51 Days 500 Hours Hatha & Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Chiangmai, Thailand

Facilities

Teachers

The teachers have been brought up and spent their lives in traditional ashrams and gurukulams with yoga and meditation as their sole purpose in life. In this special occasion, they are traveling to Thailand with the pure intention of transmitting authentic knowledge of yoga and meditation from the ancient Vedic scriptures. The mission is to spread peace, health, and joy, which can be achieved through yoga. All walks of life are welcome to learn how yoga leads an individual to a healthy body and lifestyle!

Certifications

Upon completion of this yoga teacher training, students will receive a certificate affiliated with Yoga Alliance. Registration with Yoga Alliance provides a globally recognized credential.

This teacher training is a multi-style course for beginners with basic knowledge of yoga. After the completion of the course, the students will be given a yoga alliance certification for the 500-hour yoga training course, from Yoga Vidya Mandiram School.

This 500-hour yoga teacher training will be held by experienced reputed meditation guides and the team of accomplished yoga teachers.

The teachers and guides feel privileged to share his/her knowledge and practice of ancient traditions with modern elements of medical sciences (yoga anatomy and physiology).

This training course aims to provide a solid foundation in different aspects of yogic disciplines that prepare them to adopt yoga as their life profession.

In addition, this 500-hour yoga training course includes mantra recitation (mantra - Japa), daily joints and glands practices (granthi - vimochana - kriya), yoga postures (yoga asanas), meditative steps of doing asanas, six cleansing exercises (shat karma), science of breath (pranayama), yoga energy locks (Bandha) and yoga gestures (Mudra), meditation (Dhyana), yogic sleep (yoga Nidra), history and philosophy of yoga (yoga Darshana), yogic anatomy and physiology of human body, basic principles of Ayurveda, asana alignment practicum classes, yoga teaching practice, and teaching methodology.

Yoga psychology enhances the students' learning at various levels; mentally and emotionally by which they learn to adopt the yogic disciplines in daily life. This intensive course helps the students to establish a harmonious lifestyle.

Course curriculum

Mantra chanting

• Intro to Mantra science
• Basic mantras: aum, gayatri, trayambakam, guru, shanti etc.
• Morning prayers and Evening prayers
• Meal prayers
• Study prayers
• Health prayers
• Surya-namaskara 12 mantras along with bija mantras
• 1-20 Sanskrit counting
• Names of the asanas
• Selected yoga-sutras recitation

Hatha Yoga & Ashtanga Yoga

• Meditative steps of performing the hatha yoga; centering, entering, refining, holding, coming out, and reflection
• Astanga vinyasa flow - series 1 & 2
• Surya namaskar (sun salutations) - dynamic surya namaskar, surya namaskar with breathe awareness, surya namaskar with bija-mantra chanting
• Modifications of yoga asanas
• Types of yoga asanas - standing, sitting, backward bending, forward bending, spinal twisting, fire series, inversion, shavasana etc.
• Alignment and art of adjustment
• Preventing common injuries
• Counter pose
• Contraindications
• Yoga asanas benefits

Pranayama (the science of breath)

• Introduction to science of breath
• Physiology of pranayama
• Postures for pranayama
• Establishment of diaphragmatic breathing
• 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 breathing practices
• Different practices of pranayama: nadi shodhana, ujjayee, kapalabhati, bhastrika, shitali, shitkari, brahmari, and anuloma viloma, suryabhedi, and various types of kumbhaka pranayama and others
• Benefits or pranayama practices
• Guidelines for regular pranayama

Bandhas (lock)

• Jalandhara-bandha (chin lock)
• Uddiyana-bandha (abdominal lock)
• Moola-bandha (root lock)
• Maha-bandha (great lock)

Mudra Vijnana (Science of Graceful Gestures)

