Diploma in Teaching the Science and Art of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient science, dating back to thousands of years in the past. Yoga offers a unique, effective and timeless approach to a healthy body and tranquil mind. The scope of yoga is vast -- it has something to offer everyone at any stage in life.

The ancient science of traditional Indian medicine is known as Ayurveda, literally translated as "the knowledge of life". Ayurveda effectively complements the physical and mental therapeutic practices of yoga. Yoga and Ayurveda together form a holistic, comprehensive and integrated system to maintain health and resolve conditions of ill-health.

The Diploma in Teaching the Science and Art of Yoga offers in-depth study of classical yoga with an overview of Ayurveda and its connections with yoga.

This course will be taught entirely by Nitya Mohan, thus offering an unmatched opportunity to learn authentic yoga in Singapore.

Features of the Training Program

This program:

Empowers the participants to maintain their health and well-being with effective and practical tools from the ancient sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda.
Equips the participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach Yoga for health and well-being to others.
Is registered with the Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org). Participants can register as yoga teachers at the 200-hour level (RYT 200) with the Yoga Alliance upon completion of the course.

This training program has been evolved to systematically present authentic Yoga to a modern audience, integrating the best of current training methods with traditional knowledge. It is designed to impart authentic information in a practical framework, and empower and encourage students to work positively towards their own personal transformation.

This course is unique in several ways - in content, delivery style and assessment protocols. It is modeled on a similar course designed and conducted by Svastha in Australia, which was nationally accredited by the Australian education authorities. Consequently, this course is comparable in implementation to industry standard training programs in other fields. The program is designed specifically for adult education: the students are actively involved in all steps of training and self-review is an important part of the assessment process.

Important features of this course include:

Authentic yoga, presented rationally.
Comprehensive in scope, covering all aspects of yoga.
Easy to learn-clearly structured and presented in units.
Uses scientifically proven delivery methods, designed specifically for adult learners.
Flexibility in timetable. Training is delivered during weekend intensives.
Systematic assessment protocol.

Course Outcome

On successful completion of this course, participants will have:

an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the science and art of yoga principles and an understanding of core 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.
the knowledge to provide ayurvedic advice on nutrition and lifestyle.
the ability to plan and design yoga programs to meet individual and special needs
acquired the tools to enact positive changes in their own lives and to provide the same guidance and consultation 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.

Course Contents

This course is divided into the following units of competency, delivered in a holistic and integrated manner.

I. Yoga Theory

1. The Yogasutras of Patanjali

The philosophy and psychology of yoga
A thorough study of the second chapter of the Yogasutras (sadhana pada)
The key concepts of the first chapter (samadhi pada)
An overview of the third and fourth chapters

2. Sanskrit Terminology

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

3. Theory of Asana practice

II. Asana

All fundamental asanas
Difficult classical asanas
The fundamentals of movement
The fundamentals of breathing
The skills of observation
Adaptations and variations of all asanas
The art of adapting each posture to meet specific or individual needs

III. Sequencing

The principles of preparation and balancing for each asana
How to sequence postures for fitness needs
How to plan and design sequences with hands-on training
Structuring of courses for different needs such as strength and flexibility

IV. Pranayama

The asana-pranayama link
Theory of the practice of pranayama
Important types of pranayama with hands-on practice
Techniques of relaxation breathing

V. Sound

Using sound in asanas
Using sound for relaxation
Using sound in meditation

VI. Meditation

Theory of meditation - the why of meditation
Practice of meditation - the what and how of meditation

VII. Anatomy and Physiology

A broad knowledge of key body systems and their functioning
Applied anatomy and physiology relevant and related to the practice of asanas and pranayama

VIII. Suryanamaskara

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

IX. Chanting

The role of chanting
Important peace chants

X. Ayurveda

The concept of the Doshas
Qualities and functions of the macrocosm and microcosm
The concepts of the Dhatus and the Prakrtis
Concepts of the Vegas
Concepts of Prana and Agni
Ayurvedic guidelines on food
Ayurvedic recipes for healthy cooking
Guidelines on Ayurvedic lifestyle

XI. Other Related Topics

The concept of the Cakras
The Mudras and the Bandhas
The origin and role of different labels of Yoga

XII. Training to Teach: Hands on Experience

Establishing a personal practice with guidance
Training to observe in pairs
Training to teach in pairs
Conduct classes for small groups
Design and conduct classes for larger groups

Course Structure

The course will be taught part-time over 8 months to accommodate work and other personal commitments.

The breakup of the course components is given below:

Monthly Seminars

Intensive training sessions over weekends will provide opportunities for gaining knowledge in all relevant areas, and for group practice and group discussion.

Private Classes

Three private classes with a course teacher will help refine your personal practice. Personal attention and guidance will be given in group classes as well.

Group Classes

Group classes will demonstrate appropriate teaching methods and provide opportunities for supervised teaching practice.

Daily Practice

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

Self Assessment and Journal Keeping

Personal awareness and reflection is documented as a record of personal growth in a journal. These skills will help to integrate course-based and experiential learning.

Home Study

Take-home exercises and reading will encourage participants to reflect on and apply what they have learned.

Cost

Course fees: S$5,800

Fees may be paid in installments. Please ask for further details upon registration.

Course Material

Yoga for Body, Breath and Mind by A.G. Mohan (Shambhala Publications).

Yoga Therapy: A Therapeutic Guide to the Use of Yoga and Ayurveda for Health and Fitness by A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan (Shambhala Publications).

The above two books will be made available at a cost of S$30 each.

All handouts and other course material given during weekends and weekly classes are included in the course fees.

No other hidden costs.

Contact Information and Registration

To register for the course or to obtain further course information, please email nitya@svastha.net or call us at 98385242.

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