YYOGA MEDITATION AND YOGIC STUDIES
LEVEL ONE TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM


Hello!

I'm thrilled to present this new and innovative workshop series: the YYOGA Meditation and Yogic Studies Teacher Training Program. I'm positive you'll love the whole program.

I developed this program to be soundly-based in classical meditation wisdom, as well as designed to suit our modern culture. You'll learn to teach t
he art and science of meditation and to deepen and refine your own personal practice. The guest faculty for this program includes highly-trained and knowledgeable teachers, bringing you a wealth of experience and wisdom.

The 200-hour program lays the foundation for a deep personal practice and the ability to offer meditation to others. Once you have completed the training, you'll have an abundance of career opportunities within YYOGA, as an instructor at many studios, and also in the workplace through the international Corporate-Valet programs.

 Centuries of studies and new scientific research all verify that meditation increases joy, and unfolds a state of total health and clarity. Studies have shown that meditation helps lengthen the attention span, increasing productivity and effectiveness with less wasted energy. It stimulates the youth-hormone in the brain, reducing the symptoms of aging and fatigue, stimulates the immune system to fight diseases, alleviates depression and anxiety, lowers blood pressure and helps prevent and reverse disease and chronic pain.
Since stress is well-known to be related to over 90% of ailments, stress-reduction will decrease both medical costs and sick-leave.

 YYOGA Meditation is a unique and revolutionary fusion of western stress-management skills and scientific research, combined with the time-proven techniques of eastern wisdom.  Effective skills help individuals to recognize stress symptoms and to make educated choices for managing the present moment, plus avoiding stress in the future. These time-tested practices unfold self-confidence and eliminate doubt, worry and anxiety. YYOGA Meditation includes a wide variety of meditation techniques, from simple to more advanced. The teachings are thorough, secular, fun, simple and intensely effective.

This Meditation and Yogic Studies Teacher Training Program was created for those who want to enhance their inner strength and calm, have focus, enjoy self-confidence, inspire creativity and to be leaders.

 I sincerely look forward to sharing this extraordinary adventure with you!

 

Padma

Marla Stewart

YYOGA Director of Learning & Development

 

Upon completion of the Level One program, you will :

       have an established personal meditation practice

       understand yoga meditation philosophy

       know what meditation is and what it is not

       be comfortable in long, silent, sitting meditation

       be a truly dynamic teacher

       conduct guided meditations and understand their purpose, benefits and applications

       demonstrate a variety of meditation and breath techniques

       identify sources and symptoms of stress and suffering

       be aware of some teaching precautions

       offer knowledge and skills through multiple teaching methodologies

       use wisdom and experience to inform discussions, and question and answer sessions

       communicate clearly, confidently and professionally with students

       be knowledgeable of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras

       chant key verses of the Bhagavad Gita in Sanskrit

       chant essential Upanishadic Mantras in Sanskrit

       assess students in order to best select the exact meditation technique suited to them

       skilfully organize and market your classes

       be apart of a wide community of meditators and respected teachers

       receive a diploma as a YYOGA Meditation and Yogic Studies Teacher, Level One, which you can use to register with Yoga Alliance

       participate in yearly Meditation and Yogic Studies Teacher Training upgrade programs

       proceed with Level Two Meditation and Yogic Studies Teacher Training

 

SIGNATURE COURSES in Level One

         PURE FREEDOM Meditation (18 hours)

l        Learn meditation skills that reduce stress. Through awareness, undo tensions and enjoy a better quality of life. This workshop is for anyone interested in learning an effective meditation practice.

l        Get in touch with the subtle powers of breath and sound that help cultivate stillness inside.

l        Establish a foundation for developing clarity balance and ease. You will learn how to set up a regular meditation practice at home to build inner strength, calm and focus.

