A Journey into the History and Philosophy of Yoga

A weekend immersion with Christian Coelho

Join Christian Coelho, SOAS graduate and High Yoga School co-founder, for a weekend immersion into the roots of yoga.

This course will provide you with an in depth introduction to yoga's history and philosophy. Through practices, lectures and group discussions, you will gain a much better understanding of how yoga has developed and the main traditions that shaped the practice we do today.

If you are interested in unpacking the spiritual underpinnings of yoga and undertaking a closer reading of the canonical yogic texts (such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita), in a personable and truly accessible manner, then this course is for you. Throughout the weekend, we will debunk common myths and reflect on how yoga philosophy can be applied not only to our physical practice, but to our lives off the mat.

Open to all.

Dates: 11th – 12th November, 8am-5pm.
Location: The International College of Musical Theatre.
68 Wallis Rd, London, E9 5LH.
Price: £395

Topics covered include

  • Yoga's historical roots in ancient India

  • The sacred literature of the Vedas and an overview of the major Upanishads

  • Bhakti yoga and the Bhagavad Gita

  • Principles and practices of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

  • The foundations of Tantra

  • Hatha yoga and the development of modern postural yoga

  • The various meanings of the word yoga and its development throughout history

  • The intersections between yoga and religion

  • Applying yoga philosophy on the mat and in life

Daily schedule

  • 8am Morning practice

  • 10:30am Lecture I

  • 12:30pm Lunch break

  • 1:30pm Lecture II

  • 3pm Break

  • 3:30pm Group discussions & integration

This course is eligible for 16 hours of Continued Education (CE) credits with Yoga Alliance.

Course Inclusivity Scholarship

We recognise that the yoga industry has historically lacked diversity, and we are committed to changing this by providing support and training to Black and South Asian individuals who are passionate about yoga and its spiritual traditions.

This scholarship is specific to the History & Philosophy course and is intended to promote diversity and inclusivity in the yoga community to create more opportunities for underrepresented groups.

May we together be protected, may we together be nourished. May we work together with vigor, may our study be illuminating. May we be free from discord. 

Om. Peace, peace, peace. 


- Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1), translation by Zoë Slatoff

About the facilitator

Christian is an experienced London-based yoga teacher who teaches dynamic classes with a healing and mindful approach. He has been inspired by his exposure to a variety of yoga modalities, and likes to be creative with his class themes and sequences.

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, where he founded his yoga studio Casa 111, Christian initially trained in Ashtanga & Rocket Vinyasa Yoga. Seeking to explore the healing and ceremonial elements of yoga, he later specialized in the therapeutic styles of Yin, Forrest Yoga, as well as shamanic practices from the Native American tradition.

After travelling to India, his passion for the history and philosophy of yoga was ignited. This led him to further his studies with renowned scholars at SOAS University of London, graduating with a masters degree in the History & Traditions of Yoga. One of his missions is to present the philosophy of yoga in an accessible way for students to embody its principles, and his book Timeless Seeds is due to be published in 2024.

Christian has been teaching full time for the past 10 years, travelling extensively, running retreats, teaching workshops, lectures, and leading teacher trainings in Europe, Indonesia, and South America.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • In short, no. Anyone can attend this course. If you are curious about the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings of yoga, this is for you.

  • No. You will be guided through practices, group discussions, as well as quizzes to make sure you have integrated the information shared during the lectures.

  • Yes, at the end of the weekend you will receive a High Yoga School certificate stating you have completed the weekend course.

  • Click here to get in touch with any questions.