Yoga Vidya Gurukul
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Yoga Vidya Gurukul Nashik (India)
Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Prepared by Conny Smeets Conny Smeets
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 1 6.3 Lesson Planning...... 31 6.3.1 Natural state of mind...... 32 6.3.2 Teach Yoga for the Body...... 32 6.3.3 Prana...... 32 6.3.4 1 Hour lesson...... 32 7 Yoga and Health...... 34 7.1 Anatomy and Physiology...... 34 7.2 Ayurveda...... 34 7.2.1 Aims and Objects...... 34 7.2.2 Basic Principle...... 34 7.2.3 Types of personalities...... 35 7.3 Obesity...... 37 7.3.1 Causes...... 37 7.3.2 Assessment of Obesity...... 38 7.3.3 Hazards of obesity...... 38 7.3.4 Prevention and treatment...... 38 7.3.5 Advise as a yoga teacher...... 39 7.3.6 Dietary Regimen...... 39 7.3.7 Yogic approach towards diet...... 41 7.4 Yoga and Stress...... 41 7.4.1 Stress management...... 41 7.5 Yoga and pregnancy...... 42 7.5.1 Yoga and pregnancy...... 42 7.5.2 Yoga for children...... 43
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 2 Yoga Vidya Gurukul Nashik (India)
1 The Science of Yoga 1.1 What is Yoga? Two extreme views: Yoga is highly difficult and complex Yoga is too simple
Yoga is a science that is approximately 2500 years old. The bases of this science are the “Patanjali Yoga Sutra’s”
Two levels of study of yoga: Preliminary level: yoga in modern society Advanced: yoga on a spiritual level
Both are correct, but there is more to yoga than just asanas
Yoga is to be studied in its’ true form
Yoga is the highway to happiness and prosperity o While doing asanas: be happy, enjoy the pose o Happiness is part of practising yoga o Yoga brings prosperity: total personality development o Obtain the stage of “God” by practising yoga o Yoga needs development Material pleasure cannot give happiness and joy. The happiness obtained by material pleasure is only temporary Real happiness can last long and depends on the state of the mind We can loose our happiness by our expectations: we often make our happiness or sorrow depend on somebody else or on material pleasures Yoga suggest that you should not expect anything: do your duty and do not expect anything There is not limit for our expectations/desires to fulfil Karma is not to expect in return. Base our expectations on our duty and enjoy the results Go on doing your duties without expectations: this leads to permanent happiness Such impartial attitude towards life = YOGA
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 3 1.2 The word Yoga Yoga is “to join”, connection “Join Atman with Paratman”
1.2.1 Atman and Paratman Paratman = concept of God, ultimate energy source, controller of the Universe
Atman = I, me This is my body This is my mind, but I is different from the body and the mind and this is my Atman o This is my spiritual existence if Atman leaves the body the body dies
The ultimate purpose of yoga it to join Atman with Paratman
Add the drop to the ocean For Atman to become Paratman = the goal of Yoga
Practising yoga starts the way for joining Atman with Paratman
1. Tool available to obtain this goal: o Body: perfectly healthy o Mind: totally purified, is now contaminated with thoughts o Intellect that is properly trained
2. Present condition: o Body: not healthy o Mind: not purified o Intellect: not trained Yoga practise helps in this evolution; it is a journey of evolution
3. Yoga practices can be used: o To correct the disorders in the body o To purify the mind o To train the intellect
4. Yoga is a science of Personality development: o Physical condition o Mental control o Emotional balance o Intellectual development
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 4 The Ashtanga Yoga practised and taught at Yoga Vidya Gurukul is one of the yoga ways. 2 Ashtanga Yoga: the 8 fold Path
2.1 Ashtanga Yoga Exists of 8 different paths: 1. Yama: social discipline 2. Niyama: self discipline 3. Asana: postures 4. Pranayama: control of energy through the process of breathing 5. Pratyahara: to isolate the mind from the senses, free the mind 6. Dharana: concentration (on an object) 7. Dhyana: meditation an advanced stage of Dharana 8. Samadhi: union, the ultimate goal of Yoga
2.2 Other types of Yoga Hatha Yoga Bhakti Yoga Mantra Yoga Tantra Yoga Kundalini Yoga Raja Yoga Kriya Yoga …
2.3 Ashtanga Yoga: the 8 fold Path
2.3.1 Yama: social discipline This is the first component of Ashtanga Yoga Rules for social discipline These are universal laws respected everywhere (laws of Nature) These are natural instincts and easy to follow There are 5 Yamas: 1. Ahimsa: non-violence 2. Satya: truthfulness 3. Asteya: non-stealing 4. Brahmacharya: sexual control 5. Aparigraha: non-possessiveness
1. Ahimsa: non-violence o Mode of behaviour towards all living creatures o Absence of harmful intentions whatsoever on all levels: 1. physical 2. oral
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 5 3. mental o Control your actions, words and mind o Generate love & compassion towards all living creatures
2. Satya: truthfulness o Fact is fact, there is not other way than to accept o We try to hide the facts o We do not accept the facts o One lie requires a number of other lies for its’ support o Untruthfulness in all its’ forms creates all kinds of unnecessary complications in life o Truthfulness is absolutely necessary for the enfoldment of reality
3. Asteya: non stealing (Honesty) o Stealing means to take anything without permission from its’ owner o Yoga Sadhak (practitioner) should not take anything which does not belong to him o A Sadhak should not even take such an intangible and yet highly prized thing as credit for things he has not done o It also means that you should not take something (e.g. money) you find somewhere even if you do not know who owns it
