From Soma to yoga. History of altered states of consciousness in ancient India 3600-IN-FSTY-OG

The aim of the course is to demonstrate the significance of the oldest Indian culture, as documented in Sanskrit texts dating from approximately the 13th to the 3rd century BCE, for the psychophysical practice known as yoga. The course will discuss mental experiences induced by the hallucinogenic plant known as soma (as described in the Rigveda and Atharvaveda), followed by physical and breathing practices connected with recitation aimed at achieving altered states of consciousness (as described in the Brahmanas and Aranyakas).

The practice of achieving altered states of consciousness as documented in the earliest Upanishads—composed before the time of the Buddha—will also be examined, along with descriptions of yogic practices recorded in the epic Mahabharata, including the influence of Buddhism. The course will demonstrate that the development of yoga in both Buddhism and later Hinduism would not have been possible without these earlier experiences and practices.

1. ”We have drunk the soma; we have become immortal; we have gone to the light; we have found the gods!” Soma in the Rigveda and Atharvaveda
2. ”He toiled, he heated himself.”. Efforts, breathing and recitation in the Brahmanas.
3. ”Breath is brahman.” Liberating cognition in the Aranyakas
4. ”About this self (atman), one can only say ‘not—, not—.” Liberating cognition in the Upanishads.
5. Here comes the Buddha.
6.The face of the True is covered in a golden vessel." Liberating cognition in the Maitrayaniya Upanishad
7."Yoga is the stopping of the spinning of consciousness.' Liberating cognition in the Bhagavadgita and Yogasutras.

Modern cognitive methods (conceptual metonymy, metaphor, and blending) will be applied during the analysis of the texts.