YPI Level 2 Complete Guide
Discover the timeless wisdom of holistic health through the Bhagavad Gita! This session explores the four foundational pillars of a yogic lifestyle – Ahara (Diet), Vihara (Lifestyle & Recreation), Achara (Conduct & Discipline), and Vichara (Thought Process & Mindset) – tailored for Yoga Certification Board (YCB) Level 2 aspirants and wellness seekers. Tune in to align your daily routine with nature and achieve true mind-body harmony.
True health is far more than just the absence of disease; it is a dynamic, harmonious alignment of the physical body, the breath, the mind, and the spirit rooted in natural law. In this comprehensive educational session for YCB Level 2 students and yoga practitioners, Shyambhai Yoga dives deep into the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to uncover the authentic blueprint for a balanced yogic lifestyle.
Modern life often leaves us fragmented, stressed, and disconnected from our natural rhythms. Ancient scriptures, however, provide a timeless framework to reset our physical vitality and mental clarity. At the heart of yogic living lie four essential pillars – collectively known as Ahara, Vihara, Achara, and Vichara – that govern every facet of our daily existence. Exploring these concepts forms a core part of comprehensive Yogic Philosophy and Lifestyle training.
Detailed Breakdown of the Four Pillars
1. Ahara (The Science of Yogic Diet)
Diet in yoga is not merely about counting calories or macros; it is about the energetic quality of what we consume.
- Sattvic Nutrition: Emphasizes fresh, light, organic, and vegetarian foods that promote clarity, calmness, and vitality.
- Mindful Preparation & Consumption: The state of mind of the cook, the environment in which we eat, and gratitude toward nature deeply influence how food impacts our subtle body.
- Mitahara & Yuktahara: Practicing moderation by filling the stomach properly with wholesome elements, as detailed in traditional Ahara and Diet Guidelines.
2. Vihara (Lifestyle & Recreation)
How we spend our time outside of structured work dictates our energy reserves and nervous system regulation.
- Balanced Daily Routines: Structuring sleep, wakefulness, work, and rest in alignment with circadian rhythms and nature’s clock.
- Conscious Recreation: Engaging in wholesome relaxation, meditation, and light physical movement rather than habits that drain vitality.
- Active Living: Combating sedentary tendencies through regular yogic joint movements and mindful pacing.
3. Achara (Conduct & Ethical Discipline)
Our external actions shape our internal character and create the ripple effect we cast upon society.
- Moral Values & Ethics: Anchoring our behavior in the foundational principles of Yama and Niyama (such as non-violence, truthfulness, and contentment).
- Personal Cleanliness (Saucha): Maintaining purity in both physical hygiene and environmental spaces.
- Right Conduct: Cultivating humility, respect, and disciplined habits that anchor us through life’s turbulences, which is extensively covered in structured Yoga Teacher Training Courses.
4. Vichara (Thought Process & Mindset)
The mind is the creator of both bondage and liberation. Managing our internal dialogue is crucial for emotional stability.
- Cultivating Positive Thinking: Actively replacing negative mental loops with wholesome, constructive perspectives.
- Emotional Balance: Developing detachment and equanimity amidst dualities like success and failure, pleasure and pain.
- Higher Ideology: Aligning our intellect with higher philosophical truths rather than getting lost in superficial distractions, building up toward Yoga Volunteer Courses and advanced certifications.
The Four Pillars of Yogic Living at a Glance
| Pillar | Category / Focus | Key Elements & Practices |
| Ahara | Yogic Diet | Sattvic nutrition, fresh and organic foods, mindful eating habits, and positive mental states during food preparation. |
| Vihara | Lifestyle & Recreation | Balanced daily routines, proper sleep hygiene, active living, and conscious recreation that rejuvenates without depleting energy. |
| Achara | Conduct & Discipline | Moral values, ethical principles (Yamas and Niyamas), personal cleanliness (Saucha), and disciplined behavior. |
| Vichara | Thought Process & Mindset | Positive thinking, emotional balance, mental control, mindfulness, and higher philosophical awareness. |
Conclusion: Bringing Ancient Wisdom into Modern Life
Whether you are studying for your Yoga Certification Board (YCB) examinations or simply searching for structured, authentic guidance to transform your day-to-day existence, mastering these four dimensions bridges the gap between theoretical philosophy and lived experience.
💡 Key Takeaway: True healing and spiritual evolution begin when our diet, routine, actions, and thoughts work in complete unison.
Yoga Protocol Instructor YCB – Level 1 (3 months – Equivalent 200 hrs)
1.1 Yoga : Etymology, definitions, aim, objectives and misconceptions.
1.2 Yoga : Its origin, history and development.
1.3 Guiding principles to be followed by Yoga practitioners.
1.4 Principles of Yoga (Triguna, Antahkarana-chatustaya, Tri-Sharira/ Panchakosha).
1.5 Introduction to major schools of Yoga (Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, Patanjali, Hatha).
1.6 Introduction to Yoga practices for health and well being.
1.7 Introduction to Shatkarma: meaning, purpose and their significance in Yoga Sadhana.
1.8 Introduction to Yogic Sukshma Vyayama, Sthula Vyayama and Surya Namaskara.
1.9 Introduction to Yogasana: meaning, principles, and their health benefits.
1.10 Introduction to Pranayama and Dhyana and their health benefits.
2.1 Introduction and study of Patanjala Yoga Sutra including memorization of selected Sutras (Chapter l- 1-12).
2.2 Introduction and study of Bhagavad Gita including memorization of selected Slokas (Chapter 11 -47, 48, 49, 50 and 70).
