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Pulling at threads

An intimate dive into Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras

“It’s apparent that Taryn embodies what she teaches and shares; that the practice is as unique as each practitioner. Thank you Taryn, for taking the time and energy in putting this together and sharing it with others in your light and vibrant way.”

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THE WORD ‘SUTRA’ IS TRANSLATED AS A ‘STRAND’ OR ‘THREAD’

A thread, when observed on its own, reveals its own texture, colour & significance. Multiple threads, when woven together, create one epic tapestry. This course examines both the individual threads and the tapestry as a whole of Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras. Divided into pāds (sanskrit for ‘feet’), I’ve selected my favourite sutras for us to peer in and around, forming an appreciation for the small and big picture. 

Join me as we move our knowledge of the Yoga Sutras beyond just memorizing the 8 limbs. Together, we’ll pluck at these threads and weave them into the tapestry of our own lives. 

This course will:

  • encourage a view for the whole tapestry that is the Yoga Sutras: yoga is a system that seeks to solve a problem

  • explore individual sutras with an eye for the terrain we know well & what’s worth exploring in our own practices

  • infuse your know-how of asana, pranayam and meditation with the vocabulary & reasoning shared with us by Patañjali

  • pair old wisdom with the current landscape, new knowledge systems and individual experiences of yoga

OVER Four SESSIONS

Each class pairs learning with chatting and practicing. I encourage opportunities for critical thinking and group discussion, with specific framing and acknowledgement of anti-oppression and anti-racism within the current yoga landscape.

Begin by watching a pre-recorded introduction to the Yoga Sutras, identifying key vocabulary terms and philosophical foundations so that we can meet on the same page. This lecture will make use of the Samkhya infographic, available for purchase here.

  • Week one: SAMADHI PAD

    Patañjali begins by defining yoga & naming its end goal: Samādhi.

    What is a chitt? And how do we still its waves?

    If samādhi is the dish pictured at the start of a cook book, what does it taste like?; & what are the ingredients needed to make it?

    This session closes with a peaceful śāvāsana and integration through yoga nidrā.

  • Week Two: SADHANA PAD

    We know the details and ingredients of the ‘dish’, now it’s time to learn how to prepare it.

    Explore limbs 1-5, with particular attention to framing the yamas and niyamas within an anti-oppressive lens.

    This session closes with a guided prānāyam practice & chanting of one sutra from pād #2.

  • Week Three: VIBHUTI PAD

    What change to the state of one’s mind does meditation produce?

    Gain an appreciation for the subtle yoga encapsulated in limbs 6, 7 and 8. Revel in the wonderfully wacky (yet applicable) skills that meditation unfolds.

    This session closes with a dharana (or concentration-based) practice.

  • WEEK FOUR: KAIVALYA PAD

    We’ve reached the apex of this system — liberation!

    Ask yourself (and Patañjali) what freedom looks and feels like. Step back and gain an appreciation for the tapestry as a whole.

    This session ends with a seated meditation practice.

“I really appreciated how clear and thorough the material/schedule was, but it still left a lot of room for open conversation and discussion. The whole group was super engaged too which is a testament to you!”

Series Details

DATES

Our 2024 dates have come and gone!

Join our waitlist to be notified for 2025 dates below.

cost

$150.00 plus HST

Included with your tuition is:

  • a foundation-setting lecture (pre-recorded, for you to watch on your own prior to us meeting)

  • access to my ’Samkhya Infographic’ file, for savouring and/or printing out at home 

  • 4 discussions and lectures that close with integration using yoga’s subtle practices

  • recordings and slides of any content we cover together

  • an opportunity to connect with like-minded folx in the yoga industry

I am a certified Continuing Education Provider with the American Yoga Alliance. If you currently have a 200 hour certification with the YA, you are able to count this course as continuing education credits.

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“Taryn is a very gifted teacher and has clearly worked very hard to develop her skills. I appreciate so much her passion for what she does, her honesty and vulnerability, tact, and awareness and acceptance for whoever comes to class and whatever they might bring every day.”