Yoga Sūtras – Sādhana Pādaḥ
Sādhana Pāda, the 2nd chapter of Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, carries the torch for both the spiritually evolved and the uninitiated. It teaches the complete beginner, who knows no yoga, how he may rise, through his Sādhana, to the level of high aspirants.” – BKS Iyengar.
A comprehensive course to learn the most practical chapter on Yoga – Sādhana Pāda, the art of practice. We explore these 55 sūtras or aphorisms through traditional call and response chanting, key concepts and teachings of the text through succinct explanations. Beginners are welcome to join, this chapter is in fact, a great place to start your study of the Yoga Sūtras. At the end of this 16 week course, you will:
– Understand the important tools and essential foundational practices in Yoga as compiled by the great sage Patañjali.
– Learn the key terms and vocabulary of the 2nd chapter of the Yoga Sūtras.
– Practice the recitation of the Sūtras in a meditative way to aid memorisation (very useful for reflection!) and correct pronunciation.
– Develop an understanding of the goal of Aṣṭāṅga – the eight limbs of Yoga, why do we practice it?
– Submit an assignment and on passing be awarded a certificate of completion.
How this course works.
There are 16 main lessons taking you through the recitation and key concepts of the 2nd chapter of the Yoga Sūtras. It is recommended that you study one lesson a week, setting aside a specific time to maintain discipline. The audio lessons will guide you through the chanting, listen once, repeat along with the instructor (Practice with Shantala) or with the group (Practice with group). I place a lot of value on the chanting as it is a meditative way to study and memorise Sūtras which eventually help reflection. We can’t reflect on that which we can’t recall!
You will be able to download the text for chanting. There may be several other handouts in other lessons that you will be able to download or access on the system.
Video lessons will take you through the key concepts. We do not discuss each Sūtra, but instead we cover the chapter concept by concept – this makes it a comprehensive course rather than an academic study of each Sūtra.
Some book reviews are provided, it is always a great idea to study with a good book accompanying you.
At the end of 16 weeks (or whenever you complete the lessons) you can take a quiz, submit 3 assignments and on passing be awarded a certificate of completion.
I will just repeat again, how much value there is to chanting and memorising the Sūtras, please spend significant time on this. Even if you don’t get it at first, try it, and allow the teaching to unfold.
I hope you enjoy your study!
Course Curriculum
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A little about your instructor
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Download your workbook
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Invocatory prayers
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Introduce yourself!
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Sūtras 1-8 slow recitation
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Sūtras 1-8 fast recitation
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Video explanation – Kriya Yoga
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Practice with Shantala Sūtras 1-5
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Practice with Shantala Sūtras 6-10
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Download Sutras 1-10 fast practice with Shantala
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Sūtras 5-14 slow recitation
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Sūtras 3-14 fast recitation
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Video explanation – Kleśas
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Why chant the Sūtras? (Video)
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Practice with Shantala Sūtras 11-15
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Download Sūtras 11-15 fast practice with Shantala
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Why chant the Sūtras – discussion
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Sutras 10-19 slow practice
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Sutras 10-19 fast practice
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Overcoming Kleśas (video)
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Vyasa’s Bhaśyam (commentary) Public domain document
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Sutras 12-20 slow practice
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Sutras 12-20 fast practice
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What is Karma? (video)
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Sutras 14-24 slow practice
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Sutras 14-24 fast practice
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Duḥkha explanation (video)
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Sūtras 18-27 slow practice
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Sūtras 18-27 fast practice
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Sāṅkhya principles part 1 (video)
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Sūtras 18-28 slow practice
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Sūtras 18-28 fast practice
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Sāṅkhyā principles part 2 (video)
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Notes – Sāṅkhya – revise key points discussed
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Sūtras 24-32 slow practice
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Sūtras 24-32 fast practice
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Viveka – Khyātiḥ (video)
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Invocation mantras – why do we recite?
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Sūtras 28-34 slow practice
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Sūtras 28-34 fast practice
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Introduction to aṣṭāṅga (video)
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Sūtras 28-34 slow practice
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Sūtras 28-34 fast practice
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Yamas – social code
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Sutras 34-40 slow recitation
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Sutras 34-40 fast recitation
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Yamas (siddhis) – video
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Chanting Sutras 37-45 slow practice
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Chanting Sutras 37-45 fast practice
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Niyamas & its powers (video)
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Sutras 37-44 slow practice
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Sutras 37-44 fast practice
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Pratipakṣa bhāvana (video explanation)
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Sūtras 45-53 fast practice
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Sūtras 45-53 slow practice
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Āsana (video)
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Sūtras 48-55 slow recitation
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Sūtras 48-55 fast recitation
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Prāṇāyāma & Pratyāhara
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Chanting – Full chapter! (video)
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Vyāsa’s states of mind & wrap up!
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Instructions
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ask your questions here!
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quiz – multiple choice
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Short answer question – 1
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Short answer question – 2
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Upload your audio recording!
Your Sādhana Pādaḥ Course Includes
16 Step-By-Step Yoga Sūtra Lessons
Learn all 55 Yoga Sūtras of the second chapter STEP-BY-STEP
Video Demonstrations
Video recordings from the live classes are available here to revisit as many times as you like. The videos are embedded in the lesson for ease of use.
Bonus Lesson - Introduction to Sanskrit alphabet!!
A beginner’s guide to Sanskrit syllables with practice audio lessons using āsana names as examples (amongst others).
Frequently asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
This is self paced learning course of 16 weeks of duration. You are free to take this course based on your need.
How long do I have access to the course?
Unlimited !! You can watch the videos and access the audio and text for as many number of times as you wish.
Can I have face to face interaction with Instructor?
No, this is an online self paced course with audio, video and text lessons. However, you are free to contact the instructor via our direct messaging system from the member’s area. There are also discussion areas in each lesson so you can interact with the instructor and other students.
Does this course have a certificate?
Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion on submission (and passing) of the assignment requirement at the end of this course. The assignment submission is completely optional and only those who wish to have a certificate can pursue this.
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