Yoga and Yogic Practices

• Etymology of Yoga
• Brief Introduction about the Origin and Development of Yoga
• Yoga – Aims and Objectives
• General Introduction to Darshanas with special reference to Sankhya and Yoga
• General Introduction to Four Paths of Yoga
• Principles of Yoga and Yogic Practices
• Guiding Principles for Yogic Practices

Introduction to Hatha Yoga

• Introduction to Hatha Yoga
• Introduction to important Hatha Yoga Texts with special reference to Hatha Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita
• Causes of Success (Sadhaka Tattwa) and Causes of Failure (Badhaka Tattwa) in Hatha Yoga Sadhana
• Concept of Ghata and Ghata Shudhhi in Hatha Yoga
• Purpose and Utility of Shat Kriyas in Hatha Yoga
• Purpose and Utility of Asanas in Hatha Yoga
• Purpose and Importance of Pranayama in Hatha Yoga

Introduction to Patanjali Yoga

• Definition, Nature and Aim of Yoga according to Patanjali
• Concept of Chitta and Chitta Bhumis; Chitta Vrittis and Chitta Vrittinirodhopaya (Abhyasa and Vairagya)
• Concept of Ishwara and Ishwara Pranidhana
• Chitta Vikshepas (Antarayas) and their Associates (Sahabhuvas)
• Concept of Chitta Prasadana and their Relevance in Mental Well-being
• Kleshas and their significance in Yoga
• Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali: Its Purpose, Effects and Significance

Introduction to Human Systems, Yoga and Health

• The Nine Systems of the Human Body
• Functions of the different Systems of the Human Body
• Introduction to Sensory Organs
• Neuro-muscular Co-ordination of Sensory Organs
• Basic Understanding of Exercise Physiology
• Homeostasis
• The Benefits of various Asanas on different parts of the Human Body
• Limitations and Contra-indications of specific Yoga Practices

Yoga for Wellness

• Health: Meaning and Definitions
• Concept of Pancha Koshas
• Yogic Conceptions of Health and Diseases
• Interdependency of physical (Prakriti) and psychological (Triguna) components according to Ayurveda
• Concept of Panchamahabhutas
• Yogic Principles of Healthy Living
• Introduction to yogic diet and nutrition

Yoga and Stress Management

• Human psyche: Yogic and modern concepts, behaviour and consciousness
• Frustration, conflicts, and psychosomatic disorders
• Relationship between mind and body
• Mental hygiene and role of Yoga in mental hygiene
• Mental health: a Yogic perspective
• Prayer and meditation for mental health
• Psychosocial environment and its importance for mental health (Yama and Niyama)
• Concept of stress according to modern science and Yoga
• Role of Yoga – Stress and Life Style Management

Familiarity with Body Joints and Vyayama

• Movement of Key Joints
• Sukshma Vyayama
• Shat Kriyas

Suryanamaskar and Asanas

• Introduction to Suryanamaskar (The Sun Salutation)
• Technique of Suryanamaskar Practice
• Asanas
• Five Spinal Movements in Yoga

Pranayama and Meditation

• Introduction to Pranayama
• Meditation – The Concept
• Practical Techniques of Meditation

Teaching Practice

• Teaching Yoga
• Principles and Skills for Educating Aspirants
• Teaching Yoga in a Group Setting