YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE STRUCTURE
YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE STRUCTURE
Yoga Teacher Training Course is structured in the following way:
Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Psychology, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers – 70 hours
The meaning of the word Yoga comes from the hyanat root YUJ which means to unite, unity. The similar word is yoke. People used to put yoke on bulls to unite their strength. Without yoke each bull would pull to his side and there would be no useful effect. By uniting the differences we create unity of differences. In unity there abides the strength for realization of our endeavours. The most picturesque exposition of yoga would be the universe – a unity of diversity. We all live in the universe in unity of diversity, in yoga. Yoga is universal and it surpasses all cultural, traditional, religious and space-time limitations.
Teaching of Yoga is based on the cognition of ancient seers, rishis about the nature of life. Those ancient cognitions today have been getting confirmation of modern science, Quantum physics in the light of the discovery of the Unified field. Unified field represents the state of yoga in which all diversity of the whole universe is expressed. In Unified field all differences are potentially present in completely unified state of infinite correlation. This is the state of yoga in unmanifest field of life in the source of life. Manifested universe also represents the state of yoga because all that is manifested lives in unity. This is the state of yoga in expressed field of life. Recognition that the Unified field is omnipresent and that it can be located in every point of the expressed universe tells us about the final meaning of yoga as the most natural state of life in which we live fullness of life, unity of extreme differences of infinite silence and infinite dynamism. Through everyday practise of yoga we develop our full potential of mind and body and we become normal human beings created after the image of God.
Yoga is the ancient science of natural living. It provides us technology of the normalization of life in all its segments. For that purpose the great seer Maharishi Patanjali, author of the Yoga Sutras, divided the whole field of life into eight fields – Maharishi Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga, eight limbs of Yoga of Maharishi Patanjali. Outer one which extends to the far reaching fields of universe and the inner one which reaches our Self.
Outer limbs of yoga – bahiranga yoga are:
Yama – etics, moral codes of behaviour, life in accord with the laws of nature, moral code is the purpose of our existence and because of that, our most important duty in life. Five moral codes are: nonviolence, truth, noncovetousnes, celibacy-living purity of life and nonattachment, nonposesivnes. Niyama principles, in contrast to those of Yama, are more personal and they teach us about the responsibility towards all aspects of our own life. By living the principles of Niyama we are an example and support to our family and society. The five principles of healthy living – Niyama are: purity, contentment, austerity, study and having cosmic intelligence as only support in our life. Asana and Pranayama represent excerciseess of yoga postures and yoga breathing. Pratyahara is turning the attention from the outer to the inner field of life, towards mind itself and its source.
The inner limbs of yoga – antaranga yoga are:
Dharana, hyana and samadhi. They are all contained in meditation. Dharana is steadiness of attention in its inward march. Dhyana is a process of reduction of mental activity. Samadhi is the state of pure consciousness, Self.
Veda and Vedic literature, Vedic recitation
Vedic literature on Yoga (Sankhya; Yoga sutras of Maharishi Patanjali; Bhagavad Gita; Hatha Yoga-Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita; Shiva Samhita; etc.).
Sanskrit Terminology – a familiarization with key words and concepts to facilitate and retain authenticity in the teaching.
Ethics for yoga teachers
Anatomy and Physiology – 40 hours
To have understanding of how the relevant body-systems work, and how various yoga asanas impact on these systems.
Anatomy and Physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc.). Biomechanics of Yoga.
Veda in the Human Physiology
Vedic anatomy and physiology (chakras, nadis, etc.)
Practical application of Vedic anatomy and physiology to yoga practice (benefits, contraindications, healthy movement patterns, etc.)
