Daniel Simpson
Yoga Philosophy Teacher & Teacher TrainerA foreign correspondent turned philosopher, Daniel found yoga in 1990s India and never stopped asking questions about it. He covers more than two thousand years of yogic thought with the ease of a storyteller, making ideas that can feel daunting suddenly approachable, intriguing – even amusing. He is on our faculty to demystify philosophy for our trainees.
Ancient texts, contemporary priorities
Approach
Daniel’s style is relaxed, as if sitting across the table from you for a chat. He explores how ideas from traditional texts – such as the Yoga Sūtras, the Bhagavad Gītā and the older Upaniṣads – relate to modern life, while encouraging questions and critical thinking. Students often describe leaving his sessions feeling more empowered to express their own ideas and better equipped for a life of inquiry.
There is no obligation to pick one text, or one form of yoga, and uncritically follow whatever it says. We are free to ignore what might not seem relevant. But that makes it important to know what traditional teachings say, and to distinguish this from how we interpret them. Daniel Simpson The Truth of Yoga
Early years
Daniel’s first taste of yoga came not in a studio but in the Himalayan foothills. Working as a foreign correspondent in the 1990s, he found himself drawn to traditional renouncers, and eventually the Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest gathering of humans on earth. The reporter’s instinct for asking questions slowly turned inward, setting him on a lifelong path of study and practice.
Training & influences
What followed was a long apprenticeship with multiple teachers, including extensive periods in Rishikesh, Pune and Mysore. Later, an M.A. in yoga studies at SOAS in London gave him the scholarly scaffolding to put ideas into context. He combines a practitioner’s interest in insight with the detachment and rigour of a historian, using journalistic skills to keep his teaching engaging. He continues to study, feeling humbled by how much more there is to know, while remembering that knowledge is only a pointer to practical wisdom.
Teaching today
Today Daniel leads the monthly Yoga Philosophy Club strand of the Shala’s School’s Teacher Training programme– an online gathering for teachers and practitioners to think aloud together about the ongoing relevance of ancient ideas to modern lives. He also teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, contributes to teacher trainings in the UK and internationally, and hosts the Ancient Futures podcast.
Yoga helps us to see from a different perspective. How we interpret what we learn is up to us. It seems unhelpful to follow a script, trying to be “a good yogi,” whether one from the Iron Age or more recently. Whatever we do, unless it comes from the heart, it projects another story about who we are. Daniel Simpson The Truth of Yoga
Specialisms
Yoga Philosophy – Yoga History – Sanskrit Texts in Translation – Teaching for 300–hour Trainings – Group Reflection & Dialogue
What Daniel Simpson's students say
“Daniel Simpson weaves effortlessly through the history of yoga, ancient to modern, telling a story that is both compelling and approachable.”
AF – Accessible Yoga Philosophy student“Daniel has made this material come to life with his natural storytelling ability and strong grasp of history plus a love of yoga. He has a way of responding to people’s contributions so that no idea is discarded, and I found that very encouraging. I was inspired to be creative and enjoyed making connections to modern systems of thinking.”
Dr. L. G – Yoga Philosophy student“I whole–heartedly love Daniel’s teaching – he brings clarity, honesty and humour to current debates about yoga philosophy. Empowering and inspiring.”
E.C. – Yoga Philosophy student“I’m amazed at how clear and accessible Daniel Simpson is in sharing his knowledge… If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the philosophy of yoga, this is your guy.”
Yoga Philosophy student“Some of the clearest and most eloquent teachings I’ve encountered. Complex ideas are broken down into easy–to–understand bite–sized chunks.”
S.M. – Yoga Philosophy student“Daniel is a brilliant teacher – incredibly knowledgeable and at the same time very inclusive and accepting of other points of view.”
C.M. – Yoga Philosophy student“I attended an event earlier this year and learned more in that one evening than in all the rest of the yoga teacher training I’ve done – so thank you!”
MG – Yoga Philosophy student“Unpacking how old yogic texts really are, why there is so much emphasis on Patañjali, looking at the bigger picture, why yoga doesn’t (always) mean Union and what modern postural yoga has to do with colonial gymnastics. Great fun and highly recommend.”
MM – Yoga Philosophy student
Interested in training with Daniel Simpson?
Whether you're considering one of our trainings, a specialist CPD, or simply want to ask a question — we'd love to hear from you.