The Teachings
Ananda Yoga Guru Kula 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is a dynamic, comprehensive, holistic Yoga training. It provides students with a systematic approach to bringing physical, mental and spiritual balance into their life and the lives of their students through ancient and modern practices steeped in the traditions of Ashtanga (8-limbed) Yoga, Classical North Indian Tantra and Ayurveda.
Ashtanga yoga, the eight limb path of yoga as set forth by the ancient sage, Patanjali, not only offers asanas (yoga postures), it also gives students a road map on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. These eight limbs serve as a prescription for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline (yamas and niyamas); direct attention toward one’s physical and mental health (asanas and pranayamas); and help us to discover and acknowledge the spiritual aspects of our true nature (pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi).
Tantra is an ancient science utilizing the approaches and practices of Bhakti yoga (devotional love of the divine), Karma yoga (selfless service to all beings) and Jnana yoga (right understanding) as propounded by our guru, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtii. Classical Tantra is not, as so often represented, a sexual practice but a comprehensive set of spiritual practices and knowledge for realization of the Self.
Ananda Yoga Guru Kula 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is a dynamic, comprehensive, holistic Yoga training. It provides students with a systematic approach to bringing physical, mental and spiritual balance into their life and the lives of their students through ancient and modern practices steeped in the traditions of Ashtanga (8-limbed) Yoga, Classical North Indian Tantra and Ayurveda.
Ashtanga yoga, the eight limb path of yoga as set forth by the ancient sage, Patanjali, not only offers asanas (yoga postures), it also gives students a road map on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. These eight limbs serve as a prescription for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline (yamas and niyamas); direct attention toward one’s physical and mental health (asanas and pranayamas); and help us to discover and acknowledge the spiritual aspects of our true nature (pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi).
Tantra is an ancient science utilizing the approaches and practices of Bhakti yoga (devotional love of the divine), Karma yoga (selfless service to all beings) and Jnana yoga (right understanding) as propounded by our guru, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtii. Classical Tantra is not, as so often represented, a sexual practice but a comprehensive set of spiritual practices and knowledge for realization of the Self.
Ayurveda is the ancient science of life and longevity. It is the ancient medical system and healing tradition of India and Nepal. Ayurveda is a nature-based system of healing based on the 5 elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth, and is practically and philosophically very closely entwined with yoga.
During training students will practice daily meditation and asanas, learn a comprehensive overview of the breadth and depth of yogic philosophy and practices and begin to explore their own development and union of body, mind and spirit (triputi) through exposure to the richness of the yogic tradition.
Asana Program
The style of yoga postures, or asanas, taught in our training is Shakti Sahaja Hatha yoga, a classical system of yoga designed to have a dynamic effect on the physical body, the subtle body, the nervous system, the endocrine (glandular) system, the chakra system, spiritual energy (kundalini) and the vital life force (prana) of each practicing individual. This powerful, holistic practice is deeply therapeutic and is great preventive medicine.
Aspects Taught in the Asana Program:
During training students will practice daily meditation and asanas, learn a comprehensive overview of the breadth and depth of yogic philosophy and practices and begin to explore their own development and union of body, mind and spirit (triputi) through exposure to the richness of the yogic tradition.
Asana Program
The style of yoga postures, or asanas, taught in our training is Shakti Sahaja Hatha yoga, a classical system of yoga designed to have a dynamic effect on the physical body, the subtle body, the nervous system, the endocrine (glandular) system, the chakra system, spiritual energy (kundalini) and the vital life force (prana) of each practicing individual. This powerful, holistic practice is deeply therapeutic and is great preventive medicine.
Aspects Taught in the Asana Program:
- An in depth study of asanas
- Correct identification and performance of the major classical Hatha Yoga postures
- Designing and developing class sequences
- Proper alignment and biomechanics
- Guiding and adjusting students properly in postures including use of props
- Health benefits, indications and contraindications of each posture
- Adapting yoga teachings for special populations.
- Self Massage and Deep Relaxation Techniques
- Guidelines for the practice of Asanas
- Asanas and Ayurveda
- Anatomy and physiology as related to Asanas
- Restorative Yoga