Practical Technique

Practical Technique Year 1 • Standing Postures, the Art of Vinyasa Krama & Preparatory Work • 75 hours
This course focuses on karana, or what is known as the “causal activity”, that prepares one for classical asana. The class teaches preparatory conditioning, builds inner strength/power, and introduces the major sthanas/ stances, vinyasas/sequences, and breath techniques. Includes, but is not limited to: squatting postures, basic stances, sun salutations, the fundamentals of breathing in stillness and in motion (vinyasa), bandhas and foundational alignment. Taken in the fi rst year, this class sets the foundation for the entire course of study. Introductory seated postures and pranayama may be introduced.

Practical Technique Years 2 & 3 • Asana for Intermediate Students & Teachers • 144 hours
The second and third year practical coursework continues work started in the fi rst year, with refined detail to the foundational work as well as revealing the outcome of a proper foundation – the asana or “seat”. Classical asanas, as given in the ancient texts Hathapradipika, Gherandha Samhita, and others, will be focused on as well as traditional backward/forward bendings, twistings, and balancing postures. Also included is the classical Viparita Karani cycle: viparita karani, sarvangasana, and sirsasana cycles with proper breathing. The fundamentals of traditional seated pranayama will be introduced. Includes preparatory pranayamas such as nadi-shodhana and kaphalabhati as well as an introduction to the classical kumbhakas, ratios, mantra, and others. Beginning meditational techniques will be explored. Class meets with the
Asana for Intermediate Students & Teachers (monthly course) on Wednesday evenings. Nine months of the class are required in both years two and three. Each month will explore a different topic from the above. (Prerequisite: Practical Technique Year 1)

Philosophy of Yoga

Philosophy of The Upanishads (1 session) • 15 hours
Early history of yoga with emphasis on reading and discussion of selected Upanishads – the ancient yogic literature of India.

Philosophy of The Bhagavad Gita (2 sessions) • 30 hours
Exploration of the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. Includes karma yoga, dharma, the nature of death, knowledge and other topics.

Philosophy of The Yoga Sutras & Samkhya Karika (3 sessions) • 45 hours
Examines theoretical and practical principles of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the classical Samkhya philosophy. The Sutras form the foundation for classical yoga philosophy and an introduction to the practice of meditation.

Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy 1 - Fundamentals of Anatomy - 18 hours
This 12-week course systematically examines skeletal and muscular structures of the body, while touching on the physiology of bone formation, muscle functioning, connective tissue, joint function, body patterning, movement and the anatomy of breathing. It will provide a foundation for deepening one’s understanding of alignment, form and range of motion within the context of hatha yoga.

Anatomy 2 - Exploration of Movement and Function in Hatha Yoga - 24 hours
This 8-week course builds on the foundation of Anatomy 1, and examines the functional anatomy within hatha yoga postures. It explores breath within asana, core and twisting postures, standings, forward bends, backward bends, and inversions. Will include both theory and movement.

The Diaphragms and Respiratory Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff - 15 hours
This intensive will provide a practical grounding in the essentials of the anatomy, physiology and kinesiology of yoga practice, with particular emphasis on the relationship between breathing and healthy spinal function


Teaching Application

Teaching Methodology • 90 hours
Systematic examination of the principles of skillful teaching, including but not limited to how to “see” different body types, how to enter another’s energetic space and give adjustments, how to work with different personalities and bodies, marma theory, how to sequence and structure classes, the correct use of props, ethics, and the teaching environment. Includes practice teaching sessions. Also includes a written dissertation on a topic of interest. Meets for three hours a week for three sessions. (Prerequisite: Practical Technique Year 2, or by permission, Practical Technique Year 1)

Teaching Practicum & Apprenticeship • 120+ hours
Practical application of principles learned in teaching methodology. Students will be required to
apprentice with one of the staff for six months at a minimum of twice a week. Longer study may be required based on mentor’s evaluation. Opportunities to teach the public will be available following the apprenticeship. The apprenticeship may be taken concurrent with methodology or as an optional fourth year course of study. The apprenticing arrangement is made individually with the chosen teacher. (Prerequisite: Practical Technique Year 2, or by permission, Practical Technique Year 1) Graduation as per permission of mentor.

Sanskrit

Sanskrit 1 - 14 hours
Learn to read and chant the basic Sanskrit alphabet. At the end of this weekend-long course you will be reading Sanskrit sentences!

Sanskrit 2 & 3 (electives) - 24 hours
These courses provide a deeper exploration of Sanskrit, including grammar and expanded vocabulary.

Elective Workshop Study • 30 hours
30 hours of selected workshops are required in the fi rst two years of study. There are many workshops to pick from taught by both visiting and resident teachers. Among the topics offered in the past have been: Adjustments, Tantra, Meditation, Sanskrit Asana Pronunciation, Core Awareness, Introduction to Chanting, Yoga Sutras, Pranayama, Intro to Shadow Yoga, Intro to Jnana Yoga, Tapas, Sequencing work shops, and many others. These workshops are usually offered Friday evenings or the weekends and there is typically at least one a month. See our website for current offerings.

Yoga Classes with Yoga Shala Instructors • 180 hours
40 classes per year with Yoga Shala instructors are required for certification within the teacher training program.

Private Consultations
Each year the student will have the opportunity to meet with the teacher training staff for one-on-one consultations. These consultations will address student questions and their individual practice.

Reading List

Required Reading

• Upanishads, A New Translation, four volumes, tr. Swami Nikhilananda
  
• The Bhagavad Gita, tr. Swami Nikhilananda
  
• Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali, Swami Hariharananda Aranya
  
• The Yoga Sutra Workbook, Vyaas Houston
  
• Hathapradipika of Svatmarama, ed. Swami Digambaraji
  
• Yoga Rahasya of Nathamuni Translation by T.K.V. Desikachar
  
• Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar
  
• The Trail Guide to the Body, Andrew Biel
  
• Anatomy Trains, Thomas Myers

Recommended Reading

• The Yoga Tradition, It’s History, Literature, Philosophy & Practice by Georg Fuerstein
  
• Vasistha’s Yoga, tr. Swami Venkatesanada
  
• Gherandha Samhita
  
• Siva Samhita
  
• Siva Svarodhya
  
• Samkhya Karika
  
• Vasistha Samhita
  
• The Science of Pranayama, Swami Sivananda
  
• Hathapradipika of Svatmarama, 10 chapters ed. Gharote & Devnath
  
• Be As You Are, The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, ed. David Godman
  
• Anatomy of Hatha Yoga, David Coulter
  
• Anatomy of Movement, Blandine Calais-Germain

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