Towards Self-Reliance: Yoga and Stoicism in Dialogue.

This workshop explores self-reliance as both a philosophical and practical ideal by bringing the classical Indian tradition of Yoga philosophy into dialogue with ancient Greek Stoicism. Drawing on selected teachings from the Bhagavad Gītā and the Yoga Sūtras, the session examines the disciplined path toward inner steadiness, ethical clarity, and existential autonomy.

Through a balanced format of lecture and practice—including meditative reflection—the workshop invites participants to engage with both traditions not only intellectually, but also experientially. Themes such as self-mastery, equanimity, action without attachment, and freedom from reactive emotions will be central to our exploration.

Designed for students and the general public, the workshop provides an accessible entry point into Indian philosophical thought while illuminating its shared concerns with Stoic ethics and practice. No prior experience with Yoga or meditation is required.

Contact:

The discussion will by guided by (rather short) texts, which you do not necessarily have to read in advance in order to participate. If you are, however, interested in reading these text, we will send them to you a couple of weeks before the seminar. Please, register via in order to receive the texts.

Eine Veranstaltung des Zentrums für Globale Fragen in Kooperation mit dem Lehrstuhl Völkerverständigung, und der Katholisch-Theologischen Fakultät der Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg.

Organisiert durch Dr. Krisha Kops und Lena Schützle (Zentrum für Globale Fragen) und Dr. Cristina Elisabeth Thurnwalder (Universität Salzburg).