Take your students on an tour through the key lessons of the Upanishads. Through these lessons, you will provide historical context and illuminate key concepts from select readings that will help students to develop a greater awareness of yoga history and its evolution. Guided reflections and discussions help to bring these philosophical ideas to life and make them relevant for the modern world. Perfect for a 300 hour or continuing education program. 7.5 hours of classroom time.

Fully editable.

What’s Included

• Discussion points and contemplations to understand and personalize key readings of the Upanishads
• 7.5 hours of discussion and presentation
• Historical context notes and alternate translations
• Curriculum specially designed to make philosophy relevant for yogis
• Fun and interactive discussions and activities to drive learning home
• Trainer notes provided in PDF and Word
• Students handouts provided in Word and PDF

What You Need

• Students should have a copy of the text by their translator of choice; translation choices are suggested.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, your students will be able to:

Part 1 (Overview): 75 min

• Describe the historical context for the Upanishads (general time period, cultural context)
• Describe the relationship of the Upanishads to the Vedas and Vedic tradition
• Define “shramana”
• Translate “Upanishad” and the its significance to the tradition
• Identify two Mahavakyas

Part 2 (Brihadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanishad): 90 min

• Describe how the process of “neti, neti” may serve to illuminate the true Self
• Describe how the stories of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad serve to show flexibility in the traditional caste and gender roles, as well as illuminate the principles of studentship
• Define non-dualism and describe its relationship to the spiritual insights of the Upanishads
• Describe how the stories of the Chandogya Upanishad illuminate the guru student relationship and define the true nature of the Self

Part 3 (Chandogya, Taittiriya, and Mandukya Upanishad): 90 min 

• Describe the five koshas
• Describe the five vayus and their movements
• Describe how is the Vedic “om” different from the Upanishad “om
• Describe the significance of the 4 parts of OM

Part 4 (Katha Upanishad): 90 min

• Describe the significance of the story of Nachiketa
• Identify three key qualities of worthy student
• Contrast the “good,” vs. “the pleasant”
• Identify one’s own distractions, and identify support strategies to remain mindful
• Retell the Chariot story, identifying its metaphorical significance

Part 5 (Mundaka and Svetasvatara Upanishad): 105 min

• Describe why Samkhya philosophy would be considered dual rather than non-dual
• Describe what the two birds on the branch represent
• Describe the difference between yoga and Samkhya philosophy
• Describe how the Svetasvatara Upanishad represents an attempt to reconcile Samkhya philosophy with emerging theism 
• Review key stories of the Upanishads and identify their primary ideas