Studying yoga philosophy can be a daunting endeavor for those looking to dive into its depths; which of the numerous branches of this illustrious practice should one choose? Bhakti, Jhana, Raja, Kriya-each offers unique advantages to seekers.
However, for those just beginning their exploration of yoga philosophy, it is essential to understand how they differ and determine which is most suitable for an individual’s goals. With that in mind, there are several paths to take when seeking out places to study these various systems.
Bhakti Yoga – The Path of Devotion When examining where to study yoga philosophy, one practices with a prominent presence among them is Bhakti Yoga-the way of devotion. This path focuses on inner transformation and deepening ones connection with the Divine through prayer and devotion. Because this type of yoga emphasizes self-transformation through the heart more than expressed action or mindset changes, many people find themselves more relaxed and open after practicing this form.
Consequently, asanas (yoga postures) and mantra meditation are commonly used in combination with visualization techniques in order to better cope with difficult feelings or even stressful life situations. Recommended places of study include Ananda Ashram in New York’s Catskills or Bala Vinyasa in San Francisco Bay Area-both offer comprehensive courses in classical Bhakti yoga under experienced instructors.
Jnana Yoga – The Path of Self Knowledge Another option for those wishing to explore where to study yoga philosophy would be Jnana Yoga-the path of knowledge or wisdom. Through meditation, introspection, reflection on scriptures such as The Upanishads or Bhagavad Gita, practitioners examine their own beliefs and evolve towards cultivating greater self-knowledge and understanding the nature of reality.
Amongst its many benefits are heightened insight into oneself and improved mental clarity while tackling complex issues from a broader perspective. If seeking further instruction in this area then Sacred Mountain Sangha located near Crestone Colorado offers residential retreats focused exclusively on Jnana Yoga as well as various other retreats fostering mindful awareness since 1993.
Raja & Kriya Yoga – Achieving Union with Divine Will And finally when exploring where to study yoga philosophy there are two other branches: Raja & Kriya Yoga-the royal road towards union with divine will through activity and intense physical experience respectively.
Through Raja Yoga practitioners use meditation to gain direct control over their choices by owning their decisions without any external influence while Kriya Yogis apply powerful yogic sequences combined with breathwork disciplines like pranayama and Tummo enabling transformative states similar yet distinct from those gained through traditional exercises like Hatha yoga posture & breathing practices (asanas ).
For learning opportunities within either system investigate Akashaya Center located in Ubud Bali offering comprehensive courses taught both directly by Buddhist nuns & engaging teachers specializing primarily within Raja & Kariya schools since 2009.
Conclusion – The conclusion summarizing the information given throughout the essay mentioning key points In conclusion, studying where to study yoga philosophy encompasses an incredible range from the Path of Devotion (Bhakti), Self Knowledge (Jnana), to Union With Divine Will (Raja &Kriya). Each offers unique advantages depending upon individual needs, however certain centres stand out due such their public acclaim or experienced tutors embracing classical approaches skillfully taught over years.
Ultimately it is up each practitioner how they wish proceed but suggest investigating these locations fully prior embarking their respective fields properly aided knowledgeable guidance whenever possible.
The Benefits of Studying Yoga Philosophy
Yoga is an ancient practice and lifestyle that aims to benefit not only the physical body, but also the mental and spiritual aspects of a person. A study of yoga philosophy provides important insight into this ancient tradition. It offers not only knowledge about history and civilizations but also an in-depth look at various paths of yoga – both physical and spiritual.
Studying Yoga Philosophy provides benefits for many different aspects of life. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- It helps foster self-awareness and understanding.
- Gain insight on how to lead a more peaceful, fulfilling life.
- Deepen your understanding of the body/mind connection.
- Shift from unconscious living toward more conscious actions.
Although there are several sources to explore if you want to learn about yoga philosophy, including online classes or podcasts, there are still certain advantages with taking up classes with experts who can guide you along during the process. Leading yoga schools offer both in-person courses as well as virtual courses in which expert instructors provide guidance on decoding yoga history, scriptures, philosophy and principles.
Choosing a school for studying yoga philosophy gets you access to experienced teachers who have even been trained abroad; they have vast knowledge that will help you understand why things like meditation or chanting are important practices within this tradition.
What to Look For When Searching for a Yoga Teacher
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a qualified and competent yoga teacher. Finding an appropriate teacher is the first step towards exploring and understanding the philosophy of yoga.
The first quality that you should be looking for in a potential pre-teacher is experience. Experienced teachers have likely been practicing and teaching yoga for multiple years, delivering deep knowledge on the teachings of yoga as well as many years of wisdom to draw from. The more experienced a teacher is can usually reflect positively upon their teachings, providing you with invaluable insights into increasingly complex yoga concepts.
Next, you should consider their knowledge base when it comes to the philosophical aspect of yoga. Do they know advanced poses and sequences? Are they able to effectively communicate complex principles in an intuitive manner? Furthermore, ask yourself if their approach to teaching resonates with you? You want to make sure that what they’re saying makes sense and provides an explanation that matches with your expectations.
