Sāṅkhya Kārikā — Foundations of Yoga Course
Self-paced video course • Permanent access • One-on-one consultation included
What is Sāṅkhya?
Sāṅkhya is often described as the sister system to Yoga. The term itself means "number" or "enumeration," reflecting its precise, systematic approach to understanding reality. Considered one of the oldest—and most influential—Indian knowledge systems, Sāṅkhya provides the conceptual framework that underlies yoga and many other philosophies.
By categorizing every aspect of consciousness, matter, and experience, Sāṅkhya supplies the vocabulary found throughout foundational texts such as the Bhagavad Gītā and Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras. Studying Sāṅkhya therefore clarifies virtually all subsequent Indian philosophical traditions. Sāṅkhya presents the worldview from which Yoga evolved—it is the theory of Yoga, while Yoga is the practical application of Sāṅkhya. They are two sides of the same coin, and you cannot fully understand one without the other. Sankhya is completely rational and logical. There is no mention of any deity or god in this philosophy. It simply lays out a technique, or world view, that enables the practitioner to avoid suffering in life.
Because the system is technically dense, it is best learned under the guidance of an experienced scholar. Dr. Rao, a respected figure within the Mysore Yoga tradition, brings a lifetime of study to this material. Through clear examples and relatable metaphors, he makes these profound teachings accessible without sacrificing depth.
Whether you are a yoga practitioner, teacher, or simply curious about Indian thought, this course will expand your understanding of both Yoga and life itself.
The course includes -
Complete video curriculum Stream on any device, revisit anytime—lifetime access.
Private 1-to-1 session Schedule a 30-minute consultation with Andrew Eppler to clarify concepts or integrate them into your practice.
Downloadable Sankhya Karika Text.
Here are some key teachings of the Sankhya Karika
Suffering is universal and inevitable, but Sankhya shows that it can be transcended through clear, systematic knowledge rather than blind faith.
Liberation comes from discriminating between prakriti (ever-changing nature governed by the three guṇas) and puruṣa (the changeless witnessing soul); confusion between the two is the root of bondage.
Sankhya offers a complete map of reality - 24 evolving principles, three reliable means of knowledge (perception, inference, and trustworthy testimony), and a precise anatomy of mind, senses, and vital energies—all geared toward self-realization.
The soul is many and eternal - each individual carries a subtle body with karmic tendencies across lifetimes, yet remains untouched and free at its core.
Practical freedom begins with training buddhi (intellect) to turn inward, detach from the play of the guṇas, and rest in the silent clarity of puruṣa—transforming everyday experience into a path of insight and release.
Goals of the curriculum:
Name and explain Sāṅkhya’s core principles in plain language
Identify how the gunas shape daily experience and make purposeful adjustments
Distinguish the witness (Puruṣa) from personal storylines and emotions
Gain a foundational understanding that is very helpful for understanding the Yoga Sūtras, Bhagavad Gītā, and many other Indian texts
Who It’s For
Yoga teachers and students wanting philosophical depth
Meditators seeking a rational map of mind and liberation
Therapists & life coaches exploring India’s oldest psychology
Any sincere student—no prior Sanskrit or philosophy required
Enroll today and start learning immediately.
Your course never expires, and your one-on-one consultation is ready whenever you are.
Questions first? Just send an email—I’m happy to help.
Warmly,
Andrew Eppler
Director | Mysore Yoga Traditions
andrew@ashtangayogastudio.com
WhatsApp +1 (405) 503 7779
This timeless wisdom is yours to study at your own pace. The Course Includes -
Audio files
Written summaries of each lesson
a downloadable copy of the original Sankhya KarikaText
12 Hours of Video Classes with one of India’s most respected scholars
Tuition: $108
ABOUT DR. H. V. NAGARAJ RAO
Vidwan Dr. H.V. Nagaraja Rao is a distinguished scholar of Sanskrit grammar and poetics, known for his profound knowledge, clarity of thought, and unique ability to bridge ancient Indian wisdom with modern understanding. Trained in both traditional Gurukula systems and modern academic settings, Dr. Rao is celebrated for his scholarship in Sanskrit grammar, literary aesthetics, and Indian philosophy.
In his early years, he served as a researcher at the Oriental Research Institute in Mysore, where he published numerous original Sanskrit works, accompanied by English and Kannada translations. He later taught Sanskrit at the University of Chicago as a visiting professor and was invited as a fellow to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Dr. Rao has lectured across the globe—including in Thailand, Hong Kong, the United States, Israel, and England—sharing his passion for Sanskrit and Indian knowledge systems with diverse audiences.
In 2006, Dr. Rao guided the World Sanskrit Conference in Edinburgh, England, where he delivered a memorable address in chaste Sanskrit. That same year, he was honored by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s highest literary body, for his outstanding contributions to translation. More recently, he was selected for national recognition by the President of India for his lifetime contributions as a Sanskrit scholar.
Dr. Rao is also the honorary editor of Sudharma, the world’s only daily newspaper published in Sanskrit. Now in his 80s, he continues to teach and inspire with undiminished vigor, known for his razor-sharp wit and deep compassion.
What sets Professor Rao apart is his uncanny ability to illuminate complex philosophical texts—such as the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads—with clarity, precision, and infectious enthusiasm. His deep logical insight, paired with his rare gift for communicating in fluent English, makes his teachings accessible and deeply moving. Students often leave his lectures feeling uplifted, with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to strive toward higher ideals in life.
Dr. H.V. Nagaraja Rao remains a living treasure of India’s scholarly tradition, carrying forward the flame of ancient wisdom into the modern world with grace, brilliance, and humility.Professor Rao has an uncanny ability to shed new light on texts such as the Gita and the Upanishads with his infectious passion and his ability to communicate in English, which is rare among Sanskrit scholars of his stature. Students leave his presentations with a feeling of liberation from the mundane and inspiration to strive for higher goals in life.
We specialize in high-quality, immersive education in yoga, offering a range of opportunities to study āsana, prāṇāyāma, philosophy, and more. Our courses are the result of over 30 years of practice and research and designed to bring you face to face with the yoga culture of Mysore. Our programs highlight the broader tradition of yoga and in particular the lineage of Sri Krishnamacharya which has flourished in Mysore for centuries.