Welcome - Teacher Training

The Moksha Yoga Center Teacher Training & In-Depth Studies Program is a unique and inspired curriculum that will lead you on an ardent journey into the classical roots of yoga. At Moksha, we firmly believe in the power and strength of knowledge and find it our task to marry the principles of theory and practice together throughout the course. Over the yearlong program, we will delve into yoga’s ancient past and unravel many questions concerning the art and science of this age-old system of thought. From asana (yoga postures) to pranayama (breath control) to philosophy, the program aims to be inclusive and the information presented is made accessible for any level of students wishing to deepen his/her own practice, or begin toward a path of teaching.

Bringing together traditional and contemporary theory, the heart of the program lies in offering a rather large scope of yoga as a whole. Our program is guided by a strong faith in the power of lineage and mentorship, and a portion of the training is devoted to studying with master teachers who travel to Moksha Yoga. Teachers from around the country will challenge you as an educator and practitioner, presenting you with a wide variety of topics, yogic styles and techniques, as well as worldviews and perspectives. These experiences will aid in your self-development as well as the building of your professional portfolio.

Many students find their lives transformed and enlivened by their experiences in the training program, and this is our hope for all who join.

About the TRAININGS

Yoga History & Philosophy
Understanding Union, Relationships & Opposites
What is yoga? This ancient system of health and well being, reveals a path to develop and expand our fullest potential in body, mind, and spirit. We will look at sources such as Indian culture, vedic history, and ancient manuscripts such as the yoga sutras and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika which reveal the ancient classification of yoga. We will also study Patanjali's eight-fold path known as ashtanga yoga, which forms the basis of classical yoga, known as yoga darshana.

Yama - relationship with others
Niyama - relationship with ourselves
Asana - postures
Pranayama - breath control
Pratyahara - turning the mind inward
Dharana - concentration
Dhyana - meditation
Samadhi - ecstasy

Theory & Practice of Asana
Taking a Position of Steadiness and Comfort
The yoga sutras refer to asana as the integration of sthira (steadiness) and sukha (comfort). This important sutra will guide us as we look into the deeper aspects of asana, including alignment, adjustments, and variations. We will explore energetic techniques such as bandhas, dristi, kriyas, mudras, and chakras in order to expand our awareness and understanding of the subtle movement of prana through asana. Arranging our study of asana groups is in itself a unique sequence or vinyasa: sun salutations (surya namaskara), standing and balancing poses, abdominal strengtheners (hara), forward folds (paschimo) and backbends (purvo), twists (parivritta), inversions (viparita), and savasana.

Theory & Practice of Pranayama
Regulating The Current of Life-Force Energy
Conscious breathing requires sensitivity to properly direct life energy (prana), which makes all physical, mental, and spiritual life possible. It is the subtle thread that connects us with universal consciousness. Pranayama is a way of using the breath to receive, generate, distribute, and store this vital energy. We will explore Ujjayi (victory breath), nadi shodhanam (alternating nostril), kappalabhati (breath of fire), sitali (cooling breath), and viloma (against the grain).

Theory and Practice of Teaching
Conveying the Essence of Yoga
The art of teaching is yoga in itself, requiring sensitivity, compassion, and practice. A teacher must encourage and inspire, remaining sensitive to the needs of both the individual and the group. Students will learn:

How to properly adjust using visual (body language), verbal (voice), and kinesthetic (touch) tools
Sequencing, counterposes, and routines
Integrate themes, rhythm, focus, and direction
Psychology ethics of the student/teacher relationship

Experiential Learning
Finding Wisdom & Understanding Within
Understanding from within requires the student to not only expand inner awareness and trust of intuition, but also to gain practical experience in the art and science of yoga in a variety of situations and venues. Students will:

Meet and interact with renowned master teachers
Apprentice in class with various teachers
Develop individualized private lessons
Teach a community class (basic level 1-2)
Give selflessly by teaching at a hospital, senior citizens home or charity fundraiser (known as karma yoga)

Testimonial
"I can't believe it's almost over, it has already been an incredible journey for me. You have taught me SO much and I have gained a much deeper appreciation, love and understanding of yoga. You have somehow managed to take an incredible amount of information and made it simple to understand and easy to 'digest' - thank you. The decision to leave my corporate job and enroll in this training is one of the best decisions I've ever made." Shanti ~ Katie McKenna