Reflection on the Eight Limbs of Yoga as Given in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras - by Joanne Jackett

COURSE

Reflection on the Eight Limbs of Yoga as Given in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

With Joanne Jackett

This course consists of eight sessions, looking individually at each of the Eight Limbs of yoga as given in the Sutras of Patanjali. Reflection on the specific Sutras is inspired by the commentary and works of Paramahansa Yogananda, TKV Desikachar, Swami Prabhavanda and Christopher Isherwood. There is a meditation as the end of each session giving guidance in breath techniques, relaxation, mantra and affirmations. These Sutras or verses were handed down through the yoga Masters literally thousands of years ago and are just as relevant today as they were then. Fundamentally, yoga is a practice of self nurturing and gives us the means to allow transformation to happen on all levels of our being and life in general. So I want to give you a look into just what the entire system of yoga has to offer. As you will see, yoga is not only the practice of Asana or postures. Drawing on the vast teachings that are found in the entire system of yoga, is where we can look for answers to so many of those questions that life presents. Developing a friendly attitude to discipline is encouraged, knowing that ultimately it will lead to freedom. Also finding peace within and being able to live a truly calm life which no doubt is a happier life. This work takes you into a much deeper level of what yoga and meditation actually is. So I invite you to join me in exploring these wonderful teachings. There is something for everyone.


Meet your Teacher

With grounding in prayer and meditation from a very early age, it seemed a natural progression to pursue studies and practices that would lead to a deeper understanding of life’s big questions. Joanne has been teaching yoga, relaxation, meditation and yoga philosophy for more than forty years. She has remained steadfast in her trust and belief that the classic yoga teachings can deliver to the searching individual, answers to many questions that may arise as one experiences the journey of life. “I have students that have been with me for more than twenty years and it is from them, as well as drawing on my own life experience, that I continually gain inspiration that these teachings really do support us through life.“ Joanne believes the key to a balanced and happy life lies in laying firm foundations, on which to secure new habits of thinking and acting, therefore being confident that you can experience a steady increase in the quality of your personal and spiritual growth.

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8 Days

1.8k students

4.9 stars

25 min / day

Wisdom

English


Lesson 1

Yoga as Defined by Patanjali

Welcome to the first session of our course looking at Patanjali's eight Limbs of Yoga. Today we are looking at the definition of yoga as given by Patanjali in Sutra 1:2, which together with three additional sutral from chapter 1, pave the way for moving into the reflections on the Eight Limbs of Yoga. We then move into chapter 2 where he talks of the importance of practice that asists in helping to remove obstacles and creatie clear perception. We complete the session with a guided relaxation and breath meditation including an affirmation for practicing peace.

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Lesson 2

The Method - Beginning with the 5 Yamas

This session takes us into Chapter 2 and it is here that we are given 'the method'. We will name the eight limbs as a whole before taking each one sparately and in this session we will discuss the 5 Yamas, which is the first of the eight limbs. The meditation practice will focus on compassion and provides an affirmation for this purpose.

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Lesson 3

The Second Limb - The Niyamas

In this session we are looking at the Niyamas, the second of the Eight Limbs. Compared with the Yamas, the Niyamas are more private and personal. We will look at how they refer to attitudes and observances we adopt toward caring for ourselves and how we choose to live. How they can build a strong will and character resulting in a flowing, harmonious, joyful life's journey with ourselves and others. Our meditation in this session will focus on patience and include an affirmation.

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Lesson 4

Third and Fourth Limbs - Asana and Pranayama

In this session we are looking at the role asana and pranayama play in the Eight Limbs of Yoga. We will discuss the purpose of asana and it's far reaching benefits. Likewise we will address the role that pranayama plays in our personal and spiritual development. In the meditation practice I will guide you in a breath technique, the use of mantra and an affirmation to reduce anxiety.

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Lesson 5

Fifth Limb - Pratyahara - Restraint of the Senses

As we proceed into the Eight Limbs, we look now at the fifth limb. You will understand more, how the ability to concentrate is essential as we progress from the limbs concerning our relationship with the outside world, to the limbs which are considered to focus more on an inner level. This is the first stage of moving towards meditation. Our meditation proactice is beginning to focus more deeply within now, and inner peace is awakening more and more.

