Yoga Sutra Study (Bali - November 2024)

Module 4 & 5: The Yoga Sutra Study

The Yoga Sutra Study course is an advanced yoga philosophy program. The first chapter of the Yoga Sutras defines yoga, the aim of practice, and the various problems that will come along the way as we work towards the state of yoga. In this course, we look at our identity separating from our thoughts, and discover the reasons why we do meditation and what we gain from meditation. In book two Patanjali explains how to attain the goal of Samadhi. This book explains the mind, suffering, and how to live a yoga lifestyle.  Patanjali explains the three paths of practice that The Bhagavad Gita teaches. Patanjali says we can use our Body/Karma/Action, our Mind/Jnana/Alignment, and our Heart/Bhakti/attitude. Book two also introduces us to the first five of the eight limbs of yoga, and gives us an opportunity to put them into practice.

Chapters three and four of the sutras are more advanced. Chapter three runs from 3.1 - 3.55 . This chapter focuses on the supernatural abilities (siddhis) gained from the practice of samyama. This Module is primarily about practicing samyama, the “perfect discipline” in which the yogi directs the mind into dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (complete union) with a single object of focus. These are the final three limbs of Ashtanga (8-limbed) yoga, and they concentrate the energy of consciousness. In the last chapter we study, we'll learn about the forces of nature (gunas) and how to move past the limitations of time and space. We'll learn about yoga’s goal - a continuously unfolding process of self-knowledge and that this will lead to moksha, liberation.

Taking the Yoga Sutra Study course will not only enhance your mental health but it will support you in teaching thoughtful classes with intention, and wisdom from yoga philosophy.