Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Meditation Course

Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle & Meditation Course 

Commencing: Sydney, May 2008

Study Commitment: 7 modules of study (20 months part-time study)

Estimated Completion: December 2009  

A Balance of Theory and PracticeThis study program is open to all with a genuine interest in deepening their personal understanding of Yoga philosophy and meditation, with application of this wisdom in daily life. The course will provide participants with a valuable understanding of the origins of yoga and the philosophical and ethical principles which form its base.  As the course is designed for practical application of the teachings rather than just theoretical understanding, participants will be given a series of self-reflection activities and regular meditation practices so the teachings may be assimilated and become part of their daily lives. Course Aims The goal of this course is self-inquiry and self-understanding utilising the principles and practices of yoga. It offers the opportunity for personal growth and development through a series of philosophical lectures, insightful readings, videos, discussions, meditations and self-reflection exercises.  The course draws on the classic Yoga scriptures and literature, including Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita.  These traditional philosophy texts are brought to life and explored in our modern context through the current teachings of H.H. Paramhans Swami Maheshwaranda, the founder of Yoga in Daily Life. This is an opportunity to cultivate the higher human qualities of love, compassion and discrimination and move toward an understanding of your deeper inner Self. 

Course Overview 

Module 1 - Returning to the Essence of Yoga

 Module 2 - Your True Nature

• The Koshas & Atma – exploring the relationship between mind, body and inner self
• Creating Harmony – the three Gunas, ahimsa – non-violence and principles of protection
• Meditation - the meaning of meditation, concentration on the heart centre

 Module 3 – Compassion in Action

• 4 Paths of Yoga – an Introduction
• Karma Yoga – principles of karma, action and reaction, service – compassion in action
• Meditation – developing concentration with mantra, witnessing thoughts

 Module 4 – With an Open Heart

• Bhakti Yoga – nourishing our human qualities
• Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita and other classic Yoga Scriptures
• Meditation – visualisation, mind, emotion and inner freedom

 Module 5 – Self Inquiry – Know Your Self

• Raja Yoga – ethical principles and yogic practices
• Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras – the 8-limb path to understanding self and others
• Meditation – awakening inner light and devotion

 Module 6 – Inner Wisdom

• Gyan Yoga – the yoga of wisdom and discrimination
• Insight and experiential knowledge - seeking truth
• Meditation – analysing inner qualities

 Module 7 – Chakras & the Energetics of Practice

• 8 Chakras – energy centres and our inner nature
• Mudras and Bandhas
• Meditation – concentration on the chakras and their qualities

Course Format & Duration

This course is delivered in a series of 7 modules for a period of 20 months.

Each module is comprised of 7 face to face sessions and a series of home practice exercises including:

• 4 Thursday evening workshop sessions
• 3 Friday evening satsang programs
• Home study projects & self-reflection exercises and
• Personal meditation practices

 Each module has learning tasks and assessment activities to help guide progress and development. For those seeking credit for future attendance in the YIDL Yoga Teacher Training Program, all assessment activities must be completed. Participation in this course will be in conjunction with students enrolled in the current intake of Teacher Training. 

Module 1 commences May 1, 2008

Thursday evenings: May 1, 8, 15, 22
Friday evenings: May 16, June 6, 27
Weekend Retreat (optional): May 30-June 1 (extra cost involved) 

Module 2 commences July 24, 2008

Thursdays evenings: July 24, 31, August 7, 14
Friday evenings: to be advised
Weekend Retreat in Brisbane (optional): September 19-21 (extra cost involved) 

Module 3 commences October16, 2008

Thursday evenings: October, 16, 23, 30, November 6
Friday evenings: to be advised 

Dates for Modules 4-7 in 2009 are to be advised (modules are expected to run concurrent with school terms)  

Articulation with the Yoga Teacher Training Program

It is possible to use this course as a basis for future entry into the YIDL Teacher Training Program.   Credit will be offered in the YIDL Teacher Training Course for all philosophy modules where assessment tasks have been successfully completed and regular practice of the techniques has been maintained.  The level of credit offered will depend on currency of study and any changes to course conditions or format. 

Course Fees, Payment Options & Refund Policy 

Course Fees:
o        $240 per module
o        Total fee for seven modules is $1680
o        Discounted rate for full year payment at the start of each year
          o        year 1 (3 modules) $685
          o        year 2 ( 4 modules) $910
          o        total fee including discount is $1595 

For each module, completed Enrolment Forms must be accompanied by full payment 21 days prior to commencement of the module.  Late applications will incur an administration penalty fee of $25 per week. If total module fee is not paid within 3 weeks, this constitutes disqualification from the course. 

The course fees cover the following components of training:

• 4 Thursday evening sessions per module 
• 3 satsang programs per module 
• attendance at six YIDL casual classes per module 

Further costs not included in course fees:

• purchase of texts including: Yoga in Daily Life – The System, The Hidden Power in Humans, Lila Amrit, Meetings with a Yogi, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Anatomy text
• optional attendance at retreat programs twice each year
• additional costs are charged if course participants are unable to attend the nominated assessment dates and times 

Refund Policy:

• All payments are non-refundable once the module has commenced
• If a student has paid for a module and withdraws from the course before the module commences the student will receive the module fee less an $80 administration fee
• If a student has paid for an entire year and withdraws from the course the student will receive the balance of the course fee less an $80 administration fee

Further Details: Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or call Yogasiddhi on 9518 7788