4. Brahmacharya: sexual continence o In its’ real sense it means the abstinence from sex indulgence and higher yoga. No compromise it possible o One cannot get real bliss & transcendent knowledge of higher yogic life and the sexual pleasures at the same time o One may not be required to give up the sex life at once but one has to give it up completely before starting the higher yoga o A real yogi should prepare to give up not only the physical indulgence but also the thoughts and emotions connected with the pleasures of sex completely o In wide Brahmacharya means freedom from cravings of all kind of sexual enjoyments o Attitude of mind for these cravings
5. Aparigraha: non-possessiveness o Tendency to accumulate worldly goods is considered to be basic instinct in human life o Necessities – comforts – luxuries (subjective & not limits for it) o One needs to satisfy the childish vanity & desire to appear superior to other fellow men
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 6 o One has to spend time & energy in the accumulation of things which one does not really need Maintaining and guarding things accumulated Constant fear of losing them Regret of leaving them behind while bidding goodbye to the world o We spend our limited resources and time and generate a constant source of disturbances o Hence: cut down your needs to the minimum
Yamas:
o To be followed fully irrespective of place, time cast or exception o For higher yoga practise the Yamas are to be followed 100% o For preliminary Yoga practise try to follow the Yamas as much as you can o If you follow the Yamas and Niyamas you can perform the Asanas and Pranayama better o If you practice Asanas and Pranayama better you will automatically start following the Yamas and Niyamas o Following the Yamas and Niyamas will help obtain the goal of Yoga which is:
“CHITTA VRITTI NIRODHANA” = the control of mental activities
2.3.2 Niyamas: self discipline This is the second component of Ashtanga Yoga There are 5 Niyamas: 1. Shaucha: purity 2. Santosha: contentment 3. Tapa: endurance 4. Swadhyaya: self study 5. Ishwara Pranidhana: total surrender to God
1. Shaucha: purity o Purity of body, mind & intellect: these instruments became impure because something is added to them o Shaucha helps to eliminate these additions o Hatha Yoga prescribes many practises for purification of the internal body o Cleansing processes are divided in 6 major categories called the Shatkarmas: 1. Dhauti: different cleansing techniques of the digestive system (Danta, Hrid, Varisar, Vanhisar)
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 7 2. Basti: technique for washing and toning the big intestines and the rectum 3. Neti: cleansing of the nasal passages 4. Trataka: concentrate on an object, helps to clean the eyes and the mind 5. Nauli: massaging and strengthening the abdominal organs 6. Kapalbhati: breathing technique of cleansing of the lungs and purifying the mind 2. Santosha o Mental attitude which keeps the mind in condition of equilibrium Learn to control our minds to react to different circumstances o Circumstances create impact on the mind and the mind has to react: this can disturb the equilibrium of the mind and the physical conditioning of the body o To avoid these disturbances train your mind to react with contentment: always say “Very Nice” o Constant practise of Ashtanga Yoga and training of the mind through Mantra Sadhana is necessary to develop this attitude
3. Tapa: Austerity, self discipline o This includes various practises, the object of which is to purify the body and the mind of the Sadhaka for further study of yoga o This may include fasting, observing vows of various kinds. This is to control the functions of body and mind o Systematic practise begins with simple exercise, which requires the exertion of willpower and is continued by progressive stages with more difficult ones
4. Swadhyaya: self study o Study is a process to acquire knowledge, theoretical as well as practical o The explanation of “Study” is given by Patanjali as follows: Deerghakal: for long period Naiamtarya: continued uninterrupted Satakarasevito: with full and unconditional faith o Type of study will have to be selected according to the individual self
5. Ishwara Pranidhana: total surrender to God o Progressive practice of Ishwara Pranidhana will definitely lead to Samadhi (the union) o Ishwara Pranidhana is a process of transforming from human to God
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 8 o Ishwara Pranidhana starts from the concept of loosing the identity of self and emerging of it with Ishwara the God o This effort takes many forms according to the temperament and the previous Sansakaras of the Sadhaka o The details are explained in Bhakti Yoga
2.3.3 Asana Yogic Concept 1. Yogic Concept The body is designed to stay healthy but often is does not
Positive level
Normal level
Negative level
Asana is not exercise it is relaxation
2. Asana versus exercise Exercise = exertion, fast movements, movements carried out by the muscles, work the muscle fibres
the muscles need energy: they need oxygen and glucose, which gets burned to give the cells energy
Exercise asks for more blood supply to the muscles which makes the heart pump more so the heart rate increases.
Breathing rate also goes up during exercise.
The metabolism increases through exercise.
In Yoga: the heart rate, the breathing and blood pressure should not increase, they should reduce.
