200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING IN RISHIKESH

This style of Yoga is the original and traditional Yoga. When we practice Hatha Yoga asanas, we perform postures which gives us a strong foundation and helps us on the journey to self-discovery. The word Hatha is a combination of two Sanskrit words: Ham and Tham. Ham represents Pingala nadi, the physical force, the masculine and the sun. Tham represents the Ida nadi, the mental force, the feminine and the moon. Hatha is the balance and harmony of these two forces so that the third force, the Sushumna nadi can be awakened. When these two energies work in balance, the Sushumna starts flowing and this becomes the pathway of free-flowing energy in the body. Through practicing Hatha Yoga postures, we gain benefits both mentally, physically and spiritually.

In Vinyasa we flow from one posture to another in smooth transitions. This practice helps us to gain flexibility, strength and a feeling of a balanced body and mind. Often the flow is fast paced and only one breath per movement or posture. This style of yoga is also simply known as ‘Flow’ and you move through a sequence of postures with one leg leading and then the same sequence of postures with the other leg leading afterwards. This way of practicing stands in opposition to, for example, Hatha Yoga where we focus on one pose to practice on both sides of the body before moving to another pose.

At Hatha Yoga World we are passionate about teaching this topic because it is important to understand how being in the correct posture or adjusting a student into the correct posture gives the practitioner the opportunity to gain the full benefits of an asana. At the same time the practitioner can be sure to be free from injuries if aligned correctly.

In the Pranayama practices there are four important aspects of breathing which are utilised. These are Pooraka or inhalation, Rachaka or exhalation, Antar kumbhaka or internal breath retention and Bahir kumbhaka or external breath retention. The most important part of Pranayama is actually Kumbhaka or breath retention. However, in order to perform Kumbhaka successfully, there must be a gradual development of control over the function of respiration. Therefore, in the Pranayama practices more emphasis is given to inhalation and exhalation at the beginning in order to strengthen the lungs and balance the nervous and pranic systems in preparation for the practice of Kumbhaka

The topics in anatomy are many and it is very useful information to gain and bring that knowledge with you into a Yoga practice. You gain an understanding of how the body works and reacts to certain postures and techniques. For example, when performing pranayama, it is useful to know how the respiratory system functions and when you practice an asana you can visualize how the skeletal system is placed, when you have gained knowledge about the bones and joints.

Meditation is the practice of being present and mindful. It could be done seated, walking or even during gardening. An interesting fact about asanas is that we actually perform asanas to gain a healthy body which is free from disease and pain and therefore it becomes possible to meditate instead of only noticing the disease and pain. Meditation brings calmness to mind, helps you to move inwards and deepen your spiritual connection.

Yoga is a lifestyle and therefore topics to teach and learn are endless. When studying Yoga philosophy, you will be introduced to the paths of Yoga like Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of devotion), Karma Yoga (Yoga of action), Jnana Yoga (Yoga of knowledge), Hatha Yoga (Yoga of the physical balance), Raja Yoga (Yoga of meditation / Royal path) and the eight limbs of Yoga which is a guide to live well.

Being a Yoga instructor it is important to know the target areas of each asana, understanding the function of them, being able to offer modifications and having dedicated self-practice to discover asanas. Other important factors when teaching are having clear communication with students and a gentle approach when giving instructions. Observe students to see if anyone needs props. Props can be used or not at all. While teaching Yoga, an instructor can adjust physically, but verbal adjustments are also a great way to guide. While adjusting physically you can make small adjustments like tilting the pelvis, modify the asana or completely change the asana to make the same stretch available to different body types.

Gaining knowledge of postures, alignment and philosophy gives you the tools to practice yourself and experience Yoga on your own. This means that you can practice Yoga anywhere and use it in your daily life without being dependent on anyone to guide you. It is only through practice that we can get better at Yoga and gain more experience. When practicing yourself you realize what you have truly learned and what you can study further. Self-practice means self-realization.

Mantras are sacred words or sentences which can be chanted in meditation or during a Yoga session to set an intention. The well-known mantra AUM or OM is considered to be the most sacred mantra and is chanted in the beginning and end of most ancient Yogic texts and also in most Yoga classes. Om represents the sound of the universe. Another example of a chant is ‘OM shanti, shanti, shanti’. Shanti means ‘peace’.

The first Kriya that is introduced at Hatha Yoga World during the course is Neti. Kriyas helps to purify the body and Neti is the act of purifying the sinuses and nasal cavity. Shatkarma means six actions of purification. These purification practices create balance in the pranic flow and harmonize the three Doshas to balance bodily functions. If the body is full of toxins the system and organs are not working in coordination and it is not possible to progress on the spiritual path. The six purification practices are: Neti, Dhauti, Basti, Nauli, Kapalbhati and Trataka.

Karma Yoga is the science of achieving perfection in action. Karma Yoga is based on a general understanding of Karma and reincarnation. It is believed that people are born with certain tendencies, both positive and negative, from ones previous lives. These tendencies push one toward performing certain actions in the present life. The word Karma comes from the Sanskrit root ‘Kri’ which means to do; to perform action. In every moment of our lives we are active; we are continuously involved in action and with consciousness we can do good.