155: Yoga’s Hidden History: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda, MA

For us to know where we are headed, it is crucial to understand where we came from and how we got here today. To that end, host Rachel Land and returning guest Firdose Moonda MA spend today’s episode discussing yoga’s history, examining aspects of that history that are often overlooked.

They dive into the challenge of balancing respect for the ancient traditions of yoga with the techniques that are most relevant to modern students, and debate whether teachers need to reference yoga’s history in every class they teach.

Listen in to learn why yoga history matters, what might be missing from your understanding of it, and what questions to ponder as we all take part in creating the yoga history of the future.

“My purpose is to get people thinking: what can I do that’s relevant to the people I’m teaching? How can I speak their language so that it unlocks not just the body, but something in the mind?” – Firdose Moonda, MA

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“Modern asana — the lunges, forward folds, and open-hip poses — is only about 150 years old, coming from an amalgamation of yoga, bodybuilding, gymnastics, and physical culture.” – Firdose Moonda, MA

Show Notes:

• Does yoga’s history matter? [2:15]
• Pros and cons of teaching ancient yoga history [7:38]
• What is missing from the yoga history commonly taught? [12:05]
• Western influence on yoga [14:54]
• The delicate balance of respect and relevance [19:58]
• Critical missing components of yoga history [25:54]
• The modern intermingling of yoga and wellness [30:31]
• Should we always incorporate yoga history in teaching? [35:48]
• Wrap up and questions to ponder [37:33]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• LIVE Online The History of Yoga Teacher Training
• Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes:
  • 100: Yoga, Politics & History: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA
  • 114: Yoga & Religion: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA
• Yoga Medicine® Book Club
• Connect with Firdose Moonda MA:

Firdose Moonda | Instagram | YMO Guest Teacher

“What is the attraction to ancient India, which was also steeped in casteism, patriarchy, and social division? Are we just trying to romanticize a world that didn’t exist?” – Firdose Moonda, MA