100B - Dr. Zoe Slatoff
In the 100th mission recap of the Daily Threads podcast, we are honoured to have Dr. Zoe Slatoff as our guest. Dr. Slatoff is a professor of yoga studies and Sanskrit at Loyola Marymount University, she has a deep and extensive background in both the academic and practical aspects of yoga. And a strong Ashtanga Yoga practice. Her unique perspective makes her an invaluable voice in our discussion today. For more on Dr. Slatoff's work, you can learn more about her here.
As the conversation unfolds, Jeff and Zoe reminisce about an unforgettable adventure they shared in India. During their trip, Zoe experienced a frightening moment when the rickshaw she was riding in was suddenly T-boned by a taxi, causing it to flip over. Miraculously, she emerged unharmed, but the incident left an indelible mark on her travels.
After catching up, the discussion transitions into a variety of enriching topics. Dr. M.A. Jayashree, Jeff and Zoe's chanting teacher, is the first to come up. The profound influence of Dr. Jayashree on their spiritual journeys becomes apparent as they reflect on their experiences learning from her. Zoe then shares her journey of moving away from academia, driven by disillusionment, which ultimately led her to open her yoga shala. This significant life change also inspired her to write Yogavataranam, a Sanskrit textbook designed for yoga students. Jeff and Zoe both see themselves as "bridges" to a deeper understanding of the realm of yoga for the modern world.
Dr. Slatoff delves into the complexities of Advaita Vedanta, one of the six orthodox philosophies of yoga. She explains the philosophy's nuances and how it differs from other paths. The conversation also touches on Samkhya philosophy, particularly the dualistic concepts of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). Zoe elaborates on the "shock" that often accompanies the realization that the ultimate goal of Samkhya is not union but separation—a stark contrast to the common understanding of yoga as a practice of union.
Further, the episode explores the concepts of Atman (the self) and Brahman (the ultimate reality), drawing from the Upanishads and discussing how these ideas differ from those in Samkhya. The discussion of Purusha and Prakriti as the male and female principles provides listeners with a deeper understanding of these ancient teachings.
The conversation culminates in a reflection on the human quest to understand who we truly are. Dr. Zoe emphasizes the crucial importance of becoming more aware of our minds. She teaches her students this principle through brief meditations, often lasting 5-10 minutes, rooted in the Buddhist tradition. As she wisely states, 'We can't change our minds if we don't know our minds.' This insight is particularly meaningful, as she recalls how meditating on impermanence and remembering to 'breathe' were crucial for her in learning to regulate herself while learning to drive as an adult in Los Angeles, offering a profound understanding of the mind's power.
This episode is a rich exploration of yoga philosophy, personal growth, and the timeless journey toward self-discovery. It offers valuable insights for both seasoned practitioners and those new to the path.