To ensure this is adhered to, here are some questions prospective students may wish ask potential teachers:
- What type/style of Yoga do you teach?
- Where did you obtain/completed your Yoga Teacher Training course(s)?
- How long have you been practicing/teaching Yoga?
- What specialist qualifications/additional courses beyond certification do you hold?
Once these key points have been established, it’s recommended to look more in depth into the prospective teacher’s background before making any decisions or commitments. Look at past student testimonials and check out previous feedback on the studio or individual themselves – this can provide clarity on how successful they’ve been and how satisfied past students have been about their overall experience. Of course, attending classes with them will instantly provide further insight into their teaching style.
Online Courses and Resources
Yoga philosophy is a fascinating subject that can provide insights into many aspects of life on this planet. It’s important for those interested in the practice to become familiar with its rich history and teachings. Fortunately, there are many options available to learn the essentials of yoga philosophy without investing too much money or time.
Online courses are one of the most convenient resources available for studying yoga philosophy. From detailed lectures to introductory webinars, there are numerous free and inexpensive course options just a few clicks away. Many online classes are delivered through video streaming format, making it even easier to get an introduction to the principles of yoga from the comfort of home.
Plus, students taking courses online can learn at their own pace which is great for those who may not have a lot of spare time. Some excellent sources for online classes include Yoga International, The Yoga Society, and The Himalayan Institute; they all offer a good selection of immersive courses.
In addition to online courses, interested individuals can also find plenty of informative resources about yoga philosophy in books or e-books. In fact, some of these may be recommended or used as textbooks in various online courses as well. While reading materials may take a little longer than watching lectures on video streams, these texts often provide more in-depth information about the practice and its implications on both physical and mental wellbeing.
Furthermore, they can be accessed from nearly anywhere as long as you have an ebook reader device or an internet connection handy. Popular books about yoga philosophy include Light On Yoga by Bks Iyengar and The Path Of The Yoga Sutras by Nicolai Bachman among others that will serve as essential guides throughout your exploration journey into this ancient discipline’s depths.
Learning any subject requires dedication and commitment, but with the right approach and resources such as suggested above even someone unfamiliar with the practice may uncover some extraordinary knowledge about life hidden behind yoga’s philosophy.
Popular Yoga Philosophy Books
For those interested in studying yoga philosophy, there are a number of books and online courses available which delve more deeply into the foundational texts of yoga. Many bookstores will carry a selection of these texts, but for the greatest variety, online stores offer an expansive selection.
Yoga-Sutra By Patanjali
One of the most popular books on yoga philosophy is the Yoga-Sutra by Patanjali. This text is considered one of the foundational texts of yoga and provides an overview of yogic lifestyle, anatomy, practices and beliefs.
The Yoga-Stuara focuses on five core components which are considered essential to reaching enlightenment: right conduct (yahama), regular practice (mantra), posture (asana), breathing (pranayama) and meditation (samadhi). Though much longer than other texts of its kind, it serves as an introspective exploration into the yogic lifestyle and is seen as a recipe book for yogic behavior.
The Bhagavad Gita
Another essential text on yoga philosophy is The Bhagavad Gita which dates back to 5th century BCE. This text is linked with Hinduism but has been adapted numerous times due to its heavy themes of karma, duty, devotion and religion.
It puts forth spiritual teachings regarding inner peace along with concluding acts that lead toward self-purification and freedom from materialistic desires often coined ‘Moksha’ in Hinduism. Furthermore, it includes references to many world religions such as Islam, Buddhism and Christianity; making this text also usable from multiple perspectives.
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika written by Svatmarama is another revered text used in exploring yoga philosophy which dates back to 15th century CE. Authored during India’s Vijayanagara Empire period – when India experienced an increase in philosophical literature – this text explores physical postures as well as breathing techniques as they relate specifically to describing the path toward spiritual awakening.
Commentaries have been added since its original publication making various aspects much easier to interpret for readers today offering greater detail within each topic boundary set previously by its author Svatmarama.
In-Person Training and Retreats
Studying yoga philosophy often requires that practitioners go beyond simple poses and breathing exercises and delve deep into the ideas behind the art of yoga. There are many different ways to do this, with in-person training being one of the most effective. Here are some of the different options:
- Workshops – organizations such as retreat centers or schools are likely to host workshops by teachers with extensive knowledge of yoga philosophy. These sessions usually last for only a few days, but can offer invaluable insights for those looking to explore changes in their lifestyle through yoga.
- Conferences – larger organizations sometimes put on conferences centered around specific traditions of yoga practice. They almost always span a weekend and consist of teachings from various speakers, workshops given by experienced teachers, and open discussion panels about specific topics in relation to the study of yoga.