• Intro to mudras and their importance in yoga practices
• Mudra and its psychology
• The elements residing in the fingers and five mudras: akasha-mudra, jnana-mudra, agni-mudra, varuna-mudra, and prithvi-mudra
• Other important mudras: dhyan-mudra, prana-mudra, apana-mudra, linga-mudra, shunya-mudra, vishnu-mudra, bhairava-mudra, and hridaya-mudra

Satkarma or Cleansing Exercises

• Jala-neti
• Sutra-neti
• Kunjala
• Trataka
• Agnisara
• Nauli

Practice Relaxation and Yoga Nidra

• Introduction to the concept and practices of relaxation
• Relaxation in daily life
• Sequence of relaxation
• Tension and relaxation exercises
• Systematic relaxation exercises
• 31 points relaxation exercise
• 61 points relaxation exercise
• Preparation for yoga-nidra
• 61 blue star relaxation

Meditation

• What is meditation and what is not?
• Meditation in daily life
• Yoga asanas for meditation
• 2-5 minutes meditations
• Steps into basic meditation
• So-ham mediation
• Mantra and meditation
• Spinal breath
• Sushumna breath through chakras

Yoga Anatomy and Physiology

• Introduction about Yoga anatomy and physiology
• Systems: Digestive system, Circulatory system, Respiratory system, Muscular system, Nervous system, Endocrine system, Skeletal system, Excretory system, Lymphatic system, Homeostasis
• Stress: Introduction
• Humoral theory (in ancient Indian medicine, Greek medicine, and modern medical science)
• The Brain and its subcortical centers
• Stress and Neuro-endocrinal changes
• Therapy principles for stress disorders
• Stress management through yoga: Asana (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing practices), Dhyan (meditation)
• Effect of yoga posture on muscles and systems
• Nadis (energy channels)
• Chakras (energy plexus)
• Pancha tattva (five great elements)
• Panchakosha (five sheaths)
• Pancha pranas (five vital energy)

Yoga philosophy, Life-style and Yoga Ethics

• General introduction: six schools of Indian philosophy
• Philosophy in daily life
• Elementary intro to Samkhya and Yoga philosophies
• The Yoga-sutras of Patanjali
• History of Yogic science
• Astanga-yoga: yama, niyam, asana, pranayam, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi
• Introduction to Vedanta (Yoga of the Upanishads)
• The yoga of the Bhagavad-gita
• The tantric yoga
• Yoga Ethics: Yamas and Niyamas; More on the ethics of a teacher
• Daily life style of a sadhaka

Yoga and Ayurveda (Science of Life)

• Intro to Ayurveda
• Philosophy of Ayurveda
• The concept of tri-dosha
• The concept of tri-gunas
• Ayurveda and the balanced diet
• Balance of the mind and body through proper diet as prescribed in Ayurveda

Teaching Methodology

• Learning to instruct and guide
• Main points: Teaching to what you observe, Timing a class, Greeting/Centering, Sequence in teaching,
• Theme-ing a specific posture
• Classroom Organization
• Demonstration
• Health Concerns
• Language
• Modification in Posture
• The role of a teacher
• The practice and service of teaching yoga

Yoga Practicum

• Class sequences
• Develop intention for classes
• Self-evaluation
• Assignments
• Practice teaching
• Feed back
• Group discussion
• Questions and answers
• Homework

Typical daily schedule

• 05:00 Wake Up!
• 06:00 Mantra chanting and shat karma
• 06:30 Warm-up exercises, joints and glands following hatha yoga asanas
• 08:00 Pranayama and breathing practices, mudras, bandhas, meditation
• 08:30 Breakfast and free time
• 10:00 Yoga Philosophy
• 12:00 Lunch and free time
• 14:00 Anatomy and physiology workshop, and Ayurveda
• 15:15 Tea break
• 16:00 Astanga Vinyasa and Practice teaching
• 18:00 Dinner and free time
• 20:00 Guest lectures, Satsanga, meditation, audios, and videos, self-study, inner dialogue
• 21:00 Go to sleep!

