine presence that is all pervading.
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Meet Your Teacher

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Anusha Wijeyakumar
I’m Anusha Wijeyakumar. I’m passionate about honoring the roots of Yoga and educating people on the importance... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely, you can include this podcast in your Yoga Alliance training hours, with each hour equivalent to one continuing education credit.
This podcast is entirely self- paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience.There are no imposed deadlines or time constraints for Podcast completion.
No prerequisites are required; this podcast is open to anyone interested in deepening their knowledge and practice.
No, the podcast is accessible to all individuals interested in enriching their understanding and practice of yoga.Yoga teaching certification is not a prerequisite.

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Anusha Wijeyakumar
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