The Roots Of Yoga
The Foundation & Psychology of Patanjali Yoga Sutra
The Foundation & Psychology of Patanjali Yoga Sutra
This course provides a verse-by-verse transmission of the 196 Sutras, preceded by a grounding in classical Indian philosophy. The objective is to move from theoretical knowledge to “embodied wisdom” by applying Patanjali’s technical manual to the complexities of modern life.
01
The Philosophical Foundation (The "Why")
- The Six Classical Darshanas: Situating Yoga within the Shad Darshana (six systems of Indian philosophy). Understanding how Yoga serves as the "Applied Science" for the "Theoretical Physics" of Sankhya.
- Sankhya Metaphysics: A deep study of the 24 Tattvas. We explore the evolution of Prakriti (matter) from the subtle to the gross and the distinct, unchanging nature of Purusha (pure consciousness).
- Causality & Transformation: Learning the doctrine of Satkaryavada—the idea that the effect pre-exists in the cause—and how this allows us to "re-wire" our destiny through discipline.
02
The Technical Transmission (The 196 Sutras)
- Samadhi Pada (51 Sutras): Mapping the mechanics of the mind. We study the five Vrittis (fluctuations), the nine Antarayas (obstacles), and the progressive stages of mental absorption.
- Sadhana Pada (55 Sutras): The methodology of practice. A thorough breakdown of the Kleshas (afflictions), the Law of Karma, and the Eight-Limbed (Ashtanga) system.
- Vibhuti Pada (56 Sutras): The integration of Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi into Samyama, exploring the extraordinary psychological capabilities of a refined mind.
- Kaivalya Pada (34 Sutras): The final resolution. Understanding the construction of the "I-sense," the nature of time, and the liberation of consciousness from the clutches of the mind.
03
The "Living Sutra" Application (Core of the Course)
Throughout the course, we don’t just read the verses; we put them to work. This is the “Living Philosophy” aspect of the curriculum:
The “Mirror” Practice (Svadhyaya)
Using the Obstacles (like laziness, doubt, and distraction) mentioned in the Sutras to identify exactly why we get “stuck” in our personal goals or work life.
Emotional Regulation (The 4 Keys)
Patanjali gives four specific attitudes for social peace: Friendliness, Compassion, Delight, and Equanimity. Application: Students practice applying one of these keys to a “difficult person” in their life for one week and observe how their own stress levels change.
Using the Obstacles (like laziness, doubt, and distraction) mentioned in the Sutras to identify exactly why we get “stuck” in our personal goals or work life.
Emotional Regulation (The 4 Keys)
Patanjali gives four specific attitudes for social peace: Friendliness, Compassion, Delight, and Equanimity. Application: Students practice applying one of these keys to a “difficult person” in their life for one week and observe how their own stress levels change.
Changing the Narrative (Pratipaksha Bhavanam)
When negative thoughts arise, Patanjali suggests “cultivating the opposite.”
Application: Students identify a recurring negative self-thought and use this technique to consciously replace it, documenting the effect on their mood.
The Yama/Niyama Challenge
Taking the ethical codes (like Truthfulness or Contentment) and applying them to a modern context—such as “Truthfulness” in social media or “Non-greed” in consumer habits.
When negative thoughts arise, Patanjali suggests “cultivating the opposite.”
Application: Students identify a recurring negative self-thought and use this technique to consciously replace it, documenting the effect on their mood.
The Yama/Niyama Challenge
Taking the ethical codes (like Truthfulness or Contentment) and applying them to a modern context—such as “Truthfulness” in social media or “Non-greed” in consumer habits.
Online Training: Live Sessions
Dates: 9th Feb – 7th Mar, 2026
Mode: Online
Language: English & Hindi
Investment: ₹15,697/- (Inclusive of 5% GST)
Payment & Registration Policy:
– All payments are non-transferable but may be adjusted towards future batches in special cases.
