~ Level 4 - Yoga Master TTC ~

Unit 1: Foundation of yoga

• 1.1 Etymology and Definitions of Yoga (Patanjala Yoga Sutra, Bhagwad Gita, Kathopanishad)
• 1.2 Brief Introduction to origin, history, and development of Yoga (Pre- Vedic period to contemporary times)
• 1.3 Yoga in Principle Upanishads
• 1.4 Yoga tradition in Jainism: Syadvada (theory of seven-fold predictions); Concept of Kayotsarga / Preksha meditation
• 1.5 Yoga Tradition in Buddhism: Concept of Aryasatyas (four noble truths)
• 1.6 Salient features and branches of Bharatiya Darshana (Astika and Nastika Darshana)
• 1.7 General introduction to Shad Darshana with special emphasis on Samkhya, Yoga and Vedanta Darshana
• 1.8 Brief survey of Yoga in Modern and Contemporary Times (Shri Ramakrishna, Shri Aurobindo, Maharishi Raman, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Shivananda, Paramhansa Madhavadas ji, Yogacharya Shri T. Krishnamacharya)
• 1.9 Guiding principles to be followed by the practioner
• 1.10 Brief Introduction to Schools of Yoga; Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, Raja, and Hatha
• 1.11 Principles and Practices of Jnana Yoga
• 1.12 Principles and Practices of Bhakti Yoga
• 1.13 Principles and Practices of Karma Yoga
• 1.14 Concept and Principles of Sukshma Vyayama, Sthula Vyayama, Surya Namaskars and their significance in Yoga Sadhana
• 1.15 Concept and Principles of Shatkarma: Meaning, Types, Principles and their significance in Yoga Sadhana
• 1.16 Concept and Principles of Yogasana: Meaning, definition, types and their significance in Yoga Sadhana
• 1.17 Concept and Principles of Pranayama: Meaning, definition, types and their significance in Yoga Sadhana
• 1.18 Introduction to Bandha & Mudra and their health benefits
• 1.19 Introduction to Yogic relaxation techniques with special reference to Yoga Nidra
• 1.20 Introduction to Dhyana and its role in health and well being

Unit 2: Introduction to yoga texts

• 2.1 Introduction to Prasthanatrayee, Purushartha Chatushtaya and goal of human life
• 2.2 Yoga in Kathopanishad, Prashanopanishad, Taittiriyopnishad with special emphasis on Panchakosha Vivek and Ananda Mimamsa
• 2.3 Concept of Sthitaprajna (stages and characteristics) in Bhagavad Gita
• 2.4 Significance of Bhagavad Gita as a synthesis of Yoga
• 2.5 Concept of healthy living in Bhagavad Gita (Ahara, Vihara, Achara, Vichara).
• 2.6 Introduction and highlights of Yoga Vasishtha, Definitions of Yoga and their relevance in Yoga Vasishtha
• 2.7 Study of Patanjal Yoga Sutra including selected sutras from following chapters (I- 1 to 12, II1 to 2, 46 to 55, III- 1 to 6)
• 2.8 Concept of Chitta, Chitta Bhumi, Chitta Vritti, Chitta Vikshepa, Chittaprasadanam, Klesha and Vivek-Khyati and their relationship with wellness
• 2.9 Concept of Ishwara and its relevance in Yogasadhana, qualities of Ishwara, Ishwarapranidhana
• 2.10 Concept of Kriya Yoga of Patanjali and its importance for healthy living
• 2.11 Bahiranga Yoga of Maharisi Patanjali (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara)
• 2.12 Antaranga Yoga of Maharishi Patanjali (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi)
• 2.13 Concept of mental well-being according to Patanjala yoga
• 2.14 Hatha Yoga: Its origin, history and development. Hatha yoga: its meaning, and definition, aim, objectives and misconception about Hatha yoga
• 2.15 Sadhaka Tattva and Badhaka Tattva principles to be followed by Hatha yoga practitioner
• 2.16 Concept of Matha, Mitahara, Pathya & Apthaya, Types of Aspirants
• 2.17 Hatha Yoga practices according to different Hatha Yogic Texts (Hatha Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita and Hatharatnavali)
• 2.18 Concept of Shwasa-Prashwasa, Vayu, Prana, Upa-Prana, Shat Chakra, and more
• 2.19 Knowledge of Hatha yoga practices for wellness (Shatkarma, Asanas, Pranayama, Mudra, Nadaanusandhana)
• 2.20 Relevance and importance of Hatha yoga practices in health and wellbeing

