Svastha Yoga of Krishnamacharya

Diploma in Teaching

This program fulfills the International Yoga Alliance's 200-hour certification requirements as well as the continuing education requirement for established teachers

Yoga is an ancient science that offers practical and effective tools that lead towards the integration of all aspects of being. It offers a unique and timeless approach to a healthy body and tranquil mind, and has something to offer everyone at any stage of life.

The aim of this program is to offer an in depth study of classical Yoga with an overview of Ayurveda and its connections with Yoga, empowering the participants to maintain their own health and wellbeing using this knowledge and to gain the skills necessary to teach Yoga for health and wellbeing to others.

This program has been developed by A.G. Mohan, Indra Mohan, Ganesh Mohan and Nitya Mohan of Svastha Yoga and Ayurveda and fulfils the International Yoga Alliance 200-hour certification requirements as well as the continuing education requirement for established teachers.

The program is intended for:

• The serious student interested in becoming certified to teach yoga
• The committed student who wishes to deepen their personal practice
• Yoga teachers from all schools seeking a greater understanding of authentic principles of yoga
• Yoga teachers fulfilling the International Yoga Alliance’s continuing education requirements
• All students interested in pursuing an intensive Yoga Therapy program with the Mohans in the future

“Just as various medicines and other measures are prescribed by physicians for curing the illnesses of those who are unwell, the revered Patanjali, in his sutras, has made clear various methods to heal the illnesses of the body through the practice of the limbs of Yoga. Among these many methods, the important are—moving the arms, legs and neck (body parts) with appropriate inhalation and exhalation, following appropriate diet, avoiding inappropriate travel (disciplined lifestyle). If yoga is practiced in the absence of these disciplines, without knowing the correct methods of practice, illnesses will not be healed as said the ancient texts.”

Course Content

I. Yoga Theory

1) Philosophy and psychology of yoga:

i. An overview of the Yogasutras of Patanjali.
ii. A study of the entire second chapter of the Yogasutras of Patanjali (sadhana pada)
iii. Key concepts of the first chapter (samadhi pada)

2) Sanskrit Terminology:

i. Familiarization with key words and concepts to facilitate and retain authenticity in the teaching and transmission

3) Theory of Asana practice

II. Asana

1) Fundamentals of movement and breathing
2) Around 30 core asanas essential for fitness and in a therapeutic setting—the classical asana, practical modifications, and the vinyasa to practice it safely and effectively
3) Preparation and balancing
4) Common variations
5) Placing each asana in a sequence

III. Sequencing

1) How to sequence postures for fitness needs
2) How to plan and design sequences

IV. Pranayama

1) The asana-pranayama link
2) Theory of the practice of pranayama
3) Important types of pranayama with hands-on practice
4) Techniques of relaxation breathing

V. Sound

1) Using sound in asanas
2) Using sound for relaxation
3) Using sound in meditation

VI. Meditation

1) Theory of meditation – the why of meditation
2) Practice of meditation – the what and how of meditation

VII. Anatomy and Physiology

1) A broad knowledge of key body systems and their functioning
2) Basic applied anatomy and physiology related to the practice of asanas and Pranayama

VIII. Suryanamaskara

1) The concept behind sun-salutation
2) The knowledge, skills and attitudes to make any asana practice into a suryanamaskara
3) The most important mantras for sun-salutation

IX. Chanting

1) The role of chanting
2) Important peace chants

X. Ayurveda

1) The concept of the doshas and prakrti (ayurvedic constitution)
2) Concept of the vegas (natural urges)
3) Prana and agni
4) Ayurvedic guidelines on food and some simple ayurvedic recipes for healthy cooking
5) Essential guidelines on ayurvedic lifestyle

XI. Other Related Topics

1) Concept of the cakras
2) Mudras and the bandhas
3) Origin and role of different labels of Yoga

XII. Training to Teach: Hands on

1) Establishing a personal practice with guidance
2) Training to teach in pairs
3) Conduct classes for small groups
4) Design and conduct classes for larger groups

Program Outcome

On successful completion of this program, students will have:

• An understanding and appreciation of the principles of the science and art of yoga and an introduction to ayurvedic principles.
• Developed a comprehensive knowledge of the theory of asanas, pranayama and meditation.
• Gained skill and expertise in the practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation.
• Acquired the ability to teach yoga in a safe, effective and confident manner.
• Acquired the tools to enact positive changes in their own lives and to provide the same guidance and consulting for others.
• The opportunity to be a part of a community of people who are similarly committed to a path of personal growth and transformation

Developing a Personal Wellness Plan

A standard group practice is an entry point to the practice of yoga. To truly experience the benefits of yoga, the practice must be personalized for the student’s needs and goals. A unique feature of Sri Krishnamacharya's teaching was the method designing a yoga practice optimized for an individual.

This program will teach the fundamentals of developing a personal yoga practice. Participants will gain knowledge essential to maintain a healthy body and calm mind. The emphasis of the program is on individual attention, simple but profound practices, and relevant knowledge.

During the training, a personalized yoga program, including asana, pranayama, meditation, diet and lifestyle changes, as appropriate, will be designed for you.

Assessment

The sessions in the program have been designed with assessment tasks.
Assessment methods used include:

• Direct observation
• Self Assessment
• Feedback from peers
• Written assignments
• Verbal questioning
• Journal Diary
• Presentations
• Practical Demonstrations

Assessment is done not only by the course leaders, but also by another peer, by the group of peers and by self evaluation.

Assessment is in 3 parts:

• Part A: During the sessions
• Part B: Home study and Journal maintenance
• Part C: Review questions

Certification and Continuing Education

The above program fulfills Yoga Alliance's 200-hour certification requirements as well as the continuing education requirement for established teachers. The Principles of Yoga Therapy Program is a foundation for the intensive program on Yoga Therapy offered by the Mohans.

Program Structure

The program is taught part time over a period of 6 months to accommodate work and other personal commitments, comprising:

Weekend Intensives
11 weekend intensive training sessions to be held over the duration of the program:

Timetable:

Weekend 1 

Saturday 23rd October 2010 - 12.30pm - 6.30pm
Sunday 24th October 2010 - 8.00am - 6.00pm
Monday 25th October 2010 - 8.00am - 6.00pm  (Labour Day Public Holiday)

 Weekends 2 -11

Saturdays - 12.30pm & Sundays 8.00am - 6.00pm

November 6th & 7th, 20th & 21st
December 4th& 5th, 18th & 19th
January 8th & 9th, 22nd & 23rd
February 5th & 6th, 19th & 20th
March 5th & 6th, 19th & 20th 

Private Classes 

3 one hour private classes with a program teacher to develop and refine your personal practice.

Group Classes  

Participants are required to attend 1 studio class per week where they will become familiar with appropriate teaching methods and have the opportunity for supervised practice.

Daily Practice
A regular daily practice will establish a discipline to reinforce the teachings.

Self Assessment and Journal Study
Personal awareness and reflection documented in a journal will help to integrate the teachings and experiential learning.

Course Material

Required Texts:

Yoga for Body Breath and Mind – A.G. Mohan
Yoga Therapy – A.G. Mohan, Indra Mohan and Ganesh Mohan

nb: cost of texts is not included in the course fee

Program Fees

Total cost of the program - $4,500.00 inclusive of:

Weekend Intensives
3 Private Classes
Weekly Studio Class 

All other course material and handouts are included in the program fees.

No other hidden costs

Fees may be paid in instalments, please enquire regarding available payment plans.

Location

The program will be conducted at Svastha Yoga New Zealand, Kelly Street Studio, 1A Kelly Street, Mt Eden, Auckland.

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