Epics, poems, music, sculpture, dance, myths, and treatises on yoga will come alive in this 14-week series exploring the history of yoga and its relationship to Indian art. Connect with some of the roots of yoga and explore the way it has both influenced and been represented in the performing, literary, and visual arts of India.

We will examine the progression of yoga, starting with the earliest appearance of a yogi, or something like one, in the Rg Veda, and continuing with the forest dwellers of the Upanishads, the heroes of the epics, and the medieval hatha yogis and their internal alchemy, as well as their roles as mercenary soldiers, roadside acrobats, and eventually health enthusiasts. We will also explore paintings, temple sculpture, music, poetry, and of course “Natya”, also known as the 5th Veda- Dance and Dramatic art. As Bharata says in the Natya Shastra, a sanskrit treatise on performing arts, “There is no art, no knowledge, no yoga, no action that is not found in Natya.”

Drawing on his background in Indian classical dance and martial arts, as well as his extensive experience as a yoga practitioner and performing artist, Douglas will guide you toward opportunities to dive into subjects that nourish and deepen your practice.

The course is open to everyone with an interest!

Class size limited, register early to reserve your space.

Weekly Meetings: Wednesdays, September 22-December 22, 2021, 7:00-8:30pm

Cost: $340 through August 21, $425 after.

*To inquire about scholarship options please email access@8limbsyoga.com with “History & Art of Yoga” in the subject field.

Featured Art: Madan-Bhasma (Shiva Turns to Ashes), from India, 1890 CE

Teacher Training

These workshops can be taken as part of our 300/500-hour Teacher Training. The hours all count as Philosophy, Lifestyle & Ethics. If you are enrolled in our 300/500 Teacher Training click here to take this course for credit.

Note: Our series require a minimum of five registered participants, by five days before the start date; if you are considering joining please register early.

Cancellation Policy: Refunds of 90% up to five days prior to start of series. No refunds allowable after that time.

If you are having issues enrolling for this course in advance please email membership@8limbsyoga.com.
If you have questions about course content, preparation, or recordings, or are having enrollment issues within 24 hours of the course or class, email education@8limbsyoga.com.
Some series can be joined late, with approval at full cost (email education@8limbsyoga.com); Prior recordings will be shared upon approval.

About the instructor: Douglas Ridings

Douglas Ridings has been teaching Yoga at 8 limbs for more than 20 years. His Odissi Guru is Dr. Ratna Roy, and he has performed under her direction in the Urvasi Dance Ensemble in both the US and India. He learned the body conditioning practices of Kalaripayattu from Guru Krishna Das at Vallabhatta Kalari in Chavakkad, Kerala. He has studied Chhau with Guru Sadahiv Pradhan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.