Asanas, Kriyas, Bandhas, Mudras and other traditional yoga
Techniques – 120 hours
Moving and excercising are important for health of body and the mind. It is the nature of life. Lack of movement suffocates life. Those that exercise are healthier than those who do not. Our body consists mainly of liquids. Poor circulation of bodily liquids is like a still pool which gives rise to growth of all kinds of microorganisms which polute our body and cause different illnesses. Good circulation of bodily liquids is like the mountain stream which is pure and rich in oxygen and nutritious ingredients. Exercising is important for stimulating the circulation of bodily liquids. Exercising must not be too strenuous, it should not cause tension, stress and exhaustion. Yoga contains the knowledge of the intelligent way of body exercising. Ancient yogis were in possession of the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neurology, as well as the mental aspects of human life. On that bases they developed proper sequence of yoga excersizes so that the body can be healthy and the mind could use its full potential.
Many scientific researches confirm the effectiveness of yoga exercises for the health of mind and body. Yoga exercises strenghten the bio-mechanical system as well as bone marrow, keep the healthy condition of spine, balance metabolism, and also immune and nervous system. Furthermore they improve circulation of all bodily liquids, they strengthen breathing as well as digestion and reproduction, neutralize fatique, tension and stress and improve overall mental health. With regular exercising of yoga body becomes younger, beautiful, simetric, flexible and strong. With yoga we make our body very balanced and ensure proper position of the internal organs so that they can function normally, which is very important for health. Mind becomes calm, full of enthusiasm and determination. Yoga excercises awaken the life energy and make life more lively.
According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika, classical text on Yoga, the presence of Yoga is indicated by a happy face, glow in the eyes and healthy body. Ideal programme for health and recreation should contain all these benefits. When we look at the anatomical structure of the body, and its bio-mechanical system, we can see great possibilities of body for performing many different positions. Properly chosen and put in a proper sequence, yoga exercises strech, loosen, enliven and relax every part of the body. If we do not move enough, we activate only a small part of the possibilities of the muscle-skeletal system which causes different problems in the form of pain, stiffness and poor mobility of joints, deformation of the spine and degeneration of lung tissue which causes hindrance in metabolic processes connected with oxygen and finally causes atrophy of endocrine glands and the deficiency of immune system. Yoga exercises enliven natural abilities of body.
Children naturally feel need for different movements and put their body in different positions so that they can investigate and use all possibilities of movement which were given naturally. They instinctively do yoga. Parents very often suppress children's need for the investigation of different possibilities of moving their body. They are afraid that they could get hurt and they want them to be more static so that they can more easily control them. That way they restrict their natural need for movement and the consequence is that during life this natural ability of body becomes reduced to a minimum. Yoga teaches us to remain children all our life, to continue to put our body in different positions the way children do. By using this natural moving possibilities of body we will retain children's flexibility, health and vitality throughout our life.
Biomechanics of asanas and their classification
Five fundamentals of progress in the practice of yoga asanas
Who, when, and how to practice yoga
Samhita approach to practicing asanas, linking consciousness, breath and movement into one wholeness on the move.
Main principles of the correct practice of asanas; training into principles and practicing them in asana
Methods of maximizing the benefit of movement and breathing in asanas
The techniques of observation. Observing the body, breath and mind before doing the asana, moving into the asana, staying in the asana, moving out of the asana, and after doing the asana.
Sun salutation - Suryanamaskaram.
Practicing asanas in water – Aqua yoga.
Developing strength, flexibility and structural alignment through practice of the diferent series of asanas.
Asanas for the spine.
Learning and practicing: bandhas, mudras and kriyas.
Learning and practicing: shatkarma, shankhaprakshalana.
Personalizing the practice of asanas. Techniques of personalization.
The concept of Brmhana and Langhana in Yoga and Ayurveda.
Structuring the series of asanas for different needs, designing proper sequence of asana practice.
4. Pranayama – 60 hours
Pranayama stimulates and increases the vital energy, ultimately bringing about perfection and evenness of the soft flow of prana within the whole physiology. Prana is the vital force which pervades the whole universe. Prana is the link that connects consciousness and matter, Atma (individual Self) and the body. Pranayama bestows greater vitality and long life.
Asana-Pranayama link
Prana and kundalini
Types of prana
Agni (fire of life)
Principles of the proper practice of pranayama
Practice of pranayama (position for pranayama, techniques of pranayama, modifications of pranayama).
