DIPLOMA IN YOGA & MEDITATION (ADVANCED)

Duration: 12 Months

Level: Advanced

Units: 10

Mode: Theory + Practical

UNIT 1: Advanced Yoga Philosophy & Foundations

Theory

• History and evolution of Yoga
• Major schools and traditions of Yoga
• Eight limbs of Yoga
• Yoga philosophy and lifestyle
• Yamas and Niyamas
• Concepts of mindfulness and self-awareness
• Principles of disciplined Yoga practice

Practical

• Advanced centering practices
• Mindful movement
• Advanced warm-up and mobility
• Breath awareness
• Guided relaxation
• Reflective Yoga practice

UNIT 2: Advanced Yoga Asanas & Alignment

Theory

• Classification of advanced Asanas
• Principles of alignment and stability
• Strength, flexibility and mobility
• Balance and body awareness
• Use of props and modifications
• Common errors and safety precautions

Practical

• Advanced standing Asanas
• Balance Asanas
• Deep stretching practices
• Backbend and forward-bend preparation
• Twisting Asanas
• Hip and shoulder opening practices
• Core-strengthening Asanas
• Safe transitions and sequencing

UNIT 3: Advanced Pranayama & Breath Practices

Theory

• Advanced principles of Pranayama
• Breath awareness and regulation
• Relationship between breath and concentration
• Traditional Pranayama concepts
• Preparation and precautions
• Responsible progression of breathing practices

Practical

• Full Yogic breathing
• Anulom Vilom / Nadi Shodhana
• Bhramari
• Ujjayi
• Sheetali / Sheetkari awareness
• Breath-counting practices
• Breath-focused meditation
• Supervised advanced Pranayama practice

UNIT 4: Meditation & Mindfulness

Theory

• Principles and stages of meditation
• Concentration and awareness
• Mindfulness practices
• Meditation traditions and approaches
• Thought observation
• Self-awareness and emotional balance
• Developing long-term meditation discipline

Practical

• Breath meditation
• Body-scan meditation
• Mindfulness meditation
• Guided visualization
• Mantra-based meditation
• Walking meditation
• Silent meditation
• Extended guided meditation sessions

UNIT 5: Yoga Anatomy, Physiology & Movement

Theory

• Basic human anatomy for Yoga
• Musculoskeletal system
• Joints and movement patterns
• Spine and posture
• Respiratory system
• Basic cardiovascular concepts
• Functional movement and body awareness
• Alignment and safe movement principles

Practical

• Posture observation
• Movement assessment basics
• Joint mobility exercises
• Spine-friendly movement
• Functional warm-up sequences
• Alignment demonstrations
• Modification and prop-based practices

UNIT 6: Advanced Yoga Sequencing & Class Planning

Theory

• Principles of advanced Yoga sequencing
• Class structure and progression
• Warm-up, peak pose and cool-down
• Thematic class planning
• Balancing strength, flexibility and relaxation
• Individual and group session planning
• Adaptation for different experience levels

Practical

• Create 30-, 45- and 60-minute sequences
• Develop themed Yoga classes
• Plan Asana progressions
• Integrate Pranayama and meditation
• Practice transitions
• Conduct supervised sequence demonstrations
• Evaluate and refine lesson plans

UNIT 7: Yoga for Wellness & Lifestyle

Theory

• Holistic approach to wellness
• Yoga and healthy lifestyle
• Stress-management principles
• Relaxation and restorative practices
• Mindful daily routines
• Sleep and relaxation wellness
• Nutrition awareness for general wellness
• Professional boundaries and responsible guidance

Practical

• Wellness-focused Yoga routines
• Relaxation sessions
• Mindfulness activities
• Restorative practices
• Lifestyle routine planning
• Stress-management sessions
• Sleep-supportive relaxation practices

UNIT 8: Advanced Relaxation, Meditation & Mind-Body Practices

Theory

• Advanced relaxation principles
• Yoga Nidra concepts
• Deep relaxation and awareness
• Mind-body connection
• Visualization techniques
• Meditation session design
• Mindfulness-based wellness practices

Practical

• Guided Yoga Nidra
• Progressive relaxation
• Deep body relaxation
• Visualization
• Mindfulness exercises
• Extended meditation sessions
• Combined Yoga, Pranayama and meditation practice

UNIT 9: Advanced Yoga Teaching Methodology

Theory

• Professional Yoga teaching methodology
• Instructor responsibilities
• Communication and demonstration skills
• Verbal and visual instructions
• Observing alignment
• Safe modifications and progressions
• Group management
• Professional ethics and boundaries
• Session documentation and feedback

Practical

• Demonstrate advanced Asanas
• Give clear verbal instructions
• Conduct alignment observation
• Teach Pranayama
• Guide meditation and relaxation
• Conduct individual and group sessions
• Prepare professional lesson plans
• Practice supervised teaching

UNIT 10: Professional Yoga & Meditation Practicum

Theory

• Complete Yoga and Meditation teaching workflow
• Professional session preparation
• Student assessment and goal setting
• Class documentation
• Feedback and continuous improvement
• Portfolio and professional development
• Career opportunities in Yoga and wellness
• Responsible professional practice

Practical

• Prepare complete teaching plans
• Conduct advanced Asana sessions
• Integrate Pranayama and meditation
• Conduct wellness-focused sessions
• Lead relaxation practices
• Conduct supervised group classes
• Evaluate student practice
• Maintain teaching records
• Develop professional portfolio
• Final teaching demonstration