Course Description

Teacher

Christopher Hareesh Wallis

Christopher Wallis, also known as Hareesh, was introduced to Indian spirituality at the age of seven and initiated into the practice of yogic meditation at sixteen. His degrees include a B.A. in Religion and Classics from the University of Rochester, an M.A. in Sanskrit from U.C. Berkeley, an M.Phil. in Classical Indian Religions fromOxford, and a Ph.D. on the traditions of Śaiva Tantra from Berkeley. He received traditional education at yoga āshrams in upstate New York and India in meditation, kīrtan, mantra-science, āsana, karma-yoga, and more. He currently teaches meditation, yoga darśana (philosophy), Tantrik philosophy, Sanskrit, mantra-science, and offers spiritual counselling.Hareesh is the author of Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Module 1: What is Yoga and why should we care? (Sutras 1 - 4)

  • 2

    Module 2: What are the vŗttis? (Sutras 5 - 11)

    • Sutra 5: defining the vṛttis

    • Sutra 5: defining the vṛttis (Audio)

    • Sutras 6 & 7: list of the five kinds of vṛtti & the three types of vṛtti #1 (reliable knowledge)

    • Sutras 6 & 7: list of the five kinds of vṛtti & the three types of vṛtti #1 (Audio)

    • Sutra 8: definition of vṛtti #2 (misconception)

    • Sutra 8: definition of vṛtti 2 (Audio)

    • Sutra 9: definition of vṛtti #3 (imagination)

    • Sutra 9: definition of vṛtti #3 (Audio)

    • Sutra 10: definition of vṛtti #4 (sleep)

    • Sutra 10: definition of vṛtti #4 (Audio)

    • Sutra 11: definition of vṛtti #5 (memory)

    • Sutra 11: definition of vṛtti #5 (Audio)

    • Module 2 Study Guide

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  • 3

    Module 3: How do you bring the vŗttis to rest? (Sutras 12 - 16)

  • 4

    Module 4: What is Samādhi? (Sutras 17 - 22)

    • Sutra 17: Four stages in the samādhi-with-content (does not yet equal yoga, but leads to it)

    • Sutra 17: Four stages in the samādhi-with-content (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 18: The ‘other type’ of samādhi, without content, which equals yoga as defined in 1.2

    • Sutra 18: The ‘other type’ of samādhi, without content, which equals yoga as defined in 1.2 (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 19: But experiencing a lack cognitive content does not equal yoga if there is still an ‘intention of becoming’

    • Sutra 19: But experiencing a lack cognitive content does not equal yoga if there is still an ‘intention of becoming’ (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 20: The five things that lead to the samādhi of complete stillness (mentioned in 1.18)

    • Sutra 20: The five things that lead to the samādhi of complete stillness (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 21 & 22: That goal is not far off if your zeal for attaining it is intense // The ideal amount of zeal is one step shy of extremism

    • Sutra 21 & 22: That goal is not far off if your zeal for attaining it is intense // The ideal amount of zeal is one step shy of extremism (AUDIO)

    • Module 4 Study Guide
  • 5

    Module 5: The role of God in Yoga (Sutras 23 - 29)

    • Sutra 23: Devotion to God: the easier alternative

    • Sutra 23: Devotion to God: the easier alternative (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 24: What Patañjali means by ‘God’

    • Sutra 24: What Patañjali means by ‘God’ (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 25: Why God is the highest being

    • Sutra 25: Why God is the highest being (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 26: God started all the guru-lineages

    • Sutra 26: God started all the guru-lineages (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 27: OM: the Word that signifies God

    • Sutra 27: OM: the Word that signifies God (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 28: Why reciting that Word works

    • Sutra 28: Why reciting that Word works (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 29: Result of reciting that Word

    • Sutra 29: Result of reciting that Word (AUDIO)

    • Module 5 Study Guide

    • Module 5 Bonus Video: Om - Going deeper

    • Module 5 Bonus Video: Om - Going deeper (AUDIO)
  • 6

    Module 6: The obstacles to Yoga (Sutras 30 - 32)

    • Sutra 30: List of the obstacles to yoga

    • Sutra 30: List of the obstacles to yoga (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 31: Side-effects and the symptoms of the obstacles

    • Sutra 31: Side-effects and the symptoms of the obstacles (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 32: How to prevent the obstacles from arising

