Online Self-Paced 200-Hour Traditional Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training

Certifications

Students who complete their training are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).

Eligibility and suitability

Yoga is a precious gift to humanity. People of all temperaments, “levels”, fitness and ability are welcome to join the training. People with disabilities are also welcome. At whatever stage you are on your journey in yoga, this teacher training will bring new levels of knowledge and understanding. The course will be a wonderful journey for those who are seeking authentic yogic knowledge. At the same moment, it will be challenging. Prepare yourself to reconsider your point of view regarding the path of yoga, as you go deeper and deeper.

How the training works

Required online tools: To participate in this yoga teacher training, you will need a reliable internet connection. You will also have access to an online learning platform where you can find the training materials. The training is self-paced, but it should be completed a maximum of seven months after signing up. Optionally the students may join the weekly live sessions via Zoom. The sessions will be uploaded also on the learning platform. Pre-recorded material is uploaded on the online learning platform too.

Course information

This training is a wonderful and challenging journey for those who are seeking authentic yogic knowledge, a life-changing experience. Regardless of whether you want to study for your own personal development or if you have the intention to teach, prepare yourself to reconsider your point of view regarding the path of yoga, as you go deeper and deeper. The schedule of the training is very flexible, so students are eligible to study live or at their own pace. All learning material and sessions will be uploaded on the online platform.

There will be:

• Weekly optional live sessions. The sessions will also be uploaded also on Karma Yoga Traditional School online learning platform
• Pre-recorded material uploaded on Karma Yoga Traditional School learning platform
• Live personal sessions with the teacher upon request
• Students should complete the training in 10 months maximum after the start date of the training (you may start the training anytime)
• Optional - for free - you have the unique opportunity to join a 5-day traditional yoga retreat in Greece, next to the sea. The retreat is taking place 2-3 times per year

Philosophy

Message from the teacher: "A sādhaka (yoga student) is a person who has the intention to experience the Self. As a result, purification happens and unconditional Love is revealed."

The studies are based on the following pillars:

Yogic tradition

The teachings are revived from ancient, classical, and selected modern scriptures. Educational material is provided and the students acquire all the necessary tools for their own spiritual development.

Know Thyself

The ultimate Knowledge is the self. As a result of this realization, life is spontaneous. The person lives as a present and not as a limited individual.

The art of teaching

Although it's not the intention of all students to teach, experience shows that learning through teaching can be used as another tool for spiritual development. It includes planning, analysis, observation, and extensive practice. As a result, students will be capable to teach with comfort and self-confidence.

Syllabus

The syllabus is structured into six modules. Students will receive extensive educational material in English. The syllabus covers a wide range of yoga's four major paths (Raja, Jnana, Bhakti, Karma). Hatha yoga and related systems are also practiced in depth. Kundalini Tantra is experienced step by step. Nada yoga, Swara yoga, and other systems are also studied extensively.

Module 1: Technical teaching and practice

• Yoga asanas (body postures). Presentation, practice, teaching methodology, design, order of the asanas, etc. approximately 150 asanas
• External and internal detailed alignment of the asanas (teacher-to-student physical assistance) with photo manual of 300 adjustments
• Variations of asanas, benefits, and contraindications
• Use of props
• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) in various yoga traditions. Bija, Surya mantras, Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutation)
• Practice, management, and way of teaching 108 sun salutations
• Pranayama (breathing - energy extension techniques). "Beginner to advanced level" - full coverage of 20 pranayama techniques
• A seminar based on the teacher's book "Mudra Therapy" covering over 50 mudras (energy locks of the fingers)
• Bandhas of five categories (energy locks)
• Shatkarmas (purification techniques of the natural body)
• Sanskrit terminology of yoga practices and Eastern philosophy
• Devanagari alphabet (Sanskrit) learning
• Yoga Nidra, Vinyasa yoga, Swara yoga, Kundalini Tantra
• Bhakti yoga, mantra chanting, Kirtan with live Indian harmonium
• Therapeutic approaches

Module 2: Teaching methodology

• The art and the science of teaching
• Course structure
• Creating step-by-step sessions
• Creating the layout of the practice place
• Creating sessions for special purposes
• Creating meditation sessions
• Creating a trainee's daily schedule (sadhana)
• Design, program, and teaching at yoga retreats
• The art of creating a musical background
• Language techniques, rhetoric art
• Body language
• The art of touch
• Understanding the needs of different persons

Module 3: Meditation

• Meditation is a key pillar of the program with a wide range of techniques
• Kaya sthairyam (development of stability and comfort)
• 24/7 awareness methods
• Trataka and the art of visualization
• Japa, Ajapa
• Bahyakasha Dharana, Antarakasha Dharana
• Nada yoga
• Mantra yoga, Gayatri mantra meditation
• Anapana, Vipassana
• Chakra sadhana (7 seminar series)
• Bhairava Meditation (Guruji Atma Nambi)

Module 4: Anatomy of the physical and energy body

• Anatomy of individual parts and systems of the physical body
• Kinesiology
• Ways to avoid injuries
• Experimental analysis of classical Tantric anatomy: Koshas, Chakras, Nadis, Prana, Vayus, Gunas, Tattwas

Module 5: Eastern Philosophy and ethics, lifestyle

• History of yoga
• Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
• Study of Hatha yoga: Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Shiva Samhita, Gheranda Samhita
• Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ashtavakra Gita
• Yamas and Niyamas in daily life and in the class
• Introduction to Ayurveda
• "Yogic" diet, Nestherapy
• The art of Satsang
• Yoga Research (modern studies)
• Ethics of the modern yoga teacher

Module 6: Practical training and exams

• Participation in yoga online classes as observers
• Teaching online yoga classes under the supervision

Note

A Gmail account is required, as all course materials are provided via Google Drive.