Schedule is subjected to shifts and changes without prior notice.

It is advised that you arrive at the yoga school one day before the course starts.

Mobile / communication information

During the classes, mobile phones, cameras, and recording equipment are strictly forbidden.

Medical information

Trainees who are pregnant, or fall pregnant during a teacher training course are not permitted to partake in or continue on the training. No refund will be given under these circumstances. For this reason, if you suspect you may be pregnant it is highly recommended you visit a doctor for a pregnancy test before enrolling for the training. By partaking in training, workshops, retreats or classes, trainees retain control and direction over all their physical activities and voluntarily assume full liability and accept the risk of harm, including physical injury and discomfort as a result of my participation in activities during the program. Yoga Vidya Mandiram yoga school accepts no liability for any injury or illnesses that occur to trainees during the training, workshops, retreats or classes. The nature of yoga teacher training, retreats, workshops, and classes includes a certain level of interpersonal physical contact. By participating in this yoga events trainees voluntarily agree to this contract and understand its professional nature.

Important information

Students have to present in the whole of the scheduled program in order to successfully get a registered yoga school (RYS) certification from the Yoga Vidya Mandriam yoga school. The yoga school may contact graduates in the future about upcoming events and opportunities. This will require the use of trainee contact details. If trainees are uncomfortable with this please make this explicitly known to the staff via email. Alcohol, tobacco, smoking and other drugs are not allowed during the course. Unnecessary food like non-vegetarian are not allowed during the course, the food in the yoga school is purely vegetarian, to experience a holistic and Ayurvedic lifestyle. Please don’t bring any outside food to eat.

School Disciplines/Rules

Yoga Vidya Mandiram mentioned some rules that are most commonly violated. Students are expected to follow rules and disciplines during the course. Complete school rules are mentioned on their official website.

• 1. No alcohol, drugs or any addictive substance are allowed during the course. This applies no matter inside or outside of school premises, including during any extra nights before or after the course if students are staying at their accommodation. Any alcohol/drug consumption will lead to being asked to leave without certification.
• 2. No smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes are allowed on premise. Yoga Vidya Mandiram promotes physical and emotional purification during the training. If you have a strong habit of smoking, please try to keep it to a minimal and smoke only outside of accommodation/resort premises. Please dispose of your cigarette buds in safe and appropriate disposal.
• 3. No consumption of non-vegetarian (i.e. meat, poultry, eggs, etc.), including eggs, within accommodation or school/resort premise. Yoga Vidya Mandiram realizes that not everyone interested in the course is pure vegetarian. However, by signing up and booking for this course, you have agreed to the disciplines and diet requirements. Students are responsible for bringing dietary supplements that they required during the duration of the course. If you really need non-vegetarian from time to time, you may discreetly plan for your meals outside the school. Please do not request the staff to prepare non-vegetarian meals, including eggs.
• 4. No verbal or behavioral aggression, including passive aggression, towards classmates, school management team, teachers and resort staff at any time.
• 5. Students are required to attend 90% of the training hours. Participating only half the class will not be counted as a full class and one should not sign the daily attendance sheet as if for full class participation.
• 6. No mobile phones used for external communication or social media in class during an ongoing class. This is considered disrespectful to teachers and classmates who may require a positive and focused class environment.

Yoga Vidya Mandiram School has rented out 90% of the resort during the training. There will be guests from tour groups, not attending the training, who take their usual non-vegetarian diet and an occasional beer. Yoga Vidya Mandiram does not impose discipline on them as they are not their students. They are also do not force the resort to omit these options from the menu. However, they expect their students to follow school rules and discipline while staying at the premises.

You should remember that School holds the right to ask a student to leave the training without certification if he or she does not follow or violates the school discipline.

