Jivamukti International/Teacher Trainings

Teacher Training 2011 Information

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Information about the course is below. Please read very thoroughly.

Jivamukti Yoga® 300-Hour Teacher Training Certification Program
Plus 2 Day Ecstatic Chant Immersion Experience
1 Month Residential at the Omega Institute, April 24, 2011-May 20, 2011
Rhinebeck, NY

www.eomega.org
www.jivamuktiyoga.com

"Famed New York City-based yoga mavens Sharon Gannon and David Life occupy a deservedly prominent position in the American yoga community, having not only done a great deal to help foster the burgeoning popularity of yoga but also done that as a by-product of decades-long study (with a veritable pantheon of contemporary masters) and profoundly devoted practice."
-Phil Catalfo, Yoga Journal (July/August 2002)

About the Program

Jivamukti Yoga® is one of nine internationally recognized styles of Hatha yoga. This course will give you an opportunity to acquire the skills and confidence necessary to teach a Jivamukti Yoga class, which incorporates chanting, asana, music, meditation and scriptural study in a challenging vinyasa practice.

The program is a one-month residential program at the Omega Institute, located in Rhinebeck, NY. (See below, "About Omega/Lodging & Meals" for more information on Omega.) The program covers yoga philosophy and scripture, history of yoga, introduction to Sanskrit, introduction to anatomy, practice teaching sessions, study groups, mentor guidance, quizzes, midterm and final tests, and all aspects of Jivamukti Yoga. A special segment of this month-long teacher training will include full participation in a "Weekend of Ecstatic Chant". We join some of the Western world's leading devotional singers and special guests in an exploration of transcendent musical prayer (kirtan), yoga and meditation. The weekend includes an extraordinary all-night Saturday session. Attendance will be counted among the hours towards Jivamukti certification.

Contact hours in residential training:

A. Techniques and Practice of Jivamukti Yoga... 52.5 hours
Learn to teach 2 full Jivamukti Yoga& class sequences (practice and memorization), kriyas, teaching and practicing meditation and chanting, teaching basics, and teaching mixed level classes (the "open class").

B. Basic Sanskrit Alphabet... 14 hours
Learn the Sanskrit alphabet in Devanagari script. You will be able to read and pronounce Sanskrit words, as well as some grammar, and you will explore the role of Sanskrit in a yoga practice.

C. Teaching Methodology... 38.5 hours
The Jivamukti Yoga® teaching method; the 5 tenets of Jivamukti Yoga® and the 14 requirements of Jivamukti Yoga® open classes; adjustments and assists for standing poses, forward bends, twists, backbends, inversions, and balances; the art of sequencing, energetics of assists and vinyasa krama; ethics of teaching yoga, including the types of teachers and students; teaching Jivamukti Yoga® sequences.

D. Anatomy and Physiology... 12 hours
Anatomy and physiology: basics of skeletal, muscular, respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems; injury and recovery; esoteric anatomy, including chakras, nadis, prana, granthi, and bandha.

E. Scripture, Philosophy, Ethics, & Lifestyle... 24 hours
Includes basic philosophy, Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, Hathayogapradipika, Karma, 7 Bhumikas.

F. Group Practicum... 12 hours
Includes class observation and transcriptions focusing on adjustment, sequencing, theme, and music.

G. Small Group Peer Review and Practicum... 14 hours
These are classes that you teach in a small group setting to hone your skills. Includes student teaching as well as observing and assisting in classes taught by others, oral presentation skills.

H. Satsang... 83.5 hours
Satsang combines many of the subjects of the course including chanting, meditation, japa and mantra, nada yoga and music, community responsibility, ahimsa, vegetarianism, philosophy and practical skills for conducting satsang. 24 hrs. will be spent in the "Weekend of Ecstatic Chant". Course quizzes, including a midterm and final test, are conducted as part of the satsang.

I. Pranayama principles and practice... 5.5 hours
This includes the principles and theory of pranayama, practical training in samavritti and visamavritti pranayama, including teaching methods.

Daily Homework... 20 hours
Each day includes a homework quiz to be completed and checked by mentor

Total contact hours for course work... 256 hours
Total non-contact homework and prerequisites... 100 hours
Total hours for certification... 356 hours

A Sample Daily Schedule

This intensive course is four weeks total, with 22.5 full days of training. (The schedule generally runs five days of training with one day off between each five-day session.)

