The Shala London

Express interest

Please register your interest in this course so we can keep you updated.

No Thanks!

Accessible Yoga Philosophy BLENDED

Delve into a fresh perspective on the evolution of yoga, explore what connects its different practices over the centuries, and see how we can integrate yoga philosophy into our own lives and teachings on a day-to-day basis. An accessible blended (on demand and livestream) guide to yoga history and philosophy with Daniel Simpson that is suitable for yoga teachers and practitioners.

BOOK NOW

Accessible Yoga Philosophy | Putting Philosophy into Practice | Teacher Training

Daniel Simpson | 1 February - 16 March 2024 | 30 hours | Price: £375

On demand content released each week from 1 February 2024, Livestream sessions start 2 March – see dates below. 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 live sessions.

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. We will also consider how yoga evolved over the centuries, so the course puts contemporary practice into 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.

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.

Accessible 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.

The Truth of Yoga

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.

Daniel Simpson Yoga Philosophy
" Daniel Simpson weaves effortlessly through the history of yoga, ancient to modern, telling a story that is both compelling and approachable "
AF
"Daniel has made this material come to life with his natural storytelling ability and strong grasp of history plus a love of yoga. He has a way of responding to people's contributions so that no idea is discarded and I found that very encouraging. I was inspired to be creative and enjoyed making connections to modern systems of thinking so that the lectures kept me engaged at many levels. "
Dr. L. G
" I whole-heartedly love Daniel's teaching – he brings clarity, honesty and humour to current debates about yoga philosophy. Empowering and inspiring "
E.C.
"I'm amazed at how clear and accessible Daniel' Simpson is in sharing his knowledge... If you've ever felt intimidated by the philosophy of yoga, this is your guy".
" Some of the clearest and most eloquent teaching I've encountered! Complex ideas are broken down into easy to understand bite-sized chunks "
S.M.
" A very insightful use of time and money... I appreciated Daniel's accessible and capable ways of presenting the material – and with a dash of humour too "
K.B.
" Amazingly comprehensive, providing a clear overview of a vast topic combined with depth and wisdom. I also found the structure very accessible. "
J.J.
" Daniel is a brilliant teacher... incredibly knowledgeable and at the same time very inclusive and accepting of other points of view. "
C.M.
" Maybe the best yoga money I have ever spen "
J.D.
" I attended an event earlier this year, and learned more in that one evening than in all the rest of the yoga teacher training I've done - so thank you! "
MG
Previous
Next

Course Dates

The course has the following modules scheduled:

  • Thursday 1 February 2024 Module 1 release

    ON DEMAND (to be watched by the following Saturday)

  • Thursday 1 February 2024 Module 1 release

    Introduction session 6:30-7:30pm

  • Saturday 10 February 2024 Module 2 release

    ON DEMAND (to be watched the following Saturday)

  • Saturday 17 February 2024 Module 3 release

    ON DEMAND (to be watched by the following Saturday)

  • Saturday 24 February 2024 Module 4 release

    ON DEMAND (to be watched by the following Saturday)

  • Saturday 2 March 2024 LIVESTREAM 1

    11-1 pm

  • Saturday 2 March 2024 LIVESTREAM 2

    2-4pm

  • Saturday 9 March 2024 LIVESTREAM 3

    11-1pm

  • Saturday 9 March 2024 LIVESTREAM 4

    2-4pm

  • Saturday 16 March 2024 Assignment Due Date

Pricing

  • £375 (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 £225. 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.
  • 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
BOOK

Express interest

Please register your interest in this course so we can keep you updated.

Express Interest

Please register your interest in this course so we can keep you updated.

No Thanks!

Express Interest

Please register your interest in this course so we can keep you updated.

No Thanks!