Yoga Vs Meditation Course: Key Differences

Interested in learning yoga, meditation, or one of these two fields of wellbeing? If yes, this article is for you. Here, we have provided valuable insights about yoga and meditation. The article mainly focuses on highlighting the differences between yoga courses and meditation courses.

While yoga and meditation share a common goal of holistic well-being, they are distinct practices. Meditation is a component of yoga, but also exists as an independent discipline. Both offer significant health benefits, and pursuing them can even lead to fulfilling career paths.

If you want to learn yoga and meditation together or separately for health benefits or to make a career in one of the two fields, you need to pursue a professional degree in them. This article provides a comprehensive overview of yoga courses, meditation courses, and combined yoga and meditation programmes. It equips you with the knowledge to choose the most suitable path for your health goals and career aspirations. The primary focus of the article is to help you understand the differences between yoga courses and meditation courses.

Yoga and Meditation: Understanding Relation

While yoga and meditation are separate practices, they are profoundly interconnected. Yoga postures set the stage for meditation by easing tension and sharpening focus. Their relationship is like a dance between two partners, each amplifying and supporting the other. Yoga establishes the physical foundation through various poses and breathing techniques that prepare the body and mind, while meditation builds upon this groundwork, leading us to a state of inner calm and heightened awareness. Combined, they offer a unified approach to achieving overall well-being, helping us to attain balance and serenity in our lives.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a multifaceted practice with roots in ancient India that encompasses various physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines. It aims to create union (the meaning of "yoga" in Sanskrit) between the different aspects of the self, including the body, mind, and spirit.

Types of Yoga

There are different types of yoga in Indian culture. Some of the popular forms of yoga are the following:

Hatha Yoga: This is the most common type, encompassing many physical postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama). It's a good foundation for beginners and offers various styles catering to different needs.
Vinyasa Yoga: This is a flow-based style where postures are linked together with breath, creating a dynamic and energetic practice.
Ashtanga Yoga: This is a more structured practice with set sequences of postures practiced in a progressive manner. It demands discipline and dedication.
Yin Yoga: This focuses on holding passive postures for longer periods to target connective tissues and improve flexibility. It's a slower, meditative practice.
Iyengar Yoga: This emphasizes precise alignment and uses props like blocks, straps, and bolsters to help individuals achieve proper form in postures.
Restorative Yoga: This gentle practice uses props to support the body in relaxing postures, promoting deep relaxation and stress reduction.
Kundalini Yoga: This incorporates chanting, movement, breathing exercises, and meditation to awaken Kundalini energy, believed to exist at the base of the spine.
Bikram Yoga: This is practiced in a heated room (around 40°C) and follows a specific sequence of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises.

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What is Meditation?

Meditation is a mental training technique aimed at achieving a state of increased awareness, focus, and calmness. It involves focusing your attention on a specific object, thought, activity, or simply observing your breath. The goal of meditation is not to control your thoughts, but to observe them without judgment as they arise and pass.

Types of Meditation

Meditation has hundreds of forms in different cultures worldwide. However, the most famous types of meditations in the world are the following:

Mindfulness Meditation: This is the foundation of many other techniques. It involves focusing your attention on the present moment, observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Mantra Meditation: This practice involves silently repeating a word, phrase, or sound (mantra) to focus the mind and quiet distractions. It can help calm the mind and promote inner peace.
Guided Meditation: This is a great way for beginners, as it involves following a guided audio or visual instruction that directs your attention and provides specific prompts. It can help you learn different meditation techniques and address specific goals like stress reduction or self-compassion.
Transcendental Meditation (TM): This specific technique involves silently repeating a personalized mantra given by a trained TM teacher. It emphasizes effortless transcending of thoughts without focusing on them.