- Retreats – meditation retreats are popular among those interested in pursuing an exploration of Yoga philosophy. Although they may vary greatly depending on the facilitator or leadership at a particular retreat center, generally speaking these types of events involve introductory teachings followed by several days or weeks spent living with self-inquiry meditations under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Of course, it is also possible to study on your own rather than relying on in-person training options. There are many excellent books available that cover all aspects of Yoga philosophy from an academic standpoint. By committing to regular study sessions even with just a single book, individuals may be surprised how much insight they can gain into their very selves within a short period of time.
Popular Yoga Schools or Studios
- Kundalini Research Institute – The KRI offers a wide range of foundational and advanced yoga teachings, including the anatomy and physiology of yoga and pranayama. They also have a certification program for instructors, which could be beneficial for those interested in becoming a yoga teacher.
- Himalayan Institute – This school is run by Swami Veda Bharati, and their course offerings focus both on teaching people how to do asana practice as well as more structured classes that focus on studying philosophy, texts, history and culture related to yoga.
- YogaGlo – YogaGlo offers online courses in various disciplines including philosophy, meditation and other related topics. Through its website you can access hundreds of videos covering different topics such as the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras or Vedanta philosophy.
- Ananda Ashram – A spiritual center in India where traditional yoga techniques are taught. The ashram conducts drop-in classes for students that want to learn about yogic philosophy from an experienced teacher.
- Zorba Yoga Studio – An international yoga center with branches in Delhi (India), Zürich (Switzerland) and San Francisco (USA). They offer both group classes as well as individual lessons from certified teachers who are knowledgable about India’s rich traditions of yogic philosophy.
A Guide To Other Helpful Resources
Most people who are interested in studying yoga philosophy find that the best place to start is local classes or seminars taught by an experienced and well-versed teacher. These classes will provide a great foundation for understanding the different aspects of yoga philosophy, as well as how to practice various yoga poses safely and correctly. Additionally, they often provide supportive guidance in finding a personalized yogic path that is uniquely suited to one’s individual needs and preferences.
However, attending physical classes may not be as accessible as desired due to a variety of common obstacles, such as location, cost, work commitments or health restrictions. Therefore, it can be helpful to explore other resources available in order to study and deepen one’s knowledge on this topic:
Podcasts offer great value for listeners on the go and allow them to immerse themselves in deeper conversations regarding the teachings of yoga. Many podcasts also feature interviews with prominent figures from within the yoga world which can help broaden views and inspire further learning into new areas.
Online communities are another great resource for those looking to find support when studying yoga philosophy. Popular social media sites such as Facebook have several discussion groups dedicated to specific topics related to Yoga and meditation. These forums are full of passionate followers who can offer tips and advice on various aspects of their practice.
Finally, there are some invaluable websites which contain data-rich content broken down into easily understandable topics on different aspects of yogic thought including spiritual texts, sutras, symbols and key concepts from both classic and contemporary teachings alike. These sites serve both beginners starting out with basic inquiries about yoga-related concepts as well experienced yogis who are seeking knowledge about more advanced topics relating to philosophic inquiry such as karma or tantra.
Conclusion
Studying yoga philosophy is an excellent way to learn more about the practice and incorporate it into our lives. The right place to study will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences. There are many options available, including local yoga studios, online courses, in-person classes, and retreats.
Local yoga studios offer a great environment for getting started with yoga philosophy. These classes often combine physical instruction from qualified teachers with lectures and guidance surrounding philosophical topics. This setting provides a chance to ask questions in person, which can be difficult to do virtually or through online learning resources.
Online courses provide an accessible way for anyone, regardless of location or schedule, to learn more about yoga philosophy. Many different companies offer specific skill-based classes that cover particular topics such as meditation or pranayama breathing techniques. The resources available depend on the company providing the course or video series, but if you have the time and motivation you may be able to find excellent resources out there for free.
In-person classes are desirable for those seeking a more personalized experience while studying yoga philosophy. Groups tend to include fewer students than in studios so they can go into greater detail per topic without running short on time due to class size restrictions. They’re also often hosted by experienced teachers who discuss and answer questions pertaining to their teaching style and are well versed in philosophical principles related to their school or form of yoga.
Retreats might be ideal for those committed aspirants looking for deeper exploration – not only of the body through asana practice but also through an environment that allows for inner reflection and understanding of philosophical musings underlying it all. Retreats often include daily reflection over breakfast or dinner as well as afternoon lectures which elaborate on more complex concepts related to yogic living like sutras, mantras, karma theory etc.
As usual it’s vital to research carefully when looking at retreat centres though – some may lean heavily towards marketing gimmicks rather then rooted knowledge which is where selecting an experienced teacher matters again.
No matter which option you choose when it comes time to study yoga philosophy there is one main takeaway: The path of yogic inquiry should ultimately be guided by your own intuition. Any worthy set of teachings should empower sincere individuals with clarity of personal direction – staying focussed on one’s own journey rather than getting caught up in any competition amongst peers.
I am passionate about yoga and this is my blog. I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years and teaching for 5. Yoga has transformed my life in so many ways and I love being able to share that with others. My hope is that through this blog, I can help people learn more about yoga, connect with other yogis, and find inspiration to live a healthier, happier life.