7:00-8:00amBreakfast
8:00-9:00amMeditation / Scriptural Chanting
9:00-10:30am Jivamukti Yoga class
10:30-12:00pm Lecture
12:30-1:30pm Lunch
1:45-3:45pm Lecture
4:00-6:00pm Practical workshop
6:00-7:15pm Dinner
8:00-11:00pm Satsang and evening lecture or video

Requirements for the Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Training

Before your arrival at Omega you need to:

Required Reading and Book Reports
Required reading and guidelines for reading and book reports:

BOOK BOOK REPORT
1. Jivamukti Yoga by Sharon Gannon and David Life Read whole book & (1) write overview of the whole book OR (2) write summary of one chapter OR (3) elaborate on one point; 15 hours to read book + 5 hours for report
= 20 hrs total
2. Yoga and Vegetarianism by Sharon Gannon Read whole book & (1) write overview of the whole book OR (2) write summary of one chapter OR (3) elaborate on one point; 15 hours to read book + 5 hours for report
= 20 hrs total
3. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda Read book & (1) write overview of the whole book OR (2) write summary of one chapter OR (3) elaborate on one point; 15 hours to read book + 5 hours for report
= 20 hrs total
4. Textbook of Yoga Psychology (Patanjali Yoga Sutra) by Ramamurti Mishra (Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati) Read for an overview and basic knowledge of the book; no need to read cover-to-cover; write an essay elaborating on one sutra (do not write a general summary or overview of the whole book); 5 hours to review book + 5 hours for report
= 10 hours total
5. Hathayoga Pradipika by Swami Muktibodhananda of the Bihar School of Yoga Read for an overview and basic knowledge of the book; no need to read cover-to-cover; write an essay elaborating on one verse (do not write a general summary or overview of the whole book); 5 hours to review book + 5 hours for report
= 10 hours total

Each report should be submitted before or on the first day of training and must be:
  1. Length: 500 words minimum, 1000 maximum
  2. Font: Arial or Times New Roman, 12 point, double-spaced, not bolded
  3. Print on plain 8.5 x 11 paper (or closest standard size for international students)
  4. Include your name on the top of each page
  5. Please retain a copy for your own records

Book reports can be submitted in person on the first day of training or mailed to Omega at Omega Institute, 150 Lake Drive, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, phone: (845) 266-4444. Please do not mail your reports to Omega unless you are sure they will arrive before the first day of training.

All the books are available from www.jivamuktiyoga.com/boutique/ or call 212-353-0214. ext 0.

Bring books #1 and #4 (Jivamukti Yoga and Textbook of Yoga Psychology) with you to Omega for the course; you do not need to bring the other books.

Recommended Reading (not listed in any particular order)
You do not need to read these books before the course or bring them with you, but they will elaborate on some of the topics to be studied in the course and thus can provide a good background for the course, as well as a resource after graduation.

The Anatomy Coloring Book (3rd ed.) by Wynn Kapit & Lawrence M. Elson
A Garland of Forest Flowers by Swami Nirmalananda
An Unnatural Order by Jim Mason
Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Be Here Now by Ram Dass
Cats & Dogs are People Too! by Sharon Gannon
Diet for a New America by John Robbins
Dominion by Matthew Scully
Fundamentals of Yoga by Ramamurti S. Mishra (Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati)
Foundations of Tibetan Mysticism by Lama Anagarika Govinda
Gita Wisdom by Joshua Greene
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
Thanking The Monkey by Karen Dawn
The Art of Yoga by Sharon Gannon and David Life
The Art of Yoga Assists by Sharon Gannon and David Life with Geshe Michael Roach & Christy McNally (expected publication date: 2010)
The Bhagavad Gita by Winthrop Sargeant
The World Peace Diet by Will Tuttle
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Sri Swami Satchidananda
The Yoga Tradition by Georg Feuerstein
The Myths and Gods of India by Alain Danielou
Yoga Mala by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
Your Right To Know by Andrew Kimbrell
The Diamond Cutter by Geshe Michael Roach
Tibetan Meditation by Lama Christie McNally
The Life of Milarepa by Lobsang P. Lhalungpa

Ethical Guidelines Form
This form is a requirement of Jivamukti Yoga and the Yoga Alliance certification. It calls your attention to important ethical considerations in the teaching of yoga and asks for your pledge to act correctly and responsibly.

Teacher Certification Agreement
This form details the parameters for your future use of the Jivamukti Yoga® name and method.