Fast movements should be avoided; Yoga is a saving of energy
Exercise Yoga Asana
Movements Dynamic Steady Movements Speedy Slow Movements Isotonic Isometric Heart Rate Increases Decreases Respiration Rate Increases Decreases Blood Pressure Increases Decreases
Isotonic: length of muscles changing, needs oxygen and is exercise
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 9 Isometric; relaxed muscles, toning of muscles is reduced; length of muscles remains the same. The muscles will not need extra energy
Yoga Asana is not exercise but Yoga Asana is relaxation
3. What is Asana? Asana does not mean exercise. Asana means: o Posture o Existence o Existence without doing anything o There is no movement in Asana o A steady posture is an Asana o Hence the definition:
Sthir – Sukham – Asanam
Asana is a steady and comfortable posture
(Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.47)
Asana is movement without movements. But in order to obtain the asana movements are essential: 1. Pre-position 2. Attaining the asana with movements 3. Asana posture: maintaining 4. Releasing the posture with movements
Step 3 = asana Step 1, 2 and 4 is NOT asana
Asana = steady and comfortable posture, but movements are essential to obtain and release the asana o The movements must be VERY SLOW o The movements must be UNDER CONTROL o The movements must be supported by CORRECT BREATHING
The steadiness and comfort must be in both the physical body and in the mental condition: these two are interdependent
Steadiness and comfort are also interdependent 4. Levels of Asanas Asanas can be practised on following levels:
1. Level 1: with fast movements & without steadiness o This is a non-yogic level
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 10 o Type of exercise o Different muscles will be exercised and will be trained properly o Functions of joints will improve this will not yield in the results as mentioned in Patanjali
2. Level 2: with slow movements but without steadiness o Type of asana useful for a person with joint problems e.g. arthritis, frozen shoulder and joint pains o Useful for physical weak persons o Improves blood circulation to different muscles and joints
3. Level 3: with slow movements and with steadiness for a certain period o = same advantages as level 2 o posture maintained for a certain period of time: the stretching and contracting of the muscles will improve blood supply of certain organs connected with the asana o the blood supply to the organs will improve
4. Level 4: with slow movements, steadiness for a certain period and relaxation of the muscles o = same advantages as level 2 and 3 o muscles relaxed means that the stretch will be transferred to some internal organs. As these organs are also made of muscles they get stretched as well o this action improves the functions of the organs o This act stimulates the blood supply to that organ providing the oxygen and glucose
5. Level 5: slow movements with steadiness for a certain period and concentration of the mind on any organ of the body o = same advantages as in levels 2, 3 and 4 o by concentrating the mind on any particular organ the mental energy will provided to the same o as a result the particular organ will improve its’ functions
6. Level 6: slow movements and steadiness for a certain period (half an hour) and concentration of the mind on infinity o The aspirant who want to progress on higher levels can practice some of the asanas on this level o This level can only be achieved after practising the prior levels o This type of practise will lead to control of the mind o The practitioner can reach beyond the dualities of life as explained in Patanjali
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 11 2.3.4 Pranayama Sadhana 1. What is Pranayama?
PRANA & AYANA
Prana = energy source, vital force behind life activities Ayana = control
Life = movements (physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, spiritual) The study of Pranayama is the control over these movements
Prana stimulates the cells to get the oxygen and glucoses from the blood = energy source behind all the activity of the body
The mind controls the physical body and the physical and emotional activities: needs energy for this = Prana is the energy source for emotions as well
Control of Prana = control of life activities = Pranayama
Control of Prana is through control of breath Breathing is a continuous process from birth to death (= indication of life) Breathing is automatically controlled by our autonomous nervous system Breathing can be controlled at our will We can get control over our autonomous nervous system through Pranaymic Practices
2. The Pranic Body
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 12 o Prana: from the diaphragm to the throat: controls the heart and the lungs Mudra: ring finger with thumb o Apana: from navel to perinea: controls the excretion and reproduction system Mudra: ring finger and middle finger and thumb o Samana: between diaphragm and navel: control the digestion system. Assimilation of nutrients for food o Udana: clockwise rotation in the head, throat, hands and feet o Uyan: Coordinator of the 4 others, whole body reserve of energy
3. Breathing Process o Inhalation & exhalation o Roll of oxygen o Requirement of oxygen
With every inhalation we inhale: o Tidal air: 600 cc o Air utilized 450 cc o Dead space: 150 cc o Oxygen: 25%
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 13 Deep Breathing r
i 6000 a
f o Deep breathing s
r 5000 e t i L 4000 Normal breathing 3000 lungs ½ full
2000
1000
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32
Seconds
Breathing Air Analysis o Total lung capacity: 6000cc o Inspiratory reserve: 3000cc o Expiratory reserve: 1500cc o Vital capacity of lungs: 4500cc o Residue volume: 1350cc o Dead space: 150cc
Pranayama – Kumbhak o Inhalation (Purak) – pause (Kumbhak) – exhalation (Rechak) – pause (Kumbhak) o Practice of Pranayama is practice of Kumbhak o Practice of Kumbhak needs practice of Purak and Rechak o Practice of Purak & Rechak is easy and effective o Practice of Kumbhak is difficult and dangerous
Study of Purak and Rechak Control must be: o Slow o Smooth o Uniform o Steady
4. Types of Pranayama 1. Nadi Sodhan = nadi purifying Pranayama, in 4 steps 1. Inhalation 2. Chin lock 3. Root lock 4. Abdominal lock releasing 4, 3, 2
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 14 Practised with alternate nostrils:
L R
R L
2. Surya Bhedan = Revitalizing Pranayama, to know the sun
R L
R L
Inhale right, hold the breath, exhale left helps for laziness and loss of weight
3. Bhasrika = bellow’s breath Is fast breathing with Surya Bhedan: increases the heat
4. Bhramari = humming bee breath Inhalation sounds like the male honey bee Exhalation sounds like the female honey bee This Pranayama practise had a soothing effect on the mind
5. Ujjaji = victorious, physic breath This is practised by contracting the epiglottis Increases the physic awareness, help relieve hypertension. Do not practise in case of low blood pressure
