This weekend at iii, the Hata Yoga was program conducted, during which a diverse group of participants (ranging in age from 14 – 60!) learned a series of asanas, hiked to the bluff and enjoyed the center in lovely spring weather. This program is generally offered monthy at the iii center.
But Isha is also beginning an exciting new initiative for offering Hata Yoga – training teachers from all walks of life to teach Hata wherever they are, and even giving them the support to start their own studios. It is Sadhguru’s wish to establish classical yoga in its true form, and this training program will revive and impart various dimensions of this ancient science which are largely absent in the world today.
Students attending the 12-week Hata Yoga Teacher Training course will be trained to teach five different modules of Hata Yoga – 3-day, 7-day, 15-day, 1-month and continuous Yoga program packages. The program is specially structured with various components that will prepare the student to understand the subtler dimensions of Yoga. These components consist of various processes and sadhanas to help establish an experiential understanding of the principles of Hata Yoga; the appropriate diet for a yogic lifestyle; learning about the human body and its functions in depth; exploring the numerous asanas in detail; pilgrimages to sacred places in southern India and sadhana in those places that will support the training; simple aspects of Ayurveda and Siddha treatments.
The training take place at the Adiyogi Alayam, Isha Yoga Center, India , and will begin on July 3, 2012, with Sadhguru initiating the students into the training. After the training, Isha will issue certificates after careful assessment of the student’s performance during the training. After certification, teachers will be qualified to establish their own studio or teach private lessons. Post-training support will be provided by Isha. Starting from next year, this basic level program will be followed by a 3-month advanced program.
Natalie, an Isha volunteer, was excited to hear about the training, and hopes to be a part of the program. She explains:
“I grew up around some of the most beautiful people and ways of living that one can experience – around yoga and gurus. I am blessed to have sat at their feet at such a young age, but high school and hormones hijacked that path for a few years. When I began seeking again, I discovered a shocking lack of depth and authenticity to every path I tried. I thirsted for a guru and found nothing worth my valuable time. So I gave in to giving my mom's guru a try… and he's constantly blowing me away with how far he's propelled me. I never thought this much was possible.
After stepping on the path with Isha and Sadhguru, the Hata Yoga practice is what had me hooked. I thirsted to share this beautiful thing with my peers. Though, early on I realized Hata Yoga is more than just asanas; it incorporates all the dimensions of the system and is highly supported by knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, a balanced and pranic diet, and pranayama, kriya, mantra, and meditation. If I were to teach yoga, I also want to offer natural methods and solutions to curing ailments and imbalances in the system (a root of many common ailments). I couldn't find a single program that incorporated all these aspects that I knew would support my teaching ability and understanding.
When Sadhguru first mentioned he was considering designing a full, proper Hata Yoga Teacher Training I nearly jumped out of my seat. I had investigated other yoga teacher trainings, but found none that offered the high caliber and classical format that incorporated yoga's true roots and multiple dimensions. They all seemed to be "200 hour" yoga-for-fitness or mental balance programs. I can't fathom learning the depth of yoga in 200 hours, let alone becoming capable of sharing it with others in such a short time.
This upcoming teacher training is such a rare and valuable opportunity that I have even decided to give up many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities (to name a few: a spectacular new job, standing up in my best friend's wedding, and enjoying a blossoming new relationship) to participate in the program. With the way meditation and yoga is spreading like wildfire throughout the world, but also the way it's been distorted, this program couldn't be happening at a more ripe and needed time.” – Natalie Ochmanek
For further information on the Hata Teacher Training, please contact: 931-201-YOGA (931-201-9642) or hatayoga.usa@ishafoundation.org
You can learn Hata yoga at iii! Click here to see upcoming programs. The next course is scheduled for June 30-July1st.
