Foundations of Yoga

Course Aim

The aim of this Yoga course is to provide participants with a holistic understanding of yoga by combining its theoretical foundations with practical applications. The course introduces the philosophy, history, and diverse branches of yoga while emphasizing the development of physical, mental, and emotional well-being through structured practices such as asanas, pranayama, kriyas, and meditation. It seeks to empower individuals to integrate yogic principles into their daily lives, promoting stress management, self-awareness, and overall health. By fostering a connection between mind, body, and spirit, the course aims to equip participants with lifelong tools for achieving balance, resilience, and inner harmony.

Course Objectives

  • To introduce the philosophy, history, and foundational principles of yoga.
  • To teach a variety of asanas, pranayama techniques, kriyas, and meditation practices for physical and mental well-being.
  • To explore the different branches of yoga, including Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, Hatha, and Astanga Yoga, and their practical applications.
  • To develop self-awareness, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness for stress management and inner harmony.
  • To enable participants to integrate yogic practices into their daily routines for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Learning Outcomes

  • Foundational Knowledge: Understand the philosophy, history, and various branches of yoga and their relevance to holistic well-being.
  • Practical Proficiency: Demonstrate competence in performing asanas, pranayama, kriyas, and meditation techniques.
  • Physical and Mental Health: Enhance strength, flexibility, relaxation, and mental focus through regular yogic practices.
  • Stress Management: Apply yogic techniques such as Yoga Nidra and mindfulness for effective stress reduction and emotional balance.
  • Energy Regulation: Master breathing techniques and kriyas to improve vitality and inner harmony.
  • Integration into Daily Life: Incorporate yogic principles and practices into everyday routines to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle

Duration: 15 Weeks – 90 Mins/Week

Course Fees: $450

Certificate: Students will receive certificate of completion.

Classes: Every Monday 27th January, 2025 6 PM (PST)

Course Outline

** (T) = Theory, (P) = Practices.

Week 1: Yoga Introduction both Theory & Practice. (T); Yogic Sukshma Vyayama. (P),

Week 2: Yoga: Nature and Scope. (T); Yogasanas preparation. (P)

Week 3: Yoga: Origin and development. (T); Standing & Relaxation Asanas. (P)

Week 4: Different types of Yoga. (T); Sitting Asanas & Breathing techniques. (P)   

Week 5: Karma Yoga. (T); Supine and Prone Asanas & Vaksha-Udara- Swasa. (P)

Week 6: Bhakti Yoga. (T); Surya Namaskaras. (P)

Week 7: Jnana Yoga. (T); Chandra Namaskaras. (P)

Week 8: Hatha Yoga. (T); Inverted Asanas & Sectional Breathing. (P)

Week 9: Introduction to Patanjali Yoga Sutra (T); Spine twisting asanas & Yogasana-vinyasa. (P)

Week 10: Astanga Yoga of Patanjali. (T); Daily practice Yogasanas for overall development. (P)

Week 11: Introduction to Kriyas. (T); Kapalabhati & Full Yogic Breath. (P)

Week 12: Introduction to Pranayama. (T): Nadi Sodhana, Bharamari, Seetali & Sheetkari. (P)

Week 13: Introduction to Pratyahara (T): Yoga Nidra & Relaxation methods. (P)

Week 14: Introduction Meditation (T): Swasa Anusandhana and other Meditation methods (P)

Week 15: Applications of Yoga techniques for Healthy living. (T) & (P) 

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Faculty

Dr. Srikrishna Chandaka

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Sri Krishna Chandaka is a renowned authority in Yoga and Alternative Medicine, celebrated for his profound academic
achievements and over 35 years of dedicated service to the field.Holding a Ph.D. in Yoga and an M.D. in Alternative Medicine, he seamlessly integrates traditional wisdom with contemporary medical approaches. His multidisciplinary expertise is furtherenriched by a Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga and Sanskrit and an M.A. in Philosophy from Andhra University, reflecting hisholistic understanding of yoga’s philosophical and practical dimensions. 

As the founding director of the Yoga Health Clinic and an Associate Professor at the Academy of Yoga Consciousness, Dr. Chandaka has been a transformative force in advancing Yoga education and research. He also serves as a Professor at Vivekananda Yoga University, Los Angeles, USA, and as a Visiting Professor at esteemed institutions such as the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. His extensive teaching portfolio spans India and the United States, where he has designed and conducted numerous yoga education programs and therapy sessions, positively impacting countless lives.

Dr. Chandaka’s leadership capabilities are exemplified by his tenure as Director In-charge of the Sahaja Yoga & Naturopathy Hospital under the Government of Andhra Pradesh. As a Senior Yoga Professional and Lead Examiner for the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) under the Government of India, he has played a pivotal role in standardizing yoga education and practices.

His contributions to academia include membership on Boards of Studies at Adikavi Nannaya University, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, and S-VYASA, as well as serving as a research supervisor in Yoga and allied sciences at leading institutions.

A distinguished scholar, Dr. Chandaka has authored two books on yoga, published research papers in refereed journals, and received the prestigious "Yoga Chikitsa Acharya & recognition from the Indian Yoga Association. His global influence, innovative contributions, and
unwavering commitment to holistic health continue to inspire practitioners, educators, and researchers in the field of Yoga and Alternative Medicine.

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