Harmony Yoga Academy

600 Hour

Practitioner and Teacher Training Course

PTTC

Prospectus

www.harmonyyoga.co.uk

http://www.harmonyyoga.co.uk/

A small group course in traditional Yoga and Ayurveda for healing, health and

transformation.

Residential study retreats plus distance learning; accessible to national and

international students.

Course Overview

Traditional Yoga and Ayurveda for healing, health and transformation.

Four Residential Study Retreats in Devon, UK.

Ayurvedic Healing Distance Learning Course.

Train to Teach 1:1, Therapy and Group Situations.

Course Start: April 2015

Course End: May 2017

Harmony Yoga Academy

Practitioner & Teacher Training Course

Harmony Yoga Academy PTTC presents Yoga as a complete philosophy of life covering body,

senses, mind and soul. Ayurveda is the natural healing science from the Vedic tradition and is

integrated with the spiritual orientation of Yoga.

The authentic concepts and practices of Yoga are contained in the Yoga Sutras of the sage

Patanjali.

Patanjali also authored authoritative works on Ayurveda and the Sanskrit language, enlightening

body, speech and mind.

Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) and Vastu (Vedic environmental design) complete an integral spectrum

of Vedic Sciences for body, mind, space and time and these subjects will be introduced on the

course.

Ayurveda – Body

Yoga – Mind

Jyotish – Time

Vastu – Space

Sri T. Krishnamacharya was a Yoga and Vedic teacher with a complete mastery of all the Vedic

sciences and he is the inspiration for this training.

This training aims to share and maintain these teachings as the most beneficial to progress

humanity’s evolution and well-being.

Yoga therapy, health and spirituality will be covered, informed by Ayurveda with its Yogic

principles intact.

All major modules will be residential study retreats. This will enable us to present the material in an

integrated and supportive environment.

An Ayurvedic Distance Learning Course is studied with our recommended training partner,

American Institute of Vedic Studies, to complement the face to face study.

This format will make the course accessible to national and international students.

The Yoga of T. Krishnamacharya

“The approach to yoga these days may be classified in three ways. First, Yoga is treated as

a Vedic Philosophy based on the sutras of Patanjali. It deals with all the aspects of

Samadhi - its prerequisites and ramifications - and culminates in the realization of the

distinctive natures of both prakrti and purusa, or indwelling consciousness. This realization

leads to kaivalya or moksa, according to Yoga philosophy.

Second, yoga is treated as an art and as a complete physical culture (sarvanga sadhana).

The many asanas and their variations, along with coordinated breathing, are what make it

an art, and it is considered one of the sixty four arts (kalas or vidyas). This physical culture

is fascinating to many.

Third, yoga is considered a therapy for many ailments, and as curative and especially

preventive. Naturally the therapeutic approach (cikitsa krama) will be distinctly different from

that of the student of yoga who approaches it as an art or a philosophy. Many texts talk

about the benefits of certain asanas, pranayamas, mudras, bandhas, and so on. According

to Ayurveda, those diseases that are chronic and cannot be cured by medicine alone can

and should be treated with yogasanas and pranayamas.

Finally, certain texts talk about yoga practice being structured according to one’s age.

These sources divide people according to their stage of life and suggest different

approaches. Those approaches are called srsti, sthiti, and laya. Certain asanas and

vinyasas should be done during the growth stage (srsti), and others during middle age,

when there is neither growth nor decay, and still others during the period of decay, called

the laya krama.”

Srivatsa Ramaswami. Yoga for the Three Stages of Life. P.234

“He (Krishnamacharya) divides the practice of yoga into three parts. When you want to

develop muscular power, power to concentrate, power to do difficult postures, etc., this is

called sakti krama, sakti in the sense of power. And then, he also considers another yoga

practice, what is called adhyatmika krama. This is what many people like, that is, to go

beyond the physical and to understand, say, God or oneself; in other words, to know what

is inside us. Third, cikitsa krama, meaning people who are not ready for sakti krama or

adhyatmika krama, or who may not be interested in them, but who come to us with some

problem. We have to modify the practice of yoga asana and breathing so that this problem

is reduced. According to him, this cikitsa krama is to eliminate impurities in what he calls

kosa and nadi.”

