An Introduction to Vedic Yoga Philosophy

This is a short course in Vedic Yoga Philosophy

It can be taken as part of Embrace DC’s complete Advanced Yoga Teacher Training program or as an independent weekend intensive that can count towards a 300-Hour certification with Faith Hunter Yoga.

This course includes:

• An overview of the Vedic tradition from which yoga arises
• Essential concepts, terminology, and categories of knowledge in the Vedic tradition
• A comparison of different schools of Vedanta
• Vedic epistemology, hermeneutics, and cosmology
• Practical applications of traditional yoga philosophy in the modern world
• How to chant Sanskrit sutras and verses
• How to integrate yoga philosophy into classes and workshops

Schedule:

Friday 3:00 – 6:00 PM / 7:45 – 9:00 PM

Yoga-sutras, Part 1: Conceptions of Identity in Yoga Philosophy

• Covers the psychology of yoga in terms of spiritual identity and material mis-identity. Includes a detailed description of the three qualities of material nature, impressions on the mind, and the essential tension between modern western culture and traditional yoga philosophy.

Yoga-sutras, Part 2: Yoga as a Moral Philosophy

• Covers the values, ethical imperatives, and moral actions associated with living a yogic lifestyle as well as the relationship of morality to the acquisition of knowledge.

Saturday, 1:30 – 4:30 PM / 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Keys to Understanding the Bhagavad-gita

• Includes a summary of the Mahabharata – the back-story of the Gita, the literary structure of the Gita, the five topics of the Gita, an overview of the four systems of yoga described in the Gita (karma-yoga, astanga-yoga, bhakti-yoga, and jnana-yoga), and the Gita’s hierarchical conception of reality.

Life Lessons from the Bhagavad-gita

• Includes key verses and passages that offer specific insights into Arjuna’s moral dilemma, our own personal challenges, applying yogic values to social issues, how navigate relationships, and living a purpose-driven life.

Sunday, 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM

The Perfection of Yoga

• Covers the central position of devotion in both the Yoga-sutras and the Bhagavad-gita, why devotion is the indispensable element for the success of any system of yoga, and how Bhakti-yoga incorporates and subsumes all of the other methods of yoga. Includes discussions on the definition and attributes of Isvara, the concept of Krishna, spiritual plurality and inclusion, and the intersection of yoga and religion.

Integrating Yoga Philosophy into your Classes

• A discussion of practical ways to select relevant philosophical themes, speak from a position of authority, and systematize your presentation while retaining your personal authenticity. Also includes tips for structuring a ‘dharma talk’, essential messages good public speakers deliver to their audience, and experiential learning exercises.

Tuition Information and How to Apply 

For tuition information and a complete description of Embrace Yoga DC’s 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program, click here:

Course Information

To apply for the course, click here:

Apply for the Course