Aquarian Teacher Training Level 1
The course is made up of 9 weekends and a 5 day residential
Ashram Experience held in Quinta do Rajo, Portugal, HQ of the Karam Kriya School.
The topics and content of each module are provided below.
Course Goals
- Obtain a Kundalini Yoga Teaching Certificate, issued by KRI, recognized worldwide
- Gain a sound understanding of the fundamental nature, technologies and concepts of Kundalini Yoga
- Experience a transformation through the practice of Yogi Bhajan’s teachings and related lifestyle
- Develop the skills, confidence and consciousness required to become a teacher
- Build a relationship with other participating students local teachers, and the 3HO community
- Develop a relationship and link to the Golden Chain.
ENTRANCE CRITERIA
There are no concrete requirements for entry, however, if the student has little or no experience of Kundalini Yoga then entry will be based on a conversation or interview with the course organiser.
Equal Opportunities Policy: While honouring a policy of non-discrimination on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or ethnicity the Karam Kriya School reserves the right to refuse entry to any students on grounds of general unsuitability and to refuse continuation of the course as a consequence of inappropriate or discriminatory behaviour.
Course Content
Weekend 1: Foundations of Kundalini Yoga
Foundations of Kundalini Yoga
What is yoga? Origins & history up to present. Relevance for the transition into Aquarian Age.
Types of Yoga: Traditional & modern.
KY as the mother of all yogas. Householder’s Dharma. Balance of Shakti/ Bhakti.
Golden Chain: Adi Mantra, class structure. Baba Sri Chand, Guru Ram Das, Yogi Bhajan.
Code of Ethics – Professional Code & 16 Facets of the Teacher. 7 Steps to Happiness.
Weekend 2: Sound & Mantra
Quantum Shabd Guru: 4 Yugas, Kali Yug and Naam as the supreme yoga of Kali Yug.
The nature and age we live in, the transition between Piscean and Aquarian era.
The changes & challenges of the times & what is needed.
Sensory human: The body as a communication system.
Mantra: The meanings, effects & how to chant the mantras of Kundalini Yoga.
Sadhana: A daily discipline of exercise & meditation. Building your sadhana slowly & steadily.
Weekend 3: Yogic & Western Anatomy
The Map: Yogic & Western Anatomy
Western Anatomy: Body systems & specific organs.
How stress & lifestyle can effect & how yoga & diet help.
Addiction & how yoga helps. Cautions & pitfalls. Power/money/sex.
The yoga process: Concept of energetics & rejuvenation/ balance/ elimimation (G.O.D.).
Yogic Anatomy: Gunas, Tattwas, Chakras, Nadis, Vayus, Prana & Apana.
The Path of Kundalini & the Three Locks/ Bhandas.
Weekend 4: Breath & Yogic Lifestyle
Breath & Yogic Lifestyle
Pranayama: Body – Breath – Brain – Consciousness.
Its nature, importance, variations & effects.
Yogic Lifestyle: Guidelines, wisdom & tips for all aspects of life.
How to wake, hydrotherapy, diet, times of day, getting teh best sleep.
Addiction: and how yoga helps, link to Cautions & Pitfalls.
Relaxation: Its importance, different techniqu
Weekend 5: Asana
The Technology of the Times:
Posture, Kriyas (concept & practice), Asanas (angles, triangles & rhythm).
The effects/ benefits/ cautions. Including shivasana.
Weekend 6: Mind & Meditation
Mind & Meditation:
The techniques, types, effects over time, stages.
Patanjali: Pratyahaar, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi.
The 3 Minds. Training the mind.
Weekend 7: Humanology
Humanology: We are Spirits here for the Human Experience.
The possible Human Being. Soul’s choice, soul’s journey, birth, 120 days, the mother. Being fe/male, growing up, Moon Points, Lifecycles. Meditations for wo/men. Relationships – the highest yoga. Venus Kriyas. Communication.
Weekend 8: Teacher Roles & Responsibilities
Roles & Responsibilities of the Teacher: In & out of the class setting.
The art of being a student, 5 Steps to Wisdom, the 4 Errors, 2 Laws – keep up & deliver. The nature & art of a teacher – Teacher’s Oath.
Teaching in different spaces, different levels, different groups.
Before, during & after the class. Managing the time, space, ambience & the people.
Message, marketing, media. Preparing yourself & preparing the class.
Ashram Experience
Completion & Continuity
Ten Spiritual Bodies & The Applied Science of Spiritual Numerology.
Kundalini Yoga & Sikh Dharma: Differences & Similarities.
Resources for the teacher. Questions & Answers.
Viewing & experiencing Yogi Bhajan through videos; exploring the Master’s words – The Master’s Touch (book). Personal check-in. Improving teaching skills.
USEFUl READING
Recommended books for reading before or during the training, include:
- Patanjali’s Sutras
- Any Kundalini Yoga books published by KRI
- Jap Ji Sahib by Guru Nanak
Ashram Experience
A mandatory component of the level 1 training is the attendance of a 5 day residential in Quinta do Rajo, Portugal.
What is it?
The experience will consist of daily Sadhana and afternoon Yoga Practicums. You will immerse your self in the Yogic life-style; including the spirit of community/holistic living, Yogic diet, seva (karam yoga – lending a helping hand with cooking, cleaning etc, important aspects of community living.), along with open discussions of the teachings. The Ashram is in a natural environment and aims to be eco-friendly based on sustainability principles.
Is it open to others?
In addition to enrolled trainees, the ashram experience is only open to family members and/or baby-sitters; advance notice needs to be given.
If someone you know wishes to have a retreat in a yogi setting then they can contact the Ashram to find out about our Ashram Retreat program.
Dates
Dates for the Ashram Experience are listed on the Quinta do Rajo website and trainees will book their place independently via the site during the training. There are plenty of opportunities and it is recommended to attend after the 9th weekend module in the UK.
Important Note: Teaching fees for the Ashram Experience are paid when booking a place but food and accommodation costs are covered in the general course fee.
Travel expenses are not included in any course fees, so trainees are expected to organise and pay for their own travel.
