This fascinating conversation with Anjali Rao reveals yoga's complex and often untold stories, challenging us to think beyond the simplified narratives we usually hear. Rather than viewing yoga as a static, ancient practice, Anjali shows us how it has always been shaped by social, political, and cultural forces. Her book "Yoga as Embodied Resistance" uncovers the voices of women and marginalised communities throughout history who used yoga as a tool for liberation and resistance, even when dominant power structures tried to exclude them.
One of the most compelling aspects of the discussion is how Anjali approaches her research. She describes it as "an embodied, intuitive process" - a non-linear journey of connecting stories and perspectives that might otherwise remain scattered. Through storytelling, she humanises history, making these forgotten narratives accessible and relatable. As she puts it, "Storytelling humanises. Everybody can relate to stories." This approach reveals remarkable individuals from different periods who challenged gender and caste norms, offering us alternative ways of understanding spirituality and personal transformation.
The conversation also dives into the political dimensions of language, particularly Sanskrit, which has historically been a tool of power and exclusion. Anjali explains how "only dominant caste men were permitted to use Sanskrit," and how colonial scholarship further amplified these dynamics. Yet she also shows us how language has always been fluid and dynamic, with Sanskrit itself absorbing influences from regional languages across India.
Perhaps most importantly, Anjali invites us to embrace complexity and reject binary thinking in our understanding of yoga and transformation. She emphasises the importance of "building capacity for ourselves and in our communities to hold multiplicities" - recognising that yoga's true power lies not in perfectionism or rigid adherence to tradition, but in its potential for ongoing personal and collective liberation. This perspective offers a refreshing alternative to the often commercialised and simplified version of yoga we encounter today.
