UNIT- I Fundamentals of Yoga: History and Various Schools of Yoga
- History and Development of Yoga; Meaning & Definitions, Misconceptions, Aim and Objectives of Yoga.
- Introduction to Vedas, Upanishads and Prasthanatrayee; Concept of Purushartha Chatushtaya
- Basic concepts of Shad-darshanas- Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics and Liberation with special emphasis to Samkhya, Yoga and Vedanta Darshana.
- Introduction to Epics and Smriti- yoga in Ramayana (Aranyakand), Mahabharata (Shantiparva) and Yajnavalkya Smriti
- Brief introduction and yogic contribution of Maharshi Patanjali and Guru Gorakshanath Traditions.
- Yoga in Narada Bhaktisutra and Yoga in the Literature of Saints- Kabirdas, Tulasidas and Surdas.
- Yoga in Modern Times: Yogic Traditions of Swami Vivekananda, Shri Aurobindo; Maharshi Ramana and Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
- Yoga in Contemporary Times: Brief Introduction of Sri Shyamacharan Lahidi ,Sri T. Krishnamacharya, Swami Shivanada Saraswati, Swami Rama of Himalayas, Maharshi
- Mahesh Yogi, Pt. Sri Ram Sharma Acharya and their contribution for the development and promotion of Yoga.
- Introduction to Jnanayoga, Bhaktiyoga, Karmayoga, Rajayoga, Hathayoga and Mantra Yoga
- Elements of Yoga in Jainism and Buddhism.
UNIT- II Yogic Texts- I: Principal Upanishads, BhagavadGita, Yoga Vasishtha
Principal Upanishads
- Brief Introduction of Ten Principal Upanishads.
- Ishavasyopanishad:Concept of Karmanishta; Concept of Vidya and Avidya; Knowledge of Brahman; Atma Bhava.
- KenaUpanishad: Self and the Mind; Intuitive realization of the truth; Moral of Yaksha Upakhyana.
- KathaUpanishad: Definition of Yoga; Nature of Soul; Importance of Self Realization.
- Prashna Upanishad: Concept of Prana and rayi (creation); Panchapranas; The six main questions;
- Mundaka Upanishad: Two approaches to Brahma- Vidya- Para and Apara; The greatness of Brahmavidya; Worthlessness of Selfish-karma; Tapas and Gurubhakti; The origin of creation, the ultimate aim of Meditation- Brahmanubhuti.
- Mandukya Upanishad: Four States of Consciousness and their relation to syllables in Omkara.
- Aitareya Upanishad: Concept of Atma, Universe and Brahman.
- Taittiriya Upanishad: Concept of Pancha Kosha; Summary of Shiksha Valli, AnandaValli, Bhriguvalli.
- Chhandogya Upanishad: Om (udgitha) Meditation; Shandilyavidya.
- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: Concept of Atman and Jnana Yoga; Union of Atman and Paramatman
Bhagavad Gita
- General Introduction to Bhagavad Gita, Definitions of Yoga, their relevance & Scope; Essentials of Bhagavad Gita – meanings of the terms Atmaswarupa, Stithaprajna, Sankhya Yoga (Chpt.II), Karma Yoga (Chpt.III ), Samnyasa Yoga and Karma Swarupa (Sakama and Nishkama) Samnyasa, Dhyana Yogas (Chpt. VI); Types of Bhakta(Chpt. VII) Nature of Bhakti (Chpt.XII), Means and End of Bhakti-Yoga; The Trigunas and nature of Prakriti; Three Kinds of Faith. Food for Yoga-Sadhaka, Classification of food (Chpt.XIV & XVII) Daivasura-Sampad-Vibhaga Yoga (Chpt.XVI);Moksa-SamnyasaYoga (Chpt. XVIII)
Yoga Vasishtha
- Salient features of Yoga Vashitha, Concept of Adhis and Vyadhis; Psychosomatic Ailments; The four Dwarpaals to Freedom; How Sukha is attained in the Highest State of Bliss; Practices to overcome the Impediments of Yoga; Development of Satvaguna; Eightlimbs of Meditation; Jnana Saptabhumika.
