Even though in yoga we cannot speak about objectives, there are several basic steps in the process of learning that must be taken. These do not follow a chronological order, but are developed simultaneously:

Body

Students will work to achieve an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, body movement and its technique as well as an understanding of the mechanics of the body in relation to gravity. Self-observation as well as that of others is required. This involves study, research, making conclusions and finding solutions. The body has to be mastered/understood so that one can move to other levels.

Energy

Through the practice of pranayama (breath) we carry the body beyond the mechanical level. At this point we acquire a cellular consciousness which enables us to work with our body rather than against it. This requires a well developed capacity for concentration, a fine intuition and an intense awareness of the breath.

Mind

The eight limbs of yoga are studied in order to understand the philosophical background. According to the first chapter of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, yoga is often described as the restraining of the fluctuation of the mind/consciousness.

The deep influence of yoga on the nervous system, the parasympathicus, the hormonal system and the condition of the brain cannot be described. It can only be experienced. Eventually, there is tao, enlightenment, nirvana, a state of bliss. Each culture and religion gives it a different name. During this three year Teacher Training Course, students hopefully will catch a glimpse of what it means to bring the mind to a state of calmness, sooth the nervous system, and be in harmony with their emotions.

Teacher Training Course

January 2009 - December 2011

What we pass on is always the fruit of our teachers, the wisdom of our friends, the books we read, the information and observations we gather and finally, how this knowledge is used in daily yoga/life. After ten years experience practicing and teaching yoga, I came to the decision to pass on this information, structured in the form of a three year Teacher Training Course.

This experience I am willing to share and teach students who are prepared to undergo a serious study and practice in Classical Yoga, which goes back to the time when the division between Hatha and Raja yoga did not yet exist. This Course is concise, direct and practical, focusing the attention of the student on a daily yoga practice and lifestyle to enable him/her to teach with a clear understanding of the subject.

Three years are not really enough to discover the deep implications, reasons and consequences of yoga. What we offer is more an introduction and we do hope to develop in the student a solid base and love for yoga that will make him/her continue with individual study and practice.

Overview of the course

The periods when the students will take lessons are divided into 3 blocks:

1 September - 30 October
1 December - 1 April
1 May - 30 June

The teacher training course includes:

classes
The students will also follow weekly lessons (min 2 per week) during the periods mentioned with Teresa Caldas. We advise the students to attend lessons through the whole year, but we prefer to stimulate the student’s own practice and initiative as opposed to dependency on the teacher.

lessons
Once a week, for T.T.C. students only, there is a Friday two hour lesson covering the following:

discussions based on the books read
pranayama
head and shoulder balance
experience and advice concerning own practice
discussions on the experience of assisting/observing during the lessons
reading of the classical yoga literature
anatomy and movement
medical problems and yoga

practice
The students are expected to practice twice a week in Studio Asana, in the morning, from 08.00 to 10.00, or in the afternoon when the Studio is available. For this practice the Studio is available the whole year round.

This includes just sitting, kriyas, pranayama and asanas.

workshops
The workshops are given on Saturdays and are open to everybody.

We strongly advise the students to attend at least once a year other workshops organised by Teresa, in Silves (Portugal) or in Holland.

The Yoga retreat given by Orit Sen-Gupta in January is also highly recommended.

assisting
Every year the students assist during a beginners lesson for a period of three months.

Based on the observations arising from the assisting process, but also out of their own practice, there will be discussion on:

medical yoga, posture corrections, when and how to correct
the process of giving lessons, body and energy wise, and also professional behaviour

These discussions will take place during the two hour lessons for the T.T.C.

apprenticeship
During the second or the third year the students should undergo a stage in giving lessons in the Studio or somewhere else. The students should know how to approach an asana at a beginners level but also on a more advanced level.

certificate
After three years of following the Teacher Training Course the students may apply for a certificate through an assessment that takes place during the last weekend of June.

Only the students engaged in self learning and taking responsibility for their own practice will receive this certificate.

Further, the students are expected to:

attend the Friday lessons of two hours given especially for this course, during the mentioned blocks
attend regular classes, during the mentioned blocks
attend the indicated workshops and morning practice
regular self-practice during these three years
assist at beginners classes for three months each year
read and discussthe indicated books on several subjects
be able to perform certain asanas, know their Sanskrit names and understand the asana performed
understand and integrate the yoga principles in practice and while giving lessons
teach as an apprentice in Studio Asana or elsewhere