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Questions & Answers Level 1 Ananda Yoga® Teacher Training Q: How can I know that Ananda’s YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) is a high-quality training? A: Our Level 1 200-hour program is registered with Yoga Alliance. Every Ananda graduate can register with the Alliance as “Registered Yoga Teacher.” We believe that, in time, this Registry will lead to more yoga teaching opportunities for you. 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 you’ve seen so far don’t tell you enough, please call to talk with one of our program staff, or ask us to connect you with a past graduate near you.
Q: What is the “Yoga Alliance”? A: It’s a diverse group of yoga schools and teachers that has established voluntary national standards for yoga teacher training. Ananda helped found Yoga Alliance, and we’ve been closely involved in developing these standards. Gyandev McCord, Director of Ananda Yoga Worldwide, is a cofounder of Yoga Alliance and has served for many years on their Board of Directors.
Q: Can I teach as soon as I graduate from the AYTT program? A: Yes, most graduates do. In AYTT, you’ll learn to teach about 40 asanas and pranayama techniques, as well as how to combine those practices into safe, effective, enjoyable yoga classes for beginning students. The program also includes basic training in working with students with special needs, such as pregnant women and seniors.
Q: What are the requirements for certification? A: To receive certification as a Level 1 Ananda Yoga Teacher, students must:
The training will definitely keep you busy, but students who prepare adequately and make a sincere effort during the program usually receive certification.
Q: How do you handle class absences? A: Due to timing considerations and the requirements of the Yoga Alliance certification program you must attend all of the classes. We can only allow you to miss one class. If you miss more than one class, classes must be made-up in person at a time set by the instructor (before the last week of the course at the Expanding Light Retreat) at a cost of $50 per class.
Q: How do I “prepare adequately” for the training? A: The most important recommendation we can offer you in order to preparing for the training is to maintain a regular asana practice (5–7 days per week) for at least several months prior to the program. Without this, it would be premature to consider teaching. Besides, although the program’s asanas are not overly demanding, you’ll be doing a lot of them. That, plus a full overall schedule, means that it’s important to be prepared physically.
Q: How is Ananda of Portland related to Ananda in Nevada City, California and the Expanding Light Retreat? A: The headquarters of Ananda and Ananda Yoga Worldwide is located at Ananda in Nevada City, California. Ananda has centers located in many different cities, including Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington, Gurgaon, India; and Assisi, Italy. The Expanding Light Retreat is located at Ananda in Nevada City California. Ananda Yoga of Portland is an affiliate of Ananda Yoga of the Expanding Light at Ananda in California.
Q: Does all of the training take place at Ananda in Beaverton? A: This teaching training program includes a special week long stay at the Expanding Light Retreat at Ananda Village in California. The final portion of the training will take place here. The cost of accommodations and instruction is included in the course fee. Transportation to the Expanding Light from Portland is not included in the course cost and is the students responsibility. Otherwise, all classes take place at Ananda in Beaverton.
Q: How does the Ananda Yoga Teacher Training in Portland compare to the Ananda Yoga Teacher Training at the Expanding Light Retreat? A: The Ananda Yoga of Portland teacher training program offers a 6-month course that’s meets several times each week with a one-week training intensive at the Expanding Light Retreat at the end of the program. The Expanding Light Retreat offers month long intensive, full immersion, teacher training programs. Both are excellent training courses. Although the particulars of the schedules and timing may differ, they offer the exact same course-work, materials, and certification.
Q: I follow a different spiritual path than that of Ananda [or no path at all]. Does that make a difference in whether or not I should attend AYTT? A: Not at all. We sincerely respect all spiritual paths, and we welcome anyone who gives that same respect to our tradition, whatever his or her path may be. Of course, you should realize that AYTT takes place in the context of Ananda’s spiritual tradition, which emphasizes the time-honored approach of yoga as a tool for the Divine Quest. Participation involves practicing a variety of yoga techniques associated with Ananda’s tradition, such as meditation and chanting as well as asana and pranayama.
Q: How to you handle class absences? A: Due to timing considerations and the requirements of the Yoga Alliance certification program you must attend all of the classes. We can only allow you to miss one class. If you miss more than one class, classes must be made-up in person at a time set by the instructor (before the last week of the course at the Expanding Light Retreat) at a cost of $50 per class.
Q: Is continuing education required in order to keep my certification valid? A: We do not require continuing education, but we do feel it’s vital for every yoga teacher to keep growing in his or her understanding of yoga practice and teaching, and we provide a wide variety of continuing education programs to facilitate this.
Q: Does Ananda offer Advanced Yoga Teacher Training? A: Yes. Ananda’s Level 2 AYTT is registered at 500 hours with Yoga Alliance. It consists of 300 hours of training beyond Level 1, offered in a modular format, with modules lasting from 2 to 12 days. Modules include Advanced Pranayama, The Yoga Sutras, Meditation Teacher Training, The Bhagavad Gita, and the AYTT Assistantship (where you’ll be “junior staff” for part of a Level 1 AYTT and receive personalized training in how to assist your students), as well as Therapeutic Yoga, Yoga to Awaken the Chakras, Advanced Yoga Intensive, Yoga of the Heart (Cardiac and Cancer Teacher Training), and many more. These courses are taught at the Expanding Light Retreat at Ananda Village in California.
Q: Will I receive support after I graduate? A: Absolutely. In addition to the advanced trainings mentioned above, our staff are available for questions. Also, graduates receive a free one-year membership in the Ananda Yoga Teachers Association, which offers many continuing benefits for your practice and teaching of Ananda Yoga, including a newsletter, e-mail Q&A forum, student referrals, discounts on continuing education, and more. Membership after the first (free) year is very inexpensive.
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