A brief introduction to Sankhya philosphy, which is one of the core foundation of Yoga and in many ways also what the Buddha taught.

1. Yoga Teacher Training Course
Assessment
My understanding of Samkhya Theory of Evolution
My experience of being a Yoga Teacher

2. Samkhya Philosophy

3. Introduction to Samkhya
First propounded by Kapila Maha Muni
Said to be among the first of the darsanas
Bhagavad Gita has many references
Adisamkara’s grand guru Gaudapada taught Samkhya
philosophy
Buddha learnt Samkhya from Rishi Alar Kalam

4. Introduction to Samkhya
Two Meanings
Sam = total Khya = Knowledge
Can be translated to complete knowledge of self
or
Samkhya also means numbers
Referring to the 25 tatvas presented by
the philosophy

5. Introduction to Samkhya
Two schools of Samkhya
Saisvara Nirisvara
Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita Kapila, Isvara Krisna

6. Theory of Causation
Cause Catalyst Effect

7. Theory of Causation
Cause Catalyst Effect
Satkarya Karana Karya

8. Theory of Causation
Cause Catalyst Effect
Satkarya Karana Karya
• Effect is contained in the cause
• A catalyst is needed to produce the effect from
the cause
• If desired effect is not produced, the wrong
cause is being acted on

9. Theory of Evolution
Purusa Prakriti
Mahat /
Buddhi
Ahamkara
Satvik Rajasik Tamasik
Ahamkara Ahamkara Ahamkara
Tanmatras (Sabda,
Manas Sparsa, rupa, rasa,
gandha)
Jnanendriyas (Srota, Bhutas (Akasa, Vayu,
Tvak, Jihva, Grahana,
Agni, Aap, Prithvi)
Chaksu)
Karmendriyas (Vak,
Pani, Pada, Payu,
Upastha)

10. Theory of Evolution
Purusa Prakriti
Mahat /
Buddhi
Ahamkara
Satvik Rajasik Tamasik
Ahamkara Ahamkara Ahamkara
Tanmatras (Sabda,
Manas Sparsa, rupa, rasa,
gandha)
Jnanendriyas (Srota, Bhutas (Akasa, Vayu,
Tvak, Jihva, Grahana,
Agni, Aap, Prithvi)
Chaksu)
Karmendriyas (Vak,
Pani, Pada, Payu,
Upastha)

11. Theory of Evolution
Purusa Prakriti
Mahat /
Buddhi
Ahamkara
Satvik Rajasik Tamasik
Ahamkara Ahamkara Ahamkara
Tanmatras (Sabda,
Manas Sparsa, rupa, rasa,
gandha)
Jnanendriyas (Srota, Bhutas (Akasa, Vayu,
Tvak, Jihva, Grahana,
Agni, Aap, Prithvi)
Chaksu)
Karmendriyas (Vak,
Pani, Pada, Payu,
Upastha)

12. Theory of Evolution
Purusa Prakriti
Mahat /
Buddhi
Ahamkara
Satvik Rajasik Tamasik
Ahamkara Ahamkara Ahamkara
Tanmatras (Sabda,
Manas Sparsa, rupa, rasa,
gandha)
Jnanendriyas (Srota, Bhutas (Akasa, Vayu,
Tvak, Jihva, Grahana,
Agni, Aap, Prithvi)
Chaksu)
Karmendriyas (Vak,
Pani, Pada, Payu,
Upastha)

13. Theory of Evolution
Purusa Prakriti
Mahat /
Buddhi
Ahamkara
Satvik Rajasik Tamasik
Ahamkara Ahamkara Ahamkara
Tanmatras (Sabda,
Manas Sparsa, rupa, rasa,
gandha)
Jnanendriyas (Srota, Bhutas (Akasa, Vayu,
Tvak, Jihva, Grahana,
Agni, Aap, Prithvi)
Chaksu)
Karmendriyas (Vak,
Pani, Pada, Payu,
Upastha)

14. Theory of Evolution
Purusa Prakriti
Mahat /
Buddhi
Ahamkara
Satvik Rajasik Tamasik
Ahamkara Ahamkara Ahamkara
Tanmatras (Sabda,
Manas Sparsa, rupa, rasa,
gandha)
Jnanendriyas (Srota, Bhutas (Akasa, Vayu,
Tvak, Jihva, Grahana,
Agni, Aap, Prithvi)
Chaksu)
Karmendriyas (Vak,
Pani, Pada, Payu,
Upastha)

15. Theory of Evolution
Purusa Prakriti
Mahat /
Buddhi
Ahamkara
Satvik Rajasik Tamasik
Ahamkara Ahamkara Ahamkara
Tanmatras (Sabda,
Manas Sparsa, rupa, rasa,
gandha)
Jnanendriyas (Srota, Bhutas (Akasa, Vayu,
Tvak, Jihva, Grahana,
Agni, Aap, Prithvi)
Chaksu)
Karmendriyas (Vak,
Pani, Pada, Payu,
Upastha)

16. Theory of Evolution
Purusa Prakriti
Mahat /
Buddhi
Ahamkara
Satvik Rajasik Tamasik
Ahamkara Ahamkara Ahamkara
Tanmatras (Sabda,
Manas Sparsa, rupa, rasa,
gandha)
Jnanendriyas (Srota, Bhutas (Akasa, Vayu,
Tvak, Jihva, Grahana,
Agni, Aap, Prithvi)
Chaksu)
Karmendriyas (Vak,
Pani, Pada, Payu,
Upastha)

17. Samkhya & Yoga
Samkhya is the map. Yoga is the vehicle.
II-18 Prakasakiryasthitisilam bhutendriyatmakam
bhogapavargartham drsyam|
II-19 Visesavisesa lingamatralingani gunaparvani |

18. My learning
Liberation or moksa is not an intellectual pursuit.
Understanding purusa is not a matter of the mind or
the intellect. The journey is to transcend the mind.

20. My experience with teaching Yoga

21. Designing a course
Goal: Dhanurasana – Group class
Choosing the right postures to prepare for the goal
posture
Goal: Relax before sleeping – Myself
Choosing postures that are easy-to-do without getting
out of bed
Creating the relaxing effect through posture &
breathing technique

22. Teaching a group
Drawing the course in stick figures in a presentable
format
Taking the help of a model to demonstrate
Giving multiple instructions for one asana vinyasa
Managing the different needs of participants
(modifications, late-comers, level etc)

23. Teaching an Individual
Motivating the student to do asana
Quickly suggesting modifications to achieve the
function of the posture.
Balancing sthiram sukham with the function of the
posture
Introducing breathing in asana
Progressing by readiness of the student
Simple Standing  Surya Namaskaras  Lying  Seated Breathing

24. My Learning
Theory Vs Practical
Teaching yoga deserves to be a profession
A teacher needs personal discipline
Applying principles while teaching will help take them
into other parts of life
Teaching yoga is great space to practice Maitri, Karuna,
Mudita & Upeksa

25. Thank You