brown bag sutra talk
with diana martinez

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is one of the ancient texts on Indian philosophy. The sutras consist of 196 aphorisms in which Patanjali teaches us the way to obtain Kaivalya - absolute freedom, supreme independence.

In the spring session, we will continue the study of the Sutras with Sadhana Padha, the chapter on practice, and specifically on the eight limbs of yoga.

In April's talk, we will explore the applications of the yamas and the niyamas (ethical disciplines and individual ethical observances), which are the first two limbs of yoga, in our asana (postures) practice, the third limb.

During May's lecture, we will study the fourth and fifth limbs: pranayama and pratyaharah (regulation of the breath and withdrawing of the senses).

In June, we will talk about the distractions of the mind and their effects, explained to us by Patanjali in chapter one, Samadhi Pada; we will also discuss how we can overcome them through the practice of pranayama and pratyaharah.

Bring any copy you have at home of the sutras. Some translations will be available for you to borrow in class. Feel free to bring your lunch or something to eat during the discussion.

Dates: Saturdays, 4/3, 5/1, 6/12
Time:  12:30-1:30 pm
Cost:   Free!

Suggested donation $5. All proceeds will be sent to the Bellur Trust (B.K.S. Iyengar place of birth). Please visit www.iynaus.org/news/announcements.php for more information on the Bellur Trust.