T.K.V. Desikachar. The Yoga of T. Krishnamacharya. P.19

Source of these Yoga Teachings Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya was born in Muchukundapuram, Karnataka State, India in November 1888. He has been called “The teacher of our teachers” and “The father of modern Yoga” because of the far-reaching influence that his teachings have had on Yoga worldwide.

Sri T.Krishnamacharya teaching.

Photograph by Dr. Radhakrishnan

Krishnamacharya spent the first part of his life studying Indian philosophy, Ayurveda and Yoga. His thirst for knowledge led him to study at the great centres of learning and to seek out teachers who could transmit the vast wisdom of the ancient sages. He obtained mastery of the six darsana, branches of Vedic knowledge, he studied Ayurveda and was a Sanskrit scholar. Krishnamacharya became the Yoga teacher of the Maharaja of Mysore and a place was also made available for Krishnamacharya to run a Yoga school. During this period Krishnamacharya taught B.K.S. Iyengar and Patabhi Jois, both of whom went on to become world famous Yoga teachers. The Yoga school was closed in 1947 and Krishnamacharya and his family moved to Chennai. Krishnamacharya continued to teach and work as a healer. During this time he taught many students and family members, some of who have become well known Yoga teachers and authors in their own right; T.K.V. Desikachar, T.K. Sribhashyam (two of Krishnamacharya’s son’s), Srivatsa Ramaswami and A.G. and Indra Mohan.

Krishnamacharya passed away in 1989 after an extraordinary life of one hundred years of devoted

study and service.

Srivatsa Ramaswami

Ramaswami is Krishnamacharya’s longest standing student outside the master’s own family. He studied with him for over thirty years and has taught Yoga for many years in India, the U.S.A. and UK. He has written a number of books on Yoga and has made many recordings chanting the Vedas and other texts.

During his studies with Krishnamacharya, he learnt the full spectrum of asana and pranayama practice, Yoga therapy and had extensive studies of the important Yoga texts.

This included Patanjala Yogasutras, Samkhya Karika, Hathayogapradipika, Bhagavad Gita. He studied the following Upanishads under his acharya: Chandogya, Taithiriya, Svetasvatara, Isavasya. Ramaswami also studied Vedic chanting.

Course Content

Art & Science of Vinyasa Krama Yoga.

Yoga asana for beginners and therapeutic application of asana. Simple postures and sequences for learning and therapy. Design of personal practices for therapy and health.

The entire range of vinyasas (numbering about 700) in eleven classical sequences, in depth.

All the main sequences of Vinyasa Krama and adaptations. It will be an in depth coverage of the complete Vinyasa Krama series.

A full range of tools for the practitioner or teacher to use in their personal practice and teaching situations.

Instructions and guidance on asana practice from Krishnamacharya’s books ‘Yoga Makaranda’ and ‘Yoga Rahasya.

The most comprehensive coverage of the full spectrum of classical yogasana available

Yoga Therapy.

The application of Yoga techniques for treating common ailments and restoring health.

Ayurvedic Healing.

300 hour distance learning course with American Institute of Vedic Studies. Practical sessions during study retreats. Integration of Yoga and Ayurveda.

Yogic and Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle.

Ayurvedic Diet for individual constitution and correcting imbalances. Life, health and longevity. Yoga diet for physical and mental transformation. Elements, doshas and gunas.

“Just as music without proper pitch and rhythm will not give any

pleasure, similarly asana practice done without vinyasa krama will not give good health. When that is so,

what more is there to say about long life and strength in this context?” —

Sri T. Krishnamacharya

“Different diseases arise in different beings due to the variety of body types, activities, and climate, and there is no one cause. There is no doubt that by Ashtanga Yoga one would get relief from these ailments. With the uneradicated illness afflicting different parts of the body, what activities or meditation can one do?” — Sri T. Krishnamacharya

Pranayama Methods.

