Yoga Sūtra 2.1
It is a radical choice to practice Yoga. This course will explore why and how. Using Patanjali’s Yoga Sūtra as a source, we will focus on the very start of the second chapter (or book)—of which there are four. Here, in sūtra 2.1, Yoga is explained as a practice and as a philosophy. In order to better support our understanding of this sūtra, we will study the Yama and Niyama basics, which appear towards the end of the same book. We will highlight the importance of both the first Yama and the final three Niyama. How do we practice these outside of our more familiar āsana and prānāyāma practices? Why is ahimsā the bedrock of the Yama vows? What does ahimsā look like in practice and how is it related to sūtra 2.1? What makes practicing Yoga radically different than other philosophies and practices? How does sūtra 2.1 show that responsible action is the core of Yoga practice?
While the bulk of our work will engage thoughts and our ability to organize them, we will also engage in the physical practice of prāṇāyāma via chanting, which will calibrate our nadi/cakra system, preparing us for other yoga practices, such as āsana, seated prāṇāyāma, and dhyāna. By joining the meaning of what we’re chanting with the chanting itself, our practice becomes an expression of the philosophy we choose to sit on.
We will work to explicate for ourselves what Patañjali presents in the Yoga Sūtra. In this process, we will acknowledge our current psychological standing—both individually and culturally. Whether our aim is to choose Yoga or only to understand it, we will recognize that it is only possible by better appreciating these Southeast Asian philosophical contributions.
No prior Yoga Sūtra study necessary.
This course is guided by Julia.
10 Yalla Yoga School credits.
Each class will include:
Theory
Practice
Details:
Four 60-minute pre-recorded sessions
You can send me questions via email and I will respond within 72 hours
Private Facebook Group dedicated to Yalla Yoga students
