The Yoga and Ecology certificate program seeks to cultivate an appreciation for, and conscious connection with, the natural environments in which we live and also to educate students on the deeply ecological, ethical principles which underlie Yoga philosophy, both through experiential workshops and Yoga philosophy classes.

This extraordinary program is offered through Loyola Marymount University and is led by Dr. Chris Chapple.  The program consists of five topics of study:

• Foundations of Yoga and Ecology (at Bhakti Fest),
• Yoga and Permaculture,
• Earth Verses: The Prthivi Sukta,
• Yoga and Planetary Healing, and
• Green Yoga Sadhana.

The certificate program will be offered over several weekends September through November, in Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

The ancient practice and philosophy of Yoga is grounded in a profound understanding of the interconnection between ourselves and the natural world. Yoga developed in the context of a close relationship with the earth and cosmos, and a reverence for animals, plants, soil, water and air.  This certificate will provide you the opportunity to infuse Green Yoga practices into your personal practice and your teaching.  

Full program schedules and tuition are subject to change. Additional fees may be incurred for books and materials.  

Updates will be posted to the LMU website. 

For more information, contact:
The Center for Religion and Spirituality
310.338.2799 Tel | 310.338.2706 Fax
Christopher Key Chapple, PhD, Instructor

Foundations of Yoga and Ecology

Christopher Key Chapple, PhD, Instructor
Monday, 9/12, 7a-5p | Bhakti Fest, Joshua Tree

The confluence of Yoga and ecology offers a profoundly relevant response to the current planetary challenges. This module will investigate the foundational principles, practices, and participatory applications which help one actualize Yoga as a path of communion between humanity and the living earth.

Yoga and Permaculture

Swami Omkarananda, Instructor
Saturdays, 9/17-10/5, 10a-12p | LMU

The goal of yoga is to reconnect ourselves with our divinity. Permaculture reminds us to reconnect with the natural world, of which we are an inseparable part. In this module, we will demystify what permaculture is: explain the three core values and the 12 principles of permaculture; review the Vedic teachings which remind us of the need for reverence for nature; explore how we can apply the teachings of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and express them through the practice of permaculture in our daily lives; and offer practical tools and strategies for living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Earth Verses: The Prthivi Sukta

Christopher Key Chapple, PhD, Instructor
Sundays, 9/18-10/23, 8:30-10:15a | Hill Street Center, Santa Monica

The Vedas include a book about the earth as mother, providing nurture to all forms of life. The text, known as the “Prthivi Sukta,” is included in the Atharva Veda, the basis for traditional medical practice in India. These verses ask for protection and give praise to all the elements, urging people not to pollute the earth or water, and to respect and give honor to the sun and to the air.

Yoga as Personal and Planetary Healing

Jay Kumar, PhD, Instructor
Saturdays, 10/29-11/19, 10a-12:30p | LMU

Can Yoga be the answer to both and individual and collective healing? This module introduces the fundamentals of Yoga philosophy, ecology and sustainability as an integral strategy for advancing humanity’s emerging global paradigm of wholeness. Blending readings from the Vedas and Upanishads with posture and meditation, you will acquire the fundamental skills to live your Yoga as you heal yourself and the planet.

Green Yoga Sadhana

Christopher Key Chapple, PhD, Instructor
Sundays, 10/30-12/4, 8:30-10a | Hill Street Center, Santa Monica

This module will explore resources within the Yoga tradition for living a life in accord with ecological values. Readings will be provided from a variety of sources including the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda. Practices will be assigned for cultivating a heightened sensitivity of the relationship between the mind, senses and elements.