SATYANANDA YOGA® Training Programs at Atma Center
The science and discipline known as "yoga" has been practiced for millennia. During this time, the field of yoga has expanded to address all aspects of human existence, including physical health, mental development, emotional relief, nutrition, music, ecology, and more.
The Satyananda tradition's Yogic Studies courses provide a solid introduction to the various aspects of yoga. The courses go into a depth that simply isn't possible to achieve in a weekly yoga class. Through a schedule of home practice and study, these courses bring the practices of yoga to life. Yogic Studies is open to people of all traditions and backgrounds who wish to deepen their understanding of yoga. For those who plan to become instructors, Yogic Studies provides a firm foundation for one of the most comprehensive Teacher Training programs in the world.
The courses were first developed through the Bihar Yoga Bharati, which became the world's first government-accredited university devoted to undergraduate and graduate studies in the field of yoga. Because these Yogic Studies modules present both theoretical and practical teachings on yoga in a structured, systematic way, the demand for them has spread throughout the world. The Satyananda Yoga Academy branch at the Atma Center has been designated as the only site in North America authorized to deliver these courses.
Students report that these courses not only deepen their understanding of yoga but create personal transformation. The intense study of yoga reveals old behaviors and provides the tools for change. Whether you are a new student, an experienced practitioner, or someone desiring to learn more about yourself, these courses will bring a new depth to your practice and your life.
Yogic Studies Modules
Yogic Studies 1a
Yogic Studies 1a builds a basic understanding of the history and branches of yoga, meditation, yogic lifestyle, and shatkarmas (cleansing techniques). It explores essential SATYANANDA YOGA® postures and breathing practices and includes an overview of anatomy and physiology, especially as related to yoga.
This location offers the 7 days of classes for this course in 3 different formats: over three non-consecutive weekends, in two portions as a split intensive , or as a one week-long intensive. An intensive and at least one of the other formats are offered each year. The home study & home practice section of the course includes ten weeks of material spaced over eleven to twelve weeks.
Yogic Studies 1b
Yogic Studies 1b expands the concepts from 1a. Key subjects include the dimensions of human experience (koshas), energy flow (prana and nadis), nutrition and Ayurveda, an introduction to the workings of the mind, and mantra. The asana, pranayama, and meditation practices progress to higher levels. The anatomy and physiology units focus on the skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems.
Satyananda Yoga Academy North America offers the 7 days of classes for this course in 2 different formats: over non-consecutive weekends throughout the course or as a week-long intensive. The home study & home practice section of the course includes ten weeks of material spaced over eleven to twelve weeks.
Yogic Studies 1c
Yogic Studies 1c continues to develop the elements of the previous two courses and also provides preparation for the teacher training program. The classes focus on the nature of the mind and subtle experiences; the effects of different categories of practices; deepening the meditative experience; and the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. .
Satyananda Yoga Academy North America offers the 7 days of classes for this course in a week-long intensive. The home study & home practice section of the course includes ten weeks of material spaced over eleven to twelve weeks.
Yogic Studies 2a
Yogic Studies 2a delves further into the theory and practice of yoga. This module emphasizes Mudras (gestures), bandhas (locks), Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, and the psychological effects of yoga.
Satyananda Yoga Academy North America presents the classes for this course in a nine-day intensive. The home study & practice section is 18 weeks long.
Yogic Studies 2b
Yogic Studies 2b explores the Bhagavad Gita, the therapeutic uses of yoga, and the social applications of yoga. It also incorporates more advanced practices and techniques.
Satyananda Yoga Academy North America presents the classes for this course in a nine-day intensive. The home study & practice section is 18 weeks long.
Yogic Studies Equivalencies / Recognition of Prior Learning
Satyananda Yoga Academy North America recognizes the courses offered by other Satyananda Yoga campuses and the training provided by other styles and programs.
The Yogic Studies courses are equivalent but not identical throughout the world; for example, in North America the history unit "Yoga in North America" replaces Australasia's "Yoga in Australia." The courses are broken down differently to meet the needs of different cultures with vastly dissimilar amounts of vacation time, health care coverage, and public assistance. For example, in one location, Yogic Studies is split into 1a and 1b, and in another, Yogic Studies 1 is offered as one lengthy unit.