    • Sutra 32: How to prevent the obstacles from arising (AUDIO)

    • Module 6 Study Guide
  • 7

    Module 7: How do we overcome these obstacles? (Sutras 33 - 40)

    • Sutra 33: Practices #1-4 of overcoming the obstacles to yoga and preparing the heart-mind for samādhi: the Four Immeasurable Virtues

    • Sutra 33: Practices #1-4 of overcoming the obstacles to yoga and preparing the heart-mind for samādhi: the Four Immeasurable Virtues (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 34: Practice #5: prāṇāyāma

    • Sutra 34: Practice #5: prāṇāyāma (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 35: Practice #6: flow activities

    • Sutra 35: Practice #6: flow activities (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 36: Practice #7: meditation on what is joyful and luminous

    • Sutra 36: Practice #7: meditation on what is joyful and luminous (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 37: Practice #8: meditation on a person free of attachment

    • Sutra 37: Practice #8: meditation on a person free of attachment (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 38: Practice #9: meditation on dreams or deep sleep

    • Sutra 38: Practice #9: meditation on dreams or deep sleep (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 39: Practice #10: one-pointed meditation on whatever you like

    • Sutra 39: Practice #10: one-pointed meditation on whatever you like (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 40: As a result of overcoming the obstacles to yoga through these practices, one’s mind can stretch to encompass any aspect of reality

    • Sutra 40: As a result of overcoming the obstacles to yoga through these practices, one’s mind can stretch to encompass any aspect of reality (AUDIO)

    • Module Seven Study Guide
  • 8

    Module 8: What is samāpatti, and how does it lead to the state of yoga? (Sutras 41 - 51)

    • Sutra 41: Definition of samāpatti

    • Sutra 41: Definition of samāpatti (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 42: Definition of ‘discursive absorption’

    • Sutra 42: Definition of ‘discursive absorption’ (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 43: Definition of ‘non discursive absorption’

    • Sutra 43: Definition of ‘non discursive absorption’ (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 44: Definition of reflective and supra-reflective absorption

    • Sutra 44: Definition of reflective and supra-reflective absorption (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 45: Culmination of the samāpatti process in the unmanifest

    • Sutra 45: Culmination of the samāpatti process in the unmanifest (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 46: Equivalence: these samāpattis are also known as ‘seeded’

    • Sutra 46: Equivalence: these samāpattis are also known as ‘seeded’ (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 47: Result of experiencing the four primary stages of samāpatti: internal clarity and grace

    • Sutra 47: Result of experiencing the four primary stages of samāpatti: internal clarity and grace (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 48: “In that context, insight becomes truth-bearing”

    • Sutra 48: “In that context, insight becomes truth-bearing” (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 49: Nature of intuitive insight

    • Sutra 49: Nature of intuitive insight (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 50: Benefit of the impressions of intuitive insight

    • Sutra 50: Benefit of the impressions of intuitive insight (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 51: Final state is that of ‘seedless samādhi’ a.k.a. yoga

    • Module 8 Study guide

    • Sutra 51: Final state is that of ‘seedless samādhi’ a.k.a. yoga (AUDIO)

  • 9

    Chapter 2 // Module 9

    • Sutra 1: Definition of Kriyā-yoga: three aspects

    • Sutra 1: Definition of Kriyā-yoga: three aspects (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 1: Definition of Kriyā-yoga: three aspects CONTINUED

    • Sutra 1: Definition of Kriyā-yoga: three aspects CONTINUED (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 2 & 3: Purpose of Kriyā-yoga: preparing for samādhi and weakening the ‘afflictions’ / The five ‘afflictions’

    • Sutra 2 & 3: Purpose of Kriyā-yoga: preparing for samādhi and weakening the ‘afflictions’ / The five ‘afflictions’ (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 4: Kleśa #1, ignorance, is the fertile field for the germination of the other four

    • Sutra 4: Kleśa #1, ignorance, is the fertile field for the germination of the other four (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 5: Definition of kleśa #1, ignorance

    • Sutra 5: Definition of kleśa #1, ignorance (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 6: Definition of kleśa #2, egoism

    • Sutra 6: Definition of kleśa #2, egoism (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 7: Definition and etiology of kleśa #3, attachment

    • Sutra 7: Definition and etiology of kleśa #3, attachment (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 8: Definition and etiology of kleśa #4, aversion

