Mandala Yoga Ashram YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE (YTTC) September 2015 - July 2017 Prospectus for Students The course is conducted under the auspices of Mandala Yoga Ashram. All teaching will be at Mandala Yoga Ashram Spiritual Director and Tutor: Course Director and Tutor: Course Tutor: Swami Nishchalananda Swami Krishnapremananda Tara Rupa Course Tutor: Course Tutor: Madhuri Maha Sattwa (see page 8 for personal details of all the tutors) The structure of the course and its teachings have been formulated by Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati and are based on his 45 years of experience of teaching Yoga and training Yoga Teachers in India, the U.K. and Europe. The following is intended to give a general idea of the proposed course; it will be modified according to the needs of the participants. The course will be accredited by the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY). This means that the course certificate will be recognised by them and authorise the holder to teach Yoga in public places throughout the U.K. and many European countries. 1. AIMS: This course will provide a comprehensive training in many aspects of Yoga so that course graduates will be capable of providing professional, responsible and high quality teaching to their students. It will give students a deep understanding of the essence of traditional Yogic techniques and philosophy, their practical application, and how they can be taught/ transmitted within a western yoga class situation. It will motivate and inspire students to undergo a transformation in their understanding and perception of themselves, others and life in general. This course necessitates an openness to profound change on a personal level and an aspiration to deepen the understanding of one's innermost Nature.
2. OBJECTIVES: By the end of this course, all students will: have expanded and developed their own practice of Yoga so that they are fully competent and experienced in all the techniques which they will be required to impart to others. have the knowledge and ability to teach the practices safely according to the personal needs of their students. have acquired a grounding in the philosophical bases of Yoga and their application to everyday life in the Western world. understand the main principles of teaching Yoga, including the planning, presentation and evaluation of a Yoga class; and demonstrate their ability to apply these in the class situation in a calm and well co-ordinated way. have acquired sufficient knowledge in anatomy and physiology, and know how to relate this to Hatha Yoga practice. 3. POTENTIAL STUDENTS: Yoga teachers who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills by undertaking a further course of study. Yoga practitioners who wish to become Yoga teachers. The course has a dual emphasis it will emphasise and promote both the deepening of personal Yoga practice and the development of the skills and experience required to teach Yoga to others. 4. COURSE PREREQUISITES: at least 3 years practice of Yoga. a personal interview with two of the course tutors to ascertain suitability. 5. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: daily practice of selected course material asana, pranayama, meditation and/or yoga nidra for a minimum of one hour. undertake and complete on time the required course work both in the ashram and at home, throughout the duration of the course. attend a regular and suitable weekly yoga class throughout the course. attend the two day introduction to the course in July of 2015. attendance of all the residential seminars at the ashram including both weekends and longer 1 or 2 week retreats. teach their own regular weekly Yoga class(es) in the second year of the course. 2
6. DURATION and DAYS of ATTENDANCE: The course will be of 2 years duration and will include a total of 69 days of class tuition in the ashram comprising of the introductory days, weekend seminars and longer residential retreats.. 7. COURSE CONTENTS: The syllabus of the course comprises four main elements shown A, B, C & D as follows: A. THE PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES OF YOGA For all parts of this section, there will be a detailed study made of the practice, its benefits, its likely effects (physical, mental and emotional), the necessary precautions and limitations in application and methods of teaching it. Asanas: Selected Asanas (postures) from the following groups: Pawanmuktasana series 1,2 and 3 Eye Exercises Relaxation Asanas Meditative Sitting Asanas Asanas performed from Vajrasana Standing & Side Bending Asanas Surya Namaskara & Chandra Namaskara Backward Bending Forward Bending Spinal Twists Inverted Asanas Balancing Asanas Particular attention will be given to practical methods of practising each asana, it s counterpose, likely benefits and precautions, as well as discussion of its anatomical and physiological effects. Attention will also be given to relating each asana to Kiniesiological principles so as to promote safe, effective and focussed physical movement. Relaxation: Selected relaxation practices Yoga and common ailments: A preliminary introduction to the management of simple and common ailments using selected Yoga techniques; discussion and familiarisation with the practices which are specifically prescribed and contraindicated for particular ailments. Pranayama: Selected preparatory and classical Pranayamas (breathing practices) including: Viloma, Samavritti, Nadi Shodhana, Bhastrika, Ujjayi, Bhramari and Kapalbhati. Anatomical and physiological aspects will be studied and discussed. Bandhas/ Mudra: 3