6. Sitkari = cooling breath Practise by sucking in the breath through closed teeth Brings down the temperature of the blood as is brings cool air into the lungs and stomach. Improves the function of the endocrine gland
7. Shitali = cooling breath Suck in the air via a folded tongue. Has the same effects as Sitkari
8. Moorcha = swooning breath or fainting
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 15 Inhale and practise Maha Bandha for 20 seconds. Causes a ‘fainting’ effect Important: do seek advice from a Guru before practising this Pranayama, do not start practising just from reading about it
9. Plavini: = floating breath “Eat” ear and keep it in the stomach Helps against ulcer, acidity and overeating
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 16 2.3.5 Pratyahara
Pratyahara is the 5th component of Yoga
External World External World Eyes
Intellect Ears Skin Mind Mind
Atman
Mind Mind
Intellect
Tongue Nose
External World External World
To isolate the mind from the senses = Pratyahara Frees the mind
1. Function of the mind 1. Mind keeps constant contact between sense organs and intellect in the present 2. Mind remains busy with memories in the past 3. Mind remains busy in imagining the future
The object of Pratyahara is to eliminate 1. completely
2. Cutting of external disturbances Yama: helps to cut off the disturbances due to interaction with other people Niyama: helps to eliminate the disturbances due to body and mind Asana: helps to eliminate the disturbances due to limits of the body Pranayama: helps to eliminate the disturbances by irregular breathing
2.3.6 Dharana Desh bandhana chittasya Dharana
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 17 Limiting activities of the mind within the limited sphere allowed by the object
Dharana is concentration (on an object)
2.3.7 Dhyana Tatra pratya ekentana dyanam
Further in the process of Dharana the mind should concentrate pin pointedly on any one aspect of the object instead of many aspects of the objects as in the case of Dharana is called Dhyana
Dhyana is the advanced stage of Dharana
Dhyana is meditation
2.3.8 Samadhi Tadev arthmadthinirbhasa suroop shoonyan eva Samadhi
Further in the process of Dhyana nothing else but the only pratyaya of the object is present and apparently the identity of the consciousness is dissolved totally
This is the last stage of Ashtanga Yoga and the ultimate goal of Yoga
Trayan eketra Samyama all above three practices (Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi) is called Samyana
Tat Jayat Pradnyalokana after mastering the Samyana one is enlightened by the Pradya
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 18 3 Other types of Yoga 3.1 Tantra Yoga Tantra = Tan & Tra
TAN TRA = expansion of the mind = liberation of energy = Shiva = Shakti
Tantra = the science of self realisation = expansion of mind and liberation of energy
Tantra is the origin of most yoga forms: Hatha: is part of Tantra yoga, yoga of the body and the mind Patarial Yoga/Raja Yoga (eight fold path) Bhakti yoga: yoga of unconditional love Karma yoga: selfless action, will lead to a stress less life Mantra: yoga of the positive sound Kundalini: yoga of the energy Kriya: yoga of purification Nada: sound meditation yoga Laya: yoga of the breath Swara: science of breathing Gyan: yoga of knowledge Antarang: internal yoga Vedanta yoga: follows the tradition of Krishna
The mind is the core focus of all types of yoga Yoga improves the quality of the mind: it relaxes, focuses and concentrates the mind. Mind 1. Body: concentrate the mind with the help of asanas 2. Breath: control breath and you can control your mind. Stop the breath and you can stop the mind 3. Emotion (yoga of devotion), see fear from a distance 4. Thoughts 5. Impressions (Gyan yoga)
3.2 Hatha Yoga
HA THA Pingala (right) Ida (left) Sun Moon Body Mind Represents Prana Represents the mind, the mental energy
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 19 Hatha yoga means the union of the pranic and mental forces
Hatha yoga is part of Tantra = the tradition of lord Shiva.
Hatha yoga starts with asanas while Ashtanga yoga starts with the Yamas and Niyamas
3.2.1 Different aspects of Hatha Yoga 1. Mudra Mudra = gesture/mental attitude Mudras can change the emotions, state of heart and realign the pranic energy, works on the pressure points of the body
1. Prana Mudra: thumb on ring finger and little finger (prana realignment) 2. Ashwini Mudra 3. Dhyana Mudra: thumb on index finger
60% of the cerebral cortex controls the hands 2. Bandha Energy locks
1. Jalandhar Bandha or chin lock o Why: the pressure of the air in the lungs is higher than on the outside by which the trachea opens in the chest cavity and exerts pressure. This causes pressure on the thyroid gland which controls our metabolism 2. Mulbandha or root lock o Tendon between genitals and anus needs to be pulled up 3. Uddiyan Bandha: pulling in the abdomen: increases pressure from the abdomen to the lungs 4. Maha Bandha: combination of the 3 previously described bandhas
Vajroli Ashwhini Mudra Mudra
Root Lock
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 20 3. The Nadi’s Nadi = de physic passage of the Pranic energy, a wire of energy Prana is the life force
There are 7200 nadis in our body, the three most important ones are Pingala (right), Ida (left) and Sushumna The kundalini prana rises through Sushumna nadi
4. Shatkarma The six cleansing techniques 1. Dhauti: different cleansing techniques of the digestive system o Danta: cleansing of teeth and pallet with the finger o Hrid: drinking of water (saline, warm) and throw up, this cleanses the heart eating of cotton cloth rubber tube (catheter) to be swallowed o Varisar or master cleansing, drink saline warm water, perform specific asanas in order to clean the intestines 2. Basti: technique for washing and toning the big intestines and the rectum 3. Neti: cleansing of the nasal passages 4. Trataka: concentrate on an object, helps to clean the eyes and the mind. The Pranic body will be purified 5. Nauli: massaging and strengthening the abdominal organs 6. Kapalbhati: breathing technique of cleansing of the lungs and purifying the mind. This shines the head, cleanses the mind and impures the thoughts. It also cleanses the lungs from impurities
3.3 Kundalini Yoga KUNDA = PIT KUNDAL = COIL
Kundalini is a sleeping energy at the base of the spine. It does not exist on a physical level
Our brain is active for +/- 10%. Kundalini can wake it up to 100%, it is a dormant creative Pranic energy
A person who has: 10% active brain = human 25% = successful people, often famous 50% = saints 100% = God, self realisation, Samadhi
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 21 Kundalini lies dormant in the unconscious mind: 3 ½ coils of a serpent
1. conscious A Past 2. subconscious U Present 3. Um M Future ½ Beyond time
Chakra’s are whirlpools of Kundalini energy, energy locations, evolution of level of mind.
