The Yoga Teachings of Patanjali.

Patanjali was the great Indian sage, who lived thousands of years ago who opened the doors to experiencing the greater reality available beyond the limits of the logical mind. Osho calls Patanjali an 'Einstein in a world of Buddhas'.

 

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, one of the classical guides to spiritual life, and the most fundamental text on Yoga, dates back to the period between the second and the end of the third centuries. 

It seems to have transcended time, remaining amongst the most

 

Patanjali's great contribution was to compile and systematise existing knowledge on Yoga, and give Yoga a philosophical shape that allowed it to compete with other contemporary schools of thought. Students and teachers of yoga can expect to be given a full picture of what yoga is, what its aims are, how it can be practiced, what powers can be attained by it and finally, what liberation consists of. It is a work of great intellectual philosophy and deep understanding of the principles underlying the ultimate Truth. it is one that you will find deeply satisfying, stimulating and absorbing.

 

The 196 verses (sutras) of the text are short aphorisms, which are grouped in four chapters that explain 

• the nature of higher consciousness, the mystery beyond mind (transformation)
• the practice of yoga, the science of living (love)
• the supernormal powers that can come from this practice (energy) and 
• the state of final liberation (happiness). 

This knowledge has inspired Yoga practitioners for centuries. 

 

The Yoga Sutras, from its origins in Vedic literature, over 5000 years old, are the transformational key to open into the here and now, and provide tools for our future. Here is a chance to explore the seminal scriptures of the Yoga Sutras and sutra study. (An excellent tool for following this teaching is the book: How to know God' by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood.) Shantiji works thorough the chapters, sutra by sutra (stanza by stanza), unpacking and discussing the language and concepts, drawing upon her own translation in her inspired teachings.