Last updated on 22/11/2022
In this episode we interview Matthew Sweeney, a long-term yoga practitioner and teacher. Matthew’s path of self-inquiry is a remarkable journey through different systems and approaches, from Martial Arts and Zen Shiatsu to Iyengar Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. A long-term absorption in yogic practices together with open-mindedness an interest in Meditation, Tantra, Gestalt Therapy, Transpersonal Therapy, Transforming Cellular Memory, Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta helped him to crystallise his understanding and develop his own authentic and honest approach to teaching. He has written several books and created DVD teaching programs, as well as many great reflections in form or free articles. He is currently based in Ubud, Bali, where he teaches courses in his beautiful shala – Vinyasa Krama Mandiram.
In this interview with Matthew Sweeney we go in-depth on a great variety of topics and get really geeky.
Show notes
- Relationship between Moon Sequence & Ashtanga Primary Series. Background & Purpose.
- Impact of different asana practices on the state of mind – tamasic, rajastic, sattvic?
- Different angles to look at Vinyasa Krama
- Sequences of Ashtanga Yoga
- Yamas and Niyamas
- Matthew’s take on 8 limbs of Patanjali
- Focusing on Stambha within Pranayama and Meditation
- Dharana, Dhyana and attachment to the practice
- Pratyahara and misunderstandings around it
- Self-enquiry and Advaita Vedanta
- Potential of higher limbs and limitations of the system
- Benefits of combining different observer consciousness practices
- Spirituality and technique
What an absoluut gem of a interview this is!! Mathew Sweeny is an absolute inspiring teacher. His explenation about the absolute difference between patanjali yoga and Hatha are spot on…two totaly different systems. Patanjali is much more related to raja and Samkya yoga and buddism related practises. They can be a connected part of a practise, but are two different codifications. .
Thank you, Arie. Yes, Matthew is a very knowledgable teacher and somehow there are not so many interviews with him at all. I listened to this episode several times myself after editing it, and keep discovering something new 🙂
All the best!
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