Medical Information Form
This form gives your personal medical needs and history for the confidential use of the staff and presenters.

Faculty

Sharon Gannon and David Life, founders of Jivamukti Yoga, have been teaching yoga around the world for 20+ years. They are recognized as "the innovators in yoga" by Yoga Journal and sought after by thousands of yoga students. They emphasize devotion, prayer, music, chanting and meditation as well as animal rights, environmental concerns, and ethical, social and political action. Their focus on the original meaning of the word "asana" as a "seat" that connects us to the earth is as practical as it is passionate. They authored the widely selling books Jivamukti Yoga: Practices For Liberating Body and Soul, and The Art of Yoga, articles in Yoga Journal, videos, music and other books. They have been featured on The Today Show, PBS, and in Time, The NY Times, The Wall Street Journal, The London Observer, and many others.

Jeffrey Cohen Bio coming soon

Jules Febre Jules Febre was born and raised in a section of New York City known as the Lower East Side. He grew up in the L.E.S. during a very rough period surrounded by violence, drugs and a general atmosphere of anger. At the age of 13, Jules spent three months in India; two of which were spent in Mysore studying Ashtanga Yoga with Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois. During that time he was invited to share satsang with Swami Nirmalananda and Shyam Das, two radical yogis that have each helped to add to the progression of yoga in the West. At the age of 16 Jules began working at the Jivamukti Yoga School helping to clean, by 21 had become the general manager of two Jivamukti Yoga Schools and eventually became the C.O.O of Jivamukti Inc. in New York City.

After years of working behind a desk Jules realized his need was to be with others in a more hands on relationship and took the 350 hour Jivamukti Yoga Teacher training. After completing the extensive one month training, he chose to work for an additional 350 hour advanced certification program.

Jules decided it was time to give back to the neighborhood he grew up in and started Hip Hop Asana with two other Jivamukti Yoga teachers. Combining hip hop music and his street smarts, he teaches classes geared toward those interested in the hip hop culture and yoga; especially those who cannot always afford to pay for classes. So far, Hip Hop Asana has been taught by Jules in New York City in Homeless Shelters, High Schools and Recreational Centers for inner city youth. Teaching yoga is Jules' passion. He is grateful to his teachers, Sharonji, Davidji & Yogeswari for igniting his devotion to the Jivamukti Yoga practice and inspire countless students.

 

Ecstatic Chant participants -To Be Announced

Additional Faculty will include advanced certified Jivamukti Yoga Teachers who will serve as small group mentors. They will provide individualized attention, support, and guidance. Their presence will greatly facilitate the whole experience.

Costs

Tuition for 2011 teacher training is $6,650 plus separate housing fees (please contact Omega for those fees or any other questions regarding payments).

Note:
Partial scholarships for this training are available.
Click Here for Omega’s scholarships page or call 845.266.4444, ext. 120.


About Omega Institute

Omega has become the nation's largest holistic learning center. Every year more than 20,000 people attend workshops, retreats, and conferences on its 140-acre campus in the countryside of Rhinebeck, New York, and at other sites around the country.

Address:
Omega Institute
150 Lake Drive
Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Phone (Registration):
800-944-1001 or 845-266-4444

Phone Hours (New York Time; GMT-5):
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Email: registration@eomega.org

Website: www.eomega.org

Omega Meals

The lodging fee includes housing and 3 meals daily (commuters get all meals).

Meals at Omega:
Vegan and vegetarian choices will be available daily:
Breakfast: Coffee, tea, juice, toast or cereal, oatmeal, miso soup, tofu scramble, grains, etc.
Lunch: Soups, salads, grains, pastas, main dishes w/tofu, tempeh or seitan with sauces and vegetables
Dinner: Full dinner menu with salads, main dishes, soup, as well a selection of "plain" food that includes a grain, steamed greens and vegetables.

Omega Housing

Omega housing is simple and comfortable but not air-conditioned. D-dorm single accommodation is limited and will be assigned on a first come - first served basis. There are other housing options available for an additional fee. Please see descriptions below.

Housing Information
A-Double Cabin Room
Type A housing is a room you share with a roommate with a private bath in the room. If you do not register with a roommate, Omega will assign you one. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, and towels are provided. You may wish to bring extra towels or blankets. These cabins are heated. Handicapped accessible Type A housing is available.

