21 Day 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Intensive Immersion Retreat in Montezuma

Facilities

It is a time for you to enjoy life while delving deeper into the timeless tradition of yoga, it is an opportunity to learn new tricks and tips, cultivate true health and happiness, advancing your career options, all while making new, like-minded friends. This advanced yoga instructor certification program draws from many traditions and emphasizes more than the physical practice of yoga.

You will explore and experience classical Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, the importance of ritual, the magic of mantra, philosophy from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, awareness of the subtle energies within and around you, and a deep connection to nature as your teacher. The asana practice is Hatha Vinyasa, Vinyasa meaning the fluid and purposeful integration of breath and movement.

You will gain an understanding of proper alignment for over 108 asana, sun salutations for all levels, creative and smart sequencing, core based strength exercises, enhancing postures with hands-on adjustments, how to incorporate music into a class, how to use props and how to work with special populations.

Lakshmi Rising 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Curriculum

The intention of this advanced yoga teacher training is to empower teachers and students of yoga to deepen their understanding of both classical and modern yogic concepts and techniques, to provide tools for teachers to fine-tune their skills and knowledge, and to broaden Lakshmi Rising's global yoga community.

What is Lakshmi Rising?

• 3 total hours

Learning objective

During the opening circle, you will discuss the course overview, introduce the power of intention and ritual, share collective introductions and goal setting among the kula (community), and explain the Lakshmi Rising concept. Lakshmi Rising will also go over the course requirements.

What is Yoga? What is Wellness?

• 2 total hours

Learning objective

Students collectively define both yoga and wellness. A brief cultural history of yoga and classical definitions of yoga are discussed. Concepts like Samkhya and kleshas are introduced. Wellness is collectively defined. Connections are drawn between yoga and wellness.

Daily Morning Sadhana Including Asana, Pranayama, Mantra, Kriya, and Mudra

• 34 total hours

Learning objective

These 2-hour daily modules are designed to stretch, tone, and heal the body. Lakshmi Rising specialty yoga master classes not only move the body but also stir the heart and mind. They weave classical yogic concepts with modern anatomical intelligence, an inspiration for self-observation and spiritual wisdom.

Hanuman Chalisa

• 19 total hours

Learning objective

Students will learn this traditional chant to cultivate strength of body and mind, stamina, vibrant health, and to ground excess Vata.

Meditation Practicum

• 34.5 total hours

Learning objective

Students will actively practice loving kindness, japa, trataka, japa mala, mindfulness, sound healing, yoga Nidra, mantra, and nyasm styles of meditation twice daily to directly experience the benefits and also the challenges. Students will have the opportunity to note the effects of a consistent daily meditation practice for 21 days in a row. Students will be asked to journal after each meditation session to record data, catalog insights, and track progress.

Sequencing Concepts and Techniques

• 12.5 total hours

Learning objective

In this 1-hour daily module following the morning sadhana, the instructor explains the proceeding morning practice. The morning yoga classes are based upon the Lakshmi Rising Hatha Vinyasa method of building a sequence around a cohesive theme and variations on that theme (physically and oftentimes mentally, emotionally, and spiritually). In each of these breakdown sessions, an asana (the peak pose of the day) is explained in detail including benefits and effects, modifications and variations, anatomical alignment details, and contraindications.

The entire master class is collectively discussed and written down. This will provide students with a library of intentional and versatile sequences to reference for inspiration when putting together their own classes.

This session also serves as a Q&A about any part of the morning practice so that students gain experiential perspective about designing and teaching a yoga class and also for clarification about any of the class elements.

Structure of a Vinyasa Class

• 2 total hours

Learning objective

Basic concepts specific to Hatha Vinyasa yoga in the lineage of Sri Krishnamacharya are defined, as well as elements unique to Lakshmi Rising. This gives students a map to follow regarding what to include in Vinyasa style classes and why.

Concepts such as Surya Namaskar (sun salutations), Vinyasa krama (flows), kriya (repetitive movements), and connecting Vinyasa (linking sequences) are explored.

