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.
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 as well as my current PhD research on Yogakriyās.You can watch the full interview here.
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 in Britain: Stretching Spirituality and Educating Yogis by Suzanne Newcombe charts the course of yoga’s propagation within the cultural landscape of twentieth-century Britain.
My family was recently given a set of Snakes and Ladders. It’s a cheap, plastic set - a rollup sheet, little pieces..
"The wrongs of our past have resurfaced
Despite all we did to vanquish the traces..
If you find something here that informs, inspires, or supports your yoga journey, you’re very welcome to leave a small tip — even £2–£5 helps. I’m currently a full-time PhD student, and contributions are greatly appreciated. They help support my studies 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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