Experience Authentic Yoga in our RYS 200 & RYS 300 Professional Trainings
Ananda Yoga Teacher Training is a comprehensive program that expands your understanding of yoga poses, yoga philosophy (Yoga Sutras and The Bhagavad Gita), anatomy, and the subtle body (chakras and nadis). You will deepen your asana practice through the use of affirmations, dynamic relaxation, and awakening your vital energy (prana).
Ananda Yoga was developed by Swami Kriyananda, based on the teachings he received from his guru (spiritual teacher) Paramhansa Yogananda. In this program, you will learn how to practice, modify, deepen, teach, and use props for 38 yoga poses. You will also learn powerful techniques that go beyond poses: pranayama (breathing techniques), mudras, bandhas, Yogananda’s Energization Exercises (a unique system for developing health and vitality), practices for stimulating the chakras, and meditation. The program is offered both in-person at the Ananda Blue Lotus Temple in Bothell, and online via Zoom.
Next Session Begins: January 2025
An Authentic Tradition
Discover the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda, founder of Ananda Yoga based on the thousand-year-old science of hatha yoga.
A Yogic Environment
Immerse yourself in a place of peace and spiritual depth supported by a community of yogis.
A Professional Training
The School is certified with Yoga Alliance® RYS™ 350 hours and RYS™ 500 hours. We offer you high quality, safe, accessible teaching.
If you have yet to experience Ananda Yoga and would like to take a class, or, if you have any questions about your personal practice or how this program can serve you, please contact the registrar of Yoga Teacher Training, Christina at 425-806-3700 or christina@anandawashington.org.
Meet the Instructors
Murali Venkatrao PhD
Director of Ananda Yoga Teacher Training and Lightbearer of Ananda.
E-RYT 500 | YACEP
Lynne Steele
Co-Director of Ananda Yoga Teacher Training – E-RYT200 | RYT-500 | YACEP
Christina Riegel
E-RYT 200 | RYT-500 | YACEP
Debra Clark
E-RYT 200 | RYT-500
Lorie Gail
C-IAYT | RYT 200
Level 1 - RYT 200
of each of the major areas:
We will deeply explore all the major asanas including: standing poses, forward bends,
balance poses, backward bends, side bends, twists, core strengthening poses,
inversions, seated and meditative poses. We will also experience Surya Namasakar (Sun Salutations). For each pose, we will discuss alignment, safety, use of breath,
beginner and advanced variations, benefits and contraindications.
An effective yoga teacher needs both awareness and knowledge. Awareness
comes from intent, focus, and experience. AYTT provides the relevant knowledge
needed for teaching including:
• Modifications: each human being is unique, so it is only natural that an asana
has different expressions depending on who is doing it. We will explore the
different ways of modifying an asana to suit different body conditions and
health conditions.
• Use of props such as blocks, blankets, belts, etc., to enable a deeper practice
for students.
• Sequencing is an important topic. Do I do forward bends first or backward
bends? When do I do inversions? We will discuss the basic principles behind
sequencing different types of asanas.
• Warm-ups: many yoga injuries are a result of not warming up prior to practice.
When used properly, warm-ups not only prevent injuries, but also deepen the
sadhana (spiritual practice). For example, backbends are more effective if hip-
flexors are warmed up while forward bends are more effective if spinal erectors
are warmed up. We will cover these topics in detail.
• Use of affirmations: a unique aspect of Ananda Yoga is the use of affirmations.
We will explore the art, science, and practice of affirmations. A complete list of the asanas taught along with their affirmations is at the end of this document.
• Teaching to an Online Audience: new opportunities to serve students have
opened up to teach online. We will explore using online meeting tools (Zoom
etc) to teach asana to remote students.
“Mind over body” is well known; however “body over mind” is equally true.
Specifically, a bodily position engenders a corresponding state of consciousness.
Thus we feel uplifted simply by making the spine straight; by the same token, the
mind cannot help but feel heavy when the shoulders and back are slumped. This
simple observation is the basis for all asanas – the postures uplift our level of
consciousness. This upward movement of prana is the primary reason for the great
healing power of yoga. When practiced properly, the body naturally assumes the
pose using its innate intelligence. Ultimately, the job of a yoga instructor is to teach
the art and science of how to achieve this inner experience.
We will discuss the principles of energy movement in the body, and the state of
consciousness — joy, peace, strength, etc. — fostered by an asana. We will
introduce many techniques, including affirmations, breathing, neutral poses, etc.,
whereby students can have this experience.
