Yoga is not just about physical postures and exercises, it’s a profound system that encompasses various aspects of life, including philosophy, spirituality, and self-discovery. The philosophy of yoga provides a deep understanding of the underlying principles that guide this ancient practice. Whether you’re a yoga practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge or someone interested in exploring the philosophical aspects of yoga, enrolling in a yoga philosophy course can be a transformative journey. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best yoga philosophy courses that offer valuable insights into the rich heritage and wisdom of yoga.
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Introduction to Yoga Philosophy
In a moment, we’ll cover some of the best foundational courses for studying yoga philosophy and we’ll introduce participants to the fundamental concepts and principles of yoga philosophy. From the history of yoga to exploring the classical texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita, participants will cover so many spiritual and fundamental aspects of philosophy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these courses explore key philosophy topics and set the stage for a deeper exploration of yoga’s philosophical dimensions.
Here are some key topics that you can expect to explore in your yoga philosophy course:
- Yoga sutras. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are considered the cornerstone of classical yoga philosophy. Dive into the wisdom and meanings of each sutra, understand the concept of chitta (mind-stuff), and learn about the practices of concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana). Learning the yoga sutras provides valuable insights for both personal practice and teaching yoga philosophy to others.
- Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita is a revered text that presents profound teachings on duty, righteousness, and the path to self-realization. The study of Bhagavad Gita typically involves extracting practical life lessons from the Gita’s verses. Explore the dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna, understanding the concepts of dharma (righteousness) and karma (action). By integrating the Gita’s teachings into modern life, you will learn to empower individuals to navigate challenges and make conscious choices aligned with their higher selves.
- Tantra and oneness. Tantra is often misunderstood as solely a practice of physical intimacy. However, it encompasses a profound philosophy of embracing all aspects of life to attain spiritual realization. Demystify tantra and explore its philosophical foundations by learning about the interplay of Shiva meditation and Shakti, the concepts of energy centers (chakras), and the practices of mantra and tantra.
- Karma and reincarnation. Karma and reincarnation are integral concepts in yoga as a philosophy. Explores the intricacies of how actions (karma) influence our present and future experiences and explore the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. You will come to understand how the law of cause and effect operates. By recognizing the impact of their actions, participants can make conscious choices to shape their destinies.
The Best Yoga Philosophy Courses in 2024
Below we’ll explore some of the best yoga philosophy courses in depth. Here is a sneak peek prior to the full list:
- The Peaceful Warriors: 15-Hour Yoga Philosophy and Lifestyle
- YogaRenew: Yoga Philosophy
- Yoga Bliss: 20-Hour Yoga Philosophy
- Loka Yoga School: Online Yoga Philosophy
- Yoga with Kassandra: Yoga Philosophy – Yama & Niyama
Here is the full, detailed list:
1. The Peaceful Warriors: 15 Hour Yoga Philosophy and Lifestyle
Immerse yourself in the world of yoga philosophy and lifestyle with this comprehensive online course from The Peaceful Warriors. Explore the rich tapestry of yogic wisdom and its practical application in modern life. Learn the profound teachings of yoga and discover how they can bring balance and harmony to your mind and body.
Course highlights
- In-depth study of yoga’s philosophical foundations
- Guidance on incorporating yogic practices into modern life
Uncover the ancient roots of yoga philosophy and learn how its principles can enhance your daily existence. This course equips you with valuable tools to embrace mindfulness and well-being, both on and off the mat.
Reviews (as of September 27, 2023)
“Loved the asana labs, ayurveda, philosophy, anatomy… basically everything.” -Doriana Scalia (Google review)
Besides Yoga I also learned so much more as there also really interesting philosophy classes! -Hannes Kamin (Google review)
Google reviews | 5.0 | 70 reviews
Yoga Alliance reviews | 4.83 | 43 reviews (read more reviews)
2. YogaRenew: Yoga Philosophy
Enroll in the Online Yoga Philosophy course by YogaRenew to deepen your understanding of yogic principles and their relevance in today’s world. Navigate the profound teachings of yoga and grasp how they can bring balance and harmony to your mind, body, and daily life.
