PHILOSOPHY:

This training is based on the Ashtanga Yoga path of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This foundation will give you experience and understanding of the yogic path. We follow the tradition of Krishnamacharya, which is reflected in the fact that the asana practice is mostly in the Hatha Yoga tradition. Practices like asana, breath awareness, basic pranayamas, kriyas (cleansing techniques), visualization, mantras and meditation, will be presented and practiced within the course from the very beginning. Also we acknowledge the different bodily and mental constitutions, by giving a brief introduction to Ayurveda.

In this phase you will undergo a profound realignment and purification of the physical body, experiencing the results in your own energy and mental/emotional body. Starting from the most tangible in this basic training we will proceed to the most subtle in the advanced training: from the physical body to the energy body, to the mind.

When you have accomplished this training with commitment and dedication, you will feel confident to share with others what you have learned through self-investigation and self-practice.

COURSE CURRICULUM:

The curriculum presented in the Basic Training will give you a clear insight into the most relevant aspects of a Hatha yoga practice in its broader approach.

• PRACTISE – Your practice is your foundation, your real teacher. In the training, you will commit to daily practicing asana, pranayama and meditation. Your practice will integrate into your personality, will open your mind and your heart and this will bring you to higher states of awareness. What you practice, you will understand. What you understand, you will be able to teach.

• ASANA – You’ll practise asana, pranayama techniques and different meditations 2-6 hours every day. Since a Parimukti training is demanding and challenging physically and mentally, we find it important to have a good balance between more dynamic physical practice and classes to restore and rejuvenate (yin, yoga nidra, restorative).

• PRANAYAMA – A variation of different pranayama techniques is integrated in our your daily practice. Consequently you will become familiar with key verbal instructions, function, benefits and contra-indications of the most important pranayamas. At the end of the program you will have integrated these practices and, thus, will be able to incorporate pranayama into your teaching, as well.

• MEDITATION – Meditation is a very important element of Parimukti trainings. In this Basic Training you’ll develop an understanding of what meditation is and how other aspects of a yoga practise traditionally are used to prepare ourselves for moving deeper into gaining insight into ourselves and our relationship with the world. You will be introduced to meditation techniques like vipassana, dance meditation, dynamic meditation, shamata, buddhist meditations, etc. Also, every student can choose to have a day in ‘mouna’: silence during the course. This day you will receive teachings and practices silently, allowing yourself to let go of critical thinking, questions and other habits of the mind.

• MANTRA – You will be introduced to chanting mantras and the importance of Bhakti Yoga. You’ll learn some of the most important mantras and understand by experience how sound can positively charge oneself and the environment.

• ALlGNMENT – You will have a daily alignment class, in which you learn 50 asana postures addressing their alignment. These classed include Sanskrit and English names, key verbal, function, basic hands-on adjustments, benefits and contra-indications. All types of asana are covered: standing, standing balancing, sitting poses (forward bends and twists) forward bends, supine, backbending, core awakening, arm balance and inversions.

• PHYSICAL ANATOMY – Proper understanding of anatomy is crucial for a yoga (asana) teacher. During this course you will study the functional applied anatomy of the major joints (knee joint, hip joint, shoulder joint, and spine), fundamental bones and basic muscles throughout the course. This will help you to understand and identify differences in students and corresponding needs.

• YOGIC ANATOMY – We will introduce you to the subtle bodies: the yogic anatomy of chakras, nadis, kriyas, mudras, bandhas and koshas. This will help you to more fully understand the process and benefits of yoga.

• YOGIC PHILOSOPHY – You will gain insight into the evolution of yoga from the Vedic to these modern times. We guide you in how to apply yoga philosophy in your yoga practice, your teachings, and most importantly, in your everyday life. The foundational philosophy is mostly based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, with a particular focus on the 8 limbs of yoga.

• AYURVEDA – You will receive an introduction to the pillars of the science of Ayurveda. Yoga and Ayurveda are like inseparable siblings. The combination of these two sciences bring forth a system of healing, for physical, mental, and spiritual health and happiness.

• ART OF TEACHING – Teaching is a great medium to learn about yourself and others.  Therefore, you will be asked to work with the other students, in groups, on teaching assignments from the very beginning. Our teachers will give you practical tools and constructive feedback that will help you grow rapidly and confidently. The Art of Teaching classes are a great platform where you can integrate what you have learned in the alignment, anatomy and philosophy classes. Above all you will be invited and challenged to find your unique way of teaching a class.

• EXTRA’S – An intensive yoga teacher training is a deeply transforming experience for each individual student. Therefore, we offer in-depth guidance and equip you with many skills for the journey of discovering your own innate nature and truth. For students with special interests we offer a mentor program which gives you personal guidance throughout the training. Also, after the training we can help you to set up your own centre and mentor you on your further growth.

And last but not least. Studying and spending almost a month with like-minded people will certainly will support you in a sense of community, camaraderie, and friendship.

DAILY SCHEDULE

The training is intense with six full days per week, Sundays are your day off. Please find the schedule below. The timings might slightly change depending on the particular location and weather conditions. The day is scheduled in such a way that it allows enough time for rest and self-study.

• 07.00 – 09.00    Pranayama & Asana
• 09.00 – 10.00    Healthy vegetarian breakfast
• 10.00 – 11.15    Applied Anatomy
• 11.30 – 12.30    Alignment
• 12.30 – 03.00   Lunch and rest
• 3.00 – 04.15    Philosophy
• 4.30 – 06.00   Asana/Art of Teaching (alternate days)
• 6.00 – 07.00    Meditation
• 7.00 – 08.00   Dinner and rest

REQUIREMENTS

• Preferably you have practiced yoga steadily for a minimum of 1 year with a teacher.
• If you are an absolute beginner we recommend you to join the yoga teacher training course for a longer period of time, sometimes even repeating the course at nominal cost so that you pickup a strong foundation and in depth knowledge of yoga and understanding meditation as it works for yourself. It is our understanding that you will gain a deep understanding and knowledge, and even a certificate to teach, but the true body wisdom, empathy and experience can only come from a sustained practice. A longer leisurely course will create a powerful physical, mental and spiritual transformation in yourself.
• You are willing to make a commitment of 4 weeks of studying and practicing yoga in depth.
• You have a serious interest in both practicing and teaching yoga and meditation. You might discover your love for teaching after doing this in-depth study.
• You are looking for a life transforming experience and ready to work hard on self-growth
• You are interested in gaining mastery over your body, your mind and your self and are willing to pay the price in discipline, sweat, and facing your own fears.
• You are willing to learn from fellow teachers and students as well as share your own wisdom
• You want to study in a small group(max 15 students per class) to get maximum feedback from every teacher and make the training a personal journey above all.
• We welcome students who are in reasonable physical health and no suffering form any major disease (no major conditions or allergies and not recovering from any serious surgeries or medical conditions).

QUALIFICATIONS

This 200 hrs Basic Training will prepare you to introduce people to the path of yoga with confidence. You’ll have a solid foundation in asana, an understanding of ‘prana’ through breath awareness and pranayama, mantras, introduction to meditation and relaxation. Most of all you’ll have an understanding of what the Yoga path really is.

Successfully graduated students are aware of their own unique presence, energy, message and teaching style. This program is registered with the American Yoga Alliance (YA), and meets the established standards. Completing our program will allow you to register with the Yoga Alliance as a RYT-200.