Yoga is a subtle practice. Thus there is frequent need to “fine-tune” an expression of an asana by adjusting. We will teach the general concepts behind adjustments and also discuss adjustments specific to each asana.
As a teacher, you may find situations where a little help in the form of a physical cue or support can greatly help a student have a more meaningful experience of a pose. Depending on the asana and the physical condition of the student, there
are different approaches to assisting. This is an important tool in any yoga
teacher’s repertoire.
PRANAYAMA, BANDHAS AND MUDRAS
In addition to asanas (physical postures), Hatha yoga has three other equally important aspects which we will explore in some detail:
• Pranayama, which literally means “life force control”, is a set of breathing
techniques that are very effective for maintaining good health. They are
also the gateway to deeper experience of asana, specifically its energetic
effects, leading us to the higher stages of yoga.
• Mudras: once you have some ability to control the subtle life force, mudras
(meaning bodily attitudes) can be used to direct the life force in a specific
direction. Mudras are like a catalyst, enhancing and deepening the
effects of an asana.
a specific location, typically at one of the chakras (energy centers). AYTT
teaches the three main bandhas: moola bandha (root lock), uddiyana
bandha (meaning to rise or fly up) and jalandhara bandha (a lock of the
energy channels of the throat).
Knowledge of the physical body is essential for a deep understanding of yoga and is
important for teaching it safely and effectively. We will study the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and the science of movement. We will also discuss circulatory,
respiratory, digestive, elimination, endocrine, nervous, and immune systems.
During AYTT, we approach anatomy not merely as a corpus of knowledge to be
accessed intellectually, but as practical, experiential, living science with immediate applicability to the practice of yoga. For example, the spine is the central post around
which the limbs move; using the fundamentals of anatomy we will discuss spinal alignment and proper articulation at the joints to ensure safe expressions of complex
poses such as Trikonasana (Triangle pose). The classes are profound for both the
newcomer to anatomy and those already possessing a working knowledge.
Practice makes perfect. In the context of AYTT, “practice” means teaching, assisting, and adjusting. We augment the comprehensive curriculum described above with
teaching sessions where you will have the opportunity to practice the techniques that you have learned. Practice sessions begin early on and occur periodically throughout
the duration of the course.
Classically, Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga) is considered the supreme path with meditation
as its central “yoga”; all other branches and practices of yoga are simply
preparations or support for this central practice. We will explore the history and paths of yoga, Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga (8-limbed yoga of the sage Patanjali), basics of Yama (literally means “control”, refers to moral restraints) and Niyama (literally means
“rules”, refers to practices or observances), the importance of a Guru (teacher), and the Yogic scheme of life.
We will also discuss basics of energy (prana), magnetism, and the use of affirmations, chanting, mantra (special chants imbued with deep vibrational power) and japa
(repetition of the name of the Divine).
and their relationship to asana, pranayama, mudras and bandhas. Underlying our discussion is the theme of viewing spiritual development itself as a gradual movement of prana from the lower to the upper chakras.
pieces of esoteric literature.
Ananda Yoga was developed by Swami Kriyananda to recapture the essential purpose of Yoga postures: to harmonize the body and refine the mind. He learned
Yoga postures from his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, who was the first great yoga master to make his home permanently in the West, and is the author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi.
A successful completion of AYTT entitles the student to be certified as Ananda Yoga
Teacher Level 1. This automatically entitles you to register with the Yoga Alliance as a “Registered
Yoga Teacher” at the 200-hour level (or simply, RYT 200). See “Frequently Asked
Questions” in the Detail Information Packet for an explanation of what this means. Simply put, you will become
a “card carrying” yoga teacher and can start teaching yoga (Yes, there is an actual
card stating this when you register with the Yoga Alliance!). To receive certification,
you must:
• Participate fully in all classes. Due to the nature of the program we encourage
100% attendance from the students. Due to illness or other life emergency a
student may miss up to 8 hours of class. Student is responsible for all material
missed. Missed classes exceeding 8 hours can be made up in a future YTT
program.
• Satisfactorily complete all reading and writing assignments.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the asanas as reflected through your
own practice. This includes but is not limited to proper alignment and
energetics as well as safety precautions as appropriate for each individual.
