THE YOGA SUTRA
The Yoga Sutra is one of the most important texts of the Yoga tradition.
It is also one of the most condensed.
A single Sutra can contain an enormous amount of meaning.
To understand it requires careful study and traditional commentary.
We study the text one verse at a time.
SAMADHI PADA
Yoga = Samadhi.
The first Pada establishes the fundamental definition and purpose of Yoga.
We investigate the movements of the mind, the nature of practice and non-attachment, the different stages of Samadhi, Ishvara and Om, obstacles to practice and the different means given for stabilizing the mind.
The Pada gradually brings us towards increasingly subtle forms of absorption and ultimately towards Samadhi without seed.
SADHANA PADA
The second Pada turns towards practice.
We investigate the causes of suffering, karma, the relationship between the Seer and the seen, discrimination and the means by which suffering can be brought to an end.
The eight limbs of Yoga are introduced:
Yama · Niyama · Asana · Pranayama · Pratyahara · Dharana · Dhyana · Samadhi
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VIBHUTI PADA
The third Pada examines concentration, meditation and Samadhi in greater detail.
Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are brought together as Samyama.
We investigate what happens when the mind becomes completely focused and the extraordinary knowledge and capacities that can arise through Samyama.
But the text also makes clear that these powers are not the ultimate purpose of Yoga.
The deeper subject remains knowledge and liberation.
KAIVALYA PADA
The final Pada returns to the fundamental questions of mind, consciousness, karma, Samskara and liberation.
We investigate how the mind operates, how impressions are formed and how discriminative knowledge develops.
The culmination is Kaivalya — liberation.
THE COMMENTARIAL TRADITION
The Sutras are not studied in isolation.
We study them together with traditional commentaries, beginning with Vyasa and following the commentarial tradition that developed around the Yoga Sutra.
The commentary is essential because the Sutras are condensed to the point where much of their meaning is implicit.
The work is to unpack what is contained in the text.
ONE SUTRA AT A TIME
The intention is not to rush through the Yoga Sutra.
We take the time to examine the Sanskrit, the meaning of the words, the traditional explanation and the relationship between the Sutra and the larger teaching.
The question is always:
What is this actually pointing towards?
