Pranayama Yoga Teacher Training

Our Pranayama Teacher Training Course explores theory and extensive practice of a variety of Pranayama techniques. Students experience the effect of these practices impacting the body on both the gross and subtle level, working towards purification and balance of the physical and energetic bodies.
“Prana” is translated from Sanskrit to mean the life-force or vital energy that channels through the body. It is the spiritual link between the mind and consciousness. Students of Pranayama engage in a variety of focused breathing techniques with careful guidance from experienced teachers which improve overall health as well as maintaining well being in all of the vital organs within the body. Through these techniques and deep breathing, we are able to stimulate the Vagus nerve, the main nerve within the parasympathetic nervous system. The Vagus nerve controls the heart rate and by slowing this down, we can lower blood pressure and calm both the body and mind. The health benefits of Pranayama also include; purifying the blood, reducing stress and anxiety levels,  purging negative emotions, preventing disease, removing toxins and strengthening the immune system.

“Respiration being disturbed, the mind becomes disturbed. By restraining respiration, the Yogi gets steadiness of mind”. – Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Course are held in either Lonavala or Rishikesh (see more information below) under the guidance of Shri G. S. Sahay, the author / editor of several yoga books. His book Hathayogapradipika is now available on Kindle and Smashwords

Theory Course / Program

Lectures on Hathayoga:

• Pranayama In Hathayoga

• The Evolution of Pranayama

• Mitahara / Balanced diet

• The Three Bandhas of Pranayama/Kumbhaka

• Kundalini; Arousal, Method and Location.

• The Yogic Evaluation of Cleansing

• Attitudes and the Importance of our Approach to Yogic Practices

•  Lectures on Patanjala yoga

• Introduction to Patanjali and Yogasutra

• Klesha in Yogasutra

• Mental Modifications (Cittavritti), Concomitants of a Distracted Mind ( vikshepa sahabhuva) and Distraction of the Mind (cittavikshepa or antaraya)

• Cittaaprasadana

• Concept of Ashtanga Yoga (Yamas and Niyamas)

Other lectures

• Intro about Shiva-Svarodaya

• Yoga texts with special reference to Pranayama

• Physiological considerations of Pranayama

The program is 8 hours a day including 1 hrs of self reflection. Students will also have a variety of assignments to complete.

Eligibility Criteria

• Basic English language skills. The course is conducted in English.

• Prior experience or some knowledge of Yoga is key. More important is an open mind and an eagerness to learn.

• Good physical condition and a daily Pranayama self practice.

• 100% attendance is mandatory.

• Places are awarded on both eligibility and on a first paid, first served basis.

• Fees include accommodation and meals.