Buddhi Vana Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training INFORMATION PACKAGE

Transcription

1 Buddhi Vana Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training INFORMATION PACKAGE Lead Trainer: Sharon Fennimore, MA, ERYT, RPYT, YACEP ( Contact Information: Cell phone:

2 2 Buddhi Vana Training Philosophy and Focus This teacher training program reflects on Sharon s dedication to nature and outdoor education and over 25- years of meditation and yoga practice and teaching in this innovative approach to yoga studies. Sharon also brings a significant academic background in East Asian religion and philosophy and anthropological theory. Buddhi, in Sanskrit, means mind in the sense of our human intellectual faculty for reason, discernment, judgement, and understanding. Vana means forest in Sanskrit, but it is also a feminine Indian name suggesting deep silence and ultimate bliss. The program offers an emphasis on meditation and the spiritual aspects of practice. The name of the training reflects the intersections of nature, subtle energy, and mind rather than an attempt at the creation of a new style of yoga. Buddhi Vana program graduates will be able to design, practice, and teach a spectrum of various levels of yoga and meditation classes including asana, pranayama, meditation, chanting, and mindful movement. We draw upon Chinese and Tibetan energetic body anatomy, elements and light of the subtle body, classical Buddhist philosophical and instructional texts, and apply these to the physical postures (asana) and breathing practices (pranayama) of yoga. Nature and Outdoor Education *Training includes instruction in walking meditation, pranayama, and visualization using outdoor hiking trails, indoor botanical gardens, and natural environments *Emphasis on the impact of the health of the environment and the health of humans and how yoga practices and techniques can bring us into a state of balance when we focus on the elements (air, space, earth, fire, water, metal) and exchange of prana with all living beings including vegetation *Learn about herbs, essential oils, and the use of vegetation to support yoga practices Philosophy and Ethics * An introduction to the Yamas and Niyamas and Patanjali s Yoga Sutras * We will read and discuss essential Buddhist sutras and commentaries including: The Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing (Anapanasati Sutta), The Sutra on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness (Satipatthana Sutta), The Heart Sutra (Prajnaparamita Hrdaya Sutra), The Sutra on Happiness (Mangala Sutta) Asana and Physical Practices *Classical education in Tibetan and Chinese yogas, Hatha asana techniques and pranayama *Introduction to physical practices of Buddhist yoga exercises and pranayama Embodied Anatomy and Subtle Body *Anatomy of the physical body including skeleton, organs, muscles and kinesiology in the tradition of Body Mind Centering that provides an embodied knowledge that can be applied for safe asana and pranayama practice *Alignment for safe physical yoga practices and techniques for modifying asana for students of all body types and abilities *Deep study of chakras and yoga techniques for chakra vitality and balance *Tibetan and Chinese subtle body anatomy of winds, elements, light, sound and energy channels *The use of sound and mantra for the subtle body

3 3 1-Year Program May, June and July of 2018 are Practicum Practice Classes Graduation Ceremony is in September 2018 TRAINING SCHEDULE and LOCATIONS Practice Sessions and Classes All trainees are required to take a minimum of 30 classes, workshops (that are in addition to the training sessions), or private sessions with Sharon Fennimore teaching in order to graduate from the program. These practice hours with Sharon can be taken at any location and any time between the date of enrollment and end of August The cost of these classes or private sessions are not included in the program tuition. Please see Sharon s teaching schedule for available classes and workshops. Training Sessions, Hikes, and Workshops All trainees must have 100% attendance at all scheduled training sessions. Missed sessions and hours must be made-up at the additional cost of the trainee. Locations for sessions are provided on the schedule for each activity. For Outdoor Education sessions, the location will be announced by 8:00 am the morning of the session since they are weather dependent. They will be held at either Phipps or in Frick Park. Training sessions are held at: Metta: Healing Arts Community 5118 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 1 Schenley Drive Pittsburgh, PA Frick Park (Meeting at Environmental Center) 2005 Beechwood Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15217

