YOGA: THEORY AND PRACTICUM (BSST-3300)

In this course students will learn Yoga Philosophy while practicing Yoga. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which means to yoke with the Supreme Divine Energy both within and without. While yoga is widely known in the West for its postural dimension, the Hindu theological ethos offers a wide range of yogic pathways to commune with ultimate reality. Adepts may tailor these modes of practice according to their own predispositions, gifts, and talents. Such pathways include incorporating mantras, devotional musical engagements, artistic activities such as paintings of ma??alas, and ritual contemplative practices. This intensive course introduces yoga in theory and practice. The four classical forms of yoga: karma (action), bhakti (devotion), jñana (intellect), and raja (transcognition) yoga as modes of uniting with ultimate reality will be explored both in theory, and in practice. Additionally, students will be introduced to a famous karma, bhakta, jñana, and raja yogi figure from the Hindu tradition. Central texts of yoga such as the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutra, and Ha?ha Yoga Pradipika will be introduced. Students will participate synchronously in via lecture (Hybrid mode available), discussion, and Yoga Practice. The asynchronous practicum part of this course will involve crafting a yoga ritual practice for one self. Assessment includes 1) a short 2 1/2 page paper, 2) the presentation of a yoga ritual practice by using yogic methods of contemplation, journaling, blogging, zine, trekking, dancing, or any other embodied form of knowing the self, and 3) a final 15-page paper. PhD students may submit a longer project or a paper. This Course is suitable for MDiv, MA/MTS, DMin, PhD/ThD students. No prior knowledge of Hindu studies is required.