HIST2700 — Ascetics, Mystics and Yogis
The course introduces the history of travel and cultural exchange between ascetics and mystics from west Asia, and Africa, and yogis of south Asia in their common search for spiritual transformation. Because a physical as well as cognitive component was inherent to the spiritual quest, this course, which historicizes asceticism, mysticism, and yoga of the pre-modern period, includes a movement component [led by instructor]. The goal is to help make the mind-body connection as theorized and documented by seekers of a variety of Asian and African spiritually inclined movements. In the closing weeks of the course, students will explore modern western adaptations of pre-modern practices and ideas in political, social and economic context.