The Philosophy of the Yoga Sutra with Karen O’Brien-Kop

The Philosophy of the Yoga Sutra with Karen O’Brien-Kop


This course takes an in-depth look at the philosophy underpinning the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. Over 5 lectures Karen explains the historical and cultural background in which the text was compiled. Each chapter and section of the Yoga Sutra is explained in detail, unpacking the deeper meaning of the sutras. This is a very clear and highly informative look at this popular and influential text.



- Session 1: Overview & historical background
- Session 2: First chapter – Samadhi
- Session 3: Second chapter – The practice of yoga
- Session 4: Third chapter – Extraordinary powers or siddhis
- Session 5: Fourth chapter – The goal of yoga practice, kaivalya


Dr. Karen O’Brien-Kop is Lecturer in Asian Religions and Ethics at the University of Roehampton. She was formerly Senior Teaching Fellow in the Department of Religions and Philosophies at SOAS University of London.