I sit down with Vikram Jeet Singh to explore Sankhya—the philosophical framework behind yoga—and how it helps us understand the mind, reduce suffering, and cultivate real awareness. It’s a practical, eye-opening conversation on discernment, identity, and seeing clearly.

Episode Highlights:

• Sankhya pronunciation clarified
• What Sankhya is and why it matters today
• Sankhya as philosophy vs. psychological framework
• How Sankhya is practiced in real life
• Core structure and framework of Sankhya
• The goal of Sankhya and ending suffering
• Understanding purusha and prakriti
• Creating separation between observer and experience
• Discernment (viveka) as a core practice
• How to build and strengthen discernment
• Buddhi vs. ahamkara in decision-making
• Samskaras, kleshas, and repeating patterns
• Identifying true discernment vs. ego-driven thinking
• The gunas and their role in the mind
• Real-life application of sattva, rajas, and tamas
• Understanding tamasic vs. rajasic tendencies
• Strengthening the “viveka muscle”
• Creating space between stimulus and response
• Reducing inner friction and reactivity
• Teaching yoga without Sankhya awareness
• Learning Sankhya: teacher vs. self-study
• The role of tattvas in understanding reality
• Vikram’s book and ways to study with him

Prana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern Italy
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What does it really mean to be a good yoga student? In this conversation, I sit down with Medha Bhaskar to explore the framework described in the Hatha Yoga Pradeepika for cultivating a meaningful yoga practice. We talk about the importance of understanding the principle before the process and how the mindset we bring to our practice shapes what we learn from it.

Medha walks us through the Badhaka Tattvas (the habits that weaken a practice) and the Sadhaka Tattvas (the qualities that strengthen it), while reflecting on how these classical teachings apply to modern yoga students and teachers. From boundaries and energy management to perseverance and self-awareness, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it means to truly grow through yoga.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to the Hatha Yoga Pradeepika, its historical context, and its role as a practical manual within the broader body of classical yoga texts.
• Understanding the difference between principle and process in yoga practice, and why focusing only on techniques can lead to a narrow understanding of yoga.
• Exploring the mindset of a yoga student and why self-awareness and intention matter more than simply showing up to practice.
• The Badhaka Tattvas and the six behaviors described in the Hatha Yoga Pradeepika that diminish practice, beginning with overconsumption and excess sensory input.
• How overexertion and constant striving can weaken a practitioner’s energy and lead to imbalance.
• The impact of excessive talking and scattered communication on focus, clarity, and the integration of learning.
• Why rigid rule-following without reflection can create guilt, imbalance, and disconnection from the purpose of practice.
• The role of over-socialization and lack of boundaries, including how modern lifestyles and digital engagement affect a practitioner’s focus and energy.
• The final diminishing factor: inner instability and scattered attention, and how it can lead to burnout, confusion, and lack of direction in practice.
• Shifting to the Sadhaka Tattvas, the qualities that nourish and strengthen a yoga practice.
• The importance of enthusiasm and genuine interest in sustaining long-term engagement with yoga.
• Why courage and perseverance are necessary when confronting personal limitations and challenges on the mat and in life.
• Developing discernment and clarity in understanding the deeper principles behind yoga practices.
• Cultivating commitment and steady resolve to remain engaged in the process of self-inquiry and growth.
• The role of mindful association and supportive community, while still maintaining independence and personal responsibility for one’s path.
• Reflecting on how yoga evolves from something we do into something we become, shifting from practice as action to practice as a way of being.

Prana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern Italy
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Teaching mixed level classes can feel overwhelming, especially when your students are all at different stages in their practice. In this episode, I share simple, practical ways to structure your classes, offer options, and create a more inclusive and confident teaching experience.

Episode Highlights:

• Mixed-level classes are the norm and should be approached with that mindset
• The distinction between mixed-level and all-level classes
• The importance of shifting from sequence-focused to student-focused teaching
• Building sequences that include a variety of pose categories
• Why full-body sequencing works better than peak pose sequencing in mixed classes
• Including standing poses, balances, backbends, twists, seated, supine, and inversions
• Using progression and regression options for every pose
• Maintaining a middle path that supports both beginners and experienced students
• Why themed sequencing is more effective than peak pose sequencing
• The importance of developing strong pose literacy
• Offering benefit-based alternatives when poses are not accessible
• Setting expectations at the beginning of class to normalize options and autonomy
• Encouraging students to move at their own pace and take ownership of their practice
• Using props as an essential teaching tool for accessibility and adaptability
• How mixed-level classes can build trust, community, and long-term student engagement

Prana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern Italy
Join our mailing list
Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with us on Instagram
Subscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTube
Let’s Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTube
Leave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!