I’m very excited to be hosting guest speaker Rodney Peel to give an introductory talk on Vedanta Philosophy.

What do you think it means to practice Yoga? Most of the practice in classes are very postural based, it feels like exercise, but wouldn’t a deeper understanding of philosophy consolidate and bring meaning to your practice? However, not only can it bring meaning to your practice, it can bring a sense of peace and contentment to the whole of your life.

Adi Shankara, one of the great sage-philosophers of India, taught the profound nondualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. He stated that ‘Brahman is real. The universe is unreal. Brahman and Atman are one’

What does this mean? And how does this relate to your life and your Yoga practice? Shankara says ‘it is the ignorance of our real nature that causes suffering and pain. The desire for happiness is essentially a longing to awaken to who and what we truly are. Through the path of self knowledge one can awaken from ignorance created by the mind, and abide in the peace of our true nature to experience true joy and freedom’

Rodney, born in Yorkshire, at the end of the war, his study of philosophy began in earnest in 1968 in London. He lived in London until last year before moving to Scotland. He was initiated into mantra meditation in 1970 and in 2007, on meeting and hearing Swamini Atmaprakasananda, he recognised a true authority on traditional Advaita Vedanta and became her student. Since then, along with her other students, he has visited ashrams and temples with her in India almost yearly to better understand Vedanta and Vedic culture. Now, at his guru’s request, he is teaching twice-weekly online classes on the Bhagavad Gita for a small group of advanced Vedanta students. Rodney is also a Sanskrit scholar.

Jolanda Davies Yoga & Ayurveda will host Rodney at the studio, on 30 April at 11am, to give an introductory talk on Vedanta. The talk will last for about an hour and there will be time afterwards for questions, herbal tea and vegan treats. All you need is a blanket, something to sit on; your mat with a cushion/bolster or something else comfy - chairs are also available for those who prefer not to sit on the floor.

If you would like to take part, but unable to make it into the studio an online option is available too.

This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your knowledge and bring meaning and purpose to your yoga practice and your life. A rare and unique opportunity here in the Borders.