SUTRA STUDY
SATURDAYS - 11 AM-1.30 PM GMT (UK time)
November 15-March 21
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ESSENTIAL READINGS in YOGA PHILOSOPHY
SUNDAYS - 11 AM-1 PM GMT (UK time)
November 16-March 22
classes are live online and recorded, and include pranayama and meditation
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COSTS
Combined Study (Sutra Study & Essential Readings) - $950 - Pay Online
Sutra Study - $625 - Pay Online
Essential Readings - $475 - Pay Online
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SUTRA STUDY
SATURDAYS - 11 AM-1.30 PM GMT (UK time)
November 15-March 21
The most comprehensive teaching on yoga is contained in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. Although the text itself is cryptic and only 195 very short verses long, there is an extensive tradition of commentary that elaborates and explains the text. The Sutras contain teachings on both theory and practice, and is an indispensable guide to anyone who wants to get anywhere with yoga.
An in depth study of the sutras is invaluable for students and teachers alike. Such a study is a life-long project, but one can become familiar with the essential teachings relatively quickly with the right guidance. However, such guidance is not necessarily easy to find: there are many confused and confusing translations and interpretations of the text.
Our study will focus on Chapter I and II of the Yoga Sutra, looking at the translation and commentaries for each sutra in depth. Chapter I is the chapter on samadhi, or meditation. It also includes the basis for yoga psychology. Chapter II is the chapter on sadhana, or practice - it includes the explanation of the eight steps of ashtanga yoga, yogic lifestyle, diet and obstacles to practice.
Followed by Discussion, Pranayama and Meditation
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ESSENTIAL READINGS in YOGA PHILOSOPHY
SUNDAYS - 11 AM-1 PM GMT (UK time)
November 16-March 22
Yoga philosophy did not evolve in a vacuum: its genesis and evolution developed alongside several different schools of thought. Our understanding of yoga philosophy can be greatly enhanced by exploring these texts. There are several branches of Indian philosophy/practice that are interrelated - in particular, Yoga, Vedanta and Samkhya. In order to get a deeper understanding of the Yoga Sutra, it is necessary to study several other texts, in particular, the Upanishads, some of the Hatha texts, some Advaita texts (Gita and Adi Shankaracharya’s works) and a study of the Samkhya system.
In this course we will extract some essential readings from: the Bhagavad Gita, Samkhya Karika, Samkhya Sutra, Katha Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishad, Taittiriya Upanishad, Yoga Taravali, Drg Drishya Viveka, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, YogaYajnavalkya Samhita, Yoga Upanishads and more…
Readings from the texts will be in English, without reference to the sanskrit original or in depth commentaries.
Followed by Discussion, Pranayama and Meditation
Texts Included:
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Along with the Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita, the HYP, is considered one of the most important yogic texts. It is particularly valuable for its description of the nadis, bandhas and pranayama and the connection between the physical practices and the mental states of meditation.
YogaYajnavalkya Samhita
Another very important Hatha text, though it is one that is not widely known, and one of Krishnamacharya’s favorites, the YYS is also valuable for its description of the nadis, for an in depth exploration of pratyahara and much more.
Bhagavad Gita
The BG is one of the most widely read texts in the World, translated into over 100 languages, it is a seminal text on the subject of yoga, seeing it is a practical path of knowledge, as distinct from the theoretical path of Samkhya - though both paths have the same end.
Samkhya Karika/Samkhya Sutra
Samkhya means enumeration, the means of defining, categorizing and explaining the phenomena of the natural, psychological and spiritual world, as well as the means for emancipation from suffering. The categorization, which includes description of both the phenomenal and the psychological landscape is the underpinning of practically all Indian philosophy.
Katha Upanishad
The six systems (darshana) of Indian thought all rest their authority on the vedas and particularly on Vedanta, or the Upanishads. The Katha Upanishad is one of the earliest, and contains some of the earliest examples of yogic thinking.
Mandukya Upanishad
Mandukya Upanishad is devoted to the sacred syllable OM and its relation to the waking, dreaming, deep sleep and transcendental states of awareness. Being only 12 short verses long, it doubles as a beautiful meditation on consciousness.
Taittiriya Upanishad
The Taittiriya is particularly valuable for its description of the five bodies (physical, panic, mental, intellectual and bliss bodies) and their relationship to each other.
Yoga Upanishads
There are numerous little-known upanshiads that give us valuable insights about many aspects of yoga.
Yoga Taravali
This is the source text for the “Vande Gurunam…” mantra. A short treatise on yoga by the great saint Adi Shankara.
Drg Drishya Viveka
Another text from Shankara - a deep meditation on attaining the non-dual state.
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COSTS
Combined Study (Sutra Study & Essential Readings) - $950 - Pay Online
Sutra Study - $625 - Pay Online
Essential Readings - $475 - Pay Online