"The philosophy classes completely changed how I understand yoga. Learning about duality and non-duality gave me a framework for understanding not just yoga, but life itself."
- Sarah M. (UK)
★★★★★
Yoga Philosophy
Understanding the Ideology of Yoga
Philosophy is an ideology - the viewpoint through which we understand reality. Yoga Philosophy is the transformative journey from duality to non-duality, from suffering to liberation.
What is Yoga?
युज्यते अनेन इति योगः
Yujyate anena iti yogaḥ
"That which joins more than one"
Based on the Dhatu (root word) yuj, which means "to join" or "to unite," yoga can be described as the process of union. But this union is not referring to any physical orientation.
Rather, it refers to the concepts of duality and non-duality:
- Duality - The understanding or reality before union (separation, boundaries, individual self)
- Non-duality - The state after union (oneness, unity, universal consciousness)
Yoga can be described as a transformative journey where the dualistic sense of mind will turn into a non-dualistic sense.
Understanding Through Space
Perception of space is the best example of duality vs. non-duality:
Instinctively, we divide space into many spaces: personal space, house space, work space, mountain space, etc. But the question is: Are there really so many spaces?
In reality, there is only one space. We build boundaries for our needs and utility. This is fine and necessary. But when we over-emphasize the boundary more than needed, we start attaching to those utilities and forget the reality.
That's where duality exists and suffering starts.
Even though we categorize space for our needs, if we know the reality - that there are not many spaces, there is only one space, and all divisions are for our utility - then we stop over-emphasizing. We don't get attached to our needs, so our sufferings go away.
This is the shift from duality to non-duality - the essence of Yoga.
Understanding Shastra
शासनात् त्रायते इति शास्त्रः
Śāsanāt trāyate iti śāstraḥ
"That which commands in the early stages and later on teaches"
All Indian ancient literature is called Shastra because the literature gives lots of disciplines, and through those disciplines, it teaches. Before understanding Patanjali Yoga Sutras, one should understand the foundational concepts that provide context and greater viewpoint.
Topics Covered at Anantadrishtiyoga
Comprehensive study of traditional yoga philosophy
Puruṣārtha - Four Goals of Human Life
Understanding what every human is striving for:
Dharma - Righteous living, duty
Artha - Material prosperity, wealth
Kāma - Pleasure, desire fulfillment
Mokṣa - Liberation, spiritual freedom
Varṇa Vyavasthā - Categorization System
Understanding individual roles based on action, birth, and gunas:
Brāhmaṇa - Knowledge seekers, teachers
Kṣatriya - Warriors, protectors
Vaiśya - Merchants, producers
Śūdra - Service providers
Guṇas - Three Qualities of Nature
The fundamental qualities that pervade all existence:
Sattva
Purity, harmony, light
Rajas
Activity, passion, movement
Tamas
Inertia, darkness, heaviness
Āśrama Vyavasthā - Stages of Life
Different life stages committed to spiritual growth:
Brahmacharya - Student stage, learning and discipline
Gṛhastha - Householder stage, family and responsibilities
Vānaprastha - Retirement stage, gradual detachment
Saṃnyāsa - Renunciation stage, complete spiritual focus
Avasthā Traya - Three States of Experience
Understanding consciousness through different states:
Jāgrat
Waking state
Svapna
Dream state
Suṣupti
Deep sleep state
Pañca Kośa Prakaraṇa - Five Sheaths
Five levels of individual existence:
Annamaya Kośa - Physical sheath (food body)
Prāṇamaya Kośa - Energy sheath (vital body)
Manomaya Kośa - Mental sheath (mind body)
Vijñānamaya Kośa - Wisdom sheath (intellect body)
Ānandamaya Kośa - Bliss sheath (causal body)
Four Paths of Yoga
Different approaches to the same goal:
Karma Yoga
Path of selfless action
Bhakti Yoga
Path of devotion
Rāja Yoga
Path of meditation
Jñāna Yoga
Path of knowledge
Aṣṭāṅga Yoga - Eight Limbs of Yoga
The eight-fold path from Patanjali Yoga Sutras:
1. Yama
Ethical disciplines
2. Niyama
Personal observances
3. Āsana
Physical postures
4. Prāṇāyāma
Breath control
5. Pratyāhāra
Sense withdrawal
6. Dhāraṇā
Concentration
7. Dhyāna
Meditation
8. Samādhi
Absorption, liberation
Patañjali Yoga Sūtras - Selected Verses
Deep study of selected verses from the foundational text of Ashtanga Yoga. Understanding the aphorisms that guide the transformative journey from duality to non-duality.
Study Yoga Philosophy with Us
Join our classes and retreats to deepen your understanding
Daily Philosophy Classes
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Dive into the ancient wisdom and timeless teachings of yogic scriptures. Open to all levels - from curious beginners to advanced students.
Philosophy in Our Retreats
All our retreats include comprehensive Yoga Philosophy sessions. Study in nature, discuss profound concepts, and integrate philosophical understanding with your practice.
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1-Day Retreat: Introduction to yoga ideology with nature discussion
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3-Day Pranayama Retreat: 3 philosophy sessions in nature (2 hours each)
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7-Day Yoga Retreat: 7 comprehensive philosophy classes
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14-Day Retreats: Deep study with daily philosophy sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Yoga Philosophy
What is the difference between duality and non-duality? ▼
Duality is the perception of separation and boundaries - seeing yourself as separate from others and the world. Non-duality is the understanding that these divisions are constructs for utility, and in reality, there is underlying oneness. Yoga is the transformative journey from dualistic perception to non-dualistic understanding.
Do I need to be Hindu to study Yoga Philosophy? ▼
No, yoga philosophy is universal and applicable to all backgrounds. While the terminology and framework come from ancient Indian texts, the concepts address fundamental human experiences like consciousness, suffering, and liberation that transcend any particular religion or culture.
What are the Patanjali Yoga Sutras? ▼
The Patanjali Yoga Sutras are 196 aphorisms (short, profound statements) compiled by sage Patanjali around 400 CE. They outline the eight-limbed path of Ashtanga Yoga and provide a complete framework for spiritual development, mental discipline, and the journey to liberation.
How does philosophy relate to physical yoga practice? ▼
Physical practice (asana) is just one of the eight limbs of yoga. Philosophy provides the "why" behind the practice - understanding that asanas prepare the body for meditation, pranayama balances the mind, and both serve the greater goal of moving from duality to non-duality. Without philosophy, yoga becomes mere exercise.
What are the Three Gunas? ▼
The three gunas are fundamental qualities of nature: Sattva (purity, harmony, light), Rajas (activity, passion, movement), and Tamas (inertia, darkness, heaviness). Everything in existence is a combination of these three qualities in varying proportions. Understanding gunas helps us recognize patterns in our mind and behavior.
When are the daily philosophy classes? ▼
Our daily Yoga Philosophy classes are held from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM every day. These classes are open to all levels - from curious beginners to advanced students. We study the ancient texts and discuss how to apply these teachings in modern life.
Student Insights
How philosophy transformed their understanding
"Studying Patanjali Sutras and the Gunas here was profound. The teacher explains complex concepts with clarity and relates them to modern life. My asana practice has so much more meaning now."
- Raj T. (India)
★★★★★
"I thought yoga was just exercise until I joined these philosophy classes. Understanding the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga showed me the deeper purpose of practice. Truly eye-opening."
- Anna K. (Sweden)
★★★★★
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Yoga Retreats
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Transform your understanding from duality to non-duality. Study the ancient wisdom that guides the yogic path.