B-Double Cabin Room
Type B housing is a room you share with a roommate, and you share the bath with one adjoining room. If you do not register with a roommate, Omega will assign you one. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, and towels are provided. You may wish to bring extra towels or blankets. These cabins are heated.

C-Commuter/Facility Fee
If you are a C-Commuter not staying in Omega housing, this non-optional fee covers Omega's overhead costs, daily lunches, and use of the facilities, the lake, walking trails, parking, and all guest services. Include the facility fee in the Housing column on the registration form. An off-campus referral list is available.

D-Dorm Single
dorms are located uphill from mid-campus. A Dorm Single is a small private room with one twin bed, self-standing fan, heat, no air-conditioning. A hall bath is shared by 8-to-12 guests. A Dorm Single Deluxe room shares the same amenities as the Dorm Single, but has been renovated for additional comfort. Pillows and blankets are provided. Please bring your own sheets or sleeping bag, and towels, or you may rent these items from Omega for a small fee. We make every effort to house guests in single gender dorms; however, depending upon enrollment, some dorms may be coed. A dorm single is a small private room in a cabin with the bath shared by 8-12 guests. Each room has a twin bed, self-standing fan, heat, but no air-conditioning. Pillows and blankets are provided, but you must bring your own sheets or sleeping bag, and towels, or you may rent these from Omega for a small fee. Dorms are located uphill from mid-campus. Dorms are heated, but can be chilly. Omega makes every effort to house guests in single gender dorms; however, depending upon enrollment, some dorms may be coed. Handicapped accessible dorm singles are available. Dorm Single Deluxe rooms have the same amenities but have recently been renovated.

What will you need to bring?

Questions You Might Have...

Are there any prerequisites?
Yes, before your arrival at Omega you need to submit full payment, a signed Ethical Guidelines form, a signed Teacher Certification Agreement and a signed Medical Information form. Experience in teaching yoga and/or experience with the Jivamukti Yoga® method is preferred. Memorization of Jivamukti Yoga Classes "Balancing" (Vol. 6) and "Backbending" (Vol. 7) is required. You may want to transcribe these classes before the course and bring your transcriptions with you to the course. Also, you must submit 5 required book reports on or before the first day of the course.

What happens on the first day?
The first day of the training for 2011 will be Sunday, April 24. On this day you are to check in between the hours of 4 pm and 6 pm. At that time you will receive your course materials, meet your certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Mentor, get your room assignment, and settle in. You will have dinner at Omega from 6:00 pm until 7:15 pm and then we will meet in the Main Hall for orientation to Omega and the Teacher Training Course and have introductions.

What happens on the last day?
On the last evening of the course, Thursday, May 20, we will have graduation as part of our evening satsang. The last day, Friday, May 20, you will be checking out of Omega. There are no classes scheduled for that day.

What is the application process?
You may apply directly to Omega either on the web or by phone. To register, please go to http://www.eomega.org Omega Course #0626-480 Or Call 1-800-944-1001 or 845-266-4444

What is the payment policy?
Special Payment and Cancellation Policy:
A $1,500 deposit is required for the training tuition and 50% of the total housing fee. This will hold your place. The balance is due by March 20, 2011 (cancellation deadline). Refunds are available (less a $100 processing fee) up to March 20; Between March 21-April 6 you can get a nonrefundable credit on your account (less a $100 processing fee). After April 6 all fees are nonrefundable. There is no refund if you leave the training early.

Are there any scholarships offered?
Yes , a limited number of $1000 scholarships are award to qualified applicants.
Click Here for Omega’s scholarships page or call 845.266.4444, ext. 120

Does the fee include books?
No it does not.

Do I have to stay at Omega? Can I commute to the campus every day?
It is not required that you lodge at Omega. You may commute; however, you must be on time for the day's beginning and stay through to the end of each day.

Are Sharon and David planning on doing more of these trainings in the near future?
Dates beyond 2011 are not yet confirmed.