The Art of Intelligent Sequencing

• 5 total hours

Learning objective

Students will gain a solid understanding of how to sequence a Vinyasa class using the Lakshmi Rising method. Concepts such as theme and variation in asana, peak pose, Vinyasa krama, connecting Vinyasa, music, philosophical themes, and timing are covered. Students will design a class using this method and receive feedback.

Roots of Alignment: Defining Asana and Intro to Yoga Anatomy

• 2.5 total hours

Learning objective

This module includes Krishmacharya’s and Patanjali’s definition of asana, students working together in partners or small groups to perform a postural analysis, and an overview of common alignment mistakes.

Anatomy of Asana Families

• 3 total hours

Learning objective

Different categories of asana are defined. Regions of the body are identified, muscles, bones, nerves, organs, and connective tissues are explained in relation to different types of postures and positions. Cautions and contraindications, range of motion, as well as general benefits of posture groupings, are explained.

Asana Lab

• 21.5 total hours

Learning objective

Different asanas are explained and demonstrated. The anatomy of each asana is discussed, as well as variations, modifications, benefits, contraindications, and hands-on assists, adjustments, and enhancements. Students will work in pairs or small groups to practice.

Teaching the asana, mini-sequences, hands-on techniques, pranayama techniques, and chanting. Students will be asked to create mini-sequences. Students will be given feedback so that they will understand how to be a more capable teacher.

Hands-on Adjustments 101

• 1.5 total hours

Learning objective

Ethical, energetic, and anatomical aspects of touching yoga students are discussed. Options for student and teacher safety are explored. Similarities and differences between adjusting, assisting, and enhancing asana are considered. Contraindications are explained. Verbal and energetic assists are also explained.

Art of Shape-Shifting Photo Project

• 2 total hours

Learning objective

Students are given a list of asana (yoga poses) that are a part of the LR curriculum. With a partner or small group, students will photographically document their understanding of these poses on both the first and last days of the training program. This will illustrate their growth and transformation during the yoga teacher certification course, and also their understanding of the physical and energetic alignment of each asana.

Secrets of the Bandhas

• 2 total hours

Learning objective

Students receive theoretical and experiential information about hasta, pada, mula, uddiyana, jalandhara, and maha bandhas. You will discuss benefits, contraindications, physical and energetic anatomy, and explore several different techniques for teaching and self-practice.

Chakras, Nadis, Koshas: Energetic Anatomy of the Human Experience

• 2.5 total hours

Learning objective

This module gives students an overview of the energy-body through the lens of yoga.

Yoga in the World Today: The Legacy of Krishnamacharya

• 1 total hour

Learning objective

Students will discuss the similarities and differences between yoga and exercise. The global influence of Krishnamacharya and his students will be discussed, as well as other popular styles of yoga.

Patanjali and the Eight Limbs of Yoga

• 1 total hour

Learning objective

This is an introduction to yoga as a philosophy and lifestyle that encompasses more than just the physical postures.

Yoga Sutra Discussion: Yama and Niyama

• 4 total hours

Learning objective

Students learn the ethical aspects of relating to self and others in this exploration of the Yamas and Niyamas. Different translations of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are referenced, as well as the current application of these ancient and timeless guidelines to living a yogic lifestyle.

Concepts in Ahimsa: Plant-Based Nutrition for the Health of the Whole

• 38 total hours

Learning objective

Students will explore one of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, Yama. The first of these ethical observances is ahimsa; non-harming of self and others. You will apply this principle to your yogic lifestyle by adhering to a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet for 21-days. The mealtimes are not only an opportunity to practice mindful eating, but they are also a time to educate students about plant-based nutrition and to offer first-hand experience of the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle in harmony with Ayurvedic principles.

Pranayama Defined: May the Force be with You

• 2 total hours

Learning objective

Pranayama as one of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs is defined and discussed. The anatomy of the respiratory system is explained. Concepts such as sama vritti (even breath), visama vritti (uneven breath), kumbaka (breath retention), and vayu (wind) are defined. Benefits and contraindications are also explained.

Meditation Defined: Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi

• 2 total hours

Learning objective

Meditation as one of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs is defined and discussed. Modern research and classical perspectives are included in the discussion, in addition to the benefits and physiological processes. Different styles and approaches are explained.

