Teachers: Sharon Gannon & David Life are Cofounders of Jivamukti
 

Jivamukti Yoga® Teacher Training - Omega Institute
April 26, 2009 to May 22, 2009
350+ hour residential program

 

Please Click On The Links Below for more information:

Information about the course is below. Please read very thoroughly.

Jivamukti Yoga ®
300-Hour Teacher Training Certification Program Plus  2 Day Ecstatic Chant Immersion Experience 
1 Month Residential at the Omega Institute, April 26, 2009-May 22, 2009
Rhinebeck, NY

www.eomega.org
www.jivamuktiyoga.com

About the Program
Jivamukti Yoga® is one of nine internationally recognized styles of Hatha yoga. This course will give you an opportunity to acquire the skills and confidence necessary to teach a Jivamukti Yoga class, which incorporates chanting, asanas, music, meditation and scriptural study into a challenging vinyasa practice.

The program is a one month residential program at the Omega Institute, located in Rhinebeck, NY. (See below, "About Omega/Lodging & Meals" for more information on Omega.) The program covers yoga philosophy and scripture, history of yoga, introduction to Sanskrit, introduction to anatomy, practice teaching sessions, study groups, mentor guidance, quizzes, midterm and final tests, and all aspects of Jivamukti Yoga. A special segment of this month-long teacher training will include full participation in a "Weekend of Ecstatic Chant," held from May 8-11. We join some of the Western world's leading devotional singers, (TBA) and special guests in an exploration of transcendent musical prayer (kirtan), yoga and meditation. The weekend includes an extraordinary all-night Saturday session. Attendance will be counted among the hours towards Jivamukti certification.

Contact hours in residential training:
A. Techniques and Practice of Jivamukti Yoga... 52.5 hours
Learn to teach 2 full Jivamukti Yoga class sequences (practice and memorization), Shat karma Kriya, Teaching and practicing meditation and Chanting, teaching Basics, teaching mixed level classes the Open Class.

B. Basic Sanskrit Alphabet... 14 hours
Learn the Sanskrit alphabet in Devanagari script. You will be able to read and pronounce Sanskrit words, as well as some grammar.

C. Teaching Methodology... 37.5 hours
The Jivamukti Yoga teaching method; The 5 tenets and the 14 requirements of Jivamukti Yoga, Adjustments and assists for standing poses, forward bends, twists, backbends, inversions, and balances, the art of sequencing, energetics of assists and vinyasa krama, ethics of teaching yoga-types of teachers and students, teaching Jivamukti sequences.

D. Anatomy and Physiology... 15 hours
Anatomy and physiology: basics of skeletal; muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, injury and recovery, esoteric anatomy including chakras, nadis, prana, granthi, and bandha.

E. Scripture, Philosophy, Ethics, & Lifestyle... 21.5 hours
Includes basic yoga philosophy, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Bhagavad Gita, Hathayogapradipika, 3 types of karma, 7 Bhoomikas.

F. Group Practicum (4 days for 3 hours)... 12 hours
Includes class observation and transcriptions focusing on adjustment, sequencing, theme, and music.

G. Small Group Peer Review and Practicum... 12 hours
These are classes that you teach in a small group setting to hone your skills. Includes student teaching as well as observing and assisting in classes taught by others, oral presentation skills

H. Satsang... 86 hours
Satsang combines many of the subjects of the course including chanting, meditation, japa and mantra, nada yoga and music, community responsibility, ahimsa, vegetarianism, philosophy and practical skills for conducting satsang. 24 hrs. will be spent in the "Weekend of Ecstatic Chant" with Shyam Das, Snatnam Kaur, David Stringer, Donna DeLory, Jai Uttal, and others. Course quizzes, including a midterm and final test, are conducted as part of the satsang.

I. Pranayama principles and practice... 7.5 hours
This includes the principles and theory of pranayama, practical training in samavritti and visamavritti pranayama including teaching methods.

Daily Homework... 20 hours
Each day includes a homework quiz to be completed and checked by mentor
Total contact hours for course work... 258 hours
Total non-contact homework and prerequisites... 100 hours
Total hours for certification... 358 hours

A Sample Daily Schedule
This intensive course is three and a half weeks total, with 21 full days of training. (The schedule includes five days of training with one day off between each five-day session.)
7:00-8:00am Breakfast
8:00-9:00am Meditation / Scriptural Chanting
9:00-10:30am Jivamukti Yoga class
10:30-12:00pm Lecture
12:30-1:30pm Lunch
1:45-3:45pm Lecture
4:00-6:00pm Practical workshop
6:00-7:15pm Dinner
8:00-10:00pm Satsang and evening lecture or video

Requirements for the Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Training
Before your arrival at Omega you need to establish a daily asana practice, submit full payment, complete the required reading and submit 5 book reports, submit a signed Ethical Guidelines form, and a signed Teacher Certification Agreement. Experience in teaching yoga and/or experience with the Jivamukti Yoga® method is preferred. You must memorize The Jivamukti Balancing class (volume 6) and The Jivamukti Back bending class (volume 7), found in the Jivamukti CD/DVD Portable collection and available at our website and other retailers. The course is designed to prepare you to teach the Jivamukti Yoga style; it is not a yoga "retreat."

