Whole Life Yoga Podcast

Sacred Stories, Timeless Teachings

James Boag Season 1 Episode 27

Sacred Stories, Timeless Teachings - Myth, Mantra & Self-Inquiry in the Yogic Tradition 

In Conversation with Nadine Szumilas: 

- Why is story such a central and potent part of the yoga teaching tradition? 

- Why is Sanskrit so powerful, and what's different about reciting in Sanskṛt? 

- What is special about yogic mythology? 

And: what will we do in the Sacred stories - Timeless Teachings sessions? 

Sacred Stories, Timeless Teachings - Myth, Mantra & Self-Inquiry in the Yogic Tradition 

Autumn sessions 2025 at Ikigai Praha 

- “It all begins with Gaṇeśa” Saturday 27th September 2-6pm Saturday 25th October 2-6pm 

Book here: https://www.ikigaipraha.com/events/sacredstories-ganesa 

More about the series: 

On hearing the word yoga, people often think of movement, flexibility, or postures on a mat. But yoga is — and always has been — so much more than that. Long before it became a modern practice of physical well-being, yoga was passed on through the spoken word, through story, song, and shared experience. It was a way of living, of seeing, of remembering what truly matters. 

This spirit will guide the special series of gatherings that will start this autumn at IKIGAI Praha, returning to the heart of yoga’s oral tradition — a space where myth, sound, and meaningful reflection come together as tools for inner clarity, balance, and transformation. 

These sessions are for anyone who senses that life holds deeper meaning — for those who carry questions, who long to grow, who wish to move forward without repeating old patterns. You don’t need to be a yoga practitioner to take part. This space is open to all who feel drawn to explore, reflect, and widen their perspective through timeless stories that speak to the human experience. Whether you’re seeking clarity, resilience, inspiration, or simply a quiet space to connect inwardly — these stories and teachings offer accessible and nourishing wisdom for real life.

 In these initial autumn gatherings, we will focus on the mythology and symbolism of Gaṇeśa, Lord of Beginnings and great icon of yoga. As we do this, we’ll discover and learn more about:

 -What yoga really means and how it relates to all aspects of life 

-Practical supports to face the unknown and embrace the mystery and majesty of life 

-Why in yoga and Indian mythology is it traditional to ‘start with Gaṇeśa’?  

-How stories of Gaṇeśa offer a guide for our own life and practice. 

-How we can work to actually ‘change our minds’, renovate our habits and free ourselves from patterns that no longer serve us. 

Each session will include: 

• work with sound and song, 

• live storytelling,  

• unpacking of the practical treasure and real life application of the myth. 

• inquiry and discussion to deepen our understanding. 

Each session works as a stand alone unique offering, though it is optimal to attend both. 

Participants will also receive thorough notes, readings and exercises for continued practical engagement with the stories and teachings we explore in the sessions. 

The material offers insights and tools that continue to resonate long after. What you take with you can gently shape how you move through life, one moment at a time. 

Fees:  

3200czk for both sessions 

2000czk for a single session 

Autumn sessions 2025 - “It all begins with Gaṇeśa” 

Saturday 27th September 2-6pm 

Saturday 25th October 2-6pm 

Book here: https://www.ikigaipraha.com/events/sacredstories-ganesa