Yoga Psychology & Yoga Sutras
Learn Yoga Psychology & the Yoga Sutras with Dr. David Frawley. Enroll now to explore the Vedic view of mind, consciousness, and inner transformation.
Instructor
Vamadeva Shastri
This course includes
Yoga Psychology & the Yoga Sutras
With Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri)
This course explores the profound yogic understanding of mind and consciousness rooted in the Vedic tradition, with a focus on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and their connection to Vedantic knowledge. It reveals the deeper teachings of Raja Yoga, not limited to asana, but as a path to inner awareness, Self-realization, and freedom from psychological suffering.
Yoga psychology, as presented here, is not simply a system of mental health but a science of consciousness developed by the ancient Rishis. It forms the foundation of Vedic psychology and Vedic counseling, offering timeless insights into the transformation of the mind. Drawing on decades of Sanskrit study, from the Rigveda to the Yoga and Vedanta Shastras, Dr. Frawley guides students through essential teachings that reveal the true nature of the mind and how to move beyond it.
The course also includes the Ayurvedic perspective on the mind and explores key ideas from Ayurvedic psychology. Together, these teachings present a complete approach to inner healing and higher awareness. With an open mind and heart, you are invited to contemplate each lesson and discover how Yoga can return you to your inner Seer, the silent witness beyond thought.
All you need to do is listen to the course with an open mind and heart, memorize and contemplate its main teachings one by one, and see how Yoga, which takes us back to our inner Seer and witness, enables us to understand and transcend the outer mind and senses, which is the essence of yogic meditation.
2 Hours of Transformative Video Teachings
What You’ll Gain
- Understand the mind and consciousness through the lens of the Yoga Sutras and Vedic teachings
- Learn how Yoga psychology differs from modern psychology in purpose and method
- Develop the sattvic mind and higher intelligence (buddhi) as a foundation for Self-realization
- Explore the relationship between Raja Yoga, Vedanta, and Vedic psychology
- Discover how traditional Yoga helps transcend mental afflictions and reach a higher awareness
- Gain insights into Ayurvedic psychology and the Vedic approach to mental well-being
- Learn the true purpose of yogic meditation as a direct path to the inner Self
Topics Discussed
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and their relevance to Yoga psychology
- Raja Yoga as a spiritual path beyond asana and physical practice
- The concept of sattvic buddhi and its role in psychological health
- Vedic psychology and its foundations in consciousness and transcendence
- The Self (Atman or Purusha) as the witnessing awareness beyond mind and body
- How Yoga addresses psychological disturbances, agitation, and sorrow
- Ayurvedic views of the mind and their connection to Yoga and healing
- The limitations of modern psychology compared to the Vedic perspective
- The stages of yogic meditation and the purpose behind traditional practices
Yoga Psychology and the Yoga Sutras
Course Topics & Teachings
This course is for students of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Vedanta seeking a deeper understanding of the mind and its transformation through yogic principles. With a focus on the Yoga Sutras and Vedic psychology, it reveals how to transcend mental suffering and realize the inner Self.
It includes 2 hours of video teachings from Dr. David Frawley, offering rare insight into the spiritual psychology of Yoga based on decades of Sanskrit study and the broader Vedic tradition.
In the Introduction to the course here, we will also provide additional background information on Yoga Psychology, so please read it carefully.
The Foundations of Yoga Psychology
Yoga is rooted in a transcendent view of the universe, grounded in consciousness that is self-aware, eternal, and beyond sorrow. Unlike modern biology-based views of intelligence, the Vedic science of consciousness sees awareness as an all-pervasive reality present in every aspect of nature. This foundational insight shapes the yogic understanding of mind, Self, and the cosmos.
Developing the Sattvic Mind
According to the Yoga Sutras, Yoga unfolds in two main stages: first, calming and purifying the mind; second, returning to the Self beyond the mind. This requires the cultivation of sattvic buddhi, the pure and discerning intelligence that reflects our deeper Self. This higher intelligence forms the basis of psychological health in Yoga, Ayurveda, and Vedanta, preparing us for Self-realization and a life rooted in dharma.
Yoga as a Psychology of Transcendence
Yoga psychology, particularly through the lens of Raja Yoga and Vedantic knowledge, is not equivalent to modern Western psychology. While Western systems focus on mental health and social adjustment, Yoga psychology aims to relieve sorrow and agitation at their root by revealing the inner Self. This is a psychology of transcendence and inner space, connected to the infinite consciousness within all beings.
Self-Realization in the Yogic Tradition
In texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras, traditional Yoga is a path of Self-realization, not self-improvement. The true Self (Atman or Purusha) is beyond body, mind, and thought. This Self is the immortal seer behind all experience. Yogic knowledge is known as Atman-Vidya or Adhyatma, the knowledge of the Self, which can only be approached through turning the mind within.
The Role of the Body in Yoga Psychology
While the body plays a role in aiding concentration and inner stillness, traditional Yoga does not treat it as a primary focus. Asanas are preparatory. Yoga seeks to transcend the physical and mental for a reality grounded in pure consciousness. The ultimate peace, happiness, and bliss—Ananda—are found not through the body or emotions, but through the experience of unitary awareness.
Meditation and Mental Transformation
Yoga teachings address disturbed, dull, and distracted mental states to guide us toward a higher awareness. While techniques such as mantra, breathwork, or self-inquiry are helpful, they are only support tools. True meditation is a natural, unified state of awareness beyond method. Yogic meditation is a personal and inward journey, not a group ritual or mechanical practice. This course provides a direct path to that Self-awareness and encourages students to realize their own higher consciousness.
Experienced Teacher of Yoga Psychology
Comprehensive Teachings from Dr. David Frawley
- Yoga Sutras and the Psychology of Consciousness
- Traditional Teachings of Raja Yoga and Vedanta
- Vedic Psychology and the Sattvic Mind
- Inner Self, Atman, and Transcendence of the Mind
- Spiritual Foundations of Yogic Meditation
- Ayurvedic and Yogic Views of Mental Well-being
Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) is one of the world’s most respected teachers of Vedic knowledge. His work bridges classical Yoga, Ayurveda, Vedanta, and Vedic psychology, offering rare insights into the inner dimensions of the mind and the path to Self-realization. Through decades of Sanskrit study and immersion in the teachings of the Rishis, he brings the authentic depth of Yoga psychology into a modern, practical format.
This course draws from Dr. Frawley’s original study of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Vedantic philosophy, and the broader field of Vedic counseling. His exploration of the sattvic mind, witnessing consciousness, and the transformative power of meditation reflects a lifelong commitment to reviving the spiritual essence of Yoga beyond posture and performance.
- Padma Bhushan (2015, one of India’s highest civilian awards)
- Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) from S-VYASA University
- Bharat Vidya Bhavan Award for Vedic Education
Begin Your Journey Into the Wisdom of the Mind and Self
Sign up now to access two hours of powerful video teachings from Dr. David Frawley - exploring the Yogic view of the mind, the path of Self-realization, and the psychology of higher consciousness rooted in the Yoga Sutras and Vedantic thought.
Discover how true meditation and sattvic awareness can guide you beyond mental suffering into the stillness of your inner Self.
Your Instructor
Vamadeva Shastri
Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) is the founder and director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies.
Curriculum
- 1.1Yoga Psychology