Patañjali Yoga Sūtra Study Group

An exploration of the nature of nature, our own psychology and a pragmatic approach to yoga through Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra

New 12-Week Series Starts January 2024

Patañjali was a free thinker. The Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali advocate for learning with the tools of our body, intellect and heart-centered awareness. I have been immersed in the teachings of yoga since I was a young child. But when I first encountered the Patañjali’s Sūtra, which are pithy aphorisms for a deep dive into self-study, I finally understood what “yoga off the mat” means. Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra gave me a new language to see myself more clearly and the tools for navigating this human life with my own unique physiology and personality.

“The Yoga Sūtra are the threadbare teachings that weave the practices, the philosophy and the day-to-day questions of life into the fabric of one’s being.” (The Yogi’s Roadmap, pg. 42)

“The word Sūtra means “thread,” and refers to the original strands of the teachings of Yoga… The Sūtra give us the outline of our inner process, along with a broadened perspective of what lies ahead of us, including the obstacles we are sure to encounter, and how to transform them into opportunities. Once we understand where we come from and where we are going, we afforded an expanded view as a way to gauge our progress and to ascertain when we might have fallen off track.” –Bhavani Maki, The Yogi’s Roadmap

What to Expect:

  • This study group is for the novice and the experienced to sit in good company and true communion together.
  • Explore the deeper teachings of yoga through Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra beyond yoga āsana class.
  • This is the “study part” in the pragmatic integrative science of Yoga.
  • Learn to chant the Yoga Sūtra and other sacred mantra as a way to train the mind and as a tool for self-inquiry.
  • I’m useing The Yogi’s Roadmap: The Patañjali Yoga Sutra as a Journey to Self Realization by Bhavani Maki, to unpack the Sūtra, and explore how they offer a map into our psychology and personal insight applicable to our own life path.
  • You may use whatever translation of Patañjali’s Yoga Sutra you wish.
  • Discuss the relevance of Patañjali’s teachings as they are applied uniquely in our own day-to-day life.
  • Acquire the knowledge and tools to let these teachings take root inside you and explore the teachings in and through your own body.

Materials Needed:

  • A desire to learn and a willingness to try new things.
  • Notebook and something to write with: colored pencils, markers, pens etc.
  • A copy of Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra. I highly recommend, The Yogi’s Roadmap: The Patañjali Yoga Sūtra as a Journey to Self Realization by Bhavani Silvia Maki, this is useful source material and you may purchase your copy directly from Shinay.

Donation-Based:

  • Three tiers suggested donation: $24, $20, or $16 per class. “Three tiers” is another way to have a meaningful exchange. It allows for those who can give more to do so. I aim to make this course accessible or people who deeply want to learn. I ask that you give generously.
  • Check out this note I wrote to help clarify why I’m choosing to do it this way.
  • No one will be turned away because they can’t pay.
  • If you chose to purchase a copy of, The Yogi’s Roadmap: The Patañjali Yoga Sūtra as a Journey to Self Realization by Bhāvani Silvia Maki, (which I highly recommend for course reading, you can purchase it directly from Shinay for $20).

To register:

Namaskara!