Intro to the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali
- Chapters 1 & 2

A course in Life Skills
 

A 6 Weeks Online Course in Classical Yoga Philosophy with “acharya” Cher Meli

 Two weekly options to join me LIVE, via Zoom Tuesday Evenings at 7pm est | Wednesday afternoon 1 pm est

Course launches August 23, 2022

Enrollment Now is open!

Register any time and get access to all 6 course modules.

  • Remote Learning

    Conveniently at your own pace and in your own time, from the comfort of your home

  • Svādhyāya

    Cultivate a healthy relationship with yourself (and consequently, others) through the classical yogic practice of “self-study” as you journey through the sūtras

  • Online Community

    Become a part of a global, growing community of those who seek to evolve through the classical teachings of yoga

Join Me LIVE On August 23rd, 2022

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A practical approach to a timeless science &philosophy for living

Brittany Bamrick

Yoga Teacher & Entrepreneur

This was a *necessary* course to take as a yoga teacher. If you're an asana teacher, leading yoga teacher trainings, etc - you absolutely must dive deeper into these sutras and this was an exceptional way to do so. Cher is brilliant, humble, with a wealth of experience and insight. Looking forward to continuing my studies with her.

Kierstie Payge

Cher is a true spiritual leader, educator and yogi. From the first moment to the last of this Sutras Course you can tell she is beyond passionate about these teachings and has deep seeded wisdom from her many many years of studying it for herself. Chers light hearted spirit and devotion to sharing Yoga is incredibly inspiring and the content she shares is actionable and tangible. I feel like I learned so much in so little time and found myself craving more after every session. I had so many break through moments and can now look at my practice and my life through new eyes with a totally new perspective. I am so grateful and cannot wait to learn more from her!

Valerie Cario

This course not only lived up to my expectations to further delve into my yogic education, but it also helped serve as a guide to answer life's questions and make choices that feel truly right. The yoga sutras are a way to understand our human experience and Cher navigates these teachings in such a way that they are just as tangible now in our modern world as they were when they were written.

Elizabeth Klein

I had no idea the depth of yoga in regards to the positive psychological effects it could make in my life until I took Chers Sutra class. After understanding the connection between the Sutras and asanas my yoga practice has soared to new levels. Honestly, I think one should take this class as an introduction to yoga as well as seasoned yoga instructors. Cher explains incredibly informative information in a clear and understandable way. I’m so grateful for taking this class and highly recommend to all levels.

Erin Cutrone

LMHC

The course was full of deep wisdom. Cher has a beautiful way of articulating her knowings and is a wealth of information. It’s great to have recordings to revisit and review. It was also so lovely to connect with other like minded people on our group calls. Definitely a must take to dive into deep philosophies of living! Beautiful course!

Johanna Luzak

Early Childhood Educator, Pilates Instructor, Mom of Dorian & Frankie

When I discovered this course through my trusted yoga community-Bliss Camp Retreats, I knew it was going to be the perfect fit for me. This course is like no other and truly unique! Traditionally the teachings of the yoga sutras are passed down orally through a teacher to student. Cher held true to this tradition in the way she presented this course. To me listening to Cher was like watching a Shakespeare play-the truth is timeless and it pierces through the message. To quote Thich Nhat Hanh, “We can practice appropriate attention, watering the wholesome qualities in us by touching the positive things that are always available inside and around us.” If you want to “water the good food for your mind” this course will be a map of how to get started on that journey. Thank you Cher!

Jody Heavey

Cher Meli is a magical, authentic being. Remaining humble while sharing her vast knowledge, Cher creates a safe container for those looking to deepen their own understanding of the Yoga Sutras. Her teachings provide space for the over all grasp of the Sutras as well the interpretation of the individual student. Highly recommend anyone ready to take this deep dive into self along side her, it is a truly a treat.

✔ Who was Patañjali? What are the origins of the Yoga Sutras

✔ The importance of the Bhāṣya (commentary)

✔ The nature and psychology of the human mind

✔ The nature and cause of human suffering

✔ How the mental and physical practices of yoga relate to its philosophy

✔ Kriyāyoga, the “Yoga of Action”

✔ Aṣṭāṅgayoga, the “The Eight Auxiliaries of Yoga”

✔ The traditional function and context of Yoga ethics: the Yamas and Niyamas

✔ The role of Āsana or Posture within Classical Yoga

✔ The function of Prāṇāyāma

✔ What is Samādhi

✔ How does the YS relate to modern yoga practice?

