- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
February 2 – March 9, 2021
Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Samadhi Pada: Teachings From the First Chapter on Concentration
Swami Brahmananda
6 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm EST
What you'll learn:
- An in-depth study of the Samadhi Pada, the first chapter of the Yoga Sutras on the topic of concentration.
- All the Sutras or verses of the chapter will be covered and explained with traditional commentaries and insights.
- Yoga Psychology – learn in-depth knowledge of the workings of the mind and powerful techniques of how to purify it, attain wisdom and abiding peace.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
This is an inspiring and thorough study of the most important text for the yogis. The first chapter – Concentration which will be studied in this course deals with the various types of Samadhi or superconscious states of meditation, obstacles in meditation, the five types of Vrittis or thought-waves and how to gain control over them, what is non-attachment, and how to cultivate it, the nature of Iswara or God and the practice of self-surrender to God, various methods to enter into deep meditation or Samadhi and the way to acquire peace of mind by developing virtues.
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, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar 2 & 9
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
- Feedback and personal guidance on student’s home practices
- Availability to ask questions about the studies and practices between classes
- Home guided practices – including recorded guided meditations
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.