15 Day 200-Hour Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India

Certification

Upon successful completion of the evaluation, students will receive a certificate of completion, indicating that they have met the requirements of the training program.

Yoga styles

• Ashtanga
• Hatha Yoga
• Vinyasa
• Yin
• Aerial
• Kundalini
• Acro

Practices

• Pranayama
• Meditation
• Bandha
• Mudra
• Satkarma
• Alignment

Theory

• Yoga anatomy
• Yoga therapy
• Yoga philosophy
• Tantra and Kundalini
• Yoga Psychology
• Ayurveda

Healings

• Sound healing
• Kirtan and music
• Temple visit
• Mud bath
• Ice bath
• Ganga bath
• Dance meditation
• Death meditation

Discipline

Vinyasa Yoga Academy believes in Karma and Karma yoga is the true base of this course. Vinyasa Yoga Academy is not just an institution, it is more like a yoga community where you share respect, love, and self-care. You will experience the true yogic lifestyle by taking care of yourself. It is very important for a sustainable yoga practice.

Taking responsibility for your space and yourself fosters a sense of true yogi in you. The shared responsibility deepens your yogic principles and understandings other than the yoga postures. They serve no meat, fish, eggs, coffee, or tea. You are not allowed to consume alcohol, non-veg, tobacco products, or any harmful drugs during your stay.

About the training

As you explore the various elements of the yogic way of life, you will obtain a whole new perspective on the universe. Are you thinking about taking a 200-hour yoga teacher training course in India but aren't sure where to start? Yoga teacher training may be easily and properly available in your area, but most people choose to travel to India to study the same and become certified yoga instructors. Vinyasa Yoga Academy's 200-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh will guide you through tremendous goals for personal change.

The training will enhance your practice, provide you with the greatest yogic practices, and awaken your energy in all parts of your life, making you more confident, satisfied, and healthy. In the yoga capital of the world, connect with a real community of yoga instructors, academics, and committed yogis. The certification includes extensive instruction in asanas (yoga postures), meditation, pranayama, philosophy, anatomy and physiology, alignment adjustment, teaching methods, and the foundations of Ayurveda.

All classes are taught by well-educated accomplished yogis (Masters), leaving no room for uncertainty when students go up to teach others. Once the course material has been finished, students are allowed to teach their classmates in front of the teacher, which increases clarity and self-confidence in their teaching. Join the best yoga school in Rishikesh and complete your training. Rishikesh is a vibrant and holy city with a deep connection to the art of yoga. If you want to learn traditional yoga, then this is the place for you. You will learn the yogic path, yoga philosophy, and its origin.

You have the opportunity to learn many yoga styles, including Iyengar, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Hatha. Indian Rishi, Sages, and Gurus developed and popularised these yoga styles 5000 years ago. The modules offer well-researched and implemented yoga teachings. Professional gurus chose the modules in the best interests of students and yoga teachers after they fitted their gathered knowledge into their very nature.

The training teaches you extensively about the framework of Yoga, including, but not limited to, insights on basic and intermediate yoga asanas (postures), Dhyana (meditation), pranayama (breathing exercises), Mantra chanting, philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, posture alignments and adjustments, etc. The daily schedule for a yoga teacher training program in Rishikesh might begin as early as 5:30 to 6:00 a.m. and finish by 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

You are kept occupied the entire day with challenging yoga sessions under the direction of yoga experts, theoretical lessons to complement it, and other such activities. Thus, getting into shape, adopting a good diet, and reading blogs on yoga training experiences all help one psychologically prepare before the program starts. You must have an upbeat attitude as you get ready for the day so that it permeates the entire event. Early risers frequently have very well-defined sleep schedules. This means that practicing discipline on the yoga path also entails going to bed early and most likely at the same time every day.