    • Sutra 8: Definition and etiology of kleśa #4, aversion (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 9: Description of kleśa #5, clinging to life

    • Sutra 9: Description of kleśa #5, clinging to life (AUDIO)

    • Module 9 Study guide

  • 10

    Chapter 2 // Module 10

    • Sutra 10: How to remove the kleśas

    • Sutra 10: How to remove the kleśas (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 11: How to remove the kleśa-driven vṛttis

    • Sutra 11: How to remove the kleśa-driven vṛttis (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 12: Kleśas form the root of the karmic matrix

    • Sutra 12: Kleśas form the root of the karmic matrix (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 13: Kleśa-fueled karma bears fruit in three ways

    • Sutra 13: Kleśa-fueled karma bears fruit in three ways (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 14: The nature of karma

    • Sutra 14: The nature of karma (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 15: The dominant theme of human life: suffering

    • Sutra 15: The dominant theme of human life: suffering (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 16: “Suffering yet to come can be avoided”

    • Sutra 16: “Suffering yet to come can be avoided” (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 17: The root cause of human suffering: confusion of Seer and Seen

    • Sutra 17: The root cause of human suffering: confusion of Seer and Seen (AUDIO)

    • Module 10 Bonus Video: The Samskara cycle

    • Module 10 Bonus Video: The Samsara cycle (AUDIO)

    • Module 10 Bonus Video Graphic: The Samskara cycle

    • Module 10 Bonus Video: The 5 noble truths

    • Module 10 Study guide

    • Module 10 Bonus Video: The 5 noble truths (AUDIO)

    • Module 10 Study guide

  • 11

    Chapter 2 // Module 11

    • Sutra 18: The nature of the Seen, i.e. the perceivable universe

    • Sutra 18: The nature of the Seen, i.e. the perceivable universe (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 19: Fourfold division of the perceivable universe

    • Sutra 19: Fourfold division of the perceivable universe (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 20: The nature of the Seer

    • Sutra 20: The nature of the Seer (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 21: True relationship of the Seer and Seen

    • Sutra 21: True relationship of the Seer and Seen (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 22: Endgame of that relationship

    • Sutra 22: Endgame of that relationship (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 23: True purpose of that relationship

    • Sutra 23: True purpose of that relationship (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 24: Cause of the perpetuation of the relationship

    • Sutra 24: Cause of the perpetuation of the relationship (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 25: Nature of final liberation

    • Sutra 25: Nature of final liberation (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 26: Cause of final liberation

    • Sutra 26: Cause of final liberation (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 27: Seven stages of the spiritual journey

    • Sutra 27: Seven stages of the spiritual journey AUDIO

    • Module 11 Bonus video - Patanjali vs Tantra

    • Module 11 Study guide
  • 12

    Chapter 2 // Module 12

    • Sutra 28: Purpose of practicing the eight ‘limbs’ or aids to yoga

    • Sutra 28: Purpose of practicing the eight ‘limbs’ or aids to yoga (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 29 & 30: Enumerating the eight aids to yoga (yogāṅgas) + Enumerating the five Restraints (Aid #1)

    • Sutra 29 & 30: Enumerating the eight aids to yoga (yogāṅgas) + Enumerating the five Restraints (Aid #1) AUDIO

    • Sutra 31: Ideal way of practicing the five Restraints (i.e., unconditionally)

    • Ideal way of practicing the five Restraints (i.e., unconditionally) AUDIO

    • Sutra 32: Enumerating the five Observances (Aid #2)

    • Sutra 32: Enumerating the five Observances (Aid #2) AUDIO

    • Sutra 33: How to counter impulses to act contrary to the Restraints and Observances (part one)

    • Sutra 33: How to counter impulses to act contrary to the Restraints and Observances (part one) AUDIO

    • Sutra 34: How to counter impulses to act contrary to the Restraints and Observances (part two)

    • Sutra 34: How to counter impulses to act contrary to the Restraints and Observances (part two) AUDIO

    • Module 12 Study guide

  • 13

    Chapter 2 // Module 13

    • Sutra 35: Benefit of nonviolence (Restraint #1)

    • Sutra 35: Benefit of nonviolence (Restraint #1) AUDIO

    • Sutra 36: Benefit of truth-telling (Restraint #2)

    • Sutra 36: Benefit of truth-telling (Restraint #2) AUDIO

    • Sutra 37: Benefit of not stealing (Restraint #3)

