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Please Note: The following Syllabus/Schedule is taken from our local training.

When we hold training abroad some of the information may not be applicable and the order of the modules may change.

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We are creating a whole new approach to YTT to better fit one's schedule and yet still be in person and in small groups.

Therefore, although you see just 10 modules below, this will be broken into more parts and spread over more time.

Dates will be announced soon!

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See Required Course Details  ~  Tuition / Investment  ~  Return To Course Overview

 

Module 1:

What is Yoga? / The Yoga Sutras / The Yoga of Virtues  / The Art of Listening / Spiritual Companioning / The Guru Within

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Sri Aurobindo said "All of life is yoga." Is sounds nice and profound, but what does it mean? What does it imply? It is a question that will come up again and again throughout the training, but the other components of this module (listed in the title) will give you a great headstart into understanding and practicing the deeper implications of what it means to be a yogi. However, do not expect to do much of an asana practice during this module. Instead, prepare yourself to learn some deep listening practices. We all have some partially missing elements that inhibit us from reaching greater degrees of harmony (yoga) . When we learn to listen to one another deeply we can often discover what these missing elements are. Thereafter, we can pursue the endless practices of yoga with a more refined degree of discernment, better enabled to find the missing elements that we need. 

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Module 2: 

Sacred Geometry & Anatomy (aka Delsarte)

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"Delsarte" is very difficult to describe, it really has to be experienced. Nevertheless, here is a try:  

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The Delsarte System of Expression engages the actual nature of creativity and divinity of expression.  It unlocks the manifold magnificent gifts residing within the "Vital", the "Mental", and the "Emotive" (Mind Body Spirit). 

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All yogis talk about Mind, Body and Spirit but leave this Trinity mainly within the realms of an esoteric concept.

Here you will learn to clearly define, claim and harmonize the 3.

What was previously intangible esoteria will become a very real and direct experience.      

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"Delsarte" was a phenomenon that once influenced a whole era in history - particularly drama and dance.

However, Joe has remarkably adapted this knowledge to yoga in a way that will leave you feeling that

any sincere yogi or yoga teacher of depth will find it absolutely essential to

insightful, graceful, harmonious, inspirational and artful teaching and practice.

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In a nutshell, artists will find the yoga in their art and yogis will find the art in their yoga.

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Note: Though this module is often taught by Joe Williams (the only master of the system in the world, as far as anyone knows) he has become increasingly busy over the years as this work gains in popularity; and so sometimes he is not able to teach this module for us; which is the case this time around.  This means that Will will be teaching it. However, Will has more experience training with Joe than any other student to date and has been recognized as Joe's first and only certified teacher. Nevertheless, if you do not get a chance to have this class with Joe, it probably won't be long till he comes to CYS again; and at that time we encourage you to come and take the workshop from him as well; as it's really impossible to get enough of this! Furthermore, this will not cost you anything if it is your first workshop with Joe, even if you have already had the module with Will.

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Module 3: 

Ayurveda Essentials / The Diet of Compassion / Karmic Footprint / Karma and a Symbolic View of Reincarnation

 

Ayurveda / Diet and Lifestyle / Karmic Footprint /  and a Symbolic Look at Reincarnation

Discover your Dosha (Ayurvedic Constitution) and learn why what’s good for others (in terms of diet, exercise, approach to life, etc.) may not be good or optimal for you—and the reverse.
 
Softening Your Karmic Footprint
Perhaps you have heard of your Carbon Footprint and how it affects your Self and the world in ways you may not have been aware of. Similarly, the way in which we lead our lives affects the macrocosm in ways we have not previously imagined. In this segment, we will have a discussion that penetrates many veils on the surface of our minds that could be easily brought down ...but more often are ignored.

