Yoga Philosophy Studies

Many people want to learn more about Yoga Philosophy, but do not want to become Yoga Teachers.  And some Yoga Teachers did not get the depth of Philosophy they desired in their Teacher Training Program.  We offer several options for these studies, which can be completed by Distance Education or by attending the Teacher Training meetings at one of our locations.  Registered Yoga Teachers can apply the hours for these studies towards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) with Yoga Alliance if you are already a Registered Yoga Teacher.

Yoga Philosophy Studies (Attendance at one of SOYA’s Teacher Training locations)

If you wish to complete the SOYA Philosophy Studies at one of our Teacher Training locations you will benefit from great group discussions, and can apply these study hours towards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Yoga Alliance.  You will join the Teacher Training students to review each lesson.  Each hour at the Teacher Training meetings is equal to 1 “contact” hour for CEUs.  You may also apply these hours towards the SOYA Teacher Training should you decide you wish to become a SOYA Yoga Teacher or wish to upgrade from an RYT200® to an RYT500®, provided you fulfill all the Teacher Training requirements and pay any difference in fees.

Yoga Philosophy Studies (Distance Education)

If you wish to complete the SOYA Philosophy Studies by correspondence, you can receive credit towards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Yoga Alliance.  According to Yoga Alliance standards, 5 hours of correspondence work is equal to 1 “contact” hour for CEUs.  It is recommended that you have high-speed internet and SKYPE (a free download at www.skype.com) if you choose this method of study, so we can have weekly conversations over the computer.  This will help you to stay on track and have readily available help throughout your studies.

Courses Offered

Hatha Yoga Pradipika
This course includes four intensive lessons covering in depth this great text on Hatha Yoga, with commentary by Swami Vishnudevananda.  This text is the foundation of Hatha Yoga including Asanas, Pranayama, Kriyas, Mudras, Bandhas, Prana and Samadhi. 

Patanjali Yoga Sutras
This course includes four lessons covering in depth the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, with commentary by Christopher Isherwood and Swami Prabhavananda.  This text is the foundation of Raja Yoga, so you can understand the workings of the mind from the yogic point of view.

The Bhagavad Gita
This course includes five inspiring lessons covering in depth the battle between good and evil, with Krishna’s loving guidance for Arjuna. Commentary is provided by Juan Mascaro.  This text is a treatise to Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga, inspiring us all to face our inner truths.

The Upanishads
This course includes three lessons on key Upanishads, with commentary provided by Juan Mascaro.  The Upanishads are teachings drawn from the Vedas, written around 300 BC, with profound insights into the Vedanta Philosophy.  These beautiful writings shed light on key points in yoga philosophy.

Chakras
This lesson guides you to discover the seven main chakras and related elements, mantras, glands or organs, colours, senses, koshas and more.  You will explore prana and the kundalini energy, and how the chakras affect us in our day to day living.

Koshas
This lesson will take you beyond the physical body into the realm of energy and beyond.  Not only will you explore our three bodies, but also to a deeper understanding of the chakras and the five layers to our being.  This lesson will bring clarity to the mind/body/spirit connection, and how we move beyond this to our higher intellect and connect to the Self. 

Kriyas
Kriyas, or Shat Karmas, are cleansing techniques.  The yogis take cleanliness very seriously, so we will explore several methods of how yogis have developed techniques to cleanse, how they are applied today, and what cautions should be observed.

Mudras
Mudras are not just positions of the hands, but also full body applications combining pranayama and bandhas to direct the energy in the body.  In this lesson you will research a specific Mudra of your choice and compile a report on how it is executed, as well as demonstrate the mudra itself.

Continuing Education Studies:

The Gheranda Samhita as compared to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is not the only text on Hatha Yoga.  These four lessons in the Gheranda Samhita will help you to do a comparative study between these two ancient texts on Hatha Yoga.  This is an excellent course for Continuing Education Credits with Yoga Alliance for graduates of the SOYA Teacher Training Program, as well as others who have studied the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

The Siva Samhita  as compared to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Following studies in the Gheranda Samhita and The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, these four lessons in the Siva Samhita will help you to do a comparative study between these three ancient texts on Hatha Yoga.  This is an excellent course for Continuing Education Credits with Yoga Alliance for graduates of the SOYA Teacher Training Program, as well as others who have studied the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Gheranda Samhita.

Coming soon…. Svara Yoga:  The Science of the Breath.

How to apply:  Please fill out the Application Form for Philosophy Studies indicating which studies you would like to complete.  A certificate in Philosophy Studies is granted upon completion of the 8 courses listed prior to Continuing Education Studies.

Please inquire for rates at info@soyayoga.com.  More courses are offered over time.  Please check back for further studies.