Benefits

• 1. You become more controlled
• 2. You will have more understanding in your life
• 3. You become more emotionally balanced
• 4. You become a certified yoga teacher
• 5. You will be able to teach asana, pranayama, meditation, etc
• 6. You gain knowledge to help you run your own yoga centers
• 7. You develop a stronger personal practice
• 8. You will be connected with the ancient yoga tradition of India and you will receive guidance whenever you need it
• 9. You will be welcome at any time to come stay in the ashram in Rishikesh and participate in their daily program on a donation basis
• 10. Your family and friends can also join the ashram and stay like family with them

Curriculum

1. Mantra chanting

Mantra chanting is a traditional spiritual practice that involves the repetition of a sacred sound, word, or phrase. The vibrations created by the mantra are believed to have the power to transform consciousness, leading to spiritual awakening and a sense of inner peace. In the mantra chanting class, students will learn about the origins of different mantras, the meaning and symbolism behind them, and the proper way to pronounce and chant them.

• Gayatri mantra
• SahanaBabatu
• Guru brahma Guru Vishnu
• Mantra Science
• The power of Mantra
• Origin of mantra
• Mantra is not a religion
• The vibration of sound
• Om Chanting
• Om NamahShivaya Chant
• Dum durgayinamah
• Kundalini mantra chant
• Om namoBhagavateVasudevaya chant
• Om Ganapati
• Asato ma sadgamaya
• Twamevamataca pita
• TrayamvakamYajamahe
• Yogenachittsya
• Suryanamaskar 12 Mantra (Om Mitraya)

2. Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga is a traditional form of yoga that focuses on physical postures or asanas, breathing techniques, and meditation. It is known for its ability to improve flexibility, balance, and strength. The main objective of Hatha yoga is to bring harmony between the body and mind and to prepare the body for deeper spiritual practices (dhyana). In this subject, students will learn the philosophy behind Hatha yoga, its benefits for physical and mental health, and how to properly breathe during asanas, and they will have the opportunity to practice Hatha yoga asanas with a solid grounding of the theory behind it.

a. Theory

• Hatha yoga with the connection of chakras and Nadis
• Hatha yoga philosophy
• Meaning of yoga therapy
• Ancient scriptures
• Aim and objectives
• Balancing

b. Practice

• AshthiGranthikriya / PavanMuktasana series 1
• AshthiGranthikriya / PavanMuktasana series – 2
• Centering postures series
• Sun salutation / surya namaskar
• Moon salutation / chandra namaskar
• Standing postures
• Kneeling postures
• Sitting postures
• Forward bending postures
• Backward bending postures
• Supine postures
• Prone postures
• Fire series s
• Inversions
• Twisting postures
• Balancing postures
• Relaxing posture
• Meditative asana

3. Ashtanga or Vinyasa yoga

Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga are dynamic styles of yoga that focus on flowing movements and synchronized breath. Whilst being quite physically demanding practices, these are known to build strength, flexibility, and endurance over time. In Ashtanga yoga, students follow a specific sequence of postures that are repeated in the same order in every class, while in Vinyasa yoga, the teacher has more flexibility to create a unique sequence for each class.

In this subject, students will learn the foundational postures of Ashtanga or Vinyasa yoga, the importance of breath synchronization, and how to safely and effectively transition from one pose to another. They will also explore different modifications and variations of postures to accommodate different levels of experience and ability.

a. Theory or philosophy

• Introduction
• History
• Awakening
• The breath of life
• Prana
• A chakra contemplation
• How to do Bandha
• Drishti
• Cleansing and purification
• Creating a sacred place
• The challenging asanas
• Props and instruments
• Sun salutation A and B
• Standing asana series
• Sitting asana series
• Finishing asana series
• Teaching practices

b. Practices

• Pādāṅguṣṭāsana
• Pādahastāsana
• Utthitatrikoṇāsana
• Utthitapārśvakonāsana
• Prasāritapādottānāsana
• Pārśvottānāsana
• Utthita hasta pādāṅguṣṭāsana
• Ardhabaddhapadmottānāsana
• Utkatāsana
• Vīrabhadrāsana
• Dandasana
• Paścimattānāsana
• Pūrvattanāsana
• Ardhabaddhapadma paścimattānāsana
• Tiryaṅgmukhaekapāda paścimattānāsana-
• Intense stretch
• Jānuśīrṣāsana
• Marīcāsana
• Nāvāsana
• Bhujapīḍāsana
• Kūrmāsana
• Suptakūrmāsana
• Garbhapiṇḍāsana
• Kukkuṭāsana
• Baddhakonāsana
• Upaviṣṭhakonāsana
• Suptakonāsana
• Supta pādāṅguṣṭāsana
• Ubhaya pādāṅguṣṭāsana
• Urdhvamukha paścimattānāsana
• Setubandhāsana

