Traditionally, physical yoga aims to raise vital energy. This is often described as a serpent-like power that dissolves the mind. However, one influential teacher saw Kuṇḍalinī differently. T. Krishnamacharya, who taught B.K.S. Iyengar and K. Pattabhi Jois, said it was a blockage that had to be burned, not a means to liberation. Simon Atkinson's book explains why. Drawing on his experiences as well as his research, this conversation explores implications for modern practitioners. Simon has practised yoga for more than 20 years in the tradition most closely associated with Krishnamacharya's son, T.K.V. Desikachar.

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What happens if we think for ourselves, instead of taking things on faith from ancient texts? Peter Blackaby teaches what he calls “humanistic yoga”, based on “modern understandings of neurology, psychology and biomechanics.” This includes "stripping away the culturally specific aspects of yoga that might not be useful or relevant,” such as many of the theories of Indian philosophy. In which case, why call it yoga? Our conversation considers the basis for this, noting overlaps between his ideas and traditional teachings.

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