UNIT- III Yogic texts- II: Yoga Upanishads:
- Swetaswataropanishad: (Chapter II) Techniques and Importance of Dhyanyoga, suitable place for Dhyana, sequence of pranayama & its importance, Prior symptoms of Yogasiddhis, Importance of Yogasiddhis , Tattvajna, (ChapterVI) Nature of God, techniques for Realization, Attainment of liberation.
- Yogakundali Upanishad: Methods of Pranayama Siddhi, Types of Pranayama, means of Self -realization.
- Yogachudamadi Upanishad: The description of the six limbs of yoga, their results and sequence
- Trishikhibrahmanopanishad: description of Ashtangayoga, Karmayoga and Jnanayoga.
- Yogatattva Upnishad: Mantrayoga, Layayoga, Hathyoga, Rajayoga and their stages, diet and Dincharya, primary symptoms of yoga siddhis and precautions.
- Dhyanbindoopanishad: importance of Dhyanayoga, Nature of Pranav, Techniques of Pranav meditation, Shadangyoga, Atmadarshan through Nadanusandhan.
- Nadabindoopanishad: Hansavidya : description of various limbs of Omkar, 12 matras of omkar and its results of their application with Pranas, Types of nadas, nature of nadanusandhan sadhana, state of Manolaya.
- Yogarajopnishad: Mantrayoga, Layayoga, Hathayoga, Rajayoga, nine chakras, procedures of Dhyana and its results.
UNIT- IV Patanjala Yoga Sutra
- SAMADHI PAADA : Yoga, meaning & Nature of yoga; Concept of Chitta, Chitta-Bhumis, Chitta-Vrittis, Chitta-Vrittinirodhopaya, Abhyasa and Vairagya as the tools, Concept of Bhavapratyaya & Upaypratayaya, Sadhan Panchak, Chitta-Vikshepas (Antaraya), Ektattva Abhyasa,Chitta-prasadanam. Types and nature of Samadhi: Adhyatmaprasada and Ritambharaprajna; Samprajnata, Asamprajnata, Sabeeja & Nirbeeja Samadhi, Difference between Samapattis and Samadhi; Concept of Ishwara and attributes of Ishwara, Process of Ishwarapranidhana.
- SADHANA PAADA: Concept of Kriya Yoga , theory of Kleshas ; Concept of Karmashaya and Karmvipaka, Nature of dhukha, Concept of Chaturvyuhavada, Drishyanirupanam, Drasthanirupanam, Prakriti-Purusha Samyoga; Brief Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga; Yama- Niyama; Concept of Vitarka & Mahavrata; Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara and their siddhis.
- VIBHUTI PAADA: Introduction of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi, Nature of Sanyama; Concept of Chitta samskara, Parinamatraya and vibhutis.
- KAIVALYA PAADA: Five means of Siddhis, concept of Nirman Chitta, Importance of siddhis achieved through Samadhi, Four types of Karmas; Concept of Vasana; Dharmamegh Samadhi and its result, Viveka Khyati Nirupanam, Kaivalya Nirvachana.
UNIT-V Hatha Yoga texts
- Introduction to Hatha Yoga and Hatha Yoga Texts. Yoga Beeja, Goraksha Samhita, Vashishtha Samhita, Shiva Samhita, Siddhasiddhantapaddhati, Hatha Pradeepika, Gheranda Samhita and Hatha Ratnavali. Aim & objectives,misconceptions about Hathayoga, prerequisites of Hathayoga (dasha yama and dasha niyama),Sadhaka and Badhaka tattvas in Hathayoga; Concept of Ghata, Ghatashuddhi, Concept and importance of Shodhana kriyas in Hathayoga; Importance of Shodhana kriyas in health and disease; Concept of Matha, Mitaahara, Rules & Regulations to be followed by Hatha Yoga Sadhakas;
- Asanas in Hatha Texts: Definition, pre requisites and special features of Yoga-asana; Asanas in Hatha Pradeepika, Hatha Ratnavali, Shiv Samhita, Vasishtha Samhita,Gheranda Samhita- benefits, precautions and contra indications of different Asanas;
- Pranayama in Hatha Texts: – Concept of Prana and Pranayama; Pranayama-its phases and stages; Prerequisites of Pranayama in Hathayoga Sadhana; Pranayama in Hatha Pradeepika, Gheranda Samhita; Shiv Samhita, Vashishtha Samhita-benefits, precautions and contra indications of different Pranayama.
