The Philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga

100hr Course

From the director of Mysore Yoga Traditions Film

Yoga is an ancient science for cultivating all aspects of a human being. It is an exploration of the very essence of who and what we are. This course can change the way you look at life.

Most serious yoga students feel drawn to connect with the roots of the yoga they practice. This is a heartfelt journey home for Ashtanga practitioners. This course is the culmination of many years of study with the yoga community of Mysore India. It addresses one simple but profound question. “What is the world view and spiritual background that Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga came from, and how can we connect with it?”

Listen t0 the elders

Learn the philosophical background of yoga in this 100hr Online Training with the Sanskrit community of Mysore! This course has been made possible through ongoing studies and friendships with the Sanskrit community of Mysore. The Mysore Yoga Traditions Team is dedicated to honoring, preserving and documenting the great scholars of Mysore and the profound wisdom they share. Join our international community as we engage in a sincere study of yoga’s profound wisdom. If you practice Ashtanga Yoga or any other style of yoga for that matter, and want to learn more about the background and core philosophy of the yoga you practice, you will love this course! Mysore has been a centre for higher education and yoga studies for hundreds of years and today it is home to some of the most renowned philosophers in India. Take a journey into the roots of the tradition as we listen to the profound intellectuals of Mysore give the essence of Indian philosophy. Open your heart and evolve your world view as you learn ancient knowledge systems designed to stabilize and strengthen our minds, making our practice of yoga far more complete than simply doing physical exercise.

Sri Lakshmithathacharya Swami

A legendary scholar, spiritual leader and Acharya of Nathamuni Sampradaya for many decades. The late Swami was a national treasure in India.

Dr. M. A. Alwar

Current Acharya of Nathamuni Sampradaya, Senior Professor at the Maharaja’s Sanskrit College, PHD in Nyaya Philosophy, author, manuscriptologist, legendary Sanskrit scholar.

Sri BNS Iyengar

The oldest living teacher of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Sri BNS Iyengar was the founder of Mysore Yoga Traditions and has taught Asana, Pranayama and Philosophy to thousands of students from countries around the world.

Andrew Eppler

Producer and director of Mysore Yoga Traditions Film, organiser of Mysore Yoga Conference, student of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and Indian philosophy.

Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao

Dr. Nagaraj Rao has taught Sanskrit in universities all around the world. Specializing in Sanskrit grammar and poetry, Dr. Rao was a considered a child prodigy is his youth. His razor sharp wit and humor are world famous.

Dr. M. A. Narasimhan

Legendary teacher of Indian Knowledge systems, master of Transcendental Meditation, philosophy teacher of thousands of international yoga students in Mysore.

Dr. T. R. S. Sharma

An early student of Sri Krishnamacharya, Etymologist, Scholar of all philosophies worldwide, Shakespeare teacher for over 40 years, author of countless books.

Dr. M. Jayaraman

Professor & Dean in the Division of Yoga and Spirituality, SVYASA University, Director of Textual Research at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai, author of more than 20 books on yoga and spirituality.

Dr. M. A Jayashree and Dr. M. A. Narasimhan

Together Jayashree and Narasimhan, an inseparable brother and sister team have taught chanting and philosophy to thousands of international yoga students on Mysore. They the the founders of the Anantha Foundation and teach Indian philosophy worldwide.

The great teachers above carry the true spirit of yoga in Mysore and can convey teachings that will stay with you for life.

Learn about the six classical Indian philosophies with Sri Lakshmithathacharya Swami. He is no longer with us, but he served for many long years as the Acharya of Nathamuni Sampradaya which is the same tradition that Sri Krishnamacharya came from. Swamiji came from a 1000 year old tradition with an unbroken lineage of knowledge being passed from father to eldest son. Learn the foundations of Indian thought from the same tradition that gave us the asana practices we have come to love so much.

In order to understand yoga in depth it is necessary to learn about the other philosophies connected to it because there is constant cross reference. In this comprehensive course we will take a journey deep into Indian thought and culture with renowned Sanskrit scholars who have decades of experience with the texts they are teaching.

Get is an overview of Indian philosophy and thought taught by a number of Mysore’s most renowned scholars.

Indian Philosophy deals with all the great questions of life. Within the Indian knowledge systems we can find many ideas about life and how to navigate the enjoyment and suffering that life inevitably brings. What happens when we die, the nature of the soul, the nature of god, whether god exists or not - all these things have been debated for centuries in India. While religion is based on faith, philosophy is based on experience. We are all in a process of development! Studying the great knowledge of the ancients can help us to understand life better and develop our own authentic ideas about spirituality. Lets take a journey together as an international, multicultural group of sincere yoga practitioners as we search for truth and evolution!

Learn about classical yoga texts with yogic scholars who have a lifetime of experience and can explain very clearly how these texts relate to everyday life.
Get an authentic overview of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and how it developed in Mysore.
Understand Indian thought and culture.
Get inside the mindset of Mysore’s yoga community and develop authenticity in your understanding and teaching of yoga.
Find out the answers to your questions regarding the origins of asana practice in Mysore.
Get a direct transmission of yogic knowledge from profound and brilliant philosophers.
Learn the philosophy and world view of the sect of yogis which Sri Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga belonged to.
Participate in monthly live discussions.
Take up to 12 months to complete the program.
Get a 100hr certificate from Ashtanga Yoga Studio, Samskriti Foundation in Mysore and Yoga Alliance.
If you want to have your final exam with Sri Alwar there is an exam fee $108

Andrew Epper will be available for monthly live discussions and can relay questions to the teachers when needed. The final exam will be conducted by Dr. M. A. Alwar, otherwise known as Sri Alwar Swami, Acharya of Nathamuni Sampradaya.

Price of the course $499

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MONTHLY Payment Plan: 8 payments of $67

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