Unit 3: Yoga and health

Introduction to Human Body – Anatomy and Physiology

• 3.1 Introduction to human body
• 3.2 Basic structure and functions of musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, cardio vascular system, nervous system, digestive system, and endocrine system
• 3.3 Homeostasis: its mechanism to maintain internal environment of the body
• 3.4 Introduction to sensory organs (Eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and skin)
• 3.5 Impact of yogic practices on different systems of the human body: Benefits of Shatkarma, Yogasana, Pranayama and Bandha on respiratory, circulatory, musculoskeletal system

Introduction to psychology

• 3.6 Introduction to psychology, concept of human psyche, stages of consciousness, cognitive process: Its meaning and nature
• 3.7 Definition and nature of behavior, kinds of behavior motivation
• 3.8 Emotions: definition, nature and physiological changes during emotion
• 3.9 Mental Health: Yogic view of mental health and mental illness
• 3.10 Role of yoga in mental health. Importance of psychosocial environment for health and wellness

Yoga for health and wellness

• 3.11 Yogic concept of health, wellness and illness
• 3.12 Importance of psycho-social environment for health and wellness
• 3.13 Role of yoga in various dimensions (physical, mental, social and spiritual) of health
• 3.14 Importance of following Dinacharya and Ritucharya for well being
• 3.15 Role of Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya in wellness.

Yoga for disease prevention and health promotion

• 3.16 Meaning and definition of health and disease, xoncept of Adhi and Vyadhi, yoga as a preventive health care – Heyam dukham anagatam
• 3.17 Potential causes of ill – health: Tapatrayas and Kleshas, mental and emotional ill health: Anatrayas
• 3.18 Shuddhi Prakriyas in yoga and their role in preventive and curative health
• 3.19 Knowledge of Trigunas, Pancha-Kosha, Pancha-Prana and Shatkchakra and their role in health and disease
• 3.20 Yogic concept of holistic health and its importance in the management of diseases

Unit 4: Applied yoga

Yoga and education

• 4.1 Education: Its meaning, definition and goal, role, and importance of education in human excellence
• 4.2 Yoga in education: Salient features of yoga education, factors of yoga education: Teacher, Student and teaching, Guru- Shishya- Parampara and its importance in yoga education
• 4.3 Value Education: Its meaning and definition, types of values, value – oriented education in personality development
• 4.4 Contribution of yoga towards development of values, spiritual growth
• 4.5 Salient features of ideal yoga teacher, role of yoga teacher in value-oriented education, role of yoga in development of healthy society

Yoga for personality development

• 4.6 Personality: Meaning and types of personality
• 4.7 Determinants of personality with reference to psycho-social environment
• 4.8 Knowledge of various facets and stages of development of personality
• 4.9 Personality development; Role of spirituality and positive attitude in personality development
• 4.10 Role of yogic practices (Asana, Pranayama, Shatkarma, Bandha, Mudra, and more) in the personality development

Yogic management of stress and its consequences

• 4.11 Definition, nature and types of stress
• 4.12 Symptoms and consequences of stress on human mind
• 4.13 Yogic perspective of stress. Yogic principles for the management of stress and its consequences
• 4.14 Concepts and techniques of Stress management in Ashtanga yoga of Patanjala Yogasutra and Bhagawad Gita
• 4.15 Specific practices for stress management: Yogasana, Breath Awareness, Shavasana, Yoganidra, pranayama, and meditation

Yoga for prevention and management of lifestyle disorders

• 4.16 Concept of yogic life style and its relevance
• 4.17 General knowledge about life style related disorders: Acidity, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bronchial asthma, sinusitis, hypertension, neck pain, low backache, osteo-arthritis, and more
• 4.18 Role of yoga in prevention and management of common disorder: Acidity, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bronchial asthma, sinusitis, hypertension, neck pain, low backache, osteo-arthritis
• 4.19 Role of yoga in prevention and management of non-communicable disorders
• 4.20 Yoga as an integral medication

