Module 3. Ancient Teachings, Modern times - applying yogic wisdom today

The mind is defined by activity. It is always changing, never new. Consciousness is never changing, always new. The classic teachings of yoga are about the mind. This point is sometimes forgotten in modern day yoga where the body reins supreme. Maharishi Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutra some 2000 years ago to share the wisdom of the Vedic teachings with all of humanity. These are important today and inform how we achieve wholeness.

When we study the Yoga Sutras in most 200 hour certification programs we focus mostly on the 8 limb path (Ashtanga), perhaps emphasizing the Yamas and Niyamas and certainly asana. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras offer much more. They teach us to resolve the stuff that clutters the mind and keeps us lost, confused and unhappy. The Sutras are not just about focusing on doing no harm or not telling lies, for example. If we understand that the mind makes a better servant than master; and we begin our journey of self (mind) mastery, then we really understand these teachings.

The techniques for mastering the mind are not spelled out in the Sutras, but are alluded to. They are according to the tradition of yoga shared from teacher to student. Ancient Teachings, Modern Times will expand on what you’ve learned about the Sutras thus far, and help you to thread these teachings into your practice and teaching.

The curriculum to support this module includes discussion on:

-Patanjali – history and context
-Four chapters of the Sutras
-Sankhya philosophy
-Three paths of Patanjali yoga
-Review of Ashtanga
-Viyoga, Samyoga
-Duality vs non-duality
-Techniques to achieve Samadhi
-Patanjali’s aspects of the mind (as articulated by Viyasa)
-Applying Sutra principles to asana (and group classes)
-Vairagya and abhyasa Kleshas – the stuff that keeps us bound
-Vichara – technique to evolve
-Patanjali on pranayama
-Meditations

Required reading: Four Chapters on Freedom by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Yoga Publications Trust ISBD:81-85787-18-2