Symbolic Understanding of Reincarnation
Cross Referencing For Truth (see Module 5) students will find that there is far more to learn from the symbolic understanding than the literal; and also come to know why so many of the most scholarly and revered yoga teachers, whether believing in a literal theory of reincarnation or not, have advised students not to dwell on thoughts of past lives, but to concentrate on this life, nay, this very moment.  Also, in this way, we build a common ground for a more ready dialog between those who believe in reincarnation and those who do not, while broadening the comprehension and appreciation of these deep symbols for both.

Karmic Beliefs ...in relation to Caste-ism and Racism 
As sincere yogis we should not only be concerned for ourselves but the condition of the world. There is a tragic misunderstanding about karma that has wreaked centuries of devastation upon India's downcast. The roots of Caste-ism are strikingly similar to America's racism. In both places, they deeply persist though many largely deny it. Such blind spots are rooted in ego and keep the complete yoga of humanity still at bay.

 

Suggested Books: 
World Peace Diet (by Will Tuttle) is not mandatory to acquire, but in the next round of training modules it will be Required, not Suggested. In other words, i highly encourage you to get it. I found it at Loving Hut for half the cover price. Even cheaper, used versions can be ordered on Amazon. As usual however, you don't have to complete any of the books before the modules.

 

  

   

MODULE 4:

Yin Yoga / Vipassana Meditation / Actions From Wholeness / Asana Languaging / The Mahabharata / Yoga Sutras

 

Yin Yoga

It used to be that most all postural yoga practices were Yang, (active). Today Yin yoga (passive yoga) is becoming increasingly recognized, as it should be, as the other half of a Postural Yoga Practice; not just a missing link but a missing half.

 

Vipassana Meditation

Vipassana is the other half of both a Ying and Yang practice. However, in a Yin Practice you can most effectively practice Vipassana. Both Yin and Vipassana are becoming increasingly popular among people who are both fit and limber and those who are stiff and/or out of shape. Both Yin and Vipassana can be taught very well simultaneously to a wide variety of physical conditions and personality types. It offers a great stretch to the connective tissue and a great meditation to the beginner as well as the adept. Vipassana also enhances one’s ability to get the most out of all other forms of asana and meditation.

 

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (continued from Module 3)

In module 3 we went over the first 5 limbs of Patanjali's 8 limbed path of yoga. In this module we explore the remaining 3 limbs which are about meditation: Dharan, Dhyana and Samadhi.  

 

Actions From Wholeness - Too hard to explain fully here, but includes speaking from a place of presence and asana "languaging" for effective teaching.

 

Wholeness and Asana Languaging - The meditative approach to guiding students with your voice.

 

The Mahabharata: Intro to the Bhagavad-Gita

The "Gita" is considered "the Bible of yoga" and "the world's oldest psychology textbook.” This intro will help prepare you for a deeper understanding that comes up in the next module/weekend:

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Suggested reading: The Mahabharata - can be found on the Ocean research library, which can be downloaded safely and for free in about 10 minutes at:http://www.bahai-education.org/ocean/

Suggested Reading: YinSights: A Journey into the Philosophy & Practice of Yin Yoga - by Bernie Clark

Suggested Video: Yin Yoga - by Paul Grilley

Required Reading / Resource: The Heart of Yoga -by TKV Desikachar.

Required Reading: The Wisdom of Yoga -by Stephen Cope.

(The above 2 books are not to be read and digested before or after this module, but should be studied in pieces throughout the entire training.)

 

Required to Review: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

(Dont expect to understand the Sutras without commentary, just get acquainted. It will make a little more sense later on in light of the other books. The Sutras are also already included in both of the above mentioned, required books: Desikachar and Cope)

 

 

Module 5: 

Chakras & Elements / The Bhagavad-Gita / The Seven Valleys  / The Yoga of the World's Religions / Cross Referencing for Truth

 

Chakra Anatomy

We will take an in-depth look at 7 major chakras, how they correspond to the Panch Maha Bhutas (5 Great Elements: Earth Water Fire Air Space), how they affect our behavior and health, and how to assess whether they are balanced (...which is also an intro to the 5 Element aspects of the Advanced level training.) 

