Isha Hatha Yoga Teacher Training
I have taken the Hatha Yoga Teacher training program in 2015, with Isha Hatha Yoga School, in Coimbatore, Southern India. The program lasted 21 weeks, including 1,750+ hours of intensive practices and learnings. This wonderful transformational program is designed by Sadhguru himself, with the intention to bring back Classical Hatha Yoga in its purest form.
Everyday I got up around 3:30am in the morning to complete my Kriya practices. Then at 5:30am we had Guru Pooja and started with our morning practices. Every morning we practiced Upa yoga/Angamardhana, Surya Kriya, Surya Shakti, Yogasnanas, Bhakti Sadhana, Chanting Nirvana Shatkam and Isha Kriya. This was followed by a morning branch at 10:00am.
(This is our classroom. We were very fortunate to have Adiyogi Alayam – a powerful consecrated hall created by Sadhguru- for the whole training period. Maa Jayitri is guiding us doing Nadi Vibhjan in the picture.)
Then we came back for the noon session with video sessions or other lectures, then followed by AUM Chanting and Nadi Shuddhi. In the afternoon, we had time for Shoonya meditation, snacks and juice, followed by study and practice assessment.
Then from 4:00pm we will start with our practice again Upa yoga/Angamardhana, Surya Kriya, Surya Shakti, Yogasnanas. Then the dinner started at 7:00pm followed by a night session with Sadhguru’s video and other aspects of the training. Everyday is a full on, 7-8 hours of intensive practices and learnings.
The training covered a wide range of features along side of yogic practices. It also included the aspects of anatomy, physiology, yogic physiology, science of Sidhha, importance of diet. Throughout the whole training, we were having full vegan, high pranic, largely raw based food. It was absolutely fabulous.
(As a part of the demo training, I have to confront my fear of height by getting on top of this demo table and doing Surya Kriya. Now you can understand why I pulled such a funny face here. :))
Here is one of videos from our training journals. I was interviewed and shared my experience. The video lasts 4:11 minutes. My voice comes in from 1:38 minutes. 🙂
To maintain the quality of the teaching and my individual spiritual growth, every year I also attend the teachers upgrade organised by Isha Hatha Yoga School. During the upgrade, I continue to deepen my own sadhana. I also receive continuous development and new practices which I can offer to many others.
Teachers upgrade in 2016, India
This was the first upgrade I attended immediately after my training. We stayed in total silence to deepen our experience in the ashram. It was immensely powerful. After the silence, we visit a local village and had some fun games in the river nearby.
Teachers upgrade 2017, Lithuania
In 2017, we met again in Vilnius, Lithuania for all the Isha Hatha Yoga teachers resident in Europe. During this upgrade we learned new practices for children and games. One of the fun one is to pulling our ears to stimulate the brain development. It was such an amazing time!
Teachers upgrade 2018, Poland
In 2018 we met in Warsaw, Poland. This time we were staying in the ashram of Art of living. We have gone through intensive sadhana, learned Eye Care practices and more on the yogic diet. The residents in the Art of living were amazing. They have also invited us to the bore fire night with dancing and music.
Teachers upgrade 2019, Netherlands
In 2019 we met just outside of Eindhoven in the Netherlands. I had the privilege to organise this upgrade. It was such an intensive experience I must say. So much time, effort and energy to put together to make sure the meals were served on time and everyone is taken care of. It was such a fulfilling experience!
In 2020 due to COVID we had an online meet instead of an in-person upgrade. It was a nice experience. Although, I do miss our in-person upgrade. Let’s hope the COVID situation will pass soon. Namaskaram!