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Yoga Vidya Subjects
Each term two subjects are offered on Yoga Vidya for the study focus. One Philosophy and one Pranayama subject are selected for those who wish to enroll. Most subjects on Yoga Vidya are presented in the learn/ study/ practice mode where students can arrange their week to
- Learn. Read and article or listen to a recorded talk by one of the Iyengar family and conventions to identify a key concept in Yoga.
- Study. Read additional texts or talks to broaden one’s understanding.
- Practice. Practise to a class recording where Alan Goode applies the principle.
Study focus subjects in Term 2, 2025 are:
Subject Summaries
Subject Summary: T-Ph04 – Abhyasa & Vairagya
T-Ph04 explores the foundational Yogic principles of abhyasa (persistent practice) and vairagya (detachment), presented by Patanjali as the twin means to still the fluctuations of consciousness. This subject invites students to investigate how these principles manifest both in their personal sadhana and their broader understanding of Yoga as a path of self-transformation. Structured across multiple parts, the subject provides an integrated experience through articles, video teachings, recorded classes, and guided reflection using Yoga Mandir’s Learn/Study/Practice model. Students engage directly with source texts from B.K.S. Iyengar, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and related commentaries to examine how sustained action and renunciation operate in dynamic relationship, both philosophically and practically, within Iyengar Yoga. Ideal for practitioners seeking depth, this subject illuminates how theory and embodied enquiry merge, encouraging a steady progression toward clarity and inner stillness.
Subject Summary: P-02 – Pranayama Setups
P-02 is a practical subject exploring the foundational setups for the practice of Pranayama in the Iyengar Yoga method. Guided by the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar, and Alan Goode, this subject introduces a progression of supported positions—supine and seated—that prepare the body and nervous system for the subtle work of breath regulation. Across six structured parts, students engage in Learn, Study, and Practice modes to understand the theory, observe the method, and experience the effects firsthand.
The subject includes instructional videos, readings, and guided classes, highlighting how to use props to support breath awareness and cultivate sensitivity. Attention is given to individual conditions such as age, stiffness, or health concerns, with modifications provided. With access over 10 weeks, students are encouraged to approach the material reflectively and revisit lessons to deepen their experience. P-02 is ideal for those seeking to refine their setup for Pranayama and to ground their practice in lineage-based teaching.
Reflective Practice
Study focus subjects are linked to the Reflective Practice-Sessions (RP-S) which are conducted in weeks aligned with the teacher development program. These RP-S are designed to bring participants together to exchange and further deepen their experiential knowledge.