Accessible Yoga Philosophy | Putting Philosophy into Practice | Teacher Training
Daniel Simpson | 1 February - 16 March 2024 | 30 hours | Price: £395
On demand content is released each week from 1 February 2024 and Livestream sessions start 2 March – see dates below. Please note that you can sign up at any point in February but need to allow enough time to do the on demand section of the course ahead of the interactive livestream sessions.
Yoga philosophy is as relevant to practitioners today as any time in history. The aim of this course is to bring yoga philosophy to life in an engaging way without losing the authenticity of the tradition or oversimplifying it. The training delves into how yoga has evolved over the centuries, links this contemporary practice, considers context and provides a deeper understanding of its roots. The course is accessible to anyone, including those with no philosophy experience.
The course format is a fresh and contemporary approach to studying this topic, providing time for insightful reflections on our priorities and a deeper engagement with wisdom traditions. This facilitates a clearer understanding of why we do what we do, both as practitioners and teachers. Daniel’s approach to teaching combines scholarly knowledge with humour and insight, making Yoga Philosophy accessible and relevant to teachers and practitioners today.
We asked Daniel Simpson some questions in a recent video. Watch it HERE to learn what makes this training especially distinctive.
This course can be attended as a stand-alone course or as an optional module on our Yoga Alliance accredited 300-hour programme.
Course Overview
Explore the main themes that shaped yoga’s development with Daniel Simpson. Building on ideas from his book The Truth of Yoga, you will delve into the links between philosophy and practice, as well as examining the many different ways they have been woven together. Through a mix of online study and livestream discussions, you will be able to reflect on your own role in this ongoing fusion of philosophy and practice, and see how this shapes what you teach. This is an accessible and relevant course for all yoga teachers and practitioners who wish to find deeper connection to the philosophy and history of yoga.
You will learn through a mixture of on-demand videos (12 hours, to be studied over a month) and 8 hours of livestream discussions, which focus on links between traditional teachings and how we live today. There are also 10 hours of self-study, including reading and journaling, plus a final assignment (with written and spoken options) that develops a connection to yoga philosophy.

Course Content
For the first month of the course, on-demand modules are released each week, consisting of:
- 3 hours of audiovisual content
- quizzes and journal prompts to consolidate learning
- forums for discussions and questions
- access to recorded Q&A sessions with Daniel
The on-demand modules cover four phases of history and philosophy:
Session 1: Ancient Foundations
How old is yoga really? Do the Vedas teach yoga? Are ascetics and yogis related?
Session 2: Classical Teachings
Why doesn’t yoga mean union? Is renouncing the basis of practice? Are detachment and action compatible?
Session 3: Physical Practice
How “real” are cakras? Is haṭha forceful or gentle? Why do yogis turn upside down?
Session 4: Evolving Traditions
Is modern yoga really gymnastics? Who’s appropriated what and from where? What defines authenticity and why?
Sessions 5-8: Livestream Sessions
In these four livestream sessions we have an opportunity for discussions, exploring ways of putting teachings into practice and finding an authentic connection to yoga philosophy. The training aims to be respectful of traditions while simultaneously acknowledging modern priorities. It’s informed by the latest research, presented in a format designed for practitioners. Overall, it will give you a clearer understanding of how today’s yoga relates to the past, why practices change, and how to integrate philosophy into your life. It also offers some reflections on how you might discuss this material with your students.

Teacher Bio
Daniel Simpson
Yoga Philosophy Teacher
Daniel Simpson is the author of The Truth of Yoga, an accessible guide to yoga history and philosophy. His approach is engaging and fun, combining scholarly knowledge with humour and insight, while exploring the links between traditional wisdom and modern priorities.
Daniel first encountered yoga in India in the 1990s, and has returned for frequent visits since then. He has studied extensively with teachers in Rishikesh, Pune and Mysore, among other places, as well as attending the Maha Kumbh Mela – the world’s biggest pilgrimage.
He holds an MA in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation from SOAS in London, having earlier studied history at Cambridge before a career as a foreign correspondent. He now teaches courses at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, and contributes to yoga teacher trainings in the UK and internationally.

Course Dates
The course has the following modules scheduled:
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Thursday 1 February 2024 Module 1 release
ON DEMAND (to be watched by the following Saturday)
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Thursday 1 February 2024 Module 1 release
Introduction session 6:30-7:30pm
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Saturday 10 February 2024 Module 2 release
ON DEMAND (to be watched the following Saturday)
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Saturday 17 February 2024 Module 3 release
ON DEMAND (to be watched by the following Saturday)
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Saturday 24 February 2024 Module 4 release
ON DEMAND (to be watched by the following Saturday)
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Saturday 2 March 2024 LIVESTREAM 1
11-1 pm
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Saturday 2 March 2024 LIVESTREAM 2
2-4pm
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Saturday 9 March 2024 LIVESTREAM 3
11-1pm
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Saturday 9 March 2024 LIVESTREAM 4
2-4pm
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Saturday 16 March 2024 Assignment Due Date
Pricing
- £395 (includes ON DEMAND pre-recorded content + 4 LIVESTREAM ONLINE sessions + final PROJECT ASSIGNMENT)
- A non-refundable deposit of £150 is required on booking
- You may attend this module as a stand alone YA accredited course or as part of our 300-hour programme.
- To reserve your place, please >>click the BOOK button below or at the top of the page>> click BOOK NOW >> sign in or input your details and choose payment method
- If you do not pay in full, please ensure that you save your credit card details so we can process the final payment of £245. This will happen 21 days before the start of the course and a receipt will be sent to you when the payment has been taken.
- In order for the balance to be processed, please ensure that you save your card details and opt for the direct debit option. If you prefer to pay by the credit card option then this incurs a 2.4% charge. Receipts will be sent to you when the payments are taken.
- 300 hour students get a 10% discount on this training if they have booked three trainings with us including the core. Email us if this is the case and the discount will be applied when the balance is taken
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