Yoga Sutra Study Group
Five Sundays 10:45-11:45am
January 21 - Feb 25
$40 for the full series, $10 drop-ins
50% of all proceeds will benefit the Northampton Survival Center

Join Senior AYN Teacher Michelle Ryan following our 9-10:30am Led Ashtanga Class. 

Together we will systematically study the Samadhi Pada of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a sacred source text for the Ashtanga - Eight-Limbed - Yogic Path. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are one of the most important philosophical writings of yoga and their study and the chanting of the Sutras is highly recommended for all AYN students who wish to deepen their sadhana.

In India, the tradition of chanting in call and response is a longstanding way of learning these vital source texts. Within the rhythm of the Sanskrit language, much wisdom is revealed!

Starting with the first chapter, the Samadhi Pada, and each Sunday for five weeks, we will chant a chunk of the first Chapter of the Yoga Sutras - the Samadhi Pada - in Sanskrit, followed by discussion of their meaning, intent and application to our own yoga practice and our lives. Our source for chanting instruction will be via the superlative M.A. Jayashree, PhD. (Click here for an interview transcribed by Angela Jamison of Ashtanga Yoga Ann Arbor from Integral Yoga Magazine with Dr. Jayashree.)

Each week of study will build upon the last. It is recommended to attend regularly and consistently, but not required, as joining us to chant the Sutras together and discuss them whenever possible is also highly beneficial! Students who attend are welcome to bring a copy of a translation and commentary of the Sutras that they prefer, but we will have several commentaries available to borrow. 

$40 for the full series - $10 drop ins.
​50% of all proceeds will be donated  to the Northampton Survival Center 

Dr M.A. Jayashree, PhD

"There are three levels in the methodology of the study of the Yoga Sutras.The first is the regular practice of Ashtanga Yoga, as mentioned by Patanjali, which includes the practice of yamas and niyamas, the most vital part of the journey for emancipation and liberation. Patanjali says that Yoga has to be practiced without interruption, for a long time and with a firm, positive faith that the practice will get the results. The next two levels address how we gain this firm faith in our practice. Level Two involves the memorization of the Yoga Sutras through chanting, whereby a deeper understanding of the blueprint of the journey to be undertaken to reach liberation, or kaivalya will occur. Thirdly, the repeated chanting done religiously helps in catalyzing the process of evolution, with knowledge being replaced with revelation." - Dr. M.A. Jayashree