Meditation Techniques Explained

• 7.5 total hours

Learning objective

Nyasm, loving kindness, japa, japa mala, mindfulness, sound healing, yoga Nidra, mantra, and trataka are explained in-depth so that each student will have clear instruction on how to practice each of these techniques, and also the benefits, variations, and contraindications for each.

Mauna: Practicing Silence

• 30 total hours

Learning objective

Students learn about the benefits of silence by refraining from speech and technology during silent breakfasts and Saturday mornings.

Sahaja Vinyasa: Lakshmi Rising Conscious Dance

• 2 total Hours

Learning objective

Students practice meditation in motion, ritual, and a new way of experiencing asana, to break habits and patterns that block their flow of awareness.

Yoga Philosophy: Samskara, Karma, Klesha, and Pratyahara

• 1 total hour

Learning objective

This discussion is designed to spark insight into what you believe and why. Students are invited to identify patterns in themselves, their relationships and in society that can be shifted through diligent self-study (svadhyaya) and through the practice of yoga.

Yoga Philosophy: Intro to Classical Tantra, Mantra, and Ritual

• 9 total hours

Learning objective

Students will learn the core principles of what Classical Tantra is and is not. How to create sacred space, how to work in harmony with the five elements, and how to select specific mantras and energies to align with will all be discussed.

Mantra: Tools for the Mind

• 1 total hour

Learning objective

Different chants are explained, practiced, and recorded to expose students to this ancient form of yoga.

Ayurveda

• 9 total hours

Learning objective

Students will be introduced to Ayurveda as a sister science to yoga; yoga being a path to purify the mind and Ayurveda as a path to purify the body. An overview of the five elements, three doshas, dinacharya (daily routine) guidelines, and how to live in harmony with your environment will be given.

Jyotisha: Vedic Astrology

• 6 total hours

Learning objective

This module serves as an introduction to the classical science of Vedic astrology. The relationship of the celestial bodies with each of us as individuals has a profound impact on who we are, where are strengths and weaknesses lie, and how to take the best course of action to make the most of this human lifetime. Students' individual charts will be analyzed to give an overview of general concepts.

Vaastu: Creating Heaven on Earth

• 3 total hours

Learning objective

Vaastu is the Vedic science of creating a harmonious environment, similar to the more well-known approach from China, Feng Shui. Parallels will be drawn between vast and both jyotisha and Ayurveda. This is another way to cultivate a yogic lifestyle, by living in harmony with your environment.

The Business of Teaching Yoga

• 3 total hours

Learning objective

You will discuss teaching options and possibilities, how to find teaching opportunities and what to expect, continuing education, mentorship, and higher-level training, hosting and attending workshops, retreats and special events, marketing alliances, social media, and how to write a bio, resume and mission statement.

Evaluating the Role of Teacher

• 5 total hours

Learning objective

The concept of lineage is defined. Students will reflect upon their own lineage and identify their strengthens and weaknesses as a teacher. You will discuss what it means to be a teacher, yoga teacher, educator, guide, and leader.

Quiz and Review

• 2 total hours

Learning objective

In two quizzes, at the beginning of weeks two and three, students will have 30 minutes to take each quiz and then 30 minutes to go over the quiz as a group. This emphasizes important course content and gives students a gauge of their strengths and weaknesses.

Non-Contact Hours

• 40+ hours of course reading prior to or during the training program
• 5 hours prep and planning time for final student practicum
• 1-hour prep, planning, design, and creation of sacred space altar
• 1-hour karma yoga
• 2 hours to research and write 1000 word essay
• 10+ hours teaching community classes upon completion of training

Sample schedule

Below is a sample schedule (with slight changes depending upon the location and duration) that will give you a great idea of what your weeks will look like while enjoying your training.

