Yoga is not just about physical postures; it is a path of self-inquiry, resilience, and wisdom. Discover why yoga philosophy is essential.
Be honest - when you think of yoga philosophy, what comes to mind?
A perfectly aligned vīrabhadrāsana-II (warrior II)? A strong adho mukha vṛkṣāsana (handstand)? A calming Śavāsana at the end of class?
Most yoga-practitioners today, including many yoga-teachers, focus almost entirely on āsana (physical postures), leaving out the deeper teachings of yoga-philosophy. But yoga is so much more than just stretching or strengthening the body. It is a way of life, a system of self-inquiry, and a path to deeper awareness.
And let’s be real, how often do we pause to reflect on our thoughts, saṁskāra (mental impressions), or the deeper purpose of life? In today’s fast-paced, validation-driven world, people are constantly searching for external approval while avoiding the discomfort of introspection.
Social media has normalised seeking likes over self-acceptance, pleasing others over standing in truth, and chasing an illusion of perfection over embracing imperfection. But yoga-philosophy teaches us how to step away from these mental fluctuations (citta-vṛtti), shed the layers of illusion (māyā), and return to our authentic self (ātman).
So, let’s take a step back. What is yoga philosophy, why has it been sidelined in modern yoga teacher training, and why should it matter to you whether you are a yoga teacher or a dedicated yoga enthusiast?
What is yoga philosophy and why is it essential in yoga teacher training or personal practice?
Yoga philosophy is the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical foundation of yoga. It is the science of self-explorationthat helps us understand the mind, consciousness, and the human experience.
But in today’s world, who really has the time to sit with themselves and reflect? Discomfort is avoided at all costs, we numb ourselves with distractions, drown out silence with noise, and escape emotions through endless scrolling, binge-watching, or overworking.
Yoga philosophy teaches us to sit with discomfort, observe the mind, and slowly unravel the illusions we create about ourselves and the world. It is more relevant today than ever before because it helps us:
Detach from external validation (aparigraha)
Recognise imposter syndrome and self-doubt (asmita - ego identity)
Cultivate resilience in the face of challenges (titikṣā - endurance)
Understand suffering and how to move through it with grace (dukkha & sukha - pain & pleasure)
Stop living in autopilot and make conscious choices (viveka - discernment)
And yet, despite being the core of yoga, yoga-philosophy is rarely given the importance it deserves in modern yoga-teacher training.
Why is yoga philosophy ignored in modern yoga teacher training?
Despite being the very essence of yoga, yoga philosophy is often sidelined in yoga teacher training courses. Why?
Fast-Paced Yoga Teacher Trainings: Many 200-hour yoga teacher training programmes are crammed into a few weeks, focusing heavily on postures, anatomy, and sequencing rather than deeper teachings.
Commercialisation of Yoga: In today’s world, yoga is often packaged as a fitness trend, and yoga philosophy is seen as “too complex” to sell.
Social Media Influence: Yoga on Instagram is filled with images of bendy bodies, not discussions on dharma, saṁskāras, or mokṣa (liberation).
People Want Quick Fixes: Most yoga students (and even some yoga teachers) want immediate results a stronger core, a flexible spine, a quieter mind. But yoga is not just about instant benefits; it is a lifelong study of the self.
This is exactly why many yoga practitioners still struggle with anxiety, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and a sense of purposelessness because they are engaging with yoga only at the surface level.
The truth? You cannot truly teach or practise yoga without understanding yoga-philosophy.
Why yoga philosophy should matter to every yoga teacher and yoga enthusiast
1. Yoga is not just about the body - It is about the mind
If āsana was all there was to yoga, elite gymnasts would be the greatest yogis. But that’s not the case.
Yoga philosophy is about understanding the mind (mana), overcoming suffering, and finding inner peace.
Without yoga philosophy, we are just doing mindful stretching. With it, we are engaging in self-transformation.
2. Yoga philosophy helps you navigate life’s challenges with balance
Life is not always smooth. People disappoint us, things do not go as planned, and at some point, we all face uncertainty, rejection, or loss.
The Yoga-Sūtra teach us about vairāgya (non-attachment) - not clinging to what we cannot control.
The Bhagavad-Gītā teaches us how to act with Karma-Yoga (selfless action) instead of being paralysed by fear of failure.
The Upaniṣads remind us that our worth is not defined by external success but by our inner truth (ātman).
Yoga philosophy teaches us to step back, breathe, and move forward with clarity.
How The Yoga Nerds Offers Authentic Yoga Philosophy Training
At The Yoga Nerds, we do not just teach āsana, we help students truly understand yoga philosophy.
Online & Hybrid 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Options to train online, in Scotland, or in Goa with a curriculum that prioritises yoga philosophy, self-inquiry, and transformation.
Continuing Education Programmes - In collaboration with Yoga with Kassandra, offering advanced studies in yoga philosophy and teaching.
Hybrid YTT in Goa - A self-paced online study with a 10-day immersive training in India for a deep, authentic experience.
We don’t just train yoga-teachers, we create lifelong students of yoga philosophy.
So, why Yoga Philosophy is more relevant today than ever
In a world obsessed with perfection, validation, and quick fixes, yoga philosophy offers a path back to authenticity.
If you truly love yoga, whether you are a teacher or an enthusiast, learning yoga philosophy is essential.
If you are looking for a 200-hour yoga-teacher training in Scotland, an online yoga teacher training, or a hybrid YTT in Goa that actually teaches the depth of yoga philosophy, explore The Yoga Nerds.
Namaste!
Madhura x
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