          PURE RELAXATION: Freedom from Stress (18 hours)

l        Learn guided, profound physical and mental renewal. Touch the depth of peace in yourself.

l        By training your body to let go of tension, you immediately release the stress you carry. Through breath, you become established in calmness, rebuilding your capacity to stay happy. You also learn ways to take your mind to a thought-free space that refreshes your consciousness.

l        Re-connect with your purest inner power, find balance and regain full health.

          FREEDOM FROM STRUGGLE: Interpersonal skills & awareness (18 hours)

l        Improve your personal and group awareness. Develop happiness and harmony.

l        We will explore the mind and ego mechanisms and how we get stuck in conflict.

l        Gain a clearer insight into the dynamics between us and to get to a place of peace.

l        The practices include 'mindfulness' of our reactions, and techniques of 'letting go' of attachment to negative thoughts. 

l        Practise responding with wisdom rather than reacting from ego and emotion

l         Increase focus, enhance leadership and clarify decision-making.

l        Maximize efficiency and minimize wasted energy.

l        Know the power of your intentions; enhance your creativity, success and happiness.

l        Overview of the eight-limbs of Classical Meditation Practice.

l        Master techniques of concentration and 'intention' meditations.

          PURE PHILOSOPHY (81 hours over a 9-day retreat)

l        Learn and experience the depths of meditation and spiritual philosophy.

l        Study original texts including Patanjali Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads.

l        Read, write and chant in Sanskrit.

l        Explore teachings from a variety of meditation schools, such as Zen, Tibetan Buddhism and other traditions.

l        Topics also include: the process of manifestation, the subtle bodies, the universal powers, and mind and ego functions..

l        Examine modern scientific research of meditation and its effects on health and stress-management.

          TEACHING FREEDOM ( 27 hour long weekend)

l        Learn excellent teaching skills and practice. Understand modern coaching skills.

l        Design and teach an effective workshop, based in awareness of Adult Education and Leadership methods.

l        Evolve your own practice and become a master of pure freedom.

 

BIO OF  PADMA, Marla Stewart
Director of
YYOGA LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

Padma, , Marla Stewart,  is one of Canada's most respected teachers of meditation and yoga. Padma hosts a nationally syndicated tv series on meditation and yoga called 'Living Yoga with Padma'. She developed, wrote and hosts the 65-episode series. Padma hosts a weekly series on CBC Radio One, and has produced educational DVDs. She is featured as a Meditation Specialist in:  the upcoming tv series “Disagreeable Ailments”, in Reader's Digest, on CTV tv, CBC tv, and on Air Canada flights.

She guides people to find freedom from stress, confusion and pain, using meditation, philosophy discussion, contemplation, yoga and study.

 Padma completed a 10-year advanced meditation retreat in the western Himalayas of India where she received the name Padma, meaning the Lotus. She learned to read and master original Sanskrit texts of meditation philosophy and is authorized to teach by the International Meditation Institute of India.

Padma lived independently, studying daily with her teachers in the rural Himalayas, meditating up to 6 hours per day, and practising the subtle arts of yoga including chanting, breath-work, philosophy, mantra, tantra, and hatha yoga.

 Padma holds a B.Sc. in Biology from McGill University and worked in environmental research for the Federal Government of Canada until 1989.

 In Canada, she educates yoga teachers, doctors, lawyers, government and corporate clients in the subtle yogic arts of healing the body and clearing the mind.

 Padma was Director of the Padma Yoga and Meditation Center in Vancouver, B.C. and has lead many international workshops. She was a founding member of the Yoga Association of B.C. and is a YABC Senior Teacher and Yoga Alliance Certified Experienced Teacher.

Padma is now the Director of Meditation and Yogic Studies at YYOGA.

To all of her teachings, Padma brings a rich wisdom of physical, intellectual and spiritual knowledge. She aims to awaken freedom and inspire health in all aspects of our lives.

