Top 7 Reasons to Do a Yoga Teacher Training at WLYA in Thailand

Picking a place for your Yoga Teacher Training can be challenging.  You start asking around, researching online, comparing prices, and poring over the details.  Hundreds of aspiring practitioners have ventured to Wise Living Yoga Academy in Doi Saket, Thailand for their Yoga Teacher Training Course..  Let’s take a look at why!

1. Immersive experience

The Yoga Teacher Training Course at WLYA is all about yoga education and lifestyle.  You live in an ashram environment with teachers and other students sharing your interests. You live and breathe and observe the yogic lifestyle every day for the entire duration of your training.  The environment really allows you to develop a solid routine comprised of a good diet, exercise, and meditation, among other things.

2. Traditional yoga

So many people think of yoga only as a form of physical exercise, and so many yoga teacher training programs cater to that idea.  But what about its root and history?  The vast spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects of yoga?  Yoga as a lifestyle?

WLYA is perfect for those interested in understanding how yoga is as a way of life. You are introduced to yoga as one of the ancient Indian philosophies and study important scriptures. The comprehensive curriculum is led by experienced teachers from the world’s oldest organized yoga institution in India.  You practice asanas (physical postures) and other techniques at a deeper level and learn how they contribute to one’s spiritual development.  You will find yourself shaping into a wonderful practitioner, educator, and ambassador of traditional yoga!

Follow the link to know more about our Yoga Training curriculum.

3. Affordability

Yoga teacher training is a significant financial investment for most of us.  At WLYA, you will find that the facilities are pleasant and simplistic without sacrificing comfort.  It is a very down-to-earth place with no frills.  You do not see products and services being marketed at every turn.  Likewise, the program costs have been made more affordable, especially compared to yoga centers that push for brand names and luxury.

The ashram is located away from the tourist central, and it costs less to do things around here.  You can rent a bike for less than 1 USD a day, treat yourself to a coconut that tastes like a slice of heaven, and then get an authentic Thai massage at a rate that almost makes it feel insensible to deny yourself of a good rubdown!

4. Location

Students have described the ashram and the surrounding area as the perfect place to study traditional yoga.  The ashram is tucked away in the neighborhood of Doi Saket in northern Thailand.  With few distractions around, you will be able to really soak in the ashram environment!  At the same time, there are great temples and places within reach if you want to venture out.  It is also a great stepping stone for travels before and/or after the yoga teacher training program.

Follow the link to see more photos and descriptions of our neighborhood.

5. Food

Part of living the yogic lifestyle means eating a vegetarian/vegan diet.  You have three nutritious meals a day made from scratch, along with fresh fruits and natural tea.  The food at the ashram is so delicious that students don’t miss meat, cheese, or junk food!  The ingredients are 100% organic and come from either the ashram’s gardens or conscientious local farmers.  Through an interactive nutrition session, you learn about the benefits and uses of all the ingredients as well.

6. People, people, people

Trained at The Yoga Institute in India, the teachers Jeenal and Daniel are very active and passionate about imparting their practice of traditional yoga.  They help you discover your strengths and weaknesses as you go through your journey, and are very flexible and accommodating to individual needs.  The ashram workers are locals who are incredibly generous and positive.  You will find them around the ashram smiling and putting in hard work to make your stay an enjoyable one.

At WLYA, you will meet students from all over the world and from different walks of life.  They have in common their interest in traditional yoga and spiritual development.  This tends to draw very genuine people, and the teachings shape the group dynamic in very positive ways. By the end of first week, the group will already feel like a family! 

7. Alumni network and support

The connections made at the ashram are invaluable and so are the networking opportunities.  WLYA has an active alumni group where former students share news and inspirations from around the globe.  This way, you are not just walking away with a certificate in hand, but you have a strong support network to pursue your next steps.

Several students also return for Continuing Education programs which are offered in modules of 100 hours (2 weeks) or as the 300 hours Advanced Yoga Teacher Training course (6 weeks). 