5.1 Prayer

• Concept and recitation of Pranava
• Concept and recitation of Hymns
• Selected universal prayers, invocations, and Nishpatti Bhava

5.2 Yogic Shat Karma

• Neti: Sutra Neti and Jala Neti
• Dhauti: Vamana Dhauti (Kunjal)
• Kapalbhati (Vatakrama)

5.3 Yogic Sukshma Vyayama and Sthula Vyayama Yogic Sukshma Vyayama (Microcirculation practices)

• Neck movement – Griva Shakti Vikasaka (I,II,III,IV)
• Shoulder movement – Bhuja Valli Shakti Vikasaka, Purna Bhuja Shakti Vikasaka
• Trunk movement – Kati Shakti Vikasaka (I, II, III, IV, V )
• Knee movement – Jangha Shakti Vikasaka (II-A&B ), Janu Shakti Vikasaka
• Ankle movement – Pada-mula shakti Vikasaka – A&B, Gulpha-pada-pristha-pada-tala shakti Vikasaka
• Yogic Sthula Vyayama (Macrocirculation practices)
• Sarvanga Pushti
• Hrid Gati (Engine run)

5.4 Yogic Surya Namaskara with Mantra

5.5 Yogasana

• Tadasana, Hastottanasana, Vrikshasana
• Ardha Chakrasana, Padahastasana
• Trikonasana, Parshva Konasana, Katichakrasana
• Dandasana, Bhadrasana, Padmasana, Vajarasana,
• Yogamudrasana, Parvatasana
• Mandukasana, Ushtrasana, Shashankasana, Utthana Mandukasana,
• Paschimottanasana, Purvottanasana
• Vakrasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Gomukhasana
• Makarasana, Bhujangasana, Salabhasana, Dhanurasana
• Pavanamuktasana and its variations
• Uttanapadasana, Ardha Halasana, Setubandhasana, Saral-matsyasana
• Halasana, Chakrasana
• Sirshasana
• Shavasana

5.6 Preparatory breathing practices

• Sectional breathing (Abdominal, thoracic, and clavicular breathing)
• Yogic deep breathing
• Anuloma Viloma/ Nadi Shodhana

5.7 Pranayama

• Concept of Puraka, Rechaka, and Kumbhaka
• Ujjayee Pranayama (Without Kumbhaka)
• Sheetali Pranayama (Without Kumbhaka)
• Sitkari Pranayama (Without Kumbhaka)
• Bhramari Pranayama (Without Kumbhaka)

5.8 Concept and demonstration of Bandha and Mudra

• Bandha
• Jalandhara Bandha
• Uddiyana Bandha
• Mula Bandha
• Mudra
• Yoga Mudra
• Maha Mudra
• Vipareetakarani Mudra

5.9 Practices leading to Dhyana Sadhana

• Body awareness and Breath awareness
• Yoga Nidra
• Antanmauna
• Recitation of Pranava and Sohama
• Recitation of Hymns
• Practice of Dhyana

5.10 Methods of teaching and evaluation

• Teaching methods with special reference to yoga
• Factors influencing yoga teaching
• Need of teaching practice and its use in yogic practice
• Teaching aids: Meaning and need, role of language, voice, fluency, clarity and body language in an ideal presentation
• Methods of teaching yoga to an individual, small group, and large group
• Use of audio-visual aids, ICT, multimedia, and online resources
• Lecture cum demonstration in yoga: Its meaning, importance, and method of its presentation
• Lesson plan: Its meaning and need
• Preparation of lesson plan in yoga, preparation of lesson plan for an individual and for a group
• Presentation of lessons in specific yogic practices: Kriya, asana, pranayama, and Dhyana
• Assessment of a yoga class (detection and correction of mistakes)
• Measurement, assessment, and evaluation: concepts, principles, and applications
• Examination reforms and designing formative and summative evaluation
• Program evaluation: Yoga class/workshops/ camps, yoga teaching, and yoga teacher
• Assessment of yoga centers and institutes- criteria, processes, instruments, results