Online Yoga Sutra Study (Level 1)

Get 20% Off if you Sign Up Before March 13. Starts March 23 & 26

Alexandra McRobert

Apr 20, 2025

EARLYBIRD COUPON: yogasutraearly

Only valid until March 13!

woman stretching on mountain top during sunrise — Photo by Eneko Uruñuela on Unsplash

STARTS MARCH 23 & MARCH 26, 2025

Group A: Thursdays at 6:30pm EST (7:30am Bali time AWST on Fridays)

Group B: Wednesdays at 5:00pm Bali Time AWST (9:00am BST)

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM: YOGA SUTRA STUDY MASTERCLASS

When I am travelling, I always like to attend yoga classes in local yoga studios. I find I meet amazing people, get a feel for the community, and get an opportunity to practice as a student.

What I find around the world, however, is that in many places, the essence of yoga is being lost.

What we are learning in the classes is the asanas - the poses of yoga - but not why we are doing them. What's missing is the philosophy of yoga.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

During this class we will:

Unpack the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a 2500-year-old text, in an accessible way
Learn and understand some foundations of yogic philosophy as described by Patanjali
Embark on a spiritual journey toward deeper understanding of yourself.

This class is suitable for Yoga Teachers, as well as Yoga Students. It counts as a 100 Hour CEC (Continuing Education Credit) if you are a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance.

THE PROGRAM MODULES:

Module 1

Samadhi Pada CONTEMPLATION (Sutras 1.1 - 1.51)

During the first Module of the Yoga Sutra Study, we will study chapter 1 of the Yoga Sutras. The first chapter of the Yoga Sutras defines yoga, the aim of practice, and the various problems that will come along the way as we work towards the state of yoga. The first chapter also talks about the process of separating our identity from our thoughts.

Module 2

Sadhana Pada PRACTICE (Sutras 2.1 - 2.55)

In the second Module of the Yoga Sutra Study, we'll examine chapter 2. In book two Patanjali explains how to attain the goal of Samadhi. This book explains the mind, suffering, and how to live a yoga lifestyle. Patanjali explains the three paths of practice that The Bhagavad Gita teaches. Patanjali says we can use our Body/Karma/Action, our Mind/Jnana/Alignment, and our Heart/Bhakti/attitude.

Module 3

Vibhuti Pada GIFTS & ABILITIES (Sutras 3.1 - 3.55)

During this Module, we'll study chapter 3 of the Yoga Sutras, which runs from 3.1 - 3.55 . This chapter focuses on the supernatural abilities (siddhis) gained from the practice of samyama. This Module is primarily about practicing samyama, the “perfect discipline” in which the yogi directs the mind into dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (complete union) with a single object of focus. These are the final three limbs of Ashtanga (8-limbed) yoga, and they concentrate the energy of consciousness.

Module 4

Kaivalya Pada ABSOLUTE FREEDOM (Sutras 4.1 - 4.32)

In the last Module we study, we'll learn about the forces of nature (gunas) and how to move past the limitations of time and space. We'll learn about yoga’s goal - a continuously unfolding process of self-knowledge and that this will lead to moksha, liberation. We'll learn the ability to discern between mind and spirit is the ultimate practical achievement of the yoga path.

SOME KIND WORDS FROM OUR PAST STUDENTS

“If you are interested in learning more about yoga philosophy, then I highly recommend signing up for the Yoga Sutra Study program with Alex McRobert at the Mindful Life Practice!

I have been a student in the yoga sutra study class throughout this year, and it has been a fantastic experience!

Far too often, I think that western society teaches us that yoga mostly has to do with asana, or the physical postures of yoga. However, asana is only 1 of the eight limbs of yoga.

In the sutra study class, we get to delve deeply into the true purpose of yoga. We also get to learn about the many practices of yoga that can be applied to our lives (not just asana), as well as the benefits of each of these practices.

I definitely feel as though I have a much better understanding of the overarching purpose of yoga as a result of the Yoga Sutra Study program, as well as a lot more knowledge about how to apply yoga to my every day life.

Another awesome benefit of this program is that I have gotten to meet other people from around the globe who share the same interest in yoga philosophy as me, and I have been able form friendships with my classmates in this program, as we are meeting and connecting each other once a week over a long span of time.

If you are at all interested in learning about yoga philosophy, then this is the class for you! It is a fantastic experience!

SARAH

United States

I am an eternal student, so naturally I wanted to explore more about yoga philosophy. But, I found translations of the yoga sutras daunting and hard to understand. What I have loved most about Alex's Sutra Study Training is that she has been able to give modern day examples to explain each sutra in a way that makes them relatable and easy to understand. I think being able to dive even deeper into each sutra in a small group discussion has allowed me to gain a better understanding too. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn more about the origin of yoga and deepen their practice.

RENEE