Studying the Yoga Sutras with Others
For Yoga Sutras study, an online setting can work as well as in-person, especially if you are using a platform that allows people to break out into separate “rooms” for one-on-one or small group discussions.
If teaching in person, chanting the sutras can help set a calm and meditative tone. Audio files are available here. You can register for weekly Sunday 8:00-9:00am online chanting classes here.
When teaching the Yoga Sutras, consider reserving half of the class for discussion so students may share their own responses to the text. It works best if participants read and prepare ahead of group discussions.
Art by Sam Fisher
Six Sessions to Study the Central Themes of the Yoga Sutras
1. The Goal of Yoga — Sutras 1.1–1.4: Yoga as the state of equanimity of mind that allows for recognition of and abiding as the True Self.
2. The Two Conditions, Practice and Non-Attachment — Sutras 1.12–1.16: Abhyasa and vairagya and their importance to Yoga.
3. The Obstacles to Peace — Sutras 2.1–2.9: The three aspects of Yoga inaction; the kleshas: ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and clinging to bodily life.
4. The External Limbs of Yoga — Sutras 2.29–2.32, 2.46–2.55: Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, and pratyahara.
5. Yama, Niyama — Sutras 2.35–2.45: The effects of the abstentions and observances; the ethical and spiritual precepts of Yoga.
6. Asana and Pranayama — Sutras 2.46–2.53: The central purpose of yoga asana practice and the profound benefits of breath-control.