Sunday to Friday

• 05:00-06:00 Meditation and chanting Hanuman Chalisa
• 06:00-08:00 Asana Sadhana
• 08:00-09:00 Concept in sequencing group session
• 09:00-10:00 Silent breakfast
• 10:00-11:00 Break
• 11:00-14:00 Group session
• 14:00-15:00 Gourmet vegetarian lunch
• 16:00-19:00 Group session
• 19:00-20:00 Dinner

Saturday

• 05:00-16:00 Silence. Self-led meditation, pranayama, and asana practice
• 09:00 Breakfast
• 14:00 Lunch
• 16:00-19:00 Group session

Students must arrive by 2 p.m. on Sunday and should plan to depart by 10 a.m. on Saturday

Required Texts

• Prakriti by Robert Svoboda
• Yoga of the Subtle Body by Tias Little
• Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson
• Your Body, Your Yoga: Learn Alignment Cues That Are Skillful, Safe, and Best Suited To You by Bernie Clark

This teacher training takes place at the Sanctuary of Two Rivers in Costa Rica. The energy and intention of a place have a strong effect on one's experience, for better or for worse. For this reason, the organizer has chosen a sacred and magical location to host their offerings. The Sanctuary will become a character in the story of your journey, choose your own adventure wisely.

The Sanctuary at Two Rivers is a 40-acre magical private rental property in the jungle exclusively for amazing yoga retreats, yoga teacher training, or any group gathering of up to 16 people interested in health and wellness. The Sanctuary is one of a select few retreat centers in the world that was specifically designed and built by veteran yogis whose sole intention was to create a first-class retreat center to commune with nature, practice yoga, contemplate, meditate, detox, and become balanced through health and wellness yoga retreat vacations.

This 100% off-the-grid solar-powered facility with luxury-deluxe-modern accommodations, extensive spa menu, and Gaia gourmet organic vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free cuisine is the ideal location to become a certified yoga instructor.

Imagine rising with the sun and the howls of Howler Monkeys, not hearing any urban nor suburban noises, all the while infusing yoga, meditation, wellness, and spiritual healing, with wildlife and bird watching. The Sanctuary at Two Rivers will rejuvenate your body, tidy up your mind, and boost your spirit. The Sanctuary is located between two beautiful rivers just one kilometer from the Pacific Ocean.

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A Mouthwatering Experience: Gourmet Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine

Nutrition is more than just feeding the physical body. Food is essential on so many levels and that’s why Lakshmi Rising has chosen Gaia Gourmet Cuisine to cater to all of the international retreats and yoga teacher training. This incredible cuisine nourishes every aspect of your being; supporting, nourishing, and cleansing your body, mind, and spirit along your journey.

The talented plant-based chef creates three unforgettable Gaia gourmet vegetarian or vegan meals per day inspired by the world’s greatest cuisines. The healthy organic food is artistically crafted to please all of the senses. Meals are designed around the seasons using Ayurvedic principles while incorporating the best and freshest local ingredients, herbs, and spices. They procure and serve all organic produce from local family farms. The meals are well balanced and prepared with love. This positive energy is infused into the food, aiding the digestion process.

Balanced Nutrition for the Body and Mind

It’s important that you are well-fed and completely nourished from the inside out when you join this training. With a vegetarian-based menu (and vegan and gluten-free options available), you will be provided plenty of protein by using legumes, seeds and nuts, artisan cheeses, and eggs from free-ranging chickens. They only use whole grains and natural sweeteners. With an ever-expanding orchard of over 300 various tropical fruit trees, the freshly picked organic fruits make great complements to your dining experience. Overall, this will produce a more lively healthy body and mind and is the most environmentally friendly diet.

They always do their best to accommodate food allergies. They can omit certain items from dishes, such as cheese, dairy, and nuts. They cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free or nut-free environment. Persons with serious food allergies such as Celiac's disease or those on a 100% raw food diet should not attend a retreat. The organizer must know of all serious food issues at least three weeks prior to arrival. Bring an open mind and allow your taste buds to savor this unique culinary adventure!

Group excursions

You have two optional group excursions as a part of your adventure. The first Saturday of your training, you have the opportunity to visit beautiful Santa Teresa where you can take a surf lesson, check out some super bohemian boutiques for bikinis, unique jewelry, and sundresses, as well as enjoy a tropical superfood smoothie and chill on the expansive beach. Or you can visit Montezuma. Here, you can explore the famous Montezuma Waterfall, shop, surf, have lunch like a local and enjoy the beautiful beach. These excursions incur an additional cost.