4 4 Private Sessions May be held at Mookshi Wellness Center in Regent Square located at 702 Trenton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, or Shining Light in Millvale (225 North Avenue). Private sessions are normally $90, but program participants get a reduced rate of $75 per session during the program. Kirtan and Sound Healing These events are held at various locations in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Trainees must attend a minimum of five of these events during the training year. Scheduled kirtan and sound healing events will be shared with trainees who can attend those that are at locations and times and days that are most convenient with them. The cost of these events is not included in the program tuition. General Training Schedule Friday Trainee Gatherings: 6:00 to 9:00 pm Saturdays: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Sundays: 1:00 to 5:00 pm Training Orientation and Friday Trainee Gathering #1: Friday, September 22 6:00 to 9:00 pm (Location: Metta) Training Weekend One: Saturday, October 7 10:00-12:30 Outdoor Education 1:30-5:30 Workshop at Metta Sunday, October 8 1:00-4:00 pm Workshop at Metta

5 5 Training Weekend Two: Friday Trainee Gathering #2: Friday, October 20 6:00-9:00 PM at Metta Saturday, October 21: 10:00-12:30 Outdoor Education 1:30-5:30 pm Workshop at Metta Sunday, October 22 1:00-4:00 pm Workshop at Metta Training Weekend Three: Friday, November 3 Trainee Gathering #3 at Metta 6:00-9:00 pm Saturday, November 4 Outdoor Education 10:00 to 12:00 Workshop at Metta 1:30 to 5:30 pm Sunday, November 5 Workshop at Metta 1:00 to 4:00 pm Training Weekend Four: Friday, December 1, 2017 Trainee Gathering #4 at Metta 6:00-9:00 pm Saturday, December 2 Outdoor Education 10:00 to 12:00 Workshop at Metta 1:30 to 5:30 pm Sunday, December 3 Workshop at Metta 1:00 to 4:00 pm

6 6 Training Weekend Five: Friday, January 26, 2018 Trainee Gathering #5 at Metta 6:00-9:00 pm Saturday, January 27 Outdoor Education 10:00 to 12:00 Workshop at Metta 1:30 to 5:30 pm Sunday, January 28 Workshop at Metta 1:00 to 4:00 pm Training Weekend Six: Friday, February 23, 2018 Trainee Gathering #6 at Metta 6:00-9:00 pm Saturday, February 24 Outdoor Education 10:00 to 12:00 Workshop at Metta 1:30 to 5:30 pm Sunday, February 25 Workshop at Metta 1:00 to 4:00 pm Training Weekend Seven: Saturday, March 3, :00 to noon Outdoor Education 1:30 to 5:30 Workshop at Metta Sunday, March 4, :00 to 4:00 pm Workshop at Metta

7 7 Training Weekend Eight: Friday, March 16, 2018 Trainee Gathering #7 at Metta 6:00-9:00 pm Saturday, March 17 Outdoor Education 10:00 to 12:00 Workshop at Metta 1:30 to 5:30 pm Sunday, March 18 Workshop at Metta 1:00 to 4:00 pm Training Weekend Nine: Saturday, April 14, :00 to noon Outdoor Education 1:30 to 5:30 Workshop at Metta Sunday, April 15 1:00 to 4:00 pm Workshop at Metta Training Weekend Ten: Friday, April 20, 2018 Trainee Gathering #8 at Metta 6:00-9:00 pm Saturday, April 21 Outdoor Education 10:00 to 12:00 Workshop at Metta 1:30 to 5:30 pm Sunday, April 22 Workshop at Metta 1:00 to 4:00 pm Training Weekend Eleven: Saturday, May 5, :00 to noon Outdoor Education 1:30 to 5:30 Workshop at Metta Sunday, May 6 1:00 to 4:00 pm Workshop at Metta

8 8 Training Weekend Twelve: Friday, May 18, 2018 Trainee Gathering #9 at Metta 6:00-9:00 pm Saturday, May 19 Outdoor Education 10:00 to 12:00 Workshop at Metta 1:30 to 5:30 pm Sunday, May 20 Workshop at Metta 1:00 to 4:00 pm FINAL Training Weekend: Friday, June 1, 2018 Trainee Gathering #10 at Metta 6:00-9:00 pm Saturday, June 2 Outdoor Education 10:00 to 12:00 Workshop at Metta 1:30 to 5:30 pm Sunday, June 3 Workshop at Metta 1:00 to 4:00 pm Trainee Practice Classes Each trainee will be supported in offering a minimum of one group class to the public between May 2018 and September 1, Trainees who wish to get their certificate for the 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher training, or CEU credits for current teachers, must teach two practice classes in order to graduate. All classes will be offered by donation and the training group will decide in March 2018, as a group, a local non-profit organization that will receive the donations of any profit above and beyond the space rental fees. Classes will be scheduled in March Graduation Ceremony Our graduation party is tentatively scheduled for Friday, September 14 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Trainees will receive their graduation certificates and we will celebrate the accomplishments of the training cohort. Attendance is not a graduation requirement, but we hope everyone will come to celebrate this incredible achievement together. Please pencil it in to your calendar.

