The Foundations of Yoga
(250-Hour Course)
This 250-hour online course on the history, philosophy, and literature of Yoga was written and designed by Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D. 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. Please note, if you have signed up for the 800-hour Online Course there will be some repetition. You may want to consider one of our other courses.
Purpose:
The particular purpose of the 250-hour Foundations of Yoga course is to give students in-depth knowledge of the essential features of Yoga against a broad cultural backdrop. This will allow them to make better sense of the materials found in Dr. Georg Feuerstein’s widely read volume The Yoga Tradition and also to approach the further study of any branch of Yoga with greater confidence. At the same time, the course aims at encouraging students to translate this knowledge into daily practice.
Course Materials:
There is approximately 400-pages of online learning, in addition, students also must acquire the following materials by Georg Feuerstein:
(1) The Yoga Tradition (2d or later edition; the page numbering of the first edition won’t go easily with this course) published by Hohm Press.
(2) The Encyclopedia of Yoga and Tantra, published by Shambhala Publications.
(3) Six audiocassettes or equivalent CDs labeld The Lost Teachings of Yoga, produced by Sounds True.
Time Frame:
If you are participating for a certificate we suggest allowing approximately 24 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:
Some of the lessons have quizzes which can be completed online. If you would like a certificate of completion, you’re required to complete the quizzes and writing requirements. For those not wanting a certificate of completion, the quizzes and writing requirements 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 option is subject to change.
Cost:
The course is 350.00 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 2009. 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.
The Foundations of Yoga
(250-Hour Course)
If you would like to register for the course and receive a print Study Guide, please contact us directly for pricing.