Yama-Niyama: ethical basis of yoga teaching.

Total Number of CPD Hours on Course: 42

Name of Main Teacher:  Swami Saradananda

Dates of upcoming course(s): TBA

A 14-week development training for yoga teachers who wish to explore integral ethics in both traditional yogic terms and within the context of contemporary culture. The purpose of this course is to assist you in integrating Patañjali’s ethical suggestions, known as ‘yama’ and ‘niyama’ into your daily life, your classes and your relationships with students. It is an introduction to the ethical aspects of teaching in terms of yoga philosophy

What will yoga teachers get out of this course?

• In-depth analysis of Patanjali’s sutras pertaining to ethical practices

• Ways that you and your students can use the positive energy generated by the yamas and niyamas to manifest your ideas and intentions.

• Off-the-mat exercises practices which support understanding.

• access to a community of yoga teachers

• A forum in which you can exchange ideas with other yoga teachers. This is your opportunity to find positive ways to deal with the ethical challenges present in the teaching of yoga

• Innovative ideas for applying yoga principles to daily life

Course balances student-teacher contact hours with personal practice

• 14 live classes (2 hours each) + recorded for further viewing

• Extensive hand-outs (PDF)

• Weekly reading assignments

• Suggested daily personal practice

• Extensive written notes and teaching aids.

• Mentoring by Swami Saradananda, a very senior teacher and author of a number of best-selling books on various aspects of yoga

Requirements for participation:

• Completion of yoga teachers’ training or yoga therapy training

• Computer access, basic computer literacy and an email address

To register: bank transfer of non-refundable deposit of £150. The balance is due 3 weeks before the start of the course.

Classes are small, as the number of participants is limited. Please book as soon as possible.

Refunds and transfers: once payment has been made, there are no refunds. However, you may transfer to another session of the course, with a £100 transfer fee. You must complete the course within 3 years.

Attendance: students are expected to attend all classes via Zoom (with their camera on) and be absent only with good reason. If you are unable to attend because of illness or other emergency, you must inform the tutor before the start of the class. Participants are required to register 80% attendance at live sessions– the first class cannot be missed. If a live class is missed, it is student's responsibility to make up the content by viewing the recorded sessions and submitting a detailed written summary.

Students who do not reach the required attendance will not receive their certificate until they have made up the time/practice and assignments and this may incur additional costs. If you miss more than two classes, you will be expected to transfer to a subsequent session of the course, with payment of the £100 transfer fee.

Homework will consist of a weekly submission of a completed practice diary. Course participants will evaluate their own practice and progress through reflective self-assessment and are requested to keep a written diary showing learning progress.

Code of conduct: students and teachers are expected to act with mutual respect and kindness. Students are expected to set up their camera in a quiet area, where they will not be distracted by other members of their household, including pets and children. It is best to wear loose comfortable clothing (no jeans).

Students are requested not to bring their phones to class (not simply put them into silent mode). No eating during class, please.