Deep Rest & Conscious Awareness: An Online Yoga Nidraa Journey
Lead Teacher: Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Assisted by: Yogacharini Anandhi Mary Cecil
Day & Date: Wednesday’s 7:00 to 9:00 pm IST ( tentative)
Start Date: 13th May 2026
Duration: 6 weeks
Mode: Blended : online and reflective self-study
Language: English with Samskruta terms and chanting
Course Level: Foundational to Advanced
Prerequisites: A steady Yoga Sadhana
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This 6-week online Yoga Nidraa course is a structured experiential journey into the science and practice of conscious pratyahara. Rooted in classical yogic wisdom and supported by contemporary understandings of mind, nervous system, and awareness, the course offers participants a safe and systematic method to access deep rest, inner clarity, and transformative self-inquiry.
Conducted once a week for 2 hours, each session blends theory, guided practice, reflective dialogue, and contemplative inquiry. The course is suitable for yoga practitioners, teachers, therapists, wellness facilitators, and sincere seekers interested in exploring Yoga Nidraa as a meditative and therapeutic tool.
COURSE STRUCTURE:
- Duration: 6 Weeks
- Frequency: Once a week
- Session Length: 2 Hours per session
- Mode: Online (Live Interactive Sessions)
- Total Contact Hours: 12 Hours
Weekly Session Format (Indicative)
- Opening, centering & grounding techniques
- Conceptual framework / theory
- Guided Yoga Nidraa practice : beginners to advanced
- Reflective sharing / Q&A
- Journaling & contemplative inquiry
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Understand the philosophical foundations and purpose of Yoga Nidraa
- Learn the systematic stages and structure of classical Yoga Nidraa as codified in the Rishi Culture Ashtanga Tradition
- Experience deep states of relaxation while maintaining conscious awareness
- Cultivate sankalpa (resolve) with clarity and intention
- Recognize the psycho-physiological effects of Yoga Nidraa
- Develop the capacity to practice and guide basic Yoga Nidraa sessions ethically and effectively
PEDAGOGY:
The course follows a holistic, experiential, and reflective pedagogy, integrating:
- Conceptual teaching grounded in Indian Knowledge Systems
- Guided experiential practices
- Self-reflection and journaling
- Group discussions and contemplative inquiry
- Question–answer and interactive sharing
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
On successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the concept and the eight stages of Yoga Nidraa
- Practice Yoga Nidraa independently with confidence
- Apply Yoga Nidraa for deep rest, stress management, and self-awareness
- Guide basic Yoga Nidraa sessions responsibly
- Integrate Yoga Nidraa principles into therapeutic contexts
ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION:
Assessment is formative and reflective in nature:
- Attendance & Participation
- Reflective Journal / Practice Log
- Final Reflection / Short Assignment
(Assessment emphasizes personal experience, sincerity of practice, and conceptual clarity rather than performance.)
E-TEXT SCRIPT & RESOURCE MATERIAL:
- Select Upanishadic references (guided excerpts)
- Instructor-provided notes and guided audio practices
- Supplementary readings
- Curated audio material for personal practise
- Research articles on Yoga Nidra and relaxation response
CERTIFICATION
Option A:
Participation in the 6 weeks program (12 hours of online learning):
All participants will receive their participation certificates upon completion of the requirements. This training will be eligible for YACEP credits of 12 hours for participants as per norms of Yoga Alliance, USA. This certification will also have accreditation by Sannidhi Yoga, Gitananda Yoga and be recognised by ICYER Ananda Ashram, that is a Founding Member Institution of the Indian Yoga Association.
Option B:
Completion of the course as TTC with 30 hours of online learning:
Those wishing to obtain Sannidhi Yoga Nidraa™ Teacher Training Certification will have to pay an additional evaluation and certification fee. They will be required to submit five lesson plans, five student feedback summaries and attend an online viva examination with Sannidhi Mentors. This training will be eligible for YACEP credits of 30 hours for those taking up this option as per norms of Yoga Alliance, USA. This certification will also have accreditation by Sannidhi Yoga, Gitananda Yoga and be recognised by ICYER Ananda Ashram, that is a Founding Member Institution of the Indian Yoga Association.