How to awaken the Kundalini energy? By birth: Jesus, Yogi’s, Krishna, Buddha Chanting of mantra Herbs Tapaysa or purification Practising Raja yoga (concentration of mind) Pranayama Kriya yoga Tantric initation Shaktipat (can only be done by a guru) Self surrender
Ref: “Kundalini Tantra” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Yoga Publications Trust, Munger; Bihar; India, ISBN 81-85787-15-8
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 22 3.4 Swara Yoga
3.4.1 What is Swara Yoga?
1. Swara: is the sound of one’s breath 2. Science of Pranic Body Rhythms (movement of Prana & manipulation of breath)
Closely guarded esoteric Tantra.
3.4.2 Difference between Pranayama and Swara Yoga?
1. Tantra = expansion of the mind and liberation of the energy 2. Swara Yoga = all that goes on in the world is determined by Prana the universal Prana and the individual PranaYoga
3.4.3 Left and right Swara
Left side of spinal cord Right side of spinal cord Ida Pingala Lunar Solar Moon, female Sun, male Shakti (energy) Shiva (consciousness) Mental activities Pranic activities (physical) Parasympathetic nervous system Sympathetic nervous system (relaxation) (fight or flight) Connection to right hemisphere of Connection to left hemisphere the brain of the brain Cold Hot Auspicious, smooth & virtuous Rough, non virtuous Bright fortnight Dominance during dark fortnight Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Saturday, Tuesday Monday Zodiac signs during Lunar flow: Zodiac signs during solar flow: Tauras, Cancer, Virgio, Scorpio, Aries, Acquarius, Libra, Gemini, Capricorn, Pisces Sagitarius, Lio
3.4.4 How does Swara Yoga work?
Exercise = right nostril Yoga = left nostril For meditation the ideal is to breathe through both nostrils: practise Pranayama before practising meditation.
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 23 Perfume: female stimulates left nostril. A man who wants to attract a woman should have his right nostril on. A woman who wants to attract a man should have here left nostril on.
If you want to switch nostrils: put pressure under your armpit. In order to switch to your left nostril, put pressure under your right armpit and visa versa. Monks often carry a wooden stick (yoga danda) with a hook in order to do this, but a small ball (e.g. tennis ball) also works
1. Swara yoga: o Left nostril switched on for too long = indication of sickness (too long = up to 3 hours) o Change it to the right in order to feel better
Food influences the usage of nostrils:
Cold Hot Banana Ginger Guava Papaya Milk Spices Yoghourt Chilli Watermelon Orange
stimulates right nostril stimulates left nostril
2. Recommendations o Angry boss: change your nostril to the left one before talking to him/her o Peaceful atmosphere: switch on left nostril o Girls who breath through left nostril too much: menstruation problems o Boys who breath through right nostril too much: too many male hormones o If you inhale the breath of another person you get to know his mind o After meal: nap on the left side, which switches on your right nostril = good for digestion
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 24 o Lazy people do right nostril breathing practise Kapalabhati o Sleep on left side: right nostril active = dreamless sleep o Creative work: left nostril o Day: left nostril o Night: right nostril o In case of diarrhoea : block left nostril o Headache/migraine: switch nostrils
Ref: “Swara Yoga”, The Tantric Science of Brain Breathing, Swami Muktibodhananda, Yoga Publications Trust, Munger; Bihar; India, ISBN: 81-85787-36-0
3.5 Karma Yoga Is the yoga of selfless action Action according to Dharma = without expectations Dharma is duty considering one’s mental, physical and intellectual make up
No attachment of the self, no emotions attached. We are often attached to the fruit of our action; Karma Yoga is not to get attached to the fruit.
Krishna (Arjun: war) The spirit, the soul is immortal, the body is like a dress for the soul Self awareness is who you are
Perform an action which is devoted, or in line with the nature (natural evolution)
3.6 Antarang Yoga Means internal yoga
Bahirang Yoga Antarang Yoga
Yama Dharana Pratyahara (see page 16) Niyama Dhyana
Asana Sahmadi
Pranayama
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 25 4 Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is a meditative process. Yoga Nidra is Yogic Sleep Yoga Nidra is not “Sleep” Yoga Nidra is no a “Awakened State”
Yoga Nidra
Awakened State Sleep
Yoga Nidra is neither Sleep nor Awakened State but it is on the borderline.
