Mini-Courses in Yoga and Ayurveda
Expand your Knowledge
Are you interested in learning more about a particular area of yoga or Ayurveda? Check out our mini-course offerings. Mini-courses are available to anyone with an interest in the subject matter. For some courses, background knowledge is necessary for participants to engage with and benefit from the material presented. Please review course descriptions and course learning objectives for a more detailed understanding of the concepts that will be discussed in each course.
For the more advanced courses, suggested pre-reading may be recommended to familiarize students with concepts in advance. The advanced Ayurveda courses are eligible for NAMA PACE credits. At the conclusion of these courses, students complete an assessment and receive a certificate of completion.
Any questions still remaining can be directed to our admissions director, Tiffany Olson, at admissions@mountmadonna.org or 408-357-4401.
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Online | September 16-17, 2023Ayurveda Course - Complementary Medicine: Acupuncture, Chiropractor & Physical Therapy With Richard Bernstein D.O, Jonathan Holtz P.T., Nick Fortino Ph.D., & Frederica Crafts L.Ac. This course introduces students to other modalities of healthcare like Acupuncture, Chiropractor and Physical Therapy. Students examine key concepts in each of these modalities and consider their relevance in modern healthcare treatment. 12 hours - $549 Sat. 9/16 - 11:00am-2:00pm, 2:30-5:30pm, 6:30-8:30pm | Sun. 9/17 - 9:30-12:30pm, 1:30-2:30pm |
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Online | October 6-8, 2023Yoga Course - Yoga Sutra - A Deeper Dive into Book I With MMI Yoga Faculty Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are an inspiration to the practice and study of yoga. In this class we review the entire Samadhi Pad, the chapter of super-conscious absorption. Through chanting, reading, guided meditation, and focused discussion the sutras will be seated in your heart and mind so that their wisdom can guide your life. $180 - More Details Fri. 10/6 - 9:30-11:00am, 3:30-5:30pm | Sat. 10/7 - 9:30-11:00am, 2:00-3:30pm | Sun. 10/8 - 9:30-11:00am, 2:00-3:30pm |
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Online | October 12-13, 2023Ayurveda Course - Jara & Rasayana - Aging & Rejuvenating Therapies Students will examine health issues that are of particular concern for the aging including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure. The course explores in detail the concept of rasayana or rejuvenation in Ayurvedic Medicine. Students learn dietary measures, herbal formulas, external therapies, and daily routines used as rejuvenatives to promote nourishment and tonification, strengthen the immune system and build strength 12 hours - $549 Thur. 10/12 - 2:00-5:00pm, 6:00-8:00pm | Fri. 10/13 - 9:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-5:30pm |
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Online | October 14-15, 2023Ayurveda Course - Pancha Karma- Ayurvedic Bodywork & Sense Therapies With Manisha Kshirsagar This course is a hands-on experiential demonstration of various Ayurvedic bodywork techniques including abhyanga, Ayurvedic massage, shirodhara, basti, Marma Therapy, and herbal swedana. Students learn the techniques and put them into practice in the classroom. Students explore and practice various Sense Therapies. Because this is a survey course and does not provide in- depth training in these therapies, students will generally apply the knowledge to refer clients out to qualified practitioners. 12 hours - $549 Sat. 10/14 - 11:00am-2:00pm; 2:30-5:30pm; 6:30-8:30pm | Sun. 10/15 - 9:30am-12:30pm; 1:30-2:30pm |
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Online | December 8-10, 2023Yoga Course - Book II of the Sutras: Sadhana Pada - The Chapter on Practice With MMI Yoga Faculty Sadhana Pad, the Yoga Sutra chapter On Practice, offers philosophical underpinnings and the practical guidance for daily and minute-to-minute yoga practice. In our study we will explore and integrate their insights into our contemporary life. Chanting, study, small group conversations, and guided meditations will create a deeper understanding of classical Ashtanga Yoga. $180 - More Details Fri. 12/8 - 9:30-11:00am, 3:30-5:30pm | Sat. 12/9 - 9:30-11:00am, 2:00-3:30pm | Sun. 12/10 - 9:30-11:00am, 2:00-3:30pm |
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Online | January 19-20, 2024Ayurveda Course - AY 101 Introduction to Ayurveda With Dr. Rucha Kelkar This course introduces students to the 5,000-year-old tradition of Ayurveda, its aims and objectives, basic principles, concepts of health and disease, methods of examining patients, and treatment methods. Students gain a solid foundation in the science, history, and philosophy of Ayurveda. They are introduced to the concepts of individual nature and dosha imbalance as the basis for diagnosis of health and disease, as well as the five-element theory. 14 hours - $495 Fri. 1/19 - 9:30am-12:30pm; 1:30-5:30pm | Sat. 1/20 - 9:30am-12:30pm; 1:30-5:30pm |
