Course Contents

Postures: Exercises for Strength and Healing

How to avoid common errors - modifications for limited mobility and health, strength and flexibility; avoiding injury, e.g., to the neck and back; avoiding R.S.I. (repetitive strain injury) that can sometimes show up in wrists and knees.
How to get maximum value from each posture - form and alignment precision to attain the full expression of each exercise.

The Power of the Word

The science of sound - how to get the most value from chanting, understanding the mechanisms by which it works.
The use of the word to heal, transform and uplift.
Overview and experience of different forms of mantra meditations. Kundalini Yoga incorporates dozens of mantras, each with its own vibratory effect. Mantras can be used for very specific purposes. Some will enhance our magnetic field or balance the tattvas (elements); others can open the heart chakra or strengthen the navel centre. Specific mantras may develop courage or improve interpersonal communication.
While we use postures, philosophy, breathing and relaxation, it is the scientific use of sound that most distinguishes Kundalini Yoga from other forms of yoga.

Yogic and Western Anatomy

In this course, you will gain an understanding of how the respiratory, nervous, immune, musculo-skeletal, circulatory, endocrine, and digestive systems function and how they are influenced by the practice and teaching of yoga. In addition to traditional Western anatomy, you will learn about Yogic anatomy and the energy systems of the body, including the chakras, the nadis, the pranas and vayus, and the five koshas (yogic sheaths). We will also explore the relationship between Western anatomy (the physical body) and Yogic anatomy (the subtle body) through practical yoga exercises, breathing practices, and relaxation techniques.
Learn the necessary anatomy for teaching yoga and understand how it works through the physical body. There will be a strong emphasis on many of the therapeutic aspects of Kundalini Yoga and meditation.
You will learn how specific yoga exercises can rejuvenate the vital organs.
A study of the Chakras and the Ten Bodies; Prana, Apana, the Nadis and Kundalini energies and how this subtle anatomy relates to and overlaps the physical body.

History of Yoga

A survey of its roots and current day applications.
Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Vedas, Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.
The historical stages and the development of yoga in general and Kundalini Yoga specifically.
This section of study is particularly useful for both your own understanding and because students will ask you many questions about yoga and the more you know, the more you can serve.

Yoga Fundamentals

This comprehensive introduction to fundamental yoga techniques gives you tools and concepts essential for a thriving personal practice. This covers:

physical practice of yoga asana
the basics of yogic breathing practice called pranayama
the practice of the three major locks called bandhas
the power of word and sound in yogic mantra practice
the use of hand and body positions to direct the flow of energy through directed use of mudras
the nature and purpose of meditation
the effects and practice of relaxation techniques

Yoga Philosophy & Lifestyle

Yoga practice comes from a rich historical, philosophical and literary tradition that addresses and enriches all areas of life. In this educational module, you will learn about the psychology, philosophy and history of yoga, its literary and cultural heritage, and the basic concepts that underlie all yoga practices. From this basis, you will learn how to practically and effectively integrate the teachings of yoga into your life in interpersonal relationships, your personal health and hygiene habits, and your daily diet.

Foundations of Kundalini Yoga

This provides hands-on training so you can build a strong personal practice. Students will explore the theory and practice of asanas (postures) and kriyas (yoga sets), as well as learning the basics of meditation and mudras.

Techniques of Kundalini Yoga

This module develops the skills and techniques to become a skilled practitioner and teacher of yoga. Students will explore and practice the techniques of Kundalini Yoga as they apply to healing and humanology (the science of daily living), as well as the transformational role of the teacher in developing a successful yoga practice.

Teaching Methods of Kundalini Yoga

The methodology of teaching yoga includes practical suggestions for teaching beginners, ethical guidelines for teachers, the language of teaching, student-oriented teaching techniques, curriculum development, and the role of a teacher. In addition to 18 hours of in-class lecture and practice, two outside hours are spent in developing a curriculum for your own teaching purposes. The emphasis of the module is learning and implementing practical methods that create a successful learning experience for yoga students.

Classroom Practice in Kundalini Yoga

The classroom practice module develops an appreciation and understanding of yoga from a teacher’s perspective. You will attend 20 Kundalini yoga classes with a certified teacher and record your observations and experiences as you begin to develop your teaching skills. In addition, you will participate in five early morning Sadhana classes.
Teaching Practicum in Kundalini Yoga
The teaching practicums provide practical experience in instructing a yoga class. You will teach in small groups with fellow students under the supervision of a KRI Yoga Teacher Trainer. The teaching groups will give feedback to each other, and you receive a written evaluation about your teaching experience from a KRI Yoga Teacher Trainer. In addition, you will be given the opportunity to practice teaching skills with your fellow students in study groups. Finally, you will teach a public yoga class of your own time and choosing.

Kundalini Yoga: The Chakras

We will examine the major and minor chakras (energetic centers) in the context of a yoga practice, with practical considerations given to the effects of various asanas, meditations, and yoga practices on specific chakras.

Kundalini Yoga: Ten Bodies

We will discuss the concept and use of the ten yogic bodies (physical body, soul body, pranic body, subtle body, and radiant body, arc line, aura, and positive, negative and neutral mind) in practicing and teaching Kundalini Yoga.

White Tantric Yoga

You will experience a cleansing meditation practice done in a group setting with a partner. For more information about White Tantric Yoga, contact 3HO directly at www.3ho.org or at www.whitetantricyoga.com

Highlights

Trillium Healing Arts Centre