 

Cross Referencing For Truth

Are the world’s religions really at odds? Or does humanity have an odd tendency to create arbitrary divisions when challenged by the divine wisdom of paradox?

 

Required Reading: Founders of Faith: The Parallel Lives of God's Messengers by Harold Rosen

 

The Seven Valleys

Understanding this Book is greatly aided by knowledge of the 7 major chakras. In turn the Book helps us to understand the providential life experiences relate to the 7 major chakras. Written by Baha'u'llah, who was unlearned in Sufi mysticism (nor ever entered any school whatsoever), He nevertheless, inspired the learned Sufis of the day to refer to him as (a Sufi) "Master". His book is in response to perplexities put forth to Him by an adept Sufi in reference to the deeply esoteric poetry that is strongly webbed into Sufi and Islamic teachings. Therein, we also find—by cross referencing for truth—that the chakras referred to by the Hindu mystics are simultaneously illuminated in terms of life stages ("valleys").

 

Required Reading/skimming: The Seven Valleys, by Baha'u'llah

(Do not expect to understand this book, just get acquainted with it. It will make more sense later on. It can be found on the Ocean Research Library program; which can be downloaded safely and for free in about 10 minutes at:http://www.bahai-education.org/ocean/ Or it can be bought at Amazon.)

 

The Bhagavad Gita

Considered the "Bible of yoga,” and "the world's oldest psychology textbook,” the "Gita" describes pathways of life towards the ultimate states of yoga  ...the same yoga promised at the heart of all world religions.

(Do not expect to understand this book, just become acquainted with it. It will make more sense later on, with every passing year of your life!)

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Module 6: June 22 - 23 

Hands on Anatomy / Intro to Thai Yoga Massage / Meridians & Corresponding Organs 

{This is also Part 1 of Thai Yoga Massage Training. This optional and additional training is an additional $750 for those in this Yoga Teacher Training. By taking this yoga training you get the TYM training at half price. It is $1500 for those who are not a part of this YTT}

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We begin with an Anatomy program created by Paul Grilley. With real live case examples, he makes it clear that there is no style of asana yoga perfect for everyone and pressuring students to fit molds or expectations as if it is "the way it is supposed to be done" is asking for trouble. With Paul we learn to approach each person authentically in their uniqueness. This is absolutely essential knowledge for conducting a safe asana practice. 

 

The Video leads us into an introduction to Thai Yoga Massage (TYM), a wonderful Hands-On anatomy experience that enables us to both witness the insights in the video as well as practice adjusting yoga postures in a way that improves our sensitivity and sensibility in how we work with each unique body. TYM, also called "lazy mans yoga", enables you to take someone thru a full-body acupressure massage while giving them a fantastic stretch at the same time. 

 

You can use the TYM training as a whole new addition to your yogic work (and income) (and a separate and intensive TYM certification training is also offered, but not required) - or you may just use it in your regular yoga classes to give your students fantastic yoga adjustments, as well as healing and relaxing corpse pose perks! However the point of this module is not to give you extra tools for use outside of a regular yoga-asana class, rather these skills will fine tune your sensitivities to do extremely discerning and intuitive yoga adjustments and other healing work. Yoga teachers that cannot do adjustments will always be severely lacking in both their abilities to help students into postures, but also in understanding what they are trying to achieve with those postures. Many trainings address the former, but the latter is what yoga-asana is all about! The alignment we seek with postures is all about the meridians; the healing "energy channels" of the body that correspond to various organs and energy systems of the body. It is the opening of these channels that brings out the magic of yoga. Without an understanding of the meridians one is just dabbling in their yogic studies, but with this module you will both understand and experience their magic.

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Suggested Material: There are many books on Thai Yoga Massage to learn new moves and use as a resource. You are free to choose whichever one you like; however you might want to be sure that the book also has a DVD, as so many of them provide.

