Manoj Chalam to present at 4th annual Telluride Yoga Festival

27 Jun Manoj Chalam to present at 4th annual Telluride Yoga Festival

[click “Play” to hear Susan’s conversation with Manoj]

The fourth annual Telluride Yoga Festival takes place July 14 – July 17. Among the illustrious cast of presenters is Manoj Chalam, who is scheduled to talk about the symbolism of Yogic deities and their relevance today, plus mythology, Vedanta and Tantra and awakening the slumbering goddess within.

Manoj is a scientist with a doctorate in chemical physics from Cornell University. His life’s work is focused on teaching a spiritual practice and philosophy through the symbolism inherent in Yogic Hindu art. Manoj compiled a book on Hindu and Buddhist symbology and he frequently tours and lectures with John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga.

Manoj’s workshops conjure the spirit of Carl Jung. He focuses on archetypes, universally understood symbols and patterns of behavior or prototypes.

Archetypes have shown up in folklore and literature for thousands of years dating back to prehistoric artwork. The use of archetypes to illuminate personality and literature was advanced by Carl Jung in the 20th century. Jung suggested the existence of universal contentless forms that channel experiences and emotions, resulting in recognizable and typical patterns of behavior with certain probable outcomes. Archetypes are cited as important to both ancient mythology and modern narratives, according to my mentor and teacher at Sarah Lawrence College, Joseph Campbell, in works such as “The Hero With a Thousand Faces.”

At the Telluride Yoga Festival, Manoj how knowing and working with your archetypes profoundly shifts your personal or professional life and spiritual practice. These archetypes, or Isthadevatas, reside deep into our collective unconscious and help us especially during moments of life transitions.

To preview what’s coming at the Telluride Yoga Festival, click the “play” button and listen to Manoj’s interview.