- Bandha, Mudra and other practices: Concept and definition of Bandha and Mudras in Hatha Pradeepika, Hatha Ratnavali and Gheranda Samhita; Shiv Samhita, Vashishtha Samhita- benefits, precautions and contra indications. Concept, definition, benefits and Techniques of Pratyahara, Dhyana in Gheranda Samhita; Concept and benefits of Nada and Nadanusandhana in Hatha Pradeepika, Four (stages) Avasthas of Nadanusandhana; Relationship between Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga; Goal of Hatha Yoga. Relevance of Hatha Yoga in contemporary times.
UNIT-VI General Psychology
Introduction to Altered States of Consciousness
- Sleep: Stages of Sleep, Sleep Disorders;
- Behavioural Psychology: Psychology as a Science of Behaviour; Psychological basis of behaviour;
- Personality: Nature and Types of Personality; Determinants of Personality: Heredity and Environment; Facets and Stages of Personality Development;
- Cognitive Psychology: Sensation, Perception, Attention, Memory, Learning: Their definitions and types,
- Mental Health; Causes and Consequences of Mental Conflicts and Frustrations; Introduction to Common mental disorders: Insomnia, Depression, Stress, Anxiety disorders
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to cell, tissue, organs and systems; Basic cell physiology-Cell- Introduction, Cell Organelles, Cell membrane, Movement of the substances and water through the cell membrane, Bioelectric potentials.
- Musculoskeletal systems: Skeleton – names of all bones, joints and muscles, cartilage, tendon and ligaments, types of bone, joints and their functions; spine, muscles and their functions; Skeletal muscles – Properties of skeletal muscles, Muscular contraction and relaxation, Neuromuscular junction, Sarcotubular system, Smooth muscle- mechanism of contraction
- Digestive and excretory system: Anatomy of digestive system, excretory system (component organs) and their functions; Gastro intestinal system- General structure of alimentary canal, Gastric secretion, Pancreatic secretion, Gastric motility-digestive peristalsis Gastrointestinal hormones.
- Renal physiology- Structure of kidney, Nephrons, Juxtra glomerular filtrate, Reabsorption, Secretion-mechanism of secretion, Concentrating and diluting mechanism of urine, Dialysis
- Nervous system and glands: Structure and properties of neurons, subdivisions of nervous system and their functions, types of glands (endocrine and exocrine glands), important endocrine and exocrine glands and types of hormones their functions.
- Sensory nervous system, Motor nervous system, Higher functions of the nervous system, Synapse, Reflexes Cerebrospinal fluid, Blood brain and blood CSF barrier
- Cardiovascular and respiratory system: Components of cardiovascular and respiratory system; functions of cardiovascular and respiratory system; Circulatory system- Functional anatomy of the heart, Properties of cardiac muscles, Conducting system of the heart, Pressure changes during cardiac cycles, Capillary circulation, Arterial and venous blood pressure; Respiratory system-Mechanism of breathing, Ventilation, Regulation of respiration, Transport of gases, Hypoxia, Artificial ventilation, Non respiratory functions of the lungs
- Immune system: Component organs of immune system, Functions of immune system; Endocrinology-Endocrine glands, hormones, their functions;
- Reproductive system: Anatomy of male and female reproductive systems
Diet and Nutrition
- Basic concepts and components of food and nutrition Understanding Nutrition, Basic Terminology in Relation to Nutrition Requirement, Human Nutritional Requirements; Concept of food, Acceptance of Food, Functions of Food; Components of Food & their Classification; Macro Nutrients –Sources, Functions and Effects on the Body; Micro Nutrients – Sources, Functions and Effects on the Body; Fat Soluble Nutrients – Sources, Functions and Effects on the Body; Water soluble Nutrients – Sources, Functions and Effects on the Body; Significance of Carbohydrate, Proteins, Lipids, Vitamins, Minerals and water, Excessive and deficiency diseases of nutrients in the body; Antioxidants and their Role;
- Yogic concept of diet and its relevance in the management of lifestyle
- Nutrients, proximate principles of diet, balanced diet concept; Carbohydrates, proteins, fats – sources, nutritive values, importance; Minerals-calcium, iron, phosphorus etc. Vitamins – sources, roles, requirements
- Food groups.
