#168 Laura von Ostrowski – Unlocking The Power Of Yoga: Embodiment And The Yoga Sutras

( https://uni-hamburg.academia.edu/LauravonOstrowski |
@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.


Laura emphasises the importance of observing the mind and finding
practices that lead to heightened states of concentration. They
also touch on the concept of the ego and its role in practice.
The conversation explores the different perspectives on
interpreting the Yoga Sutras, including the emic and etic
approaches.


"My PhD was about observing how in the 21st century Patanjali is
connected to the physical practice, especially to Ashtanga yoga."


"How do these practices get us into a state of concentration and
absorption?"


"Flow state is not what Patanjali meant with Samadhi, but maybe
it can be deemed as a small Samadhi."


"What we're doing is, I believe, ethic, is that right?"


"We're looking from the outside."


"We're not trying to lose the ego."


SUPPORT US


Subscribe, like and share our videos, it helps us a lot 


Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf


Support us directly: https://paypal.me/adamandtheresa


Become a Patron for €10 monthly:
https://keenonyoga.com/membership/


CONNECT WITH US


Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/keen_on_yoga/ |
https://www.instagram.com/adam_keen_ashtanga/


Work Enquiries: info@keenonyoga.com


 


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.