Classical Yoga: Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali
(250-Hour Course)

Classical Yoga, or yoga-darshana, is one of the most important schools or phases of the yogic tradition within Hinduism. It is embodied in Patanjali’s Yoga-Sūtra and expounded in the Sanskrit commentaries thereon.

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Purpose:

This distance-learning course is designed to give students a clear understanding of the philosophy, psychology, and practice of Classical Yoga, also known as râja-yoga, based on a careful study of Patanjali’s extraordinary work. This understanding will enable students to also better comprehend other schools and phases of Yoga and will, moreover, encourage their appreciation of study (svādhyāya) as an integral part of the yogic work. At the same time, the course seeks to promote personal yogic practice by involving the student, through optional homework assignments, in concrete ways in the process of Yoga.

Design:

The course comprises 16 Lessons each consisting of readings, practical assignments (such as “For Reflection” questions, a quiz, suggested further readings, and practical exercises). Since the course is not meant to be purely academic but also a life-enriching experience, it always bears in mind the practical implications of Yoga theory. The course includes a retranslation of the Yoga-Sūtra, which differs in some respects from the rendering found in Georg Feuerstein’s book The Yoga-Sūtra of Patanjali and makes the text more accessible. Dr. Feuerstein has studied the Yoga-Sūtra since the mid-1960s and therefore is able to provide students with deep insights into this extraordinary Sanskrit text.

Curriculum:

The Lessons are organized so that the student is introduced to Classical Yoga in a progressive way, with each Lesson focusing on a given topic for which specifically selected aphorisms (sūtra) are discussed.

  • Lesson 01: Studying the Yogic Way

  • Lesson 02: Understanding Patanjali and His Yoga-Sūtra

  • Lesson 03: The Mystery of Spirit

  • Lesson 04: The Cosmic Machine

  • Lesson 05: Dispelling Ignorance Through the Light of Wisdom

  • Lesson 06: The Eight-Limbed Path to Liberation

  • Lesson 07: Solid Foundations: The Moral Disciplines

  • Lesson 08: Turning Up the Heat

  • Lesson 09: Sitting Still, Standing Tall

  • Lesson 10: The Breath of Life

  • Lesson 11: Controlling the Monkey Mind

  • Lesson 12: Dealing with Emotions

  • Lesson 13: The Shadow Realm

  • Lesson 14: Exploding the Mind in Ecstasy

  • Lesson 15: Moving Toward Liberation

  • Lesson 16: Glorious Freedom

Course Materials:

Time Frame:

If you are participating for a certificate we suggest allowing  approximately 12 months to complete the program however you are able to apply for an extension as well. In any case, the course remains in the learning platform for you to enjoy for years to come. Our suggestion is: Make the course a real Yoga experience and enjoy it, without worrying about the deadline.

Homework:

If you’re interested in receiving a certificate you are required to complete the quizzes and submit an essay for feedback and evaluation. For those not wishing a certificate, quizzes and essays are optional.

International Students:

Our tutoring does not include help with the English language. We ask all non-English speaking students to please carefully appraise their level of linguistic competence before signing up, as no refunds will be possible.

Certificate:

From our perspective, the spiritual insights gained from studying the course are more important, but most students rightly also would like to have a certificate for their efforts. So, yes, successful graduates (who have completed all quizzes satisfactorily) will receive a TYS certificate of completion.

Yoga Alliance Credits:

This course qualifies for 250-hours of YACEP credits. If you require credits please contact us here and we can have that set up for you upon completion of the program. Please note this is subject to change.

Cost:

The course is 450.00 Canadian. If you require a payment plan, please select the payment plan option available at checkout.

Payment Method:

We accept payment via credit card. If you’re Canadian and would like to pay by e-transfer please contact us directly here.

Refund Policy:

Once you have purchased the course, NO refunds will be made. Please be certain prior to signing up for the course.

FAQ

To date, well over 100 students have taken the course, and the first cadre of students graduated at the end of 2007. They come from all walks of life—from stay-at-home parents and caregivers with a passionate interest in Yoga spirituality to Yoga teachers to university professors as well as spiritual directors. Many people acquire the course simply as a useful resource, without wishing a certificate. But those who choose to do complete the quizzes and essays are likely to benefit from the course not merely intellectually but also spiritually. 

We are often asked this question. The course does seek to transmit the depth of yogic wisdom and therefore calls for a fair amount of mental labor. HOWEVER, it includes practical assignments, mainly by way of numerous “For Reflection” questions, and many of our students have told us that these have made the course come alive for them and boosted their spiritual practice. If you are looking for an easy course, this one is not for you! You definitely are expected to work. BUT if you really want to know more about Yoga and also be challenged in your practice, you will not be disappointed. If you’re looking for an entry level course, one of our other courses may be better suited unless you want to really dive into the teachings.

You’ll have ongoing access for the full two years. 

If you would like a certificate for the program and require an extension we grant a one-year extension for 100.00. To apply for the extension please contact us directly here.

Our students are located all over the world, and for many it would be entirely impractical to travel long distances to attend a seminar or retreat, however we do offer online retreats at this time and we hope in the future there will be an opportunity for an annual in-person retreat for those who are able to travel. We believe that our well-designed course materials are completely adequate to help you complete the course successfully.

The course begins the moment you purchase it. After your purchase you will be redirected to the course online.

Register for Classical Yoga: Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali
(250-Hour Course)

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If you would like to register for the course and receive a print Study Guide, please contact us directly for pricing.