# The Path is a Spiral – Daniel Simpson

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ancient-futures-6182152/the-path-is-a-spiral-daniel-simpson
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ancient-futures-6182152/the-path-is-a-spiral-daniel-simpson.md
Podcast: [Ancient Futures](https://stenobird.com/podcast/ancient-futures-6182152)
Published: 2026-02-11T07:51:26+00:00
Episode link: https://ancientfutures.substack.com/p/siddhartha-spiral
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/184424048/333232da2516508dc41c4cdeabcb1589.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/ancient-futures-6182152/episodes/the-path-is-a-spiral-daniel-simpson
Duration seconds: 1941

## Resource

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit ancientfutures.substack.com How do I interpret my rollercoaster ride on the yogic path? 🎢 This is a different sort of podcast to the usual interview – my guest today is my younger self. Responding to a listener’s question, I reflect on how to deal with the challenging “ups and downs of the yogic journey”. To help with that, I turn to the writings of Hermann Hesse – particularly his novel Siddhartha , which features a character whose strong-willed independent streak reminds me of mine… When Siddhartha complains to his companion Govinda that they’ll never get enlightened by ascetic austerities, he’s urged to rethink. “We have learned a lot,” Govinda reminds him. “We are not going around in circles, we are moving up, the circle is a spiral, we have already ascended many a level.” Siddhartha disagrees and departs – a recurring pattern. Having done something similar myself a few too many times for comfort, I share what I’ve learned about commitment and detachment – and the need to strike a balance. In the process, I mention an interview I did a little while ago, a Siddhartha book club , and a recent podcast episode inviting listeners to ask me anything . 🔎 To explore yogic wisdom in context, join me for a course at truthofyoga.com 🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee ... Your support is greatly appreciated!

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## Transcript

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