Pranayama for beginners and therapeutic application of pranayama. All classical Pranayama methods taught and practised along with the Bandhas. Teaching methods, sequence and practice planning for the various procedures. Use of Mantra in Pranayama. Pranayama techniques and parameters from the Hathayogapradipika, Yogayagnavalkya

and the Yoga Sutras. The physical and mental health benefits with therapeutic applications. The spiritual application of pranayama.

Anatomy and Physiology for Vinyasa Krama Yoga with Dr Norah Nelson

This will take an overview of the major bones and muscles of the body. We will look at their location and function and specifically how they can be utilized in various yoga postures.

The respiratory and cardiovascular system will be covered.

The training will consist of lecture sections as well as practical demonstrations.

Some home study hours will also be required on this subject, which will also cover the functions of other major organs and systems.

Breathing, circulation, and the health benefits of Yoga will be integrated into the course to make this subject 'live' and applicable to Yoga and its unique health paradigm.

Anatomy of Movement in Vinyasa Krama Yoga will explain the intelligence of Vinyasa Krama Yoga with reference to western perspectives on structural anatomy and kinesiology; focusing on understanding the anatomical structures of the human body through examining how they operate in healthy movement; applies the principles of anatomy and kinesiology in holistic observation and assessment of movement and posture; covers some common musculoskeletal imbalances, aches/pains and injuries; and encourages teachers and practitioners to apply anatomy knowledge when using Vinyasa Krama Yoga.

Yoga Subtle Anatomy.

The Yogic paradigm of health, including subtle anatomy. The unique methods to achieve optimum holistic health that the Yogis devised. A proper assessment of the available yoga techniques to impart health to different parts of

the body, especially the internal organs. Procedures specifically for the different systems and organs like the heart and the

circulatory system, lungs and the respiratory system, the abdominal organs and the digestive system, pelvic organs, the brain, spine and the nadis, all from a yogic perspective.

Subtle anatomy, cakras, nadis and marma points. Yoga has a limited but a powerful selection of procedures—different asanas and myriad

vinyasas, breathing exercises, a variety of unique mudras and meditation techniques to strengthen almost all systems of the human body/mind. It is therefore called sarvanga sadhana, or a method of accessing and working on every part and system of the body, including the internal organs. Aided by proper diet and a calm mind, Yoga can ensure healthy internal organs and a robust disease free life.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Sri Krishnamacharya would tell his students to eschew all yoga practices that are

inconsistent with the teachings of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Svatmarama, the author of the famous Hatha Yoga Treatise, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, says at

the outset that his work on Hatha Yoga is intended to help prepare yoga aspirants to be able to practice Raja Yoga (the Yoga of enlightenment propounded by Patanjali). So it is useful and necessary for Hatha Yogis and other serious yoga students to make an in-depth study of the Yoga Sutras.

An overview of the goal (Kaivalya or spiritual freedom) and the means of attaining the goal will be given.

Explanation of the progression of the thought process of the sutras, emphasising the importance of the various components: Yoga psychology, the mental transformation, the conceptualisation of vrittis and their stoppage and the true nature of the Self.

All the four chapters, highlighting the main points and practices. Practice of chanting the sutras, using the conventional method of “chandas” whereby the

sutras are broken down to manageable portions and the participant repeats the portion twice after the teacher.

Meditation Methods.

The various meditation methods available in Yoga. The preparation and progression of practice.

Yoga psychology and the process of mental transformation. Mantras as a means of developing the mind toward meditation. Several classical mantras including Pranava (Om), Gayatri mantras, along with an

introduction to Vedic mantras. Meditation procedures as enunciated by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, along with the

preparatory practice. How to choose a suitable meditation practice for a personal practice.

Krishnamacharya’s Works.

Sri Krishnamacharya’s teaching methods and his philosophy of Yoga are contained in his works, especially Yoga Rahasya and Yoga Makaranda. These texts will be covered and integrated into the appropriate sections of the training.

Vedas speak of yoga in many ways,

ashtanga yoga is the best among them,

which compassionate Patanjali

expounded through his sutras.

Patanjali glorifies the all knowing,

free from defects

Giver of both gain and deliverance.