 DATES

 Workshop #1  August 23 & 24,  2008; October 4 & 5, 2008 ; January 31 & February 1,  2009

Workshop#2  October 25 & 26,  2008; March 7 & 8,  2009

Workshop#3  November 22 & 23,  2008; April 18 & 19,  2009

Workshop#4  January 24 & 25,  2009;  May 30 & 31,  2009

Workshop#5  March 14 to 22,  2009; August 15 to 23, 2009

Workshop#6  May 23 to 25,  2009*; October 3 to 5, 2009*

 

Level One will be offered in four weekend workshops, plus one week-long workshop and one 3-day workshop, totalling 200 hours. All 20 days are with Padma, along with some guest specialist teachers, and will be held in Vancouver, eventually branching to other centers across Canada.

The first weekend is on August 23 & 24, 2008, at Yaletown Yoga, Vancouver, BC, and will be repeated on October 4 & 5, 2008.

Workshops #1 to #6 must each be completed to become certified as a YYOGA Meditation and Yogic Studies Teacher. You can take workshops from either series dates to complete all six.

 Total cost (paid each workshop)= $2799.00 + gst

Full pre-payment = $2599.00 + gst

 Pre-paid tuition includes a 20-class YYOGA credit good for 2 years at any YYOGA studio valued at $300.00

 *You can sign up for workshops #1 to #5 whether you are in the teacher training program or not. Workshop #6 is for participants of the full training only.

You can also pay as you go, one workshop at a time, or join the full teacher training at any point.

 $279.00 + gst for a single 2-day workshop

 You must complete all 6 workshops within a 2-year period to become certified by YYOGA.

You can take any of the workshops during that period from any series at any location in any order. (Note that all 6 workshops dates can be completed between January and April 2009, making the training all possible within 4 months. Otherwise the series usually runs about 9 months.)

You can repeat workshops. No refunds.

Full attendance is required for a workshop in order to qualify it for certification.

Tuition includes student manuals, interviews, examination and certificate.

 

TESTIMONIALS

 

l        "Just to be in Padma's presence is to feel her radiance and resiliency, never mind her vast knowledge of the yoga sutras and understanding of the Sanskrit language. Padma inspires us to live life fully." -Kate Potter, Yoga Therapist

 

l         "Padma is a gifted teacher who breathes life and relevance into the ancient teachings of yogic philosophy and meditation. She answers questions with grace and ease, sharing her keen intellect and wealth of meditation experience. Padma has taught me foundational meditation techniques, but more importantly she has imparted a spirit of freedom into my practice. I leave her classes with renewed clarity, brightness and ease of mind." -Patrick Warren, Architect

 

l        "Padma deftly explores the full spectrum of yoga with knowledge and a contagious enthusiasm. She is an articulate teacher who speaks from her formidable depth of experience with humour and compassion. As empowering as they are inspiring, Padma's classes always leave me energized and centered. Participants come away from her courses with a variety of tools which not only deepen their practice, but enrich every aspect of their lives." -Michael Whitfield, Yoga Instructor

 

GENERAL OUTLINE AND COURSE CONTENT (Yoga Alliance Standards for 200 hours)

 TECHNIQUES & TRAINING:  100 hours

l        Meditation skills, applications, variations, benefits and precautions.  Meditation practices including breath-work, mantra, chanting, concentration, mindfulness, awareness-enhancing techniques, Zen, Buddhist, Vipassana, Mindfulness, Mind-Management, Kriya Yoga, and Raj Yoga.

l        Mantra Yoga including Pranav OM, Gayatri Mantra, Om purnam adaha, Om asato ma sat , Laxmi Stotrum.

l        Yoga postures that enhance meditation.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY:  25 hours

l        In-depth exploration of what makes an excellent meditation teacher, utilizing various teaching methods. How to observe, assist, adjust, coach, facilitate and instruct groups and private students.

l        Class design and working as a teacher. Understand various learning styles of students.

l        Includes an education in Coaching, Adult Education and Leadership training.

