Yoga Student Training?

BY Arora Indu3 min read • February 21, 2018

Yoga is life long journey, it is not based on accumulation of hours through teacher training programs. Yes, it can be a profession but not merely because you passed a training program but because you are dedicated to investing the time, energy, emotions and courage that is needed to walk the path of Yoga!

Yoga cannot be standardized into one/single style, tradition, school or teacher training program. It was never meant to be consolidated into a 200, 300, 500 or any number of hours training program to become a teacher. It is life long journey, it is not based on accumulation of hours. Of course you start from somewhere but the goal is one: Yogah Samadhi

Which tradition / style to choose?

The only lineage (a consistent, constant, unbroken chain) is that of love and truth. All other true lineages are born out of these two or the seeking of these two.

Things to look for in a training program are:

1. Does the studio or teacher abide by the principle of truth and love?
2. Is the training program taught by someone who actually practices the Yama and Niyamas
3. How long the teacher has been studying this subject? Are they fully dedicated to the philosophy?
4. Are the teachers connected with their teachers for constant inspiration, supervision and growth?
5. Does money making seem like the main goal of the teacher?
6. Is the trainer an instructor, educator or a sincere practitioner?
7. Is the curriculum based on Yoga as exercise or Yoga and Ayurveda philosophy and actual texts?
8. Are you inspired from the teacher as you speak to them?
9. Do the teacher talk about other lineages with respect?

Contemplations for a student / seeker of Yoga teacher training programs:

1. What are you looking for from Yoga? Pay attention to your intentions!!
2. Are you planning to join a program because a friend is joining too? (Don't do that. Yoga is a pilgrimage not just a fun thing to do!)
3. Are you seeking to reduce your stress level in life? If yes, then instead of a training program look for Yoga course / series. This is not the time for you to attend a teacher training program but for self-discipline
4. Are you seeking an alternative source of income? If yes, you need to revisit your intentions
5. Are you seeking health through a training program? If yes, you must first seek a Yoga therapist or Ayurvedic practitioner and work with them. A training program is a sincere commitment to growth and at times it means we must do some preparation before we embark on this journey.

The only goal of Yoga is Yoga!

The term "Teacher Training Program" at times adds pressure to our lives. The participants start associating their self worth based on how they score as well as how successful they have to become as teachers. The training should be of a student for being an even more dedicated, sincere and consistent student of this subject and not to become a teacher.

I wish programs were called student training programs! May be there will be less applicants but the expectations would be clear:

• Be free of labels and pressures
• Do it because you enjoy it
• Do it because you are ready to know your-Self
• Do it because you want to do it
• Take your time, live the practice more than trying to teach the practice

Disclaimer: You must know that I do not undervalue yoga teacher training programs, it is my humble intention to share that the goal of Yoga is Yoga. One must live Yoga/aspire to live Yoga in order to feel confident to share the teachings.