FAQs
Although the program’s asanas are not overly demanding, you will be doing a lot of them and combined with a full schedule, it’s important to be prepared physically.
This is a professional-level online training, therefore you need to be an organized self-starter and able to make the time commitment outlined below. You need to be very comfortable with computers or mobile devices. Although not difficult, the course is delivered through an online platform course page and you will be participating in a virtual learning experience (zoom webinars, online discussion forums, creating and submitting video clips, etc).
You’re expected to participate online throughout the week at times convenient for you and you’re required to attend at least one live class (ideally the full-day on Saturday) each scheduled weekend. This means you’ll need to make time for approximately 9-12 hours of each week for which includes live and pre-recorded classes, self quizzes, video assignments, reading, practice time and participation in discussion forums.
Yes, you are expected to attend live classes on Saturdays (9 AM-12 PM and 2-5:30 PM PST) and Sundays (9 AM-12 PM PST). These are interactive sessions where you receive training and guidance from instructors, practice teaching what you’re learning with your classmates and experience being part of our supportive community.
We realize it may not be possible to attend all live classes therefore, you may watch the recorded version and complete the competency self-quiz before the next scheduled weekend. In order to receive your certificate of completion, you will be required to attend 75% of the live classes and watch all recorded versions of those missed.
- Required: Purchase The Art and Science of Raja Yoga by Swami Kriyananda, and get started on the pre-course reading assignments. Note: Even if you’re unable to complete the pre-program reading, you’re still welcome to attend, but the training will be much easier and beneficial for you if you do this reading in advance.
- We also recommend that you begin the process of setting up your “online studio” such as something as simple as a corner of your room with a yoga mat, props, good lighting and a stand for mobile device/laptop. More details with recommendations will be covered in the pre-course assignment and orientation.
- Mark your calendar: The course web page will open for enrollees 2 weeks prior (Dec.26th) to the start date of the course, and we will send a notice to enrolled students at that time. Take this opportunity to complete the pre-course assignments and familiarize yourself with the site.
Save the date: The course officially begins with a Zoom webinar on Sunday, January 9, 9:00-10:30 AM PT. This will be an opportunity to meet your instructors and introduce yourself to your classmates. We will review the requirements for certification, course guidelines and respond to any questions.
When filming yourself for special assignments, your device will need to have enough space to record a maximum of 30 minutes. You will also need to upload recordings to a video platform provided within the course or YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, Google Drive. If you’re concerned about some of the technological elements of the course, or if you’ve never done an online course, used Zoom, or made a video and posted it online, you can still be successful in this course!
The course web page is easy to use, intuitive and offers many “how to” instructions to help you. The pre-course assignment includes a special video “tour of the course”. These days, everyone knows someone who can help them with such basic technological tasks as making videos and uploading them to the web. If you think you will need such help, we recommend that you find a helper early in the course, rather than waiting until an assignment is due. All in all, please know that many “tech-challenged” people have done very well in all of our online courses.
More Optional FAQs
Techniques, Training, Practice
- 30 Hatha Yoga asanas each with an uplifting affirmation, including how to draw their physical, energetic, and spiritual benefits
- Asana mechanics and variations, safety cautions, and modifications (how to adapt asanas for student limitations)
- Classical pranayama (yogic breathing techniques) and working with the subtle body (energy centers)
- Ananda Meditation, including concentration techniques, chanting, and how to sit comfortably
Yoga Anatomy & Physiology
- Anatomical movement, planes of movement, and anatomical terminology for yoga teachers
- Muscles, bones, fascia, and postural points of alignment
- Nervous system and other bodily systems (digestive, endocrine, immune, circulatory, and more)
Yoga Humanities
- Study of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, The Bhagavad Gita, and Ashtanga Yoga (8-limbs)
- Working directly with the body’s subtle energy, including the chakras and kundalini
- Increasing energy and magnetism as a yoga teacher
- Yoga lifestyle, including yogic diet and simple living
Professional Essentials
- How to plan a class: structure and sequence, teach yoga postures in groups, one-on-one, and to students of all walks of life (accessible yoga)
- Practice several hands-on adjustments to assist students in the asanas
- Find ways to address students’ needs on all levels – physical, mental & spiritual
- Learn the latest tips and tools for business, marketing, and online teaching
How to know whether Ananda Yoga fits that description? You need to check it out. Here are some ways:
- Contact Melody Hansen, Program Director at melody@expandinglight.org, to schedule a time to talk
- Schedule a private yoga or counseling session with one of our staff instructors through the Ananda Well BEing Services: ONLINE Coaching & Counseling
- Watch our YouTube Channel: Ananda School of Yoga and Meditation (and practice with) Ananda Yoga videos that are available through Ananda’s publishing department, CrystalClarity.com
- Take a class with an experienced, Ananda-certified instructor who teaches true Ananda Yoga. (Some teachers teach multiple styles, so be sure you know what you’re getting.
Although Ananda Yoga is not designed primarily as a physical workout, it does offer definite physical benefits. Yet it offers so much more than that: a deep feeling of centeredness, inner strength, energy, self-awareness, and above all, calm and expansive joy.
More important, Ananda’s is the only training in the highly regarded yoga tradition of Paramhansa Yogananda. We’ve spent more than 25 years making our YTT into a first-rate expression of that tradition – a dynamic blend of professional training and personal growth.
If the literature and graduates’ testimonials don’t tell you enough, please call to talk with one of our program staff, or talk to a graduate near you.
You’ll also receive pre-course reading assignments once you’ve been approved for the course.