Part 1 – Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Welcome to this introduction to one of the main texts in the Kriya Yoga tradition – the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This is the first in a series of lectures that cover the first chapter of this important spiritual text and source of information on awakening. The Yoga Sutras is a collection of short phrases that distill the essence of yoga practice, the practice of Samadhi.

In this video Ryan gives an overview of the four chapters in the Yoga Sutras. The first chapter describes samadhi, the second chapter how to experience samadhi, the third chapter describes the siddhis or soul powers, and chapter four describes liberation of consciousness – the culmination of practice. This lecture also touches briefly on India’s caste system from a spiritual perspective.

Recorded in 2009 at the first “Yogic Scriptures and Meditation Group” hosted by the Asheville Yoga Center. Presented by Ryan Kurczak, Kriya Yoga teacher and (at the time) a Center for Spiritual Awareness minister.

A deeper discussion of the Yoga Sutras can be found here: