Integral Yoga is a system based on the teachings of Swami Satchidananda. Teacher training started in New York in 1966. While courses are still offered in New York, a wide variety of training is offered at the Integral Yoga headquarters at Yogaville, an ashram in central Virginia. Students come from around the world to study Integral Yoga.
Integral Yoga
Integral Yoga is an especially meditative and non-competitive form of yoga. In addition to the physical postures, Satchidananda taught other branches of yoga, including bhakti, a devotional practice wherein students exercise faith in God; karma yoga, doing work for others without expecting payment or thanks; jnana yoga, the study of yoga philosophy and texts; and japa yoga, or repeating mantras.
Satchidananda
Swami Satchidananda, also known as Sri Gurudev, was born in India in 1914. A deeply spiritual proponent of both world peace and inner peace, Satchidananda traveled around the world spreading his teachings. He made the opening address for the famous Woodstock music festival of 1969. Satchidananda won many honors for his work, including the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award. His Light of Truth Universal Shrine at Yogaville was completed in 1986. This shrine features altars dedicated to various world faiths. Satchidananda died in India in 2002.
Basic Training
Yogaville offers the Integral Yoga Basic Hatha Teacher Training, a one-month program designed to prepare its graduates to teach classes at the beginning level. Beginning classes include yoga poses, breathing practices, meditation, chanting and relaxation. Expect long days, starting with 6 a.m. meditation. As of early 2011, students paid $1,750 tuition plus between $1,280 for a tent site and $2,660 for a private room with private bath. All accommodations include three vegetarian meals per day. Seniors, students, international visitors and active or reserve duty military all get 10 percent off.
Advanced Training
Yogaville offers many advanced and specialized trainings, too. Teachers can learn work with physically challenged students, can take prenatal and post partum trainings, or learn to help people with cancer or cardiac problems. Training to work with special needs or regular children are also available. You can learn to teach meditation, stress management, or intermediate and advanced yoga.
Other Places
While Yogaville has the most offerings, people can also take Integral Yoga teacher trainings in New York and India. The Integral Yoga Institute in New York City offers the basic and prenatal programs, as well as training for the special child and therapeutic yoga. The Integral Yoga Institute in Tamil Nadu, India, offers the basic course to international students.
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