Required Reading and Book Reports

Books available from www.jivamuktiyoga.com/boutique/ or call 212-353-0214. ext 0

Book Reports Format
5 Reports are due with your final payment to Omega. You will mail your book reports to Omega at:

Omega Institute
150 Lake Drive Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Phone: (845) 266-4444
Format for Book Reports:

Ethical Guidelines Form
This form is a requirement of Jivamukti Yoga and the Yoga Alliance certification. It calls your attention to important ethical considerations in the teaching of yoga and asks for your pledge to act correctly and responsibly.

Teacher Certification Agreement
 This form details the parameters for your future use of the Jivamukti® Yoga name and method.

Medical Information Form
This form gives your personal medical needs and history for the confidential use of the staff and presenters.

Faculty
Sharon Gannon and David Life, founders of Jivamukti Yoga, have been teaching yoga around the world for 20+ years. They are recognized as "the innovators in yoga" by Yoga Journal and sought after by thousands of yoga students. They emphasize devotion, prayer, music, chanting and meditation as well as animal rights, environmental concerns, and ethical, social and political action. Their focus on the original meaning of the word 'asana' as a 'seat' that connects us to the earth is as practical as it is passionate. They authored the widely selling books Jivamukti Yoga, Practices For Liberating Body and Soul, and The Art of Yoga, articles in Yoga Journal, videos, music and other books. They have been featured on The Today Show, PBS, and in Time, The NY Times, The Wall Street Journal, The London Observer, and many others.

Advanced Certified Jivamukti Teacher,Yogeswari (Estelle Eichenberger) is a resident teacher at the Jivamukti Yoga Center in New York City for half of the year spending the other half teaching around the world. She has mentored many students and co teaches the Jivamukti Teacher Training Course with Sharon and David in the US and Europe. Yogeswari is the founder and president of AZAHAR Foundation, an international non-profit organization that promotes cross-cultural understanding and non-violent conflict resolution through Yoga and the Arts, giving special attention to women and children in conflict areas and disenfranchised communities. Yogeswari brings to her teaching, a 20-year background in choreography and dance. Born in Switzerland, she is fluent in five languages.

Ruth Lauer-Manenti first started practicing yoga twenty years ago as an alternative to physical therapy after spending a year in bed because of a near fatal car accident. As a student and teacher of yoga she embraces a challenging daily practice. The "practice" of a spiritual practice such as yoga teaches the practitioner that improvement always comes. Thus the practice of being good, truthful, fearless, and happy seem more approachable once the experience of practice is understood. Ruth's strength as a teacher comes from her gurus: David and Sharon and their courage, perseverance, love and kindness; Sri K Pattabhi Jois whose happiness is supreme and contagious; her Sanskrit teacher Jaya Shree who has "pushed the Yoga Sutras into me"; her husband, the gentle nurse and humble tai chi master and from her own practice and studies which are never ending.

Kriota Willberg, teaches anatomy in the dance department of Marymount Manhattan College, pathology and massage at the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, has taught at Bard College and NYU, and teaches anatomy and injury prevention classes for yoga, dance, and Pilates in New York and nationally. Retired from practice, Kriota's 18-year career in massage focused on therapeutic, sports massage, and injury rehabilitation. Along with her 14-year yoga practice and decades in dance, she has studied personal training and exercise, is an anatomical illustration hobbyist (teaching anatomy for cartoonists at the Center for Cartoon Studies), and is a choreographer/filmmaker. Kriota studies yoga at Jivamukti Yoga School.

Manorma, Sanskrit expert for the Jivamukti Yoga School TT program, is the director of the School of Sanskrit Studies in NYC. Manorama leads workshops on Luminous Shabda, a path that combines Sanskrit, Meditation and Yoga philosophy. She leads workshops nationally, as well as internationally in Europe and Canada. Manorama's mix of earthy charm, deep scholarship and humorous teaching style were born from years of close study with her Guru, Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati. She is a graduate of Columbia University. In 2005, Sanskrit Studies released the acclaimed Learn to Pronounce Yoga Poses an invaluable tool for yoga teachers & students. Manorama is committed to affecting the world in a positive way through Sanskrit, the language of awareness and love. For more info on Manorama & Sanskrit Studies please visit www.sanskritstudies.org

Ecstatic Chant participants

Jai Uttal is a pioneer in the world music community. A student of India's National Living Treasure, Ali Akbar Khan, and master teacher Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Jai'seclectic East meets-West sound has put his music at the forefront of the world fusion movement. His many albums include Beggars and Saints, Shiva Station and the Grammy-nominated Mondo Rama.

