Yoga isn’t just about bending your body or increasing flexibility. It’s a practice for the whole of you – mind, body, soul. At the heart of every 200 hour training is Yoga Philosophy – the foundation that teaches us how to live a balanced life. Let’s look at how philosophy is part of yoga training and teaching and how our courses can help you on this journey.
What is Yoga Philosophy?
Ever wondered what makes yoga more than just physical exercise? It’s Yoga Philosophy. It’s a collection of teachings on ethics, mindfulness and self-awareness based on ancient texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita.
Here are the Eight Limbs of Yoga which form the foundation of Yoga Philosophy:
- Yamas (Ethical Rules): Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness) are the first two of these that govern how we interact with others.
- Niyamas (Personal Discipline): Santosha (contentment) and Svadhyaya (self-study) are the two that help us find inner peace.
- Asana (Postures): Physical poses to prepare the body for meditation and focus.
- Pranayama (Breath Control): Breathing techniques to calm the mind and energise.
- Pratyahara (Turning Inward): Focusing on yourself by withdrawing from external distractions.
- Dharana (Concentration): Training the mind to focus on one point.
- Dhyana (Meditation): Being mindful and aware.
- Samadhi (Unity): Being in balance and connected to the universe.
These principles show us that yoga isn’t just about the body; it’s also about calming the mind and nourishing the soul.
Why Yoga Philosophy is Important in 200-Hour Training
A 200-hour yoga teacher training is about more than just mastering the poses. It’s an opportunity to get to the heart of yoga by learning philosophy. Here’s why Yoga Philosophy matters:
- Deepens Your Practice: Understanding the philosophy of yoga helps you connect to yoga beyond the body.
- Helps You Teach Better: A good understanding of yoga teaching philosophy will help you inspire your students and make classes relevant.
- Connects Ancient to Modern: By studying yoga and philosophy you can apply yoga principles to manage stress, find balance and live mindfully.
- Transforms Your Personality: Yoga teachings help you grow as a person and live a peaceful and fulfilling life.
At Siddhi Yoga, our 200 hour training includes a module on Yoga Philosophy where you will learn these teachings and how to apply them in your practice and life.
Your Yoga Teaching Philosophy
Every yoga teacher has their own way of teaching but having a clear yoga teaching philosophy makes all the difference. During your 200 hour training you will learn how to:
- Define Your Purpose: Ask yourself why you want to teach yoga and what you want to achieve.
- Live the Principles: Practice the Yamas and Niyamas in your daily life to inspire your students.
- Be Inclusive: Create a class environment that welcomes everyone.
- Add Philosophy: Incorporate Yoga Philosophy into your teaching to make your classes more meaningful.
When you teach with a clear philosophy your students get more than physical benefits; they get life lessons. Our courses give you these essential teaching skills so you can make a real difference in your students’ lives.
Yoga and Philosophy
Yoga and philosophy are two sides of the same coin. A 200 hour training will teach you how to bring them together. This includes:
- Understanding the body, mind and soul connection.
- Practicing mindfulness and living ethically.
- Using yoga to overcome obstacles and stay balanced in daily life.
By combining yoga with its philosophy you can create a practice that benefits you and your students beyond the mat. Our 200-hour yoga teacher training course at Siddhi Yoga is carefully designed to give you this holistic understanding.
Yoga Philosophy Classes Benefits
Taking yoga philosophy classes during your training can be transformational. These classes offer:
- Yogic Wisdom: Yoga philosophy classes introduce you to ancient texts like Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads. By studying these texts you will get clarity on what is the purpose of yoga and how to apply it.
- Tools for a Balanced Life: Concepts like non-violence (Ahimsa), contentment (Santosha), mindfulness help you deal with daily challenges. These teachings give you simple tools to reduce stress, improve focus and live a more harmonious life.
- Personal Growth: Yoga philosophy is about self-awareness and emotional resilience. It helps you to accept positive change, inner peace, and align with your higher purpose.
- Better Teaching Skills: For yoga teachers, understanding Yoga Philosophy allows you to share yoga’s wisdom with your students. It adds depth to your classes and helps you to create a more meaningful experience.
- Learning Community: Sharing with like minds creates a sense of community and belonging and encourages growth and reflection.
These classes are not just about learning; they help you grow as a person and as a teacher. Our courses provide a safe space to explore these teachings with expert guidance.
Why Take a Yoga Philosophy Course?
Taking a yoga philosophy course is mandatory if you want to go deeper into yoga or become a teacher. Here’s what you’ll get:
- A New Perspective: You’ll understand the deeper meaning behind yoga practices and how they connect the mind, body, and spirit.
- Life Tools: You’ll gain practical techniques like mindfulness, non-attachment, and contentment to navigate daily challenges.
- Stronger Teaching Skills: You’ll add depth and purpose to your classes by weaving yoga philosophy into your teachings.
- Personal Growth: You’ll develop self-awareness, inner peace, and emotional strength to handle life with balance and clarity.
- Spiritual Connection: You’ll explore ancient wisdom from texts like the Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita to discover your higher purpose.
- Stress Management: You’ll learn how to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and cultivate lasting emotional stability.
By taking a Yoga Philosophy Course, you not only deepen your understanding of yoga but also learn how to live a more mindful, meaningful, and connected life.
Conclusion
Yoga Philosophy is at the core of every 200 hour training. It gives you the tools to live a balanced and meaningful life and to share the wisdom of yoga with others. Whether you’re studying the philosophy of yoga in 200 hour training, attending yoga philosophy classes or taking a yoga philosophy course you’re moving towards becoming a better practitioner and teacher.
At Siddhi Yoga, we offer full yoga teacher training programs that include in-depth study of Yoga Philosophy so you can grow as a person and as a teacher.
