Please call the studio (714) 417-9834 to register
The Format
This in-depth course will complete all four Chapters of the Yoga Sutras and will discuss the different levels of meaning in each sutra and the various applications which follow from each interpretation. This course is open to the public, for those who would like to learn more about Yoga philosophy and how to integrate it into daily life. This course is also included in our 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training Program. Yoga Teachers can complete all four chapters and apply the 30 hours to their certification.
Students are welcome to start with Chapter 1 or Chapter 2 – the order does not matter. However the student must have completed both Chapters 1/2 before going on to Chapters 3/4. The course meets five Saturday’s per year from 12:30-6:30pm.
Chapter 1
Samadhi Pada, the first chapter of Yoga’s foundation text offers a rich overview of the many tools and strategies on which Patanjali elaborates throughout the entire work. In this profound introduction, he defines Yoga, discusses it’s benefits. Here, he offers a variety of short-term solutions to the many obstacles that may arise on the path to the Goal. In the chapter, Patanjali describes the various functions of the mind elaborates on experiential nature of Yoga practice stresses need for a relationship with a teacher.
Chapter 2
Of the Sutra’s four chapters, the second chapter, Sadhana Pada, is certainly the most practical. Here, Patanjali expounds on the nature and psychological causes of suffering (the kleshas), and offers a complete, holistic system for transforming the human being, the eight limbs, or Astanga Yoga. He explores the first five limbs, which include Yoga’s timeless guidelines for relationships and lifestyle, as well as instructions on the correct practice of Asana and Pranayama.
Chapter 3
The third chapter, Vibuthi Pada, completes the 8-limb path with the last three limbs Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption, or flow). The process of these tree is called samyama and Patanjali then gives many examples of meditative practice, but also warns of being sidetracked by any powers gained along the way.
Chapter 4
The fourth and final chapter, Kaivalya Pada, explains that powers can be gained in various ways, the only reliable path is through the Astanga (8-limb) path to Samadhi. It is someone who has taken this route that is the most reliable teacher. Patanjali then picks up earlier themes and concludes with the term kaivalya, a concept of increasing freedom from suffering which requires a clear mind created through the practice of Yoga.
Dates
- Saturday’s 12:30-6:30pm
- Chapter 1 – February 4th
- Chapter 1 contd – March 11th
- Chapter 2 – April 15th
- Chapter 2 contd. – May 13th
- Chapters 3/4 – June 17th
Course Info
- Course Title: MOD1YS
- Contact Hours: 30 hours
- Non-Contact Hours: 0 hours
- Cost: $500
The Teacher
Robert Birnberg has been a student of the Yoga Sutras for over four decades. For the past twenty years, he has studied this brilliant work with teachers in the lineage of T.Krishnamacharya, the father of modern Yoga. He is one of a handful of people personally certified by Krishnamacharya’s son, T.K.V. Desikachar to train teachers. Robert is dedicated to mining the Sutra’s timeless truths for common sense life-skills, leading to increased optimism, better health, more satisfying relationships, and measurably enhanced wellbeing. He teaches private, therapeutic Yoga, trains teachers in the U.S and abroad and is on the faculty of the Loyola Marymount Yoga Therapy Program. Robert is also a certified Positive Psychology Coach, allowing him to effectively combine Yoga’s tools with proven Positive Psychology interventions.
We will be using ‘The Heart of Yoga’ by TKY Desikachar or ‘Reflections on the Yoga Sutras’, by TKV Desikachar, available at www.kym.org, (please note that this book has been taken off the KYM website, we are contacting the KYM to place a bulk order from India) or ‘Liberating Isolation’, by Frans Moors, available at www.sky-yoga.net, (allow three to four weeks for delivery).
