To what extent is knowledge an obstacle? Is ignorance bliss? 🤔

Although it can be helpful to admit to not knowing, it rarely feels comfortable. I’ve been reflecting on that recently while working on some writing about yoga and politics, and it’s also a theme on my year-long course, The Path of Knowledge.

This podcast discusses distinctions between what sounds true and what’s verifiable, as well as yogic tensions in seeking the truth by transcending the known. It also talks about the limits of scholarly knowledge and practical insight, while considering ways of balancing both of these perspectives.

Since we really don’t know how much we don’t know about the history of yoga, that can add to discomfort when looking for clarity about what’s authentic, or traditional – or any other word that tries to get grounded in something more certain. However, that can be the start of resolving confusion for oneself.

🙋‍♂️ The recording incorporates clips from a talk that had slides (which are available here) and it includes Q&A about The Path of Knowledge. A new intake starts in September – you can find out more and join us here.

🧘‍♀️ I’m also running a retreat based on some of the highlights from the course – more details here. If you have any questions, send me an email.

🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee... Your support is greatly appreciated!

Were the all-embracing visions of William Blake shaped by Indian philosophy? 🪷

A new book by Mark Vernon explores what inspired Blake alongside his influence. Although he died 200 years ago, he was a prophet for our times, perceiving the spirit of some of the issues we're still grappling with – from rapid technological change to mass discontent and estrangement from nature.

Blake is probably best known as an artist and writer, but he was also a mystic and an intellectual critic. Disillusioned by creeping materialism, he sought to awaken an expansive perspective in which everything is holy – which sounds like ideas in the Bhagavad Gītā.

Our conversation explores these parallels, as well as Blake’s Christian roots, and how there’s often more to famous quotes – from “the doors of perception” to “dark Satanic Mills” – than first meets the eye. Above all, we reflect on the transformative power to imagine and how it might transport us into eternity.

Like Blake, Mark has wide-ranging interests, working as a writer, broadcaster and therapist. His books cover ancient philosophy, spiritual intelligence, Dante’s Divine Comedy and many other topics. You can find out more about him here.

🎓 Join me on The Path of Knowledge for a year-long guide to yogic wisdom.

🧘‍♂️ I also have a Swiss retreat in September, exploring a mix of discussion and practice.

🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee... Your support is greatly appreciated!

What does it mean to inhabit a world that’s alive with deities, which might be less like gods than enlightened aspects of the mind? How could that influence how we relate to ourselves, to each other and to our surroundings?

Yeshe Palmo has practised tantric Buddhism for roughly four decades, inspired by an empowerment from the Dalai Lama in 1985. Her teacher was Thrangu Rinpoche and in recent years she’s worked with Mingyur Rinpoche's Awareness Yoga – on which more here, along with a video of Yeshe in action.

Our conversation explores her experience from multiple angles, including what inspired her to become a Buddhist nun. We also talk about her M.A. research on how postural yoga can help Western Buddhists before long retreats, and reflect on whether monasteries are necessary to pass on traditions.

Above all, we consider what it means to have a sacred view, and how deities and nature spirits might be helpful in practice – despite potential objections from the rational mind. This episode expands on some themes from the last one (which is archived here), but there’s no need to hear them in order.

🤿 For a year-long immersion in yogic traditions, join me for The Path of Knowledge.

🧘‍♂️ I also have a Swiss retreat in September, exploring a mix of discussion and practice.

🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee... Your support is greatly appreciated!