9 9 Attendance All trainees are required to attend all scheduled training sessions. If a trainee must miss a training session or entire weekend for any reason, they will be provided with opportunities to make up the session. Any additional classes, workshops or private sessions that must be completed to make up time may be at additional cost to trainees. Only the scheduled training sessions are included in tuition. Any trainee that misses a training session or training weekend should discuss options by sending an Sharon: sharon@yogamatrika.com. Failure to create an approved make-up plan for missed training time will result in a failure of meeting graduation requirements. Information for Non-Pittsburgh Trainees This program warmly welcomes trainees who have the ability to travel to Pittsburgh for ALL training weekends. We are not able to provide housing, but if you need suggestions for Pittsburgh Air BnB options, hotels, restaurants or other services, please do not hesitate to ask Sharon for recommendations. If you are not Pittsburgh-based, you will need to make individual arrangements with Sharon to make-up the 30-hours of practice hours that are required for graduation. Please make these arrangements BEFORE Investment and Refunds The cost of the program is $2,500 which is spread out in ten equal automatic payments of $250 each. The first payment saves your space in the program. All payments are ENTIRELY NON-REFUNDABLE for ANY REASON. Students are welcome to cancel their payment plan at ANY time with 30-days written notice by to SHARON FENNIMORE: sharon@yogamatrika.com. At the time of cancellation, trainees have ten days to pay the entire remaining balance (the difference between what has been paid and the total of $2,500) by cash or check or they will be considered to have dropped out of the program and are no longer enrolled. You can enroll in the program online at: Reduced Tuition for Teachers Yoga instructors who already have completed a 200-hour teacher training program, can participate in this training for a 100-hour meditation CEU credit certificate. The cost of this CEU credit option is $1,500 plus books, practice sessions, and meeting all the graduation requirements. Yoga instructors are held to the same standards and graduation requirements as all other participants and no partial CEU credits will be granted for any reason. Sharon Fennimore is a YACEP and your CEU credits will be valid towards maintaining your Yoga Alliance registration at any level. Please send Sharon an if you wish to enroll with the discount for the CEU credit option: sharon@yogamatrika.com. Daycare to Pre-K to 12 th grade teachers (or social worker, administrator, school nurse---anyone who works with infants/children/teens and families in schools in any capacity) are invited to participate with a $500 scholarship. If you are a teacher who wishes to apply for this scholarship, please send Sharon an including your job title, why you want to complete this training, and how you feel it will benefit yourself and your work with children and families. Sharon s is: sharon@yogamatrika.com.

10 10 REFUNDS Please note that all payments made to Sharon Fennimore for this training, classes, private sessions, or any service or retail item are entirely NON REFUNDABLE for ANY REASON. Your failure to participate, complete assignments, or meet graduation requirements do not qualify you for a refund. Your disappointment with the program does not qualify you for a refund. Unexpected life events, tragedy, break-ups/divorce, pregnancy, death, hospitalization, imprisonment, job changes, moving to a different city, illness, or any other personal experience that makes it difficult or impossible for you to complete the program are all not reasons for refund. All payments made are FINAL. Refunds are not provided for ANY reason. When you make your first payment on the payment plan, it is in agreement and understanding of this refund policy. Exceptions are not made, ever, for any reason. Future payments can be cancelled with 30-days written notice with an to the facilitator: sharon@yogamatrika.com. Trainees must have paid their entire balance in full prior to graduation or their certificate will be withheld until their account balance has been settled. Graduation Requirements for BOTH CEU Certificate AND 200-Hour Certificate 1-Participation in all training workshops and events (scheduled sessions included in tuition, but make-up sessions will be at additional expense to trainee). 2-Teach two public classes observed by lead trainers (taught by donation, but space rental and trainer time is included) 3-Complete a minimum of three private sessions with lead trainer (not included in tuition) 4-Attend a minimum of five kirtan and/or sound healing events (not included in tuition) 5-Complete all required reading and assignments including a training journal and record of attendance 6-Attend a minimum of 30 practice sessions with lead trainer (not included in tuition). 7-Tuition balance is completely paid and all debts resolved

