Teacher Training Course content & syllabus

Our Transformational Yoga Teacher Training Courses (TTC) take place in special retreat settings and are suitable for those wishing to become teachers, existing teachers’ continuing professional development (CPD) or simply for your own self transformation and purification. Find your creative expression of yoga using traditional systems for modern life.

History and Philosophy

The Yoga Sutras, Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita
The eight limbs of yoga
The main systems of yoga: Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, Mantra, Yantra, Laya and Kundalini, Tantric, Hatha, Raja, Prana
The Synthesis of yoga
The Mother and Sri Aurobindo
Transformational Yoga Theory

Introduction to Transformational Yoga

Apara and Para dimensions of consciousness
The seven chakras – muladhara, swadisthana, manipura, anahata, vishuddhi, ajna, sahasrara
The four bodies or koshas – physical, emotional, mental, psychic
The relationship of the chakras and the bodies
Energy flow and the functions of the five pranas – apana, samana, maha, udyana, vyana
Impurities, effects and purification techniques for the chakras and bodies
Awakening of the spiritual body
Energy mechanics of Transformational Yoga
Difference between Transformational Yoga and other types of yoga
Introduction to meditation

Anatomy and Physiology

Physical body systems – respiratory, digestive, circulatory, nervous, muscular  & skeletal, endocrine
Kundalini, nadis and the nervous system
Endocrine system and the chakras
Health benefits, contraindications and therapeutic use
Exploration, alignment, modification and individual expression
Ayurveda, body types, diet and lifestyle
Teaching Methodology

Principles of demonstration and observation

Assisting, modifications, adjusting, guiding
Finding your own teaching style
Ethical guidelines for yoga teachers
Student teaching and observing
Lesson planning
Classroom safety

Practice of Transformational Yoga

Basic Transformational Yoga sequence
Surya Namaskar and Chandra Namaskar (Sun and Moon Salutations)
4 Transformational Yoga asana sets – chakra activation, stomach, back and standing
Joint warming and cleaning practices
Observation and awareness techniques
Pranayama

Transformational Yoga breathing practices

Kapalabhati (cleansing breath), Nadi Shodana (alternate nostril breathing), Bhramari (humming bee breath)
Other useful pranayama practices: Ujjayi (victorious breath), Shitali and Sitkari (cooling breath)
Importance of healthy breathing
Conscious breathing techniques
Bandhas (locks): Moola (root), Uddiyana (abdominal), Jalandhara (throat), Maha (great)

Mantra

Invocation Mantra
Seed sounds for the chakras: relaxation, purification, activation
Mantras for the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air, space
Setting intention

Meditation

Meditation methods and techniques
Observation and awareness techniques
Yoga Nidra relaxation techniques
Yogic energy awakening science (Kriyas)
Dynamic meditation techniques: walking, dance, etc

Teaching Skills

Anatomy applied to adjustments-Comunication Skills-Yoga Therapy- Lower back issues, prevention to injuries and therapy-Vinyasa Krama-Ayurveda basics-Sequencing-Alignment & hands on adjustments-Pregnacy and Yoga-Women and the 3 stages of life-Comunication skills-Personal and coaching-Yantra & Mandala energetics in class- Creating sacred space

Also included in your course

Yoga Alliance International certification
Transformational Yoga training manual
Accommodation in shared room
Delicious vegetarian meals
One-to-one guidance with your lead tutor

Suggested reading before the course

PublicationsYoga Anatomy – Leslie Kaminoff
Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System – Anodea Judith, Ph.D.
Eastern Body Western Mind – Anodea Judith, Ph.D.
Bringing Yoga to Life – Donna Farhi
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika – Swami Swatmarama
Yoga Nidra – Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Meditation: The First and Last Freedom – Osho
The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle
Freedom from the Known – J Krishnamurti
Kindle Life – Swami Chinmayananda

What is Integral Yoga?

The Goal of Integral Yoga is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum health and strength; senses under total control; a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm; an intellect as sharp as a razor; a will as strong and pliable as steel; a heart full of unconditional love and compassion; an ego as pure as crystal; and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy.
~ HH Sri Swami Satchidananda

The word “Yoga” means union or yoke in the ancient Sanskrit language. It is a perfect description of the science and philosophy of Integral Yoga. Integral Yoga® synthesizes the various branches of Yoga into a comprehensive life style system. The aim is to promote harmonious development of every aspect of the individual . The six branches of Integral Yoga® are each powerful tools to gain self-mastery. When combined to effect the whole being the results are at once subtle, profound and measurable. Some basic descriptions of each of the six branches are listed here:

Hatha Yoga

Focuses on the physical aspects through asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), mudras, kriyas, yogic diet, and deep relaxation.

Raja Yoga

Balance and control of the mind through ethical practices, concentration and meditation.

Bhakti Yoga

The path of devotion, by constant love, thought, and service of the Divine. Bhakti Yoga can be practiced by everyone. All that is needed is faith and constant remembrance of God.

Karma Yoga

The path of action and selfless service. Serving without attachment to the fruits (or results) of the action.

Jnana Yoga

The intellectual approach. Through the knowledge of what really exists, that is, what is not changeable, one who engages in the Path of Wisdom realizes Oneness with the entire Universe.

Japa Yoga

Japa means repetition of a mantram – a sound structure of one or more syllables which represents a particular aspect of the Divine Vibration.