The 4 classical Bandhas (psycho-physiological locks): Jalandhara, Mool, Uddiyana & Maha with methods of combining bandhas with pranayama, mudras and other yogic techniques. Selected Classical Mudras (body positions which invoke particular sentiments and mental attitudes) including Hand Mudras, Shambhavi, Bhoochari, Agochari, Khechari, Nasika, and Vipareeta Karani. Shat Karmas: The Cleansing Practices of Hatha Yoga including Jala Neti, Kunjal, Agnisar Kriya, Shankhaprakshalana (short lagoo and full form), Kapalbhati and Trataka. Yoga Nidra: its essential purpose and stages; its place in therapy, improving the depth and quality of sleep, and as a preparation for meditation. Meditational Techniques: Including Spaciousness, Antar Mouna (Inner Silence), Japa (Mantra Repetition), Ajapa Japa (Spontaneous Sound Repetition), Likhit Japa (Writing with Mantra), Chankramanam (Meditative Walking) and other meditation techniques. The Theory of Meditation and the Yogic Theories of the Mind Mantra: Theory of mantra. Discussion and practice of the following mantras: OM, Shanti Path, Brahmarpanam, Mrityunjaya, Gayatri, Om Purnamadaha, Om Saha Naavavatu, Surya Namaskara Mantras - both Bija and Sun Mantras. Kirtan (collective chanting). B. THEORETICAL STUDIES Anatomy & Physiology: This will include an analysis of the body and its main systems: Respiratory, Circulatory, Digestive, Excretory, Endocrine, Brain and Nervous, Muscular, Skeletal and Lymphatic. There will be particular reference to how these systems relate to, and are affected by, Yoga practices. Yogic Energy Centres and Pathways: This will include an introduction to Chakras (energy centres governing particular aspects of our personality, bodily functions and health), Nadis (energy pathways or meridians) and Prana (Life Energy/ Force). Also, an introduction to the Koshas (the Sheaths or Subtle Bodies of the Human Personality) and Akashas (Inner Realms of the Mind) Course Texts: Students will be required to obtain the following texts: 1. Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha 2. Meditations from the Tantras 3. Prana and Pranayama 4. Hatha Yoga Pradipika 4
(These four texts are published by the Bihar School of Yoga and some will be available from the ashram contact the ashram office for details.) 5. Edge of Infinity (produced by and available from the Ashram) 6. The Concise Human Body book by Steve Parker (a bigger or unconcise version is also available and equally suitable). 7. The Concise Book of Muscles by Chris Jarmey 8. The Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran (other versions may also be appropriate if you already have one check with Sw. Krishnapremananda before purchasing Easwaran s version) Study of Classical Yoga Texts will include selections from among: Hatha Yoga Pradipika Bhagavad Gita Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Selected Upanishads These will provide the underpinning background, theory and philosophy of Yoga. Different Paths of Yoga: Mantra and Raja Yoga. Introduction to Gyana, Karma, Hatha, Bhakti, Symbols & Yantras: Introduction to selected symbols and yantras. C. PROFESSIONAL TEACHING OF YOGA: Communication: The two main channels - visual and oral; the importance of clear and accurate demonstration, presentation (including the use of visual material/ hand-outs), appropriate use of language and modulation of voice to attain a desired effect. A variety of teaching methods will be taught, practised and discussed throughout the course. Planning and Preparation: Choice of physical environment for classes; lesson planning; preparing a course syllabus; progressive development and assessment of the practices. Attention will also be given to the legal requirements of Health and Safety, communication with Local Education Authorities and the different approaches required with regard to running private or local authority regulated classes. Delivery: Consideration of class management, mixed-ability classes and common class problems. Teaching Yoga as a Business: Consideration will be given to how to teach Yoga professionally as a business. Safety: In depth consideration of safety aspects of teaching Yoga with particular reference to the class situation. First Aid: A practical knowledge of first aid in the class situation. 5
