Sāṃkhya and Yoga Sūtra Study Online
A Journey Through Two Philosophies That Explore the Nature of Reality and Your Being
A Journey Through Two Philosophies That Explore the Nature of Reality and Your Being
Deepen your understanding of philosophies that lay the foundation of Yoga and bring greater clarity to your practice.
About The Course
Sāṃkhya and Yoga Sūtra Study Online course takes you through two foundational philosophies of Yoga, helping you understand key concepts that directly inform yogic practice. You will learn to distinguish consciousness from mind and matter, understand the causes of suffering, and explore how these ideas shape the path of Yoga. Alongside the study, you will practise contemplation and meditation methods referred to by Patanjali in the text, as well as practices inspired by Sāmkhya, bringing these teachings into direct experience.
What Makes This Course Different
Most courses on Yoga philosophy focus primarily on the Yoga Sutra, while Sāmkhya is often left out. Yet Sāmkhya provides the philosophical foundation through which many of the Yoga Sūtra’s central ideas can be properly understood. Concepts such as kleshas, chitta, gunas, prakriti and purusha become clearer when viewed within the Sāmkhya framework. Studying the Yoga Sūtra without this foundation can therefore leave important concepts disconnected from the larger philosophical system in which they are rooted.
The three guṇas are another important part of what this course brings into focus. Sattva, rajas and tamas are not merely philosophical categories; they provide a practical framework for understanding our mental states, tendencies, behaviour and experiences—both in spiritual practice and in everyday life. This helps connect what we encounter in meditation and inner practice with how we think, respond and conduct ourselves beyond the yoga mat.
The distinctive value of this course lies in bringing these two complementary philosophies together and connecting their ideas with practice. Rather than treating Yoga philosophy as a collection of abstract concepts, the course uses it to deepen your understanding of meditation, self-observation, spiritual experience and everyday behaviour. Together, Sāmkhya and the Yoga Sūtra provide a more comprehensive foundation for understanding Yoga and its spiritual path.
Programme Structure
The programme combines guided study of the texts Sāmkhya Kārikā and Yoga Sutra with discussion, reflection and practice. Each session introduces key concepts and passages, followed by exploration of their meaning and relevance to Yoga practice. Dedicated practice sessions will include meditation and contemplation methods drawn from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra and approaches inspired by Sāmkhya, allowing you to move between study, inquiry and direct experience.
What You’ll Take Away
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Build a solid foundation for understanding the what, why and how of Yoga.
- Practise meditation methods drawn from those described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra.
- Practise contemplative methods inspired by Sāmkhya to examine the distinction between consciousness, mind and matter.
- Apply these methods to observe attention, mental fluctuations and patterns of identification.
- Use the teachings to develop a more focused and reflective approach to your Yoga practice.
Certificate of Completion
Participants who successfully complete the Sāṃkhya and Yoga Sūtra Study Online course will receive a Certificate of Completion in recognition of their commitment to the study and practice of Prāṇa Yoga.
Join Us
Ready to look deeper into what lies beneath the practices of Yoga? Join us for a journey through these foundational teachings—reading, questioning, contemplating and practising along the way. Come with your curiosity, and leave with a clearer framework for understanding your mind, your experiences and the deeper purpose of Yoga.
Programme dates of this online course are flexible. If you would like to enrol or learn more, please visit our Contact page or get in touch with us directly.
