Course Descriptions
During your study at Bhavana Institute training program for Yoga you will receive instruction in:
Asana
Asana 1a
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 11a
Study of theory and practice of intermediate asana. Introduction and intensive exploration and practice of intermediate asanas and their sequential coordination with the Asana 1 poses. Emphasis on more advanced standing poses, headstand, twists and beginning backbends.
Asana 1b
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 11b
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 111b
Review and further intensive work on the Asana 1b and 11b poses and the various ways the poses may be adjusted to meet individual needs. Set up and sequencing a daily practice will be included.
Pranayama
Introduction to Pranayama
Introduction to essential foundations of a Pranayama practice.
Alignment and balance in Savasana is taught in depth.
Discussion and practice of body alignment and breath awareness
Beginning techniques of Pranayama will be introduced.
Cautions and contraindications for Pranayama are taught.
Teaching Asana
Teaching Techniques 200 hour program
Students will learn and practice teaching techniques, visual, verbal, and demonstration skills. This includes the art of arranging the class, class control, use of props, and adjustments. Teaching sessions with peers is a regular component of this class.
Teaching 300 hour program
Students will learn and practice teaching techniques, visual and verbal skills.
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.
Philosophy
Upanishads
The Upanishads are ancient, sacred texts of India which are considered to be among the greatest spiritual writings ever recorded. Of the 200 or more Upanishads, only 13 of them have been identified as presenting the core teachings. Each is presented in the form of a dialog on the nature of Pure Consciousness or Atman.
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.
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.
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.
