Deeper Yoga Study: Yoga Sūtra-s Chapter One
ONLINE
January - June 2027
We study the teachings to honor the depth of Yoga and ourselves.
To understand yoga as more than just a set of tools, we must go to the heart of it’s teachings. The Yoga Sūtra-s of Patanjali, teachings compiled in Sanskrit nearly 1,700 years ago, is a manual for understanding the mind and it’s role in our lives, as relevant today as ever. It lays out an experiential philosophy, one whose wisdom unfolds over time in our daily lives, and is lit up by exploration between the teacher and the student. These teachings were never meant to be read, they were meant to be learned through relationship.
The first chapter, the Samādhi Pada helps us to understand what yoga is, how it understands the mind, and how the practice leads us to the goal of freedom. Through in-depth, word-by-word exploration of each sūtra, we will not only deepen our understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and our mind, but we will take part in a living tradition and deepen our appreciation for these timeless practices. The length of this course will enable us to give these teachings the space and time they deserve, as we live with each sūtra in our every day.
what to expect:
Each session focuses on two sūtra-s and ground exploration of those concepts. We will go deep into each sūtra, translating every word and exploring it’s full meaning and place in our lives. Theses sessions are guided by group discussion and questions, and we will leave every week with a meditative concept to bring them into our life in an embodied way.
course details:
This course is available for students who wish to deepen their studies of the teachings and themselves, as well as yoga teachers who want to root themselves in the fullness of these teachings and feel more confident making the philosophy a part of their teaching. Students are welcome to join regardless of whether they have studied Chapter One or not.
When:Thursdays online, January 2027 - June 2027 / 12 - 1pm EST on Zoom. Each class will be recorded and available for students for one week. Exact end date will be determined as we go to accommodate for the individual pace of our group.
Cost: The standard rate is $800 for the six month course, paid in two payments of $400. This reflects the true cost of the program. We will also offer an equity rate for those in financial need at $720 in monthly payments of $120. We ask that you reflect fully on which rate is appropriate for you.
Sarah will also offer two scholarships at a donation-based rate, decided by the student. We will prioritize students who identify with often underserved and marginalized communities in the yoga world, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community members. To apply for scholarship, please fill out the form below and Sarah will schedule a conversation to discuss.
Drop-in available for $30 for students who study with Sarah.
How to Register: If you are a new student to Sarah or to our Yoga Sūtra-s courses, please fill out the form below. Sarah will be in touch with you to discuss registration.
If you are a current student of Sarah’s who was part of our Chapter Two cohorts, you can register here.
Book Group
We build community so we can learn from each other.
Our current book group for Summer 2026 is Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki. Registration is currently open, and runs from August 15th - September 19th, with our group meeting Saturday September 19 at from 9:30-11:30am online.
This very special program combines self study, home practice, and community learning for an in-depth exploration of a variety of texts on Yoga, Buddhism, philosophy, and spiritual study. This book club is an opportunity to build sangha, or a community of seekers, in a spirit of individual exploration and is perfect for all of us non-joiners.
Each series includes:
Weekly reading and contemplative assignments. Contemplative practices draw from the themes of that week's reading, helping to integrate and explore the questions and ideas of the text in an embodied way, as well as sowing the seeds for a regular home practice.
Continual support throughout the session via email with myself and the book club community.
One culminating in-person community meeting to discuss the book, meet each other, and reflect on your experience.
Book club series is $40, and is available to all regardless of your ability to pay. If payment is an issue, scholarship options are available, just get in touch.
Past Sessions:
The World Could be Otherwise by Norman Fischer
Freeing the Body, Freeing the Mind by Michael Stone
Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm by Thich Nhat Hanh
Embrace Yoga’s Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Practice by Suzanna Barkataki
Skill in Action: Radicalizing Your Yoga Practice to Create a Just World by Michelle Cassandra Johnson
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chōdran
Cutting through Spiritual Materialism by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
The Way of Tenderness: Awakening through Race, Sexuality, and Gender by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel
A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield
Health, Healing, and Beyond by TKV Desikachar
A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
A Passionate Mind by Joel Kramer
What Are We Seeking? by TKV Desikachar