2.3 Introduction and study of Hathpradipika.
2.4 General Introduction to Prasthanatrayee.
2.5 Concepts and principles of Aahara (Diet) in Hathapradipika and Bhagawadgita ( Mitahara and Yuktahara),
2.6 Significance of Hatha Yoga practices in health and well being.
2.7 Concept of mental wellbeing according to Patanjala Yoga.
2.8 Yogic practices of Patanjala Yoga: Bahiranga and Antaranga Yoga.
2.9 Concepts of healthy living in Bhagwad Gita.
2.10 Importance of subjective experience in daily Yoga practice.
3.1 Brief introduction to human body.
3.2 Meaning and Means of health promotion and role of Yoga in health promotion.
3.3 Yogic positive attitudes ( Maitri, Karuna, Mudita, Upeksha).
3.4 Concept of bhavas (Dharma, Jnana, Vairagya, Aishvarya) and their relevance in well being.
3.5 Dincharya and Ritucharya with respect to Yogic life style.
3.6 Holistic approach of Yoga towards health and diseases.
3.7 Introduction to First aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
3.8 Yogic management of stress and its consequences.
3.9 Yoga in prevention of metabolic and respiratory disorders.
3.10 Yoga for personality development.
Yoga Wellness Instructor YCB – Level 2 (4months – Equivalent 400 hrs)
1.1 Yoga: Etymology, definitions (Patanjala Yoga Sutra, Bhagwad Gita & Kathopanishad), aim, objectives and misconceptions. (YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.2 Yoga: Its origin, history and development.(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.3 Brief Introduction to Samkhya and Yoga Darshana,(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.4 Life sketches and teachings of Yoga masters (Maharishi Ramana, Shri Aurobindo Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayananda Saraswati).(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.5 Principles of Yoga and practices of healthy living.(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.6 Principles and Practices of Jnana Yoga.(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.7 Principles and Practices of Bhakti Yoga.(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.8 Principles and Practices of Karma Yoga .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.9 Concept and principles of Sukshma Vyayama, Sthula Vyayama, Surya Namaskara and their significance in Yoga Sadhana. .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.10 Concept and principles of Shatkarma: Meaning, Types, Principles and their significance in Yoga Sadhana..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.11 Concept and principles of Yogasana: Meaning, definition, types and their significance in Yoga Sadhana..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.12 Concept and principles of Pranayama: Meaning, definition, types and their significance in Yoga Sadhana..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.13 Introduction to Tri Bandha and their health benefits..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.14 Dhyana and its significance in health and well being..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.15 Introduction to Yogic relaxation techniques with special reference to Yoga Nidra..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
Unit -2 Introduction to Yoga Texts
2.1 Introduction to Prasthanatrayee, Purushartha Chatushtaya and goal ofhuman life..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.2 Yoga in Kathopnishad, Prashanopanisha, Tattriyopnishad with special emphasis on Panchakosha Vivek and Ananda Mimamsa..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.3 Concept of Sthitaprajna, Bhakti, Karma and Dhyana in Bhagavad Gita..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.4 Significance of Bhagavad Gita in day to day life..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.5 Concept of healthy living in Bhagavad Gita (Ahara, Vihara, Achara, Vichara)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.6 Study of Patanjal Yoga Sutra including selected sutras from following chapters (I- I to 12, 11- 46 – 51, 111- 1 to 4)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.7 Concept of Chitta, Chitta Bhumi, Chitta Vritti, Chitta Vikshepa, Chittaprasadanam and their relationship with wellness..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.8 Bahiranga Yoga of Maharishi Patanjali (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.9 Antaranga Yoga of Maharisi Patanjali (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.10 Concept of mental well being according to Patanjala Yoga..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.11 Hatha Yoga: Its parampara, knowledge of basic Yoga texts (Hatha Pradipika and Gherand Samhita). Relationship between Hatha yoga and Raja Yoga..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.12 Sadhaka and Badhaka tatva, principle to be followed by Hatha Yoga practitioner .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.13 Concept of Matha, Mitahara, Pathya & Apthaya..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.14 Concepts of Nadis, Prana and Pranayama for Subjective experiences..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
2.15 Knowledge of Hatha Yoga practices for wellness (Shatkarma, Asanas, Pranayama, Mudra, Nadaanusandhana)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
Unit 3- Yoga for Wellness
3.1 General introduction to human body and nine major systems of human body..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.2 Introductions to sensory organs (Eyes, Nose, Ears, Tongue and Skin)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.3 Basic functions of nine major systems of human body and homeostasis..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.4 Yogic concept of health and wellness..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.5 Concept of Tridoshas, Sapta Dhatu, Agni, Vayu and Maia; their role in wellness..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.6 Concepts of Dinacharya and Ritucharya and their importance in well being..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.7 Importance of Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya in well being..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.8 Yogic concept of mental hygiene: Maitre, Karuna, Mudita & Upeksha)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.9 Importance of psychosocial environment for health and wellness..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.10 Yogic concept and principles of Ahara(Mitahara, Yuktahara)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.11 Health benefits of Suryanamaskara, Shatkarma, Asanas, Pranayama and practices leading to Dhyana (as per the practical syllabus of the course)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.12 Salient features and contra indications of Yoga practices for well being (as per the practical syllabus of the course)..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.13 Knowledge of common diseases; their prevention and management by Yoga..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.14 Knowledge of role of Yoga in the management of non communicable diseases..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
3.15 Concept of stress and Yogic management of stress and its consequences..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
Teaching methods with special reference to Yoga .