c. Finishing postures

• Urdhvadhanurāsana
• Salaṁbasarvāṅgāsana
• Halāsana
• Karṇapīḍāsanaūrdhvapadmāsana
• Piṇḍāsana
• Matsyāsana
• Uttānapādāsana
• Cakrāsana
• Sīrṣāsana
• Baddhapadmāsana
• Yoga mudra
• Padmāsana
• Utpluthiḥ
• Savasana

4. Prana kriyas (breathing practices)

Pranayama practices aim to balance and harmonize the Prana - the vital life force. It is a set of techniques for breath control and regulations. Regular practice of pranayama improves lung function and reduces anxiety and stress. It is an important part of yoga. The class will teach you about the connection between mind and breath and how to achieve physical and mental wellness by regulating your vital energy.

a. Theory or philosophy

• What is prana
• What is pranayama
• What is breath and connection with the prana
• Importance and benefits of pranayama
• How to prepare yourselves to practice them
• Aspects of breathing
• Ancient texts of breathing
• General understanding
• Understand all about nostrils and how to activate them
• Secrets of pranayama
• Breath flow in five elements
• Unit of prana
• Function of prana
• Three levels of prana
• Three gunas
• How does prana flow
• Quality of breath
• Imbalance of prana
• Retention of breath
• Six Sitting positions for pranayama practices
• Breathing pattern
• Prana connection with chakras and Kundalini

b. Practices

• Clavicular pranayama
• Thoracic pranayama
• Diaphragmatic pranayama
• Yogic pranayama
• Pranava pranayama
• Nadisodhanam pranayama
• Bhastrika pranayama
• Kapalbhati pranayama
• Bhramari pranayama
• Ujjayi pranayama
• Sitli pranayama
• Sitkari pranayama
• Murcha pranayama
• Surya bhedi pranayama
• Chandra bhedi pranayama

5. Dhana-kriya (meditation)

Meditation is the technique to still the mind and realize your true inner being. It has been practiced in various forms by sages and gurus for thousands of years. Many scientific studies conducted have shown its efficacy in improving focus, reducing stress, and fostering a general sense of happiness. The course teaches you different methods of meditation, how to be consistent in the practice, proper posture, and breathing techniques while sitting for the session.

a. Theory or philosophy

• Introduction to meditation
• History of meditation
• Preparation to meditation
• What is meditation and what it is not
• Why - How - Where - When meditation
• Philosophy of meditation
• Meditation traditions
• Meditation scriptures
• Aim and objectives of meditation
• Sitting positions
• How to sit correctly
• Preliminary practices
• Before practicing meditation
• Role of diaphragmatic breathing in meditation
• Correct breathing in meditation
• How to relax in meditation
• Lifestyle - diet - sleep - job - rules in meditation

b. Practices

• Tratak meditation
• Music meditation
• Om meditation
• Mantra Power meditation
• Dynamic Moving meditation (Osho)
• Buddha Walking meditation
• Basics Foundation meditation
• Practice breath - mind - mantra awareness
• Karma yoga meditation
• Natraj meditation
• Seven Chakra Awareness meditation
• Ajna Chakra Awakening meditation
• Kundalini Active meditation
• Breath Awareness (anapana)
• Mindfulness and sensation
• Total awareness practice
• Mantra and Kirtan meditation practices
• How to Do Japa (recitation)
• Kirtan event and creating a spiritual vibe
• Silence practice
• One-day silence meditation

6. Nidra kriya (psychic sleep)

Yoga Nidra or psychic sleep is a practice of deep relaxation and meditation that induces a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping. It is a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and enhancing mental and emotional wellness.