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Online | February 2-4, 2024Yoga Course - The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Books III & IV With Dayanand & Sarada Diffenbaugh Join us in an exploration of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a foundational text for all yoga practice. Baba Hari Dass taught these sutras at Mount Madonna beginning in 1978. His commentaries, class format, and deep insight continues to be the basis for our study together. We will chant in Sanskrit, explore the principles of transformation, and apply the teachings in concentrated practice followed by sharing insights. $180 - More DetailsFri. 2/2 - 9:30-11:00am, 3:30-5:30pm | Sat. 2/3 - 9:30-11:00am, 2:00-3:30pm | Sun. 2/4 - 9:30-11:00am |
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Online | Monthly, February-June, 2024Yoga Course - AY 130 Sanskrit With Shanta Bulkin This course introduces the student to the ancient Vedic language of Sanskrit. Students learn to read, write and chant Sanskrit. 12 hours - $295 One Thursday per month | 5:00-7:00pm. 2024 Course dates: 2/8, 3/7, 4/4, 5/2, 5/30 and 6/27 |
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Online | Sunday, January 21, 2024Yoga & Ayurveda Course - AY 104 Yoga & Ayurveda With esteemed MMI Yoga Faculty This course teaches yoga philosophy and practice and its benefits in health and disease prevention. Students learn the Ayurvedic effects of different styles of yoga practice, yogic cleansing for disease prevention, and meditation and breathing practices to restore healthy balance to mind and body. 6 hours - $295 Sun. 01/21 | 9:30am-12:30pm; 1:30-4:30pm |
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Online | February 16-17, 2024Ayurveda Course - AY 102 Ayurvedic Anatomy & Physiology With Kate Bentley This course examines the disease process in Ayurvedic medicine, including Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology, the cause of disease, the stages of disease, formation of tissues, and classification of disease. 10 hours - $395 Fri. 2/16 - 9:30am-12:30pm; 1:30-5:30pm | Sat. 2/17 - 9:30am-12:30pm |
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Online | February 17-18, 2024Ayurveda Course - AY 103 Ayurvedic Lifestyle Management With Manas Kshirsagar This course introduces the student to Ayurvedic recommendations for creating healthy lifestyles, daily and seasonal routines, yogic cleansing practices, and self-care. Students also learn therapies focusing on the five senses. 10 hours - $395 Sat. 2/17 - 1:30-5:30pm | Sun. 2/18 - 9:30am-12:30pm; 1:30-4:30pm |
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Online | March 22-23, 2024Ayurveda Course - AY 105 Ayurvedic Nutrition With Dr. Rucha Kelkar This course introduces the principles of Ayurvedic nutrition and digestion. Students will learn the use of diet and nutrition programs in health and disease, including individual and seasonal guidelines, while exploring the Ayurvedic approach to the energetics of food. 10 hours - $395 Fri. 3/22 - 9:30am-12:30pm; 1:30-5:30pm | Sat. 3/23 - 9:30am-12:30pm |
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Online | March 23-24, 2024Ayurveda Course - AY 107 Ayurvedic Herbology I This course deepens the study of nutrition and introduces the traditional use of herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Students begin to understand the use of Ayurvedic herbs to restore physical and psychological balance. They learn the therapeutic use of food and spices to balance the doshas and maintain health, using food as medicine. Students will study Ayurvedic herbal philosophy and practices, the Herbal Materia Medica, and the terminology of herbal actions. 10 hours - $395 Sat. 3/23 - 1:30-5:30pm | Sun. 3/24 - 9:30am-12:30pm; 1:30-4:30pm |
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Online | April 19-20, 2024Ayurveda Course - AY 106 Ayurvedic Psychology With Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar This course introduces the student to the energetics of consciousness, the Ayurvedic description of the mind, and therapies to support the mind. Fundamental concepts of manas, prakruti and vikruti, the effects of sensory input on the mind, and approaches to managing mental health are explored. 10 hours - $395 Fri. 4/19 - 9:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-5:30pm | Sat. 4/20 - 9:30am-12:30pm |
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Online | April 20-21, 2024Ayurveda Course - AY 113 Women’s Health, Pre & Post Natal, Pediatrics With Dr. Rucha Kelkar This course introduces students to the foundations of women’s health including fertility, menstrual cycle and menopause, offering recommendations to support imbalances. The course also covers Ayurvedic recommendations for supporting healthy conception, prenatal and postnatal care for expectant mothers, and care for young children. 10 hours - $395 Sat. 4/20 - 1:30-5:30pm | Sun. 4/21 - 9:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-4:30pm |
