£110
This course introduces yoga as presented in the Haṭhapradīpikā – an influential 15th century text. Haṭhapradīpikā is one of the most popular and influential works on yoga. It presents a range of practices derived from previous traditions. In this course we examine both the philosophical and practical aspects of yoga as described in the Haṭhapradīpikā. We will learn key concepts such as āsana, prāṇāyāma, and samādhi, and will gain a broad overview of the traditions and texts behind the Haṭhapradīpikā.
COURSE DETAILS
This course introduces yoga as presented in the Haṭhapradīpikā – an influential 15th century text. Haṭhapradīpikā is one of the most popular and influential works on yoga. It presents a range of practices derived from previous traditions. In this course we examine both the philosophical and practical aspects of yoga as described in the Haṭhapradīpikā. We will learn key concepts such as āsana, prāṇāyāma, and samādhi, and will gain a broad overview of the traditions and texts behind the Haṭhapradīpikā.
Session One: Context – Yoga, yogis, and Haṭhapradīpikā
We start with a look at the historical context for the Haṭhapradīpikā. We learn what the text says about yoga and yogis.
Key concepts: Śaivism, Śāktism, Vaiṣṇavism, Early and classical haṭhayoga. (Siddhas and Munis)
Session Two: Tantric yoga and the Nāth Sampradāya
In this session we examine the foundations of haṭhayoga in the Haṭhapradīpikā. We establish the influence of the early gurus of the Nāth Sampradāya. We then look at the tantric background for the Haṭhapradīpikā and the Nāth Sampradāya. We answer the questions: What is yoga? Who were the practitioners of haṭhayoga?
Key concepts: Nāth Sampradāya and the Siddhas, layayoga, mantrayoga, haṭhayoga, rājayoga, Right and left hand tantra.
Session Three: Chapter one – Āsana
In the first chapter Svātmārāma describes the general rules and lifestyle of a yogi along with various āsanas and their benefits.
Key concepts: Āsana, yama, niyama.
Session Four: Chapter two – Prāṇāyāma
In this chapter Svātmārāma focuses on prāṇāyāma and the effects of correct practice of prāṇāyāma.
Key concepts: prāṇa, kumbhaka, yogic physiology, karmans, bandhas.
Session Five: Chapter three – Yogic seals and the yogic body
The third chapter investigates the yogic physiology on a deeper level and is highly focused on esoteric techniques for awakening the kuṇḍalinī.
Key concepts: Kuṇḍalinī, cakra, mudrā, nādayoga, bindu, rasa
Session Six: Chapter four – Samādhi and the goals of yoga
This session will focus on the mental aspects of yoga, and the goal of yoga as presented in the Haṭhapradīpikā.
Key concepts: samādhi, dhyāna, mokṣa, rājayoga, layayoga.
Session Seven: Yoga practice in the Haṭhapradīpikā
We conclude with a broad description of yoga practice is in the Haṭhapradīpikā. We also see how this relates to modern yoga – both living traditional haṭhayoga and “modern” haṭhayoga.
HOW IT WORKS
Course delivery is 100% online
Seven weekly sessions
Study in your own time
Your tutor is available by email and forums
You can communicate online with your fellow students
All course materials are delivered via the web
Student forums with tutor participation
Recorded lectures available in video and mp3 format
Lecture notes available online and as pdf
Audio interviews with specialists in Hindu Studies
Supplementary materials taken from the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies teaching and research programme
Assessment is optional and is on the basis of successful completion of a single essay of 2000 words, with the exception of Introduction to Sanskrit which is assessed on weekly course work.
Courses can be completed in as little as seven weeks. There is a final deadline for essays of twelve weeks from the beginning of the course.