I invite you to join me for a discussion on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali wherein I will introduce some of the key concepts of the sutras. We will also discuss how an understanding of the sutras can profoundly impact our day-to-day life in a positive way.
- What: An Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- When: First Saturday of the month
- Next Session: Saturday, February 7, 2015
- Focus: Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga)
(see below for more details) - TIME: 1:30 – 3:30 PM [please note the earlier start time this month]
- LOCATION: Integral Yoga Studio, 4000 Bearcat Way, Suite 104, Morrisville, NC 27560
- FEE: by voluntary donation
Why study the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (YSP)?
Because, YSP is not just a manual on yoga philosophy, it is a manual on "life". A study of this manual will help us understand:
- How to live a life full of peace, harmony and fulfillment
- What is stress, what causes stress and how to manage stress
- How to achieve your maximum potential in life
- What is mind and how to understand its functioning
- What causes suffering and how can we prevent suffering
- How to keep the mind calm and peaceful in the face of adversity
- What is the goal of life and how to achieve that goal
- Does the practice of yoga only involves the practice of asana (physical postures) or is there more to this practice?
- What is self-realization
- … and much more …
Here is a brief summary of what we covered in the last session (an audio recording is available upon request):
- Brief overview of: definition of yoga, abhyasa (practice), vairagya (detachment)
- Five Kleshas (afflictions): avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachments), dwesha (dislikes), abhinivesha (fear of death)
- Five yamas: ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (abstinence), aparigraha (non-covetedness)
- Five niyamas: Shaucha: purity, cleanliness of mind, speech and body; Santosha: contentment, acceptance of others and of one’s circumstances as they are; Tapas: persistent meditation, perseverance, austerity; Svadhyaya: study of self, self-reflection, introspection of self’s thoughts, study of scriptures; Ishvarapraṇidhana: Surrender to Ishvara (God/Supreme Being, True Self, Unchanging Reality)
- Brief review of Samkhya philosophy: purusha/prakriti; 23 elements of prakriti; root cause of suffering – perceived union of purusha with prakriti (ego)
Here’s what I plan to cover in the next session:
- Concept of Ishwara (God) according to Patanjali
- Eight limbs of yoga: focus on asana (physical posture), pranayama (breathing techniques), pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
Come join me for these introductory talks on the Yoga Sutras and see how its study can help us in all aspects of life listed above.
Please contact me if you would like to register.
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