A Series of Workshops Starting April 2019
About the Course
We are delighted to present you with this Advanced Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras course, on the meditative trinity (samyama) and mystic powers of Book lll (Vibhuti Pada). The main focus of this series of workshops is the vibhutis, siddhis or mystic powers layed out in the Yoga Sutras . As these are attained by the trinity of meditative sadhana: dharana, dhyana and Samadhi, the three inner limbs of the eightfold path, we will explore the linking of sutras from book lll (Vibhuti pada) back to book l (Samadhi pada) to grasp the interconnectedness of these subtle inner teachings. As a natural component of these units we will explore relevant mantra sadhanas and ritual practices. Topics will include: the meditative process and mind-transformation in sadhana and daily life; intuitive cultivation; the eight supreme siddhis including the siddhis connected to meditation on the cakras; the five great elements and time. Another important emphasis will be the siddhis as potential blessings or road-blocks to Kaivalya (liberation), depending upon the sadhaka’s intent and anchoring in either ego or soul/Self. In the Iyengar Yoga section of these courses we will focus on asana and pranayama related to the maps of the cakras, as “the art of integration (samyama) through concentration, meditation and profound absorption” (BKS Iyengar).
A prerequisite to attend these workshops is to have completed or be currently studying for the 4 module Patanjali Yoga Sutras course.
Each workshop can be taken individually – it is not a sequential course. The workshops will consist of lectures with Gitte Bechsgaard together with asana and pranayama practice with Sheila Haswell.
Advanced Pantanjali Course: The Karma Doctrine of the Vedic Tradition took place on 1st to 4th April 2019.
Advanced Pantanjali Course: The Soul Psychology of Pantanjali Exploring the Inner Mind in Practice took place on 7th to 9th January 2020.
Advanced Pantanjali Course: Parinama: The art and meditative discipline of yoga from 16th to 18th January 2021 NOW USING ONLINE FORMAT
The Sanskrit concept of “Parinama” refers to the deepening and profound change that takes place within our body-mind (prakriti) when we take up the inner limbs of meditative practice together with our regular asana practice. The focus will be the study of selected groups of sutras from book 3: “Vibhuti Pada” (the book on Extraordinary Powers of the Mind) and book 1, together with the integrated practice of contemplative techniques (including mantras), asana and pranayama.
Requirement: you have to have participated in at least 3 of the 4 module Patanjali Yoga Sutras course to attend
- The fee is $180 (US dollars)
- To book and for further information visit Vidya Institute and view “Schedule”
Timing for each day
3:00pm – 5:00pm Lecture with Gitte
5:30pm – 7:30pm asana/pranayama with Sheila
Further workshops will be planned during 2021.
