Yoga Philosophy 200 Hours

Course Description and Scope:

The aim of this course is to expose students to the philosophy the yogic way of life rests upon. Often yoga is only viewed as being the physical practice of the asanas and the philosophy that is the main facet of yoga is overlooked.

This course will cover:

  1. The historic evolution of Yoga
  2. Yogic protocol and belief system
  3. Two texts written on Yoga that succinctly outline the basis of yogic thought and idea; Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

Prerequisites:

Like most 200 Hrs. level courses there is no prerequisites required for this course. However there are two fundamental texts on Yoga we will be covering and we will be briefly reviewing the Bhagvad Gita. It is highly recommended for students to read these texts before commencing the course, as it will be beneficial to have some prior knowledge of the themes and theories the Philosophy course will discuss. This is mainly a strong suggestion as there will be time allotted during the course for the readings as well.

Assignments:

TBA

Expected Outcomes:

Students are expected to develop a fundamental understanding of the origin of Yoga and the philosophy this ancient practice hinges upon. As the students of this course develop into Yoga instructors, they will also cultivate a well-rounded knowledge on the yogic way of life.

Class Materials:

Notebooks and writing materials will be provided to all students at the commence of the program. Students are highly encouraged to bring their notebooks to classes to take their own notes.

Attendance Policy:

The certification of the YTT depends on students fulfilling 200 hours of learning. The program is run on a tight schedule and there is little room for students to make up any hours, should classes be missed, to qualify for a 200 Hour certificate. Thus students are highly expected to attend all classes. Should a student fall seriously ill, he/she is expected to contact the course instructor immediately. Otherwise students are expected in each class, on a daily basis; none of the classes are optional, they are all required elements to earn the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate.

Readings:

  1. Hatha Yoga Pradipika, by Yoga Swami Svatmarama (Commentary by Hans-Ulrich Rieker)
  2. Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, by B.K.S Iyengar

Course Calendar:

Week 1:

  1. History and Evolution of Yoga
  2. What is Yoga?
    • Schools of Yoga
    • Famous Yogacharyas (Who’s who in the Zoo?)
  3. Eight Limbs of Yoga: Yogic Protocol
  4. Prana & Koshas
  5. Chakras and Mudras

Week 2:

  1. Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Pg. 1 – 43
  2. Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Pg. 43 – 58
  3. Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Pg.58-75
  4. Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Pg. 75 – 100
  5. Review and Class Discussion

Week 3:

  1. Introduction to Yoga Sutras
  2. Samadhi Pada
  3. Sadhna Pada
  4. Vibhuti Pada
  5. Kaivalya Pada

Week 4:

  1. Bhagvad Gita Part 1
  2. Bhagvad Gita Part 2
  3. Four Ashrams
  4. Ethics of Yoga teachers and the Business of Yoga
  5. Philosophy Conclusion