Prerequisites
- A sincere interest in learning authentic yoga
- An existing regular yoga practice
- Substance-free for at least six months
- High school diploma
- 18+ years of age
Pre-Training preparation
• Once accepted, you will receive a pre-arrival training package. The pre-arrival training package consists of :
• Reading assignments
• Writing assignments
• Practice assignments
• Self-reflection assignments
• An immersive training program is a transformational experience both on the physical and emotional level. It is paramount that trainees take the pre-training preparations seriously.
• All tasks must be completed and submitted before the commencement of the training program.
Post-Training requirement
• All trainees are required to organize and teach eight yoga classes in their local cities to complete their certification.
• Submit student feedback from these classes
Curriculum
The Sri Sri School of Yoga Curriculum is guided by the teachings of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and embraces all paths of Yoga, including: Gyana (path of knowledge), Bhakti (path of devotion and sincerity), Karma (path of selfless service to society), Hatha Yoga (path of determination), and Raj yoga (path of effortlessness).
You will learn to culture your entire being through an effective practice of pranayama, asanas, and advanced yogic techniques that go beyond the body in order to culture the mind and spirit. Through this wholesome practice you will have the true experience of Yoga, which is defined as the union of body, mind, and spirit.
Materials
The following course materials are essential for completing the training:
Text Books: Sri Sri Yoga Student Manual, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Anatomy & Physiology and Basics of Yoga Business.
Props: yoga mat, strap, blocks, 5 LB Weights
1. Yoga Philosophy, Scripture, Ethics & Lifestyle
The Yoga philosophy, scripture, ethics, and lifestyle sections include a review of various yoga scriptures such a The Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Yoga Sara Upanishads, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. You will also be taught how to incorporate authentic yogic philosophy into your daily life.
2. Sri Sri Yoga Asanas
The Sri Sri Yoga Asanas section includes an acute understanding of the asanas, proper methodology of practicing the asanas, and guidance on instruction. The emphasis will be on observing and understanding the impact of each asana on the physical body, energy center, and mind.
Asana modifications to improve flexibility, muscle strength and how to increase or decrease the asana intensity in order to cater to individual student needs will also be covered. In addition to learning ways to improve flexibility and strength, participants will also learn how to improve balance, symmetry, and alignment.
Participants will learn the scriptural secrets for the proper practice of asanas. Participants will learn the methodology of creating short sequences of asana focused on a particular part of the body. Proper use of props to accommodate those with physical limitations will also be covered.
3. Anatomy & Physiology
The practice of asanas will be enhanced with a proper understanding of the functional human anatomy and physiology. This module will cover the basics of skeletal, muscular, respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems, injury and recovery, and esoteric anatomy, including chakras, nadis, prana, granthi, and bandhas.
This aspect of the curriculum will be taught through the use of virtual anatomy and models together with the practice of asanas in order to understand how each body part functions, and how the proper practice of the asanas can prevent and heal injuries.
4. Group Practicum
The Group Practicum has the following elements: group asana practice, observation, transcriptions focused on practicing asanas, adjustments, sequencing, and yoga philosophy as it applies to life on and off the mat.
5. Small group peer review and practicum
Participants will have hands-on practice in small groups in order to teach their students proper alignment, balance, and symmetry. Students will also provide feedback to peers and hone their class presentation skills.
6. Fundamental Sanskrit
Participants will learn the Sanskrit names and meanings of asanas. Sanskrit slokas and meanings will also be covered. Participant will be taught Sanskrit shlokas and sutra recitation, pronunciation, and meanings as they apply to yoga practice.
7. Pranayama principles & practice
Participants will learn the importance and methodology of proper breathing. Full understanding of prana, nadis, and chakras will be provided with the teaching of classical pranayama and how the proper flow of prana influences the body and mind.
Participants will be taught how to use this knowledge to improve physical and mental well being. Pranayama teaching methodology will also be covered.
8. Meditation
Participants will learn the basic principles of meditation and how to calm the mind. Through daily group classes, students will receive an experiential understanding of the true goal of asana practice, which is to reach the state of effortless stillness in the body and silence in the mind.
9. Ayurveda & Clinical Nutrition
Basic understanding of Ayurveda and its application to daily life will be covered, including dinacharya, body constitutions, diet for specific constitutions, and cleansing kriyas.
10. Interpersonal Skills
The discipline of yoga will ground the participant in the basic principles of becoming a good teacher: voice training, developing competence, confidence and comfort in teaching yoga.
11.Business of Yoga
The program will cover the basics of opening and creating a successful yoga business.