By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500
A traditional Yoga teacher training program requires years of direct face-to-face study with a competent Guru. An essential part of learning how to teach Yoga is to maintain a bond with one’s Guru for life. Within many Yoga schools, the Guru has the final say in most matters. He or she decides when a student is ready to ascend to Yoga teacher.
The Guru’s competence level is never in question, because it is accepted that he or she is always right. If one seeks to become a Yoga teacher, by studying under the most accomplished Guru, this process could take years to be recognized as a formal student.
This step of formal Yoga study is taken, before consideration is given to any aspirations of teaching, on the part of the student. Due to the many social changes around the world, and within India, the traditional process of teacher training has evolved over time.
In fact, what we westerners might label “traditional” today did not exist 60 years ago. One did not study a form of Yoga for a month, with a Guru we never met before, learn a few dozen postures (asanas), become a certified Yoga instructor, get back on a jet, and open a teaching practice in our hometown.
The study of Yoga is a much deeper process. A teacher of Yoga is a student for life. Some of us spend hours studying, practicing, and networking with other Yoga teachers – every day – for life. To safely teach students with different health profiles is not accomplished, unless we see the value of continuing education.
There is nothing wrong with the evolution of teacher training, but the traditional form of training took many years and is much less common today. There are many reasons for this. Family, work, and financial obligations, often top the list. Travel to India, to live in an ashram, may also tax one’s pocketbook and time.
With a variety of Web 2.0 tools, applications, and technologies, the ability to enhance one’s education has expanded opportunities for Yoga enthusiasts, students, and teachers – worldwide. No matter how far you live from the nearest town, you can find high-speed Internet access via satellite.
While some may criticize online Yoga training, it should be noted that many respected institutions and colleges have Internet-based education programs. To spread education worldwide, can only help humanity. People are learning more about languages, history, science, and many other subjects.
Therefore, the volume of Yoga education, training, and information will continue to grow in the future. It is almost a magical experience to see the present and future opportunities available for the education of humanity.
© Copyright 2009 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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