Snatam Kaur is a Sikh Peace Ambassador and a renowned devotional singer in English and Gurumukhi, the ancient language of the Sikhs. A disciple of the late Sikh master Yogi Bhajan and also Bhai Hari Singh, she grew up playing kirtan with her mother in Sikh temples.  Her most recent album is Grace.

Shyamdas has written and translated more than 20 books on Bhakti Yoga and the Path of Grace. He specializes in classical Dhrupada music and the mystic poets of North India. He combines ecstatic kirtan with stories and teachings from India.

Sruti Ram & Ishwari have gained fans and accolades for their passionate, heart-opening kirtan and their debut CD, Fire of Devotion. Both classically trained musicians, Sruti Ram has sung kirtan as his personal practice and in temples for 35 years while Ishwari has written and performed her own music for 30 years. Together they weave harmonies that create a haunting, hypnotic effect that uplifts the soul.

MC Yogi (Nicholas Giacomini) combines his love of hip hop and yoga to create an exciting new sound that brings the wisdom of yoga to a new generation of modern mystics and urban yogis. His debut album, Elephant Power, features an all-star cast of kirtan masters, including Jai Uttal, Krishna Das, and Bhagavan Das. MC Yogi is cofounder, with his wife Amanda Giacomini, of Yoga Toes Studio in Point Reyes, California.

Wade Imre Morissette was born in Ottawa, Canada, just minutes before his twin sister, Alanis Morissette. Wade’s interest in yoga led him to the path of devotional yoga and chanting and today he is a popular teacher and singer. His original blend of indie rock/pop music with Sanskrit and English chants brings a message of optimism and well-being. His CDs include Strong as Diamonds, Maha Moha, and the forthcoming Impermanence.

Additional Faculty will include certified Jivamukti Yoga Teachers who will serve as small group mentors. They will provide individualized attention, support, and guidance. Their presence will greatly facilitate the whole experience.

Costs
Tuition for 2009 teacher training is $6,650 plus separate housing fees (please contact Omega for those fees or any other questions regarding payments.)

About Omega Institute
Omega has become the nation's largest holistic learning center. Every year more than 20,000 people attend workshops, retreats, and conferences on its 140-acre campus in the countryside of Rhinebeck, New York, and at other sites around the country.

Address:
Omega Institute
150 Lake Drive
Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Phone (Registration):
800-944-1001 or 845-266-4444

Phone Hours (E.T.):
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed

Fax:
845-266-3769

Email:
registration@eomega.org
Omega Institute
150 Lake Drive Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Phone: (845) 266-4444
Website: www.eomega.org

Omega Housing/Meals
The lodging fee includes housing and 3 meals daily (commuters get all meals).

Meals at Omega:
Vegan and vegetarian choices will be available daily:
Breakfast: Coffee, tea, juice, toast or cereal, oatmeal, miso soup, tofu scramble, grains, etc.
Lunch: Soups, salads, grains, pastas, main dishes w/tofu, tempeh or seitan with sauces and vegetables
Dinner: Full dinner menu with salads, main dishes, soup, as well a selection of “plain” food that includes a grain, steamed greens and vegetables. 

Omega Housing:
Omega housing is simple and comfortable but not air-conditioned. D-dorm single accommodation is limited and will be assigned on a first come - first served basis. There are other housing options available for an additional fee. Please see descriptions below.

Housing Information
A-Double Cabin Room
Type A housing is a room you share with a roommate with a private bath in the room. If you do not register with a roommate, Omega will assign you one. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, and towels are provided. You may wish to bring extra towels or blankets. These cabins are heated. Handicapped accessible Type A housing is available.

B-Double Cabin Room
Type B housing is a room you share with a roommate, and you share the bath with one adjoining room. If you do not register with a roommate, Omega will assign you one. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, and towels are provided. You may wish to bring extra towels or blankets. These cabins are heated.

C-Commuter/Facility Fee
If you are a C-Commuter not staying in Omega housing, this non-optional fee covers Omega's overhead costs, daily lunches, and use of the facilities, the lake, walking trails, parking, and all guest services. Include the facility fee in the Housing column on the registration form. An off-campus referral list is available.

