Certifications
Upon completion of this yoga teacher training, students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Rishikul Yogshala, a Yoga Alliance registered yoga school, has been the leader of spreading education of yoga since 2010. Rishikul Yogshala blends traditional value of ancient yoga with contemporary patterns to completely fulfill the requirements of a contemporary yogi looking to advance their life and career as skilled yoga practitioner and teacher.
Program
The teachings are more scientific initially, but later evolve to a spiritual method allowing for a holistic and well-rounded approach to yoga. This program at the Yogshala allows the mind to regain peace and the body to recover its beauty and vital stamina.
The program is designed as per the Yoga Alliance standards and has a strong foundation of teaching all elements of yoga that will make every learner a master. The yoga instructor certification course is designed for those who desire self-knowledge and complete understanding of the yoga sutras to become a successful yoga teacher and practitioner.
This is the foundation course for learning various disciplines and guidelines of yoga. It is a detailed course that suitably follows the standards of Yoga Alliance. The 200-hour yoga teacher training course at Rishikul Yogshala, Pokhara, is developed to deliver the complete theoretical and practical know-how about yoga. This course leads towards deepening of yoga practice and also imbibes skills so you can train and guide others as well-practiced yoga teachers.
Curriculum
Ashtanga yoga
The classic yoga style that helps integrate mind, body and spiritual balance is also one of the oldest and the most eminent traditional yoga styles. During the Ashtanga yoga classes, the students would learn to develop strength, stability, agility, and immense focus on a holistic level.
- The tradition of Sri K Pattabhi Jois - the founder of Ashtanga yoga, forms the base of this intensive class with the use of theoretical knowledge in practice.
- Primary series
- Study of Vinyasa
- 9 Drishti in Ashtanga series
- Importance of Ujjai and Bandha in series
- Learn to concentrate on energy locks (bandhas)
Hatha yoga
With numerous health benefits, Hatha classes will teach students to observe the body and take a conscious approach to its limitations. The focus of the class is not related to the dynamic way of performing asanas, but to work on correct alignment in every posture.
- Sun salutation with 12 Surya Mantras and its benefits
- Traditional and classical Hatha yoga
- Correct alignment and adjustments
- The benefits of each asana
- Terminologies and Sanskrit names and the meaning of asana
- Modification of Asana for various Ability Levels
- How to use props correctly
- How to use the breath
- Mudras or gestures
Yoga philosophy and yogic lifestyle
The philosophy classes will help the students achieve their inner and spiritual growth, offering answers to many questions related to yoga and life. While teaching yoga philosophy, the students are assisted to live an enlightened life in society. The key points include:
- The base of the philosophy and history of yoga
- An introduction to Sanskrit
- Introduction to yoga sutras, Shiva sutras, Kama sutras, and Bhakti sutra
- Study of all yoga hypothesis on the basis of ancient scriptures
- Yogic tradition
- Self-realization and inner-liberation
- Study of eight limbs of Patanjali
- Five koshas (bodies)
- Darshanam
Meditation
You will learn a wide range of meditation exercises and strategies for relaxation and to clear the mind.
- Guided and self-meditation
- Learn how to guide others in meditation
- The science of meditation and proper breathing
- Yoga Nidra basic series up to four levels
- Meditations and its practices
Pranayama
Prana is life force or breath. The classes awaken students’ realization of the importance of the breath, both in the practice of yoga and in everyday life. When you manage to purify your bodies and minds, pranayama becomes a real pleasure and reveals the way to the spiritualistic experiences.
- Knowledge of the breathing techniques beneficial to both the body and mind
- Nadi Shodhanam, Bhastrika, Ujjai, Shetali and Shetkari, Nadi and Kapalbati
- The importance of diaphragmatic breathing
- Stress and anxiety related breathing techniques
- External pranayama series up to two variations
- Kumbhaka (retention) and pause less or continuous breathings
- Levels of concentrations and its refinements
Anatomy
Anatomy classes allow the students to gain a basic knowledge about the human body and its most important systems.