Yoga Vs Meditation Course: Key Differences

To understand how yoga courses and meditation courses in depth, you also need to know the key difference between them. The differences between yoga programmes and meditation programmes have been provided below:

Differences Between Yoga and Meditation Courses
Comparsion Parameter	Yoga Courses	Meditation Courses
Focus	Yoga courses primarily focuses on the physical body through postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and mindfulness. It aims to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall well-being.	Meditation courses primarily focuses on the mind. It involves training your attention and awareness to achieve a state of calmness and clarity.
Movement	These courses involves physical movement through various postures held for specific durations. The level of movement can vary depending on the yoga style.	Movements in meditation courses are practiced practiced in a seated or lying position with minimal to no movement.
Structure	Yoga courses teach yoga asanas, which often follow a structured sequence of postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques.	Meditation courses focus on various meditation techniques. These courses generally involves less structure compared to yoga.

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Differences Between Yoga and Meditation Courses: Eligibility and Syllabus

Learn about the differences between yoga and meditation courses from the objective of enrolling in them. These differences have been listed below:

Formal Courses Eligibility (Diplomas, Degrees, Programmes)

The differences between the eligibility crteria of formal yoga courses and formal meditation courses have been discussed below:

Formal Yoga Courses (Diplomas, Degrees)

Educational Qualification: Formal yoga courses like UG and PG courses and diploma courses usually require a high school diploma (Class 12) or equivalent as minimum education.
Entrance Exams: Some institutions might have entrance exams for specific programs, especially for advanced degrees like B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Yoga Science.
Physical Fitness: While not always a strict requirement, most of the formal yoga courses are designed for individuals with basic physical fitness capable of performing yoga postures without significant limitations

Formal Meditation Courses (Certifications, Programmes)

Openness to learning: While formal education for meditation might not always be mandatory, a genuine interest in meditation and a willingness to learn is usually expected.
Prior experience: Some advanced meditation courses might require participants to have completed a beginner or introductory meditation course to ensure they have a basic understanding of core meditation techniques.

Informal Courses Eligibility (Workshops, Beginner Classes)

Informal yoga courses refer to workshops and classes conducted to teach beginner-level yoga to individuals.

Informal Yoga Courses (Workshops, Beginner Classes)

There is no specific eligibility criteria of informal yoga courses. Anyone without severe mental and physical health problems can join these classes.

Open to all: Informal yoga courses like yoga workshops or beginner-level calsses have no formal educational requirements.
Physical Considerations: Before enrolling in informal yoga courses, you might be asked about any pre-existing medical conditions and limitations to ensure your safety and tailor the practice accordingly.

Yoga Course Syllabus

The syllabus of a yoga course generally includes the following main topics:

Introduction to Yoga
Asana Practice (Yoga Postures)
Pranayama (Breathing Techniques)
Relaxation Techniques
Guided meditations

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Meditation Course Syllabus

The syllabus of a meditation course depends on the meditation technique on which it is based . But the main topics in all meditation courses are the following:

History and philosophy of meditation
Different meditation types and techniques
Develop a regular meditation practice
Meditation for stress and anxiety management
Guided meditation

Yoga and Meditation Courses in India

Many institutes offer combined yoga and meditation courses. The list of some of the best yoga courses has been mentioned below:

Institute

Course

Duration and Fee

Swami Vivekanand University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga and Meditation

Duration: 1 year

Fee: INR 17,600

Department of Yoga and Science of Living, Jain Vishva Bharati Institute, Rajasthan

Certificate in Yoga and Preksha Meditation

Duration: 3 months

Fee: INR 3,600

Pragyan International University, Ranchi

Post Graduate Diploma in Meditation

Duration: 1 year

Fee: INR 19,500

Yoga Courses in India

Based on our Shikska rating for the for fee structure (low to high), placement, faculty, education value, college infrastructure, and average package after placement, we have enlisted the best yoga courses below:

