#7 Workshop coming soon: Introduction to the Yoga Sutra
An upcoming workshop I am running on the Yoga Sutra of Patañjali, often thought of as one of the most important ancient yoga texts, and some additional yoga treats.
Introduction to the Yoga Sutra workshop
14th November, 6.15pm-8.15pm Seaview IOW
£15
A date change from the previous newsletter, as I am now partnering with Emma Spencer-Goodier and the Island School of Yoga to offer this workshop.
Have you heard the Yoga Sutra of Patañjali mentioned in classes, but are not sure what it is? Perhaps you have studied it a little and would like to know more about it? This relaxed workshop will give you a full introduction to this fascinating yoga text, considered by many to be a foundational philosophical underpinning for our modern practice (as ever, the truth is more complicated, but also more interesting).
We will learn who wrote it, where the ideas within it come from, how to read it and how its reception and interpretation has changed since it was written, over 1500 years ago. We will also read multiple translations together, explore its particular approach to liberation practices and discuss how it might relate to yoga today. No prior knowledge required.
The workshop will be lead by me, Martha Henson. Some background, should this go beyond my subscriber list. I run IntoYoga, based on the island, an organisation sharing yoga scholarship and exploring its relation to practice. I have a master's degree (distinction) in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation from SOAS University, and was for two years the project coordinator for the SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies, chaired by Dr James Mallinson. I am continuing to explore new areas of research within yoga and meditation studies, and love collaborating with others to bring this knowledge to life in practice.
£15 per person. To book, email me hello@intoyoga.co.uk. Only 20 places available.
(Please get in touch if you would like to attend but finances prevents you).
Other yoga news
A few links that might be of interest
A reminder that there is a rich backlog of yoga scholarship to be found on the SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies YouTube page. I very much enjoyed the recent SOAS CYS discussion between Daniela Bevilacqua and Raphaël Voix to launch her brilliant book, From Tapas to Modern Yoga: Sādhus’ Understanding of Embodied Practices (Equinox 2024). Not sure whether the recording will turn up on the CYS YouTube channel or the SOAS store page, worth keeping an eye on both.
In a couple of weeks, on the 2nd November, SOAS CYS are holding an Autumn Summit with the British Wheel of Yoga on Yoga: Health, Harm and Healing. You can join in person in London or online. They say: “This initiative marks a unique collaborative event between renowned scholars and leading yoga practitioners. Our aim is to provide a day of learning, reflection, and thought-provoking discussion on contemporary themes in Yoga Studies. This year’s summit is delighted to welcome six speakers, who will explore yoga and its relationship with health, harm, and healing.”
There was so much good stuff in the recent Yoga Studies Yogavidyā conference, mentioned in the last newsletter. I really enjoyed it. Hope you were able to catch some of it too. Alas it was only free live, but can still be viewed on demand for a fee.
Following our History of Yoga event with Dr James Mallinson, plans are afoot to bring another very special speaker over to the island to give us a run down on the wonderful history of OM. Keep an eye on this newsletter for details and please do share with others you think might be interested. Subscribing to this is the best way to find out about local yoga studies events and other online yoga opportunities!
Is there a yoga subject you would like to know more about? Get in touch as I am always looking for ideas for future workshops.