Listen to podcast with Michael Johnson for FREE here
Michael Johnson is a prominent yoga and philosophy instructor based in Asheville, North Carolina. He is the founder of Clear Light Yoga and a respected teacher at both the Asheville Yoga Center and the Ayurvedic Institute. With over 20 years of experience, Michael specializes in yoga philosophy, Sanskrit, and meditation. Through his 200-hour yoga philosophy teacher training program, Michael inspires students to delve deep into the ancient texts and principles of yoga, making these complex ideas accessible and applicable to modern life.
Visit Michael on his website: https://www.clearlightyoga.com/
Key Takeaways:
- The Essence of Yoga: Yoga is about controlling the mental activities to avoid being controlled by them. This is a path to self-control and understanding one’s true nature.
- Philosophical Integration: Understanding Sanskrit and the Yoga Sutras is crucial to grasping yoga philosophy. Different translations can lead to varied interpretations and levels of understanding.
- Non-Theistic Bhakti: Bhakti Yoga, traditionally theistic, can also be practiced in a non-theistic manner, focusing on devotion to ideals rather than deities.
- Practical Application: Michael shares real-life applications of yoga philosophy, from daily interpersonal interactions to handling extreme situations like cyber threats.
Expanding Your Yoga Journey: A Comprehensive Insight into Yoga Philosophy with Michael Johnson
The world of yoga extends far beyond physical postures and breath control. In this insightful dialog from the Native Yoga Toddcast, seasoned yoga philosopher Michael Johnson delves into the depths of yoga philosophy, painting a vivid picture of its profound impact on personal growth and self-awareness. Through exploring the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the nuances of Sanskrit, and the integration of Ayurveda, Johnson provides a masterclass in the foundational principles that underpin yoga’s philosophical teachings.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding Yoga Sutras: Delving into Yoga Sutra 1.2, “Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha,” offers varied interpretations—both as the cessation and control of mental fluctuations.
- Real-world Application: Johnson shares personal anecdotes demonstrating the practical application of bhakti yoga and maintaining integrity in challenging times.
- Non-theistic Bhakti Yoga: Johnson presents a unique perspective on practicing non-theistic bhakti yoga, encouraging humility and ongoing learning.
Yoga Philosophy Unveiled: Insights from Michael Johnson
Mastering the Yoga Sutras: Unpacking “Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha”
Understanding the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali requires delving deeply into its Sanskrit roots. In the conversation, Michael Johnson describes how he first encountered Yoga Sutra 1.2: “Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha”. This critical sutra, often translated in myriad ways, reveals that yoga is about either the cessation or the control of the fluctuations of the mind. Johnson explains:
“Many people will translate ‘Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha’ as ‘yoga is the cessation of mental activities,’ leading to the assumption that the mind’s fluctuations must stop for yoga to be practiced.”
Johnson, however, brings attention to an alternative interpretation:
“Another way to translate that would be ‘yoga is controlling the mental activities,’ suggesting that Purusha (pure consciousness) isn’t independently available to perceive but actually requires mental activities to experience knowing and being.”
The distinction, though seemingly subtle, drastically changes one’s approach to yoga. Instead of striving for a seemingly impossible cessation of thoughts, practitioners can focus on learning to harness and control these thoughts, thus optimizing their practice and making yoga more accessible.
Integrating Philosophy into Practice: Real-life Application
Johnson’s discussion goes beyond theory, illustrating how these ancient teachings can be applied in contemporary settings. He underscores the importance of staying authentic and true to one’s values, even amidst threats and challenges. He shares a personal incident where someone threatened him and how he coped:
“Someone using cyberthreats threatened to hunt me down and kill me. Though going through legal routes felt unsatisfying, I had to detach from the outcome and focus on my integrity and actions. By abiding in my true form, I could navigate this threat without being overcome by fear or anger.”
This anecdote exemplifies the practical application of bhakti yoga in sustaining personal integrity and emotional health. It underscores yoga philosophy’s potential to provide not just a spiritual but a practical framework for dealing with life’s trials.
Embracing Non-Theistic Bhakti Yoga
Johnson’s fresh perspective on bhakti yoga deviates from traditional theistic approaches, presenting a non-theistic pathway that aligns with scientific reasoning and inclusivity. He elaborates:
“Ishwara is described in the Yoga Sutra as an absence of mental afflictions, not as a deity you surrender to but as an ideal you can approximate in your life.”
By focusing on bhakti as devotion to higher ideals rather than deities, Johnson makes yoga philosophy more approachable for a diverse audience. In his teachings, he emphasizes principles like humility, continuous learning, and authentic practice, liberating yoga from rigid doctrinal confines.
“I might be a rare example of bhakti yoga in the world, a non-theistic approach to bhakti that inspires me. It allows me to be transparent and scientific in my approach, while not being hostile to theistic practitioners.”
This perspective not only diversifies yoga’s appeal but also fosters a more inclusive environment where individuals from various backgrounds can find meaning and solace.
Expanding Horizons: Enriching Your Yoga Practice with Philosophy
Michael Johnson’s approach to yoga philosophy is a testament to the depth and versatility of yoga itself. His insights emphasize that yoga is not just a set of physical exercises but a holistic practice encompassing mental discipline, ethical living, and personal growth. By understanding key sutras, applying philosophical principles to real-life situations, and embracing non-theistic approaches to bhakti, practitioners can profoundly enrich their yoga journey.
In teaching philosophy-focused trainings, Johnson aims to bridge the gap between traditional teachings and modern-day relevance. His teachings highlight the importance of continuous learning, humility, and inclusivity in the quest for self-control and personal integrity.
By integrating these profound narratives and philosophical insights, yoga practitioners can deepen their understanding and appreciation of yoga, making it a powerful tool not just for personal transformation but also for navigating life’s inevitable challenges.
In bringing these themes together, Johnson not only honors the rich, historical context of yoga philosophy but also paves the way for its practical and inclusive modern application. His teachings inspire and challenge us to look beyond the surface, urging a deep-seated, authentic exploration of what it truly means to practice and live yoga.
Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link
New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com ➡️ Click Here to Join.
Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.
Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.
Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com
Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class
Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga
Twitter: @nativeyoga
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin
Native Yoga Blog 