An Anusara-inspired yoga teacher has trained in teaching Anusara yoga but has not received Anusara yoga certification. In order to be classified as Anusara-inspired, a yoga teacher must meet the requirements presented by Anusara founder John Friend. A class taught by an Anusara-inspired teacher does include the Tantric philosophy, Universal Principles of Alignment and ethical guidelines you will find in a typical Anusara class.
Requirements
Prerequisites for becoming Anusara-inspired include two years of Anusara yoga study with a certified Anusara teacher, two years of yoga-teaching experience and 200 hours of teacher training -- including 50 hours with John Friend -- and lectures with specified philosophy and meditation teachers. According to the Anusara website, an Anusara-inspired class must only be taught in straightforward Anusara style.
Philosophy
Anusara yoga adapts the Tantric philosophy that "nothing exists that is not supreme Consciousness," according to the "Anusara Yoga Teacher Training Manual," written by Friend. The goal is express your inherent sense of freedom. An Anusara-inspired teacher weaves this philosophy throughout the yoga class using a heart-oriented theme.
Universal Principles of Alignment
When teaching poses, an Anusara-inspired yoga teacher applies the five universal principles of alignment. The first is called Open to Grace and aims to stabilize your foundation and expand your inner body. The second principle is called Muscular Energy and is designed to draw into your own radiance. The third and fourth principles are called Inner and Outer Spiral open and they stabilize your pelvic area. The fifth principle is called Organic Energy and is an outward expression of inner radiance.
Ethical Guidelines
Ethical guidelines include the yamas and niyamas, which are the first and second limbs of yoga, as explained in the "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali." The five yamas apply to how you present yourself as a teacher: ahimsa, or being kind to others; satya, or be truthful and authentic; asteya or not stealing; brahmacharya, or expressing unconditional love with no sexual misconduct; aparigraha, or greedlessness.
Niyamas, your personal activities, include sauca, or cleanliness; santosa, or contentment; tapas, or heat; svadhyaya, or self-study; and ishvara pranidhana, or devotion to the divine. Other ethical guidelines include self-love, faith, respect, humility, and looking for the positive qualities before giving feedback.
Anusara-inspired Application
To become Anusara-inspired, you need to submit an application that lists all your studies and teaching experience. A certified Anusara teacher who has either attended or watched a film of a class you have taught must determine that your teaching demonstrates a clear understanding and expression of the Anusara style. A committee then looks at this submitted information and determines whether you qualify as an Anusara-inspired yoga teacher.
References
- Anusara: Anusara-Inspired Yoga Teacher Requirements
- Anusara Yoga Teacher Training Manual; John Friend; 1999
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