All aspects of the course require a high level of self-motivation. A basic understanding of yoga postures and philosophy is beneficial but not essential. A genuine desire to learn and an openness to yoga’s teachings are necessary. Yoga practice, and particularly yoga teaching, require a high level of self-discipline and purity.
CONTENT
ASANAS
The twelve basic postures in depth
Practice of classical advanced variations
Precise and detailed corrections
Prolonged holding of the asanas
Deeper understanding of hatha yoga
PRANAYAMA
Practice of kapalabhati
Daily practice of anuloma viloma
Advanced pranayamas
Use of bandhas
MEDITATION
Guide to meditation
What is meditation?
Why meditate?
Concentration and thought power
12-step daily practice
Effects of and experiences in meditation
YOGA ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Introduction to the eight major body systems
The effects of asanas and pranayama on the:cardiovascular, respiratory,digestive and skeletal and muscular systems
Yoga and physical culture
YOGA NUTRITION
Vegetarianism for physical, mental, and spiritual health
How diet affects the mind
Principles of nutrition
Healing effects of fasting
KRIYAS
The six classical purification exercises for the eyes, nose, air passages, oesophagus and stomach, abdominal organs,
and large intestine. Explanation and demonstration of the exercises and their effects. Individual instruction.
Tratak
Neti
Kapalabhati
Dhauti
Nauli
Basti
TEACHING PRACTICE
How to teach the 12 basic postures and breathing exercises to beginners and intermediate students
Setting up of a proper environment for class
General pointers on teaching a class
The Basic Sivananda class
Beginners’ course
Advanced postures
Yoga for children
Yoga for older citizens
Yoga for pregnancy
Relaxation
Detailed correction workshops
In the second half of the training course;
Participants will teach each other under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
HATHA YOGA
Ethical and moral principles
Body, prana, and mind
From control over the body to control over the mind and meditation
RAJA YOGA
Ashtanga: the eight limbs of yoga
Antahkarana: functions of the mind
Concentration and meditation
KUNDALINI YOGA
The Absolute and its manifestation in nature
Macrocosm and microcosm
The seven chakras
The awakening of cosmic energy
BHAKTI YOGA
Kirtan: chanting of devotional songs. Chanting opens the heart and purifies the mind. In devotional chanting correct pronunciation, devotional attitude, and awareness of meaning are all important.
Sanskrit mantras, Indian deities, and their cosmic meaning
Arati and pujas (traditional Indian devotional rituals)
KARMA YOGA
Karma Yoga – selfless service: one hour daily in the Ashram community. You will be asked to do various tasks within the Ashram setting necessary for the smooth running of the community. Karma yoga helps to reduce selfishness and egoism, essential for spiritual progress.
JNANA YOGA
Basic concepts of Vedanta philosophy
The seven bhoomikas or planes of consciousness
Space, time, and causation
The three bodies
The three levels of the mind
Conquest of Death
EXAMINATIONS
Theoretical Examination: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) exam
Practical Examination: 1-hour Hatha Yoga session
Assignments
Case studies
GRADING OF THE QUALIFICATION
The overall qualification is graded:
Pass – 60% – 74%
Merit – 75% – 89%
Distinction – 90%-100%
The collective mark is formed by multiple-choice questions, a practical exam, assignments, and case studies.
CERTIFICATION & ACCREDITATION
Diploma in Yoga
Accredited by International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine, UK
.