4.1 What is sleep? Sleep state: The mind stops receiving the external messages The conscious brain does not forward to messages Only in case of emergency (e.g. child crying) the conscious mind will forward the message Dead body & unconscious body Shavasana & Sleep
Yoga Nidra = Conscious Sleep
Awakened State Connected with the Outer World
Consciousness
Connected with the Inner World = Yoga Nidra
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 26 4.2 What is consciousness? Consciousness is connected to the outer world 1. eyes: to see 2. ears: to hear 3. nose: to smell 4. tongue: to taste 5. skin: to touch
The sense organs are connected with the brains through the “MIND’
The mind functions on three levels: 1. Conscious: mind connects the outer world to the brain 2. Subconscious: mind store of all the experiences 3. Unconscious mind = the Real Self = Atman
4.3 Stages of Yoga Nidra 1. Preparation for practise 2. Resolve: change in our programming 3. Rotation of consciousness 4. Awareness of breath 5. Opposite feelings 6. Visualization 7. Ending of practise
4.4 Application of Yoga Nidra
4.4.1 Perfect relaxation physical level emotional level mental level
4.4.2 Stress management Physical stress Emotional stress Mental stress
4.4.3 Recasting of personality Memory development Simplified learning Normal delivery Pain relief Relief from addiction Increase in bearing capacity Relief of old age/health problems
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 27 o Hypertension o Hearth diseases o Psychosomatic diseases o Acidity ulcer o Mental instability
4.4.4 Yoga Nidra is useful for Busy persons Hypertensive persons Diseased person Addicts Students Pregnant women …
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 28 5 Omkar
AUM = Sanskrit for “Total controlling energy of the University” = God It is no physical existence but it does exist It is the seed of knowledge of the Universe, the concentrated form of knowledge.
Chanting Omkar = be one with it, loose identity in order to receive the supreme bless
5.1 Effect of Omkar Chanting
5.1.1 Mentally Hear the internal voice Experience trance, away from the external world Awakening of Kundalini which helps the awakening of the brain cells (in most people only 10% is active) to become Paratman
5.1.2 Physically Omkar chanting causes vibration on a natural frequency: this influences the organs. These vibrations generate energy and this improves the function of the organs
5.1.3 Antaraya (remove obstacles) Omkar can help you to remove obstacles: Vyaddi = illness: Omkar chanting will improve your health Styan = mental fatigue (test: start a lecture with Omkar chanting and see the difference in staying focused of your audience) Sanshya = doubt: Omkar chanting helps making decisions, helps change the mentality in a positive way Pramada = to not do things that are good for us, e.g. addictions. This mentality can be changed by Omkar chanting Alasya = laziness (physical): Omkar chanting provides more oxygen.
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 29 5.1.4 Pronunciation Omkar should be pronounced in 10 seconds:
A U M 2 seconds 3 seconds 5 seconds = 10 seconds
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 30 6 Teacher Training Teacher: Needs to have 100% knowledge of the subject Is not allowed to make mistakes
6.1 Yoga Pravesh 24 hours of classes Prayers are essential for the preparation of the body for the asanas Preparatory movements are important for warm up After a while: teach Sun Salutations as well Pre-positions should be taught Teach your students the 37 asanas Teach Pranayama o Normal breathing o Deep breathing o Fast breathing
6.2 Responsibilities 1. Teaching new practice 2. Getting it done from the students 3. Correction mistakes o General instructions o Individual instructions o Personal help 4. Revision o New asana o New revision o Preparatory revision o Full time revision
6.2.1 Teaching New Asana Students should be in relaxed sitting position, so they can pay attention Pronounce the names correctly Answer questions before they are asked, explaining the name Detailed oral explanation of the process Perfect explanation Give practical information Demonstration (or have co-teacher demonstrate) should done 2x from different angles Explain the probable mistakes While the students practise: move around to observe and correct mistakes
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 31 Do not mention time Correct mistakes o Correction with general instructions (do not pinpoint 1 student) o Individual instructions in a low voice to specific student o Help in person if necessary (gentle touch)
It is important to correct so they do not keep repeating mistakes
6.2.2 Teaching New Revision Asana This is an asana thaught in the previous lesson Give all the details with no demo Do not mention time
6.2.3 Preparatory Revision Asana Is an asana used as a stepping stone for a more difficult one Focus on corrections Explain the ideal position Explain the differences with the new asana which you will be teaching afterwards Do not mention time
6.2.4 Full Time Revision Asana Have the students perform the asana for the full length of time Final position should be correct Give the timing before the take the asana Before they start: explain thay they can release the asana at any moment if it gets uncomfortable (without waiting for your instructions) Start counting the time from the moment they are in the pose Give the balance of time, so they know how long they have to hold it (psychological aspect) Give instructions for relaxing in the asana Give instructions for a comfortable posture
6.3 Lesson Planning Lesson should be based on the needs of the people.
Different people have different reasons for practising yoga: Looking for relaxation (physical, mental) Focus Flexibility Health, both physical and mental Spiritual Weight loss Life style
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 32 Re-energizing
6.3.1 Natural state of mind Is relaxed, peaceful, calm focused and blissful
Can be practised through: Omkar Meditation Yoga nidra Pranayama Shavasana
6.3.2 Teach Yoga for the Body Preparation (preparatory movements or sun salutations as warm up) Practise/revision of the asanas New asanas, teach different types o Forward bends o Backwards bends (! Should be in every lesson as in every day life we hardly bent backwards) o Inverted poses o Twisted o Balancing o Resting/relaxing o Stretching
6.3.3 Prana Effect on mind and body focuses the mind, physical body will improve, gives energy Hyperventilation: oxygen level goes up, CO² goes down. E.g. fast breathing, Kappalabathi, increases the heat in the body Hypoventiliation: ogygen level goes down, CO² goes up. E.g. deep breathing, retention of breath, lowers the body temperature, Sitkari, Shitari.
