Enter into the ancient past as we explore the geographical region, cultures and ideas of the peoples that contributed to the formulation and development of yoga as a philosophy/religion, as well as a way of practice.

This journey takes us from west Asia, via the mysterious urban dwelling peoples of the Harappan Civilisation; through the centuries-long waves of migration of the nomadic, Sanskrit speaking Vedic peoples entering the Indian sub-continent from central Asia; from the religious ideas of the the greater Kingdoms of the Gangetic plain, and their intermingling with the religious ideas of the Vedic people.

From here we enter the main timeline of our course - the period of Classical Yoga - where we meet the author of The Yoga Sūtras, the sage Patañjali - our key source of study and inspiration.

The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali were compiled. some time around the 3rd-4th century of the Common Era (C.E).

Whilst little is known about the author - a sage known only as “Patañjali” - we can gather clues as to his origin and influences for discussion.

In this part of the course we will introduce you to the writing style called “sūtras” and how this has influenced the way in which the text has been passed down from ancient times to today.

We will explore the language that the Sūtras is written in - Vedic Sanskrit - and why this language is considered “perfected”, whilst helping you get your tongue around how to pronounce Sanskrit words.

We will also meet other key figures throughout the history of yoga; figures that have added interpretation and further meaning to the short verses written down by Patañjali almost 2,000 years ago.

Our main study and discussion is based around the text itself. But rather than a dry read through of the content, we will instead focus on the major themes and ideas behind it.

The Yoga Sūtras can seem impenetrable on first reading. This is partly due to its sparse style, but mainly because Patañjali already assumes the reader has an understanding of key philosophical and metaphysical concepts that were commonly understood in his time.

So, to really unpack the Sūtras we must familiarise ourselves with how the author - and therefore the yoga school of thought - understood the universe and our place in it. What problems that yoga sees in human existence; and what we can do to overcome those problems to find everlasting bliss.

This is the really fascinating part of this course and the section that brings the most insight and “aha” moments - both for new students of yoga philosophy, and for Yoga Teachers who have never been exposed to these underlying, yet crucial ideas.

The most famous part of the Yoga Sūtras are the “8 Limbs of Yoga.” They are the methods one follows to find everlasting bliss.

They are commonly taught as the philosophical component of Yoga Teacher Training courses. Unfortunately though, they are often taught without the theoretical and metaphysical framework that underpins them. Without the framework the methods lose their context and simply become “things to do.”

We take a different approach to explaining and teaching the eight limbs; putting them in their rightful context so that you leave with a real and deep understanding of their purpose - their connection to the way the universe works, and how they take us to blissful self-awareness. This approach really unlocks yoga for you, and gives you context for all the yoga practices we encounter today.

This really is critical. To use an analogy from Christianity. Imagine being taught about Jesus and the Ten Commandments without anyone explaining to you about heaven and hell. Without knowing about heaven and hell and how we can obtain one and avoid the other, there simply would be no context or incentive to live a Christian life.

For us, there is no point learning about the eight limbs without the context and meaning behind them; and this is what makes our course different from other offerings.

In this section of the course you will also learn how there is not just one method for practising yoga - ie, the 8 limbs - but several that are presented in the Sūtras.

Our courses encompass various elements to maximise your enjoyment, engagement and learning… because we all learn in different ways.

Our key pillars include:

✅ Face to face learning. In our opinion there is nothing to rival face to face learning. So all our courses are conducted this way, in small groups, to optimise your experience. Face to face courses offer many benefits compared with online learning, including:

• Enriched communication. Communication is more than just verbal. It’s also gestural and “energetic.” The best communication also happens in real time.

• Direct feedback. This applies to our conversations as well as to our yoga practices. It’s not optimal to give meaningful corrections or assistance through a screen.

• Spontaneous moments of insight. Sometimes our little breakthroughs come not in the main lectures and discussions but in small moments during breaks, i.e. asking a question as we meet each other coming or going, or passing in the hall.

✅ Daily yoga practices. Our practices are designed to suit the nature and content of each course, so will vary in type, techniques shared, as well as level of intensity. For more introspective courses the techniques are gentler and more contemplative; whilst other courses offer more vigorous and energetic practices. Refer to each Course Features section to get a feel for what is on offer. Daily practices also provide the opportunity to be introduced to new techniques whilst absorbing and embodying the learnings.

✅ Analysis and reflection. We always allow time for discussion and reflection of the practices so that you can share your experience, get direct feedback from our trainer/s, and hear the experiences of your fellow students. These rich discussions offer so much insight, as well as ensuring that you understand the techniques being taught.

✅ Lectures and conversation. Each course is rich in theory and methods, but with ample opportunity for group conversation. Students are encouraged to share their points of view in a supported learning environment. Through this method each course evolves its own unique insights as our students flavour the learnings with what they bring from their own life experience. It’s why no two courses are ever the same. Students can also approach the trainer/s one-on-one at appropriate moments during the course if they wish.

✅ Immersive learning. Our courses are designed as immersive experiences, usually running over several consecutive days or longer.

When attending a course we encourage you to treat it as a retreat away from your usual routine and activities. Freedom from distractions allows you the mental space to absorb what you learn. Of course we all have different life situations, so we run each day on time to allow you the structure to get things done outside of course hours. An example course timetable is presented for you in the section below this one.

A further feature of our courses are the amazing books and manuals we create for you - that are available nowhere else. These range from 100-200+ pages, depending on the course length and its nature. The course books include a summary of all we learn, instructions for any techniques taught; and many are rich with images and photos to inspire and guide you.

Knowing you have a resource that you can always refer back to really allows you to engage with the trainer/s and group in real time, without the distraction of constant note taking - leading to a truly immersive learning experience.