Scroll down to see answers to the following questions:
Why do you teach this course?
What do previous students say about this course?
Is this course appropriate for me?
Why do you use Autobiography of a Yogi (AOY) as the textbook?
Why do I have to read a book anyway?
Is this course affiliated with or sponsored by Self Realization Fellowship (SRF)?
Can I read an older edition of AOY or listen to the audiobook?
What if I don’t finish reading the book before the Main Course starts?
What if I can’t make it to all the classes?
Who pays for the course since it is free to students?
Why do you teach this course?
Yoga teachings have so degenerated that most of us think Yoga is physical exercise. This is untrue. Exercise is but a tiny part of the big picture. There is a real need for an introductory course in Yoga philosophy that puts Yoga back in proper perspective. See Course Topics.
What do previous students say about this course?
The course has had a truly profound effect on many of their lives. See Students’ Comments! for actual written remarks from previous students.
Is this course appropriate for me?
This is an introductory course appropriate for nearly everyone. However, some people who have rigid beliefs or are uncomfortable with different ways of thinking can be particularly bothered by the course and should not take it (unless required in teacher training). See our recommendations: Is This For Me?
Why do you use Autobiography of a Yogi (AOY) for the textbook?
We use the complete edition of Autobiography of a Yogi as our reference text and springboard for discussion since it is such a definitive, unassailable source on yogic teachings and basic yogic philosophy, written directly by a fully Self-realized master in modern English with nothing lost in translation. Its author, Paramahansa Yogananda, is widely regarded as the father of Yoga in the West. We heavily reference Ammachi and other Self-realized masters to corroborate points made.
Why do I have to read a book anyway?
This is a real course in which students really learn something. Yoga philosophy delves into profound and fascinating concepts that have intrigued the best minds for centuries! See Course Topics. You cannot expect to learn much about it just by listening to some watered down talks and not doing any work. Reading and taking some notes on AOY is honestly asking very little of yourself.
Is this course affiliated with or sponsored by Self Realization Fellowship (SRF)?
No, the course is not affiliated with nor is it sponsored by SRF, the spiritual and humanitarian organization established by Paramahansa Yogananda that publishes the course textbook, AOY.
Can I read an older edition of AOY or listen to the audiobook?
Not for this course. All students must read the most recent, complete edition of AOY published by SRF so everyone has the same foundation. Other editions may be incomplete or missing important material. People who listen to the audiobook will not be able to easily cross reference passages during class so that also will not work–exception is made for truly visually handicapped students. Editions on the Internet, iTunes and Kindle are not acceptable.
What if I don’t finish reading the book before the Main Course starts?
You need to finish the entire book including sending in at least one question or comment on each chapter before the Main Course starts which you’ll also bring to class for discussion. If you have not finished the book in time, hopefully you can do the course some other time.
What if I can’t make it to all the classes?
The topics build on each other so you need to attend every minute of every class. Otherwise you’ll slow the group down whether you realize it or not. We know this from experience.
Who pays for the course since it is free to students?
Costs are paid by an educational grant from A Charitable Foundation Corp (ACF), a 501c3 private foundation on whose board our course coordinator serves. One of ACF’s mission statements is to foster harmony among all spiritual paths and religions, something at which Yoga philosophy excels. ACF is not affiliated with nor does it receive donations from any spiritual group or religion. See About Us.