The yoga philosophy is that mind, body and spirit are one and cannot be separated. Yoga's goal is to extend beyond improved physical fitness to achieve a state of enlightenment. Kundalini is a type of Hatha yoga that focuses on breathing, chanting and different postures. Kundalini practice is said to awaken the dormant serpent at the base of the spine, leading to enhanced function of the brain and body. If your practice or knowledge of kundalini increases your desire to become a teacher, you'll be happy to find certifications throughout the world and possibly your community.
Kundalini History
According to Yoga Journal, kundalini yoga has roots in Tantric yoga, dating back to the eighth century. The practice was brought to North America in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. Bhajan began teaching this ancient tradition to the young during the late 1960s as an alternative to the drug culture. He felt that kundalini yoga offered a deeper awareness of the God within and would help heal people mentally, emotionally and physically. Bhajan taught the "happy, healthy, holy" way of life, along with vegetarianism and early morning practice and meditation. The same principles are included in kundalini practice and teacher training today.
3HO Kundalini Training
The 3HO or Healthy, Happy, Holy organization is a global community with the goal of teaching kundalini yoga the same way as Bhajan. Aquarian teacher certification has three levels. The cost of kundalini certification is $2,000 and up, as of February 2011. Certifications are available throughout the world. The kundalini research center lists teacher trainings and where to find a certified instructor.
The level one training program is a 220-hour teacher training. Level one instruction includes 180 hours of classroom instruction, 40 hours of independent study, and 40 hours of white tantric yoga. Level one certification focuses on breathing, posture, meditation, anatomy/physiology, teaching techniques, DVD with classes, and a practicum. At the end of this certification, teachers earn the title of certified instructor as taught by Bhajan. This certification also satisfies the Yoga Alliance 200-hour certification requirements.
Level two is a 300-hour certification open to instructors that have completed level one. Five 62-hour modules are in this certification. Level two certification aims to deepen the transformation, core capabilities, character and consciousness of the kundalini teacher. After completing this course, instructors become certified practitioners as taught by Bhajan. This course along with the 220-hour training satisfy the Yoga Allaince 500-hour certification requirements.
Level three is the highest certification and is open to individuals that have completed level two certification requirements. The goal of level three certification is realization and develops the spiritual maturity of the instructor. Completion of this course leads to the title of teacher of kundalini yoga as taught by Bhajan.
Yoga Murrietta Training
Yoga Murrietta offers a 200-hour kundalini teacher training program. This is a level one certification offered over the course of several weekends in Encinitas, California. At the end of the course, teachers earn a certificate of completion. The course is open to yoga teachers and persons interested in becoming kundalini yoga teachers. This certification covers class design, meditation, breath, chakras, yogic philosophy, diet and nutrition. There are 180 hours of class instruction, a textbook and home study projects. This course meets the Yoga Alliance 200-hour certification requirements. The cost of certification as of February 2011 is a little more than $3,000.
Yoga Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga Yoga offers 200-hour kundalini teacher trainings throughout Texas. This course includes 200 hours of teacher training and meets Yoga Alliance standards for a 200-hour registered yoga teacher. Teachers learn course design, meditation, and kundalini principles. After completion of the course, teachers will receive two certificates, one indicating Yoga Alliance standards have been met and another from the Kundalini Research Institute. Teachers who complete this course also receive membership in the Kundalini Teachers Association. The course is offered during several weekends in Texas and runs September through May. As of February 2011, the cost of certification is about $3,000.
Kundalini Yoga East
Kundalini Yoga East offers level one and level two certifications. The level one teacher training runs for nine months with meetings once per month. During level one instruction, students learn basic principles of kundalini as taught by Bhajan, meditation, human anatomy, and nutrition. This course is 220 hours and meets Yoga Alliance standards for 200-hour registered yoga teacher certification. After successfully passing the test, students earn kundalini teacher certification.
The level two training is focused on teacher development. This course covers authentic relationships, meditation and communication. Level two certifications are offered twice per year, in the summer and winter. In order to take level two certification students must have completed level one certification, passed the test with a score of 75 or higher, completed 50 hours of classroom study, and 12 hours of home study. Both level one and level two certifications are available at Kundalini Yoga East's studio in New York City.
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