You’ve been here for a while — if you find this page helpful or informative, you’re very welcome to leave a small tip. Even £2–£5 helps to support my PhD studies and allows me to keep sharing thoughtful, well-researched content.
It was an honour and a pleasure to join Daniel Simpson on his Ancient Futures podcast to discuss my PhD research. In this wide-ranging conversation, we primarily talk about my research on kriyās, the purificatory and remedial practices of haṭhayoga, while also delving into related questions about how yoga is widely understood and practised today.
I was recently invited by Adam Keen to be a guest on the Keen on Yoga Podcast. We talk about my research on the Indo-Persian martial origins of Sūryanamaskār.
Earlier this year, the Journal of Yoga Studies published an article I wrote, in which I share findings from research on Sūryanamaskār that I conducted at SOAS, University of London, between 2021 and 2023. The article was originally my MA dissertation and was supervised by Professor James Mallinson. In the article, I examine the martial origins of Sūryanamaskār and present groundbreaking new research on its Persian provenance and links to both Indian and Persian wrestling traditions.
Yoga teachers, would you like to gain confidence in pronouncing Sanskrit? Kīrtan wallahs, how much could you enhance your practice through some foundational Sanskrit knowledge?
Over the past forty years, a new transnational movement has emerged in which participants engage in techniques of contemplation that fall under the broad rubric of 'mindfulness'.
If you find something here that you find interesting, you’re very welcome to leave a tip — even £2–£5 helps. I’m currently a full-time PhD student, and contributions are greatly appreciated. They help support my research and allow me to keep sharing thoughtful, well-researched content. Whether or not you’re able to contribute, thank you for spending time here.
James is a yoga teacher-trainer and PhD candidate. He holds a Master's degree in Traditions of Yoga & Meditation from SOAS, University of London.
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