The ‘I‘ that Almost Isn’t - a pragmatic introduction to Self-Knowledge according to Advaitya Vedanta
Tuesdays 19/26 Sept & 3/10 Oct (7.30-9pm)
The practice of yoga tends to invite many questions. Depending on the person and the teacher, yoga classes can be competitive spaces, where participants push themselves to be ‘better’ at the poses than each other. Sometimes the competition is with an imagined perfect version of oneself, more bendy, more disciplined, able to hold the pose longer without wobbling, or maybe more improved by the ‘spiritual side’ of yoga. Other classes will encourage the sense of wellbeing and peace that the practice of yoga asanas can induce. In all these experiences, the notion of ‘I’ is ever present.
This course asks, who is this ‘I’ of many opinions?
It bases itself on concepts of self in Advaitya Vedanta, an intellectual tradition and philosophy of life from ancient times that resonates with startling clarity in the contemporary world.
The ideas that became known as Advaitya Vedanta emerged as a response to the later chapters of the Vedas (c. 1500-1000 BCE), and more specifically from reflections on the texts of the Upanishads (c. 700 BCE) including significant commentaries that followed. Vedantist understanding of the self, of human existence, of work and relationships are echoed also in the teachings and challenges of the Bhagavad Gita (c. 400 BCE)
About the Course
Bearing in mind the lack of exact dates for these texts, the course will try to map out some of the relationships between them and other frequently mentioned sources you may have heard of in yoga classes. We’ll use images of sculptures and paintings to illustrate the ideas they contain, and find practical ways to break down the ideas in our own contexts.
Of more direct relevance to the question of self-knowledge we will explore:
- The nature of mind, body and reality as envisaged in Advaitya Vedanta;
- The difference between ‘little me’ and ‘Big Me’ in Advaitya Vedanta (jiva-atman and Atman);
- How seeing this difference can spark the ability to balance our immediate emotional responses with reflection and clarity on what’s best for the situation;
- The role of action, or work, in self-realisation (karma and karma-yoga);
- How self-knowledge can translate into your attitude to yourself as well as those around you;
- What do inclusion, activism and community mean when seen through this lens?
- And finally you might have a go at the question ‘can external change be effective while we remain internally unchanged?’
What to expect:
Each session will include an informative talk, and a simple but thought-provoking practical workshop to break down the concepts introduced.
The workshops will involve some movement, some crayons, some discussion, some silence, and hopefully a fair bit of laughter.
There will be handouts to help with vocabulary and key points, links to follow up pre or post sessions, and a reading list for those who wish to read further.
You do not need to have prior knowledge of Vedanta, yoga, or have an established practice. All are welcome!
Course Cost £79
(Drop In £25 - please note there’s no clear split in the material between each session)
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About Ranjana (in her own words)
Dr. Ranjana Thapalyal has been a fairly bad student of physical yoga practice for decades, and better at thinking about, researching and sharing the concepts behind it!
She is an Indian born inter-disciplinary artist and academic, based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her practice includes painting, ceramics and mixed media assemblages. Research has played a significant role throughout her career, focussed on the nature of materials themselves in the early work, to broader philosophical concerns leading later to written publications and collaborations.
Of particular interest are concepts of ‘self’ in South Asian and West African traditions, feminist readings of ancient philosophies of the South, cultural politics and the development of decolonising, anti-racist strategies for art pedagogy. She lectured for many years at Glasgow School of Art and now works freelance.