History, Literature, and Philosophy of Yoga
(800-Hour Course)
“The finest and most comprehensive online course on Yoga in the world”
This 800-hour online course on the history, philosophy, and literature of Yoga was written and designed by Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., over a period of two years (3,000 hours!). The course is based on his widely read book The Yoga Tradition (2d revised edition, copyright 2001 or 3d revised edition 2009), which is used as a textbook in many Yoga teacher training programs. Since the late 1960s, he has produced a steady flow of writings, which have been acknowledged by leading thinkers for their high quality and dedication to making authentic Yoga accessible to Westerners. If you have enjoyed Georg Feuerstein’s various writings, you are bound to also enjoy this course and find it helpful.
Purpose:
The course was designed (a) to deepen and broaden your knowledge of Yoga and (b) to assist your personal spiritual practice and inner growth at the same time. It will stimulate your thinking about Yoga and the Big Questions and also help you clarify your spiritual goals and/or motivate your daily spiritual practice. To this end, the course includes quizzes and also includes a number of simple practical assignments.
Design:
First of all, this being an online course, you can sit in the comfort of your own home to work through this 800-hour adventure. In the learning platform you’ll find reading materials, and if you’d like to receive a certificate for the program, you’ll need to submit two essays. All submissions are to be made by email, and your tutor will respond in the same way.
Curriculum:
The curriculum for the online course closely follows the contents of Georg Feuerstein’s The Yoga Tradition (2d revised edition, copyright 2001 or 3d revised edition 2009, 510 pages) but is both more extensive and in depth.
Course Materials:
There is approximately 988 pages of online learning, but you’ll need to acquire the following materials as well:
Time Frame:
If you are participating for a certificate we suggest allowing approximately two full years 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:
Each of the 22 segments has homework assignments in the form of quizzes online. You’ll have numerous attempts to complete the quizzes. There also are many practical assignments (e.g., meditation, reflection, self-observation, service). With this in mind, this online course involves body, emotions, and intellect, and also facilitates the important process of integration on the spiritual path.
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.
Academic Credit:
We do not offer this option at the moment. Several of our early students, however, took the course for credit with Sonoma State University, California, and earned a whopping 18 academic credits for their course work, which indicates the high standard of TYS’s distance-learning course.
Yoga Alliance Credits:
This course qualifies for 800-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 950.00 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, hundreds of students have taken the course, and the first cohort of students graduated at the end of 2005. 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 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.
Yes, at this time this course qualifies for 800-hours as continuing education credits but is not a Yoga teacher training program. Please contact us for more details.
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.
History, Literature, and Philosophy of Yoga
(800-Hour Course)
If you would like to register for the course and receive a print Study Guide, please contact us directly for pricing.