Teacher Intensive Course Content

Course Description:

We will have a comparative look at important schools of Indian thought and how they influence each other. Among those we will study are Sankhya, Yoga Sankhya, Vedanta (advaita and opposing schools), Buddhism (including the Madhyamika, or Middle Path School), Hatha/Tantra, and Bhakti. We will also examine contemporary trends of thought in both the West and the East, which might influence our yoga practice. In the spirit of yoga we will seek to be at home, entangled in and yet free of philosophy. We hope to awaken an intelligence which understands not only the doctrines of each school, but their hidden presuppositions and interdependencies as well.

Asana:

We will detail the inner and outer techniques of Vinyasa, traditional Ashtanga sequences, and the subtle alignment and precision which tie the poses together into meditative experience. Asana will be treated as the context and base for meditation, the practical ground for making our yogic inquiry genuine and relevant to real life.

Pranayama:

The basic techniques of pranayama will be explored and practiced so that they are appropriate and beneficial to the individual. The bandhas will be used as natural, integrated responses to the movement of internal breath. Particular attention will be given to the subtleties of inhaling, exhaling and how they affect the mind and the body.

Sanskrit and Chanting:

An introduction to the correct pronunciation of this polished language so that we can tune in, resonate and taste its aesthetic pleasures. We will learn, memorize and chant portions of traditional texts.

Anatomy and Kinesiology:

An exploration and useful review of anatomy and kinesiology that will enable us to know what is happening biomechanically in each posture and movement. Two afternoons of the training will include hands-on experience at an anatomy lab.

Therapeutics:

We will learn how to address difficulties and injuries which we or students might encounter in yoga practice. Included will be the use of simple props. We will also learn to recognize imbalances in alignment or attitude that lead to injury.

Meditation:

Traditional instruction in Buddhist Shamatha-Vipassana Meditation. One aftermppm per week will be reserved for group meditation instruction and practice. A non-residential weekend retreat will deepen the practice. Attention will be given to how this practice fits or not with the methods of the Yoga Sutra and the Ashtanga Vinyasa practice.

Teaching Skills:

We will practice teaching each other and giving feedback to one another with humor and compassion. We will, of course, learn safe and beneficial hands-on adjustment techniques.