James Connor: The Superyogi Scenario
One of the things that differentiates this book from other superhero stories is the instructions in the novel all come authentic scriptures in the yoga and Buddhist lineages, like 2nd century texts that describe precisely how yogis throughout the centuries have performed miracles like walking on water, flying in the sky, and reading minds. It’s fascinating to read detailed instructions for these supernatural abilities and realize, “oh that’s how it’s done.”
Readers can experience the wisdom for themselves and decide how they want to apply it to their lives.
OMTIMES: What do you make of our culture’s obsession with superheroes in movies, TV, and in graphic novels?
James Connor: I think it’s awesome! On a deep emotional level, we all want to save others from suffering and see good triumph over evil. That desire is growing stronger as we become more and more connected to the troubles of everyday people around the world. Perhaps that’s why we are seeing more and more superhero movies, TV shows, and graphic novels. We all want to be heroes.
Because that’s the emotional driver, there’s going to be a next evolution of the superhero story. Right now, it looks like you have to be a billionaire playboy with access to cool tech, or from another planet, or caught in some strange laboratory mishap to be a superhero.
But we want to know how we can become more of a superhero ourselves. And that has to do with growing in wisdom and love.
I find it really interesting that yoga and meditation is something that is available to nearly everybody. And that so many yoga and meditation texts talk about supernormal abilities that result from growing in wisdom and merit.
I think stories like The Superyogi Scenario represent the next evolution of the superhero story.
OMTIMES: How did you think of putting superheroes and yoga together?
James Connor: Well I know the world is obsessed with superheroes in movies, on TV, and in graphic novels and so many people like myself are doing yoga and meditating. So it was this opportunity to bring all my favorite things together.