In this subject, students will learn the theory behind yoga Nidra, the benefits of regular practice, and how to guide themselves and others through a complete yoga Nidra session. They will also explore different techniques for setting intentions, visualization, and body awareness to deepen their experience of relaxation and inner awareness.

a. Theory or philosophy

• Meaning and purpose of yoga Nidra
• Different schools and traditions of yoga Nidra
• Tantric origin of yoga Nidra
• Lifestyle and rules for yoga Nidra practitioners
• Benefits and risks of yoga Nidra
• Difference between yoga Nidra and meditation
• Yoga Nidra experience
• Yoga Nidra and healing
• Four states of consciousness
• Three body awareness

b. Practices

• Tension relaxation
• Full body relaxation – basic yoga Nidra
• Inner silence yoga Nidra

7. Sat-kriya and cleansing (Shatkarma)

Shatkarma, a Sanskrit term outlined in the "Hatha Yoga Pradipika," refers to one of the six yogic purification techniques known as kriyas. These techniques are designed to maintain the body's strength, cleanliness, and overall health by eliminating toxins and removing any obstructions to the flow of prana in the body. By practicing shatkarmas, the body is internally purified, which facilitates the easier performance of pranayama and meditation without discomfort, distraction, or fatigue. This preparation allows for a more effective and efficient practice of these techniques.

a. Theory or philosophy

• What is satkarma
• Benefits and risks
• Who should and should not practice it
• Experiences
• Preparation to satkarma
• Practices after completing it
• Nadi cleansing

b. Practices

• Jihwadhauti
• Danta-dhauti
• Karna-dhauti
• Rubber-neti
• Jalaneti
• Kapalbhati
• Agnisara

8. Yoga philosophy (yoga darshana)

Yoga philosophy is a rich and complex system of thought that has evolved over thousands of years. In this subject, students will learn the key principles of yoga philosophy, including the concepts of dharma, karma, and self-realization. They will also explore the various paths of yoga, including Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action), and Jnana (knowledge).

• Why is yoga philosophy the most important among all?
• Introduction to nine major Indian philosophies
• Introduction to Indian culture and spirituality and the Himalayan tradition
• Introduction to the ancient scriptures of yoga and spirituality
• Meaning and purpose of Indian philosophy
• History of yoga
• Types of yoga
• Patanjali and his work
• Introduction to Yoga Sutra Text
• Eight limbs of yoga
• Yamas and Niyamas
• Philosophy of asana and pranayama
• Science of Karma
• Philosophy of concentration, meditation, and samadhi
• Overview of the first chapter
• Overview of the second chapter
• Overview of the third and fourth chapters of Patanjali
• Mind and its control
• Introduction to Bhagavad Geeta and Upanishad
• Chakras
• Nadi
• Kundalini
• Three Fold Pain
• Three Bodies (Sharira)
• Panchakosha
• Tri-guna
• Mahabhuta (theory of elements)

9. Anatomy and physiology (Sharirvijnan)

Understanding the human body is essential for a safe and effective yoga practice. In this subject, students will learn the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body, with a specific focus on how it relates to yoga postures and movements. They will learn how to identify and avoid common injuries and how to modify yoga postures to accommodate different body types and abilities.

• Introduction to the body and its structure
• Body planes
• Anatomical movements
• Bones of the skull
• Cervical vertebrae
• Shoulder girdle, arm bones, or pelvic region
• Deformities of the spine
• Lower extremity
• Tendons and ligaments
• Muscular system
• Nervous system
• Respiratory system
• Nadi (energy channel)
• Chakras (energy centers)
• Kundalini (prime energy and source of all creativity)
• Panchakosha (five layers)
• PanchaMahabhuta (five elements and body structure)
• Tri-Guna (Three Attributes)

10. Yoga therapy and Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine often integrated with yoga therapy to enhance its healing benefits. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to wellness that considers the unique needs of each individual and includes practices such as diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies to support overall health and healing. You will also learn certain rules and regulations that govern the delivery of yoga therapy, including professional and ethical standards, scope of practice, informed consent, and confidentiality, among others.

