Pātañjala-Darśana
The philosophical framework of Yoga
Mahaṛṣi Patañjali
Even as the popularity of Yoga is on the rise, the knowledge about its philosophical framework among its practitioners is pretty basic, even among its most famous proponents. In an era, where research translates to merely googling for information, this does not come as a surprise. However, relying on such improper information to transmit a deep and fascinating tradition like Yoga is not only dangerous but also brings disrepute to this ancient discipline.
Yoga itself has a strong philosophical framework. This is why it is called as a Vaidika-darśana (Philosophical school of the Vedic Tradition). It is not just a set of bodily exercises. Rather, it has its philosophical approach to live a full life, to reduce suffering and find liberation. As part of its thoughtful approach, it includes how it views this world, how it approaches life, and how the practices fit into this view.
These are essential conversations we must engage in, even as Yoga becomes more and more widespread. A deep understanding of the philosophical framework of Yoga will not only help its proponents to teach more accurately but also allow its practitioners to appreciate the depth of its wisdom. It is the reason why this online seminar is offered.
The seminar was originally conducted in July 2020, and is now open once again for participants who missed it at this time. You can purchase access to this course and gain insights into this wonderful text.
Through a series of eight Audio Recordings, participants will learn the essential concepts from this text, and discuss its practical application either for themselves or for their students. Each module consists of two sessions of 50 minutes each. The seminar is conducted by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar in English.
All participants will be provided access to the Resource Centre, where they can download the handouts and the pre-recorded sessions, and listen to them at their own leisurely pace.
1) The Origins of Yoga
The Veda-s | The Ṣaṭ-vaidika-darśana-s and the non-Vedic Darśana-s | The Sūtra style of transmission
2) The blind and the lame - Yoga and Sāṁkhya
The similarities | The differences | The twenty five Tattva-s
3) Yoga as an Anuśāsanam - an experiential philosophy
Meaning of Anuśāsanam | Qualities of an ideal Yoga student | Qualities of an ideal Yoga teacher | Classical definitions of Yoga
4) Authencity and Change - The Satvāda and Pariṇāma-vāda of Yoga
Concepts of Vastu-tantra, Citta-tantra and Brahmaiva-tantra | Plurality of Consciousness | Āstikya-tattva | Dharma & Dharmī
5) Karma and Yoga
The theory of Karma | How Yoga integrates Karma | How to reduce the Karmic influences | Bondage and Liberation
6) The Íśvara of Yoga - Yoga vs Religion
Definition of Īśvara in Yoga | Differences with Vedānta | How Yoga relates with Īśvara | Yoga vs. Religion
7) Appropriate Application of Yoga The Viniyoga of Yoga
Meaning of Viniyoga | What are the tools of Yoga | How to apply them consistent with Viniyoga | Different means to overcome suffering - Kriyāyoga, Aṣṭāṅgayoga etc.
8) Yoga and Buddhism
Comparison of Key principles between Buddhism and Yoga | Similarities and differences
9) Yoga and non-dualism
Why Yoga is not non-dualistic | Differences between Yoga and Non-dualism
10) The evolution of Yoga
The Post Patañjali evolution of Yoga into - Rājayoga, Haṭhayoga and Prapattiyoga | Relevance of modern styles of Yoga
Who must join this seminar?
It will be essential for serious teachers and students, who wish to deepen their understanding of the philosophy of Yoga and represent it authentically.
It will be most useful to:
those wanting to understand Yoga beyond just Āsana practice.
serious Yoga Teachers who want to understand clearly the wisdom of Yogic philosophy.
Yoga Teacher Trainers who want to represent Yoga in an authentic manner.
those who wish to deepen their practice and take it to the next level.
those who appreciate traditional teachings and how they influence Practices.
the intelligent student of Yoga, who believes that all practice must be grounded in Philosophy.
the discerning seeker, who wants his/her heart to be filled with pearls of wisdom from the rich Vedic tradition.
those who are wondering if they are on the right path in Yoga or reflecting on what kind of Yoga practitioner they want to be!
To know more about why one must study the Yogasūtra-s of Patañjali, watch this Youtube video —>
To sign up for the very special event, email us here info@viniyoga.com.sg
€240 for all eight sessions.
Cost includes payment for all sessions including audio recordings of each session. Payments can be made through Bank Transfer using IBAN or Paypal or Credit Card.
All Paypal and Credit Card payments will be charged only in Singapore Dollars (S$410 including Processing Fee). Interested participants can kindly send your Full name, Mailing Address and Email to info@viniyoga.com.sg
Payments can also be made in the following other currencies through Bank Transfer - British £ (£220) | Australian $ (A$400) | New Zealand $ (NZ$440)
On receiving your email, an invoice will be sent to you, and on receiving payment, your registration will be confirmed and access to the resource centre provided.
Please note that owing to the COVID-19 Crisis, this special price is offered. We are well aware of the financial stress this Coronavirus Crisis is causing to all around the world and we want to be of support. We hope all of you will take the chance to benefit from this special offer and invite you to join this very special course.