Dhyanamalika Sloka 6-7,

Sri T Krishnamacharya

Teaching Methodology. The Viniyoga of Yoga.

’Viniyoga’ is the application of Yoga appropriate to the situation. The application of Vinyasa Krama Yoga to students of all ages and abilities. How to teach in group situations and in one-to-one sessions, including Yoga practice plans,

sequencing of sessions and course planning.

Ayurvedic Anatomy and Assessment.

Ayurvedic principles and methods of assessment. Yoga practice applied from an Ayurvedic

perspective.

“While using asanas for cikitsa (therapy), whether standing or seated poses, the variety of variations should be used. And during practice of asanas, the flow of breath should be regulated (synchronised).” — Sri T. Krishnamacharya

Required Course Texts

Ramaswami, Srivatsa. (2005) The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga. New York: Marlowe &

Company. *

Ramaswami, Srivatsa. (2000) Yoga for the Three Stages of Life. Rochester: Inner Traditions

International. *

Ramaswami, Srivatsa. (2006) Yoga Beneath the Surface. New York: Marlowe & Company. *

Hoxsey, P. (2005) Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: Based on the teachings of Srivatsa Ramaswami.

Evanston: Pam Hoxsey. *

Parker, S. (2009) The Concise Human Body Book. London: Dorling Kindersley

Frawley, D. (1990) From the River of Heaven. Salt Lake City: Passage Press

Desikachar, TKV with Cravens, R.H. (1998) Health, Healing & Beyond. Yoga and the Living

Tradition of Krishnamacharya. New York: Aperture

The Vinyasa Krama Yoga Practice Manual by Steve Brandon & Charles Cox

Yoga for Body, Breath and Mind by A.G. Mohan

Yoga Therapy. A Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Yoga and Ayurveda for Health and

Fitness by A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan.

Kaminoff, L. (2012) Yoga Anatomy 2nd edition. Champaign: Human Kinetics Yoga for Wellness by Gary Kraftsow

Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing by Dr Vasant Lad

Course Books by David Frawley for Ayurvedic Healing Course with AIVS

Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide

Yoga of Herbs (with Vasant Lad)

Yoga and Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-realization

Ayurveda and the Mind: The Healing of Consciousness

Ayurveda, Nature’s Medicine (with Subhash Ranade)

Tutors

Steve Brandon

Steve began studies in the Yoga of Krishnamacharya in 1999 with Viniyoga

Britain and his personal tutor Ranju Roy. He completed the V.B. Practitioner

Training in 2006. He also completed workshops with T.K.V. Desikachar and

A.G. and Indra Mohan. Steve has completed Vinyasa Krama Yoga teacher

training with Srivatsa Ramaswami and further programmes on the teachings

of Krishnamacharya in India and the USA. He has studied Ayurveda with the

American Institute of Vedic Studies and with Dr Deepa Apte of Ayurveda

Pura Academy. He is an associate member of the Ayurvedic Practitioners

Association. Steve has 15 years of teaching experience and, as well as

private classes and personal lessons, has taught in schools, health centres,

community education and prisons. He has taught students from 7 years of

age to 80 years from all walks of life.

“Steve Brandon’s quiet determination is discernible in everything he does about Yoga- whether studying, practising, teaching or propagating this unique discipline. He has equal facility in both the practical and the philosophical aspects of Yoga which would help him to understand and teach holistic Yoga in an exceptional way. He has a strong foundation on Krishnamacharya’s Yoga, having studied under some outstanding teachers from Sri Krishnamacharya’s lineage. He has successfully completed my 200 hour Vinyasakrama Yoga programme, and has taken part in a number of workshops and training programmes in Vinyasakrama and Yoga Philosophy. He is a very good organizer and has successfully arranged several programs for me in the UK. And I wish him well in all his endeavours in the field of Yoga.” Srivatsa Ramaswami Anatomy and Physiology: Norah Nelson PhD

Norah Nelson (PhD) has over a decade of teaching experience in

physical activity and health subjects, working with adults in further and

higher education settings.

