Yoga Therapy Centre Guelph

Yoga Sutra Studies

Taught by Barb Quinlan

​The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali is the fundamental  philosophical text of yoga, important to all yoga teachers and yoga practitioners.  We will read and discuss the 190 aphorisms within the 4 chapters of the book to deepen an understanding of what yoga teaches and how we can apply these teachings practically in everyday life.​

Vedic Chanting

Vedic chanting is the use of sound in a contemplative/meditative way to affect the person who is chanting.  It brings focus and concentration to the mind and develops strong memory skills.  It is an integral part of the stress reducing capability of yoga bringing about physical and mental healing. And it is itself a form of meditation.  The Vedic chants and mantra-s are chanted in the ancient  language of sanskrit.  This is led by a qualified teacher in a call and response style in either group or individual study.  There are no instruments used other than the human voice.  The sanskrit word for chanting is "adhyayanam" which means coming closer to your true Self.  This is the ultimate goal of yoga acheived through the appropriate use of the tools of yoga: postures(asana),  breathing(pranayama), chanting(adhyayanam), strengthening the mind's  focus and concentration(dharana) and moving into deeper attention or meditation(dhyanam).  

MINDFULNESS:   Understanding and Practicing Meditation According to Yoga

The original texts of Yoga teach that meditation is a result of the other practices or tools of Yoga.   We do not choose to meditate so much as meditation happens as a result of the careful use of and preparation within the other components of yoga.  This is universally known as astanga Yoga,  the eight(ast)limbs or steps(anga)which comprise the fundamental practices that make up Yoga. 

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This understanding of meditation differs in some ways from the popular meditation often called mindfulness.  Like in Buddhist inspired mindfulness,  Yoga understands meditation to be about focusing and concentrating  the mind. However,  Yoga holds that meditation comes about as an effect of the other limbs of yoga,  principally the yamas and niyamas (guidelines for living in  relationship to oneself and others) and a more subtle tuning of the mind and body that comes about through the practices of asana(postures) and pranayama (breathing).  Then the senses, which in Yoga include the mind,  function to serve the mind(pratyahara) in meditation.  Now the mind can orient or direct itself towards one point or object of meditation(dharana)eventually linking or communicating (dhyana)with that point or object.  And in time after much practice one  creates the ground for deeper integration(samadhi)with that object of meditation.  The object of meditation can be a thing, a concept, a personal belief or an image.  What matters is that it speaks to and inspires you to move forward through any limiting or negative thoughts.

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In Yoga the goal is not about sitting for a long time, though sitting in a comfortable position is advisable as a good starting point for many and is a natural next step following conscious movement and focused breathing. Rather the goal is to bring a meditative way of being to your life.  According to Yoga there is no  benefit or special ability brought about by long sitting.  It is how you live your life in everyday action(karma) and  non-attachment(vairagyam)to the results of your actions that matters.  Sitting, or the quiet moments brought about through the 8-fold path, must help you to live in this world free of the comings and goings of your mind.   In other words, Yoga and the experience of meditation, is a help to manage the mind and live with more ease and joy.

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In this 6 week course,  we will use the ethical principles or guidelines of Yoga as a focus for the quiet sitting that will arise after a short practice of postures and breathing each week.  As well, we will use the ancient yoga techniques of visualization (bhavana) and gestures(nyasa) to further engage and settle the mind. Any level of yoga exerience is welcome.  Sitting on the floor or in a cross-legged position is not necessary.   Stools, benches and chairs are provided for your comfort which is very important to managing the mind.  The  postures will be gentle and breathing simple.  Please call or email me if you have any questions.   Barb Quinlan, quinlanbarb@gmail.com or 519 821 3457.