About the International Himalayan Yoga Teachers Association (IHYTA) Continuing Studies and Teacher Training Program

March 1-14, 2006 Rishikesh, India • July 17-30, 2006, California

An integrated program in self-transformation leading
to self-realization in the authentic tradition of
H.H. Shri Swami Rama of the Himalayas

“Our Teachers Training Program is for people who wish to be connected to an authentic living lineage for ongoing study and spiritual guidance. Working with all aspects of our lives, the aim of the program is self-transformation. We train people to be not merely teachers of classes, but guides of people.” — Maha-Mandaleshwara Shri Swami Veda Bharati

Teacher Training Program

Initial Certification in the Teacher Training Program in Yoga Meditation is a 600-credit-hour program involving three two-week residential retreats and an extensive Home Study Program. Intermediate and advanced programs are also available.

Spiritual Guidance

The TTP provides satsanga (company of like minded seekers) and personal guidance from senior teachers. By the advanced level, yoga meditation teachers are disciples of the Himalayan Tradition with a thorough knowledge of the Tradition, its practices and its texts and scriptures.

How does the program work?

Participants attend three two-week intensive retreats in either North America or Rishikesh, India. There is a comprehensive Home Study Program of guided self-study with support from a mentor. Before certification, many students enjoy a short stay at Swami Rama's Ashram in Rishikesh, India and become an initiate in the Tradition.

Tuition for the Initial Certification of the Teacher Training/ Continuing Studies program is $1,500 US. Additional to tuition is the cost of books, tapes, travel, and room and board for retreats. A small number of scholarships are available.

Continuing Studies and Personal Retreat Program

Continuing Studies students will receive the same high quality instruction as those in teacher training with no testing requirements. People can sign up for 1 or 2 weeks of a retreat and can attend any available courses. All such classes can later be applied to teacher certification if the student wishes.

I already teach yoga. What can the program offer me? Refine your practice and teaching by learning the subtle practices and wisdom of the Himalayan Masters.

All students join Swami Veda for the nightly meditation and lecture. A comprehensive systematic program of study in the areas of meditation, yoga philosophy and psychology, spirituality, and wellness is offered, in addition to practical teachings in asana and pranayama. The retreats offer undiluted teachings directly from the ancient texts, scriptures and the Lineage. Both new and experienced students/teachers are welcome.

Tuition of Continuing Studies Program:

The annual two week retreats are the cornerstone of the program. Tuition for a two-week retreat is about $500 US plus travel and room and board. Drop-in students pay per session.

This program and retreats will appeal to people who wish to be connected to an authentic living lineage for ongoing study and spiritual guidance. Working with all aspects of our lives, the aim of the program is self-transformation. The TTP is an international program that attracts people from all parts of the world.

Curriculum Highlights

Upon registration in the program, students receive the detailed curriculum of study.

Foundation: The lineages of Rishis and role of the teacher in the Himalayan Tradition.
Meditation: Systems of meditation, science of mantra, chakra concentrations, purifying the personality, five koshas, advanced shavasana techniques, and yoga-nidra.
Philosophy: Patanjali's Yoga-sutras, philosophy of hatha yoga and Raja Yoga, developing a personal philosophy of life, the Bhagavad-gita and principle Upanishads.
Psychology: Eastern and Western approaches to the mind and personality, purifying emotions, karma and reincarnation, and yoga psychology in daily life.
Spirituality: The Five Pillars of Sadhana, sacredness of spiritual practice, influence of Eastern spirituality on the West, and spiritual integration: the highest purpose of life.
Pranayama: The link between mind and breath, underlying principles of pranayama, breathing and pranayama practices, mudras and bandhas.
Asana: Asana as meditation, Joints and Glands Exercises, cleansing, anatomy and physiology, subtle body awareness.
Holistic Health and Well-Being: Awareness of habit patterns, the affect of meditation on one's well-being, journal-keeping, conscious eating, transition to a balanced lifestyle.
Home study and practical application in everyday life: Integrating yoga philosophy and practice into everyday life. The extensive home study and mentor system assists, guides and inspires students in their personal sadhana (spiritual practice).
Practice teaching: Students work with senior teachers in small groups to develop and refine teaching skills. By the second year, students plan and teach classes locally.
Local Study: Credit hours are given for ongoing study with local teachers and students.
Mentoring: Each student keeps in touch with a senior teacher for ongoing guidance, encouragement and inspiration.

Comments about the Program from Current Teacher Training Students:

"I feel privileged to receive personal instruction within this authentic, living tradition."
"Swami Veda has deeply experienced that from which he speaks."
"Since beginning the program, my yoga practice is deeper and steadier."
"This program is about transformation. It is the real thing!"

Further Information/registration:
Call: (612) 379-2386 or
Email: info@themeditationcenter.org

Last modified: 30-05-2008 20:58:19