Syllabus & Schedule for Yoga Teacher Training

Primary Series

Philosophy

Here the students will be introduced to Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Ashtanga Yoga System, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Bhagwad Geeta.

• Meaning of yoga according to Yoga Sutra and Geeta, concepts, history

• Eight paths of yoga including:

• Jnana,
• Raja,
• Bhakti,
• Karma Yoga,
• Hatha Yoga,
• Kundalini,
• Laya,
• Mantra

• Ashtanaga Yoga of Patanjali

• Panch kosha (five layers or sheaths over consciousness)

• Annamaya kosha (physical sheath) – Gross body – Conscious state

• Pranamaya kosha (energy sheath) – Subtle body – Subconscious state

• Practice and Importance of Annamaya Kosha
• Prana (bioplasmic energy)
• Panch-prana (five vital airs)
• The chakra system, its qualities, activating and balancing techniques
• Energy or nadi system
• Kundalini
• Meditation: introduction, practices, meditation and mind

• Manomaya Kosha

• Vijnanamaya kosha (intuitive sheath) – Wisdom

• Ananadmaya kosha (bliss sheath) – Causal body – Unconscious state

• Samaadhi

• Concept of Mind in Yoga

• Functions of Mind

• Manas (mind),
• Buddhi (lower intellect),
• Chitta (memory),
• Ahamkar (ego)

• Practice and importance of Bhakti

Pranayama Syllabus

The practice of Pranayama is very necessary for calming down the mind. The Pranayama practices also become the basis of various meditation techniques. Here the Pranayama will be taught with great care so students learn the process and get better at their practices. All the following techniques will be taught initially in a beginner manner without ‘Kumbhaka’ (retention of breath) and slowly they will be encouraged to do it with ‘Kumbhaka’ on advanced levels. The following techniques will be covered:

• Anuloma Viloma, Nadi Shodhan

• Bhramari

• Ujjayi

• Suryabhedena

• Shitali

• Chandrabhedana

• Sitkari

• Theory of Murccha

• Bhastrika

Kriyas(Cleansing process)

Here on alternate days students will undergo the practice of cleansing process. Students will be explained the theory and practical part of them. The cleansing techniques prepare the body and mind for advanced practices of meditation. Moreover these techniques reduce the toxics from the body and enhance the health and wellbeing. The following techniques will be covered:

• Jala neti

• Kapalbhati

• Agnisara

• Trataka

• Vaman

Teaching methods Syllabus

This will be a class for the two weeks helping the students learn how to teach. They will be explained how to give instructions, pace their class and be there with every students. Understanding the needs of students of the different age, gender and physical capacities will be explained. Other topics will include:

• How to create and guide a spontaneous practice

• The parameters to take into consideration when teaching

• Combining tools: Integrate postures, breathing and meditation into practices

• Group and individual observation (holistic diagnoses)

• The three main effects of yoga and the tools to get there

• Mantra/sound in postures

• Main principles of yoga for children, pregnancy, senior and mentally challenged

• Principles of adaptation (simplification and intensification) of yoga tools

• The process of meditation in a one to one class

Anatomy and Physiology

Here students will be introduced with the anatomy and physiology of yoga. They will be explained how the aasanas and pranayamas work. Its very important to understand which muscles and systems are affected by different postures. The following topics will be taken in different units:

• Introduction of human body and its systems.

• Anatomy and Physiology and implications in Yogic Practices

• Respiratory System and Yoga

• Digestive System and Yoga

• Endocrine System and Yoga

• Kriya, Bandhas, Mudras and their physiology

• Physiology of Aasanas

• Difference between Asana and Exercise.

• How Pranayamas Work on body and mind

Mantra Chanting

This topic adds the spirituality to the Yoga Course. The students will be taught various simple Mantras. The Mantras are the universal sounds that connect the mind and consciousness together. The purpose of mantra chanting in yoga is to generate vibrations and connect with the universe. Each mantra is special and rich with spiritual energy. Mantras also help the meditation practice so it’s the integral part of yogic practices. The following Mantras will be taught to the students with explaining their benefits

• Gayatri Mantra

• Maha-Mritunjaya Mantra

• Karagre Vasate Laxmih- Morning Mantra

• Shanti Mantra

• Guru mantra

• A-U- M Chanting with Chakra concentration

• Ganesh Mantra

• Shiva Mantra

Schedule For Yoga Teacher Training