- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
January 11 – March 29, 2022
Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Samadhi Pada: Teachings From the First Chapter on Samadhi or Concentration
Swami Brahmananda
12 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Tuesdays, 6:00-7:45pm ET
Course Description:
Learn what makes our spiritual life effective and successful and how to overcome emotional addictions and attachments. You will learn tools to strengthen your meditation practice based on the most important Yogic scripture – the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. . Swami Brahmananda will offer an in-depth study of the first chapter or Samadhi Pada on the topic of Samadhi or concentration.
Join this inspiring journey through the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, discovering the true nature of who you are, what is the mind, how the mind can bind and how when purified it paves the way to liberation and true lasting happiness. The teachings and practices are meant for new and experienced students alike.
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.
Students will have the opportunity to get personal guidance from Swami Brahmananda on their studies.
What you'll learn:
- An in depth study of the Samadhi Pada, the first chapter of the Yoga Sutras on the topic of Samadhi or concentration. All the Sutras or verses of the chapter will be covered and explained with traditional commentaries and insights.
- Meditation with the mantra OM - Patanjali Maharishi explains that meditation on OM with meaning removes the obstacles to Samadhi and develops enlightened introspection. We will be devoting time each session to meditate with the mantra OM.
- Yoga Philosophy – gain a thorough understanding of the teachings of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras by which we attain clear understanding of the nature of the mind and its being different from pure consciousness, freedom from binding emotions, attachments and addictions.
- Yoga Psychology – the Patanjali Yoga Sutras is the most complete teaching on Yoga psychology.
- The process of Yoga - the stilling of the thought waves in the mind lake or Chitta, by which one attains abidance in pure consciousness.
- The five types of vrittis or thought waves: right knowledge, wrong knowledge, imagination, sleep and memory.
- Practice and non-attachment (abhyasa and vairagya) – how to cultivate self discipline and regularity in the practice of spiritual disciplines and practical ways to cultivate non-attachment, desirelessness and dispassion.
- The types of Samadhi - the state of one pointedness (Ekagra) and its various stages and the final total suspension of mental activity (Nirodha).
- Who is Ishwara (God) and the practice of devotion and self-surrender.
- The mantra OM as the name of Ishwara and remover of obstacles.
- The obstacles to Samadhi and how to remove them.
- Practices to attain concentration or one-pointedness of mind.
- The cardinal virtues stabilizing the mind and emotions and how to cultivate them in daily life through special meditations and other practices: Maitri – friendliness. Karuna – mercy, compassion. Mudita – goodwill. Upeksha – non-judgment.
Additional Information:
Offered as 12 weekly sessions on Tuesdays, Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, Mar 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 6:30-7:45pm 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.
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.