- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
October 11 – January 3, 2022
Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Kaivalya Pada Teachings from the fourth chapter on Kaivalya or Liberation
Swami Brahmananda
12 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Tuesdays, 6:00-7:45pm ET
Course Description:
Learn timeless teachings from the most important text for the yogis, the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. Swami Brahmananda will offer an insightful summary of the first three chapters and an in-depth study of the fourth chapter or Kaivalya Pada on the topic of liberation or spiritual independence.
Join this inspiring course and learn an in-depth study of the fourth chapter of the Yoga Sutras, called Kaivalya Pada. It deals with asamprajnata samadhi or the final non-dual state of deep meditation. It also describes how to deal with the potential dangers of the siddhis or powers, how to destroy the karmashaya or storehouse of accumulated karma from previous births (sanchita), how not to generate fresh karma (agami), the transformation of the mind from samadhi with duality to the non-dual samadhi and the final state of kaivalya or liberation.
What you will learn:
- Gain a thorough understanding of the teachings of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras.
- Summary of the first three chapters of the Yoga Sutras: Samadhi Pada, Sadhana Pada and Vibhuti Pada.
- An in depth study of the fourth chapter or Kaivalya Pada on the topic of liberation or spiritual independence.
- Learn how the Yoga practices remove karmic obstacles. Just as a farmer removes the obstacles in the land, allowing water to flow into the field, the Yogi removes karmic obstacles by Yogic means and rapid spiritual evolution takes place, due to the creative divine force. Removal of the barriers of ignorance and its effects, egoism, raga, dvesha, etc allows the flow of knowledge, power and peace.
- A Yogi becomes objective towards karma, undisturbed by the pairs of opposites of pleasure and pain. For others there are subjective emotional reactions to the work in the form of attractions and aversions that must be carried out, and in turn create new karma.
- The Self or consciousness is the changeless reality, as all changes are always known by the knower.
- The mind is not self-aware, as it is known. The knowing capacity of the mind is a reflection of consciousness, whose nature is knowing.
- The mind cannot perceive itself. It is Purusha, the Self, or consciousness that perceives the mind. Due to ignorance and its effects, the mind appears as the perceiver. When the mind is purified, its source, the Self becomes evident, like the bottom of a clear, still lake.
Additional Information:
Offered as 12 weekly sessions on Tuesdays, Oct 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:00-7:45pm 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.0
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:
- 12 live sessions of study (21 hours) from the Patanjali Yoga sutras and guided practices. Each class includes teachings, practice time and dedicated time for questions and answers
- Recordings of the live sessions
- Course Manual
- Teacher’s availability to reply to questions about the study material between classes
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.