PHYSIOLOGY:  20 hours

l        The Chakras, Nadis, Mudras and Subtle Bodies encountered in meditation. 

l        Purifications,  the process of manifestation and the powers of concentration.

l        Modern Scientific research on meditation.

PHILOSOPHY:  45 hours

l        Sanskrit, Dev Nagri script, Philosophy of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, Zen Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vedic Vision of Oneness, Tantra Yoga, Ayurveda Health.

l        Modern Stress-Management, mind-management, Yoga Psychology, Meditation Therapy.

PRACTICUM:  10 hours

l        At home and retreat hours of meditation practices. How to continue your own home practice.

l        Includes student teaching as well as observing and assisting in classes taught by others.

l        Practicing from selected schools of meditation.

 

 REQUIRED READING LIST

 l        Suzuki Shunryo. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. New York, NY: Weatherhill, 1970.

l        Thich Nhat Hanh. The Miracle of Mindfulness: A Manual of Meditation. Beacon Press, 1975.

l        Stiles, Mukunda. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. San Francisco, CA: Red Wheel/Weiser, 2002.

l        Chodron, Pema. Start Where You Are. Boston, MA: Shambhala, 1994.

l        Epstein, Mark. Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart. New York, NY: Broadway Books, 1998.

 RECOMMENDED READING LIST

l        Eastern philosophy

l        Feurstein, Georg. The Philosophy of Classical Yoga. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions, 1996.

l        Feurstein, Georg. The Deeper Dimensions of Yoga. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions, 2003.

l        Shyam, Swami.  Patanjali Yog  Darshan. Montreal, PQ: Be All, 1980.

l        Dalai Lama. The Way to Freedom. New York, NY: Harper Collins, 1994.

l        Trungpa, Chogyam. Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism. Boulder, CO: Shambhala, 1973.

l        Miller, Barbara Stoler.  Yoga: The Discipline of Freedom. New York, NY: Bantam, 1998.

l        Iyengar, B.K.S. Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. San Francisco, CA: Aquarian/Thorson, 1993.

l        Houston, Vyaas. The Yoga Sutras Workbook- The Certainty of Freedom. Warwick, NY: American Sanskrit Institute, 1995.

 l        Western Authors

l        Kornfield, Jack.  A Path with Heart. New York, NY: Bantam, 1993.

l        Joseph Goldstein. One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism.  Wisdom Publications, 2002.

l        Goleman, Daniel.  Emotional Intelligence. New York, NY: Bantam, 1995.

l        Matthieu, Richard. Happiness. New York, NY: Little, Brown & Co., 2003.

l        Nischala Joy Devi. The Secret Power of Yoga. New York, NY: Three Rivers, 2007.

l        Tolle, Eckhart. The Power of Now. Vancouver, BC: Namaste, 1999.

l        Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Wherever You Go, There You Are. Durham, NC: Acorn, 1982.

l        Salzberg, Sharon. The Force of Kindness. Boulder, CO: True Sounds, 2005.

l        Further Readings

l        Shah, Indres. The Way of the Sufi. Toronto, ON: Penguin,1968.

l        Nisargadatta, Sri Maharaj. I Am That. Durham, NC: Acorn, 1973.

l        Osho. Yoga: The Science of the Soul. New York, NY: St. Martin's, 2002.

l        Hesse, Herman. Siddhartha. Tandem, 1951.

l        Low, Albert.  Zen and the Sutras. Vancouver, BC: Raincoast, 2000.

l        Shah, Indres. The Way of the Sufi. Toronto, ON: Penguin,1968.

l        Nisargadatta, Sri Maharaj.  I Am That. Durham, NC: Acorn, 1973.

l        Stuart, Maurine. Subtle Sound.Boston, MA: Shambala, 1996.

 

How to REGISTER

Please go to the www.yyoga.ca website for information and to register online by VISA or Master Card.

 For more information please email  padma@yyoga.ca 

or phone YYOGA at:  604-736-6002 #105.

