The Wisdom of Classical Yoga with Christopher Key Chapple

Updated: November 18, 2024

New Thinking Allowed with Jeffrey Mishlove


Summary

The video features Christopher Key Chapple, a prominent figure in yoga studies, sharing insights into his spiritual journey and the practical aspects of yoga philosophy. He discusses key teachings such as non-attachment, self-discipline, and ethical living based on disciplines like ahimsa and truth. Chapple emphasizes introspection, compassion, and the pursuit of wisdom through practices like Tapas and the cultivation of awareness and humility in individual actions for collective transformation.


Introduction to New Thinking Allowed

The video introduces the show 'New Thinking Allowed' presented by the California Institute for Human Science, discussing topics on knowledge and discovery with psychologist Jeffrey Mishlove.

Background of Christopher Key Chapple

Christopher Key Chapple's background as the Doshi Professor of Yoga Studies at Loyola Marymount University, his educational credentials from Stony Brook University and Fordham University, and his extensive publications and involvement in various advisory boards worldwide.

Introduction to Yoga Practice

Christopher Key Chapple's early introduction to yoga through books like 'Be Here Now' and his initial practice of zazen, highlighting the influence of his parents' interests in aviation, science, psychology, parapsychology, and Eastern philosophy.

Influence of Ram Dass and Philip Kapleau

Discussion on Christopher Key Chapple's exposure to Ram Dass, Philip Kapleau, and their impact on his spiritual journey, including the intersection of teachings and lineages in his practice.

Exploration of Yoga Philosophy

Christopher Key Chapple's contrarian view on union in yoga philosophy, emphasizing the silencing of behaviors and attachments, the significance of non-attachment, and the practice of introspection and detachment.

Yoga Philosophy and Practical Aspects

Discussion on the practical aspects of yoga philosophy, emphasizing discernment, non-attachment, and the integration of disciplines like ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha.

Yoga Sutras and Non-Attachment

Insights on the Yoga Sutras, focusing on Heyam Dukham Anagatam as the purpose of yoga to avoid future pain, the corrective actions of Pratipaksha Bhavana and Pratiprasava, and the understanding of klesha karma and afflicted past actions.

Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga

Explanation of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga and the importance of yamas and niyamas, integrating disciplines like ahimsa, truth, brahmacharya, and aparigraha to promote self-discipline and ethical living.

Practice of Tapas and Svādhyāya

Discussion on the practices of Tapas, including disciplines like fasting and study, to cultivate discipline and self-awareness, emphasizing the role of purification, gratitude, and dedication in spiritual growth.

Understanding the Self and Others

Exploration of self-awareness and understanding in relation to others, recognizing the complexities of human nature, and cultivating acceptance, peace, and freedom through introspection and compassion.

Activism and Social Justice in Yoga

Reflection on the teachings of social justice in the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting the commitment to non-violence, integration of different spiritual influences, and the significance of activism for social upliftment and peace.

Aging and Wisdom

Discussion on the concept of growing up and gaining wisdom regardless of age, using Shankaracharya as an example.

Chit Shakti and Empowerment

Exploration of the concept of Chit Shakti and the power needed to bring awareness to ongoing life.

Friendliness and Compassion

Importance of developing friendliness, helping those who suffer, and practicing compassion like Maitri and Karuna.

Nonviolence and Democracy

Discussion on nonviolence, democracy, political influence, and values like liberty and equality.

Perseverance and Empowerment

Reflecting on perseverance, empowerment, interdependence, and advocacy for yogic liberation.

Blessings and Gratitude

Sharing experiences with influential teachers like Desmond Tutu and Thích Nhất Hạnh, highlighting gratitude and humility.

Final Thoughts on Yoga

Emphasizing humility, self-reflection, and the impact of individual actions within the collective.

Closing Remarks

Expressing gratitude to the audience, promoting a new book, and inviting further exploration of transformation resources.


FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of yoga according to the Yoga Sutras?

A: The purpose of yoga according to the Yoga Sutras is to avoid future pain.

Q: What are some of the key disciplines integrated in the practice of yoga philosophy?

A: Disciplines integrated in the practice of yoga philosophy include discernment, non-attachment, ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha.

Q: What is the importance of yamas and niyamas in Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga?

A: Yamas and niyamas in Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga promote self-discipline and ethical living by integrating disciplines like ahimsa, truth, brahmacharya, and aparigraha.

Q: How is self-awareness cultivated in yoga philosophy?

A: Self-awareness is cultivated in yoga philosophy through practices like Tapas, which include disciplines like fasting and study to cultivate discipline and self-awareness.

Q: What is the concept of Chit Shakti in relation to bringing awareness to ongoing life?

A: Chit Shakti refers to the power needed to bring awareness to ongoing life in yoga philosophy.

Q: How are concepts like Maitri and Karuna integrated into the practice of compassion in yoga philosophy?

A: Concepts like Maitri (friendliness) and Karuna (compassion) are integrated into the practice of compassion in yoga philosophy.

Q: What values are discussed in relation to social justice in the Bhagavad Gita?

A: Values like non-violence, integration of different spiritual influences, and the significance of activism for social upliftment and peace are discussed in relation to social justice in the Bhagavad Gita.

Q: What teachings are reflected upon in relation to perseverance, empowerment, and advocacy for yogic liberation?

A: Teachings related to perseverance, empowerment, interdependence, and advocacy for yogic liberation are reflected upon in the discussion.

Logo

Get your own AI Agent Today

Thousands of businesses worldwide are using Chaindesk Generative AI platform.
Don't get left behind - start building your own custom AI chatbot now!