 

 

Module 7:

The Art of Seeing; Eye Yoga / Desktop Yoga, Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga  

 

The title of this module is self-explanatory, but because we work a lot with the eyes, students who wear contact lenses should be prepared to bring regular glasses ~ and of a weaker strength if possible. (So hopefully you held on to some old lenses before downgrading to stronger ones). Also please resolve to wear your lenses as little as possible during the weekend and only when needed thereafter; using them only as a tool when requred, rather than a constant body appendage.  Otherwise many of the benefits that are possible -within this one weekend- will either not be attained or, even if they are, the eyes may go right back to the way they were. This is because the strength of your current prescription will be too strong and thus reharm your eyes back to where you started. Also, please be advised that working with the eyes is also a powerful method of quieting the mind -which in turn can bring up some "stuff"-even repressed memories. However, it usually just manifest with some achiness and perhaps a few tears. But don't worry... its a good thing!

 

In addition to the main topics of this module we will spend a lot of time going over asanas and allowing for anyone who feels ready to do a practice teach in which supportive feedback will be given. (Let me know if you are ready to try it!)

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  {July 5 - 7 Part 2 of TYM Training: Starting at 5pm until 7pm on Friday July 5th, and 1:00 to 7:00 on the 6th & 7th}

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Module 8: 

Living It: 24 Hours of Silent & Sincere Practice

 

Much of what we do in this module is a refresher in which we put together many of the things we have learned thus far throughout the training. (For those new, or recently having started the training, it will be something like a summary of many things to come.) Though there will be clear and complete instructions, students will refrain from unnecessary communications *including meal times and while at home* as an opportunity to glimpse the awakening power of silence. We will also have longer sessions of Asana, Pranayama and Meditations; including a variation upon the Zen Vision Walk we did in module 7. Therefore, just as in module 7, if you wear contact lenses bring something so you can take them out, and if you wear glasses bring a weaker prescription if you have one. (..you may not need the strong lenses again unless you force your eyes back into them.) 

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Required Reading: Chapter 9 in Stephen Cope's book, The Wisdom of Yoga

(As with all readings they do not have to be done before a module, however it is highly suggested to read and re-read chapter 9 of Copes book before, during and after the module.)

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Suggested Reading: Eat, Pray, Love - by Elizabeth Gilbert

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Module 9:

Progressive Revelation / How The World Ended In 2012 / Mayans, Mandalas, Mound Builders, Masons, Martians & Ley Lines / Looking to the Future thru the Past / Yugas 

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After a review of the history of yoga and the concept of Progressive Revelation, we will become acquainted with those Avatars and Saints who have been attributed to helping its global spread. Thereafter, we will explore the future of yoga. This will include New Age mysticism with age old insights, quantum physics, sacred geometry, crop circles, the implications of individual, internal evolution and the collective, planetary, spiritual revolution.

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Suggested Reading: The Yugas (Crystal Clarity Publishers) 

Required Reading: A New Earth - by Eckart Tolle

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Suggested Reading: The Kitab-i-Iqan - by Baha'u'llah

Suggested Reading: Beginners Guide to Constructing the Universe - by Michael Schneider

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Module 10:

Final Practice Teaches / Business & Liability / Miscellaneous-Overflow

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We will discuss some very practical matters with getting started in the arena of teaching, such as insurance, making a living, and running a business. How to become a magnet to draw in the things you need for success. Beyond this we will take a look at various things that may not have gotten enough attention in previous modules.  

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Suggested Reading: Teaching Yoga: exploring the teacher-student relationship - by Donna Farhi

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Module 11: 

Feng Shui, Organization & Magnetism

 

The healing art of placement and its magnetic forces.

Meditation Initiation / Graduation Ceremony:

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The meditation Initiation involves sitting in stillness for one full hour!

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We encourage you to start practicing Now! 

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Graduation Ceremony will follow the Initiation.

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Syllabus Books

Please Click Here for a succinct list of books taken from the syllabus above.

It is highly suggested that you read the syllabus above before ordering any books or sending in your application.

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