The Basics Of Anusara Yoga Teacher Training

Developed by John Friend in 1997, Anusara yoga offers a heartfelt, empowering practice. From the Sanskrit word for "flowing with grace," Anusara follows the tantric philosophy of "intrinsic goodness." The goal of an Anusara teacher is to help each student discover his or her inner light and the divine as already present. Teachers are encouraged to be playful and creative but must undergo an intensive training.

Teacher Training Requirements

Requirements for teacher training include prior yoga experience and the completion of the 100-hour, three-part Anusara Immersion, which delves into tantric philosophy, anatomy, meditation and alignment principles. According to Friend, "The best yoga teachers use a complete synergy of interpersonal qualities, experience and technical knowledge to guide the student to a transformational place where a radically positive shift can take place in the body, mind and heart."

Teacher Training Program

The actual teacher training is a 200-hour program that expands on tantric philosophy, observation skills, centering, heart oriented themes, artful alignment instruction, coordinating breath and movement, pose demonstrations, sequencing, meditation, therapeutics and a deeper understanding of the divine qualities within everyone. Recommended reading includes John Friend's Teacher Training Manual and "Light on Yoga" by B.K.S. Iyengar; scriptural texts "Bhagavad Gita," "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali," "Hatha Yoga Pradipika" and "Shiva Sutras"; and "Anatomy of Movement" by Blandine Calais Germain.

Universal Principles of Alignment

The foundation of Anusara yoga consists of attitude, alignment and action. "The yogi uses Action to express his Attitude through the Alignment of the body," says Friend in his "Anusara Yoga Teacher Training Manual." He developed the five Universal Principles of Alignment to create awareness of this alignment and find a balance between stability and freedom in every pose. Open to Grace sets your foundation and creates receptivity. Muscular Energy draws you inward to recognize your inner goodness. Inner and Outer Spirals open your body and stabilize your foundation. Organic Energy gathers all these elements in a full expression of your inner brightness. Friend also teaches seven specific loops within the body -- ankle, shin, thigh, pelvis, kidney, shoulders and skull -- for more refined alignment.

Anusara Teaching Options

After you complete your 200-hour teacher-training, you can apply to become an Anusara-inspired teacher and eventually, after meeting certification requirements, a certified Anusara teacher. Certification requires further studies with John Friend, lectures with tantric scholars, teaching experience, an approved video, passing a written exam and a well-developed home practice.