Certificate in Yoga Philosophy
Open House Dates
Check back for upcoming dates. All Open Houses are at the Main CIIS Campus: 1453 Mission St. San Francisco. Please arrive at the beginning of the session.
About the Certificate
Yoga has become a household term in the Western world. Nevertheless, few yoga teachers and practitioners have been exposed to the vast body of yogic philosophy and psychology upon which all asanas (physical poses) are based. Yoga was meant not only to serve as a practice of health and vitality, but also to be a vehicle to liberate the mind from dualism and elevate one's consciousness to greater states of expansive awareness. The classical practices and texts of the yoga sages offer a map to accomplish the goal of yoga.
Core Philosophical and Psychological Teachings of Yoga
As yoga has become popular and the community has become saturated with teachers, there is an ever greater need for serious instructors and advanced practitioners to deepen their knowledge through authentic study of the ancient sources of wisdom that form the foundation of their practice.
The CIIS Public Programs & Performances Certificate in Yoga Philosophy brings together high-caliber faculty from around the United States to provide 150 hours of in-depth study of the core philosophical and psychological teachings of yoga. The yoga certificate is meant for experienced yoga teachers and practitioners who are interested in developing a deeper and more holistic approach to their practice.
Applicants should have a minimum of two years of experience in yoga, meditation, or a related discipline, and be willing to commit to a consistent practice throughout the program. While there is some exploration of asana, this certificate does not focus on how to perfect poses. Rather, the yoga philosophy certificate is an in-depth study of the ancient body of knowledge from which the vast tradition of yoga has arisen and focuses on how to integrate the larger vision of yoga into daily living.
Curriculum Focus (150 Hours of Study)
Patanjali's yoga sutras—the classic text from which modern yoga emerged—are the program's central focus. Students will explore a variety of perspecties on the Eight Limbs of Yoga, including yoga ethics, livelihood, techniques for breath control, and meditation. Additional courses include a historical overview of contemporary yoga and its movement from the East to the West; classic Tantric philosophy and ritual; and the Bhagavad Gita.
Cost
The cost for this program is $2,000. The program runs from February 2011 through December 2011, with a break from June-August.
Structure of Program
An integrative seminar and a practice-based course on the embodiment of yogic philosophy and principles helps students to integrate and apply their new knowledge in their daily lives. The curriculum, which is structured around an innovative cohort model in which a small group of students attend classes together throughout the year, gives students the benefit of forming ties with a community of like-minded learners to support in-depth study and personal transformation.
