- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
September 13 – November 1, 2021
Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Practical Guide: Ashtanga Yoga - Practices of the 8 Limbs of Yoga
Swami Brahmananda
8 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm ET
Course Description:
Learn the core practices of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, the Ashtanga Yoga, or 8 limbs of Yoga, for the removal of obstacles from your path, so that you may achieve mental purity, steadiness in the meditative posture, and deep meditation.
Join this 8 weeks course with Swami Brahmananda to learn practical meditations and techniques to cultivate the foundational Yogic virtues, the Yamas and Niyamas, how to establish a steady meditative posture and tools to strengthen your concentration and meditation practices based on the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. The teachings and practices 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:
- We will engage in an in depth study and practice of the 8 limbs of Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga, which are the main practices given in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. We will study the entire sutras dealing with the 8 limbs and their practices.
- Yama and Niyama - form the Yogic ethical and moral foundation. We will be learning and practicing special meditations for cultivating these divine virtues.
- Asana - the meditative posture - we will learn how to establish a steady, pleasant and relaxed meditative posture for long periods.
- Pranayama - we will be learning the Yogic breathing techniques or Pranayama.
- Pratyahara - the withdrawal of the senses - we will learn how to overcome distractions and develop a contemplative life.
- Dharana - concentration - we will study what concentration is, its importance in the Yogic path and the attainment of mental purity. We will learn valuable practices to develop concentration.
- Dhyana - meditation is the most important practice by which we attain mental purity, steadiness and clear vision. We will learn what the state of meditation is and will be practicing the meditation with the mantra OM.
- Samadhi - union, the goal of Yoga. We will learn what are the states of Samadhi.
Students are encouraged to take the Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Essential Teachings from the Four Chapters. 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 Mondays, Sept 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, & Nov 1, 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.