    • Sutra 37: Benefit of not stealing (Restraint #3) AUDIO

    • Sutra 38: Benefit of continence or sexual restraint (Restraint #4)

    • Benefit of continence or sexual restraint (Restraint #4) AUDIO

    • Sutra 39: Benefit of non-acquisitiveness (Restraint #5)

    • Sutra 39: Benefit of non-acquisitiveness (Restraint #5) AUDIO

    • Bonus Video Ahimsa

    • Bonus Video Ahimsa AUDIO

    • Module 13 Study Guide
  • 14

    Chapter 2 // Module 14

    • Sutra 40: Benefit of external cleanliness

    • Sutra 40: Benefit of external cleanliness (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 41: Benefit of internal ‘cleanliness’

    • Sutra 41: Benefit of internal ‘cleanliness’ (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 42: Benefit of contentment

    • Sutra 42: Benefit of contentment (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 43: Benefit of self-discipline

    • Sutra 43: Benefit of self-discipline (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 44: Benefit of study & recitation of sacred texts

    • Sutra 44: Benefit of study & recitation of sacred texts (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 45: Benefit of devotion to the Lord

    • Sutra 45: Benefit of devotion to the Lord (AUDIO)

    • Module 14 Study guide
  • 15

    Chapter 2 // Module 15

    • Sutra 46: Nature of right posture

    • Sutra 46: Nature of right posture (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 47: How to attain right posture

    • Sutra 47: How to attain right posture (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 48: Benefit of right posture

    • Sutra 48: Benefit of right posture (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 49: Nature of breath-control

    • Sutra 49: Nature of breath-control (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 50: More detail on breath-control

    • Sutra 50: More detail on breath-control (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 51: Most developed form of breath-control

    • Sutra 51: Most developed form of breath-control (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 52: Benefit #1 of breath-control

    • Sutra 52: Benefit #1 of breath-control (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 53: Benefit #2 of breath-control

    • Sutra 53: Benefit #2 of breath-control (AUDIO)

    • Module 15 Study guide
  • 16

    Chapter 2 - 3 // Module 16

    • Sutra 54: Nature of sense-withdrawal (Aid #5)

    • Sutra 54: Nature of sense-withdrawal (Aid #5) (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 55: Benefit of sense-withdrawal

    • Sutra 55: Benefit of sense-withdrawal (AUDIO)

    • Chapter 3 Sutra 1: Nature of concentration (Aid #6)

    • Chapter 3 Sutra 1: Nature of concentration (Aid #6) (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 2: Nature of meditation (Aid #7)

    • Sutra 2: Nature of meditation (Aid #7) (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 3: Nature of absorption (Aid #8)

    • Sutra 3: Nature of absorption (Aid #8) (AUDIO)

    • Module 16 Study guide

  • 17

    Module 17

    • Sutra 4: Definition of saṁyama

    • Sutra 4: Definition of saṁyama (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 5: Result of saṁyama

    • Sutra 5: Result of saṁyama (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 6: Saṁyama is a process

    • Sutra 6: Saṁyama is a process (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 7: Saṁyama is the heart of the practice of yoga & Sutra 8: It results in the goal of ‘seedless’ samādhi

    • Sutra 7: Saṁyama is the heart of the practice of yoga & Sutra 8: It results in the goal of ‘seedless’ samādhi (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 9: How we progress towards nirodha

    • Sutra 9: How we progress towards nirodha (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 10: The continued flow of tranquil stillness

    • Sutra 10: The continued flow of tranquil stillness (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 11: Progress towards the goal

    • Sutra 11: Progress towards the goal (AUDIO)

    • Sutra 12: This one-pointedness is possible when subconscious and conscious thoughts are in alignment

    • Sutra 12: This one-pointedness is possible when subconscious and conscious thoughts are in alignment (AUDIO)

    • Module 17 Study guide

  • 18

    Bonuses and Live call recordings

    • Bonus Audio: Satsang with Hareesh Part 1

    • Bonus Audio: Satsang with Hareesh Part 2

    • Bonus Audio: The History of Yoga Part 1

    • Bonus Audio: The History of Yoga Part 2

    • History of Yoga

    • Live call with Hareesh #1

    • Live call with Hareesh #2

    • The 8 limbs or aids to Yoga (Facebook live)

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