11 11 Equipment and Supplies 1-Three ring binder with a package of lined loose leaf paper and one package of blank printer paper. Handouts can be placed in the training binder. 2-Yoga mat and bolster and/or meditation cushion for home practice. Trainees are encouraged to own twoblocks of equal size, a strap, yoga blanket, and bolster for restorative yoga use at home and when traveling to teach in the future, but these are not required. A yoga mat is the minimum required. 3-Students will be encouraged to purchase essential oils for their own use and to learn how to use with clients and students. It is expected that these oils will cost less than $100. Oil purchase and use is not mandatory for program participation and sensitivities of participants will be taken into consideration. Please communicate sensitivities or concerns around using oils on your application form or, if you develop sensitivities while enrolled in the course, let the trainer know. 4-Trainees must obtain the required reading (14-books total). The cost of purchasing required books is not included in the tuition. Trainees can reduce their cost by reserving available titles from the library, borrowing from friends, purchasing used copies from Amazon or sharing with other trainees. The texts selected for the course are intended to be the start of a yoga teacher s home library for regular reference in planning classes, working with clients, and deepening personal practice. Trainees are encouraged to buy for their collection to the extent that is financially possible. There is also a list of suggested books that will be referred to and an additional bibliography of Tibetan and Chinese yoga resources that would be of interest to trainees. 5-Training includes walking meditation, hikes, and nature instruction that will take place outside and students should have shoes and clothing that are appropriate for walking outdoors in all weather and seasons. Students with disabilities or illness that prevents participation in these outdoor hikes should discuss their situation with the facilitator prior to enrollment. 6-Some sessions will be held at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the cost of admission is not included in tuition. During the winter, nature activities and assignments will require that trainees spend time at this indoor location. Trainees are encouraged to become members of Phipps which allows unlimited free entrance to Phipps for an entire year. Trainees can join together to purchase Family Plus memberships that allow three adults (un-related is fine) to use the same membership to reduce the cost. 7-Students will need to bring their own mala beads to all training sessions. These must be purchased to own prior to the beginning of training. Sharon suggests that you start with a 108 bead mala.

12 12 Required and Suggested Books: There are 14-required books total. If financially possible, all trainees are encouraged to purchase copies for their own teaching and practice libraries. Owning the books is NOT required and trainees who can t make a purchase at this time are encouraged to be creative about using public library resources, borrowing from friends, or sharing copies. REQUIRED: YOGA and ANATOMY The Subtle Body Cyndi Dale Yoga of the Subtle Body Tias Little Training the Wisdom Body Rose Taylor Goldfield Awakening the Sacred Body Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche The Tibetan Yoga of Breath Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo Yoga for Meditators Charlotte Bell REQUIRED: MEDITATION The Mind Illuminated Culadasa (John Yates) and Matthew Immergut Awakening the Luminous Mind Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche Loving-Kindness in Plain English Bhante Gunaratana The Wisdom of No Escape Pema Chodron

13 13 REQUIRED: SPIRITUALITY and ETHICS Awakening of the Heart Thich Nhat Hanh The Radiance Sutras Lorin Roche Yoga Beyond the Mat Alanna Kaivalya The Yamas and Niyamas Deborah Adele SUGGESTED for NATURE and ENVIRONMENT The Secret Teachings of Plants: The Intelligence of the Heart in the Direct Perception of Nature Stephen Harrod Buhner Brilliant Green: The Surprising History and Science of Plant Intelligence Stefano Mancuso Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society The Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness Peter Godfrey-Smith SUGGESTED: YOGA and MEDITATION Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath, Body, and Mind Frank Jude Boccio Heart Yoga: The Sacred Marriage of Yoga and Mysticism Andrew Harvey and Karuna Erickson Yoga for Transformation: Ancient Teachings and Practices for Healing the Body, Mind, and Heart Gary Kraftsow Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit: A Return to Wholeness Donna Farhi Insight Yoga: An Innovative Synthesis of Traditional Yoga, Meditation, and Eastern Approaches to Healing Sarah Powers

