Yoga Psychology and Spiritual Development
On the weekend of 14 and 15 October I attended a workshop on “Yoga Psychology and Spiritual Development” by Leanne Davis, Senior Yoga Teacher and President of Yoga Australia.
The focus throughout the weekend was on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with Leanne guiding us through Chapters 1, 2 and the first three Sutras of Chapter 3.
We started with discussion about “What is Yoga” and the need for clear definitions. While most people think of Yoga as a series of exercises (postures), the reality is that the postures are only the tip of the iceberg and that Yoga encompasses much more than that.
Patanjali’s second Sutra has been interpreted in many ways but essentially states that Yoga is the ability to direct and focus mental activity, sometimes described as the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
Other definitions include:-
Yoga is the union of body, mind and spirit
Yoga is a system of psychology (Patanjali)
Yoga is a state of calmness or peacefulness
Yoga is a “state of being” that’s been discussed right back to the beginning of Indian philosophical systems or traditions
Yoga is both the means of attaining the state of Yoga and the state itself
Yoga is the Science of Man
Yoga develops awareness of one’s physical and mental state which helps people to transition to their own health management
The sutras of Patanjali are presented in 4 chapters. The first chapter is the chapter on Samadhi . It defines Yoga and its characteristics and discusses the problems one encounters in reaching the state of Yoga and how these problems cana be handled.
The second chapter describes the qualities necessary to change the mind effectively and gradually from a state of distraction to one of attention. Also, why these qualities are important and what their practice entails.
Chapter 3 describes the capacity of the mind which can achieve a state free from distractions (through the various practices described in chapters 1 and 2).
The workshop was enlightening and held our interest for every moment. It’s a big topic and one that will keep one engaged for a lifetime.
Jenny Sherlock
#Spiritualdevelopment #LeanneDavis #YogaAustralia #PatanjalisYogaSutras #Whatisyoga
