About the course

Philosophical Foundation of Pātañjala Yoga-Darśana
Yoga Darśana is a practical handbook for applying Indian philosophy

A self-paced online course

 guided by the teachings of Professor V. N. Jha
Presented by Kaivalyadhama


Course Structure

• Total chapters: 16
• Format: Pre-recorded online video lessons
• Mode: Fully self-paced
• Course duration: 45 days of access for completion
• Language: English
• Assessments: MCQs at the end of each chapter

Learners may progress at their own pace within the 45-day period.


Course Overview

This course presents Pātañjala Yoga-Darśana as a practical handbook for applying Indian philosophy to inner life. Based on classical texts, the Yoga philosophy serves as the link needed in the implementation of Indian philosophy. It shows how Yoga provides the missing bridge between philosophical theory and lived transformation. 

Rooted in classical Indian philosophy yet immensely relevant today, the course sheds light on how Patañjali systematised the workings of the human mind and developed techniques to move from being distractible to being clear and from being disturbed to being stable.

This course, intended for today’s student, explains intricate concepts in a clear, systematic manner that supports both intellectual understanding and personal reflection. 


Key Learning Outcomes

  •  Gain a foundational understanding of Indian philosophy and its major streams.

  • Explore the Vedic sources and textual foundations of Yoga Darśana.

  • Understand the metaphysical framework of Sāṅkhya–Yoga.

  • Learn the epistemological principles of Sāṅkhya–Yoga, including valid means of knowledge.

  • Examine Yoga Darśana as an applied philosophical system for inner transformation and lived practice.


Who Should Enroll

• Yoga teachers seeking philosophical depth
• Practitioners who want to understand Yoga beyond postures
• Students of Indian philosophy and consciousness studies
• Seekers interested in mind, awareness, and inner growth
• Anyone curious about the true foundations of Yoga

No prior knowledge of Sanskrit or philosophy is required.


Key Features

• Self-paced learning over 45 days
• 16 well-structured chapters
• Expert-guided classical knowledge
• MCQs for self-assessment
• Participation certificate from Kaivalyadhama
• Learn anytime, from anywhere


Certification

• Participation Certificate will be provided on successful completion
• Certification issued by Kaivalyadhama


Understand the philosophy of Yoga through Patañjali’s timeless roadmap for mental clarity and transformation.

Instructor(s)

  • Professor V. N. Jha

    Professor V. N. Jha

    This course is based on the teachings of Professor V. N. Jha, one of India’s most respected Sanskrit and Indian philosophy scholars. Known for his clarity, depth, and lifelong contribution to classical knowledge systems, Prof. Jha brings rare authenticity and intellectual rigor to the study of Pātañjala Yoga-Darśana.

Course curriculum

  • 1
    Course Overview - What to expect
    • About this course
  • 2
    Self Paced Video Sessions
    • 1. Introduction and Course Outline of Patañjala Yoga-Darśana
    • 2. Yoga in the landscape of Indian Philosophy
    • Chapter 2 Quiz
    • 3. Pātañjala Yoga as Darśana: Meaning, Purpose, and Human Goals
    • Chapter 3 Quiz
    • 4. Understanding Life’s Ultimate Aim Perspectives from Sāṅkhya and Yoga
    • Chapter 4 Quiz
    • 5. Understanding the scriptural source of Patañjala Yoga
    • Chapter 5 Quiz
    • 6. Evolution of Vedic thought from Samhita to Upanishad
    • Chapter 6 Quiz
    • 7. How Vedic interpretations shape multiple philosophical systems
    • Chapter 7 Quiz
    • 8. Understanding Sāṅkhya –Yoga Metaphysics and the Structure of Indian Philosophy
    • Chapter 8 Quiz
    • 9. Sankhya’s Explanation of Creation, Contact, Imbalance, and Emergence of Tattvas
    • 10. The Twenty-Five Tattvas and the Logic of Satkaryavada
    • Chapter 10 Quiz
    • 11. Purpose of Creation Prakṛti’s Role in Puruṣa’s Liberation
    • Chapter 11 Quiz
    • 12. Understanding Why Consciousness Is Many Sankhya’s Core Contention
    • Chapter 12 Quiz
    • 13. How Knowledge Arises Pramāṇa, Vṛtti and the Working of Antaḥkaraṇa
    • Chapter 13 Quiz
    • 14. The Inner Journey Training the Mind and Overcoming Obstacles
    • Chapter 14 Quiz
    • 15. The Practical Framework of Ashtanga Yoga Ethics, Discipline and Inner Mastery
    • Chapter 15 Quiz
    • 16. Yoga Darshana as the Applied Path to Right Knowledge and Liberation
    • Chapter 16 Quiz

Start your journey now