200 Hour Training

Component-2 of the course entails intermediate level of practices and understanding of the system of traditional Hatha Yoga. In this component, each paper helps to delve deeper into the knowledge and practices of Hatha Yoga.

Practical (Hatha Yoga)

Component-2 incorporates various ways of teaching Surya and Chandra Namaskar in the class incorporating breath and awareness of chakras. Sessions will be based on learning, as well as teaching asanas with body adjustments and knowledge of alignment. Focus of this component is to deepen the awareness of the practitioners in relation with the inner dynamics of postures, breath work and cleansing of the mind-body system.

Techniques Taught:

• Asana

Introducing the concept of Sadhana, Surya Namaskara: – Synchronizing breath and movement, dynamic, slow (breath in each posture), flowing continuous movement, Chandra Namaskara (focusing on the key elements of Chandra namaskar flow, rhythm etc with the breath), Vajrasana series, Standing series, Balancing series, Backward bending series, Forward Bending series, Twisting series, Inverted series, Meditation asana series.

• Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, Shatkriya

Through practical teaching and discussions, postural mudras, pranayama and bandhas will be introduced in classes. Discussions will also entail as how to incorporate bandhas and mudras in pranayama sessions.

Techniques Taught:

• Pranayama

Nadishodhanapranayama with Kumbhaka, Kapalbhati and, Pre and Complete Bhastrika

• Mudra

Category of Postural Mudras

• Bandha

Mula bandha

• Shatkriya

• Tradition of Hatha Yoga Historical and philosophical background, Literatures and Concept of Hatha yoga as in Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita. Aspects and purpose of Hatha Yoga and yogic life style as per classical texts.
• Tradition of Kundalini Yoga Tantras as the philosophical background of Kundalini Yoga, concept of Kundalini. Concept of Chakras, their location and psycho-physical significance, method of Kundalini Sadhana, Effects of Kundalini Awakening

• The Respiratory and Cardiovascular system (in light of yogic breathing): This study will entail the structure and function of respiratory and cardiovascular system in light of yogic practices such as Pranayama, Mudra and Bandhas. Discussions will focus on muscles of respiration, physiology of respiration and effects of different yogic breathing patterns on human physiology, effects of yogic practices on cardiovascular system. Objective here is to deepen the understanding of respiratory and cardiovascular systems in relation with yogic practices of Pranayama, Mudra and Bandhas.

Topics Taught:

• Muscles of respiration, physiology of respiration and effects of different yogic breathing patterns on human physiology, effects of yogic practices on cardiovascular system.
• Digestive system with reference to Asana, Pranayama and Shatkriya
• Yoga Anatomy: Intention of this topic is to present detailed information on functioning and anatomy of digestive system. Role of yogic practices on the vitality of the inner digestive organs and glands.

• Elements Of Effective Class Planning/Management: Focus of module is to enhance the process of learning in the class through application of effective planning and class management.

Topics Taught:

• Sessions on lesson planning, class progression and customizing sessions for various needs.
• Principles of effective demonstration, teaching styles to suit specific needs, student’s process of learning and ways to teach effectively in the class; Includes practice teaching, receiving feedback, observing others teaching and hearing/giving feedback.
• Preparation of the environment: shaucha (cleanliness), space, aroma, Students occupied, Interaction, Control Over the class; clarity of visibility and sound

Objective is to learn:

• How to plan the class for individual as well as group
• Understanding the needs of various groups while planning the session
• How to use demonstration for effective teaching
• Understanding verbal and non-verbal cues in class

Practical (Hatha Yoga):

• Thorough interactive discussions and practical sessions in group concept of incorporating personal Sadhana in Hatha Yoga classes will be shared.
  Students will be asked to choose minimum one asana and pranayama with bandha to refine and deepen the experience. Introductory modules of Kriya Yoga will be introduced in the class; substantiated with both theory and practical teachings. LaghooShankhaprakshalana with Kunjal and Neti will be performed as part of Hatha yoga cleansing exercises.
• Asana

Topics Taught:

• Focus of this component is to incorporate the different subtle and intense kriyas into one’s yoga program with insight and purpose to intensify the experiences of yogic practices.
• Group Work Assessment and Discussion: student teaching, as well as observing and assisting in Classes taught by others — a combination of supervised and unsupervised.
• Expanding the idea of Sadhana in Hatha Yoga classes by incorporating personal Sadhana in Hatha Yoga to refine Hatha Yogic Postures.

Practical: Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, Shatkriya

In Component-3 focus of module will be to deepen the understanding of Kriya Yoga in light of Pranayama, Mudra and Bandha practices, experiencing Bandhas and Mudras with awareness of chakras, practical teaching of Maha Bandha with head and postural mudras. Knowledge of chakras and nerve plexus in light of mudras and bandhas will be shared through active discussions. Principles of Kriyas and their energetic influence on body mind system will be discussed with reference to Pranayama, Mudra and Bandha practices.