To sum it up, WLYA is an incredible place for those seeking a meaningful yoga teacher training experience.  Be prepared to work hard and learn so much about yourself and the world, and you will be richly rewarded.  Please check out our upcoming Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Thailand and reserve your place.

Namaste,

WLYA Team

Yoga Education - Part 2

How does one select the right type of Asanas?

The Yogi borrowed heavily from Nature because of his proximity to forests, mountains and caves. However he was judicious in his selection. He preferred to learn from the relaxed crocodile rather than from the rabbit or the inquisitive dog (although these postures are there in Yoga nowadays). He imitated certain birds, animals and natural objects. The selection of  postures (Asanas) was based on an overall approach to the physical, mental and moral well-being of an individual.

Methods

The Asana practices were carried on for a longer duration. This provided a chance for prolonged mental participation, synchronization and direction. Thinking precedes action and unless the mind is well under control, merely developing the body may later weaken it. The Yogis therefore took into account the psychological aspect of our personalities. The well-known physiologist Matveyev said: “The Yogis demonstrate pronounced endeavour to consciously direct the activity of certain organs, even of certain glands and internal secretions and maintain that they scored along the line.”

Right and Wrong Directions

Talasana or Palm Tree Pose
(focus on the synchronization of
breath and movement)

With the practice of the third step, the Asanas, we overcome unsteadiness, inertia and other impurities. We might even perfect the steadfastness (Siddhi) that involves the mind even further (Samapatti) but this is an exception. We must not aim at too many things at the start.  In fact, each step of the Eight-fold Path (Ashtanga) has only a certain strength to impart.

All that we should concern ourselves with, during the Asana practice, is imparting a wider meaning to our activity. The act of breathing is a good aid in holding our attention. Also directing our mind to different parts of the body. Synchronization of breathing with movements of the body during the practice of Asana in a fixed measure was introduced by Shri Yogendraji in 1917 and is now popular among many Yoga teachers and schools.

There is, in fact, much to learn from Asanas.  However, a practitioner must possess:

(i) a strong commitment,

(ii) a disciplined mind,

(iii) introversion and tranquility when one begins the Asana practice, and

(iv) synchronization of breathing.

If one has achieved the above conditions, one will succeed in uplifting one’s thoughts to a higher level of consciousness.

Steadiness

We have just discussed that steadiness is vital to the performance of an Asana. How do we achieve this steadiness? Secure the feet correctly, sit upright, have a good base (Sthirata), avoid hurry, agitation and speed. Cultivate solemnity, commitment, decisiveness, etc. To remain for a certain length of time without agitation is in itself an achievement.

The next step is the achievement of relaxation while carrying out conscious movements. You will ultimately reach a state of profundity or the so called “let go” sensation. Full composure and control is necessary. One must not collapse into a final position. One must consciously seek out areas of relaxation – some sensitive zones in the body.

Matsyasana or Fish Pose
(focus on relaxation through awareness of
the movements of the abdomen while breathing)

Relaxation

The state of relaxation is very valuable in therapy. Coordinated breathing aids in bringing the mind to this state. Otherwise, the chances are that the mind strays away from the Asana into other areas. You must lead your mind to areas such as the abdomen in Matsyasana (Fish Pose) and create the sensation of “let go”, or the chest in Talasana (Palm Tree Pose). This directing of attention and concentration on breathing will achieve a good deal of relaxation. These poses are many other Yogic techniques are very well examined during our Yoga Certification Course in Thailand.

When one works systematically one experiences a change in one’s thoughts, behavior, action etc. Usually these conditions come in a flash and are lost. There are usually so many external distractions and constraints that restrain a person from achieving relaxation.  In Yogic Asanas you are with yourself and can perfect these attitudes by self-training. In the end you can achieve a perennial state of stability (Ananta Samapatti). 

The postures you do every day need not be very difficult, but your attitude while doing the postures must be sustained. You should thus understand the deeper significance of the Yoga postural training: steadiness (Sthira) and contemplation on fixity (Anantasamapattibhyam).

Photos: taken on location - The Yoga Institute of Santacruz, India. Daniel Fonseca performs two simple, but effective, postures advocated by Shri Yogendraji for a daily course of Yoga postural training.

