The Certificate Course in Yoga

Yoga as an alternative exercise regime has become very popular worldwide. But Yoga is way beyond just a form of exercise. Also, the need for understanding Yoga in an objective way has phenomenally increased. To a modern age student, traditional literature available on Yoga appears to be lacking in many ways. This book attempts to partially fill those gaps. This certificate course in Yoga has been designed to bridge the gap between traditional texts on Yoga and modern psychology including life sciences. Aim of this course is to develop requisite confidence for integrating and implementing Yoga in daily life. On undergoing the course one can develop a strong conviction about the Yogic principles. Professionals can apply Yogic principles to provide therapeutic advice on most of the life style induced problems like high blood pressure, back pain, insomnia, constipation, migraine etc. in addition to obesity, diabetes and cancer just to mention a few. Chapter 1 of this book shares the complete detailed syllabus of all the courses included in this certification course. Chapter 2 gives a 30,000 feet bird's eye view of Yoga and Yogic practices. Chapter 3 of this book covers the human body cleansing processes prescribed in Yoga with specific focus on maintaining health and fitness. Some very important Shuddhi kriyas included are Tratak, Kapal Bhati, Dhauti, Nauli and Basti. Chapter 4 deals in detail the topic of Asana, Bandha and Mudra. Asanas or postures or static body positions are important in Yoga as they ensure circulation of important vayus (energy streams) within the body. Asanas act as lymphatic pumps in the body. Bandhas & Mudras fine tune the concept of Asanas as an energy regulator further. Connection of breathing patterns with the psychological states of human mind has been strongly established by modern science. Mastering Pranayama (control of prana) opens doors for integrating mind and intellect with the body. Chapter 5 explains the Pranayama in greater details. Consider Yoga as an iceberg where a very small portion of it is visible to us above the water. That portion is called Bahirang Yoga or external Yoga. Pratyahara separates Bahirang Yoga from Antarang Yoga or internal Yoga. Pratyahara acts as a fulcrum point separating Antarang Yoga from Bahirang Yoga. Mastering Pratyahara needs a lot of Sadhaana (Practice). Many students of Yoga move back and forth many times between different steps in Bahirang Yoga as they find it extremely difficult to cross the Pratyaahara stage. Chapter 6 states Author's current understanding of Pratyahara in depth. Dharana, Dhyaana and Samaadhi are the three building blocks in Antarang Yoga. Mastering them ultimately leads the Yoga Sadhaka (student) into the final integration state - a perfect union of body, mind and intellect. Chapter 7 delves into the secrets of Antarang Yoga. Teaching Yoga as a subject is quite difficult as Yoga is an experiential science. Teaching is a science and an art in itself. The Yoga teacher is a critical component very much in demand (currently in short supply) in the global process of embracing Yoga in modern life. Chapter 8 covers most of the aspects of teaching Yoga. Any science if not applied becomes useless. Yoga is no exception. Major application of Yoga in modern society is in the area of providing specific therapeutic treatments to people suffering from different physical and mental diseases. Yoga therapy is an emerging professional domain focusing on the same. You will require deeper understanding of Modern Psychology and Life Sciences to position and evangelize "Yogic" solutions to the suffering people in the society. Chapter 9 & 10 open doors to applying Yoga Therapy in everyday life.