Inside Look: Prem Yoga Teacher’s Training

Manjari and Piyush, training from Texas

As a unique part of the Prem Yoga teacher’s certification course, participants engage in a variety of activities in addition to physical training and teaching methodology.  Traditional asana sequencing is supplemented with anatomy classes, workshops and guest lecturers - including experts from the medical field and advanced yoga educators.  The devotional aspect of Prem Yoga, while also practiced daily, was highlighted recently by celebrating the annual event Radha Ashtami in a traditional religious setting at the JKYog Center of Los Angeles.

Sequencing, practice, and adjustment sessions continue daily

In Prem Yoga, daily sadhana (spiritual practice) is a formative and fundamental aspect - with warm-up postures, pranayam (controlled breathing) techniques, meditation, devotional singing and other components.  Trainees strengthen their yoga practice through classes of increasing intensity, and develop their teaching skills by instructing the Prem Yoga Level 1 class, receiving feedback and corrections from peers and lead instructor Devi.

In-person participants join the kirtan ensemble on Radha Ashtami

Chanting of verses, mantras and prayers practiced daily

The chanting of select Vedic prayers, invocations and verses are all part of the training – enthusiastic participants also share songs, poems and chants that are part of their own personal practice.  All students in the program engage in professional development activities designed to strengthen leadership, class management, and speaking skills.

Karma Yoga activities, leadership building and sharing activities

Food preparation, ayurvedic diet and a regulated schedule are all important aspects of a yogic lifestyle, and are incorporated into the Prem Yoga training course.  Service elements (karma yoga) are practiced, along with gyan (knowledge) lectures on philosophical aspects such as karma, reincarnation, and the purpose of life.  During the sessions featuring Swami Mukundanada, participants are able to ask personal questions, clarify doubts and seek advice on many different topics.

Devotional sentiments fuel the physical practices for participants

The Prem (divine love) element of this teacher’s certification course permeates and empowers each section, setting it distinctly apart from a mere physical practice.  Many participants already report the life changing lessons, spiritual experiences and connections found during this training program.

Trainees experience Radha Kunj – the JKYog Satsang Center of Los Angeles