The Yoga Philosophy Applied Long-Distance Program

(Formerly Known As The “Long Distance Course)

An Immersion in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Iyengar Yoga Practice, & Chanting Sadhana

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A Note From Gitte

I’m delighted to present you with our new long-distance learning pathways. These programs emphasize the application of philosophy to your Iyengar Yoga practice and teachings, as well as the practice of traditional Indian chants, sutra recitation, and mantras.

We’ve made great effort to present these deep philosophical teachings in a way that’s easy to digest, and apply, to your practice. In the words of my son, Daniel, “It’s Yoga philosophy without over-intellectualization – it’s surprisingly easy to understand and put into practice”.

If you’re interested in deepening your practice and understanding the lesser-known aspects of Iyengar’s profound method, then these programs are perfect for you.

Best Wishes,

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There Are 2 Programs Currently Available

The Yoga Philosophy Foundations Program

Includes a 4 Course Learning Path:

Course #1 -Yogic Alignment :
Alignment With The Sacred, the Seer and traditional maps of Yoga

Course #2 – Mind-Body Control:
Concentration & Precision In Practice

Course #3 – Holistic Yogic Cleansing :
Steps & Stages Of Purification (sattvification) In Practice

Course #4 – Walking The Eightfold Path:
Sequencing & Integration In Practice

The Yoga Philosophy Advanced Program

Includes a 6 Course Learning Path:

Course #1 -Yogic Alignment :
Alignment With The Sacred, The Seer, and Traditional Yogic Maps

Course #2 – Mind-Body Control:
Concentration & Precision In Practice

Course #3 – Holistic Yogic Cleansing :
Steps & Stages Of Purification (sattvification) In Practice

Course #4 – Walking The Eightfold Path:
Sequencing & Integration In Practice

Course #5 – The “soul-psychology” of Patanjali l:
Reincarnation & The Meaning Of Suffering In Yoga

Course #6 – The “Soul-Psychology” of Patanjali ll :
The Karma doctrine of India and the deeper aspects of the mind (kleshas)

An Overview Of Course Curriculum

Course #1 – Yogic alignment
Alignment With The Sacred, the Seer, and traditional Yogic maps
(Included in both the Foundations and Advanced Programs)

In Course 1 we’ll explore the concept of Alignment; both from the perspective of the Iyengar Yoga method, as well as from traditional yogic scripture.

Yoga as an archetypal journey towards the self and the different dimensions of spiritual studentship will be the primary focus. Since this entails a creative and personal process of creating sacred space and time, this course will highlight the many beautiful ways you can do this to deepen your practice, bring focused study, and create an environment of spiritual nourishment.

Course #2 – Mind-body Control
Concentration & Precision In Practice
(Included in both the Foundations and Advanced Programs)

In Course 2 we will explore the concept of Mind-Body Control from the perspective of the Iyengar yoga method as well as traditional yogic scripture. To befriend your body and mind is an intuitive skill, yet it requires meticulous technique, precision, and self-study.

The yoga tradition regards attentional training and meditative practice as essential for our well-being and spiritual progress. In Iyengar yoga we know this art and discipline of Dharana (concentration) through precision in asana, or the work with technicalities and points. This method is not only powerful in immediate impact, but likewise viewed as a doorway in. This meditative approach to the poses starts from the first Iyengar yoga class we take; over time it can lead to a radical form of mindfulness and meditation in action.

Course #3 – Holistic Yogic Cleansing 
Sattvification: Steps & Stages Of Purification In Practice
(Included in both the Foundations and Advanced Programs)

In course 3 we’ll focus on the ways which Yoga helps us to cleanse the body, whiling bringing sattvification, balance, and lightness in to our life and practice. Within the Iyengar yoga method we find a strong emphasis on this kind of cleansing and guna transformation built into sequencing in a very elegant manner. As you study this course you will learn about the many ways in which the guna theory can be integrated into Iyengar yoga practice at all levels, in a way that brings about positive change, health and centering. There are many ways in which we can navigate the art of yogic cleansing and daily self- care through the careful planning of asana sequences that, over time, work towards the cultivation of sattva, and thus health.

Course #4 – Walking The Eightfold Path 
Sequencing & Integration In Practice
(Included in both the Foundations and Advanced Programs)

In this course we’ll focus on the eightfold spiritual path and how it’s connected with our practice. In regards to the living relationship between the eight limbs, we can look at the different practices as steps and stages with one limb following upon the other “just as a ladder is formed of individual rungs, so it is with Patanjali’s yoga – the different aspects of practice build upon each other, forming a sum greater than its parts” (Bechsgaard, 2013). This kind of metaphor of the eight limbs as a ladder or staircase supports an understanding of Yoga as a path of progressive self-cultivation. We will also explore how sequencing and integration in practice is a crucial aspect of Iyengar yoga.

Course #5 – The Soul psychology of Patanjali 
Reincarnation & The Meaning Of Suffering In Yoga
(Only Included In The Advanced Yoga Philosophy Program)

Course content will be explained and laid out during the in-person module course, taught at various studios internationally by Gitte Bechsgaard and Senior Iyengar yoga teacher partners of Vidya Institute International.

Course #6 – The soul psychology of Patanjali 
Karma Doctrine Of India & The Deeper Aspects of The Mind
(Only Included In The Advanced Yoga Philosophy Program)

Course content will be explained and laid out during the in-person module course, taught at various studios internationally by Gitte Bechsgaard and Senior Iyengar yoga teacher partners of Vidya Institute International.

 

Working On Your Study Materials Is Simple & Intuitive

    1. Once you enroll, you’ll immediately be asked to set your student area password. (If you already have a Vidya Institute Username & Password, you’ll be asked to enter your login details so the program can be added to your student area)
    2. After you’ve finished registering, you’ll immediately gain access to the Vidya Institute Student Area.
    3. Once you’re inside the Student Area, the courses that are included with the program you’ve enrolled in will immediately be loaded and ready for you to get started.
    4. As you make your way through the learning materials, the Student Area will track your study progress so you know which course & sub-modules you last worked on.

If you have any issues or confusions on how to make your way through the course materials, just email [email protected] and we will be happy to help clarify any questions you have.

Tuition

Yoga Philosophy Foundations Program (4 Courses Included)
Tuition: 350USD

Yoga Philosophy Advanced Program (6 Courses Included)
Fee: 450USD

Upgrade From Foundations To The Advanced Program
(Only For Those Who’ve Already Purchased The Yoga Philosophy Foundations Program)
Fee: 150USD

Frequently Asked Questions