- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
September 14 – November 2, 2021
Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Essential Teachings from the Four Chapters
Swami Brahmananda
8 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm ET
Course Description:
Learn the essential teachings of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras’ four chapters and gain a deep understanding of the process of Yoga by which we become free of all erroneous identifications and mental afflictions, the Yogic practices by which the mind is purified, Ashtanga Yoga or the eight limbs of Yoga, the states of meditation and samadhi, karma and the evolution of the soul and final liberation.
Join this 8-week course with Swami Brahmananda for an in-depth understanding of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras teachings and practices. The Sutras will be taught with traditional commentaries. The course will cover important portions from the four Padas (chapters); Samadhi Pada, Sadhana Pada, Vibhuti Pada, Kaivalya Pada. The teachings are meant for new and experienced students alike.
Students will have the opportunity to get personal guidance from Swami Brahmananda on their studies.
What you'll learn:
- Yoga defined: Yoga is the restraining of the mental modifications or thought waves, by which the knower rests in its own true nature. Otherwise one identifies with the mental perceptions and becomes afflicted.
- The mind explained: The five categories of thoughts, the five modes of the chitta.
- Suffering, freedom, and the means to freedom: The mental afflictions or kleshas and the means of their purification, what is ignorance - the seeming union of consciousness and the mind, viveka or discriminative wisdom and vairagya or non attachment, the eight limbs of Yoga, self-surrender to God and meditation on OM.
- Karma and evolution: The three types of karma, the two goals of evolution - experience and transcendence.
- Meditation and Samadhi: Meditation as cultivation of clear vision, Samprajnatah Samadhi, Asamprajnatah Samadhi
Students are encouraged to take the Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Practical Guide: Ashtanga Yoga – Practices of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. By taking both courses you will gain a deep understanding of the philosophy and learn how to apply the practice in everyday life. Students who register simultaneously for both courses will receive a 15% off discount.
Additional Information:
Offered as 8 weekly sessions on Tuesdays, Sept 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, & Nov 2, 6:30-8:30pm ET
This program is offered live through Zoom webinar with the availability for students to interact through Q&A with the presenter.
For enrolled students, a video recording will be available after each class in the event you miss a class or would like to review the content.
It is possible to register and take the course at any time. You can catch up on any classes you miss with the recordings.
Requirements and Recommendations:
- No experience necessary. This program is open to beginners as well as advanced practitioners.
- Viewing Device: Desktop or laptop computer will provide the best experience, although you can also connect via a tablet or smartphone.
- Internet connection: High-speed broadband wired or wireless is best.
- Video: Download Zoom to your computer, or install the Zoom app to your device. For interactive group sessions, a webcam or integrated camera will allow others to feel more connected with you.
- Audio: Headphone speakers are recommended. If you wish to participate vocally, a headset with a microphone will be ideal.
Swami Brahmananda is a monk and senior teacher of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers and is the current Manager of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas. Swami Brahmananda joined the Sivananda organization in 1999 and was initiated into Sannyasa (monasticism) in 2006.
A long-time practitioner of yoga, meditation and philosophical studies, he regularly teaches meditation and yoga philosophy for the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses as well as the Advanced Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses. He also teaches online courses on the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and Vedanta. Swami Brahmananda is a much-loved, inspiring, and knowledgeable teacher.