Course highlights
- A comprehensive exploration of yoga philosophy
- Application of ancient wisdom to modern living
Immerse yourself in the origins of yogic philosophy and gain practical insights on integrating its timeless wisdom into today’s busy world. This course empowers you to embrace mindfulness and holistic well-being, both on and off the yoga mat.
Reviews (as of September 27, 2023)
“Every teacher was extremely kind, knowledgeable, and helpful. Every week I look forward to Julie’s class on yoga philosophy.” – Samantha Fitzgerald (Google review)
Google reviews | 5.0 | 399 reviews
Yoga Alliance reviews | 4.80 | 2,898 reviews (read more reviews)
3. Yoga Bliss: 20 Hour Yoga Philosophy
Discover the transformative 20-hour Yoga Philosophy Training offered by Yoga Bliss. In this immersive course, dive into the heart of yoga’s philosophical essence and its modern applications. Uncover the profound teachings that foster balance, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. This course provides valuable tools to cultivate inner harmony and enrich your personal and professional practices.
Course highlights
- Intensive exploration of yoga philosophy
- Bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary living
Reviews (as of September 27, 2023)
“I’ve spent a week at the wonderful retreat and felt beyond comfortable. Everyone is absolutely fabulous, kind, caring and looks after each guest!” – Lara Stiller (Google review)
Google reviews | 4.8 | 78 reviews
Yoga Alliance reviews | 4.41 | 22 reviews (read more reviews)
4. Loka Yoga School: Online Yoga Philosophy
Experience the Online Yoga Philosophy Course by Loka Yoga School and deepen your connection to ancient yogic wisdom from the comfort of your own space. Immerse yourself in the profound teachings of yoga philosophy and discover how they hold relevance in contemporary life, enriching your understanding of holistic well-being.
This course equips you with practical tools to enhance mindfulness and harmonize your mind, body, and spirit.
Course highlights
- Engaging exploration of yoga philosophy through online learning
- Bridging the gap between traditional teachings and modern application
Reviews (as of September 27, 2023)
“If you want to work on your Yoga poses, philosophy, anatomy, and inner work then you will get the full package here. It is for sure an intense amount of physical work but it is worth it. By the end of week 3 you will see how your physical strength have improved and mental health too.”- Estabraq Allami (Google review)
5. Yoga with Kassandra: Yoga Philosophy - Yama & Niyama
Kassandra Reinhardt and Madhura Bhagwat have collaborated to design a yoga philosophy course for yoga enthusiasts, aspiring practitioners, and seasoned instructors alike. At its core, this course, through the yogic principles of yama and niyama, offers a moral compass, guiding individuals towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
In the grand tapestry of yoga, the yama and niyama serve as the foundational ethics. Yama, the set of restraints, advises against behaviors that hinder personal growth and societal harmony. Niyama, the observances, prescribes actions that nurture one’s spiritual and mental well-being. Together, they constitute a moral code that expands the boundaries of the yoga mat, offering a holistic approach to living a meaningful life.
Their program promises to illuminate the path to self-discovery by seamlessly blending philosophy lectures, rejuvenating yoga classes, and insightful journaling prompts, all accompanied by a comprehensive training manual.
What’s included
- 65 page training manual
- 10 video lectures
- 10 yoga classes
- Journaling prompts
- Teacher & community support
- Certificate of completion
- 10 non-contact continuing education hours with Yoga Alliance
- Lifetime access
Led by seasoned experts, you will gain invaluable insights into how these principles can be practically applied to your everyday life. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the profound wisdom of yama and niyama – your gateway to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
Reviews (as of September 27, 2023)
As of the time of our research, there were no Google reviews available.
Concluding Thoughts on the Best Yoga Philosophy Courses
Yoga philosophy courses provide a gateway to the profound wisdom that underlies the practice of yoga. Whether you’re a practitioner seeking to deepen your understanding or someone curious about the philosophical dimensions of yoga, these courses offer transformative journeys of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
From exploring ancient texts to delving into the principles of meditation and ethics, each course listed above offers a unique perspective on yoga philosophy. By immersing yourself in these courses, you can uncover the timeless teachings that continue to guide individuals on the path of self-realization and holistic well-being.