• Temples and Thai ancient sites
• Old city excursion
• Thai fresh market

Yoga Vidya Mandiram will be holding this unique training at MaeWin Guesthouse & Resort in Chiangmai, Thailand. The mountain ranges of Chiangmai are part of the system of hills extending through Laos, Burma, and China. It is here that begins to rise the chain of the Himalayas and the place includes the highest peaks in the country, Doi Inthanon.

The fertile region of mountains, valleys and rivers, the North and its provinces are a paradise for nature lovers. Maewin Guesthouse is a peaceful and quiet country resort located in one of the most beautiful parts of our valley, Mae Wang. Offering you the most relaxed and tranquil stay possible is their primary target. Their rooms vary from a number of private bungalows with a terrace to a big Thai-Lanna style teak wood house.

Due to the convenient situation in the unspoiled Karen village Mae Sapok, located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, they are able to provide you with numerous adventures. Beautiful waterfalls, the king's royal project, elephant sanctuaries, and Thailand's highest mountain are only a few of the places that can be easily visited from here. With a breathtaking landscape and nature, we also provide a number of trekking and hiking tours.

Furthermore, professional Thai massages can be arranged privately in the room. The Mae-Win valley offers the perfect mix of unspoiled natural beauty and insights into the charming culture and lifestyle of the local people. Maewin guesthouse awaits you to experience their unique hospitality and an unforgettable stay.

Distances

• Chiang Mai International Airport, 36 kilometers

Vegetarian/Vegan Diet

During this yoga training, you will be served a healthy vegetarian (no eggs) breakfast, lunch and dinner along with seasonal tropical fruits. The food is carefully prepared with organic vegetables and ingredients.

Filtered water and herbal tea are also available. The menu is creative and balanced with proteins so you feel full and satisfied. If you are planning to have fast on any day, please inform us to help us avoid food waste.

No consumption of non-vegetarian (i.e. meat, poultry, eggs, etc.), including eggs (Yoga Vidya Mandiram follow Indian vegetarian rules), within accommodation or school/resort premise. They realize that not everyone interested in the course is pure vegetarian. However, by signing up and booking for this course, you have agreed to their disciplines and diet requirements. Students are responsible for bringing dietary supplements that they required during the duration of the course. If you really need non-vegetarian from time to time, you may discreetly plan for your meals outside the school. Please do not request Yoga Vidya Mandiram staff to prepare non-vegetarian meals, including eggs.

Yoga Vidya Mandiram School has rented out 90% of the resort during the training. There will be guests from tour groups, not attending the training, who take their usual non-vegetarian diet and occasional beer within the resort. Yoga Vidya Mandiram does not impose their discipline on them as they are not their students. They also do not force the resort to omit these options from the menu. However, they expect their students to follow school rules and discipline while staying at the premises.

As mentioned earlier, by signing up and booking for this course, you have agreed to the disciplines and diet requirements.​ The school holds the right to ask a student to leave the training without certification if he or she does not follow or violates the school discipline.

• Bamboo Rafting
• Buddhist monastery visit
• Mountain hiking
• Waterfalls
• Thai cooking course
• Thai Massages

• Quality 500-hour teacher training course, internationally accredited by Yoga Alliance USA, and corresponding certificate
• Textbooks, printed study handouts, and 500-hour yoga teacher training manual
• Daily mantra recitation guided and karma yoga
• Sankhya and yoga philosophies
• Shat-kriya and daily guided breathing and pranayama practices
• Yoga anatomy and physiology workshops
• Daily relaxation and meditation practices
• Neti pot and sutra neti
• Free use of yoga tools during the course
• Traditional Northern Thai dinner with Thai cultural performance
• Excursion to nearby ancient Buddhist temples and sightseeing on Thailand’s highest mountain range
• Healthy vegetarian / vegan breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Homemade local herbal detox drinks
• Homemade herbal tea
• 50 nights' accommodation

• Laundry Service charges
• Personal expenses
• Travel expenses (i.e. flight, taxi, etc.)

Recommended Airports

• A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.