Unlock the profound wisdom and timeless teachings of yoga with our comprehensive Level 1, 100-Hour Yoga Philosophy Certification. This program offers an immersive journey into the decolonial, ethical, and philosophical foundations of yoga.

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The Yoga Philosophy Institute is a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider

Level 1, 100 Hour Certification counts for 100 CE Hours

What Yoga Philosophy Institute Students Say

 

“With Yoga Philosophy I have acquired the tools to increase in my own physical and mental well- being. It has been a game changer for me!”

Tara Harms, Level 1 Certified Yoga Philosophy Insitute Practitioner

"Such a worthy approach! Much of what is taught here has been completely ignored by western courses. "

Deborah-Zenha Adams, award-winning author, Yoga student



LOOK NO FURTHER FOR QUALITY YOGA AND PHILOSPHY EDUCATION

If you have been practicing Yoga, teaching or offering it as therapy, you will have experienced the transformative aspects of Yoga. The learning journey in Yoga is often about clearing away confusion and misconceptions, and learning previously unknown information.

  • Embody the principles of Yoga by understanding its philosophical foundations to gain maximum benefit from your practice.
  • Gain tools for deliberate, conscious living to gain mental clarity, cultivate inner peace and increase tenacity and resilience
  • Develop a deeper understanding of life's purpose to put energy into what matters
  • Understand thoughts, behaviors, and patterns to live freely
  • Build strong boundaries that make for healthier relationships
  • Lead and inspire others by living a balanced, conscious, and fulfilling life

Start Distinguishing Yourself With Deep Learning

What Yoga Philosophy Institute Students Testimonials

"I did the Level 1 Yoga Philosophy Certification course before I started my YTT (yoga teacher training) a few years ago, and it's been of absolutely invaluable benefit. Beyond my practice 'on the mat', Yoga is a philosophy I've used in my daily life ever since. Dr. Shyam is an excellent scholar and teacher who is immensely knowledgeable and passionate about this subject. If you're thinking of doing it, do it." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lauren Mulvihill, Level 1 Yoga Philosophy Institute Graduate

"I enjoy learning from Dr. Ranganathan immensely. He has a way of showing the relevance of ancient knowledge to modern times. His teachings have informed my practice and my teaching in powerful ways." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Aarti Inamdar Landrum, Classical Hatha Yoga Teacher

“Dr. Shyam Ranganathan is one of the most inspiring teachers of Philosophy I have ever encountered. I have been a full time Yoga teacher for 24 years. Since I met him in 2020, as I have put the Yoga Philosophy that Shyam taught me into practice, I have not only recovered from much emotional trauma, I have become a much better teacher, husband and father." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Michael Johnson, Yoga and Sanskrit Teacher

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Start your Journey of Self-Fulfillment

MODULE 1. Five Limbs: Yoga Sūtra Essentials for Practice

In our contemporary world, many people are introduced to Yoga through physical practices, such as āsana (posture) or prāṇāyāma (breathwork). This course introduces students to the core philosophy of Yoga by focusing on physical practice within a public context. It offers an in-depth study of Book II of the Yoga Sūtra and the first five of the Eight Limbs of Yoga: Yama, Niyama, Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, and Pratyāhāra. The course includes recorded video lectures and weekly meetings, with the flexibility to join at any time.

MODULE 2. Yoga Philosophy for Mental Well-Being

This deeper dive into the philosophy of Yoga unlocks its ancient insights into the origins of mental illness and trauma, as well as its self-directed solutions for cultivating a life of autonomy. Students will explore the disturbances (vṛtti-s), subconscious tendencies (saṃskāra), the central role of Sovereignty (Īśvara) in the practice, and the methods to reverse dysfunction and achieve a life of independence (kaivalya). The course focuses on Books 1 and 4 of the Yoga Sūtra. It includes recorded video lectures and weekly meetings, with the flexibility to join at any time.

MODULE 3. Yoga Moral Philosophy

Before Dr. Ranganathan began his research in Indology 25 years ago, the prevailing view was that there was no practical, ethical, or moral philosophy within the Indian tradition. In this unique course, students will explore the vast array of moral philosophies from Western, Chinese, and Indian traditions, enabling them to recognize Yoga as a distinct and valuable option. The course begins with a broad overview of standard Western ethical theories (Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Bentham, Mill), transitions to influential East Asian ethical thought (Taoism and Confucianism), and culminates in South Asian moral philosophy (Jainism, Early Buddhism, Later Buddhism, the three main schools of Vedānta, and the related Pūrva Mīmāṃsā). Finally, we will examine Yoga through key texts such as the Vedas, Upaniṣads, Yoga Sūtra, and the Bhagavad Gītā. The course also includes bonus material, such as a lesson on "How to Read and Understand Philosophy." It features recorded video lectures and weekly meetings, with the flexibility to join at any time.

MODULE 4. Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra: Beyond the Surface, Abiding in One’s Essence (May or November)

This capstone course offers a comprehensive, beginning-to-end exploration of the foundational texts of Yoga's philosophy. Students will meet weekly for four weeks, following a personalized schedule, to thoroughly review the entire text. Enrolled students will have lifetime access to the recorded materials and will also receive a bonus one-hour private session. This final course integrates the various elements of the Level 1 program, providing students with a solid foundation for future self-directed study in Yoga. The course is available for enrollment twice a year.

Certification Mentorship

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞
Imagine having a world-renowned expert dedicated to your individual growth. With this exclusive mentorship, you're not just learning Yoga Philosophy—you're experiencing a profound personal journey of transformation, guided by one of the field's most respected thought leaders.

  • Have direct access to Dr. Shyam in weekly online tutorials to get your questions answered
  • Receive unlimited 15-minute one-on-one expert sessions to accelerate your learning and personal growth valued at $500+ annually
  • Recieve personal help to: (𝐈) integrate nuanced philosophical insights; (𝐈𝐈) develop personal understanding to grow to change and to succeed with and through others; (𝐈𝐈𝐈) experience the ripple effect that of benefits that comes with this life-changing personal transformation
  • Gain Dr. Shyam as a supporter and refernce beyond succesful completion of the Level 1 Certification
If all components finished within a year, the total is $1215
Begin by Paying the Certification Mentorship Fee
TRY RISK FREE!!! NO QUESTIONS ASKED REFUND

If you sign up for the program by purchasing the Certification Mentorship and change your mind for any reason, ask for and receive a refund within the first 30 days.

Meet Your Teacher: Dr. Shyam Ranganathan, MA (South Asian Studies), MA and PhD (Philosophy), Seasoned University teacher of Philosophy, Experienced Yoga Teacher (RYT 500) and Certified Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP)

WHAT DISTINGUISHES DR. SHYAM AS A TEACHER OF PHILOSOPHY AND YOGA

  • Actually Qualified and Expert in Yoga and Philosophy. Dr. Shyam is an actual professional philosopher and scholar-practitioner of Yoga. He has taught at the philosophy department at York University,Canada's third largest university, since 2007 and brings extensive real world teaching experience to the Yoga Philosophy Institute.
  • Long History of Teaching Beginners. Dr. Shyam has spent over 25,000 teaching hours helping students new to Yoga and philosophy acquire the skills they need to do their own work.
  • Field Changing Researcher. Dr. Shyam turned on its head myths that ancient thinkers of India where Yoga comes from had no ethical guidance to offer. He is the author of over 60 peer-reviewed publications on Yoga and Philosophy that peel back the prejudice that gets in the way of learning Yoga's ancient wisdom.
  • Expert in Translation. Dr. Shyam combines his PhD dissertation on translation with knowledge of South Asian cultures and languages to do his own learning. He empowers his students to do their own learning.
  • All Knowledge of Yoga and Philosophy Based on Study of Original Texts in Sanskrit. With Dr. Shyam, you do not receive hearsay accounts of Yoga. His teaching is grounded in his own translations of the original texts, which he makes available to students.

FAQ

  • If I enroll in Level 1 of the Yoga Philosophy certification program now, can I begin the program immediately?

    The 100-hour certification program is set up for students to begin whenever it suits them. The first three of the four modules that participants take are available on an ongoing, subscription basis: each is to months long, and students may renew the modules for extended learning. The fourth module is offered twice a year, with meeting times to be negotiated with students. The entire program is designed to be completed in a year. Students may take longer if they wish.

  • How much will the entire Level 1, 100 Hour Certification cost?

    Level 1 is designed to be fully completed by students in one year. Based on this timing, the total cost of the program, including the mentorship and four modules, would be $1,215. However, if a student is not able to complete the certification requirements within a year but wishes to continue to study to attain the Level 1 certification, the mentorship fee will renew at the start of year two at a discounted rate. Additionally, as three out of the four modules are subscription-based courses, they are available on an ongoing basis and also renew at a discounted rate. Students can cancel at any time or choose to renew access to the modules at a discounted amount for extended exploration.

  • Why not offer just one price for the entire Level 1 Certification?

    Many programs make students pay large amounts up front, with the expectation that they complete all elements of the program within the allotted time. Life happens, however, and not everyone is able to keep to their original schedule, and this results in paying for content that one doesn't benefit from. By keeping the pricing separate for the various modules, students do not have to pay a large amount up front and can pay for components when they are ready to proceed with the next steps. This ensures that students do not loose out on their investment.

  • What is the cost advantage of enrolling in the Level 1 program?

    If a student was to take the four component modules in the Level 1 certification program without enrolling in the Certification Mentorship, then the total cost would be $1,290. By enrolling in the Level 1 program through purchase of the Certification Mentorship, you will gain the following benefits: DISCOUNTED COST -- Enrolling in the Mentorship and taking the four modules is cheaper by $75 than taking the four modules separately outside of the program; PERSONALIZED ONE-on-ONE ONGOING MINI CONSULTATIONS -- Receive unlimited 15-minute expert sessions to accelerate your learning and personal growth for no additional cost, valued at $500+ annually.

  • Will the Level 1 Certification program work with my schedule?

    All courses include evergreen video content that students can watch at their convenience. The first three subscription courses, available continuously, come with weekly Zoom meetings. If students cannot attend the scheduled time, they can listen to archived tutorials or submit questions, which are then answered in posted recordings or emails. The fourth course in this series consists of weekly meetings arranged to suit the student's schedule.

  • Does the Level 1 Certification Count Towards Continuing Education Requirements?

    Yes, the full 100 hours count towards Yoga Alliance and other continuing education requirements.

  • Can I choose to take individual modules without the mentorship?

    Yes, a student can enroll in individual modules. However, the costs for each module would be higher, and they would not have access to the one-on-one meetings with and personalized guidance from Dr. Ranganathan.

  • Can I still benefit from the course if I miss the live classes?

    Absolutely! You can always send questions to be answered and posted in recordings you can access later. When many students show up, tutorials are often recorded and archived, allowing students to listen to the tutorial. You can also engage with the certification community and pursue your interactions outside of modules.

Still Unsure?

Schedule a call with Dr. Shyam to answer remaining questions

Begin Your Yoga and Philosophy Certification Now