Foundation Course – 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India (4 Weeks)

1. This course is aimed at students who are seeking to enhance their practical understanding of yoga so that they can impart teachings based on their firsthand experiences rather than relying only on theoretical knowledge from books
2. You should prepare for your arrival by familiarising yourself with two of our YouTube videos:  A 20-minute morning kriya yoga practice  and Sequence of 7 Best Asanas, which you should practice as often as you can
3. Cultivate the ability to sit calmly and quietly in a cross-legged position
4. Remain open-minded, as our teaching methods may differ from your expectations 
5. Be ready to reflect upon the timeless ancient practices and teachings, rather than passively accepting what is presented
6. Be prepared to broaden your understanding of yoga, particularly embracing it as a holistic science rather than an elaborate exercise program

PRACTICES & COMMANDS 

1. Meditation (Vedic Dhyan) – an ancient meditation method that systematically builds a practice for leading you to experience higher consciousness 
2. Asana – classical foundation postures, their benefits, contra-indications and sequencing to create a body/mind flow, using different breathing techniques, sound and stillness
3. Alignment between one’s outer and inner layers 
4. Pranayama – conscious breathing and its power, systematic training of the breath & mind, and their inter-relatedness
5. Bandha – preparation of the body for the three locks to detoxify one’s physical/mental body, and their deep impact on overall health
6. Mudra – yogic gestures which help one’s inner alignment and grounding of the mind
7. Yoga nidra – yogic relaxation to de-stress voluntary/involuntary muscles by systematically training the mind while resting the body
8. Shatkarma – yogic cleansing methods to self-detoxify the body and mind
9. Kundalini kriya – foundation kundalini yoga practices for awareness of the life force to awaken inner consciousness
10. Mantra – pure sound that brings the awareness into the present; its practices and how it is connected to nada (sound) and laya (inner rhythm); and specific mantras for healing, creativity and inner wisdom
11. Japa practice (with prayer beads for attaining inner alignment)
12. Evening Kirtan – group chanting and meditation, contemplation and reflection
13. Personal sadhana – how to integrate all the above to establish a routine for everyday life

METHODS OF TEACHING

1. Learning how to teach all the aspects of yoga:  asana, pranayama, kriya, mantra etc.
2. Using all different aspects of yoga for teaching classes according to the nature and experience of students
3. Adjusting and assisting students with safety, and the use of props
4. How to use different postures to prepare the body for meditation
5. How to prepare a hatha yoga program, a kundalini kriya program and integrate both of these with mantra in one class
6. Principles of a Vedic yoga class – how the Centre teaches the integration of all the aspects of traditional yoga into one practice
7. How to build an appropriate atmosphere for teaching in different environments to varied groups
8. Developing confidence and trust in giving appropriate commands and letting go of your limitations
9. A systematic approach to connecting, inspiring and motivating students
10. Developing an authentic teaching style that comes from your own genuine experiences
11. Carrying the right attitude for transmitting your teachings

 APPLIED ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY – INTEGRATION OF EASTERN & WESTERN

1. Medical anatomy and physiology:  
   1. Digestive system
   2. Respiratory system
   3. Cardio-vascular system
   4. Skeletal system
   5. Muscular system
   6. Brain & Nervous system
   7. Endocrine (Hormonal) System
2. Astral anatomy and physiology:  
   1. Three Bodies
   2. Five Koshas
   3. The Mind
   4. Prana & Nadis
   5. Three Gunas
   6. Kundalini and the Seven Chakras 
3. The essence of safe and efficient practice
4. Benefits and contra-indications of specific yogic practices according to categories of postures
5. How one’s astral anatomy (energy body) connects with the physical anatomy in all different yogic practices

APPLIED YOGA PHILOSOPHY, LIFESTYLE & ETHICAL LIVING

1. Applied yoga philosophy, it’s meaning and aims; the four paths:  karma, bhakti, jnana and raja, and their synthesis
2. Understanding and applying different methods of raja yoga in day-to-day life:  e.g. ashtanga, hatha, kundalini/tantric kriyas and mantra
3. Acknowledging the unity of all paths to oneness
4. Lifestyle issues:  yogic diet; yogic management for health and wellness; understanding the role of Ayurveda and applying it in daily life
5. Yoga as a way of spontaneously flowing with the current of life
6. Living ethically as a yoga teacher
7. Daily evening satsang – Q&A, and ancient yogic wisdom for modern times

