Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali
- Frequently Asked Questions -

Thinking of enrolling in the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali Yoga Course? Here's some commonly asked questions to help you out ...

Ashtanga Yoga FAQs :

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What is the difference between the Home Study and the Correspondence Course?

The course material is exactly the same for both the Home Study, and the Correspondence Certificate Course version.

Home Study Version - All of the material for the course is delivered via email, immediately after registration and confirmation of payment.

Correspondence Course Version - Students receive the course material one section at a time (there are 12 sections in total).  Students are required to submit study assignments at the end of each section, before the next section is delivered. They are also required to write a final examination online and are issued a 480-hour yoga training certificate upon successful completion of the course. Students of the Correspondence Course also have email access to Yogacharya throughout the course, and receive feedback on their work from him when necessary.

Who is this course designed for?

This course is comprehensive enough in its scope that experienced practitioners and yoga teachers will find much value in it for furthering their yoga education. However, the 48 lessons start at the basic foundations of yoga and walk, step by step, through its vast array of concepts and practices, making this program accessible to yoga enthusiasts of all levels, beginner to advanced.

How does this course compare to other yoga distance education programs?

There are few yoga training programs today that measure up to the quality and comprehensiveness of the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali. It is by far the most well-developed and in-depth exploration of yoga available by distance education.

How does this course work?

The 48 lessons of this course are in pdf file format, and are delivered to you electronically. They can easily be printed as well, for your convenience. Each lesson contains a combination of yogic theory, along with practical techniques, designed to walk the student in a step by step fashion through the multitude of concepts and practices of yoga. Where physical practices are indicated, there are detailed instructions given in the text and photographs, along with links to view video demonstrations of the proper performance of each exercise.

How do I get the course material.

The Home Study version of this course is delivered to you in its entirety, once your payment has been comfirmed. You will receive an email with the secure location where you will be able to download all of the training material.

For Correspondence Course students, the course material is delivered via email attachment, one section at a time. Once you enrol in the course, you will receive an email with the first section of the course attached.  As you complete each section, and submit your study assignments, you will be emailed the next section.

Do I need a computer to use this course?

Yes, you will need a computer to access and download the study material. We also recommend that students print out the lessons for ease of study. You will also need an internet connection in order to watch the video demonstrations that accompany the lessons. PLEASE NOTE that this course is designed to operate easily on most modern computer systems. Please review all our technical requirements ...

Do I need medical approval before taking this course?

Although the practices presented in this yoga training course are deemed safe for one who is of reasonable health, we strongly recommend that students receive approval from their doctor before commencing this yoga training program. Please review our Health Disclaimer...

How long does it take to complete this yoga course?

Each of the 48 lessons of this yoga training course is designed to take about one week to complete. Therefore, the typical time to complete the entire program is one year. Enthusiastic and disciplined students may complete it in as little as 6 months.

Is there a time limit to complete this training course?

Students of the Home Study Version can take as long as they want to complete their study. Correspondence Course students have 18 months from the time they registered to complete the course.

Why is there no payment plan option for the Home Study version?

Unlike the Correspondence Course, where students receive sections of the course material in installments over a period of time, all of the material for the Home Study version is delivered immediately upon enrolment. Therefore, we do not offer a payment plan for the Home Study Course.

Will I get a certificate for completing this course?

Correspondence Course students will receive a certificate for 480 hours of Yoga Training upon successful completion of this course. Successful completion requires satisfactory completion of all study assignments, and a minimum 70% grade on the final exam.

Students of the Home Study Course version do not receive any certification.

Can I teach yoga after I complete this course?

There are currently no regulations or licensing requirements to teach yoga anywhere. In some places, popular yoga associations provide membership to yoga teachers who comply with their standards of education, but membership in these associations remain voluntary only, and are not legally required in order to teach yoga. As well, various yoga schools and institutes provide “certification” to graduates who have completed their yoga training programs. The requirements for certification rest solely with each individual yoga school or institute, and may or may not meet the same standards required by various yoga associations.

At International Yogalayam, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality yoga education. We consider the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali to be one of the most comprehensive and complete yoga training programs available anywhere. At the same time, we do not take the teaching of yoga lightly, and advise our students that to become a competent yoga teacher takes much more than the completion of a yoga training course, or the satisfying of a certain number of hours of study and practice. We encourage our students to also view the teaching of yoga as a great responsibility, and to consider teaching only once they feel they are truly ready to meet that responsibility. For more on the topic of yoga certification and licensing, please read the following article entitled “Yoga Cred: have you got it?”

I’m a Registered Yoga Teacher. Will this course satisfy my continuing education requirements with the Yoga Alliance? .

Yes, this course (both the Home Study and the Correspondence Course versions), as well as our “3 Weeks of Yoga E-course,” will fulfill the 20 non-contact hour requirements of the Yoga Alliance. They will also satisfy continuing education requirements for various other yoga associations in other countries as well. You are advised to check directly with your association for specific details.

More information on The Astanga Yoga of Patanjali course here ...