Yoga and Meditation Education in China

SOAS University of London has partnered with Iyengar Yogashala China, YogaMālā, Yoga Journal China, and Yogasala China to produce the Yoga and Meditation Education Certificate.

This certificate has been designed as an innovative, educational programme for Yoga teachers and practitioners in China to access world-leading scholars in the field of yoga and meditation studies.

We are delighted to announce that the inaugural programme, convened by Prof. Ulrich Pagel, commenced on 1st October 2022 with an initial cohort of seventy-five (75) international students who will graduate in December 2023.

Students attending a lecture as part of the in-person SOAS faculty visit to China.
Group photograph of the 2022-23 cohort of students in China.

The Yoga and Meditation Education Certificate includes almost 270 hours of educational learning that is a mix of pre-recorded lectures, flexible online seminars, and direct in-person learning.

All of the programme material is delivered in English by SOAS Faculty with professional translation into Mandarin Chinese by the YogaMālā team. The majority of lectures and seminars take place online with the exception of the in-person visits by SOAS Faculty to China.

Students in China during one of the in-person lectures with SOAS faculty.
Students attending a yoga class in China as part of their intensive study programme.

Successful completion of the assessments results in the award of a "Certificate of Completion" from SOAS University of London, YogaStudies Online. This certificate is non-credit bearing.

The programme aims to explore the origins and historical development of yoga and meditation in India from ancient times to the modern world. Two core modules in the certificate programme include the: “The Origins and Development of Yoga in Ancient India” and “Buddhist Meditation in India.” In addition, several seminars cover perspectives, context, and methodologies designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the fascinating thematic components and cross-regional perspectives.

This certificate programme is structured over an entire calendar year and includes:

  • Four introductory seminars in-person with the SOAS Programme Convenor.
  • A total of forty-two (42) pre-recorded lectures per Academic year.
  • A total of forty-two (42) live seminars per Academic year.
  • Two in-person seminars with SOAS Faculty Members visiting China for three (3) days. 

 

Student enrolling into the 2023-24 programme for the SOAS Yoga and Meditation Education Certificate.
Breakout ground discussions during the 2023-24 in-person visit in China.

The 2023-24 cohort commenced their programme on 15th September with a three-day intensive seminar series with Prof. Ulrich Pagel, Programme Convenor. It was an opportunity for the students, who are located across mainland China, to come together and meet like-minded enthusiasts on the course. Over the year, these students will form life-long friendships and collegial bonds as they keep up with the learning objectives and tackle the assessments later in the year. 

So far, the experience of launching and running the programme in China has been rewarding by all accounts and we look forward to building on our partnerships and honing our delivery expertise to broaden SOAS' offerings in the region.

Gift bag with the emblem 'Yoga Growth' carried by a student in China.

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