6.3.4 1 Hour lesson 1. Initial prayer to help focus the mind: 5 to 10 minutes 2. Preparatory movements or Sun Salutations Shavasana 3. Revision of asanas New revision Preparatory revision Full time revision New asana Shavasana
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 33 4. Deep breathing, fast breathing
Divide 6 to 8 minutes of Shavasana or Makrasana over 1 hour lesson
Order of the asanas: Supine Prone Sitting Standing
This is because of our natural evolution in live: new born baby’s can only lie on their back (supine), the next thing they are able to do is turn around on their belly (prone), followed by sitting and standing.
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 34 7 Yoga and Health 7.1 Anatomy and Physiology Please refer to the syllabus handed out by Yoga Vidya Gurukul.
7.2 Ayurveda Ayur = life Veda = knowledge Ayurveda = the knowledge of life
4 types: 1. Rigveda 2. Yajurveda 3. Atharyveda 4. Samveda
Ayurveda is designed from Ahtaryveda
7.2.1 Aims and Objects Prevention is better than cure Know how to adjust our body clock, awareness of body clock Prevent stress/anxiety
7.2.2 Basic Principle 1. Pindi to Brahmandi o Human body to the whole Universe o The human body is a perfect mirror image of the whole universe
2. 5 Basic elements
Construction 1. Space (Akash) 2. Air (Vayu) 3. Fire (Tey = light, energy) 4. Water (Aap, Jal) 5. Earth (Prithir, molecules things that are touchable) Destruction
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 35 3. Seven basic metals 1. Rasa: all liquid parts in our body except for our blood 2. Rakta: blood 3. Mansa: muscular structure 4. Meda: fats 5. Ashti: bones and bony structure 6. Majja: nervous system 7. Shukra: reproduction
4. Types of energy (Dosha) 1. Kafa: lubricants (popping joints) 2. Pitta: health energy, change substances 3. Vata: different types of impulses
= Relationship between the 5 basic elements and types of energy
Water Kafa Earth
Space Vata Air
Fire Pitta
5. Definition of a healthy person 1. Samadosha Samagnish Samdhatu Malkriya Prasanna Athmendriya Swath Ili
State of Equilibrium Samadosha: equilibrium of energy Samadhatu: equilibrium of metals Samagnish: equilibrium of digestion Malkriya: excretion system
2. Adbhidhiya Freshness of the soul, sensory organs and the mind of a healthy person
Theory of absence: Abhava: darkness does not
7.2.3 Types of personalities These types are determined through physical exam (Sharir Pakriti) and a psychological exam (Manas Pakriti).
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 36 1. Kafa (elements: water and earth) o Looks strong and stout, oily skin, good dental structure o Calm and quiet way of walking o Somewhat lazy o Calm and quiet way of speaking without hurting anybody o Obesity o Never hungry o Less quantity of thirst o Prefers spicy food o No quarrels o Late comers o Sleep: can sleep anytime, any place, is often drowsy in the morning and after food o Use of this personality: Administration Planning Diet management Stress management
2. Pitta (element: fire) o Fast conversion in their body o Hungry, can eat every 2 to 3 hours. When hungry they can be very irritating o Need more water o Gentlemen o Clean o Mr. Cleaning personality o White coloured skin o Commanding look o Bitter tongue personality o Do not need much sleep: alert sleep o Good administrator o Grasping power is immediate
3. Vata (elements: space & air) o Kinetic energy o Can not sit or stand still o Movements of body parts o Dry skin o Dry hair o Colour variation in the skin o No eating habits, can vary o Like variation o Break downs in their sleep o Like pressure on joints and muscles
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 37 o Hard stools o They do not walk they run o Have a good imagination
Mishra Prukriti: we are all mixtures of the 3 types.
Kafa Pitta Vata
Honey Ghee Oil Herbel powders for Scented bath (natural) Massages with oil before baths their bath Heavy exercise Yoga, walking Change sports per season Spring October Rainy season Induce vomiting reflex Laxative meal Medicated oil Bloodletting
7.3 Obesity Obesity may be defined as an abnormal growth of the adipose (fat) tissue due to an enlargement of fat cell size (Hypertrophic) or an increase in fat cell number (Hyperplastic).
