7 Day 50-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Goa, India

Experience the essence of yoga with this 50-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Retreat at Agastya Yoga. This 7-day course is crafted for those with limited time who wish to get a solid introduction to yoga. It serves as the starting point of the comprehensive 200-hour yoga teacher training, offering a foundational glimpse into yoga practice.

During this immersive week, you will explore the basics of Hatha yoga, including sun salutations, fundamental asana alignment, and the yogic anatomy of chakras. The course also introduces you to meditation and yoga Nidra, enhancing your overall practice.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the retreat-style course allows you to attend all classes at your own pace, with optional free time during anatomy sessions. Ideal for those seeking to deepen their yoga knowledge within a short timeframe, this course sets the stage for future training and personal growth.

The course is designed for yoga enthusiasts seeking to deepen their practice or to begin their journey as a yoga teacher. The course blends the ancient wisdom of yoga with modern teaching techniques, offering a transformative experience that emphasizes personal growth, physical wellness, and spiritual development.

What you will learn

• Ancient yogic philosophy and the history of yoga
• Practical yoga classes focusing on strength, flexibility, and mobility
• Paths of yoga and different definitions of yoga as per yogic texts
• Understanding the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
• Anatomy and physiology integrated with yoga practice
• Introduction to Ayurveda and its relation to yoga
• Exploration of chakras and their connection to the body
• Commentaries over Patanjali yoga sutras
• Usage of the props and resources for teaching
• Tons of eBooks and resources on different topics related to yoga

Who should apply?

• Beginners eager to deepen their yoga practice
• Experienced practitioners wanting to become certified
• Individuals planning to work in yoga studios or retreats
• Those seeking a mindful practice for self-awareness and holistic health

Styles of yoga covered

• Hatha yoga - focus on postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama)
• Vinyasa yoga - dynamic, flow-based yoga synchronized with breath
• Yin and restorative yoga - meditative, slow-paced styles for deep relaxation

Curriculum highlights

Asana classes

All asana classes are dedicated to the in-depth study and practice of the Ashtanga primary series. In these sessions, asanas are practiced in a dynamic, set sequence, with a strong focus on mastering the A and B series. Emphasis is placed on breath control (pranayama), energy locks (bandhas), and the gaze (drishti).

Ashtanga, which means “eight limbs,” is a branch of yoga introduced to the modern world by K. Pattabhi Jois in the 20th century. While Ashtanga yoga is a prominent focus, the course also delve deeply into Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga practice includes postures, pranayama, proper yogic diet, body purification, and discipline, all aimed at achieving health and well-being as a foundation for spiritual growth.

In these classes, you will also learn the Sanskrit names of the postures, connecting you to the ancient roots of this practice.

Pranayama classes

Pranayama is the conscious control of the vital life energy, with "prana" meaning life force and "ayana" meaning control. It involves mastering correct yogic breathing techniques and transforming breathing from an unconscious act into a mindful, intentional practice. Pranayama is particularly beneficial for healing stress-related disorders, and promoting overall balance and well-being.

In this course, you will learn a variety of specific pranayama techniques, each with its own unique healing and balancing effects:

• Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)
• Ujjayi (victorious breath)
• Kapalbhati (skull shining breath)
• Bhastrika (bellows breath)
• Bhramari (humming bee breath)
• Sheetali (cooling breath)
• Shitkari (hissing breath)

These techniques will deepen your understanding and practice of pranayama, guiding you towards greater physical and mental harmony.

Mantras

This course will explore the power of sanskrit mantras, which are ancient sound syllables that resonate with specific parts of the body, promoting healing and balance in both the mind and body. These mantras, derived from the sanskrit alphabet, are known for their ability to induce positive frequencies and facilitate spiritual growth.

During the course, you will learn various mantras, each with a unique purpose:

• Mantras for good health - enhance well-being and vitality.
• Mantras for wealth - attract abundance and prosperity.
• Mantras to remove obstacles - clear the path for success and peace.
• Seed mantras - activate deep spiritual and energetic healing.

These mantras will be taught with their proper pronunciation and significance, enabling you to integrate them into your personal practice and teaching.

