Living the Sutras: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Teacher

About Course

This 5-hour CEU course explores Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras not as an abstract text, but as a living, breathing framework for practice, teaching, and self-inquiry. We will examine the Sutras through the lens of the modern yoga teacher, translating ancient wisdom into applicable tools for self-regulation, ethics, focus, and transformation. Ideal for teachers at the 200-hour or 500-hour level seeking deeper insight into yogic philosophy, this course includes philosophical breakdowns, contemporary interpretation, practical exercises, and journaling prompts to help integrate the Yoga Sutras into daily life and classroom spaces.

Understand key concepts from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and their historical context.
Apply core sutras to teaching methodologies, personal practice, and ethical behavior.
Integrate themes like non-attachment, focus, compassion, and self-awareness into sequencing and cueing.
Reflect on the inner experience of teaching yoga through journaling and real-life scenarios.
Encourage embodied wisdom in the classroom rooted in the Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Course Content

Introduction to the Yoga Sutras – Context, Authorship, and Relevance Today
This module situates Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras within its historical and philosophical context, drawing on the work of Edwin Bryant and other contemporary scholars. We will explore the evolution of Yoga philosophy, clarify critical Sanskrit terms (citta, vṛtti, nirodhaḥ, puruṣa, prakṛti), examine key sutras in Sanskrit and English, and explore how these timeless teachings inform modern teaching and practice.

Historical Roots & Structure of the Yoga Sutras
Who Was Patañjali & the Evolution of Yoga Philosophy
Clarifying Key Terms & Fundamental Concepts
Selected Sutras in Sanskrit and English
Relevance for Modern Teachers

00:00

The Inner Landscape – Citta Vritti Nirodhah and the Nature of the Mind

Walking the Eightfold Path – The Eight Limbs of Yoga for Teachers

Kleshas, Karma, and the Inner Obstacles

Integration – Teaching the Sutras from the Heart

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About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Historical Roots & Structure of the Yoga Sutras

Who Was Patañjali & the Evolution of Yoga Philosophy

Clarifying Key Terms & Fundamental Concepts

Selected Sutras in Sanskrit and English

Relevance for Modern Teachers

The Inner Landscape – Citta Vritti Nirodhah and the Nature of the Mind

Defining the Workings of the Mind, Thought Patterns, Fluctuations, and Habits

Exploring Sutras 1.2 to 1.6 with Life Examples

Linking Yogic Psychology to Modern Neuroscience and Mindfulness

Practicing Meditative Techniques to Observe and Regulate Vrittis

Relating Personal Challenges on the Mat to Mind Teachings

Walking the Eightfold Path – The Eight Limbs of Yoga for Teachers

The Eight Limbs of Yoga with a Focus on Yamas and Niyamas

Asana and Pranayama from the Sutra-Based Perspective

Dhyana, Dharana, and Samadhi in Real-World Teaching Environments

Applying the Limbs to Classroom Presence, Cueing, and Dynamics

Reflection

Kleshas, Karma, and the Inner Obstacles

The Five Kleshas and How They Manifest in Modern Life

Key Sutras on Ego, Fear, Attachment, and Aversion

Trauma-Aware Teaching and Personal Triggers in Light of the Sutras

Karma and the Power of Intention

Journaling and Inquiry: Mapping the Kleshas in Your Teaching Path

Integration – Teaching the Sutras from the Heart

Designing Themes and Dharma Talks Rooted in Core Sutras

Use Inclusive Language to Translate Subtle Philosophy for All Levels

Facilitate Discussion, Reflection, and Embodiment in Group Settings

Practice Teaching from Authenticity and Inner Wisdom Rather than a Script

Create a Personal Sankalpa – An Intention Informed by Sutra Study

Earn a certificate

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Historical Roots & Structure of the Yoga Sutras

Who Was Patañjali & the Evolution of Yoga Philosophy

Clarifying Key Terms & Fundamental Concepts

Selected Sutras in Sanskrit and English

Relevance for Modern Teachers

The Inner Landscape – Citta Vritti Nirodhah and the Nature of the Mind

Defining the Workings of the Mind, Thought Patterns, Fluctuations, and Habits

Exploring Sutras 1.2 to 1.6 with Life Examples

Linking Yogic Psychology to Modern Neuroscience and Mindfulness

Practicing Meditative Techniques to Observe and Regulate Vrittis

Relating Personal Challenges on the Mat to Mind Teachings

Walking the Eightfold Path – The Eight Limbs of Yoga for Teachers

The Eight Limbs of Yoga with a Focus on Yamas and Niyamas

Asana and Pranayama from the Sutra-Based Perspective

Dhyana, Dharana, and Samadhi in Real-World Teaching Environments

Applying the Limbs to Classroom Presence, Cueing, and Dynamics

Reflection

Kleshas, Karma, and the Inner Obstacles

The Five Kleshas and How They Manifest in Modern Life

Key Sutras on Ego, Fear, Attachment, and Aversion

Trauma-Aware Teaching and Personal Triggers in Light of the Sutras

Karma and the Power of Intention

Journaling and Inquiry: Mapping the Kleshas in Your Teaching Path

Integration – Teaching the Sutras from the Heart

Designing Themes and Dharma Talks Rooted in Core Sutras

Use Inclusive Language to Translate Subtle Philosophy for All Levels

Facilitate Discussion, Reflection, and Embodiment in Group Settings

Practice Teaching from Authenticity and Inner Wisdom Rather than a Script

Create a Personal Sankalpa – An Intention Informed by Sutra Study

Earn a certificate

Student Ratings & Reviews

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