Somaesthetics and Yogasiitra | A Reading through Films

“Somaesthetics and Yogasutra: A Reading Through Films” explores the deep connection between body, mind, and self-development by bridging Richard Shusterman’s modern philosophy of somaesthetics with the ancient discipline of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The book argues that the body is not merely a physical structure but a conscious medium for perception, identity, and transformation. Challenging traditional dualisms like East/West, body/mind, and theory/practice, the authors show how embodiment plays a central role in knowledge, ethics, aesthetics, and daily living.

Using selected films as case studies, the text demonstrates how characters evolve through bodily awareness, discipline, and mindful action—reflecting yogic principles such as concentration, repetition, and breath control. The work positions the body as a site of empowerment, creativity, resistance, and self-expression. Rather than treating bodily practice as superficial or materialistic, the authors show it as a path to clarity, inner growth, and harmony with the world.

Ultimately, the book proposes that cultivating somatic awareness can lead to personal transformation and a more meaningful life. By integrating cinematic narratives, yogic philosophy, and pragmatic somaesthetics, the work encourages readers to reclaim the body as a sacred, intelligent, and essential dimension of human experience.