Meditation & Philosophy Module Q&A
Questions and answers about the Meditation and Philosophy module
Questions asked by Esther Scheen and answers by Sebastian Pucelle and Murielle Burellier.
What does this training consist of?
The involvement with this training began almost two decades ago. As soon as we started attending meditation retreats and developing a regular meditation practice (starting in 2002), we knew that we wanted to go further, deeper into the path of finding the Self. We had both been practicing yoga since the early 90's, and then we turned to meditation as a natural progression of our Sadhana.
As we have studied, it has become more evident that all forms of traditional yoga practices are directed toward an understanding of the Self and aim to answer the question "who am I?", representing a form of existential quest. The practice of yoga aims to penetrate the mystery of consciousness. We believe that this training is essential for any practitioner of yoga who wants to understand what was the original aspiration of the yogis developing this psycho/spiritual discipline.
What can I expect from this training?
In our Meditation and Philosophy module, we establish two things to help the yoga practitioner:
1- profile the spiritual path using the foundational text of the Yoga sūtras
2- cultivate a stable and balanced practice of meditative sitting.
We hope to provide keys to facilitate the reading of the Yoga Sutras meditation manual, which Maharishi Patañjali wrote during the Gonikaputra period 2nd century BC, up to about 400 CE, scholars still debate on its exact date.
Patañjali gives us the definition of Yoga in the first chapter, which will be the entry to the yogic psychology so well described in the sutras. Which will be the point of contact with the yogic psychology so well described in the sutras.
In our studies, we have noted much overlap between Gautama Buddha and Maharishi Patañjali sharing the same aspirations towards the path of self-realization, considering that they both belong to the Śramaṇic movement.
We have developed an approach to the practice of Yin Yoga that revolves around attention to the breath and aims to weaken the interruptions between Asana, Pranayama and Dharana allowing the practitioner to deepen the experience of concentration towards absorption.
Our module is a combination of yogic philosophies/metaphysics and a functional approach to meditation.
Can you tell us more about the program and how this training is developed and delivered/what a typical day looks like during the training?
Yes, we develop our progress through the training from Patanjali's definition of yoga: Yogash Citta Vrittis Nirodah, from this sutra we draw a thread that slowly, but methodically lays out the yogic psychological approach following the principles of Sāṃkhya philosophy which presents the metaphysics and its existential implication, this is the guiding and epistemological blueprint for all classical Indian philosophies. A close examination of the text allows us to position ourselves on this cosmic map; the map is prodigious, but an insightful approach to the text, allows us to reveal the keys and profile a sensible approach to the spiritual path.
We also compare Buddhist concepts that corroborate Patanjali's approach to meditation practice. Our main activity is to turn to the Samatha approach, offering qualities of concentration and calmness, facilitating our main activity of establishing a space for our inner witness.
We now have a platform to develop the witness, the observer, by taking in information, knowledge that will hopefully lead to greater insight, thus illuminating the arrangement of the mind...
Generally, our program is as follows:
The day begins at 8:15 am (this may change depending on the location.) with 30 minutes ofĀnāpānasati or mindful breathing, then we have a 15 minute break.
We then continue with a 3-hour morning session divided by a Yin Yoga practice to open the body and then we move on to study the Yoga Sutras and/or the Sāṃkhya philosophy
We then take a lunch break
The afternoon session begins with theory, a continuation of the morning session, and we end the day with another Yin Yoga practice, this time completely focused on the breath.
I already teach Yin Yoga, how will this course benefit me?
Patañjali is very scientific in his approach, and the systemic linguistics of the Yoga Sutras allows us to contemplate and integrate the metaphysical axioms of existence, depending on our philosophical inclination we are able to accept them or not. This is the genius of this eternal text; it is particularly welcoming to all kinds of people, regardless of their beliefs, opinions or faith.
Patañjali is known as the codifier of yoga; once we understand that his project was to bring all yoga practitioners together under the same banner. His best known system being the eight limbs of yoga(aṣṭāṅga yoga), we can position ourselves on this system in eight sequential steps or rather the eight spokes of a wheel, encompassing all aspects of life: from the social to the metaphysical, keeping in mind that it is a path of Self-seeking, of personal effort and realization, through analysis of the perception and cognitive field.
We are convinced that this training will open new paths for every yoga teacher. We are satisfied with the presentation of the courses and the ratio between practice and theory; we believe that one improves the other and vice versa.
Do I need to have a background in yoga philosophy and meditation before taking the course?
Like any field of study, it is always beneficial if you have been exposed to the content before diving into a subject. However, this is not mandatory; otherwise, being passionate and having a strong desire to learn these subjects are necessary. We will recommend readings at the time of registration for individuals if this is essential.
The approach we deploy first follows Samkhya yoga psychology, it is not necessary to have special skills to approach Samkhya philosophy, this ontological approach allows us to apprehend and evaluate step by step our subtle being, what is called in yoga psychology Antaḥkara or the subtle instrument sometimes called the inner cause. Another description says that the Antaḥkara refers to the whole psychological process, dividing the "Citta" or field of perception into different compartments according to the function they perform. We believe that this is accessible to anyone interested in the subject, as we can easily validate and translate these concepts into our ordinary daily activities.
Can I apply what I have learned to my Yoga/Yin Yoga teachings?
Absolutely, although the subject matter of the studies may seem somewhat remote and abstract, we have a methodology that bridges those mystical states described in the scriptures with the practice and theory we share.
The courses are intended for a lay audience as well as for initiates interested in developing their practice or sharing it with an audience, depending on their level of experience. We know that this training will help participants to move beyond the singular, even esoteric, nature that often stands in the way of opening a classic book on yoga philosophy and for the more experienced practitioners to apply their knowledge to the practice of Dhyana yoga.
We also pay tribute here to the Jnana yoga lineage. In particular, Svadhyaya which can be translated as the study of the Self, through, presentations of patterns, readings on the scriptures, recitations in Sanskrit, and of course contemplation sessions. Often people report that Jnana Yoga can be dry and boring, but these are only appearances, there are many heart qualities in all forms of yoga, including the path of Jnana Yoga, such as unconditional love, caring, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, gratitude and patience.
The practice of Yin Yoga is ideal for such activities; here the relaxing qualities inherent in the practice are entirely conducive to the aspirations listed above.
We hope that this will provide sufficient incentive for the practitioner and teacher to pursue their studies and practice with increasing confidence. But it may not be very wise to convert this kind of study and practice immediately into teaching. More than any other field of study, it requires some time to mature, not just copying a methodology, but experimenting with it or at least studying it for a while.
What is unique about this Yin Yoga training?
To be honest, we don't know if there is anything unique about this training, it is hard to find anything completely new today. This training aims to restore the focus on the original aspirations of yoga in one of its most respected aspects.
What we have developed over the years is more of an attitude towards practice, we pay particular attention to maintaining continuity and consistency in our teachings, we feel that this course is more of an immersive experience due to the demanding nature of the subject matter.
Is this course only for Yin Yoga teachers?
This course is for all yoga enthusiasts. We are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about this perennial philosophy of the search for the Self, as we present it as a teacher training, we share a methodology and a pedagogy of teaching.
But beyond the teaching profession, the vision and wisdom of the classical texts permeate every aspect of our lives. It is up to us to define our scope of action and involvement according to our intention.
It is for all good hearts.
Thanks to Pure Energy yoga and Esther Scheen for conducting this interview.
Our curriculum module 3: With-YinYoga Meditation & philosophy module
