In discussion with Yoga teacher and scholar of religion @saraswati_studies
"Tova Olsson is a scholar of religion, author and yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience in educating. She is appreciated for her deep knowledge, her ability to explain esoteric ideas and philosophical concepts in an accessible way, for her skillful storytelling and humorous approach. As a ‘scholar-practitioner’, she strives to combine academic, critical understanding with the dedicated experience of a long-term practitioner, offering courses that provide liberating knowledge – on many different levels." - saraswati-studies.teachable.com
Tova Olsson's most recent book 'Yoga and Tantra: History, Philosophy & Mythology' (2023) is available to purchase at the following link:
Links to Tova's online courses and further work can be found via her Instagram (click to view).
Read on below for our new interview with Tova Olsson...
Growing up how did your interest in world religions, esotericism and philosophy blossom... and what led you down the path specifically of Yoga & Tantra ?
As a child I was deeply interested in literature and art. Along with reading pretty much everything the local library could offer, I also wrote lengthy stories (that I forced my parents to listen to) and drew. Growing up in the countryside I spent a lot of time in the forest, walking and reflecting. I also enjoyed movement, music and dance from an early age. Now I recognize all these aspects of myself as an inherent inclination towards the power or Goddess (Śakti) known as Sarasvatī in the Hindu tradition, though back then, I had no knowledge of her. Questions about the nature of reality, justice, suffering and the divine have been on my mind for as long as I can remember, along with a longing sometimes masquerading as restlessness. I guess somewhere along the line, I bumped into literature on religion and philosophy and eventually (many years later) started to study religion in the University.
Tell us about your recent book Yoga and Tantra: History, Philosophy and Mythology. What can people learn from it and how was the journey of writing it? How do Yoga & Tantra intersect and how have they enriched your life on a personal level?
This book was initially written for Yoga Teacher Trainings since I felt there was a lack of literature that combined academic knowledge about the history of yoga and the philosophical systems often referred to as "Yoga Philosophy" with the perspective of a practitioner. Whenever I was invited to teach the philosophy section of Yoga Teacher Trainings, I had difficulties finding literature that would not overwhelm the students, while at the same time keeping true to the subject. So the book was written in Swedish, and later translated into English. What people can learn it is how Yoga has developed throughout the ages, what we actually mean by "Yoga Philosophy", what type of historical context some of the most influential texts in the yogic and tantric traditions (like the Yoga Sūtra, the Bhagavad Gītā and the Devī Māhātmya) were produced in and why Tantra has such a shady reputation.
The book also contains study questions, recommendations for further reading and mythological storytelling about some of the most beloved deities in the Hindu pantheon. The journey of writing it was intense, since it was not something I particularly longed to do. It was more like a work-order from Sarasvatī from beginning to end! Yoga and Tantra has been a huge part of my life for more than 20 years and I still practice āsana and meditation every day, along with devotional practices and scriptural study. I can't imagine my life without these traditions that have thoroughly shaped it.
How would you describe the feeling of reading ancient spiritual texts? It seems that there is a spiritual connection that happens between the reader and the words that elevates their consciousness. What in your perspective is this connection between the transcendental nature of ancient spiritual literature and the human soul, that enables us to transform ourselves through study?
What an interesting question. To me, whenever I read literature (even contemporary novels), I get a felt sense of the writer. I love to be in the company of some authors, others less so. It's not always about the words, but really the power behind the words. It is the same way with ancient scriptures. By reading them, we are not only trying to intellectually grasp the words written in them, but we are coming into the company of great spiritual traditions. We are being bathed in them. Sometimes this is overwhelming, and depending upon our digestive power, we might have to read very slowly and take breaks often. And then of course, the word (Vāc) is inherently creative according to tantric traditions. So, it is not strange at all that we are transformed by the power of language.
How might we nurture our connection to virtues of human experience such as the Brahmaviharas: loving-kindness (mettā), compassion (karuṇā), empathetic joy (muditā), equanimity (upekkhā), in a world increasingly full of distraction? Are there fundamental truths of existence that we can focus on and embody, or are all things ever changing Maya. Is there a connection point between the constant states of change, and the eternal unchanging nature of ultimate reality?
This is an interesting question. My experience is that through discipline and purification we become more and more sensitized to the suffering and inherent value of all living beings. At the same time, I do not believe that moral conduct necessarily follows upon reaching higher states of consciousness (as has been proven by so many cases of abuse among spiritual leaders). In tantric traditions, māyā as a concept means "the one who measures out". This is the aspect of Śakti that enables separation for the sake of diversity.
She is the one who brings the light of consciousness (which is just one) into so many different colors and shapes of creation. According to tantric traditions (especially Trika Śaivism or nondual Śaiva Tantra) this is an intentional act brought on by the Will (icchā) of Śiva (consciousness) and Śakti (creative capacity, power or energy) in order to experience themselves in a million different ways. So to answer your question, the connection between the constant states of change (Śakti) and the eternal unchanging nature of ultimate reality (Śiva) is their union inside of us.
Is it suggested that some Yogis both ancient and today have gained supernatural abilities from mastering the path of mysticism and control of mind over body, have you encountered any 'masters' or stories along your journeys that have defied your belief?
It is well-known in the yogic and tantric traditions that the use of certain techniques will grant the practitioners superpowers or perfection (siddhi). Though I am a very critical-minded academic this is not something that defies my beliefs, but an established part of tradition. There are many stories of my teacher's teacher Swami Muktānanda and his numerous siddhis. The question is always, how are they being used and are they distracting the practitioner from the real goal, which is liberation?
Are there any recent revelations that have emerged for you this year in your studies, any new ideas or concepts that you are currently exploring?
Personally, I am constantly fascinated by the intersection, or the working together of grace and grit:)
If possible, how would you describe what 'Spirituality' means to you?
Spirituality to me is a relentless search for beauty and truth.
You can also visit Tova Olsson's website below for further learning:
- Astral Magazine