In this book, Rao provides a thorough overview of the origins of yoga, Hinduism, and the caste system. Rao applies a critical lens to primary and secondary sources (texts) and examines hierarchies of caste and gender as tools of oppression. Rao argues that there is an amplification of elitist Brahmanical aspects of yoga which is expressed in the ways Hinduism is seen as central to yoga as well as the notion that Hinduism is a monolithic religion. Rao discusses the ways this process of simplification occurred following British colonialism despite there being diversity among Hindu traditions and practices. In addition, the author critiques the view of Sanskrit as the language of yoga due to its limited accessibility to cast-oppressed groups. Thus, Rao asserts that yoga can be weaponized to support ethnonationalist agendas when power dynamics and systems of oppression are ignored. Rao concludes the book by arguing that yoga is not apolitical and offers readers, gurus, and practitioners pathways toward liberation and embodied resistance as acts of collective care.

This book consists of six chapters and each chapter concludes with key takeaways, summaries, and lists of questions as an introspective exercise for readers. The conclusion chapter is followed by a glossary of terms. It is recommended for anyone wanting to be critical of the power dynamics within yoga and certainly the ways modern yoga has become a white dominated space.

Thank you to Netgalley for the digital version of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Academic in tone, this is a treatise to take your time with. Inspiring for an outsider who is willing to slog through terminology for a deeper understanding.

NetGalley review

Packed with self experiences, self culture and knowledge tied with historical culture and knowledge. Grab you’re highlighters and page tabs, this read is quiet the read, full of depth. I think all yogis should add this to their reading list.

An informational packed read that is great for anyone willing to learn about the honest heart of yoga. For breath is the foundation of consent” was a beautiful way to begin a foreword. This is a well researched piece on the historical and political influences of yoga. This really breathes the notion that colonialism has made such practices as Yoga a less flavored version to demean its traditional and historical contexts. Our limitations are set in place by colonialist ideals that denied our ancestral histories and connections.

I love the way they define gender constructs and how this changes the stories. The power of language sets the tone through mythologies, stories, and the fabric of the society. Gender constructs are created through language and lost in complexity in the context of English and American culture. The high-quality breadth of this information is written with a passionate yet eager tone to truly inform people about the essence of yoga.

As someone who has not dived much into yoga this was a highly informative read. I appreciate the form of resistance beginning in education and beginning to learn how to decolonize our mindset further. Thus, understanding that the fabric of our language is an accomplice to the danger of the gender binary and how it misinforms practices and beliefs.