Source:

Excerpts of the book Yoga and Total Health in Schools - published by The Yoga Institute of Santacruz.

Yoga Education - Part 1

The ultimate purpose of pedagogy, the science of teaching, is the attainment of human maturity.  It is this that distinguishes this art from other disciplines, distinctly defining it in its own essence.  Maturity is obtained by different traditions of education all over the world.  Nowhere does it achieve greater results though, than, when the education process itself is studied objectively devoid of dogma.

Yoga, it has been established, has very specific educational functions.  It helps in achieving a higher state of consciousness on the evolutionary scale of individual development.  It is the discipline of the body and mind and in that sense it is education, because education leads to discipline.

Yoga a Science of Life

Yoga is as old as life itself.  In essence it is a specific way, a manner of living.  Basing its insights and discoveries on the observation of nature, Yoga imparts a certain quality to life.  Yoga, for example, tells us how to think, behave and grow to our fullest maturity.  It provides us with procedures that consistently help us in every area of our life.  Yoga can, thus, be defined as an ancient system of self-development that expedites one’s natural process of evolution.  This applies to all departments of one’s life with a special reference to the evolution of consciousness.

Experience & Yoga Education

Experience has proven to be the primary building block of learning.  The closeness of an experience to the personality helps in building newer traits.  These take root as against other kinds of learning that remain detached from the central core of our personality.  A deep sense of relaxation is consciously cultivated and this, in turn, fosters other worthwhile experiences.  What is stressed is the actual experience - as opposed to mere information or technique.  One may read about relaxation or listen to a physician’s instruction, but the condition remains distant in comparison to the actual experience, consciously induced.

Aims & Objectives

The aim behind the introduction of an experience-Yoga-based program is to foster self discipline, cultivate high ideals and appreciate higher values.  It also promotes a deeper understanding of Indian culture and a habituation to the Yogic way of life.  A variety of worthwhile experiences become the basis of learning at both the subconscious and conscious levels.  Some of these are related to better physical control of human organism and the maintenance of its steadiness and strength.  It establishes self-reliance, self- confidence; the cultivation of objectivity in emotional experiences and finally conditions oneself for greater receptiveness in the learning program.

All problems originate from a state of imbalance between our physical, mental and spiritual levels.  Our problems are closely related to our understanding of life and the patterns we choose to follow.  The more we cherish materialistic values, the more we expose ourselves to pain, suffering and problems.  The struggle for the satisfaction of our desires and ambitions is a continuous one, leaving us with no rest.  Our constantly over strained nerves make our bodies and minds restless and weak, opening doors to passion and emotion.

Perhaps the very first step towards a more fulfilling life would be, simply, the acceptance of life itself.  It involves a faith in life, but perhaps even more important, a surrender to a larger reality.  This acceptance does not imply a placid acquiescence of any aspects of modern living.  On the contrary with acceptance of life comes the acceptance of our duties and responsibilities in life.

Excerpt of a poster displayed at an exposition on Yoga Education, by
The Yoga Institute of Santacruz, Mumbai - India.

Activity & Attitude

The traditionalists in Yoga recommended the right combination feelings and attitudes with certain selected physical activities.  The physical activity is undoubtedly selected after deep consideration.  It proves incomplete without the proper attitude.  If the activity is the right kind and the attitude enriches one’s consciousness, then the entire exercise – is satisfying and elevating.

We see the reverse of this when a person struggles to succeed in Shavasana (Dead Body Pose) - or any other relaxation posture, or in a meditative pose - without having first created a passive attitude.  It is thus that, throughout the Yoga Teacher Training Course or any other workshop or workshop, activities and processes are carried out only after a certain 'conditioning' of preparation has been achieved.

The selection of Yoga processes and the correct performance of them along with the right state of mind all need to be attained.  We tend to sacrifice that total for the immediate and fragmentary.  Sometimes Yoga practices are carried out for their demonstrative value and at other times for attaining physical fitness.  In taking up Yoga in this partial manner one really does not gain much.