✔  10 video + audio lectures (pre-recorded)

✔  BONUS 10 Yoga Asana Practices

✔  BONUS 10 Meditation Practices

✔  7 Q&A session videos (pre-recorded) 

✔  Cher’s Original Translation of the Yogasūtra (PDF)

✔  Course Syllabus with Recommended Readings (PDF)

✔  3 Additional Handouts (PDF)

✔  Yogic Studies Certificate upon completion (PDF)

✔  Access to the private Yogic Studies Online Community.

Your Instructor


Cher Meli is a master teacher of meditation, executive mindset coach, and yoga instructor with nearly 25 years of teaching experience. Her relatability is key to her success and sets her apart from others in the field.

Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that one’s relationship with self is the foundation for defining all other relationships. Her work is for those who are ready to take “Empowered Responsibility” for their choices and life—courageously recognizing themselves as the common factor in all of their life experiences.

Through guided meditation and self-study, open dialogue, breath focus, and various other tools, Cher helps her clients lift the veil of conditioning and deeply seeded beliefs and gain insight into themselves. Cher has led seminars, workshops, retreats, and spoken at lectures internationally. As a meditation and mindset coach, she guides individuals to realizing their unique, personal potential and living authentically with a productive contribution to the collective.

Cher comes from an ancestral line of wise healers. Her grandmother, Taneo Sands-Kumalae, was a master Kahuna in the Hawaiian Spirituality Tradition of Huna and had transmitted many of her teachings before her passing. Cher holds the equivalent to a Master’s Degree informal studies, including with The White Lotus Foundation, Yoga Therapy Training with Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram/ Healing Yoga Foundation/Yoga Foundation, and Boundless Leadership with Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, to name just a few.

This course will also occasionally be offered with live lecture, q&a and practice sessions. Check www.chermeli.com/calendar  for Live course calendar.

After nearly 25years of intensive, Classical Yogic Studies and teaching in the Krishnamachary Tradition, Cher Meli is a "teacher of teachers". Her passion lies in holding true to the undiluted teachings of the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali and yoga as a science and philosophy as holistic therapy.  With great fortune, she has studied with some of the greatest teachers of our time including being mentored through her very first teacher training by Erich Shiffman

While studying the very disciplined Ashtanga yoga with Maty Ezraty at Yoga Works in Santa Monica, CA,  she met and not only fell in love with the free flow teachings of Shiva Rea , but also began learning from Shiva as an assistant in her yoga intensives, trainings & workshops. Cher's passion for yogic philosophy and yoga as meditation was a result of completing a 500hr training with TKV Desikachar and his stateside teachers including her continued teacher, Danielle Tarantola. Cher leads classes, training & intensives for dedicated students and teachers of yoga both here in the US and Internationally.

Commonly Asked Questions

  • How long is the course?

    The course was originally recorded for a 7-week program. But now upon enrollment you will have immediate access to ALL seven modules, and can take the course entirely at your own pace. All together the materials comprise around 22 hours of lecture and discussion.

  • What do the course modules consist of?

    The seven modules include the pre-recorded video lecture and Q&A session, quiz, and any PDF materials for that week. Each video lecture is comprised of Seth teaching directly to the camera, alongside keynote slides and other short web clips. They are visually rich, clearly organized, and engaging. The first module provides the historical and philosophical context. The remaining six consist of close and detailed readings of the Sūtras. You will also receive a bonus audio recording of each lecture for those who prefer to listen rather than watch.

  • Include questions a potential student may have before purchase.

    The seven modules include the pre-recorded video lecture and Q&A session, quiz, and any PDF materials for that week. Each video lecture is comprised of Seth teaching directly to the camera, alongside keynote slides and other short web clips. They are visually rich, clearly organized, and engaging. The first module provides the historical and philosophical context. The remaining six consist of close and detailed readings of the Sūtras. You will also receive a bonus audio recording of each lecture for those who prefer to listen rather than watch.

  • What if I can't make the live sessions but I'm feeling really stuck and need help understanding the material?

    There are two potential options: the first being to submit your "Questions for Cher" in the Admin Portal in the course platform. If the answer is not clarifying your queatin and you need further support, I am happy to add occasional Offie Hours for Q&A at times that will be more convenient for you and the cohort