Sound in pranayama.
Therapeutic Approach of Asana and Pranayama – 60 hours
Yoga therapy is the art and science of healing according to yogic principles. Good health is a state of integration. The World Health Organization defines health similarly, as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease. Yoga of Maharishi Patanjali is the principal basis for yoga therapy, or the healing of all aspects of one's being. Yoga therapy operates according to the same individualized approach that characterizes all yogic practice. Each therapeutic program considers the patient's current condition, using that as a starting point, and structures the program from that point so as to be safe, feasible, and effective in each individual case. Yoga therapy is considering six factors that we can use to affect and maintain our health. They are: diet, environment, lifestyle, exercise, breathing techniques and mental techniques.
Asana, pranayama and relaxation procedures for structural and functional problems
Scientific research on asana and pranayama
6. Meditation – 20 hours
During meditation stress and tensions are released. State of deep relaxation is achieved effortlessly and in a systematic way. Meditation is experienced as very useful, pleasant and refreshing. It strenghtens us mentally and physically. It develops full mental potential and brings more stability and success to our life in all our endavours.
Theory of meditation
Transcendental meditation
Scientific research about benefits of meditation
7. Ayurveda – 40 hours
Ayurveda is the science of life. It consists of various therapeutic approaches relating to the human physiology. Each of these approaches ranging from the simple lifstyle recommendations to directly focused treatment interventions should be individualy tailored to address the unique makeup of imbalances in a person's psychophysiology. According to Ayurveda, every human being is a unique phenomenon of cosmic consciousness. Vata (ether plus air), pitta (fire plus water) and kapha (water plus earth) are called the tridosha, meaning the three humors or the three organizations of the body, which are also derived from consciousness. The balance of vata, pitta and kapha is the natural order, thus when this doshic balance is disturbed, it creates imbalance, which is disorder. Health is order and disease is disorder. Within the body there is a constant interaction betwen order and disorder, thus once one understands the nature and structure of disorder, one can re-establish order. The principal means of assessing an individual's unique dosha proportions and current state of dosha imbalance is nadi vigyan, or pulse diagnosis. The pulse provides a channel through which one can learn not only about the state of the bodily organs, but also about the interaction and balance of the energies in the mind-body complex. For prevention of disease we must help the body to eliminate the toxins. For that Ayurveda suggests putting the person on a proper diet with appropriate lifestyle, habits and exercise of asana, pranayama, meditation, and administering a proper cleansing program such as panchakarma.
Yoga and Ayurveda
Basic principles of Ayurveda
Asana and pranayama in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic remedies for common ailments
Ayurvedic recommendations for routine and diet
8. Teaching Methodology – 30 hours
For the teaching to be authentic and usefull teacher should live in accord what he teaches. Yoga Teacher Training Course will give to all course participants this quality which will make them authentic and efficient teachers of the ancient science of Yoga.
Principles of demonstration, observation, personalization, sequencing for individual needs, assisting/correcting, instruction, teaching styles
Qualities of a teacher and the student’s process of learning.
Establishing a personal practice with quidance.
Conducting clases for small and for larger groups.
Profesional and business aspects of teaching yoga.
9. Consideration of different Systems of Yoga – 20 hours
Considering the theory and practice of the most prominent yoga teachers.
Different styles of asana, pranayama and meditation practice
Raja yoga, hatha yoga, kundalini yoga (laya yoga), mantra yoga, kriya yoga, bhakti yoga, ashtanga yoga, surya yoga, vini yoga, vinyasa yoga, etc.
10. Practicum – 40 hours
Includes practice teaching, receiving feedback, observing others teaching and hearing/giving feedback. Also includes assisting students while someone else is teaching.
11. Two Residence courses on Science of Vedic Yoga – 100 hours
(each course is lasting 7 days – 50 hours)
Intensive stydy and practice of asana, pranayama and meditation for developing full mental potential to become a teacher of yoga who is the embodiment of what he teaches.
During second Residence course is organized final testing for becoming teacher of Yoga.
