Curriculum & Schedule
Course Descriptions
Asana
Asana Ia
Study of theory and practice of basic asana. Detailed presentation and intensive exploration and practice of the basic asanas, emphasizing standing poses, beginning seated poses, and shoulder stand.
Asana IIa
Study of theory and practice of intermediate asana. Introduction and intensive exploration and practice of intermediate asanas and their sequential coordination with the Asana I poses. Emphasis on more advanced standing poses, headstand, twists and beginning backbends.
Asana Ib
Study of theory and practice, and refinement of basic asana. Detailed presentation and intensive exploration and practice of the basic asanas, emphasizing standing poses, sitting poses and shoulder stand.
Asana IIb
Study of theory and practice, and refinement of intermediate asana. Introduction and intensive exploration and practice of intermediate asanas and their sequential coordination with the emphasis on more advanced standing poses, headstand, twists and beginning backbends.
Asana IIIb
Review and further intensive work on the Asana Ib and IIb poses and the various ways the poses may be adjusted to meet individual needs. Set up and sequencing a daily practice will be included.
Asana IVb
Study of theory and practice of more advanced asana for the personal practice of students and teachers. Emphasis on; headstand variations, more advanced twists, backbends and arm balancing.
Pranayama
Introduction to Pranayama
Exercises to increase awareness of the breathing process in preparation to practicing Pranayama. Alignment and balance in Savasana is taught in depth. Introduction to essential foundations of a Pranayama practice.
Pranayama
Discussion and practice of body alignment and breath flow. Beginning techniques of Pranayama will be introduced. Cautions and contraindications for Pranayama are taught.
Teaching Asana
Basic Teaching Techniques Ia
Students will learn and practice teaching techniques, visual, verbal, and demonstration skills.
Teaching Ib
Students will learn and practice teaching techniques, visual and verbal skills, experienced teachers in beginning level classes.
Teaching IIb
Students will study ethics, the student/teacher relationship, and practice teaching asana with more intense comprehension and detail. The theory and practice of physical adjustments and the use of props are taught.
Teaching IIIb
Students will continue teaching Asana, refining observation and adjustment skills.
Philosophy
Yoga Sutras
A study of classical Yoga philosophy based upon reading and translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The aims, methods, and powers of yoga. As well as the nature of liberation, will be investigated.
The Sutras provide a gateway to integrating Yoga in all aspect of daily life.
Bhagavad-Gita
The Bhagavad-Gita as a practical handbook for Yoga will be studied and related to daily life. The different branches of Yoga described in the Gita will be discussed and placed in context with other major Indian scriptures.
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
A study of the oldest surviving text on Hatha Yoga.
Anatomy and Physiology
Introductory courses in western Anatomy and physiology are required to assure students have a foundation in sciences of the body. These courses offer an introduction to anatomical terms and methods, a basic understanding of kinesiology, and of the body’s physiological systems and how Yoga affects these systems.
Anatomy
Following the introduction of anatomical terminology, planes of movement, etc., this course covers the skeletal, muscular, and soft tissue, structure of vertebral column, pelvis, and extremities. Basic kinesiology will be addressed.
Physiology
A general course of how the body systems function, with some consideration of specific physiological mechanism activated or affected by Yoga practice. Systems covered
include cellular, neuromuscular, nervous, circulator, respiratory, endocrine, immune digestive, and urinary and male and female reproductive.
Physiology of the Subtle Body
Yoga is a vitalistic science that views all of existence as enlivened by a vital force called Prana. Yoga Physiology describes how this vital force pervades and animates the entire being. This course covers the 3 bodies, 5 koshas, 14 main nadis, the 7 chakras.
Philosophies of India
A general outline of the origins of Yoga and its relationship to the six school of Indian philosophy with emphasis on the Sankhya system.
Ethics
Understanding the role of the Yoga teacher Yoga student relationship. Emphasis on the teacher’s behavior and communication.
Therapeutics
Recently much emphasis has been placed on “therapeutic” Yoga. Bhavana Institute asserts that all Yoga, when done with intelligence and sensitivity is therapeutic. Students of the Indian scholar and Yoga teacher Shri Krishnamacharya have been encouraged to bring Yoga to the public, and to look at each individual’s needs. Shri BKS Iyengar and Mr. TKV Desikachar are 2 of his students famous for work with therapeutic Yoga.
It is true that some students may require special time, attention and set up with props. This knowledge becomes clear over time with one’s own study, experience, increased observation skills, feedback from students and guidance from knowledgeable teachers.
Bhavana Institute asserts that it is possible to address the needs of multiple students within the context of a public class. A teacher should learn and teach to the best of his/her own capacities and be humble enough to ask for help and refer students to proper authorities.
Bhavana Institute will offer special classes including but not limited to back care basics, shoulder and neck care, knee care, restorative sequences, and sequences for menstrual cycles and menopause and andropause.
Bhavana Institute defers to the higher-level BKS Iyengar students with a Junior Intermediate level 2 or higher for their knowledge of sequences for special needs according to Yoga. We have access to teachers such as Lois Steinberg PhD of Urbana, Illinois.
Bhavana Institute does not diagnose, or imply cure for any medical conditions.
Required Electives 150-hour Program:
| Art of Sequencing | 2.5 hrs |
| Seeing and Understanding Bodies | 2.5 hrs |
| Ayurveda for Yoga Teachers II | 2.5 hrs |
| Emotional Purification: Transforming the Subtle Body through Ayurveda and Yoga |
3 hrs |
Required Electives 200-hour Program:
| Verbal Teaching Skills | 2.5 hrs |
| Art of Touch | 2.5 hrs |
| Ayurveda for Yoga Teachers | 3 hrs |
Required Electives 300-hour Program:
| Art of Sequencing | 2.5 hrs |
| Art of Touch II | 2.5 hrs |
| Seeing and Understanding Bodies | 2.5 hrs |
| Ayurveda for Yoga Teachers II | 2.5 hrs |
| Emotional Purification: Transforming the Subtle Body through Ayurveda and Yoga |
3 hrs |
Other Available Workshops for Elective Credit:
Back Care Basics
Shoulder and Neck Care
Knee Care
Low Back and Hips