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Our mission at Shanti Yoga is to teach authentically so you, and all our students, can spread yoga across the globe. When everybody in the world becomes a yogi suffering will end.
Regardless of which program you choose there are some things that are consistent across each program. Read more below to understand what your training at Shanti Yoga will be like.
We offer 100, 200, 300, and 500 hour courses.
The 100 and 200 hour courses are set programs. These follow pre-set curriculums. The 100-hour program lasts 11 days and the 200 hour program lasts 21 days. In the 200 hour program the last week focuses on practicum: “how to teach yoga to others”.
The 300 and 500 hour courses are not set programs. Although not common, we do accept first-timers or yoga newcomers into these programs. However, typically these courses are requested by advanced students. Regardless of past experience, we work with everybody who signs up to figure out the best curriculum for you based on current circumstances and future needs. We will help get you where you want to be.
Our emphasis is on teaching true yoga as defined in ancient texts. Accordingly, we see yoga as a means to understand the self beyond the physical. Though there will be plenty of exercise we pride ourselves on teaching the more subtle and complete definition of yoga.
All Shanti Yoga programs are based on the 4 paths of yoga:
1. Bhakti – Devotion
– Welcome & closing ceremonies
– Kirtan (songs for God)
– Satsang (group conversation)
– Puja (daily prayer and offerings)
– Mantra (powerful sanskrit chants)
2. Jnana – Knowledge
– Ancient Yogic texts (Vedas, Sutras, etc.)
– Ayurveda
3. Karma – Selfless Action
– Cleaning the yoga shala
– Cleaning other shared spaces
– Random acts of kindness
– Beach cleanup
– Community service
4. Raja – Royal Road. The 8 limbs.
– Restraints (non-violence, truthfulness, etc.) & observances (contentment, austerity, etc.)
– Kriyas/Shatkarmas (cleansing)
– Asana (Hatha, Vinyasa flow, Yin, Restorative, Joint Exercises)
Shanti Yoga works with qualified teachers who are experts in their respective fields. We do not hire without testing our teachers prior to introducing them to our students. Further, we put as much emphasis on their people-skills as we do their subject knowledge. After all, it’s hard to learn from someone you don’t like personally.
We have an open door policy with students in terms of feedback. If you have a challenge with an instructor we ask you to let us know as soon as possible. We evaluate all feedback and take it seriously. Finally, we offer ways for students to provide feedback anonymously or in writing at the end of every training if they’re not comfortable doing so during the training.
Most days start at 7 AM and end at 9:30 PM with breaks for food and self-study. There is 1 physical yoga class per day. Sundays are free days for students and teachers (savasana).
Here’s a typical schedule:
(This schedule below is effective through February 2020):
8 – 9:30 AM: Asana (physical yoga)
9:30 – 10:15 AM: Shatkarmas (cleansing)
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM: Brunch
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Karma yoga
12:30 – 1 PM: Mantra
1 – 2:45 PM: Pranayama, Meditation, Chikitsa (healing), Nidra (deep relaxation)
2:45 – 4 PM: Art of Teaching/Methodology
4 – 5:30 PM: Dinner
5:30 – 6:30 PM: Kirtan/Satsang
6:30 – 9 PM: Class/Lecture (philosophy, anatomy, Ayurveda, etc.)
10 PM: Suggested lights out
(This schedule below is effective December 2020 onwards):
8 – 9:30 AM: Asana Class 1: Physical yoga, Pranayama, Subtle Body, and Meditation
9:30 – 10:45 AM: Brunch
10:45 AM – 12 PM: Lecture 1 (Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics)
12 – 2 PM: Professional Essentials (Teaching Methodology, Professional Development, and Practicum)
2 – 2:45 PM: Break
2:45 – 4 PM: Lecture 2 (History, Philosophy, Ethics)
4 – 5:30 PM: Asana Class 2: Physical yoga, Pranayama, Subtle Body, and Meditation
5:30 – 6:15 PM: Karma/Elective (aka Lead Trainer Office Hours)
6:15 – 7 PM: Dinner
7 – 8 PM: Self-study
10 PM: Suggested lights out
We invite our students to arrive by 4 PM – at the latest – the day of the course start date. This allows time for checking into your room, relaxing, settling in, and joining a brief welcome orientation and group dinner.
The last day of the program is a half-day but we ask our students to plan on leaving in the late evening (after 4 PM). Typically the certificate ceremony lasts until 2 or 3 PM.
We encourage our students to choose delicious and nutritious vegetarian or vegan meals. Om Beach offers sattvic meals. This means they are pure, fresh, and nourishing. Because our programs require you to perform physical yoga we ensure you receive enough protein to remain healthy. You can always find a vegan option, as well.
