Philosophy of Yoga
I will be giving a series of talks on yoga philosophy in my private studio. Please contact me if you would like to attend any/all of the following:
26 Jan, Thurs, 7-9pm
Swadhyaya: When you approach the teachings of yoga in the spirit of right inquiry (vichara), at the right time (especially the start of a new year), you make it possible for a deep and long-lasting change to take place within your being. Our discussion will look at how yoga is based on direct, personal and living experience, and how its study involves:
| S’ravana: hearing/reading the teachings Manana: mulling over what you have heard/read Dhyana: meditation on the teachings |
2 Feb, Thurs, 7-9pm
Chitta-vritti: Yoga is the state you are in when no thought waves are disturbing your peace, the state that you experience when your patterns of consciousness are stilled. We will look at this state in more detail and also at yoga as the techniques by which you can settle your mind into silence.
Interested in attending
9 Feb, Thurs, 7-9pm
Abhyasa-vairagya-tapas: Control of your thoughts through regular, steady practice (abhyasa) with an attitude of detachment (vairagya) may be best achieved through self-discipline (tapas). This talk will (hopefully) inspire you to do things that previously seemed difficult in order to purify and strengthen your mind.
Interested in attending
16 Feb, Thurs, 7-9pm
Mantra and Japa: A look at specific sound vibrations that provide powerful auditory assistance in sharpening and expanding your spiritual wisdom – and how to use them. Mantras can help you to restore balance within the microcosm, i.e. your mind and body, and aid you in bringing yourself into harmony with the macrocosm.
Interested in attending
20 Feb, Mon, 7-9pm
Sivaratri: this new-moon night; in Indian tradition it is dedicated to Siva.
Please contact meif you are interested in mantra initiation
23 Feb, Thurs, 7-9pm
Ishwara-pranidhana: The last of Patanjali’s five niyamas is perhaps yoga’s greatest challenge. Ishwara-pranidhana consists of letting go of your embedded persona and opening your heart to the higher purposes of your being.
Interested in attending
1 March, Thurs, 7-9pm
Brahmaviharas: You will find your mind becoming more serene as you focus on the qualities of friendliness, compassion, delight and equanimity, the four “vehicles” which take you to the realm of inner peace. This talk will include guided meditation and ample opportunities for you to ask questions.
Interested in attending
8 March, Thurs, 7-9pm
Santosha is the optimistic state of mental well-being in which you attempt to focus on the positive
aspects of all situations and all beings. Contentment brings with it great inner joy and serenity. Your thoughts become steady and peaceful; you are more able to better concentrate on your practice by being in the
present moment.
Interested in attending
15 March, Thurs, 7-9pm
Saucha: With the coming of spring, we will look at the first of Patanjali’s niyamas which advocates purification on all levels: the physical cleanliness of washing your body, maintaining an orderly home, eating healthy food – and also mental clarity, and speech that refrains from emotionally-charged obsessions and addictions. Saucha enables you to find balance in your life, a pre-condition for experiencing the fullness of yoga and inner peace.
Interested in attending
If you are running a teachers training programme, you may want
to have your students attend these classes – or, I can personalise
a philosophy module to fit your needs.
Suggested philosophy classes (2-3 hours each)
Introduction to Indian scriptures, Indian philosophical systems, yoga philosophy, and the main paths and practices of yoga
What is Yoga? An introduction to the categories of Indian scriptures, the Vedas, the six classical schools of Indian philosophy and the 5 Paths of Yoga - and historical timeline is included.
Introduction to Meditation
hat is meditation? How to start or deepen your meditation practice; the nature and function of the mind; the four states of consciousness.
Is there more to life than just the physical body?
This class introduces the yogic concepts of the three bodies and five sheaths; what the bodies and sheaths consist of, when they are present and active, their experiences, and how to purify them. This is an essential class if you are thinking to go more deeply into your yoga practice – especially designed for yoga teachers and teacher trainees.
Chakras 1: Prana, Nadis and Chakras
The subtle energy, 72,000 psychic channels through which the prana moves and the energetic centres within the astral body. You will be introduced to the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna, as well as to the vital energy centres that are known as “the chakras”.
Chakras 2: Introduction to Chakra Meditation
Chakra meditations are simple, yet powerful techniques for helping you to develop inner poise and keep your life in balance. How smoothly your chakras function influences how fully you inhabit your physical body, the success of your relationships, and how much inner peace you are able to enjoy. With regular practise these meditations can help you to tap into your vast potential reservoir of psycho-spiritual energy. This workshop includes exercises aimed at helping you to eliminate the negative emotional behaviour associated with each
of the chakras.
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important scriptures of yoga. It teaches the way to live a spiritual life in the midst of life’s daily stress, conflicts and problem.
Introduction to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Hatha Yoga Pradipika is the classic guide for the advanced practice of Hatha Yoga.
Brahman, Maya and the 3 Gunas
You will be introduced to the yogic concepts of the Universal Self and the individual self; Illusion and ignorance; the powers of Maya and Her qualities. The class will include a look at the “Qualities of Nature” in relation to diet and lifestyle. These are essential concepts for anyone looking to go more deeply into your yoga practice – it is especially designed for yoga teachers and teacher trainees.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutra
In his landmark scripture on classical yoga, Patanjali approaches eternal psychological, philosophical and spiritual questions. Workshop(s) includes a look at the Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga, as well as the Brahmavihari – the four “vehicles” for attaining enlightenment and inner peace.
Mythos of Yoga
particularly enjoy teaching this class. It combines storytelling and analysis, while focusing on some of the core myths of yoga that can assist you in obtaining a deeper understanding of your yoga practice.