Group beach excursion to Santa Teresa costs 20 USD for round trip group transportation; extra cash for lunch and shopping is required.

Group beach excursion to Montezuma costs 10 USD for group transportation; extra cash for an optional surf lesson, lunch, shopping is required.

Essential Therapeutic Massage: The Quintessential Indulgence

The skilled therapist will massage your muscles to address aches and pains and promote deep relaxation and healing. They use locally made, anti-oxidant rich, fresh-pressed organic extra-virgin coconut oil to nourish and pamper you.

Each treatment is specifically designed and intuitively customized to enhance your retreat experience. The cost is 80 USD for 60 minutes and 120 USD for 90 minutes

Acupuncture, Wellness Consultation - Beauty Treatment or Bodywork with Liz

With over 20 years of experience in the healing arts, Dr. Liz Lindh can customize a treatment to meet your needs, answer questions, and bring balance to your body, mind, and soul. Expect a combo of integrative, functional, and evidence-based techniques with loving intuition, deep listening, and authentic connection. Limited availability. The cost is 100 USD for 60 minutes.

Head, Neck, Shoulders Massage

Treat yourself to a relaxing chair or table massage specifically for the shoulders, neck, and scalp. This targeted treatment will relieve tension, promote balance, and feels fantastic! The cost is 25 USD for 15 minutes or 50 USD for 30 minutes.

Foot Reflexology

Take care of those tired tootsies! This pressure point massage of the feet feels heavenly, and the benefits are remarkable! Many different healing traditions agree that there is a map of the entire body on the soles of our feet, our palms, and also on our ears.

By massaging specific points, you can stimulate a therapeutic effect elsewhere in the body. This treatment promotes the circulation of vital energies and removes stagnation in specific areas that cause pain or illness. Wonderful on its own or a great add-on to any session! The cost is 25 USD for 15 minutes and 50 USD for 30 minutes.

Ancient Chinese Fire Cupping

This treatment will release whatever may be stuck in your back and shoulders. This potent technique restores health by stimulating circulation and activating immune function. The cost is 50 USD for 30 minutes and 80 USD for 60 minutes (cupping followed by 30 min back, neck, and shoulders massage).

Sanctuary Body Glow

You will begin with a full-body exfoliation using your choice of organic mandarine lemon grown in the orchard blended with extra fine sea salt for uplifting and purifying or shade-grown organic Costa Rican coffee blended with locally grown raw, unrefined cane sugar for stimulating and refining. Both of these elixirs polish the skin, detoxify the body, invigorate the system, and clear negative energy.

After rinsing, your body will be nourished and smoothed with locally made, fresh-pressed organic extra-virgin coconut oil to soften the skin, soothe the muscles, and leave you with a head to toe healthy glow. The cost is 100 USD for 60 minutes and 149 USD for 90 minutes (can add 30 minutes of Reiki or extra massage for a custom 90 minutes treatments).

Classical Reiki Energy Work

Gentle yet profound, this non-invasive treatment is focused on enhancing the health of the whole being. The client lays fully clothed on the massage table. Healing energy and intentions are directed towards specific areas on the body to promote the circulation of vibrant life force. This is deeply relaxing and restorative. Wonderful on its own or a great add-on to any session! This treatment costs 50 USD for 30 minutes or 80 USD for 60 minutes.

• Training manual
• A 2-hour asana practice each morning Monday-Friday
• 3 organic gourmet vegetarian meals each day
• Unlimited organic shade-grown Costa Rican coffee and an assortment of teas
• Fresh fruit for snacking
• Super-filtered high vibration mountain spring water for drinking and bathing
• 20 nights lodging in a double occupancy luxury jungle loft or studio house
• Daily housekeeping
• Weekly laundry service
• Waterfall wellness ritual
• Full access to a 40-acre nature preserve including tropical gardens, jungle trails, waterfalls and swimming pool
• 13% tax

• Transportation to and from The Sanctuary
• Required texts and supplies
• Optional excursions to Santa Teresa for surfing, sunset or chilling and to Montezuma for artisan crafts and farmer's market
• Wellness services or staff gratuities

Recommended Airports

• A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.