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Online | May 17-18, 2024Ayurveda Course - AY 115 Ethics and Professional Practices With Dr. Nick Fortino and Donna Rixmann This course examines the Mount Madonna Code of Ethics as it applies to Ayurvedic Practitioners. Students are introduced to counseling practices as they pertain to client interactions and goal setting. Students explore the business skills involved in setting up and sustaining a professional practice. Topics include marketing, finance and legal considerations. 10 hours - $395 Fri. 5/17 - 9:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-5:30pm | Sat. 5/18 - 9:30am-12:30pm |
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Online | May 18-19, 2024Ayurveda Course - AY 111 Western Interface With Drs. Renee Rossi and Krista Farey This course offers the opportunity to explore the interface between Ayurveda and allopathic medicine, helps students understand healthy client practitioner relationships and boundaries, and clarifies the scope of practice and the code of ethics for all Ayurvedic Health Counselors. 10 hours - $395 Sat. 5/18 - 1:30-5:30pm | Sun. 5/19 - 9:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-4:30pm |
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Online | Date TBDAyurveda Course - AY 109 Ayurvedic Assessment Students are introduced to modes of diagnosis including pulse reading, tongue diagnosis, face-analysis, assessing the mental state, dhatus, malas and srotamsi. Students practice these modes during outside assignments, practicum and clinic. 7 hours - $295 Date TBD |
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Online | Date TBDAyurveda Course - AY 112 Ayurvedic Therapies The theory of Pancha Karma cleansing techniques and Five-Sense Therapy will be introduced. This course explores the Ayurvedic rejuvenation process called Rasayana. Students will learn strategies for Rasayana using herbs, diet, and nutritional support with the goal of slowing or reversing excessive aging, building immune strength and preventing disease. This course offers an introductory view of Ayurvedic anatomy of the ear, nose, throat, and neck. This cursory understanding of the head and neck region allows students to study and address common disorders of the head and neck through diet and bodywork recommendations. 7 hours - $295 Date TBD |
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Online | Date TBDAyurveda Course - AY 116 Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) Students are introduced to the subtle sister science of Ayurveda, Jyotish (Vedic astrology). Students learn the fundamental concepts of Jyotish, how it can complement client care, and when clients may be referred to an experienced Jyotish practitioner. 6 hours - $295 Date TBD |
Course Details
- Complementary Medicine: Acupuncture, Chiropractor & Physical Therapy
Online | September 16-17, 2023
- Yoga Sutra - A Deeper Dive into Book I
Online | October 6-8, 2023
- Jara & Rasayana - Aging & Rejuvenating Therapies
Online | October 12-13, 2023
- Pancha Karma- Ayurvedic Bodywork & Sense Therapies
In-Person | October 14-15, 2023
- Book II of the Sutras: Sadhana Pada - The Chapter on Practice
Online | December 8-10, 2023
- Introduction to Ayurveda
Online | January 19-20, 2024
- Sanskrit
Online | Monthly, February-June, 2024
- Yoga & Ayurveda
Online | Sunday, January 21, 2024
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Books III & IV
Online | February 2-4, 2024
- Ayurvedic Anatomy & Physiology
Online | February 16-17, 2024
- Ayurvedic Lifestyle Management
Online | February 17-18, 2024
- Ayurvedic Nutrition
Online | March 22-23, 2024
- Ayurvedic Herbology I
Online | March 23-24, 2024
- Ayurvedic Psychology
Online | April 19-20, 2024
- Women’s Health, Pre & Post Natal, Pediatrics
Online | April 20-21, 2024
- Ethics and Professional Practices
Online | May 17-18, 2024
- Western Interface
Online | May 18-19, 2024
*Hybrid courses can be taken online or in person at our Mount Madonna campus.
Tuition Information
Ayurveda Courses:
$549* for 2 day AP courses (12 hours)
Paid in full at the time of registration.
*Total does not include Meals and Lodging. See Meals & Lodging options for additional fees not included in the total tuition costs. Minimum of $66 per day Commuter Rate for all students that choose to come on site for classes.
Please note that textbooks and pre-reading are recommended for this course and are listed in the syllabus.
Refund Policy:
Refund available minus $75.00 cancellation fee if course is dropped prior to 48 hours before course start date.
No refund available if course is dropped within 48 hours of start date, or after course has started.
Yoga Sutra Courses:
$180 for 3 day course
Paid in full at the time of registration.
Refund Policy:
Refund available minus $25.00 cancellation fee if course is dropped prior to 48 hours before course start date.
No refund available if course is dropped within 48 hours of start date, or after course has started.