Ep 242 Keen on Yoga Podcast - Elizabeth Kadetsky

Elizabeth Kadetsky discusses her book 'First There Is A Mountain', detailing her experiences with Iyengar Yoga and the cultural dynamics surrounding it. She reflects on her journey to writing the book, her experiences in India, and the complexities of dietary practices within the yoga community. The discussion also touches on the historical context of Hindu nationalism, Iyengar's legacy, and the evolution of yoga practices over time. Kadetsky shares her insights on the nuances of yoga culture, the impact of her research, and her current approach to yoga.

www.elizabethkadetsky.com | @ekadetsky

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Key Points

• Elizabeth Kadetsky is a writer and professor at Penn State.
• Her book 'First There Is A Mountain' was published in 2004.
• Kadetsky's first trip to India was in 1997, leading to her research on Iyengar Yoga.
• Iyengar Yoga emphasizes alignment and the use of props.
• Dietary practices in yoga can reflect cultural and communal identities.
• Kadetsky experienced cultural shock when practicing yoga in India compared to the West.
• Iyengar's influence on yoga is significant but complex, involving historical and cultural dynamics.
• The rise of Hindu nationalism has impacted the perception of yoga in India.
• Kadetsky sees her book as a reflection of its time, capturing a specific moment in yoga history.
• Her current yoga practice focuses more on meditation and breath rather than strict physical exercise.




Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Elizabeth Kadetsky and Her Work
00:48 The Journey to Writing 'First There Is A Mountain'
02:55 Pitching the Book to BKS Iyengar
05:22 The Impact of the Book on the Iyengar Community
07:08 Diet, Restriction, and Yoga Experiences
12:27 Cultural Shock: Practicing Yoga in India
17:54 The Insular Community of Western Yogis in Pune
19:33 Interactions with Senior Iyengar Teachers
23:26 Historical Context of Yoga and Hindu Nationalism
25:35 Iyengar's Legacy and Relationship with the West
28:57 The Impact of Krishnamurti on Iyengar's Life
29:44 Iyengar's Philosophical Lineage and Its Evolution
30:59 Iyengar's Connection with the Parsi Community
31:46 The Shift in Iyengar's Identity During India's Independence
33:00 Iyengar's Embrace of Hindu Nationalism
34:24 The Generational Divide in Iyengar's Family
35:31 Iyengar's Relationship with Western Practitioners
37:06 Cultural Shifts in Indian Yoga Practices
39:34 Iyengar's Unique Approach to Yoga and Alignment
43:03 The Authenticity of Iyengar Yoga
44:02 Iyengar's Complex Relationship with Krishnamacharya
45:38 Colonial Context and Its Influence on Iyengar
48:05 Reflections on the Book and Personal Yoga Practice