Evaluation Method:
o Mid-program evaluations are offered each student with suggested
refinements to their asana practice. Students needing additional
assistance in the practice of the asanas will be asked to attend
additional classes to receive focused guidance.
• Receive 80% or higher as a passing grade on all quizzes and exams.
• Demonstrate skills and attitudes of an Ananda Yoga Teacher. This includes
satisfactory performance in the student teaching sessions.
• Agree to follow the Ananda Yoga Teacher Code of Ethics (These are simple,
common-sense guidelines, a copy of which will be given to you as part of the
course material.)
A mid-program oral interview is conducted with each student to assess the student’s
current standing and address any issues of concern.
AYTT may be taken by anyone interested in teaching
yoga or deepening their personal yoga practice. However, because of the
nature of AYTT, some additional criteria are considered to determine the feasibility of the student’s participation:
- Overall health: AYTT requires consistent physical effort over a period of several
months. We will accommodate special physical conditions whenever
circumstances permit and so long as the overall safety of the student is not in
jeopardy. - Background and intention: A consistent personal asana practice is a prerequisite and personal meditation practice is a plus. Above all, the desire to learn and an open mind are most important.
- Personal Practices: To receive the maximum benefit from the program, attendees are asked to have a consistent personal asana practice for at least 6 months. A “consistent practice” means a practice spanning at least 4 days/week (more is even better). Your practice should focus on the set of asanas listed at the end of this document. These asanas form the basis of the training. The deeper your understanding of these asanas prior to the program (alignment, energetics, inner awareness, etc.), the more you will take away from the program.
- It is recommended that you attend at least one Ananda Yoga class per week prior to the commencemt of the training as well as during the program to assist you in your exploration of these asanas. Working with a teacher will support you in a way that working (practicing) alone simply cannot. Early enrollees into the Ananda Yoga Teacher Training (AYTT) have the added benefit of starting the Sadhana Practicum immediately.
- Meditation is an integral part of Ananda Yoga. While it is not required that you have a regular meditation practice before taking AYTT, such a practice will vastly deepen your experience of the program. Regular meditation is included in the course, so chances are that you will have a consistent meditation practice at the end of the program anyway
The schedule has two components:
- 11 Thursday evenings, from 6 – 9:15 PM, PLUS 1 Saturday Workshop from 10-4p. (See Detail Information Packet)
- 9 weekends, Sat 9-6 PM and Sun 1-6 PM including a 4 day retreat begins at 9a on Thursday, February 22 through 5p Sunday, February 25, 2024. Please plan on clearing your schedule for this entire duration of the retreat. Overnight lodging is not required or included. This is a day retreat only but you will need to clear your calendar for all 4 days for this deep and nurturing retreat.
For details see ‘Detail Information Packet’.
• Tuition is $3,000.
• Plus a One-time, lifetime non-refundable application fee $50 (some students
will have already paid this)
• Cost of textbooks is additional. Students are responsible for the purchase of
their texts. See required texts under the heading “Books and Materials”.
Tuition Includes:
- Free Ananda Yoga drop-in classes during this course online on Zoom1.
- AYTT Training Kit*
- Ananda Yoga Teacher Training Manual (printed)
- Supplemental handouts (offered online)
- Yoga Strap with buckle
- (2) Large foam blocks (24”x12”x2”)
- (1) Small foam block
- Ananda Yoga Asana Flash Cards
- Private guidance with a Yoga Teacher Trainer
An initial meeting will be arranged prior to the start of the program
to discuss your personal practices (sadhana) and to provide you
with any guidance you might need in order that you may begin the program with confidence in your own practices. Follow-up
meetings can be arranged to provide further support.
A mid-program meeting will be scheduled with each student.
PAYMENT AND INSTALLMENT OPTIONS
• Ananda Institute of Living Yoga Application Fee of $50. Due at the time of
application submission (if not previously paid).
• Tuition due date: unless you opt to pay your tuition in two installments (see
below), all tuition is due in full by December 20, 2023.
• Installment payments. You may choose to pay half of your tuition on or
before, December 20, 2023, and the second half on or before February 23,
2024. There is a 2.5% service on the deferred portion of tuition.
• To create the most dynamic and supportive training experience enrollment
is limited to 20 students. Once accepted into the program a deposit of $500
will secure your place in the Yoga Teacher Training program.
REFUND POLICY
Prepaid tuition is refundable in full prior to the start date of the program, excluding
a $100.00 Administrative fee and the value of any yoga classes taken.
