YS 136 | Straps, Mats, and Huts: A Visual and Material History of Yoga

Sep 19 - Oct 3, 2025 

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

Course Description

Much of the study of yoga’s history—like the study of religion in South Asia more broadly—has been carried out primarily through the investigation of key doctrines, philosophy, practices, and a history of ideas as understood from authoritative texts. While texts will always remain an invaluable resource for constructing a history of yoga, there is also a rich body of visual and material cultural evidence that not only complements the textual record, but offers students alternative entry points for thinking about yoga’s past.

In this special 3-week course, we will explore the history of yoga through the analysis of three yogic objects—straps, mats, and huts. Surveying Indian sculptures, paintings, and illustrated manuscripts, we will reveal various dimensions of lived yoga and ascetic practice in premodern India: material props as accoutrements to yogic practice, a ritual context for yoga, secluded physical dwellings, and a practice environment in close proximity to animals and the natural world.

This visual and material culture will be “read” alongside the archive of Sanskrit and vernacular texts on yoga. Through the study of these three objects, we will attempt to trace a history of physical yoga practice from ancient India to the contemporary yoga studio cultures of modernity. Along the way, we will witness many continuities, surprises, and innovations in how yoga has been practiced over the centuries and across cultures.

Course Modules

Course Structure: 

Sep 19 - Oct 3, 2025, 2025 (3 weeks)

  • Fridays @ 10am - 12pm PT / 6-8pm UK
  • Sep 19, 26, Oct 3
  • Each module also includes bonus PDF readings and a quiz
  • All live sessions will take place via Zoom and will be recorded for later viewing.

Students Will Receive: 

  • 3 Live Zoom Lectures + Q&A (2 hrs each)
  • Additional PDF readings
  • 3 Multiple Choice Quizzes
  • Yogic Studies Certificate (PDF)
  • Access to the private Community Forum
  • 3 ACP Credits
  • 6 Hours of CE credit with YA

Dr. Seth Powell

PhD, Harvard University
Founder and Director, Yogic Studies

Seth Powell is a scholar of Indian religions, Sanskrit, and yoga traditions, who earned his PhD in South Asian Religions at Harvard University. His dissertation comprised a critical edition, translation, and detailed study of a 15th-century Sanskrit yoga text from south India known as the Śivayogapradīpikā—which uniquely combines yoga, ritual, and devotion. He also works extensively on the visual and material culture of yoga in premodern India, uncovering yoga's past through temple sculptures. 

As an educator, Seth is passionate about sharing the latest academic research on yoga's vast history and philosophies and is gifted in his ability to present the ancient teachings of yoga clearly in an accessible, light-hearted, and inspiring manner—while maintaining a rigor and sensitivity to traditional Indian knowledge systems. 

Seth founded Yogic Studies in 2018 and serves as the Director and Head Faculty. He is also the host of The Yogic Studies Podcast. 

"Seth knows his stuff! Each week his material was clearly and accessibly presented, completely relevant, and helpfully illustrated. Unlike many academics researching yoga today, Seth's talks were uncluttered with academic jargon, yet he never once talked down to his audience. His smile and enthusiasm were infectious, I looked forward with anticipation to each week's release... This is a terrific introduction to the history and philosophy of yoga, highly recommended to any serious student."

— Richard Rosen, Yoga Teacher, Author of Original Yoga: Rediscovering Traditional Practices of Hatha Yoga.

"Throughout several courses I have studied with Yogic Studies, Seth has completely transformed my narrow perspective of yoga and opened my mind to a broader universe of curiosity. Seth is a knowledgable and enthusiastic teacher who shares with confidence yet with humbleness, not withholding anything from his students, always open to discussions and to extend his lessons when required in order to provide deeper and more nurturing information. I absolutely recommend his courses for yoga teachers and committed practitioners or students who are interested in understanding about the origins, interconnections and new questions to be answered about this extraordinary path of yoga."

— Luana Fara
Director of Sacred Self School of Yoga, Costa Rica

"As a yoga teacher I have always wanted to deepen my knowledge of the philosophy and history of yoga. I found it a bit difficult for yoga teachers to fulfill this desire outside the academic field. Seth's teachings undoubtedly cover this shortcoming, by offering high quality teachings, with a rigorous and academic standard, providing extensive information on yoga research as well as an up to date bibliography. The lectures, although challenging, are structured in a pleasurable way. The live sessions allow for participation and an enriching exchange of ideas with people all over the world, helping to build a bond in a common search. Seth is not only an excellent academic but one can also feel that he is a yoga practitioner and a sincere seeker, as well as a committed teacher, which adds a significant perspective to the course."

— Carmen Léon
Yoga Teacher, Spain

"This course should become a requirement for yoga teacher trainings! Seth's teaching style and his availability, the quality of the materials, the proximity to valuable ongoing research all give the student the best synthesized and non-dogmatic information available today. I felt privileged to be part of his virtual classroom and blessed to have access to these teachings from my little village in the south of France."

— YS 101, Danielle Nolles
ERYT 200

"I cannot recommend Seth's course highly enough. He is a passionate, personable, and knowledgeable lecturer who is inspired by continued learning. He has the ability to present the complexity of the material in a clear and accessible manner and is always willing to answer questions mindfully. I looked forward to each week's release with anticipation. I felt very much part of a global community all wanting to learn and to grow through curiosity. All the while I was able to do this from my home so it was not disruptive to (family) life. I look forward to continuing my studies with him."

— Kylie Lee
Australia

"This course combines art history and ancient, modern and contemporary texts relating to āsanas— and it had me at the art images! It is serious scholarship without being pedantic. I was absolutely riveted to each of Seth's lectures and took to heart research that supports and integrates yoga, art, spirituality, and life."

— YS 105, Marya Roland 
Asheville, North Carolina 

Enrollment is OPEN

Regular Tuition

$95

One-Time Payment

  • Lifetime access to YS 136
ENROLL

Regular Tuition

$48 x 2

Two Monthly Payments

  • Lifetime access to YS 136
ENROLL

Membership Program

$75/m

Monthly Subscription

  • Access to YS 136

  • Access to all YS + BS courses—including live and future courses 

  • Access to SKT 100a + SKT 100b

ENROLL

This course is eligible for 6 hours of Continued Education (CE) credits with Yoga Alliance

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