PRACTICE TEACHING

1. Practice teaching to individuals and small groups 
2. Observing others teach, and giving and receiving feedback
3. How to teach an entire Vedic yoga class, incorporating all the aspects that have been taught
4. Learn how to offer retreats and workshops
5. How to take yoga from your mat into your life and the world around you
6. How to assist and support students in their yogic journey
7. Journaling of personal experiences, and documenting their effects
8. Strengthening the ability to share, and developing the art of being fearless, which comes from accepting yourself as you are NOW

SELF-STUDY

Self-study time is allocated each day.

1. Students are encouraged to study the Teacher Training Manual and other texts as discussed during the classes.
2. Assignments and homework are to be prepared during self-study time.
3. Regular self-study will be undertaken to prepare for a written exam at the end of the course.
4. Understanding that the examination is simply to acknowledge where your understanding is in this moment.  It requires the removal of the concept of passing or failing.
5. Seeking opportunities to perform seva (selfless service) and developing this attitude so that selfless service becomes a part of your life.
6. Evidence of  40 hours of personal practice AFTER completing the course before final Certification will be awarded

This schedule is a sample only and is subject to modifications according to circumstances and the understanding of the students.

6:30 am-7:00am

 Mantra chanting and meditation

7:00am-9:15am

 Hatha yoga – asana, pranayama, samyak kriya, yoga nidra, meditation

9:30am-10:00am

 Breakfast in silence

11:00am-12:30pm

 Lecture/discussion 1:  yoga philosophy, lifestyle, ethics, teaching methodologies

12:30pm-1:30pm

 Lunch

1:30pm–3:00pm

 Free time – study time, journaling and preparation of assignments

3:00pm-4:30pm

 Lecture/discussion 2:  anatomy and physiology – medical and yogic, practicum

5:00pm-6:30pm

 Practice of hatha yoga and samyak kriya

6:45pm-7:30pm

 Dinner

8:00pm-9:00pm

 Kirtan/satsang/silent meditation

9:30pm 

 Sleep

Attendance at all classes is compulsory. Every Sunday will be free between the morning hatha yoga class and the evening kirtan session:  from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm.

1. Certificate of Achievement from the Vedic Yoga Centre after successfully completing the Course, which qualifies you to teach yoga (RYT200) as accredited by Yoga Alliance USA.  Certification requires full attendance, completion of required readings, handing in written assignments, successful completion of the exam, and completion of post-course requirements.
2. Vedic Yoga Centre Manual.
3. Accommodation – ashram-style living in modern rooms, each with an attached bathroom and western-style toilet.  You will have a separate room, either standard or deluxe, according to request or availability. 
4. Three Ayurvedic meals per day.
5. Use of the Centre’s Wi-Fi.
6. One free Ayurvedic treatment of your choice.
7. The opportunity to transform your life and join a Vedic yoga community comprised of students from around the world.
8. Individual consultation and guidance from teachers to help you customise your practice, find inspiration, and make lifestyle choices that heal and empower you at every level.

Prices do not include airfare, transfers to and from the Centre, tips, any excursions during the course, or personal items.

*   JUNE 1-28, 2024
*   SEPTEMBER 1-28, 2024
*   NOVEMBER 1-28, 2024

ARRIVAL FOR THE COURSE

You should arrive at least one day before the Course starts to ensure that you have overcome any jetlag from your flight, and you are refreshed for your program.  In any case, all students must be present on the evening before the Course starts.

This course can be completed as two 100-hour courses, but the second part must be completed within 12 months of the completion of the first part.  Each 100-hour component runs over 15 days.

REGISTRATION

Email a copy of your flight details, passport and visa to:  myvedicyoga@gmail.com and complete the Application Form by following the Apply Now link, which includes payment of your deposit

A non-refundable deposit of US$300 is required to book your spot.

Standard Room:     US$2,000
Deluxe Room:          US$2,300

All deposits are non-refundable but can be used at a later date or for another program.  For more information about refunds and cancellation, please follow this link: https://vedicyogacentre.org/refund-and-cancellation-policy/   

REGISTRATION

Email a copy of your flight details, passport and visa to:  myvedicyoga@gmail.com and complete the Application Form by following the Apply Now link, which includes payment of your deposit.