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Lesson 6

Sixth Limb - Dharana - Concentration

In this session we move into Chapter 3 of the Yoga Sutras to explore the sixth limb. Dharana translates as concentration. Delving into this limb, we are conscious of quite a focused level of concentration. The essential idea of Dharana is holding concentration or focus of attention in one direction. We talk about possible objects of concentration that can be taken into meditation. The meditation in this session is centered on this idea.

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Lesson 7

Seventh Limb - Dhyana - Meditation

Continuing in chapter 3, Dhyana translates as Meditation. In this session I will reflect back on the previous three limbs. It is important to understand that the entire eight limbs are interconnected and play such an important role towards our realization and experience of deep meditation. Our discussion is around sutra 3:2 saying - "Meditation (dhyana) is an unbroken flow of thought toward the object of concentration". The meditation practice will consist of a breath technique, mantra and words from the Chandogya Upanishad as a focus of concentration.

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Lesson 8

Eighth Limb - Samadhi - Self-realization, Oneness with the Divine

There is a phrase in Sanskrit which is Sat Chit Ananda, meaning 'ever present, ever conscious, ever new bliss'. In this session we will look at what some of the great masters have said in regard to Samadhi. Our final meditation practice holds a focus on peace and oneness.

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4.9 (72)

Recent Reviews

Trish

January 17, 2026

A clear and beautiful review.

Diane

September 6, 2025

Absolutely fantastic Words Tone Space Message All Fantastic

Melanie

June 1, 2025

I loved it, and will be completing it again at least once

Jan

May 30, 2025

What an excellent course! I have learnt so much and I will repeat it. Thank you. Many blessings

Shailoh

April 28, 2025

What a lovely, comprehensive and profound course!

Melissa

March 29, 2025

Wonderful introduction! Clear explanations, lovely soothing voice too! Thank you 💚

Louisa

March 23, 2025

Clear and concise!

Sanjiv

March 14, 2025

This is a truly wonderful course

Susan

March 9, 2025

I will be revisiting this course again (and again!) Thank you for providing such clear, wise, inspirational and instructive teaching. I always feel better when hearing your voice!

Matt

March 5, 2025

Thank you for a wonderful insight into the eight limbs of yoga. Lots to think about and incorporate into my daily practice too I loved the meditation practice at the end of each session. 🙏🏼Love and light🙏🏼

Marc

January 22, 2025

Incredible course for an introduction to this infinite topic of the 8-fold path. Joanne is a master at teaching with a gentle and encouraging tone.

Tom

December 19, 2024

Joanne’s peace-filled voice creates the feeling beyond words that IS yoga.

Rosie

November 19, 2024

This was a very beautiful course. It explained the whole process in a manner which was understandable. Thank you so much 🙏🏼🕉️💟

Nancy

November 8, 2024

Third time through and I continue to learn so much. This course is great for any stage of meditation to enhance what you already know and are practicing. Thanks so much.

Theresa

June 29, 2024

I found great comfort and gentleness in Joanne's voice and delivery of the materials. I love that each day ended with a meditation. This course serves beautifully as an introduction to the 8 limbs of Yoga to those who may be new to the concepts or as a refresher/clarifier for those already familiar with them. Thank you Joanne for this very clear, easy to follow course!

Anita

May 14, 2024

Highly recommend this course.

Kathie

May 5, 2024

I found this course to be so calming and peaceful. I looked forward to each lesson and know that I will repeat it again and again as there is so much substance to it. I found your voice and accent soothing as well. 🙏

Bob

April 6, 2024

Thank you so much for you kindness and patience. Your voice and words are affirming and wise and delightful.

Donna

March 25, 2024

Thank you.

Pip

March 13, 2024

A beautifully put together course on the eight limbs of yoga . Joanne leads us gently in a open non judgmental way and with her soft soothing voice. Each session is concluded with a short meditation cementing the knowledge she has just imparted. I really enjoyed doing this course and would recommend to anyone on the path of finding inner peace. Thankyou Joanne.🙏

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