- Cereals & Millets –Selection, Preparation and Nutritive Value; Pulses, Nuts and Oil Seeds- Selection, Preparation and Nutritive Value; Milk and Milk Products- Selection, Preparation and Nutritive Value; Vegetables and Fruits- Selection, Preparation and Nutritive Value, Fats, Oils and Sugar, Jaggery, Honey, sprouts- Selection, Preparation and Nutritive Value
- Food and metabolism. Energy- Basic Concepts, Definition and Components of Energy Requirement, Energy Imbalance Concept of Metabolism, Anabolism, Catabolism, Calorie Requirement-BMR, SDA, Physical Activity; Metabolism of Carbohydrates, Lipids and Protein; Factors Affecting Energy; Requirement and Expenditure, Factors affecting BMR.
UNIT-VII Yoga and Health
- Definition & Importance of Health According to WHO; Dimensions of Health: Physical, Mental, Social and Spiritual;
- Concepts of Trigunas, Pancha-mahabhutas, Pancha-prana and their role in Health and Healing; Concept of Pancha-koshas & Shat-chakra and their role in Health and Healing;
- Role of Yoga in preventive health care – Yoga as a way of life, Heyamdukhamanagatam; Potential causes of Ill-health: Tapatrayas and Kleshas, Physical and Physiological manifestation of Disease: Vyadhi, Alasya, Angamejayatva and Ssvasa-prashvasa.
- Mental and Emotional ill Health: Styana, Samshaya, Pramada, Avirati, Bhranti-darsana, Alabdha-bhumikatva, Anavasthitatva, Duhkha and Daurmanasya
- Yogic Diet – General Introduction of Ahara; Concept of Mitahara; Classification in Yogic diet according to traditional Yoga texts; Diet according to the body constitution (Prakriti) – Vata, Pitta and Kapha as also Gunas.
- Concepts of Diet: Pathya and Apathya according to Gheranda Samhita, Hathapradeepikaand Bhagavad Gita; Importance of Yogic Diet in Yog Sadhana and its role in healthy living; Diet according to the body constitution (Prakriti) – Vata, Pitta and Kapha as also Gunas.
- Yogic Principles of Healthy Living: Ahara, Vihara, Achara and Vichara; Role of Yogic Positive Attitudes (Maitri, Karuna, Mudita and Upeksha) for Healthy Living, Concept of Bhavas and Bhavanas with its relevance in Health and well-being.
UNIT-VIII Therapeutic Yoga
- Yogic Practice – Management of the diseases through suitable yogic practices – Yogic diet, Yama and Niyama, Shatkarma, Asanas, Pranayama; Meditation; changes in lifestyle according to yogic scriptures.
- Integrated Approach of Yoga therapy for the following Common Ailments:
- Respiratory disorders – Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis: Chronic Bronchitis, Bronchial asthama
- Cardiovascular disorders: Hypertension, Angina pectoris, Cardiac asthma:
- Endocrinal and Metabolic Disorder – Diabetes Mellitus, Hypo and Hyper- Thyroidism; Obesity: Metabolic Syndrome
- Obstetrics and Gynecological Disorders, Menstrual Disorders: Dysmenorrhea, Menopause and peri-menopausal syndrome: Yoga for Pregnancy and Childbirth, Ante-natal care, Post-natal care.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastritis, Indigestion, Peptic Ulcers, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colitis, Piles.