So in our next post, we will have an opportunity to examine how does one select the right type of asanas (postural training), or better saying, how do the ancient Yogis have selected the right type of exercising disciplines best suited for the students of self-culture and for naturally leading one to a more balance state of mind and to the habituation to a spiritual consciousness.

Source:

Excerpts of the book Yoga and Total Health in Schools - published by The Yoga Institute of Santacruz.

Yoga At Work

Besides conducting Yoga Teacher Training Courses in various parts of the world, we have long time ago introduced Corporate Yoga Training programs in India, and it has been a great experience.

We have introduced new methodology of training the employees by integrating modern activities and the concept of Multiple Intelligence and Experiential Learning.

These activities have been developed by The Yoga Institute of Santacruz and tested with thousand of students. They are used for bringing about more body awareness and control, concentration, relaxation and make it easier the understanding of the Yoga Philosophy – through conceptual games. All that, of course, along with traditional yoga asanas, pranayamas, kriyas and meditation.

Our aim is to use all this technology to give a broader perspective to physical and mental fitness, taking in consideration of the modern day set-up of an office environment and functioning.

Read more and go through the pictures below to understand how it works:

Kinesthetic Intelligence
Learning through movement and control of body. Developing better motor skills and neuro-muscular co-ordination. We have been using games and juggling with rubber balls which has show tremendous positive effect besides being a recreational activity.

Traditional Training with Yoga Asanas

The practice of asanas is the traditional method of improving body awareness and dexterity.

Training employees with Multiple Intelligence Techniques is a very practical exercise that promotes efficiency, decision power and harmonious inter-relations with other workers. It is shown highly beneficial for the progress of an organization.

Keep in touch to know more !!!

Namaskar !!!

Karma Yoga - Work with the right attitude

The emphasis is on the attitude and on consciousness.Maintaining a certain attitude constantly leads to a corresponding awareness which again leads to being established in this awareness at the time. That is why being involved in work is qualified by the statement “a right attitude”.

Work by itself is not what is suggested. To turn this work into worship will require change in the attitude. The usual suggestions here are faith, duty, service and concentration.

This immediately puts the mind in a different state. There is a worshipful attitude, dedication and much spiritual gain. In fact one who has reached such state and remains all the time in this state can very well claim the highest achievement for himself, i.e., self-actualization.

Do it - Why do we go on talking about right and wrong; good and evil? Newton talking about his work said it is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Those who talk of right or wrong spend 99% in talking and 1% implementing. The Gita wants us to work 100% in the spirit of KARMA YOGA.

(This explanation above was a talk given by Smt. Hansaji (our Guru) in the Satsang (Spiritual gathering) at The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, India.)

Students working together with the spirit of Karma Yoga

In our Yoga Teacher Training Courses held in Thailand, Brazil and Bali we lay much importance on training  the students on the path of Karma Yoga. Especially the old students in our 300 hr Yoga Teacher Training Course get to learn in depth about this path by performing assigned tasks and duties with correct attitude (Bhavas) and with balanced state of mind. It is a valid path that can help a Yoga aspirant in his/her daily life by bringing a sense of joy, balance and content even in the ups and downs of life. It relieves a person from insecurity, stress, anxiety and depression. 

Ana digging a hole for planting a sapling

Students planting tree saplings

Karma Yoga during Yoga Teacher Training - Brazil

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Wise Living Yoga Academy is authorized to impart Yoga Teacher Training Courses on the tradition of The Yoga Institute of Santacruz in Mumbai, India – the world’s oldest organized Yoga Institution. The residential programs are held regularly in Bali (Indonesia), Chiang Mai (Thailand) & Minas Gerais (Brazil) throughout the year and are accredited by the Yoga Alliance USA, allowing the graduates to teach Yoga in any part of the world.

The 200 hours courses and the Advanced 300 & 500 hours Yoga Teacher Training Courses are conducted regularly in our new permanent Yoga Center in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Please follow the links to know more about all the scheduled
Yoga Teacher Training Courses (YTTC)  in 2013:

- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Minas Gerais, Brazil

- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Bali, Indonesia

- Yoga Teacher Training Course in Chiang Mai, Thailand