Unravelling the Genius of Maharishi Patanjali: An Exploration of the Yogasutra
Lead Teacher: Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Assisted by: Yogacharini Anandhi Mary Cecil
Day & Date: Sunday’s 4:15 to 6:15 pm IST(tentative)
Start Date: 25th Jan 2026
Duration: 12 months (~ 3 months per chapter)
Mode: Blended: online and reflective self-study
Language: English with Samskruta terms and chanting
Course Level: Foundational to Advanced
Prerequisites: Interest in Yoga, Indian Knowledge Systems, or Consciousness Studies.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This course offers a comprehensive, experiential in-depth, and scholarly engagement with the Yogasutra of Maharishi Patanjali; the foundational text of Yoga philosophy, psychology and spirituality.
Through a systematic exploration of all four chapters (Pada), participants will discover how Maharishi Patanjali’s 195/196 sutrani reveal the inner architecture of the human consciousness and the methods for its transformation.
The course will combine scriptural study, contemplative inquiry, guided chanting, and reflective practice to transform the sutra from technical theory into a lived experience. Participants will not merely “learn about” Maharishi Patanjali, but think, feel, and live through his expansive vision of consciousness.
COURSE STRUCTURE (FOUR PADA / CHAPTERS)
- Samadhi Pada – The nature of mind, consciousness, and states of absorption.
- Sadhana Pada – The discipline of Ashtanga Yoga.
- Vibhuti Pada – The unfolding of inner powers and higher states of awareness.
- Kaivalya Pada – The culmination of Yoga in absolute freedom and illumination.
Each chapter will be studied in depth over a 3 month period, allowing participants to integrate both conceptual clarity and personal experience.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the philosophical, psychological, and spiritual foundations of the Yogasutra.
- Interpret key Samskruta terms and appreciate their layered meanings.
- Relate Maharishi Patanjali’s teachings to modern life, mental health, and spiritual growth.
- Develop self-awareness through the application of Abhyasa (intense and dedicated practice) and Vairagya (dispassionate objectivity).
- Integrate the Eight Limbs (Ashtanga Yoga) as a holistic framework for balanced living.
- Appreciate the continuity between Patanjali’s Yoga and the broader landscape of Indian Knowledge Systems.
PEDAGOGY:
The course adopts a multi-dimensional pedagogy, combining:
- E-Text Script: Curated readings, translations, and interpretations for each sutra.
- Guided Lectures & Discussions: Interactive sessions exploring philosophical and experiential dimensions.
- Samskruta Chanting: Pronunciation, rhythm, and vibrational understanding of each sutra.
- Reflective Journaling: Personal integration of insights and experiences.
- Meditative Practice: Cultivating awareness through silence and observation.
- Dialogue Circles: Contemplative discussions connecting traditional and contemporary insights.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
On successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate a deep conceptual and experiential understanding of Patanjali’s Yogasutra.
- Identify and analyse the psychological constructs of principle concepts like Chitta, Vritti, Karma, Klesha, Samadhi etc.
- Apply yogic principles to daily life, teaching, and self-development.
- Correlate ancient Yogic psychology with modern frameworks of mindfulness and well-being.
- Evolve a personal Sadhana (spiritual discipline) grounded in awareness and balance.
ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION:
The course emphasizes self-assessment and reflective evaluation, focusing on learning rather than grading.
- Self-Assessment Tools: Short reflective questionnaires after each module.
- Journaling & Practice Logs: Personal documentation of understanding and transformation.
- Interactive Quizzes: Simple and conceptual to reinforce key sutra and themes.
- Peer and Mentor Feedback: Encouraging open dialogue and growth.
Evaluation will be non-competitive, continuous, and compassionate — aligned with the spirit of Yogic learning.
E-TEXT SCRIPT & RESOURCE MATERIAL:
Participants will receive:
- Annotated e-texts of the Yogasutra (Samskruta + transliteration + translation + commentary).
- Supplementary readings.
- Curated video and audio material for chanting and guided meditations.
- Optional scholarly articles linking Yogasutra with consciousness studies and Indian psychology.
CERTIFICATION:
Participants who complete all four chapters with reflective submissions and participation will receive a Certificate of Completion from SANNIDHI – Sacred Seeds of Yoga and ICYER Ananda Ashram; that will bear appropriate recognitions from Indian Yoga Association and Yoga Certification Board.
A JOURNEY BEYOND SCHOLARSHIP:
To study Maharishi Patanjali is to enter the inner laboratory of consciousness. Through this long-form course, SANNIDHI aspires to nurture not only scholars of Yoga; but living embodiments of its wisdom.
Option A:
Participation in the 6 weeks program (12 hours of online learning):
All participants will receive their participation certificates upon completion of the requirements. This training will be eligible for YACEP credits of 12 hours for participants as per norms of Yoga Alliance, USA. This certification will also have accreditation by Sannidhi Yoga, Gitananda Yoga and be recognised by ICYER Ananda Ashram, that is a Founding Member Institution of the Indian Yoga Association.
Option B:
Completion of the course as TTC with 30 hours of online learning:
Those wishing to obtain Sannidhi Yoga Darshana™ Teacher Training Certification will have to pay an additional evaluation and certification fee. They will be required to submit five lesson plans, five student feedback summaries and attend an online viva examination with Sannidhi Mentors. This training will be eligible for YACEP credits of 30 hours for those taking up this option as per norms of Yoga Alliance, USA. This certification will also have accreditation by Sannidhi Yoga, Gitananda Yoga and be recognised by ICYER Ananda Ashram, that is a Founding Member Institution of the Indian Yoga Association.