After completing a qualification in Massage Therapy (Institute of

Physical Therapy and Applied Science, 2001) and an honours degree

in Sport and Exercise Science (University of Limerick, 2002), Norah

begin teaching massage and applied anatomy whilst undertaking her

PhD (Dublin City University, 2007). Her research sought to

understand and facilitate positive physical activity behavior among

young people, and led to a lectureship at the University of Strathclyde

(2007-2010) in physical activity for health. Norah subsequently taught

sports massage and exercise therapies at the University of Derby

(2010-2013) before moving to the South West to focus on family life.

Norah has been practicing yoga since 2003 and has completed the 200 hour Teacher Training in

Vinyasa Krama Yoga with Harmony Yoga Academy. Her yoga practice has been most influenced

by Krishnamacharya’s tradition, which matches her values about sustainable, optimal health and

wellbeing across the lifespan.

Norah is interested in helping yoga practitioners and teachers to understand the physical body in

order to promote functional movement and holistic health.

Nora teaches the Anatomy and Physiology component on the Practitioner and Teacher Training

Course.

Costs

300 Hour residential training teaching fee. £2770 (course reference books not included).

Accommodation and meals for 32 days at East Down Centre. £1120 (estimate based on current rates).

300 Hour Ayurvedic Healing Distance Learning Course from AIVS. $445.00, (without reference books which are extra).

Any additional personal lessons, tutorials or therapy will be charged at Harmony Yoga current hourly rates.

First aid course and insurance are not included.

Payment Schedule

Teaching fees:

Deposit: £770 (payable on acceptance of a place on the training).

Study Retreat 1: 17th – 24th April 2015, (7 days): £437.50 (Payment by 17th January 2015)

Study Retreat 2: 18th – 25th September 2015, (7 days): £437.50 (Payment by 18th June 2015)

Study Retreat 3: 12th – 21st August 2016, (9 days): £562.50 (Payment by 12th May 2016)

Study Retreat 4: 12th – 21st May 2017, (9 days): £562.50 (Payment by 12th February 2017)

Accommodation and food:

7 day retreats – £245 each.

9 day retreats – £315 each.

(This may change if costs change significantly).

The accommodation and food fee for each retreat is payable 1 month before the start date of that retreat.

http://www.vedanet.com/courses/ayurvedic-healing-course/http://www.harmonyyoga.co.uk/personal-yoga-lessons-in-wells-somerset/http://www.harmonyyoga.co.uk/personal-yoga-lessons-in-wells-somerset/

Venue and Dates

.

East Down Centre, Devon, UK

Study Retreat 1 – 17th – 24th April 2015. 7 days.

Study Retreat 2 – 18th – 25th September 2015. 7 days.

Study Retreat 3 – 12th – 21st August 2016. 9 days.

Study Retreat 4 – 12th – 21st May 2017. 9 days.

East Down is a magical place on Dartmoor with a very special energy. There is plenty of outdoor space to explore and we have cut various paths through the fields for use as relaxation and meditation walks. Wildlife in the area is prolific and we encourage visitors from the natural world as much as we can.

Joining Procedure:

Attend a free open day.

Submit a course application.

Have an interview (face to face, by phone or Skype).

You will then be notified if your application has been successful.

Teaching Certification Requirements:

Complete the four study retreats in full.

Complete the Ayurvedic Healing DLC certified by AIVS.

Complete all tests satisfactorily.

Complete the home study tasks.

Keep a practice diary during the course.

Teach an observed class as a Final Teaching Assessment.

Present 5 case studies of four sessions each.

Additional Teaching Requirements:

Indemnity Insurance. (available through Harmony Yoga scheme with Bordengates).

A First Aid certificate.

The consent of your tutor.

On completion of your training you will be able to join the Vinyasa Krama Yoga directory.

Harmony Yoga Ltd. Co. Reg. No. 05450260 Correspondence Address: 7 Welsford Avenue, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2HX

Reg. Office: 9 Thorne Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN1 2HJ Ph: 01749 677470 e-mail: steve@harmonyyoga.co.uk

Director: Stephen Brandon

http://www.vinyasakramayoga.co.uk/mailto:steve@harmonyyoga.co.uk