14 14 SUGGESTED: MEDITATION, SPIRITUALITY, BUDDHISM, ETHICS, LIFESTYLE The Heart of the World: A Journey to Tibet s Lost Paradise Ian Baker On Cold Mountain: A Buddhist Reading of the Hanshan Poems Paul Rouzer 108 Metaphors for Mindfulness: from Wild Chickens to Petty Tyrants Arnie Kozak Chan Heart, Chan Mind: a Meditation on Serenity and Growth Master Guojun Good Karma: How to Create the Causes of Happiness and Avoid the Causes of Suffering Thubten Chodron The Intelligent Heart: A Guide to the Compassionate Life Dzigar Kongtrul Our Pristine Mind: A Practical Guide to Unconditional Happiness Orgyen Chowang The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down Haemin Sunim Inner Engineering: A Yogi s Guide to Joy Sadhguru The Tassajara Recipe Book Edward Espe Brown The Tassajara Bread Book Edward Espe Brown Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition Paul Pritchford Finding the Blue Sky: A Mindful Approach to Choosing Happiness Here and Now Joseph Emet Buddha Standard Time: Awakening to the Infinite Possibilities of Now Lama Surya Das Awakening Shakti Sally Kempton

15 15 Gesture of Awareness: A Radical Approach to Time, Space, and Movement Charles Genoud Tending the Heart Fire: Living in the Flow with the Pulse of Life Shiva Rea Sacred Therapies: The Kundalini Yoga Meditation Handbook for Mental Health David Shannahoff-Khalsa The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations Gil Fronsdal (2005) Natural Radiance: Awakening to Your Great Perfection Lama Surya Das Dancing with Life: Buddhist Insights for Finding Meaning and Joy in the Face of Suffering Phillip Moffitt Emotional Chaos to Clarity: How to Live More Skillfully, Make Better Decisions, and Find Purpose in Life Phillip Moffitt

16 16 ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY for CHINESE and TIBETAN YOGAS Tibetan Sound Healing Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche The Expressiveness of the Body Shigehisa Kuriyama The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche The Way of Qigong: the Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing Kenneth S. Cohen The Tibetan Book of Yoga: Ancient Buddhist Teachings on the Philosophy and Practice of Yoga Geshe Michael Roach The Tibetan Yogas of Body, Speech, and Mind Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche Tibetan Yoga of Movement: the Art and Practice of Yantra Yoga Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and Fabio Andrico Yantra Yoga: the Tibetan Yoga of Movement Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Healing with Form, Energy and Light: the Five Elements in Tibetan Shamanism, Tantra, and Dzogchen Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

17 17 Techniques, Training, Practice 1.5 hrs. Yoga Class with Sharon per/wk. for 30-weeks Private Sessions with Sharon (Three are required) Kirtan and South Bath Healing Events x5 for 3 hrs. each Tibetan Yoga Workshops x 4 For 4-hours each Meditation Workshops x 3 (Metta, Tonglen, Jewel Tree) At 3-hours each Walking Meditation x 13 Outdoor Hikes are 2 hours Long Contact w/lead Non-Contact Hours Total Hours Trainers Non-Contact Total Hours Teaching Methodology Lesson Planning and Business of Yoga for Teachers Verbal Cues and Physical Adjustments Workshop 4-hours Adjusting for Level and Modifications for Students Workshop 4-hours Assigned Readings, Discussion Groups Anatomy Embodied Anatomy 3 x 2-hour Workshops Subtle Body Anatomy 5x4-hour workshops Assigned Readings, Discussion Groups Non-Contact Hours 35 Hours Total Non-Contact 28 Hours Total

18 18 Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle, Ethics Assigned Readings, Discussion Groups Buddhist Sutra Workshops 5 x 3 hours Patanjali Yoga Sutras Workshops 3 x 2 hours Non-Contact 31 Hours Total Practicum Teaching Practice Classes 5 5 Observations 3 3 Assisting in Classes Non-Contact Hours 11 Hours Total Total Number of Contact Hours with Lead Trainers: Total Number of Non-Contact Hours: 48 Total Hours of Training: Registered Yoga Teachers who graduate will earn a 100-hour CEU credit certificate with a specialization in meditation. They will also receive a graduation certificate from the Buddhi Vana program and will be listed as graduates on the website. Buddhi Vana is a Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance (RYS ) and graduates who meet all the requirements may be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as 200-hour Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT ). The cost of registering with Yoga Alliance is NOT included in tuition and it is entirely up to the trainee whether or not they choose to become a member of this professional organization.