Topics for 2013

In this course, we read (or reread) three sacred texts: the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, or the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. We also read the modern sages of Advaita Vedanta: Ramana Maharshi and Ramesh Balsekar. Each term has a particular focus, with a core of required reading but plenty of space for you to read according to your own inclinations as well. Your questions and reflections will guide the direction of the philosophy sessions. At the same time, the historical and traditional context of the teachings will become clear as together we unpack the language and probe into the deeper meaning of the concepts behind the magnificent (and sometimes puzzling) words. Each encounter with the sacred texts takes us deeper into an experiential understanding of the traditional teachings of yoga.

Everyone will receive a reading syllabus for the text we are studying, but afternoon sessions follow the style of satsang. These are topics we have addressed in the past and will discuss again, as they arise from our reading and enquiry:

• Jnana, Karma & Bhakti yoga:  the whole teaching of wisdom, action & love as embodied in the  Bhagavad Gita.
• Vedanta philosphy  -- teachings of time, space, the nature of reality, karma, reincarnation.
• Who am I???? – how different sages of Advaita Vedanta have addressed this question.
• Samkhya philosophy and its categories of existence – the nature of matter, energy & creation, as understood by yoga & compared to modern physics.
• Raja Yoga --the philosophy, practice & purpose of meditation, according to Lord Krishna in the Gita and Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. How this wisdom applies to our lives today.
• The concepts of prakriti & purusa & ishwara.  The 8 limbs of classical ashtanga yoga and the 3 pillars of Kriya Yoga.
• The different degrees of samadhi, the ecstatic experience and goal of meditation.
• Siddhis – the “supernatural” powers of an accomplished yogi. What are they? How to understand them in terms of Samkhya philosophy & subtle physics.
• Traditional practices of Hatha Yoga:mudras, kriyas, pranayama, kundalini
• The Subtle body, including the 5 koshas. How they relate to the eight limbs.
• The three gunas: sattwa, rajas & tamas. How classical yoga relates to ayurveda. Principles of ayurveda applied to yoga practice and daily living.
• Integrating the spiritual journey with daily living & developing a personal practice.

For this course, you need good translations of the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. They should have a commentary and ideally the transliteration in Sanskrit. I will make suggestions about translations at the beginning of each course. The Advaita texts will be recommended as well. Before the course begins, I recommend you read the Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda.

Because we look at these texts in depth, we spend an entire term on each. Those who have been on the course for years have read them all, so our reference may be to any of them. Learning is cumulative; it develops over time.

For Spring 2013, we will study the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. For Autumn 2013, our focus will be the Bhagavad Gita. (Postponed until Spring 2014.)

In addition, you will be expected to read generally in the area of yoga, according to your own interest. However, it is the quality and depth of your enquiry rather than the quantity of reading that matters. We each have different styles of learning.  A readiness to take on this degree of study for its own sake is a requirement of this course. Svadhyaya, study, is an integral part of the yogic path.  This course is suitable for all true seekers, those well-travelled on the spiritual journey as well as those new to the path but with sincere heart and open mind, keen to expand the horizons.