Two types: Abdominal obesity (Android type) Gluteal type obesity (Gynoid type)
7.3.1 Causes
1. Age: risks generally increases with age 2. Sex o Male: risk increases during 29-35 years o Female: risk increases during 45-49 years 3. Family tendency 4. Physical inactivity (the vicious circle) 5. Eating habits: o Eating between meals o Preference to sweets, refined foods, fats and preserved foods o Composition & periodicity of the diet 6. Psychological factors: o Stress o Emotional disturbances o Frustration, loneliness 7. Endocrine factors 8. Drug induced
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 38 7.3.2 Assessment of Obesity 1. Body Mass Index
Weight (kg) = BMI, normal is 18.5 to 23 Height² (m)
2. Broca Index Weight kg = Height (cm) – 100
3. Lorentz formula
Weight = Height (cm) -100 - Height (cm) -150 2 (female) or 4 male
4. Waist/Hip ratio More than 1 in male is obesity More than 0,85 in female is obesity
5. Others o Skin fold thickness o Total Body Water o Body density
7.3.3 Hazards of obesity Hypertension Coronary heart disease Diabetes mellitus Lowered pulmonary function Lower life expectancy
7.3.4 Prevention and treatment Motivation Dietary changes Increasing physical activity Appetite suppressing drugs Excision of fats (liposuction) Gastric bypass Jejunioleal bypass (bypass small intestines) Jaw wiring
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 39 Some of these treatments have weakness and lack of vitamins and irons as a consequence
7.3.5 Advise as a yoga teacher
Dietary changes o ½ full stomach o ¼ liquids o ¼ empty Physical activity Cleansing processes (4 glasses/1 week) Non caloric fruits Pranayama: Kappalabathi, Bastrika, Surya Bhedan Yoga is a process of normalization (fast sun salutations) Yoga asanas practised as exercise Asanas which twist and pressure the abdominals are to be maintained
7.3.6 Dietary Regimen
Human existence on 5 levels:
Annamaya kosh (physical body) Pranayama kosh (Pranic system) Manomaya kosh (Mind system) Vidnyanmaya kosh (Extra sensory perception) Anandmay kosh (Supreme bliss)
1. Purpose of food o To speed up the anabolism and catabolism o To provide energy for body functions o To increase immunity of body o To develop the mind
2. Types of food o Satvik: healthy, fresh food o Rajas: very hot, spicy, very sour o Tamas: frozen foods, meat
3. Vegetarian diet Why we humans are vegetarians: o Teeth: we have round teeth like vegetarian animals have (e.g. cows), meat eaters have sharp teeth
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 40 o Nails: round nails, meat eaters of pointed nails o Style of drinking water: vegetarians drink with their lips, meat eaters with their tongue o Digestive juices are different for meat eaters o Blood pH
4. Healthy diet o Carbohydrates (1g = 4 cal): rice, wheat, corn, sugar, potatoes, sweet potatoes o Fats (1g = 9 cal): oil, ghee, coconut, dried fruits) o Proteins (1g = 4 cal): pulses, soya beans, peas o Vitamins: A: mango, papaya B: milk, wild rice C: guava, amla D: sunrays E: germs of wheat K: fruits, greens, vegetables o Minerals: Calcium: milk Phosporus: fruits Sodium: coconut water Patassium: fruits Magnesium: vegetables
5. Characteristics of healthy diet o Take cooked food twice a day o Quantity of food: 50% food, 25% water, 25% air o Quantity of liquid: +/- 1.5 liter/day o Food should include different types of food: sweet, sour,chilli, bitter, astingha, salty
6. Unhealthy diet o Saturated fats (cholesterol) o Polished rice o Tinned food o Bakery products o Tea, coffee o Aerated drinks (soft drinks, alcohol) o Frozen foods o Genetically modified foods
7. Required calories F: 2500 to 3000 Kcal/day M: 3000 – 3500
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 41 Heavy duty workers: 3000 to 4000/day
7.3.7 Yogic approach towards diet
It is a natural instinct to follow a healthy diet. The regular practise of yoga will stimulate following a healthy diet.
The Anuloma Viloma Pranayama practised for 20 minutes a day helps with weight loss.
7.4 Yoga and Stress Yoga will teach you the art of living. Yoga will increase the ability of concentration/observing /remembering
Yoga helps for: Personality development Improve health Increasing height Improves creative talent
7.4.1 Stress management
Stress = tension is a reaction to any situation is a nature’s provision to make us deal with what happens around us is necessary for survival.
Life = stress, the fight or flight response
Stress is a defence mechanism
1. Necessary/positive stress o Force of gravity: it is stress we do not consider as stress o Changes of season o Deadline: motivation
2. Bad Stress Can cause illness or even untimely death
Major stress: externalisation is necessary Minor stress: reaction to the day to day hassle can be managed: avoid quarrels, imaginary stress
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 42 3. Influence of stress on the body Adrenaline makes the heart rate and blood pressure and the respiration rate go up. It also narrows the blood vessels.
Consequences: obesity, High Blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, heart attack, cancer
4. How to manage stress No medicine Yoga teaches a different attitude, change your attitude towards things. This is very difficult, it takes regular practise.
Physical activity: in our modern world, physical activity is lower.
Stress management with resonance techniques and relaxation Omkar chanting A : stimulates muladhara chakra: eye/looking U: stimulates anahata chakra: strength of vision M: stimulates sahasrara chakra: knowledge
Yamas and Niyamas covers stress management
Time management: leave on time
Conversational skills: wrong not listening, not talking releases stress
Some advise from Jon Kobatt Zinn and Richard Carlson:
o Let other be right o Every day: do something nice for somebody o Do not be judgemental o Moment to moment awareness (be aware of yourself) o Watching your body
7.5 Yoga and pregnancy
7.5.1 Yoga and pregnancy Pregnant women are sometimes stressed and anxious. Yoga can help them relax and prepare for birth giving.
Yoga therapy can help a lot for the development of the baby: Diet Rest Exercise Yoga nidra Omkar meditation
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 43 Asana Breathing (no Kumbhaka during pregnancy)
7.5.2 Yoga for children As the bones of children are very elastic, they should only start practising asanas as of the age of 12.
Before that they can practise preparatory movements and surya namaskar:
3 to 6 years: omkar and preparatory movements 10 year: surya namaskar 12 to 16 years: Pravesh postures 16-18 years: Parichay 18 years: Pranayama
Yoga Vidya Gurukul Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus Nashik, India Page 44