 Information, registration and payment are also possible at all YYOGA studios.

 Please mail cheques to:

 YYOGA Meditation

c/o Nettwerk
1650 West 2nd Avenue,
Vancouver
, BC
,
Canada
, V6J 4R3

 

PRE-REQUISITE

l        An open mind and a keen interest in freedom and expanding the quality of your life.  Experience in meditation is recommended but not necessary.

l        Enrolment is limited, so we recommend you submit your application as early as possible. Late applicants will be accepted only if there is space available.

l        Commitment to practice meditation daily throughout the training time.
 

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS:

          Attend and complete all six workshops within 2 years to qualify for Teacher Certification.

         Read all required reading list and course materials, and view all required media. Read at least five of the recommended reading list.

         Fulfill personal practice requirements.

         Pass a  written exam on philosophy, course design, student safety, personal experience.

         Demonstrate teaching a meditation class.

         Demonstrate meditation ability.

         Participate in an exit-exam interview and assessment, and be approved by the YYOGA Director of Meditation and Yogic Studies or faculty.

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

of an 18-hour Weekend Workshop:

l        SATURDAY

8-9                       Meditation
9-10
                   Discussion
10- 10:15
            Break
10:15 -11:30
        Yoga Exercises
11:30-12
              Discussion

Noon-1pm          Lunch
1-2
                     Exercises 
2- 3                      Discussion
3- 3-:15
               Break
3:15-4
                 Meditation
4-5
                     Discussion
5-5:30
                 Breath work & chanting
5:30 to 6
             Meditation

 

l        SUNDAY

8- 9                    Meditation
9-10:15
            Yoga Exercises
10:15 to 10:30
   Break
10:30-11:30
       Discussion
11:30-12
            Meditation

Noon-1pm        Lunch
1-2
                   Discussion
2-3
                   Exercises
3 to 3:15
           Break
3:15-4
               Discussion
4-5
                   Meditation
5-5:30               Teaching Methods
5:30-6
               Conclusions

 FAQ's

l        What good is meditating?


      
GOOD for your BODY

 Meditation helps relaxation, improves health and stress-relief, boosts the immune system, improves digestion, helps pain relief, improves breathing and oxygenation of cells, lowers cortisol levels, decreases blood pressure and heart rate, and lowers anxiety, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. Meditation also stimulates the youth-hormone in the pituitary gland.

        GOOD for your MIND

 Meditation focuses and sharpens your mind, frees you from negative thinking, helps you develop a better self-image, relieves depression, sadness, anxiety, and anger.  It increases your focus, attention span, fun, love and appreciation of life.

        GOOD for your SPIRIT

 By meditation you connect with your inner, real self, and with your own power, creativity, enthusiasm, and delight. You discover your inner, loving heart.


      
 GOOD for your CAREER.

Develop your business focus, decisiveness, inspired creativity and imagination.

 Decreases stress-leave time by employees. Adds wellness benefits by employers.

         GOOD for your RELATIONSHIPS.

  Improve your patience, compassion, and understanding. Enhance your freedom to express yourself clearly and calmly and maintain loving gentleness.

 

l        What demand is there for meditation teachers?

        Wellness is one of the fastest growing industries in NA. Educated 'baby-boomers' are spending more on health and life quality, and are interested in stress-management, personal growth and life-purpose exploration. This is an emerging profession.

        There is increased stress in our modern environment with insufficient  information on how to manage stress and personal crises. People desire more information on personal stress-management and more depth of spiritual meaning.

       Businesses want less stress-leave time of employees. Employees want better wellness benefits from employers. While there are many sports and activities to choose from, meditation and yogic studies offers quick, direct, effective and accessible results.

       Professional therapists can add meditation to their practice and credentials.

       YYOGA studios and corporate Valet offers many teaching positions.

 For more information please email  padma@yyoga.ca 
or phone YYOGA at:
  604-736-6002
To register online please go to the www.yyoga.ca website