- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
March 16 – April 20, 2021
Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Sadhana Pada, Teachings from Chapter Two on Practice
Swami Brahmananda
6 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm EST
What you'll learn:
- An in-depth study of chapter two of the Yoga Sutras, Sadhana Pada: This chapter covers the topic of practice. All the Sutras or verses of the chapter will be covered and explained with traditional commentaries and insights.
- Yoga Philosophy: gain a thorough understanding of the teachings of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras.
- Yoga Psychology: in-depth teachings of the workings of the mind and powerful techniques of how to purify it in order to attain wisdom and abiding peace.
- Kriya Yoga: the practices of Kriya Yoga by which the mental afflictions are alleviated and one attains Samadhi or superconsciousness.
- The five Kleshas: the five roots of human suffering, their definitions, and how to alleviate them.
- Practice and non-attachment (abhyasa and vairagya): how to cultivate self discipline and regularity within spiritual disciplines and practical ways to cultivate non-attachment.
- Karma and its workings: Patanjali Maharishi gives a detailed analysis of the operations of Karma, the cause of Karma, its relation to suffering, and how Karma manifests in the life of the individual.
- The evolution of the soul: the process of the evolution of the soul, the purposes of evolution, and its culmination in spiritual liberation.
- Ashtanga Yoga: the Yoga of eight limbs, the means to alleviate the mental afflictions and attain Samadhi. The first five limbs, called the external limbs of Yoga, are explained in this chapter - Yamas (restraints), Niyamas (observances) and their attainments (siddhis), Asana (postures), Pranayama (regulation of breath), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses).
Course Description:
This is an inspiring and thorough study of the most important text for the yogis. Patanjali’s second chapter sets forth the practice of Yoga, or sadhana. It discusses Kriya Yoga, which is purification through discipline, study, and self-surrender. It enumerates the five main afflictions, or causes for human suffering, and the methods for eliminating them. Finally, it discusses the first 5 limbs of Raja yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, and pratyahara), which are the foundations for meditation.
Raja Yoga, the royal path of mind control, is the most comprehensive and scientific approach to God-Realization. The precepts and doctrines of this ancient science were first compiled and explained by Patanjali Maharishi, the greatest psychologist of all time. Never has man’s mind been so completely analyzed. Never has the process of eliminating human suffering been so succinctly presented. The methods of Raja Yoga are profound and timeless. They are the most useful techniques available to modern man beset by the tremendous stresses and strains of our competitive society.
Additional Information:
Offered as 6 weekly sessions on Tuesdays, Mar 16, 23, 30, Apr 6, 13 & 20, 6:30-8:30pm EST
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:
- 6 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
- Recordings of the live sessions
- Course Manual
- Availability to ask questions about the studies and practices between classes
Swami Brahmananda
Swami Brahmananda is Manager of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat and senior staff of the Sivananda organization. A long-time practitioner of yoga, he regularly teaches yoga philosophy and meditation for the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Courses as well as meditation immersion courses. He is a much-loved, inspiring, and knowledgeable teacher.