Institute	Course	Duration and Fee
Sri Sri University, Bhubaneswar	B.Sc. in Yoga	Duration: 3 years Fee: 1.8 Lakh
Sarala Birla University, Ranchi	B.Sc. in Yogic Science	Duration: 3 years Fee: 66K
Patanjali University, Haridwar	B.Sc. (Hons.) in Yoga Science	Duration: 3 years Fee: 82.5K
Shoolini University, Solan	B.Sc. in Yoga	Duration: 3 years Fee: 22.5 Lakh
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprasath University, Delhi	B.Sc. in Yoga	Duration: 3 years Fee: 2.82 Lakh
Patanjali University, Haridwar	B.A. in Yogic Science	Duration: 3 years Fee: 60K
Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule University, Jaipur	B.A. in Yogic Education	Duration: 42 months Fee: 82.5K
U P Rajarshi Tondon University, Allahabad	B.A. in Yoga	Duration: 3 years Fee: 13.5K
University of Lucknow, Lucknow	B.A. in Yoga	Duration: 3 years Fee: 14.4 Lakh
Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tiberwala University, Rajasthan	B.A. in Yoga	Duration: 3 years Fee: 22.5K
University of Mumbai	Diploma in Foundation of Yoga	Duration: 1 years Fee: 2,750
University of Mumbai	Advanced Diploma in Yoga	Duration: 1 years Fee: 3,300
IIMT University, Meerut	Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Science (DNYS)	Duration: 2 years Fee: 50K
Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule University, Jaipur	Diploma in Yoga Education	Duration: 1 year Fee: 30K
Periyar University, Salem	Diploma in Yoga	Duration: 2 years Fee: 6.7K
VMOU - Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota	Diploma in Yoga Science	Duration: 1 year Fee: 2.9K
DSVV - Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar	Certificate Course (Yoga and Alternative Therapy)	Duration: 6 months Fee: NA
PRSU - Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur	Certificate Course in Yoga Education and Philosophy	Duration: 6 months Fee: 3K
Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi	Certificate in Yoga	Duration: 6 months Fee: 5K
Banglore University	Certificate in Yoga Instructor Course	Duration: 6 months Fee: 3.37K
Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya - IKSVV, Chattisgarh	Certificate in Yoga	Duration: 1 year Fee: NA

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Meditation Courses in India

India is a land steeped in spiritual traditions, and meditation is an integral part of many cultures there. With its serene ashrams, breathtaking Himalayas, and deep-rooted yoga practices, India is a perfect destination to deepen your meditation practice. Some of the best meditation courses offered in India are mentioned as follows:

Vipassana Meditation at Dhamma Giri

Vipassana is an ancient meditation technique that emphasizes self-observation. Dhamma Giri, located in Igatpuri, Maharashtra, offers 10-day silent meditation retreats that are open to all. These retreats provide a structured and supportive environment to learn Vipassana meditation.

Kriya Yoga Meditation at Ananda in the Himalayas

Ananda in the Himalayas, located in Uttarakhand, offers a variety of meditation courses based on the teachings of Kriya Yoga. Kriya Yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. Ananda's courses are suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators.

Meditation and Yoga at The Art of Living Ashram

The Art of Living Ashram, located in Bangalore, Karnataka, offers a variety of courses that combine meditation with yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises). Their courses are designed to help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote inner peace.

Buddhist Meditation at Tushita Meditation Centre

Tushita Meditation Centre, located in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, is a Tibetan Buddhist meditation center that offers courses on a variety of Buddhist meditation techniques. These courses are suitable for those interested in learning more about Tibetan Buddhism and its meditation practices.

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Which Course Should I Choose: Yoga or Meditation?

Interest in both yoga and meditation is on the rise, leading to growing career opportunities in each field. Deciding between the two should be a personal choice based on your individual preferences.

If your focus is on health and wellness, there is a straightforward way to choose between them. Yoga is beneficial for enhancing physical health and can also contribute to mental well-being. On the other hand, if your primary goal is to improve mental health, meditation would be the more suitable option.

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