1.2 Factors influencing Yoga teaching .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.3 Need of teaching practice and its use in Yogic practice.(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.4 Teaching Aids : Meaning and Need, Role of Language, Voice, Fluency, Clarity and Body language in an ideal presentation .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.5 Methods of teaching Yoga to an individual, small group and large group .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.6 Lecture cum demonstration in Yoga: Its meaning, importance and method of its .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
Presentation 1.7 Lesson plan: Its meaning and need .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.8 Preparation of lesson plan in Yoga, Preparation of lesson plan for an individual and for a group .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.9 Presentation of lessons in specific Yogic practices: Kriya, Asana, Pranayama, and Dhyana..(YWI – LEVEL 2)
1.10 Assessment of a Yoga class (detection and correction of mistakes). .(YWI – LEVEL 2)
Face Yoga Teachers Training Course (1 month – Equivalent 90 hrs)
Face Yoga for Skin Tightening | Simple Routine for a Natural Facelift – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Skin Stucture & Components – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Migrain Sinuses Face Yoga – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
TMJ, Lymphatic Drainage, Accupresure Points – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Face Yoga Theory: Complete Guide to Skin Layers & Melanin – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Layers of Skin : Hypodermis, Diet for Acne & Milia Explained – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascia – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Facial Concerns & Their Solutions – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Theories of Ageing – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Skin Life and Nutrition – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Teaching Methodology – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Practice with Gua-sha – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Practice with Roller – Face Yoga Teachers Training Course
Facial Exercises – Face Yoga Teacher Training Course – 90 hrs, 1 month
Yoga Volunteer Course YCB (1 month – Equivalent 36 hrs)
1.1 Meaning, History and Development of Yoga.
1.2 Schools of Yoga.
1.3 The fundamentals of Yoga.
1.4 Yogic Practices for Health and Wellness.
1.5 General guidelines for Yogic Practice.
1.6 Yogic principles of Food.
2.1 Prayer: Concept and recitation of Pranava and hymns.
2.2 Cleansing Practice (Technique, Contraindications and Benefits):
2.3 Chalana Kriya/Loosening Practice (Technique, Contraindications and Benefits):
2.4 Yogasana (Technique, Contraindications and Benefits):
2.5 Pranayama (Technique, Contraindications and Benefits):
2.6 Dhyana (Technique and Benefits):
2.7 Classes related to life management and preventive health
Ayurvedic Diet and Nutrition Course (1 month – Equivalent 36 hrs)
2. Panchamahabhuta Theory
3. Tridosha Theory & Prakriti (Body Constitution)
4. Dhatus (Body Tissues)-Saptadhatus
5. Mala (Waste Products)-Trividhamala
6.Agni (Digestive Fire)- Jatharagni,Bhutagni,Datvagni
7.Ama (Toxins)
9. Ritucharya (Seasonal Regimen)
10.Ahara (Ayurvedic Diet & Nutrition)
12.Basic Ayurvedic Herbs
15. Adanakala(Uttarayana)
Meditation Teachers Training Course (1 month – Equivalent 90 hrs)
Unit 1: Foundations of Meditation Yoga
1.1 Introduction to Meditation Yoga: History and Principles
1.2 Understanding the Mind: Psychology and Neuroscience of Meditation
1.3 The Role of Breathing in Meditation
1.4 Techniques for Stress Management and Emotional Balance
1.5 Creating the Ideal Meditation Environment
1.6 Safety and Ethical Guidelines for Meditation Yoga Instructors
Unit 2: Core Meditation Practices
2.1 Guided Meditation Techniques: Body Scan, Breath Awareness, and Visualization
2.2 Mindfulness Meditation: Living in the Present
2.3 Concentration and Focus Training Techniques
2.4 Chakra Meditation: Balancing Energy Centers
Unit 3: Advanced Concepts in Meditation Yoga
3.1 Mantra Meditation: The Power of Sound
3.2 Yoga Nidra: Deep Relaxation Techniques
3.3 Teaching Philosophy and Emotional Intelligence for Instructors
3.4 Designing Meditation Yoga Classes for Diverse Audiences
Unit 4: Practicum and Teaching Experience
4.1 Hands-on Practice of Core Techniques
4.2 Scenario-based Teaching Demonstrations
4.3 Peer and Instructor Feedback
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