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Hatha Yoga Teacher
Training cont'd
Hatha Yoga
In Hatha Yoga class the emphasis is on the practice
of asana (postures) and pranayama (breathwork). Time
is also spent learning and practicing kriyas (techniques
to awaken kundalini energy), mudras (energetic seals
made by the fingers, hands, limbs), bandhas (energetic
locks in the body) and relaxation techniques.
A comprehensive sequence of Hatha Yoga postures, providing
maximum energetic balance, healing, strength and flexibility
will be taught in a method that allows students of all
levels - from beginner to advanced - to benefit from
the practice. Utilizing Ananda Ashram founder, Shri
Brahmananda Sarasvati's texts on Yoga: Fundamentals
of Yoga and Yoga and Meditation for Self Healing,
the Hatha Yoga curriculum will integrate teachings on
the power of suggestion, Yoganidra (state of magnetism)
and Nada (the inner Sound) into the teaching and sharing
of asanas.
An integrated approach, taking the best from all schools
of Hatha Yoga and interweaving the core Yoga techniques
taught by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati into the asana
sequences, provides teachers with a solid foundation
to teach Hatha Yoga with respect to safety, alignment,
energy, flow, healing, strength, resilience, relaxation
and balance.
Meditation & Scriptural Studies
We meet mornings and evenings to meditate together
in silence and participate in spiritual studies and
practices. This is an integral part of Ashram life,
designed to provide inner nourishment and renewal as
well as a spiritual education. It is to help each person
discover the state of natural harmony, unity and clarity
through yogic meditation and Self-awareness.
Meditation begins with a simple form of the ancient
Vedic fire ceremony, offered for world peace and holistic
healing, both personal and planetary. It includes chanting
of Sanskrit mantras and is followed by a period of silent
meditation. Different meditation techniques and suggestions
may be offered.
Scriptural Studies focus on selected passages from Patanjali's
Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads,
with reading of commentary by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati
where available.
These important texts form the foundation of the science
of Yoga and the non-dualistic Vedanta philosophy. They
are concerned with truths that are independent of time,
place, culture or society, found to be deeply connected
to the universal experiences encountered in the process
of meditation.
The Sanskrit texts and mantras come to life through
chanting, word-by-word translation, reading of commentary
and discussion of their timeless relevance. The combination
of a meditative approach with clarification of the philosophical
context as well as grammatical explanation helps bring
out the inner meaning of the texts, including their
significance for healing and self realization.
Sanskrit Language
A special feature at Ananda Ashram is the direct
approach to the ancient teachings through the study
of the Sanskrit language and its original texts. The
love of Sanskrit here at the Ashram was inspired by
founder, Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati himself, a recognized
master of the language. In his teaching he prominently
used the medium of Sanskrit, emphasizing the chanting
and study of mantras, hymns and scriptural texts as
well as the study of the language itself as "science
of vibration." Even an introductory knowledge of Sanskrit
grammar gives a more genuine understanding of the language
and facilitates access to the meaning of the ancient
scriptures. It is taught here through the unique, interactive
method developed by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati.
Lecture & Discussion
Topics of the afternoon Lecture and Discussion are primarily
Anatomy, Physiology and Teaching Methodology. Anatomy
and physiology classes will emphasize Eastern and Western
modalities merging knowledge of the musculoskeletal,
endocrine systems with the Chakra System of seven energy
centers, related to body, mind and spirit. Teaching
Methodology addresses rules for the practice of sharing
Yoga in one-to-one and group class settings, the business
and ethics of teaching, effective methods for transmitting
and communicating Yoga, and the student teacher process
and relationship. The importance of diet and nutrition
is also discussed. Group participation will be encouraged
throughout to inspire a lively atmosphere of exploration
of how teaching Yoga can benefit not only the student,
but also the teacher, the community, and ultimately
the whole world.
Journaling
Journaling is key to self-analysis when used along with
moment-to-moment neutral witnessing of our thoughts,
concepts, attitudes and resistances. All of these can
get in the way of our Yoga practice, unless we see them
at work. Being mindful of reactions during the learning
process, specifically to new postures - whether one
is averse or attracted to them - helps one to deepen
one's understanding. Yoga can bring a person back to
being the witness of those actions and reactions, which
then shed light on how the mind moves.
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless service, balances the
study in the classroom and on the yoga mat with a chance
to apply the teachings in daily activities, such as
cleaning, cooking and outdoor work. It is meditation
in action.
Teaching Practice & Application
Students have the day off on Saturday. And then each
Sunday we come back together with an emphasis on teaching
practice and application. Students work with each other
applying what has been learned during the week and actively
developing teaching skills. An important part of this
group study is hearing constructive feedback and giving
input to each other as we learn together. Assisting
in poses and the manual adjustment of postures are also
covered.
Kirtan
Every Sunday evening Kirtan (call and response chanting)
is offered. Kirtan is central to Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga
of devotion. It is an exploration of the heart. As a
meditation practice it creates an atmosphere of well-being
and peaceful living.
Meals, Nature Walks & Mentors
Healthy vegetarian meals, walks in nature, and regular
meetings with mentors round out the program to create
a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages
every individual to blossom in his or her own way.
Instructors
The Yoga Teacher Training Course is led by our School
of Hatha Yoga instructors and by Ashram teachers, many
of whom were taught directly by founder Shri Brahmananda
Sarasvati. Ananda Ashram's Hatha Yoga teachers are unique
in that they are influenced by a number of schools of
Hatha Yoga, including Kaivalyadhama, Sivananda, Anusara,
Jivamukti, Vinyasa and restorative models. All teachers
have a deep knowledge of Yoga and have been practicing
and teaching for many years. Most have been living at
the Ashram, studying and integrating the teachings into
their lifestyle. The course is designed to pass this
knowledge and understanding on to students in an inspirational
and encouraging way.
Course Prerequisite
The Teacher Training is a challenging month-long experience,
involving discipline and dedication. A basic knowledge
of yoga postures and philosophy is helpful. A sincere
desire to learn and openness to the teachings of Yoga
are required.
Course Completion
Teaching Yoga is a vital and beautiful way of bringing
more understanding, transformation and joy into the
world. Upon graduating from Ananda Ashram's School of
Hatha Yoga Teacher Training course, teachers will be
able to impart the spiritual, mental and physical benefits
of Yoga in an effective and transformative way that
encourages health, healing and balance.
Teachers will graduate with a solid foundation for teaching
yoga classes in fitness centers, gyms, yoga studios,
corporations as well as privately. After passing a practical
and theoretical exam, students will receive a certificate
stating that they have completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher
Training from Ananda Ashram, one of the main centers
cultivating and pioneering Yoga in the West for over
40 years.
Required Texts: Fundamentals of Yoga, Yoga & Meditation
for Self Healing and Patanjali's Yoga
Sutras (Manual) by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati
All-inclusive rates:
$3000 semiprivate accommodations (includes meals, simple
guest accommodations and tuition)
$2800 dorm (includes meals, simple guest accommodations
and tuition)
$2300 commuter rate (includes meals and tuition)
To register
Fill out the
application form (PDF) along with a one page essay
on why you would like to attend the Teacher Training
and e-mail it to teachertraining@anandaashram.org, fax
to 845.774.7368, or send to Ananda Ashram, Yoga Teacher
Training, 13 Sapphire Road, Monroe, NY 10950.
If you would like to speak with someone directly, please
call our office at 845.782.5575.
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