Course Content

This is a practical as well as a theoretical course. The purpose of the theoretical part is to create a conviction and enthusiasm about the practice that works to heal, makes us healthy, and transforms us to exceed our natural human condition in all its aspects to realize the potential of which we all are capable. The theory will be explained from an ancient wisdom point of view and through the insights of cutting-edge brain and life sciences.

In every session, approximately half of the time will be dedicated to the practice and the other half to the underlying theory, science, and discussion. 

The practice

The practice will include all the teachable three components of the yogic discipline.

1. 1. Somatic poses

Somatic poses are a series of Sukhasana described by Patanjali in Yoga Sutra. They emerge from the body’s intelligence and can be done by anyone, including the disabled, older people, and people with pain, stiffness, and partial paralysis.

You don’t need a yoga mat. Somatic poses relax your body.

1. 2. Conscious breathing

Conscious breathing is the core practice and calms down emotions and thoughts.

1. 3. Dhyana or attention – commonly called meditation

Once the body is relaxed by somatic poses and emotions and thoughts calm down, we can pay attention within and understand ourselves. It is the beginning of self-knowledge.

The theory

Wisdom of Yoga sutra

This part of the theory will include:

• Introduction to Samkhya, on which Yoga and Ayurvedic teachings are based
• Essential learning about four parts of the Yoga sutra – Samadhi, Sadhana, Vibhuti, and Kaivalya pad
• Understanding five chitta vrittis or oscillations of the mind
• Learning about five kleshas or roots of suffering and pain
• Healing, attain complete mental health, and transcend the suffering and pain through eight limbs of yoga:

1. Yama or social ethics to build a healthy identity
2. Niyama or personal observances – In this section, you will understand the innate personality (swadhyaya). That will help you design a personal self-care plan. Kriya yoga will also be discussed.
3. Asanas or somatic poses.
4. Pranayama or breathing practice.
5. Pratyahara to bridge to inner self through which consciousness and energy are directed inward.
6. Dharana or contemplation - Contemplating a mental object to reveal its inherent nature.
7. Dhayana or attention – Observing the observer by settling the mind on one object and becoming attentive to the consciousness, which is focussing on the object.
8. Samadhi – Entering from the object attention into objectless attention or pure consciousness. Seven types of Samadhis will be introduced, leading into the state of Kaivalya or absolute aloneness.

All eight limbs will be connected to science, especially to neurobiology.

Insight from science connecting to yoga

This part of the theory will include:

• Source and emergence of the universe
• Evolution of life on earth
• Formation of the brain and mind, including biological and social emotions
• Consciousness and its connection to the brain