- Theoretical knowledge necessary for teaching in the future
- Ability to apply appropriate practices to improve and maintain health
- Knowledge of the benefits and side effects of particular yoga practices
- Techniques of observations and correcting the bodily systems and organs
- Energy anatomy and physiology (chakras, nadis, and others)
- Anatomy and psychological study of inhalation and exhalation
- Anatomy of nerves system and respiratory systems
- Anatomy of spinal cord and digestive systems
Adjustment and Alignment
Perfection of the asanas is achieved through a rigorous application of various adjustment and alignment techniques.
- Learn the art of perfecting the pose and avoiding injuries with correct alignment techniques
- Self-understanding
- Preparatory practice
- Modification of asanas according to body types
- Use of props such as yoga blocks, straps, yoga wheel, yoga wedge, and sand bag
- Timing and duration of each asanas as per body limitations and types
- Therapeutic benefits
- Basic asanas foundation
- Self-awareness
- Breathing techniques
Mantra yoga
Mantra is a group of Sanskrit words that are rhythms and create sound vibrations that touch every cell in the body and the depth of the soul. In mantra classes, students will learn to come together to create an inner awareness as the teacher guides you through each mantra and its meaning.
- Introduction of Mantra yoga
- Importance of (OM)-AUM
- Mantra for meal purification
- Mantra for obstacles
- Mantra for universal masters to bless
- Mantra for realization
- Mantra for well being
Mudra
Understand the presence of body’s healing points. Upon simulation, these points act as the remedy to treating various disorders and, as the ideal means to achieving maximum benefit from each asana. Mudra or gesture when combined with Pranayama therapy magically works the flow of prana and activates the entire body’s energy process.
- Importance of Mudra according to Hatha yoga
- Types of Mudra
- Practicum of Gyana and Chin Mudra
- Practicum of Ashwini Mudra
- Physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of Mudra
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is a unique meditation technique which involves traveling through various stages while gradually falling into a rejuvenating and peaceful slumber while being awake in the moment. Also known as the yogic sleep, this is a highly essential spiritual awakening technique practiced to explore internal layers of a human soul while achieving intense relaxation and inner calm. During yoga Nidra sessions, you shall explore and stroll through the various stages for deep rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul.
- Understanding sleep and the three states of consciousness
- Benefits of deep sleep
- Understanding yoga Nidra
- Yoga Nidra practices from Satyananda tradition
- Yoga Nidra practices as a cure for insomnia and other sleep disorders
Shatkriya
Study the science of body preparation through yogic cleansing methods before commencing yoga and meditation practice. An essential part of early morning tradition, the Shatkriyas or the Shatkarmas play a dominant role in mental, physical and spiritual purification and, in balancing the doshas. You shall undergo study of the following six yogic works:
- Introduction of Shat Kriyas according to classical Hatha yoga
- Practicum of Jal Neti and Sutra Neti (Cleansing mucus or blockages from nasal passages and sinus)
- Practicum of Kunjal (Cleansing the excessive mucus from the digestive track)
Teaching methodology
It is strongly believed that the teacher training program is incomplete without proper classes of teaching methodology and techniques. In the last week of this course, you will be given the opportunity to teach others under the guidance of the teachers.
- Disciplines of yoga teachers and students
- The scope of listening, presence, directive and non directive dialogue
- The importance of giving demonstration
- Preparing for the class
- Describing the practice, techniques, and delivery in teaching a class
- The seven sacred steps to becoming a great yoga teacher
Daily sample schedule
- 06:00 Morning prayer
- 06:45 Classical Hatha yoga
- 08:30 Pranayamas, breathing practices
- 09:00 Breakfast
- 11:00 Yoga practicum and philosophy
- 13:30 Lunch
- 14:30 Rest or self-study
- 15:30 Yoga practicum
- 17:00 Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga
- 19:00 Meditation and its practices
- 20:00 Supper
Please also note a doctor is available for free consultations but medicine will cost extra.
The TTC starts on the 7th of every month and ends on 3rd of the following month. The students are allowed to do check in on 6th at any time and then they can do check out on 4th at anytime.