a. Yoga therapy

• What is yoga therapy
• Rules and regulations of yoga therapy
• Healing through asana, pranayama and meditation
• Therapy for common diseases

b. Ayurveda

• Unique features of Ayurvedic treatment
• Ayurveda and Its diversified areas
• Ashtanga Ayurveda
• Fundamentals of Ayurveda
• Panchamahabhuta Kapha (the theme of structure and lubrication)
• Vata (the energy of movements)
• Pitta (the energy of bio-transformation and heat generation)
• Prakriti - know your constitution

11. Mudra

A powerful method for balancing the body and psyche is the use of mudras. The exact interlocking of fingers creates an electromagnetic energy that stimulates and balances the various bodily components. Additionally, this energy facilitates the unrestricted movement of essential energy throughout the body and removes blockages in the channels. Practitioners can maximize the effectiveness of these traditional treatments to restore harmony and equilibrium in their lives by adhering to the suggested protocols and understanding the elemental orientation of the hands.

• The secrets of mudra
• The position of elements in the hands
• The need for mudra
• The importance and advantages of mudras
• Special guidelines about mudra
• Gyan mudra (gesture of wisdom)
• Purngyan mudra (gesture of complete wisdom)
• Vairagya mudra (gesture of dispassion)
• Abhaya mudra (gesture of blessing, fearlessness)
• Dyan mudra (meditation mudra)
• Vayu mudra (gesture of air)
• Pran mudra (gesture of prana)
• Prithvi mudra (gesture of earth)
• Surya mudra (gesture of sun)
• Varun mudra (gesture of god of water)
• Shoonya mudra (gesture of openness, space)
• Pran-apan mudra (gesture of pranaapana)

12. Bandhas (energy lock)

Bandha is a kind of energy lock done to seal the vital prana inside the body. Knowledge of these bandhas is key to proper yoga practice. The energy flow in the body is intensified and flows under greater pressure when the Bandha is released. Bandhas should be learned under expert guidance only to avoid complications and achieve optimal benefits.

• Meaning and importance of energy lock
• Why the energy lock and how your energy get drained
• Energy knots and how to open them
• Understanding the three chakras; muladhara-manipura-visuddhi
• Experience of energy lock
• Benefits and risks of bandha practices
• Agnisar (preparation to uddiyana)
• Vahirkumbhaka (external retention)
• Antarkumbhaka (internal rentention)
• Ashwini mudra to prepare mulabandha
• Vajroli mudra to prepare mulabandha
• Mulabandha
• Uddiyanabandha
• Jalandharabandha

13. Teaching methodology

In a teaching methodology class, it is important to emphasize the sequence of asanas and techniques to ensure a safe and effective practice. Teachers must also be trained to prevent injuries and modify practices for students with different levels of experience and ability. The goal of teaching methodology is not only to physically teach yoga but also to manage students' emotions and encourage a sense of happiness and well-being. By focusing on these key principles, teachers gain confidence and become skilled instructors, enabling them to guide their students for a deeper understanding and appreciation of yoga.

• Not to forget the sequence
• Avoid injuries
• Manage happiness during and after the practice
• Work with all sides of yoga and all levels
• Give a meditative experience
• Manage and balance the energy flow

Here is what you will learn

• Proper demonstration of a yoga practice
• The proper way to instruct and guide a lesson
• Proper alignment of yoga postures
• Proper adjustment with or without props
• Yogic personality establishment

14. Evaluation and certification

At the end of the training, students are required to take a written exam and demonstrate their ability to create and lead a safe and effective yoga class.

• Performance during the course
• Attendance
• Practical asana demonstration test
• Written test (Objective and subjective type)
• Behavior

Hours calculation

• Eight teaching hours per day for 17 days = 136 hours
• Four self-study, journaling, and relaxing hours for 17 days = 68 hours

Daily schedule

• 05:30 - 06:15 Silence meditation
• 06:15 - 07:15 Pranayama and meditation
• 07:30 - 09:00 Hatha yoga
• 09:00 - 09:45 Breakfast
• 10:45 - 11:45 Yoga anatomy
• 12:00 - 13:00 Yoga alignment and adjustment or teaching methodology
• 13:15 - 14:00 Lunch
• 14:30 - 15:30 Self-study
• 15:45 - 16:45 Yoga philosophy
• 17:00 - 18:30 Ashtanga yoga
• 19:00 - 20:00 Dinner