Timings
The program of 600 hours of Yoga teacher training course will be held during 4 years: (33 weekend modules - one weekend residence course per month, each weekend course is 15 hours) + 2 x 7 days residence course. The course is starting with Orientation Weekend Course on Yoga.
Schedule of the weekend residence course
Friday:
20.00 – 21.30 – lecture
Saturday:
9.00 – 10.30 – asana practice
10.45 – 12.15 – lecture
14.00 – 15.30 - lecture
15.30 – 17.00 – asana practice
20.00 – 21.30 – lecture
Sunday:
9.00 – 10.30 – asana practice
10.45 – 12.15 - lecture
14.00 – 15.30 - lecture
15.30 – 17.00 – asana practice
Orientation Weekend course on Yoga
The purpose of Orientation Weekend course on Yoga is to give all course participants taste and benefits of the uniqueness of Yoga. These course is open to everyone even for those who previously did not have any experience of yoga practice and who will not continue with the Teacher Training Course. For those who are planing to continue teacher training this will be oportunity to clarify all questions about the course and to registre for the Yoga Teacher Training Course.
Teacher of the Yoga Teacher Training Course:
JADRANKO MIKLEC – Yogacharya, Yoga and Ayurveda therapist, teacher of Transcendental Meditation and Maharishi's Vedic Science, Vanaushadhi Bhishagacharya (Herbal Scientist), President of Institute for Yoga and Ayurveda „SUN“; International Secretary General of the World Academy of Ayurved from India.
Jadranko Miklec teaches Yoga in Europe, America and other continents (India, China). He gained knowledge about Yoga from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, A.G. Mohan – direct disciple of Shri T. Krishnamacharya, Maharishi Swami Dev Murti, Yogacharya Dr. Mukund Bhole, other Yogacharyas and his own insights which he gained trough the long practice and discovering deeper understanding of Yoga. He wrote 6 books about yoga. Also he has experience with the application of Yoga and Ayurveda to sport (tenis, football, diver, yudo, volley-ball, etc.).
For teaching yoga Jadranko is cooperating with Maharishi Akademie Für Vedische Wissenschaft; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ayurveda; Hochschulsport – Institut für Sportiwssendchaft der Universitӓt Tübingen in Germany; Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, India; The Lonavla Yoga Institute – India; BPCA'S College of Physical Education Mumbai; Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, College of Physical Education Pune; Savitribai Phule Pune University; European Yoga Federation and World Movement for Yoga and Ayurveda; Centenary College New Jersey (USA) and Academy for Living Healthy in America.
Recommended literature for the Course
Dr. Manohar Laxman Gharote: Encyclopedia of Traditional Asanas, The Lonavla Yoga Institute (India), 2006
Dr. M.L. Gharote, Dr. G. K. Pai: Siddhasiddhantapaddhatih, The Lonavla Yoga
Institute (India), 2010
Dr. Manohar L.Gharote, Dr. Parimal Devnath: Hathapradipika of Swatmarama, The
Lonavla Yoga Institute, 2011
A.G. Mohan: Yoga for Body, Breath and Mind. Shambhala, 2002.
A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan: Yoga therapy, Shambhala, 2004.
Dr. med. Ernst Schrott: Ayurveda, 2005, Wilhelm Goldmann, Verlag, München
Dr. med. Ernst Schrott, Dr. med. Wolfgang Schachinger: Handbuch Ayurveda, 2005 Karl F. Haugh Verlag in MVS Medizin-verlage Stuttgart GmbH & Co. KG.,
Jadranko Miklec: Yama – moralna načela, Zagreb, 2002
Jadranko Miklec: Niyama – životna načela, Zagreb, 2004
Jadranko Miklec: Asana – yoga položaji Pranayama – yoga disanje, Zagreb, 2005
Jadranko Miklec: Yoga za kralježnicu i ljepotu tijela, Zagreb, 2006
Jadranko Miklec: Povratak zdravlju - Transcendentalna meditacija, Zagreb, 2007
Mel Robin: A Physiological Handbook for Teachers of Yogasana, Fenestra Books, 2002.