For additional questions and/or concerns regarding the course, please email
administration@jivamuktiyoga.com
Website: www.jivamuktiyoga.com
Copyright© 2005-2010 Jivamukti Yoga®

Testimonials from Graduates of the Jivamukti Teacher Training Program:

Jivamukti teacher training:
"The Gold Standard," "highly-regarded"
-Time Out Magazine, NY

Everyday of the training was awe-inspiring, challenging, and ultimately leading us on our journey to Self-realization, which is the true goal of yoga. Every day will blow your mind and expand your consciousness beyond belief and so rocks your world. Everyday was a highlight for me.Unlike many trainings you will not only focus on the physical postures and how to teach the Jivamukti class's but how they evolved - the origins of these ancient practices spiritual power and how to set free the energy flows throughout the mind and body...the five tenets of Jivamukti Yoga help us understand what comprises the path to enlightenment.
-Tina James Powis, Graduate 2005

Pivotal and transformative. Study with Sharon and David (master teachers) to deepen your practices and ability to help others be the change they want to see in the world.
-Linda Kramer (Sudevi), Graduate 2003

At the Jivamukti Teacher Training program I made lasting connections with Spiritual teachers and friends that have continued to inspire and transform my life to this very day. It is Sharon and David's infinite generosity and kindness that continue to open doors for me, revealing the richness and depth of this path of Self-discovery through yoga. It is with deepest gratitude that I encourage you to deepen your own practice with this incredible opportunity.
-Kristina Pao Cheng, Graduate 2003

In 2005 I had the great honor to be a teaching assistant and mentor at the Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Training. The Training provides full immersion into Yoga Sadhana (practice) for one full month, without distractions from family, job and personal habits. It is an opportunity to become pure, to be the best person one could possibly be, and to have psychological and spiritual breakthroughs that are enlightening and life transforming. . It provides an international network of teaching opportunities and a traditional, one-on-one apprenticeship study with an advanced certified teacher.
-Yogeswari, Graduate 2000

Jivamukti TT is like rocket fuel for enlightenment! Challenged deeply on every level of my being, I continue to integrate - 4 years later!! - the mass awakening of Self I experienced during those Wild but wonderful days. If YOUR heart says "Go!"...LISTEN!
-Jan Henrickson, Graduate 2003

One of the highlights for me was the atomosphere of bhav, or deep devotion, that came from the whole group. We practice, learn, be nervous, and cry together as a whole group. was very nice. Eating vegan meals three times a day was great! I would recommend this teacher training because it will deepen your knowledge about yourself and your connection to others which is the essence of yoga.
-Kumiko Buchman, Graduate 2006

The Jivamukti training will shift a person's perception, creating the transformation to begin to live life from a yogic point of view. When that miracle happens you are never the same. Sharon used to say "don't just give a class, give an experience." That is what the Jivamukti Teacher training is, an experience. It is a life changing experience and if one has an opportunity to take the training I would advise strongly to do so.
-Michael Farewell, Graduate 2001

My experience at the Jivamukti training was world-view altering. The highlight was being able to devote 100 percent of my time and attention to these ancient and sacred teachings, morning, noon, and night, and being surrounded by so many others who are striving to become spiritually activated. Sharonji and Davidji are absolutely selfless with the teachings. They spoon-fed to us sacred knowledge that took them decades to acquire. I have never felt so elevated as I did the month I spent at the training.
-Amy Armstrong, Graduate 2007

Teacher training was life changing. You will discover your true Self in a vigorous learning atmosphere. It is more precious than any money can buy.
-Esther Widjaja, Graduate 2005

I came out of this training not only wanting to serve but also knowing how to serve others and the earth with confidence and joy. I recommend others to take the training to deepen their practice - physical and spiritual, to learn how to transmit the teachings, to teach correct alignment of postures and be able to give hands-on adjustments, to become an extension of an ancient lineage, and to feel part of a vibrant community of teachers and students (a community that forms during the 4-week campus-based teacher training which then extends into the world). The Jivamukti Yoga Teacher training is about expansion and strengthening of the body, mind, and heart. With that expansion comes space, space to take care of others, to uplift the lives ofothers.
-Rima Rabbath, Graduate 2005

Highlights of my Jivamukti Yoga teacher training include the priceless opportunity to have daily intensive instruction, life-time connections with classmates and mentors from all over the world, a full month of dedicated study and practice, great vegan food, fresh air, becoming part of the global Jivamukti family. I encourage anyone who's interested in an authentic yoga teacher education to come to the Jivamukti Teacher Training.
-Karl Straub, Graduate 2005

In a nutshell, the Jivamukti Yoga Teacher training teaches you about yoga from the inside out. You get awesome training for how to teach asana, how to give excellent hands-on adjustments, backed up with juicy yoga philosophy that inspires every breath.
-Marni Trask, Graduate 1997

Register now for Teacher Training through Omega Institute