Techniques Taught:

• Nadi shodhana, Kapalbhati, Bhramari, Bhastrika and Agnisar Kriya
• Mudra and Bandha
• Advanced pranayama with Maha Bandha, Moorcha Pranayama and other advanced Kriyas
• Introduction to Kriya Yoga- Vipreet-Karani Mudra, rotation of consciousness in the psychic pathways

Topics Taught:

• Incorporate Bandhas into Pranayama
• Advanced Pranayama with the Bandhas
• Introduction to Kriya Yoga
• Shatkriya.

Practical (Meditation)

• Techniques such as Hridyakasha Dharana and its psychotherapeutic benefits in relation with the release of pent up emotions will be discussed and guided under supervision.
• Intensive training on techniques of inner visualization in Yoga Nidra and Chidakasha will be provided.
• Under the supervision of trainer, in small groups participants/students will be learning and teaching each other to assess, give and receive feedback on meditation instruction.

Techniques Taught:

• Techniques to channelize the feeling and emotions and, develop deeper understanding of one’s own self through techniques such as Hridyakasha Dharana.
• Group Work Assessment and Discussion: student teaching as well as observing and assisting in Classes taught by others.
• Yoga Nidra: stage: Advanced (Awareness of chakras, Tattvas and symbols)
• Trataka (As a Dharana Practice)
• Chakra Shuddhi (A technique of chakra cleansing)
• Chidakasha Dharana (A technique of inner visualization): Focus in Chidakasha through centering techniques, visualization of Yantra of Tattvas etc.
• Hridyakasha Dharana (Meditation to harmonize the heart space)
• Chakra Dharana-A

• Ethics of a Yoga Teacher (The Prerequisites): Here, we present the concept of Yogic life style for a sadhaka (Practitioner) and yoga teachers. Different ways to keep up the ethical values and philosophy as taught in the system of spiritual discipline, such as yoga. Introducing the concept of maintaining spiritual diary as part of personal Sadhana and Swadhyaya (self-study).

Topics Taught:

Ethics of yoga teachers, ‘living the Life of a Yogi’, teacher-student relationship; cautions and pitfalls, concept of Seva, Yogic life style: Concept of Sadhana for a teacher, Yoga as a life style, concept of spiritual diary etc.

Yogic Physiology

Objective will be to develop insight and understanding of subtle system of Nadis, Prana (energy channels), Vayus (Pranic currents), Chakras and Tattvas (elements) with reference to yogic techniques.

Topics Taught:

Structure of Pranic System: Concept of Prana, Nadis, Chakras, Prana Vayu, Pancha Tattvas and Pancha Kosha, classification of Prana Vayu, their functions and location in the body, role of Pranic system in life, importance of Prana, Nadis, Vayu, Chakras etc., in health and disease.

Elements of an effective class presentation Purpose of this topic is to enhance the effectiveness of teacher in class environment on the levels of presentation and delivery of the session. Discussion under this topic will incorporate methodologies to run the class in effective manner in order to facilitate an effective learning environment for the participants. Various aspects of class instructions and teaching methods will be discussed with proper demonstrations and discussions.

Topics Taught:

• Principles of Demonstration: Visibility, instruction while demonstration, clarity, coordination, quality of expressions,
• Assisting/Correction: Modes of correction (Group and individual)
• Orientation/Approach of the yoga sessions in group and personal classes; Use of modified variations of postures in group, as well as personal sessions.
• Observation of verbal and non-verbal cues in class, ways to assist/correct the practitioners.
• Personal presentation: Dress, Confidence, Posture, Composure
• Balanced presentation: Time Management, Blend of practices and Order of practices
• Verbal presentation: Use of Language, Positive, Teacher’s Talk Time (TTT), Diction, Modulation, Clarity, Use of aids, Pause/Gaps of silence, Voice level (Volume), Suitability of the vocabulary
• Interaction with the Students/Practitioners: Awareness & Care of student’s well-being, Precautions, Benefits, Observation of students
• Coordination with other Depts. in the organization of Business aspects of teaching yoga: Yoga in Hospitality; health resorts and spas; Yoga in prison, yoga for army and police personnel, yoga in hospital; role of yoga as a complimentary system/activity, practical limitations/challenges of yoga teachings in different environments

Marketing and Business Skills for Yoga Instructors

Topics Taught:

1. Teaching Styles and Student Interactions Teaching Style: Developing your own teaching style, Different types of classes, Workshops and Private Sessions Student Engagement and Feedback: Becoming aware of your students, How to get feedback, Adaptation and Special population 2. Internet Marketing and Social Media Website: Content, Social media connection, Blogging Social Media: Facebook business, Instagram tools, Creating and using videos Branding and other Marketing: Newsletter and Mail chimp 3. Getting Started Where to Teach: Studio, Gym, Your own studio Finances and Insurance: Managing Finances and Taxes, Important of Insurance + how to get it.

It will involve delivery of yogic practices in real class setting while following elements of effective class presentation and subsequently receiving and giving feedbacks.

Objective

Objective is to refine the teaching skill of the trainee as per the international standard of yoga teaching, applying the essentials of effective class presentation.

Group work: Teaching in small group, Giving and receiving feedback under the supervision of lead instructor; assessment of teaching on various parameters of class teaching

Use of aids (Visual and audio in the class) Preparing and conducting work-shops in small group on chosen topics.