Clarity and Focus
No yogic text is as widely cited – or as misunderstood – as the Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali. Although its teachings still have much to offer, their focus is on seated meditation not sequences of postures, and the ultimate goal involves renouncing the world.
Join Daniel Simpson to explore in depth how Patañjali's ideas relate to modern forms of practice. Together, we will read the whole text with reference to commentaries that help to unpack its traditional significance.
Despite what's suggested today, the "eight limbs" of yoga are not the main framework. They get so much attention because one of them is āsana, whose meaning has changed. Patañjali's method is one-pointed focus, refining discernment to see through confusion.
If you're curious about the bigger picture of yoga philosophy, this course is an accessible guide to complex topics. Combining scholarly and practical knowledge with humour and insight, its approach is refreshingly clear without oversimplifying.
The overall aim is to see how we might integrate key themes from the Yoga Sūtra, while discerning how they differ from contemporary priorities. By the end of the course you'll feel clearer on both, as well as better prepared to discuss this text and how it's used.
Course Modules
1 – MEDITATIVE CLARITY
1.1 – Basic foundations
We begin by defining objectives and key terms. Where did yoga come from and what is it for? Is it a state or a practice? Can the sūtras be read by themselves or are commentaries needed?
1.2 – One-pointed focus
Again and again, there's a similar message – focus on an object to limit distractions. With practice, these anchors get subtler, until the mind is transcended with no need for objects.
1.3 – Depths of absorption
The ultimate goal is detachment from matter to rest in awareness. Remaining in that state is defined as liberation, but there are also degrees of freedom based on steadiness of mind.
2 – PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
2.1 – Psychological analysis
People try to control life to maximise pleasure and minimise pain. This quest for gratification is based on a case of mistaken identity. The "yoga of action" can weaken its grip to facilitate focus.
2.2 – Prevention of suffering
Echoing the Buddha and the Bhagavad Gītā, Patañjali says yoga ends suffering. His solution renounces the world. Can its methods be adapted to everyday goals such as causing less harm?
2.3 – Eight-part frameworks
Other systems, including the Buddha's, consist of eight parts. Most of Patañjali's "limbs" are just ways of preparing for concentration – including ethical precepts that steady the mind to look within.
3 – POWERFUL METHODS
3.1 – The inward journey
The main technique is one-pointed focus. This is refined until the mind becomes still, leaving nothing but consciousness. Knowledge of the mind's changing states helps a yogi detach from them.
3.2 – Mystical attainments
Concentration on objects reveals how they change, and since the mind is a material thing, it can be understood similarly. Unwinding it means mastering matter, which yields magic powers.
3.3 – Beyond mind and body
The highest attainment is seeing the difference between matter and consciousness. Once this is perceived, the mind dissolves, which ends attachment to the body and the outside world.
4 – FINDING FREEDOM
4.1 – What liberation means
The outcome of yoga sounds otherworldly – kaivalya, or eternal "isolation". However, the objective of removing suffering still seems relevant. Can this aim be reframed in traditional ways?
4.2 – Competing philosophies
Patañjali's ideas have become obscured by different systems. This process, which started in India, continues worldwide. After so many reinventions, what makes the text so appealing today?
4.3 – Redefining objectives
What if Patañjali's goals don't align with our own? We can either deny it or try to escape from ourselves and the world. Is there also an option to build something different inspired by his teachings?
Introductory Video
Course Tutor
Daniel Simpson is the author of The Truth of Yoga: A Comprehensive Guide to Yoga's History, Texts, Philosophy, and Practices.
In addition to the courses on this site, he also teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and contributes to yoga teacher trainings.
He first studied at Cambridge and earned his M.A. in yoga studies from SOAS, University of London, where he subsequently taught.
Daniel combines this academic expertise with extensive experience as a practitioner, which he shares in workshops and on retreats.
In a previous career, he was a foreign correspondent, working for Reuters and the New York Times. Drawing on those skills, he hosts the Ancient Futures podcast.
danielsimpson.info
Course Reading
Edwin Bryant's The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali is unique. Unlike many other modern translations, it accompanies the sūtras with insights from commentaries. These traditional explanations add important context, which Bryant supplements with his own analysis. He also breaks down the Sanskrit of each sūtra word by word.
edwinbryant.org
FAQs
How does the course work?
All four modules are available at once, so you can study the materials at your own pace. Each module has three videos, a recorded discussion with Q&A, and suggested reading.
Are there any interactive elements?
Absolutely! There's an online community, where you can discuss ideas with others and ask Daniel questions at any time. Plus there's an option to add one-to-one sessions.
How long will I have access to materials?
For three months. This provides an incentive to get to the end. You can also download audio recordings of all sessions, or upgrade to unlimited access at the checkout.
What level of knowledge is required?
The course is designed for yoga practitioners. It's accessible to anyone, while providing insightful details that will interest those who are more familiar with the text.
Do I need to read the text in advance?
Not necessarily. It's also fine to read along as you go. The course materials mainly quote Edwin Bryant's translation, which is highly recommended (scroll up for more details).
Does the course include assignments?
Each module has an optional quiz to test your understanding. No one sees your results.
Do yoga teachers get accreditation?
All students who finish the course will receive a certificate for 12 hours of study. Teachers registered with Yoga Alliance can log these as continuing education with a YACEP.
Testimonials
Payment Plan
Spread the cost with monthly instalments