Evolving Traditions – Richard Davis

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit ancientfutures.substack.comTo what extent has yoga been influenced by socio-political forces, or competition for resources between different groups? Does understanding historical context help to make sense of teachings? What might we learn from the past that’s still relevant today?Richard Davis is an emeritus professor of religion at Bard College in New York. His latest book, Religions of Early India: A Cultural History, explores the fluidity of ancient traditions, including interactions between Brahmanical renouncers, Buddhists and Jains. He’s also the author of The Bhagavad Gita: A Biography, a fascinating story of how the text has been interpreted over the centuries.Having taught undergraduates for 35 years, Richard writes accessibly about the big picture, so our conversation surfs across several millennia. We focus in particular on tensions between renunciation and social engagement, as well as a history of cultural exchange. Among other questions, we consider:* Where ideas about karma and rebirth originated* What inspired sacred images and religious devotion* Whether the earliest traditions were goddess-focused* Whose voices texts leave out, and how to hear them* Why Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse is insightfulSelections from Richard’s work are posted here. For a list of publications, see here.🤿 For a year-long immersion in yogic wisdom, join me on The Path of Knowledge.🧘‍♀️ I’m also running a retreat that incorporates highlights from the course (Sep 25-28).🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee... Your support is greatly appreciated!

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