The modules which are an integral part of the Yoga Teachers Training Course (TTC) at Himalayan Yoga Centre have an objective which have to be delivered and promulgated to the students seeking this training.
- Training and Practice of Asanas, Pranayama and Meditation Techniques
At the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre the asanas and paranayama are not just taught but practiced, which means the practices are conducted in routine in order to provide sufficient time for the student to understand his or her body and its capabilities. The asanas and pranayama which are often assumed to be physical postures are much more than simple bends and the students are provided sufficient time to understand the impact of these practices on their social, mental and physical health. The centre also makes it mandatory for the students undergoing this traing program for 9 weeks (3 weeks of the preparatory 5-Day Yoga Courses + 3 weeks of the Intensive Yoga Course + 3 weeks of the pedagocial part of the TTC) to provide them with adequate and appropriate time for self-exploration and realisation. This initial training is followed by months of assisting Yoga classes on all levels at the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre with the continuation of the intensive self-practice twice a day. - Study of human Anatomy and Physiology, in both its aspects – static as well as in movement
To understand the pedagogy of the asanas and other techniques it requires assessed training of their methods and impacts on the human body. The asanas are sometimes static & sometimes dynamic thus in order to become a master of this divine art one must understand the internal mechanism of the body through which it responds to these practices. The meditation techniques, their focused approach through which individual is able to reach to his or her inner-most feelings and get across their superficial thoughts. The art of observation of the human body without coming to hurried conclusions. There has to be a depth study with suitable guidance for the students to attain the actual phenomenon of evolving as a person from a student to a teacher. - Body reading, in both its aspects – static as well as in movement
Yet another factor which influences the knowledge of a teacher. Imagine what would have happened if your mathematics teacher had not known how to teach 2+2=4, by using creative ideas, not all the students are of the same IQ level what would have happened if without any meaningful learning being imparted you would have been left to appear for an exam in algebra. When the basic mathematical operations had been posing challenge for you, algebra exam would have collapsed your ability to think. In a similar fashion if a Yoga teacher fails to undertand the body movements of his or her students he cannot justify to the education he is responsible for providing. There have been several cases where wrong poses and postures have proved to be fatal for the performer. Thus. It is the responsibility of the teacher to understand the body movements of his or her students and conduct his training in accordance with body type. - Learning and Practicing Corrections on Physical, Mental and Energetic levels
Another aspect which Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre considers very essential in its training program is the correctional measures for the asanas, pranayama and meditation techniques. These measures not just focus on the visible flaws and limitations but also on the invisible mental and energetic levels of the student which form an equally important part of the individual’s training and teaching profession. - Yoga Therapeutics and the application of Yoga Practice for different kinds of body and mind ailments and problems
A Yoga teacher should be aware of the therapeutic applications of various Yoga techniques because what would a teacher be if he/she cannot provide the students with the correct guidance for their problems, ailments and specific body state and constitution. - Yoga Philosophy including the study of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are like a Bible to Christians, theorems to mathematics, theories to science, archieves to history and literature to language. The philosophy of Yoga which has to be understood thoroughly by a Yoga teacher cannot be thought to sustain without the Patnajali’s Sutras as they help a person to understand the reason why Yoga is essential, what is the purpose of Yoga and what are the dangerous pitfals on the way. - Yoga Ethics including the moral aspects and responsibilities of being a Yoga Teacher and Healer
As a Yoga teacher there are certain ethical guidelines which need to be imbibed by the person and follow some moral codes of conduct. Yoga helps an individual to understand the reality and helps the person in being positive towards life. It develops and grows individual with time and practice. A Yoga teacher is a spiritual guide and Guru and many people rely on his/her advices, the genuinety is therefore of the utmost importance. A Yoga teacher is also a healer and thus should understand his or her responsibilities that are to be fulfilled. - Self Practice and Exploration of Yoga, Meditation and Healing as a Yoga Teacher and Healer
Just like a biological cycle a Yoga teacher can never stop to evolve and explore the self. The skills to embrace this continuum of change is also imparted essentially by the teacher to the trainee who is the future Yoga teacher.
During the assisting period at the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre the teacher evaluates the student’s understanding of the Yoga path and points out where more focus should be put for the progress in the personal development of the teacher trainee. The students are also requested to write the creative theoretical papers whit their personal experience rather than book knowledge.
Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre
