Entering the Heart of the Yoga Sūtra (ys 1.1-1.4)
with Srivatsa Ramaswami
This one-day programme invites you to study with Srivatsa Ramaswami, a senior living student of T. Krishnamacharya. Experience a rare chance to connect directly with the knowledge and methods of this remarkable lineage.
4 - 6pm (London), 11am - 1pm (EST), March 14, 2026
Course Description
The opening sūtras of the Yoga Sūtra 1.1-1.4 called "catus sutri" — contain the essence of the entire text. In this focused two-hour class, Srivatsa Ramaswami offers a guided study of these foundational teachings as they were understood and transmitted within the Krishnamacharya lineage.
Rather than approaching the sūtras as abstract philosophy, this session explores how these verses function as a practical orientation, clarifying what yoga is, how the mind operates, and why practice is necessary and essentially the goal of yoga
Ramaswami’s teaching reflects decades of study, practice, and direct instruction from Krishnamacharya himself. The emphasis is on clarity, simplicity, and accuracy, allowing students to understand the text without distortion or overinterpretation.
This class is especially valuable for those who wish to ground their understanding of the Yoga Sūtra in authentic transmission and lived wisdom.
This course is suitable for:
Students beginning or deepening their study of the Yoga Sūtra
Teachers wanting a clearer foundation for teaching philosophy
Practitioners who wish to understand the purpose and direction of yoga practice
Class Details:
Format: Live ONLINE teaching
Date: March 14, 2026
Time: 4-6pm (London), 11am-1pm. (EST)
Cost: £45
Recordings will be available for a limited time only
Your Teacher
Srivatsa Ramaswami
Born in Chennai, India, Srivatsa Ramaswami met Krishnamacharya at the age of 15 when, at the request of his father, he came to his house to teach therapeutic yoga to his handicapped brother. This began Ramaswami’s 33 years of direct study with his legendary Guru from 1955 to 1988. Krishnamacharya passed on his knowledge of the Vinyasa Krama asanas, Vedic chantings, and yogic philosophies to Srivatsa Ramaswami. He is Krishnamacharya’s longest-standing student outside of Krishnamacharya’s immediate family.
Krishnamacharya emphasized equally the importance of study of the yogic and ancient texts, especially for yoga teachers so the they may contribute better to the physical as well as the mental health of yoga students.
For over 30 years, Ramaswami has taught Krishnamacharya’s classical vinyasa yoga in universities, hospitals and yoga studios throughout England, Mexico, the United States and India. He has taught workshops and Teacher Training programs in the US at the Esalen Institute, Loyola Marymount University, Yoga Works, the Himalayan Institute, Chicago Yoga Center and many others.