SOAS BWY Summit Explores Yoga in the Age of Overload

BWY and SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies are co-hosting a summit exploring how yoga and ayurveda can address the the pressures of modern life.

About this Event

In today’s Age of Overload, we are drowning in data – hyperconnected yet experiencing an epidemic of loneliness. As we strive for health, balance and longevity in a rapidly changing world, we ask: can the ancient traditions of yoga and ayurveda meaningfully support modern minds?

This year’s summit will explore precisely this question through the theme: Yoga in the Age of Overload.

The event brings together academic researchers, yoga practitioners and advocates to engage in critical dialogue across a series of curated panels. Our aim is to create a day of learning, reflection and thought-provoking discussion on pressing issues in Yoga Studies.

Together, we will examine how yoga and ayurveda may offer tools to navigate the pressures of modern life - helping to alleviate stress, recover from burnout and depletion, and support wellbeing.

The programme blends intellectually rich panels with experiential sessions, including two guided yoga practices led by senior BWY teachers within the auditorium.

The SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies and the British Wheel of Yoga are delighted to co-host this unique collaborative event for the second year running. We look forward to welcoming you for a day that informs, inspires and uplifts.

Please join us in London (or online) on Saturday, 1 November 2025, for this year's SOAS BWY Summit: Yoga in the Age of Overload.

Tickets cost £75 in-person / £45 online. To book, please visit: https://portal.bwy.org.uk/user/events/996

Agenda


🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome and refreshments

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening introductions

🕑: 09:50 AM - 10:10 AM
Keynote speaker
Host: Julia Hobsbawm

🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:40 AM
How can yoga ethically compete in an attention economy?
Host: Theo Wildcroft PhD

🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
Q&A with speakers

🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Practice session
Host: Judy Hirsh Sampath

🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:15 PM
Break for lunch

Info: Book stalls, VIP lunch, tea/coffee. Lunch is not provided

🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:35 PM
The yoga teachings on love, compassion, joy and detachment
Host: Professor Emeritus Dominik Wujastyk

🕑: 01:35 PM - 02:05 PM
Yoga & the nervous system: expanding the brain’s capacity for resilience
Host: Amarjeet S Bharma

🕑: 02:05 PM - 02:25 PM
Q&A with the speakers

🕑: 02:25 PM - 02:55 PM
Practice session
Host: Rajesh David

🕑: 02:55 PM - 04:00 PM
Afternoon Tea Break

🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:25 PM
How OṂ became OṂ: historical insights for yoga
Host: Professor Finnian Gerety

🕑: 04:25 PM - 04:40 PM
Q&A with the speaker

🕑: 04:40 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing address
Host: Professor Ulrich Pagel

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