Shasta Yoga Institute

Training Curriculum

“Teaching is a difficult art, but it is the best service you can do to humanity.” –B.K.S. Iyengar

WHAT “TYPE” OF HATHA YOGA DO WE TEACH?

Informed originally by the teachings of T Krishnamacharya – specifically by the methods of BKS. Iyengar and influenced by the Vinyasa Yoga methods of TKV. Desikachar and K. Pattabhi Jois, this Teacher Training program teaches developing practice and technique in Yoga Asana (alignment principles and vinyasa sequencing), Pranayama, and Shamatha Meditation with emphasis on both personal practice as the basis for authentic teaching and evolving into yoga instruction. Graduates grasp a deeper knowing of the 8-Limbs and an integrated yoga approach ~ the true purpose of yoga posture, balanced sequencing, functional alignment, cultivation of presence, and greater freedom.Chanti scapula

Going deeper, this training fosters an Insight Meditation practice, technique and learning the benefits behind mindfulness and this liberating way of “practice” and being in the world. It also includes the study and application of experiential Anatomy and an introductory view into Ayurveda, the 5,000-year old “science of life”. Moreover, students cultivate insight into the heart of Yoga studying Yoga philosophy and Buddha’s teachings on generating mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion. Through the ethical precepts and meditation, students work directly with their own mind and strengthen the inner capacities needed to live more meaningful lives. Towards the end of the Training, participants naturally evolve into the Craft of Teaching. A Certificate of Completion will be given to participants who fulfill the 200-hour training standards and requirements. See teacher bios for more info.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

  • Yoga Practice: Technique & Methodology
  • Principles of Alignment
  • Wisdom of Sequencing: for Practice & Teaching
  • Restorative Yoga: Practice & Teaching
  • Use of Props, Injury Prevention & Safety
  • Principles of Vinyasa Practice
  • Meditation: Embodiment & Benefits
  • Experiential & Subtle Anatomy
  • Pranayama: Conscious Breath
  • Yoga Sutras as a Basis for teaching & living
  • Eight Limbs of Yoga
  • Intro to Ayurveda
  • Seeing & Understanding Bodies
  • Craft of Teaching: Observation, Conscious Assists & Practice Teaching
    Business & the Ethics of Teaching
    Independent Assignments & Required Reading

Click Here to Download 2018 YTT READING LIST

Our additional teaching faculty includes guest teachers in most of our weekend schedules. These teachers offer our students an expert view of yoga philosophy, yogic life style choices, and experiential anatomy.

WHAT SETS THIS TRAINING APART FROM OTHER YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMS?

Our Faculty has over 100 years combined of experience in the fields of Yoga, Meditation and Anatomy. With attention to the potential role that we each play in creating positive change, the Shasta Yoga Teacher Training balances precision in practice technique with an emphasis on the foundation precepts of yoga, teaching skillfully from one’s own authentic integration of yoga as a tool, as well as a way of being. As a participant in this integrated training you will come away with a clear insight and deep appreciation for the Eight-Limbs of Yoga as a life practice. Testimonials.

For insight and inspiration, view this YouTube clip of BKS Iyengar, “Genius in Action”

YOGA TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Upon completion of  the following 200-hour Yoga Alliance course requirements, students will be presented with a Certificate of Completion:

  • Attend all 180 contact hours
  • Complete all homework assignments & 20 non-contact hours
  • Teach one, one-hour Community Class free of charge
  • Log 3-5 hours of practice per week

For more details, contact program director.

The training went deep into yoga philosophy. I loved studying the Yoga Sutra and the Yamas and Niyamas. I feel that there will never be an end to this part of learning – and that makes me happy!”   –2011 Graduate

ADVANCED STUDIES & CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR REGISTERED YOGA TEACHERS (RYT®)

For participants interested in delving in at a deeper level and looking to affirm yoga as a life-long practice, there is no expectation to teach, only to bask in the joy and challenge of the fuller knowledge of yoga. Mid-term and final exams as well as written coursework are optional for those not seeking a 200-hour Certificate of Completion. As a Registered Yoga School (RYS®), the VajraPani Yoga training meets continuing education contact hour requirements for Yoga Alliance. Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®s) must complete continuing education hours every three years to maintain their registration and continue to grow their yoga knowledge and teaching skills. These hours can be obtained through any of the VajraPani Yoga Training workshops or intensives. For details on individual training workshops or intensives, please contact program Director.

YOGA ALLIANCE REGISTERED

The VajraPani Yoga Teacher Training is a registered Yoga Alliance school. To fulfill the requirements for certification with Yoga Alliance, the 200-hour Shasta Yoga Teacher Training includes a total of 180 contact hours, supervised by a Shasta Yoga Teacher Training faculty member (see Faculty Bios), and 20 non-contact hours (monthly homework assignments). Students who complete this 200-hour training will receive a certificate which may then be submitted to Yoga Alliance for registry. Intended to uphold the integrity of yoga, Yoga Alliance is the first national registry for establishing and maintaining standards for the education of yoga teachers. For more information: Yoga Alliance.

Our life is an apprenticeship to the truth that around every circle another can be drawn; that there is no end in nature, but every end is a beginning, and under every deep a lower deep opens”. —Ralph Waldo Emerson