H. David Coulter: Anatomy of Hatha Yoga. Body and Breath, Inc., 2001.
Dr. David Frawley, Sandra Summerfield, M. S. Kozak: Yoga for Your Type. An Ayurvedic Aproach to Your Asana Practice. Lotus Press, 2001.
B.K.S. Iyengar: Light on Yoga. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1986.
B.K.S. Iyengar: Light on Pranayama. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1981.
B.K.S. Iyengar: Yoga The Path to Holistic Health. Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2001.
Shri K. Pattabhi Jois: Yoga Mala. North Point Press, 2000.
T.K.V. Desikachar: Religiousness in Yoga. University Press of America, 1980.
Gary Kraftsow: Yoga for transformation. Penguin Compass, 2002.
Gary Kraftsow: Yoga for Wellness. Penguin Putnam Inc., 1999.
Srivatsa Ramaswami: The complete book of Vinyasa Yoga, New York, 2005.
Pancham Sinh: The Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Munshiram Manoharlal, 1992.
Rai Bahadur Srisa Chandra Vasu: The Shiva Samhita. Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 1990.
Rai Bahadur Srisa Chandra Vasu: The Gheranda Samhita. Oriental Books Reprint Corporation, 1980.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Bhagavad Gita. Maharishi Vedic University.
Prof. Tony Nader, MD, PhD: Human physiology, expresion of Veda and vedic literature. Maharishi Vedic University, Vlodrop, The Netherlands, 2000.
Swami Hariharananda Aranya: Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali. University of Calcuta, 1981.
M. Monier-Williams: A Sanskrit-English Dictionary. Motilal Banarsidas, Delhi, 1999.
Yoga Teacher Training Course
Yoga is based on the ancient and traditional knowledge brought by the Rishis and Maharishis and most recent findings from the modern science. Vedic yoga is establishing unity in all fields of life. Uniques of Yoga is that body is experienced as expresion of consciousness. Practicing Yoga we achieve unity of consciousnes, breath and the body and the practicing of yoga asanas becomes moving meditation and within itself at once contains all the 8 limbs of yoga (Maharishi Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga).
On successful completion of this course, students will have a comprehensive knowledge of the theory and practice of yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation and the ability to observe and identify special needs or conditions of the persons and to teach yoga classes in a safe, effective and confident manner in the following areas: Recreative yoga – 3 stages (begining, midlle and advanced practice); exercises for more flexible and strong locomotor system; yoga exercises for strenghtening of neuromuscular integration and for the normalization of the functioning of metabolisam, endocrine, immune and nervous system; special yoga exercises for the health of spine, and correction of spine disorders; yoga exercises for reducing weight and removing obesity; yoga exercises for pregnancy, menopaus and menstruation problems; therapeutic yoga – individual approach of Ayurveda and Yoga for regaining individual health; yoga breating exercisess – exercises of neuro-respiratory integration; special yoga exercises and yoga breating techniques to enxance imune system; relaxation techniques for removing fatique, tension, stress and for the developement of the full potential of mind and body; Kriyas, Panchakarma and Shatkarma for cleansing all the impurities from body; courses for the healthier living based on the ancient science of life of Yoga and Ayurveda; courses for healthy nutrition and cooking; yoga for fitness and sport; yoga technique for enlivening self healing inner intelligence of body; weekend residentional courses for total recovering of mind and body from everyday stress and enhancing life capabilities; yoga for children, etc.
Yoga Teacher Training Course is structured in the following way:
The programe of 600 standard hours include: Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Phychology and Lifestyle; Ethics; Anatomy and Physiology; Asana; Pranayama; Therapeutic Approach of Asana and Pranayama; Meditation; Ayurveda; Teaching Methodology; Consideration of different systems of Yoga; Practicum; Week Residence course on Yoga. The science of Vedic Yoga teacher training course will be held during four years. (could be. 40 weekends - one weekend residence course per month) + 2 x 7 days residence course
The course is starting with Orientation Weekend Course.