yama & Niyama
a year of self inquiry
a guided exploration of patanjali's yogic principles for life

Many yoga teachers will have studied the yama and niyama in their Yoga Teacher Training but this online course delves deeper, really giving the time, guidance and support necessary to allow these principles to become deeply understood, practised and embedded in your daily life, creating a basis for in-depth self inquiry and spiritual transformation.
Over the course of this year, you will have the opportunity and support necessary to break unhelpful habits and establish news ones in a way that will set you up for a life aligned with your spiritual Self.
Participants will be encouraged to use weekly journaling (written or spoken) as a method of deeply inquiring into your inclinations and motivations, working to observe and change the physical and mental habits that prevent you from living a life of the bliss and freedom which is your true nature.
- the different levels of meaning of each yama and niyama. From the straightforward and obvious to the subtlest, most spiritual aspect;
- how they can be interpreted in a way that makes them relevant and helpful in your daily life, always prioritising their practice leading to a greater sense of lightness and freedom rather than constriction;
- how they fit into some of the broader concepts of yoga philosophy, such as the laws of karma, the three gunas (qualities of nature) and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita;
- what the specific results of practising each of the yama and niyama should be according to the original Sanskrit verses of Patanjali and how this compares with your own experience;
- how adopting these practices and attitudes can help expand your understanding and awareness of Pure Consciousness, the direct experience of which is at the heart of all traditional yoga practice;
- time for sharing and discussing personal reflections;
- each session will end with a short guided meditation.
There will be a private WhatsApp group for those participating to share their experiences, support each other and ask questions as they come up, which I will frequently be checking in on and answering questions in writing or with video. In order to create a safe space for sharing, you are asked not to discuss other’s personal comments outside of the group.
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If you have any further questions about this course, I’d be happy to answer them. Please get in touch via my contact page.
About the yama and niyama
The yama and niyama are the first two limbs of the eight limbs of yoga, as set out in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
They form a solid foundational framework for a life lived according to yogic principles. The five yama focus on the ‘external’ behaviour recommended to live a peaceful life with the people around you and to have a peaceful state of mind. They are: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, self-control (or celibacy), and non-possessiveness.
The five niyama are the practices/attitudes recommended in order to cultivate an internal sense of peace. They are: purification, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and devotion to the highest reality.
Highly Recommend
I really enjoyed the Secret of Om class. I did not know much about it at first and Katharine helped me understand the related concepts whenever I had any questions. Now I feel that I have a much better understanding only after 3 classes. Highly recommend this course!
Soo Lyuh
Relatable and Clear
Katharine has an amazing ability to explain everything in a relatable way and with clarity. She delivered the Secret Of Om course in a real-world context, with the overview of different Yogic paths and schools of philosophy. She encourages everyone to ask questions and contribute to discussions openly. She is keen ensure each person feels comfortable and has an academic understanding of the course content, whilst also encouraging self-reflection and meditative practice to make the learning experiential.
Hilary Bradley
Would Recommend
This course was fantastic for someone who’s never read the Gita before. I loved that Katharine dealt with sections of work (themes), rather than reading chapter by chapter. I would recommend the course to anyone who has never read the Gita before but also to those who need to refresh themselves on it.
Samantha Wills
Applying The Teachings
I have many translations of the Bhagavad Gita but really wanted (and needed) a teacher to help guide my understanding. Katharine does a wonderful job of breaking down and explaining verses to help you apply the teachings to your everyday life.
Andi Adkins
Loved The Meditations
Really enjoyed our sessions and the course was just right for me. I had some knowledge about the Gita but only very basic. We went through each session, allowed time to have questions and a discussion and then went into the new one. Loved the meditations after each session too. Katharine is very knowledgable and always ready to answer any questions yet allowed space for us all. Would very highly recommend studying with her.
Judit Barrass
Looking Forward To Taking More Courses
Thank you, Katharine, you have a wonderful, kind, supportive way of teaching which I would recommend to others and I am looking forward to taking more courses with you in the future.
Sue Fryer
A Really Inspiring Teacher
The lessons of The Gita were shared beautifully, not only with passion and spiritual context, but also translated into day-to-day practical techniques and guidance on how to apply the teachings. Katharine is a really inspiring teacher and is available to support your learning (both in the group setting and individually if required), encouraging questions and discussion throughout the course. Katharine draws on her own direct experience and personal journey bringing authenticity and demonstrating her extensive knowledge.
Hilary Bradley
Just What My Soul Needed
I really enjoyed the course Bringing Gita to Life as it was just what my soul needed at the time. I could also very much relate to the topics as they were explained simply and with a lot of attention. The level of the course wasn’t too high or too low, just the right level, where we could enjoy going deeper into the teaching of the Gita each time. Thanks Katharine.
Ildiko Bakos
A Teacher’s Teacher
I came across Katharine through her brilliant newsletter. I have taken The Wisdom of the Gita and The Secret of Om and Advaita Vedanta courses with her. She is a teacher’s teacher who has such a depth of knowledge and understanding of yoga philosophy and yogic texts. As a yoga practitioner and teacher with over 20 years experience she has guided me to a greater understanding and awareness to the ‘state of yoga’ and the part of myself which is unchanging and eternal which has brought a more peace and understanding to my life. Highly recommend.
Kate Beatty
Deeper Insight
“I absolutely loved Katharine’s course on the Yama and Niyama. She is so knowledgeable and manages the group perfectly. I gained a lot from joining the group, including a deeper insight into the yama and niyama, it was also a joy to learn alongside others and meet new people. Looking forward to the next time I can join you for another course!!“
Beckie Shuttleworth
Can’t Wait To Learn More!
“Thank you so much Katharine for helping me understand the Upanishads. I really appreciate your explanations and your input. I also thank you so much for answering our questions with kindness and gentleness. Can’t wait to learn more!“
Pierlo Bolla
Very Well Explained
“I recently completed the Advaita Vedanta online course with Katharine. I enjoyed the course very much. The content was very well explained with the use of slides and questions and answer sessions. There was also a WhatsApp group to connect with others on the course and to ask further questions so I never felt alone. The course was also recorded and downloadable so that I can re visit as many times as I like, this is invaluable to me. I would recommend this course if you would like to go deeper into Yoga Philosophy.”