Raja Yoga Now! offers a deep dive into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the foremost scripture on Yoga. Simple and direct in approach, universal and inclusive in scope, these ancient teachings help us to understand and deal with modern challenges.

In this new online series of talks, we will continue our ongoing exploration of Raja Yoga, with a focus on Book 2, Sutras 16–45, and additional sutras as time permits. All are welcome to attend: new students, as well as more experienced practitioners.

From a philosophical perspective, we will explore the nature of the world and the purpose of life. On a psychological level, we will come to understand how to navigate life’s journey so as to overcome all suffering. We will engage in practical techniques and spiritual exercises that will enable us to apply these teachings in our daily lives. Topics covered will include:

• Purusha and Prakriti: “The Interplay of Spirit and Nature”
• Yama and Niyama: “The Foundation of Spiritual Life”
• Pratipaksha Bhavana: “The Transformative Power of Positive Thinking”
• Ashtanga Yoga: “Eight Keys to Peace”

Patanjali’s eight-limbed system, Ashtanga Yoga, is the centerpiece of the Yoga Sutras. It addresses every level of the individual, all aspects of life, leading to optimal health and wellbeing, personal transformation, and spiritual realization. The first two limbs, Yama and Niyama, present the ethical foundation of Yoga: ten core values that are crucial for our individual and collective wellbeing. By working with these precepts, we come to a deeper understanding of our attitudes and behaviors—the ways we treat ourselves, others, and the world around us. If everyone agreed to follow even one of these principles, the world would be transformed on every level: environmentally, economically, socially, politically, and spiritually.

After laying the foundation, Patanjali systematically takes us from the physical to the vital, to the mental levels, and then beyond the body and mind to experience the Supreme Peace and Joy that is our true nature. With insight and compassion, he gently leads us to ever subtler levels of self-mastery and attainment. We will examine the first two limbs in-depth and continue our exploration of the other limbs as time permits. Our intention is to understand these teachings and learn practical ways to implement them in our daily lives.

By coming together and sharing our journey, we can support one another as we move through this time of uncertainty. We will emerge with a broader perspective to help us understand our current situation and new practices to forge a positive path forward.

Live sessions will begin at 2 pm EDT with a lecture followed by Q&A.

They will include recommendations for weekly practice, spiritual exercises, and journaling. New students who wish can obtain recordings of prior talks. Come join us for this journey of discovery and awakening.

There will be an additional Q&A session on September 23 at 7:30 pm EDT for those who are unable to attend the live session.

You will have access to the video recordings for 8 weeks after the program ends, until November 25.

Continuing Education (CE) Opportunities

• Yoga Alliance (YA): Approximately 6 contact hours.
  You can input your contact hours using your YA login information.
• Integral Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) can provide you a CE certificate with your program’s total contact hours for a $10 fee (free for IYTA members.) For more information, email membership@iyta.org.

Testimonials

Sw Karunananda gave me a glimpse of what my spiritual journey could look like; this journey appears now less daunting, perhaps possible, and even beautiful. — Angela Matysiak

I really enjoyed the program. Swami Karunananda is one of my favorite teachers. She is very insightful in her teachings. — Linda Murray

The best course I have ever taken. Clear, concise, and powerful. — Charlene Hankin

Uplifting and inspiring. Provided food for the soul. It was an experience of the sublime. And at the same time, Swami Karunananda broke the teachings down into easy to understand concepts, and easy to apply ways. Swami Karunananda is a Master teacher. Her teaching of Raja Yoga is both sublime and eminently practical. Her love of the teachings is palpable and contagious. Her transmission of the teachings goes beyond her words – she conveys them through her being. It was such a pleasure and a blessing to be a part of the Raja Yoga Now class. Thank you. I greatly appreciate the meditative and comprehensive nature of the Integral Hatha Yoga classes. — M. Sraddha Cole

This course has been a valuable experience for me. It has helped me move past some of my resistance and deepen my practice. The Q and A’s at the end of each class help create a sense of shared experience, and the questions themselves make me feel closer to everyone. I’m reading Swami Karunananda’s book, Awakening as I participate in the classes. Her experience and passion for teaching shine in everything she does. What a privilege to participate in these classes! — Linda Carder