Yoga philosophy and history

This training delves into the essence of yoga through its philosophy and history, covering:

• Kleshas - the five obstacles to spiritual growth
• Koshas - the five layers of human existence
• Eight limbs of yoga - Ashtanga yoga’s path, including yamas, niyamas, asanas, and more

You will explore various yoga types:

• Karma yoga (selfless action)
• Bhakti Yoga (devotion)
• Raja yoga (meditation and mental control)
• Kundalini yoga (awakening spiritual energy)

Practical excursions will offer hands-on experience with these styles, alongside a concise summary of yoga’s historical evolution. This blend of theory and practice enriches your teaching and personal journey.

Alignments and adjustments

Master the art of safely guiding yourself and others through yoga postures. This module covers:

• Entering and exiting postures - techniques for smooth transitions
• Posture maintenance - how to hold poses effectively
• Teaching alignments - methods to instruct students on proper posture alignment
• Hands-on adjustments - practical skills for providing corrective adjustments, minimizing injury risks
• Limitations and contraindications - understanding when and how to modify poses for individual needs
• Gain confidence in your ability to teach and practice yoga safely and effectively with this essential training

Karma yoga: selfless action in daily life

Karma Yoga focuses on selfless service and mindfulness in everyday tasks. Here’s a brief overview:

• Selfless service - perform actions without expecting rewards
• Mindful action - be fully present in every task
• Detachment from results - let go of concerns about outcomes
• Everyday practice - turn simple tasks like making your bed, cleaning dishes, and organizing into mindful acts of service.
• Inner harmony - achieve balance and peace through daily selfless action
• Karma yoga transforms daily routines into meaningful spiritual practice

Methodology

Learn to integrate the yogic lifestyle into modern living and share this wisdom with your future students. Key aspects include:

• Incorporating yoga into daily life - applying yogic disciplines in contemporary settings
• Class preparation - setting up the space and ensuring a conducive environment for teaching
• Class presentation - guidelines for delivering engaging and effective classes
• Teaching skills - developing techniques to clearly explain and lead sessions

Equip yourself with the tools to teach yoga effectively and inspire your students.

Introduction to sacred texts

Gain insight into key spiritual texts and their significance:

• Patanjali’s yoga sutras - explore foundational principles of yoga philosophy
• Hatha yoga Pradipika - understand the essentials of Hatha yoga practice
• Bhagavad Gita - delve into the philosophical and spiritual teachings

Learn the benefits of regularly studying these sacred texts to deepen your yoga practice and understanding.

Mudras

Discover the power of spiritual, yogic, and healing hand gestures:

• Total of 12 mudras - explore various hand gestures used to channel energy and enhance your practice.

Anatomy

• Comprehensive study: Delve into the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and muscular systems.
• Focus on the spine: Detailed examination of the skeleton with an emphasis on spinal function.

Kriyas

• Bodily and mental purification: Explore kriyas, which are methods for cleansing and purifying the body and mind.
• Practice and study: Learn and practice at least two kriyas for deepening your personal and teaching experience.

Meditation

• Diverse techniques: Engage in and practice four types of meditation.
• Silent meditation: Cultivate inner peace through quiet contemplation.
• Tratak meditation: Focus on a single point to enhance concentration.
• Sound healing meditation: Use sound to promote relaxation and healing.
• Third eye meditation: Develop intuition and insight through focused awareness.

Daily schedule

• 07:00 - 08:00 Pranayama, shatkarma, chanting
• 08:00 - 08:15 Tea/coffee break
• 08:15 - 09:30 Asana
• 09:30 - 10:45 Breakfast
• 11:00 - 12:30 Anatomy/philosophy/Ayurveda
• 12:30 - 13:30 Adjustment and alignment
• 13:30 - 14:30 Lunch
• 14:30 - 16:00 Self-time/rest/Karma yoga
• 16:00 - 17:30 Teaching practices
• 17:30 - 18:00 Meditation/beach practice games
• 19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
• 20:00 - 22:00 Outing/kirtan/Goa experience
• 22:00 Lights out

Course Certification

Upon completion, participants will receive a 50-hour TTC certificate from the school. Since this 50-hour course is a part of the 200-hour YTT program, participants will need to complete the full 200-hour YTT with Agastya Yoga to qualify to teach.