- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
November 9 – December 28, 2021
Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Essential Teachings - Suffering, Freedom, and the Means to Freedom
Swami Brahmananda
8 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm ET
Course Description:
Learn the essential teachings of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and gain a deep understanding of the causes of human suffering and the process of Yoga by which the mind is purified and bondage is overcome.
Join this 8-week course with Swami Brahmananda for an in-depth understanding of how freedom is attained through meditation and knowledge, how the mind weaves its own bondage through self-ignorance, limited identities, emotional attachments and desires, and the Yogic means by which bondage is transcended. 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:
- The five kleshas or origins of human suffering: Avidya - ignorance, Asmita - egoism, Raga - attraction to pleasure, Dvesha - aversion to pain, Abhinivesha - fear of death. We will discuss their definitions and their states in the mind: latent, weakened, suppressed, active, burned.
- Karma and its origin in the kleshas. Samsara is the bondage of karma.
- Discriminative wisdom and dispassion as means to freedom from suffering.
- Avoiding future suffering that has not manifested yet.
- From bondage to freedom: karma and evolution - the three types of karma, the two goals of evolution - experience and transcendence.
- The means to attain freedom from suffering
Additional Information:
Offered as 8 weekly sessions on Tuesdays, November 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21 & 28, 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.
Course Includes:
- 16 hours of on-demand video
- 8 live sessions of 2 hours of study from the Patanjali Yoga sutras and guided practices. Each class includes teachings, practice time and dedicated time for questions and answers
- Home guided practices – including recorded guided meditations
- Feedback and personal guidance on student’s home practices
- Availability to ask questions about the studies and practices between classes
- Course Manual
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.