A MEDITATION GROUP WITH A DIFFERENCE
CREATIVE MEDITATION WITH THE YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI
Many people in the Western World think Yoga means a particular system of Indian gymnastics, or a relaxation technique, or perhaps a religion.
But the great work on the subject, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, says “Yoga is stilling the whirlpools of the mind”.
The word Yoga means union. We may achieve this through physical postures, mantras, religious devotions, or good works. Patanjali’s way, taught in the Yoga Sutras, involves directly knowing and mastering the mind: it is called Raja Yoga, The Royal Way of Union.
Krishnamurti said “Truth is a Pathless Land”. Instead of ‘answers’ the Yoga Sutras can be the beginning of a journey into the real nature of your mind, its powers and its depths. Once you know the mind, you may begin to know your Self.
Starting February 2nd 2011, and then every other Wednesday, 7 – 8:30 pm
Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA
Cost: Drop in: £7 per session. Any six sessions in advance: £35
This course is an open enquiry into meditation and does not represent any particular religious school, belief system or sect. All are welcome.
Many people in the Western World think Yoga means a particular system of Indian gymnastics, or a relaxation technique, or perhaps a religion.
But the great work on the subject, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, says “Yoga is stilling the whirlpools of the mind”.
The word Yoga means union. We may achieve this through physical postures, mantras, religious devotions, or good works. Patanjali’s way, taught in the Yoga Sutras, involves directly knowing and mastering the mind: it is called Raja Yoga, The Royal Way of Union.
Krishnamurti said “Truth is a Pathless Land”. Instead of ‘answers’ the Yoga Sutras can be the beginning of a journey into the real nature of your mind, its powers and its depths. Once you know the mind, you may begin to know your Self.
Starting February 2nd 2011, and then every other Wednesday, 7 – 8:30 pm
Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA
Cost: Drop in: £7 per session. Any six sessions in advance: £35
This course is an open enquiry into meditation and does not represent any particular religious school, belief system or sect. All are welcome.
About the Course
Each week the group will work with certain Sutras. First we will discuss them from various angles drawing on philosophy and creative thought. Then we will penetrate more deeply into Yoga through meditative techniques including chanting, mantra and visualisation.
The full course is organised in sessions of eight, reflecting the ‘8 limbs of Yoga’ taught by Patanjali, from the moral practices called Yama to the deep contemplation of Samadhi. Each session can be enjoyed as a stand alone, but the real value of being in a meditation group is sharing in the group's collective learning experience over a period of time.
No prior knowledge of the theory and practice of meditation is necessary: being able to put aside preconceptions and be present ‘in the now’ is a core skill in meditation.
For experienced students, this may be an opportunity to experience a fresh approach to meditation based on creative and open-ended group work.
Instead of assuming that a teacher, a book, or you yourself already has all the answers, a meditation group collectively sets sail into the unknown; what is possible depends on the unique mixture of the people coming to each session, and what they contribute. There are no final answers.
Real meditation is not solemn or ‘stuffy’: it requires energy, humour, honesty and a no-nonsense attitude.
The course will be led/facilitated by James North, who has 15 years experience as a student and teacher of esoteric subjects. James’ passion is to help students discover that the knowledge they need is already inside them.
For further information or queries, please phone 07540 487 138, or email [email protected]
Each week the group will work with certain Sutras. First we will discuss them from various angles drawing on philosophy and creative thought. Then we will penetrate more deeply into Yoga through meditative techniques including chanting, mantra and visualisation.
The full course is organised in sessions of eight, reflecting the ‘8 limbs of Yoga’ taught by Patanjali, from the moral practices called Yama to the deep contemplation of Samadhi. Each session can be enjoyed as a stand alone, but the real value of being in a meditation group is sharing in the group's collective learning experience over a period of time.
No prior knowledge of the theory and practice of meditation is necessary: being able to put aside preconceptions and be present ‘in the now’ is a core skill in meditation.
For experienced students, this may be an opportunity to experience a fresh approach to meditation based on creative and open-ended group work.
Instead of assuming that a teacher, a book, or you yourself already has all the answers, a meditation group collectively sets sail into the unknown; what is possible depends on the unique mixture of the people coming to each session, and what they contribute. There are no final answers.
Real meditation is not solemn or ‘stuffy’: it requires energy, humour, honesty and a no-nonsense attitude.
The course will be led/facilitated by James North, who has 15 years experience as a student and teacher of esoteric subjects. James’ passion is to help students discover that the knowledge they need is already inside them.
For further information or queries, please phone 07540 487 138, or email [email protected]