There is no set uniform. However, you should dress comfortably for the location. Be aware of the season and climate. Further, be sure to dress appropriately for the culture. Indians are conservative and require you to cover skin. Wear tops that at least cover shoulders and midriff. Bottoms should at least cover the knees.
Clothing for asana class can be comfortable and allow for more breathing. Be sure to bring something to cover up when walking out of the classroom – a scarf or shawl, for example. We recommend bringing just one or two workout outfits. More will be burdensome.
We recommend bringing less clothing than you think you’ll need. There are many shops around where you can buy traditional and comfortable Indian clothes. It is not expensive, and it supports the local economy. Plus, it makes a great souvenir and reminder of your journey. Truly, just bring two casual outfits. Formal outfits are not required.
You will typically do your own laundry out of a bucket provided where you will be staying. Although it may sound odd it can be a joy to clean your own clothes in such a hands-on way. We invite you to open your mind to this experience. If you are not comfortable with this, or are not happy with the level of cleanliness bucket laundry provides, you can pay to have laundry done by a local. They hand wash or use machines. Often they charge by the kilo or per item.
You do not need to bring sheets or pillowcases – these are typically provided wherever you stay. Some places do not provide a towel, so you may want to bring a small travel towel.
If you have your own yoga mat and are OK to travel with it, you may. Yoga mats will be provided wherever you will be practicing. If you are not comfortable practicing with a communal mat you can buy inexpensive mats in India when you arrive to the school.
Karma means action and reaction. In ancient yogic texts karma yoga specifically means the yoga of action. It’s about performing a duty for duty’s’ sake. Doing something because it needs to be done, and not for the reaction it produces. This is how you achieve “moksha” – sanskrit word for “liberation”.
At Shanti Yoga we teach our students about karma yoga and ask that they practice it daily in small doses. We also encourage students to perform larger acts of kindness on days off when they have more time.
Every student who registers for a teacher training will receive a private room included in the price.
We carefully select the hotels we recommend to balance affordability, comfort, and proximity to the school. Our trainees often tell us how much they love the rooms. For specific details check out the location page.
Shanti Yoga works with local communities to provide the best yoga studio and classroom spaces. We aim to provide the biggest, brightest, and airiest spaces. Instructors are encouraged to bless the space prior to class, as well. For specific details check out the location page.
All teacher trainings include accommodations. You will be placed in a single, private room within close proximity to the yoga school (always less than a 10-minute walk).
To keep costs as low as possible for you our teacher trainings do not include food. However, there are many local restaurants within walking distance – all with gorgeous beach views. The food is locally-sourced, cooked to modern health standards, and very nutritious. We encourage students to order food that is in-line with the saatvic yogic diet – vegetarian, no onion, garlic, or caffeine, and low/no eggs, dairy, sugar, or salt.
All of our trainings are donation-based. This means the cost to you is the same as the cost for us to hold the training. We only profit when our students donate. You can choose to donate what you wish at the conclusion of the program.
The cost for our 11-day 100-hour teacher training is $479 USD.
The cost for our 21-day 200-hour teacher training is $779 USD.
The cost for our 300 and 500 hour trainings depends on your specific needs. Contact us and let us know what you’re looking for.
As is standard, you are responsible for any other costs outside of the yoga teacher training program. For example, if you wish to purchase clothing, your own yoga mat, toiletries, etc.
Jan 2 – Jan 27 2022
Feb 1 – Feb 26 2022
Mar 6 – Mar 31 2022
Apr 3 – Apr 28 2022
May 1 – May 26 2022
Jun 5 – Jun 30 2022
Jul 3 – Jul 28 2022
Aug 7 – Sep 1 2022
Sep 4 – Sep 29 2022
Oct 2 – Oct 27 2022
Nov 6 – Dec 1 2022
Dec 4 – Dec 29 2022
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
$3,930 USD (includes training, accommodation, and group dinner)
Jan 2 – Jan 14 2022
Feb 1 – Feb 13 2022
Mar 6 – Mar 18 2022
Apr 3 – Apr 15 2022
May 1 – May 13 2022
Jun 5 – Jun 17 2022
Jul 3 – Jul 15 2022
Aug 7 – Aug 19 2022
Sep 4 – Sep 16 2022
Oct 2 – Oct 14 2022
Nov 6 – Nov 18 2022
Dec 4 – Dec 16 2022
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
$2358 USD (includes training, accommodation, and group dinner)
Contact us and we will work with you to find appropriate start & end dates.
MEXICO
Plaza Genovesa, Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2015, Zona Hotelera, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, 48333
USA
9 Bonair Street, Apartment 1, Somerville, MA, USA, 02145
2021 © Shanti Yoga