The equivalencies among different branches are delineated below:
| SYA Australasia | SYA North America |
| Yogic Studies 1a | Yogic Studies 1a |
| Yogic Studies 1a & 1b | Yogic Studies 1a, 1b, and 1c |
| Yogic Studies 2a | Yogic Studies 2a |
| Yogic Studies 2b | Yogic Studies 2b |
| SYA India | SYA North America |
| 4 month certificate course | Yogic Studies 1a & 1b |
We honor Swami Niranjanananda's recommendation that everyone, regardless of experience, start at the beginning when going through this extensive program. Yogic Studies courses rely heavily on practices and terminology unique to the Satyananda style, a living tradition which draws on a centuries-old lineage of teachers, yet is constantly adapting to meet the current needs of society. We also recognize that experience and other training programs provide valuable learning opportunities about yoga. We offer RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) to those who have undertaken other yoga training programs or have extensive experience in Satyananda Yoga. A candidate who successfully applies for RPL may be excused from attending the classroom portion of a module, may be eligible to forego home study and practice and go directly to the assessments for a particular course, or may be excused from a module altogether.
- Yogic Studies 1a is available for RPL for those with teacher training experience and/or some Satyananda Yoga experience.
- Yogic Studies 1b is available for RPL only for those with a strong background in Satyananda Yoga.
- Yogic Studies 1c, 2a, and 2b are not available for RPL.
For more details on RPL, please contact the Atma Center.
Yogic Studies Subjects
Asana
includes practice and understanding of yogic postures, especially those unique to the Satyananda system, such as the Pawanmuktasana series. The difficulty of the asana increases throughout the five Yogic Studies modules; however, emphasis is given on how to adapt poses for each individual situation. Thus, physical prowess is not a requirement.
Pranayama
is also progressively developed through the modules. A variety of basic, balancing, tranquilizing, and vitalizing practices will be presented. Pranayama practices are a strong feature of both Satyananda Yoga and this course.
Shatkarmas
are the core cleansing practices of hatha yoga. The modules cover theory, practice, and integration of these techniques into daily life.
Yoga Nidra
is a guided awareness technique with profound physical and mental benefits. In Australia, this term is trademarked and only applies to the practice as set out by Swami Satyananda's landmark 1976 book and further developed over the last 30 years by experienced Satyananda teachers. In the USA the term can not be trademarked; SYA North America is the only teaching location designated through the Satyananda tradition to impart this powerful practice and continue adapting it to the needs of modern society. Yoga Nidra is explored in depth over through all the Yogic Studies modules.
Meditation
covers several types of practices, recognizing that different techniques are suited to different personality types.
Mudra and Bandha
explore the gestures and locks used to redirect and focus the vital energy.
Yogic History, Philosophy, and Culture
provides an understanding of how yoga's cultural origins and underlying philosophies affect its modern application. As Swami Niranjanananda, the current chancellor of the Bihar Yoga Bharati, explains, "Philosophy without practice is meaningless, but practice without philosophy is equally futile."
Yogic Physiology
examines the subtle dimensions and energy systems of the human organism from a yogic perspective. This unit includes nadis, prana, chakras, tattwas and gunas.
Yogic Psychology
covers the yogic view of consciousness, awareness, mind, perception and cognition, personality, intellect, and emotions. It provides practical tools for managing the mind and examines the therapeutic effects of yoga practices.
Anatomy and Physiology
provides a basic understanding of the major systems of the human body, with a special emphasis on applying this knowledge to increase the safety and efficacy of yoga practices.
Yogic Nutrition
examines traditional yogic diet and lifestyle, and how these sustain health and yoga practice.
Introduction to Ayurveda
presents the core concepts of Ayurveda, a science of living which emphasizes preventative health.
Social Applications of Yoga
investigates the application of yoga to various situations, settings, and populations.
Integration of Yogic Principles
provides a working knowledge of how to incorporate yoga more fully into daily life. This unit also gives insight into the workings of traditional yoga ashrams and modern yoga centers.
Booklists for Yogic Studies
The required and recommended items for each Yogic Studies course are listed here. Please note that older editions of the books may be missing some updated information, or the pagination may be different than the current volumes.
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