- Muscular-Skeletal Disorders: Back Pain, Intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP) Lumbar Spondylosys, Cervical Spondylosis, , Arthritis
- Neurological Disorders: Migraine, Tension-headache, Epilepsy
- Psychiatric Disorders: Neurosis, Anxiety disorders, Phobias, Depression.
UNIT-IX Applications of Yoga
- Applied Philosophy: Yoga as Applied philosophy; Meaning, definition and nature of consciousness as described in Vedas,, Upanishads, Bhagwad Gita, Yogasutra and Yogavashishtha; Spiritual and scientific approach to human consciousness. Yogic Method of elevation of human consciousness: Bhaktiyoga, Jnanyoga, Karmayoga, Mantrayoga, Ashtangayoga, Hathayoga.
- Yoga in Education: Salient features of Yoga Education, Factors of Yoga Education; Teacher, Student and Teaching, Value based education- Meaning and definition, types of values.
- Teaching Methodology in Yoga: Teaching and Learning: Concepts and Relationship between the two; Principles of Teaching: Meaning and scope of Teaching methods and factors influencing them; Teaching techniques- Individual, group and mass
- Essentials of Good Lesson Plan: concepts, needs, planning of teaching Yoga (Shodhanakriya, Asana, Mudra, Pranayama & Meditation)
- Models of Lesson Plan; need for a lesson plan and content plan; Eight Step method of Introduction as developed in Kaivalyadhama.
- Evaluation methods of an ideal Yoga class; Methods of customizing Yoga class to meet individual needs. The student will have demonstrations and training in the above-mentioned aspects of teaching methods.
- Yoga classroom: Essential features, Area, Sitting arrangement in Yoga class, Student’s approach to the teacher: Pranipaata; Pariprashna; Seva; (BG 4.34)
UNIT-X Practical Yoga
- Yogic Practices – Shatkarma, Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, Dhyana, Surya Namaskara (Techniques, Salient Features, Benefits)
- Shatkarmas: Vamandhauti, Vastradhauti, Dandadhauti, Laghoo and Poorna sankhaprakshalana, Neti (Sutra and Jala), Kapalbhati(Vaatkrama,Vyutakrama & Sheetkarma), Agnisara, Nauli, Tratak
- Suryanamaskar- Suryanamaskar must be practiced traditionally
- Asanas (yogic postures) Standing Postures-Ardhakatichakrasana, Padahastasana, Ardhachakrasana, Trikonasana, Parivrittatrikonasana, Parsvakonasana, Veerasana.
- Sitting postures-Paschimottanasana, Suptavajrasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Vakrasana, Baddhakonasana, Merudandasana, Akarnadhanurasana, Gomukhasana,
- Prone postures- Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Urdhvamukhosvanasana, Makarasana,
- Supine postures- Halasana, Chakrasana, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Shavasana, Setubandhasana,
- Balancing postures- Vrikshasana, Garudasana, Namaskarasana, Tittibhasana, Natrajasana
- Pranayama: Breath awareness, Sectional breathing, Nadishuddhi, Suryabhedan, , Ujjai , Sitali, Sitkari, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Bahyavritti, Abhyantarvritti, Stambhavritti Pranayama
- Practices leading to Meditation: Pranav and Soham Japa, Yoga Nidra, Antarmauna, Ajapa Jap, Practices leading to Breath Meditation, Practices leading to Om Meditation, Practices leading to Vipassana Meditation, Practices leading to Preksha Meditation
- Bandhas and Mudras: Mula Bandha, Jalandhara Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, Maha Bandha, Yoga Mudra, Maha Mudra, Shanmukhi Mudra, Tadagi Mudra, VipareetKarni Mudra
- Contemporary Yogic Practices – Yogic Sukshma Vyayama (Swami Dheerandra Brahmchari), Cyclic Meditation (S-VYASA); Mind Sound Resonance Technique (S-VYASA); Transcendental Meditation (Maharshi Mahesh Yogi); Yoga Nidra (BSY); Savita Ki Dhyan Dharana (DSVV).
Ref.: ugcnetonline.in