‘Religiousness in Yoga: Lectures on Theory and Practice’ by the University Press of America,
a transcript of recordings of a one month Yoga Programme in Colgate University in 1976, published in 1980.
Unlike the later redacted edition, re-published in 1995 as the ‘Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice’, it captures the evolution of the retreat with the days lectures and Q & A dialogues as they alternated between ‘lectures on the principles and purposes of Yoga and discussions related to the practice of Yoga with special reference to the postures and the breathing techniques’.
TKV Desikachar, in his forward to the original version wrote:
“These lectures and discussions, printed words put before persons I might never meet,
are but reflections of that deeper result that grew out of a living face-to-face encounter.
Coming to learn of Yoga only through reading leaves much to be desired.
Yet, something worthwhile about Yoga might be shared through the medium of the printed word.”
A chapter by chapter Study guide is offered below with added verse and word cross-references where possible to support a a deeper linking with the teachings within these lectures and Q & A sessions.
Chapter Eight Theory:
Yama, Niyama and Āsana – The First Three Aṅga of Yoga
– Pages 107-115
1. Review P107
- Avidyā – Yoga Sūtra II 5
- Duḥkha – Yoga Sūtra II 16
- Attitude/Action/Consequences
2. Yama and Niyama P107-108
- Yama or relationship with oneself – Yoga Sūtra II 30
- Niyama or relationship with the environment Yoga Sūtra II 32
3. Yama P108-110
- 5 Yama detailed – Yoga Sūtra II 30
4. Signs of progress P110-111
- Ahiṃsā – Yoga Sūtra II 35
- Satya – Yoga Sūtra II 36
- Asteya – Yoga Sūtra II 37
- Brahmacaraya – Yoga Sūtra II 38
- Link to Śraddhā – Yoga Sūtra I 20
- Aparigraha – Yoga Sūtra II 39
5. Limbs no steps P111
- Link to Aṅga
6. Niyama P111
- 5 Niyama detailed – Yoga Sūtra II 32
7. Signs of Progress P111-113
- Bahya Śauca – Yoga Sūtra II 40
- Antar Śauca – Yoga Sūtra II 41
- Saṃtoṣa – Yoga Sūtra II 42
- Tapas – Yoga Sūtra II 43
- Svādhyāya – Yoga Sūtra II 44
- Īśvara Praṇidhāna – Yoga Sūtra II 45
8. Question on of relationship of Kriyā and Śauca P113
- Ṣat Kriyā and Śauca – Yoga Sūtra II 40
9. Question on Tapas as austerity P113
- Tapas – Yoga Sūtra II 43
10. Āsana P113-114
- Definition – Yoga Sūtra II 46
11. Means to achieve definition P113-114
12. Result of practice of Āsana P114-115
13. Summary and Preview P115
- Definition of Prāṇāyāma – Yoga Sūtra II 49
Follow this link for a Downloadable PDF version of the Chapter Eight Study Guide
