Ancient Futures Podcast
1) Enlightened Choices – Simon Haas
What does it mean to choose wisely? Which kinds of values support this? To what extent are they related to ethics? How similar are Indian traditions to modern ideas about what to prioritise? Might tea...Show More
2) Kuṇḍalinī Experiences – Sravana Borkataky-Varma + Anya Foxen
What exactly is Kuṇḍalinī? It depends... What began as an energetic metaphor has morphed into a framework for transcending trauma, and much else besides. Does a snake-like entity really ascend? What s...Show More
3) Practical Wisdom – Jessica Böhme
What if change had more to do with relationships than miracle solutions? Which priorities help them work better? How does one take meaningful action without having the power to determine its outcomes?...Show More
4) Breath Cultivation – Lena Kraler
What distinguishes contemporary breath-control from earlier prāṇāyāma? 💨To what extent have external influences shaped Indian practices? How have things changed since the mid-nineteenth century? How ...Show More
5) Le Carré in Action – Michela Wrong
What distinguishes fiction from facts? John le Carré is renowned for Cold War spy thrillers, yet over half his books were published after 1990 and they tackled modern issues that he had to research. A...Show More
6) Transformative Stories – Lily Dunn
What was the impact of the Osho / Rajneesh cult on the families of members? Why might some people struggle to heal old wounds? To what extent is abuse of children still unacknowledged? How can telling...Show More
7) Studying Yoga – Theo Wildcroft + Barbora Sojkova
What might scholars learn from yoga practitioners, as well as vice versa? To what extent do their worldviews differ? Are their methods of inquiry compatible? Since many academics also practise yoga, a...Show More
8) Embodied Resistance – Anjali Rao
What might we learn from the marginalised stories of women in yogic traditions? 🧘♀️Although female practitioners are prevalent today, ancient texts mostly talk about men. However, broadening the foc...Show More
9) Natural Harmony? – Daniel Simpson
What does it mean to be well in yogic terms? How far does this involve integration with natural surroundings? 🌳Many early teachings prioritise the opposite, promoting withdrawal and inward focus, whi...Show More
10) Shall All Be Well? – Hannah Lucas
What can we learn from a medieval hermit about how to live? A surprising amount perhaps. Julian of Norwich is the author of the oldest surviving book by a woman in English – her Revelations of Divine ...Show More