Advanced Philosophy & Contemplative Practices with Europa “Ro” Grace
30 HOURS (24 IN CLASS + 6 INDEPENDENT)
How do we find refuge and wise action in times of division and crisis? An authentic path of liberation requires honest engagement of our full selves, including the unexamined parts. The wisdom teachings of Yoga and Buddhism offer time tested guidance to awaken our belonging, freedom and truth of who we are. This module focuses on the liberatory study of yoga philosophy, including Buddhism, Tantra, Vedanta and Samkhya Philosophy. Develop a deeper understanding and reverence for the roots of yoga to better incorporate these principles into daily life and your teaching. The central texts studied in this course are Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Prajna Paramita Hridaya Sutra (The Perfection of Wisdom Heart Sutra).
This course is a deep investigation of the origins of yoga as a framework for a way of life that moves us towards collective liberation. We will unpack the teachings of ethics and social action that are at the core of many of the practices we know and love. Through dialogue and practice we move to embody the concepts of discipline and intention as they relate to our yoga practice and how we engage in the world. There will be one day of deep meditation and contemplation practice.
The course includes lecture and discussion, journaling, chanting, practice teaching, meditation practice, short reading and writing assignments.
Required Reading:
1. Yoga Sutra by Patanjali (any translation you have)
Suggestions otherwise:
Light on Yoga Sutras by BKS Iyengar
Yoga Sutra by Edwin Bryant
Read before first day: Chapter One – Samadhi Pada
2. Bhagavad Gita (any translation you have)
Some recommendations:
Eknath Easwaran
Read before first day: Chapter 1
Suggested Reading:
The Trauma of Caste by Thenmozhi Soundararajan
Heart Of the Universe by Mu Seong
Thich Nhat Hanh:
The Diamond that Cuts through Illusion
The Other Shore
Radiance Sutras by Lorin Roche
Dhammapada
A Queer Dharma by Jacoby Ballard
Yoga for a World out of Balance by Michael Stone
SCHEDULE:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 | 11am-5:30pm (in-person at Folk NOPA)
Friday, July 4, 2025 | 11am-5:30pm (in-person at Folk NOPA)
Saturday, July 5, 2025 | 11am-5:30pm (in-person at Folk NOPA)
Sunday, July 6, 2025 | 11am-5:30pm (in-person at Folk NOPA)
Price: Tuition is $950 or $850 if enrolled by June 19th, 2025 with discount code: PHILOSOPHY25. To learn more, schedule a call with our Folk Yoga School Advisor.
Drop-in participants are required to hold a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate, or have some equivalent of yoga teaching experience to enroll.
300 Hour Program:
Completion of this 30 hour module will apply to the 300 hours required by Yoga Alliance for your 300-hour Advanced certification; 30 CEUs. Core modules can be taken in any order. Students may re-take any of the Core Modules for full credit at a slightly reduced rate.