Ancient Futures cover art

Ancient Futures

Ancient Futures

Written by: Daniel Simpson
Listen for free

About this listen

Timeless wisdom for modern dilemmas, combining yoga philosophy, practical insight and critical thinking. Hosted by Daniel Simpson.

ancientfutures.substack.comDaniel Simpson
Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Ask Me Anything – Daniel Simpson
    Dec 31 2025

    What would you like me to talk about in 2026? 🗣️

    As another year draws to a close, I’m reflecting on new types of podcasts. Today marks my 75th episode and while I plan to continue with the interview format, I’m also working on other ideas – including answering questions about any topic.

    So if there’s anything you want me to clarify, or to investigate, or if you have a dilemma you’d like to resolve from a yogic perspective, please get in touch – all suggestions and questions are welcome. Here are some from when I ran a “yoga problem page” a couple of years back:

    * How (Not) to Fight Injustice

    * Psychedelics, Yoga and Consciousness

    * The Yoga of Discord

    * Is the Truth of Yoga Communicable?

    * Solitude, Solace and Community

    There’s no need to replicate those, or to focus on yoga – I’m genuinely open to anything, though I won’t blag an answer if I’m clueless. But I will do my best to ground whatever I say in yogic teachings – as well as exploring what might need rethinking to make them apply to contemporary challenges.

    I’ve shared some other examples in today’s podcast – responding to questions from Gabriel Maldonado, who hosts Living Yoga, and Peter Sterios and Crystal Ariel on My Inner Teacher (click the links for full versions of both conversations).

    For now, I’d like to wish you a happy and healthy new year! 🥳

    --

    🧘‍♂️ To explore the evolution of yogic traditions, join me online at truthofyoga.com

    🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee... Your support is greatly appreciated!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ancientfutures.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Enlightened Choices – Simon Haas
    Dec 17 2025

    What does it mean to choose wisely? Which kinds of values support this? To what extent are they related to ethics? How similar are Indian traditions to modern ideas about what to prioritise? Might teachings need reframing to speak to us clearly?

    Simon Haas presents ancient wisdom for everyday life. He is the author of The Book of Dharma – subtitled “Making Enlightened Choices” – and Yoga and the Dark Night of the Soul, which draws on ideas from the Bhagavad Gītā. He’s also spoken on these topics at the United Nations, and offers a wide range of workshops and seminars.

    Together, we discuss what he calls the Dharma Code, a framework of principles informing wise conduct. These overlap with ethical precepts, and help people fulfil their potential. We nonetheless reflect on drawbacks to expecting any system to have all the answers, since it's helpful to find one’s own way.

    Although Simon is adept at making subjects accessible, he is also a scholar with an Oxford PhD – you can find out more about his research here.

    🔎 For yogic perspectives on wisdom, join me for a course at truthofyoga.com

    🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee... Your support is greatly appreciated!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ancientfutures.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Kuṇḍalinī Experiences – Sravana Borkataky-Varma + Anya Foxen
    Dec 3 2025

    What exactly is Kuṇḍalinī? It depends... What began as an energetic metaphor has morphed into a framework for transcending trauma, and much else besides. Does a snake-like entity really ascend? What sparks the experience? If it happens by chance, how should someone respond? There are few simple answers.

    Sravana Borkataky-Varma and Anya Foxen are co-authors of The Serpent’s Tale, subtitled “Kuṇḍalinī, Yoga and the History of an Experience.” Both are scholars as well as practitioners – of Tantra (Sravana) and yoga (Anya) – and their research combines historical analysis with people’s experiences.

    Together, we explore why it can be hard to differentiate the physical from the psychological and the spiritual. We also ask if there are limits to what Kuṇḍalinī stands for and reflect on the challenges involved in defining them. In the process, we consider why reports of Kuṇḍalinī awakenings are increasingly common.

    Although The Serpent’s Tale is an academic book, it’s an engaging guide to some fascinating characters – along with cultural overlaps between East and West that explain the evolution of Kuṇḍalinī narratives over the centuries. As we discuss, the most famous of these is the story of Gopi Krishna.

    🧘‍♂️ To explore the evolution of yogic traditions, join me online at truthofyoga.com

    🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee... Your support is greatly appreciated!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ancientfutures.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
No reviews yet