Teaching Practice and Assessment: Throughout the course, students will gain teaching skills and experience through preparing and presenting Yoga Practices to the rest of their peer group in the form of micro-teachings. The skills of assessment and evaluation will be developed throughout. D. PROJECT: Each student will undertake a suitable Yoga-related research project during the 2 nd year of the course. The project will be chosen in consultation with the course tutors. This will consist of both a written and an oral presentation, to be completed by the final assessments in the final 2-week residential in July 2017. The written thesis will consist of a minimum of 7500 words. The oral assessment will be given to the student's peer group and will last 45 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for questions and answers. 8. ASSESSMENT: Students will be assessed on their practical and theoretical knowledge of Yoga and on their ability to teach the subject as follows: a) Practical experience of the Yoga techniques will be assessed continuously throughout the course by the course tutors, focusing mainly on the students' ability to practise accurately within their personal limitations. b) Theoretical knowledge will be assessed throughout the course both orally and by written assessment. That is, students could be requested to explain theoretical aspects of Yoga in front of their peer group, as well as being required to submit written assignments for assessment by the course tutors. c) Teaching ability will be assessed in the following ways: in the micro-teachings throughout the course. Students will be expected to present specific Yoga practices to their peer group on a regular basis. through the on-going completed course work. in a recorded teaching practice (RTP) given to the student s own class in their home area. This will be assessed by an trained assessor and occur during the winter of the 2 nd year. In the final class assessment (FCA) given to the student s own class in their home area. This will be assessed by a qualified FCA assessor and will take place towards the end of the course. in the final assessments in the ashram at the end of the course. Each student will present a Yoga Nidra session, a Meditation practice and a presentation of their chosen project. The main criterion throughout will be the individual's ability to teach in a clear and accessible way which meets each of their students needs and limitations. Students will be expected to: 6
1) have knowledge of the appropriate precautions and prohibitions and have the ability to modify practices when necessary. 2) have knowledge of the appropriate benefits for each practice and be able to transmit these to their students, so as to enhance their students' understanding of the practices. 3) be able to teach the preparatory practices to warm and limber the muscles prior to the performance of the major asanas. 4) have a sound grounding in the philosophical and theoretical aspects of Yoga. Successful students will be awarded a Yoga teaching diploma from Mandala Yoga Ashram and also from the British Wheel of Yoga. 9. COURSE TUTORS Swami Nishchalananda is the founder of Mandala Yoga Ashram, and has been the inspiration behind all of the previous teacher training courses organised by the ashram. He brings a wealth of experience of all aspects of Yoga, having lived and taught it for over 40 years in India, the UK and Europe. Swamiji will guide the course tutors, teach certain key aspects of the course, and offer individual guidance to the students. Swami Krishnapremananda will be directing the course. He has been an ashram resident for many years, developing his own practice and understanding under the guidance of Swami Nishchalananda, the late Swami Neel Kamal, and others. In 2007, he participated in a 12-month Vedanta course in India, studying yogic texts, under the guidance of Swami Anubhavananda. A graduate of the 1999-2001 ashram YTTC, he has been tutoring on all subsequent YTTCs. Tara Rupa (Heather Donovan) has practised Yoga for 33 years. A chartered physiotherapist, her initial training in yoga came through the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY). As a Diploma Course Tutor (DCT) she facilitated her own BWY YTTC, before joining the ashram YTTC tutor team for both the 2009-11 and 2012-14 courses. She has completed the ashram s Meditation Training course and Kriya Yoga course in recent years, as well as receiving initiation into the Satyananda Yoga tradition. Alongside the depth of her experience, she also brings common-sense guidance and support, a mischievous sense of humour and the qualities of a mother to the course when needed. Madhuri has been practising Yoga since her late teens, drawing upon it to carry her through a debilitating illness and inspire her with a profound love for its healing arts. She received valued guidance from Swami Dharmananda for many years. After completing the ashram s 2008-09 Meditation Training course, she joined the ashram, subsequently becoming an established resident and teacher. 7
She is a passionate and skilled Hatha Yogini, allowing her intuitive capacities, depth of knowledge and natural joyfulness to infuse her practice and teaching. Maha Sattwa was a student of Swami Pragyamurti in London before moving to the ashram in early 2013. She completed the ashram Kriya Yoga course in 2012 and graduated from the 2012-2014 YTTC. As a tutor she will be sharing the inner wealth of experience which she is continuing to accumulate through her teachers and ongoing practice. For further information contact: Mandala Yoga Ashram (YTTC) Pantypistyll, Llansadwrn, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, Wales, SA19 8NR, U.K Telephone: +44 (0)1558 685358 Email: Website: email@mandalayoga.freeserve.co.uk www.mandalayoga.net 8