Sutras
Sutra Study for classes
1.1 – atha yoganusasanam
Translation: Now the Inquiry of YOGA.
With an open mind and heart I approach my exploration of body, mind, heart
In practice: approach with curiousity, beginners mind.
1.2 – yogah citta-vrtti-nirodhah
Translation: Yoga is the inhibition of the fluctuations of the mind.
Yoga is the uniting of consciousness in the heart.
In practice: Using the tools of the practice, pranayama and concentration, I
draw my attention inward.
1.12 – abhyasavairagyabhyam tannirodhah
Translation: Consciousness is lifted by Devoted Practice & Remembering Self.
In practice: Dedicating my attention to my practice (Yoga or other) brings benefit.
I remember of my true nature, my heart’s desire. Whole, connected, at peace.
1.13-1.15 – Reiterates the rewards that come when we focus our attention and
dedicate our heart to a practice. Stability, transformation, peace.
In practice: Keeping our enthusiasm is the key.
1.16 – Translation: When consciousness unites in our heart we are less affected by the external changes of nature, the ups and downs. We find Sattva, balance.
Sattva= “Dynamic Stillness” . Motion and rest appear in harmony.
Tamas= inactivity, inability to decide, fatigue, fear. Positive affect is the ability to draw us inward.
Rajas= over activity, urge to go in many directions. Positive affect is that energy is moving.
In practice: Regular yoga practice balances Tamas & Rajas. Creating Sattva.
Tools of the practice to restore balance:
Translations:
1.34 – Slow, easy exhalations can be used to restore and preserve balance.
1.38 – Reflect on a peaceful feeling from an experience or dream. Visualization.
In practice: Recognizing imbalance is the first step to regain or retain our
equilibrium. Use tools.
2.3-2.8 Klesa-s: Causes of suffering, distress, pain. Fear based.
2.4 Avidya – Translation: lack of awareness. Being “in the dark”, “out of sorts”
Metaphor: Windsheild or windows as lenses to be cleared, washed.
In practice: yoga strengthens our awareness and shines light on our patterns.
2.6 Asmita – Translation: Undue trust in the individual self.
Confusing outer self (identity) with inner self (spirit)
In practice: “Treat others as you would like to be treated”
2.7: Raga – Translation: excessive fondness to past pleasure
2.8: Dvesa – Translation: excessive avoidance of unpleasant experiences
Bhagavad Gita and other yogic teachings point to the middle path. Balance.
In practice: Enjoy the sweetness(pleasures) of life and learn from unpleasant
experiences. Moderation. Your practice will inform our actions and choices.
2.49 Translation: The universal life force (prana) is enhanced and guided through the harmonious rhythm of the breath (pranayama).
2.50 Translation: The movement of the life force is influenced by inhalation, exhalation and sustained breath
In practice: when giving pranayama practice you full attention, rewards will come.
2.46 Asana : Translation: Posture is a balance of firmness and pliability
Asana achieves stability and comfort when accompanied by relaxed effort.
In practice: Balance Stirha (firmness) w/ Sukha (looseness), on and off the mat
Hatha Yoga = The balance of the sun and moon energies.
Numbers correspond to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. See article here.
Sutra Study for classes
1.1 – atha yoganusasanam
Translation: Now the Inquiry of YOGA.
With an open mind and heart I approach my exploration of body, mind, heart
In practice: approach with curiousity, beginners mind.
1.2 – yogah citta-vrtti-nirodhah
Translation: Yoga is the inhibition of the fluctuations of the mind.
Yoga is the uniting of consciousness in the heart.
In practice: Using the tools of the practice, pranayama and concentration, I
draw my attention inward.
1.12 – abhyasavairagyabhyam tannirodhah
Translation: Consciousness is lifted by Devoted Practice & Remembering Self.
In practice: Dedicating my attention to my practice (Yoga or other) brings benefit.
I remember of my true nature, my heart’s desire. Whole, connected, at peace.
1.13-1.15 – Reiterates the rewards that come when we focus our attention and
dedicate our heart to a practice. Stability, transformation, peace.
In practice: Keeping our enthusiasm is the key.
1.16 – Translation: When consciousness unites in our heart we are less affected by the external changes of nature, the ups and downs. We find Sattva, balance.
Sattva= “Dynamic Stillness” . Motion and rest appear in harmony.
Tamas= inactivity, inability to decide, fatigue, fear. Positive affect is the ability to draw us inward.
Rajas= over activity, urge to go in many directions. Positive affect is that energy is moving.
In practice: Regular yoga practice balances Tamas & Rajas. Creating Sattva.
Tools of the practice to restore balance:
Translations:
1.34 – Slow, easy exhalations can be used to restore and preserve balance.
1.38 – Reflect on a peaceful feeling from an experience or dream. Visualization.
In practice: Recognizing imbalance is the first step to regain or retain our
equilibrium. Use tools.
2.3-2.8 Klesa-s: Causes of suffering, distress, pain. Fear based.
2.4 Avidya – Translation: lack of awareness. Being “in the dark”, “out of sorts”
Metaphor: Windsheild or windows as lenses to be cleared, washed.
In practice: yoga strengthens our awareness and shines light on our patterns.
2.6 Asmita – Translation: Undue trust in the individual self.
Confusing outer self (identity) with inner self (spirit)
In practice: “Treat others as you would like to be treated”
2.7: Raga – Translation: excessive fondness to past pleasure
2.8: Dvesa – Translation: excessive avoidance of unpleasant experiences
Bhagavad Gita and other yogic teachings point to the middle path. Balance.
In practice: Enjoy the sweetness(pleasures) of life and learn from unpleasant
experiences. Moderation. Your practice will inform our actions and choices.
2.49 Translation: The universal life force (prana) is enhanced and guided through the harmonious rhythm of the breath (pranayama).
2.50 Translation: The movement of the life force is influenced by inhalation, exhalation and sustained breath
In practice: when giving pranayama practice you full attention, rewards will come.
2.46 Asana : Translation: Posture is a balance of firmness and pliability
Asana achieves stability and comfort when accompanied by relaxed effort.
In practice: Balance Stirha (firmness) w/ Sukha (looseness), on and off the mat
Hatha Yoga = The balance of the sun and moon energies.
Numbers correspond to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. See article here.