D-Dorm Single
A dorm single is a small private room in a cabin with the bath shared by a total of eight guests. Omega does not provide linens for dorm singles. You must bring your own sheets or sleeping bag, blankets, towels, and pillows, or you may rent these from Omega for a small fee. Dorms are located uphill from mid-campus. Dorms are heated, but can be chilly. We make every effort to house guests in single gender dorms; however, depending upon enrollment, some dorms may be coed. Handicapped accessible dorm singles are available.

What will you need to bring?

Books you must bring to Omega:

Questions You Might Have...
Are there any prerequisites?
Yes, before your arrival at Omega you need to submit full payment, 5 book reports, a signed Ethical Guidelines form and a signed Teacher Certification Agreement. Experience in teaching yoga and/or experience with the Jivamukti Yoga® method is preferred. Memorization of Jivamukti Yoga Classes "Balancing (Vol.6)" and "Backbending (Vol. 7)" is required.

What happens on the first day?
The first day of the training for 2009 will be Sunday, April 26th. On this day you are to check in between the hours of 4 pm and 6 pm. At that time you will receive your course materials, meet your certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Mentor, get your room assignment, and settle in. You will have dinner at Omega from 6:00 pm until 7:15 pm and then we will meet in the Main Hall for orientation for Omega and the Teacher Training Course and have introductions.

What happens on the last day?
On the last evening of the course, Thursday, May 21st, we will have graduation as part of our evening satsang. The last day, Friday, May 22nd, you will be checking out of Omega. There are no classes scheduled for that day.

What is the application process?
You may apply directly to Omega either on the web or by phone. To register, please go to http://www.eomega.org Omega Course #0626-480 Or Call 1-800-944-1001 or 845-266-4444

What is the payment policy?
Special Payment and Cancellation Policy: A $1,500 deposit is required for the training tuition and 50% of the total housing fee. This will hold your place. The balance is due by March 22, 2009 (cancellation deadline). Refunds are available (less a $100 processing fee) up to March 22; Between March 23-April 8 you can get a nonrefundable credit on your account (less a $100 processing fee). After April 8 all fees are nonrefundable. There is no refund if you leave the training early.

Are there any scholarships offered?
There are no scholarships available for this program; however, many students have procured low interest educational loans or even grants in the past.

Does the fee include books?
No it does not.

Do I have to stay at Omega? Can I commute to the campus every day?
It is not required that you lodge at Omega. You may commute; however, you must be on time for the day's beginning and stay through to the end of each day.

Are Sharon and David planning on doing more of these trainings in the near future?
Dates beyond 2009 are not yet confirmed.

For additional questions and/or concerns regarding the course, please email administration@jivamuktiyoga.com
Website: www.jivamuktiyoga.com
Copyright© 2005-2009 Jivamukti Yoga®

Testimonials from Graduates of the Jivamukti Teacher Training Program:
Jivamukti teacher training: 
"The Gold Standard," "highly-regarded"
David assists - Time Out Magazine, NY

Everyday of the training was awe-inspiring, challenging, and ultimately leading us on our journey to Self-realization, which is the true goal of yoga. Every day will blow your mind and expand your consciousness beyond belief and so rocks your world.  Everyday was a highlight for me.Unlike many trainings you will not only focus on the physical postures and how to teach the Jivamukti class’s but how they evolved - the origins of these ancient practices spiritual power and how to set free the energy flows throughout the mind and body…the five tenets of Jivamukti Yoga help us understand what comprises the path to enlightenment.  
-Tina James Powis, Graduate 2005

 Pivotal and transformative. Study with Sharon and David (master teachers) to deepen your practices and ability to help others be the change they want to see in the world."
-Linda Kramer (Sudevi), Graduate 2003

At the Jivamukti Teacher Training program I made lasting connections with Spiritual teachers and friends that have continued to inspire and transform my life to this very day.  It is Sharon and David's infinite generosity and kindness that continue to open doors for me, revealing the richness and depth of this path of Self-discovery through yoga.  It is with deepest gratitude that I encourage you to deepen your own practice with this incredible opportunity.
- Kristina Pao Cheng, Graduate 2003

In 2005 I had the great honor to be a teaching assistant and mentor at the Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Training. The Training provides full immersion into Yoga Sadhana (practice) for one full month, without distractions from family, job and personal habits. It is an opportunity to become pure, to be the best person one could possibly be, and to have psychological and spiritual breakthroughs that are enlightening and life transforming. . It provides an international network of teaching opportunities and a traditional, one-on-one apprenticeship study with an advanced certified teacher.   
–Yogeswari, Graduate 2000

Jivamukti TT is like rocket fuel for enlightenment!  Challenged deeply on every level of my being, I continue to integrate - 4 years later!! -  the mass awakening of Self I experienced during those Wild but wonderful days.  If YOUR heart says "Go!"...LISTEN!  
-Jan Henrickson, Graduate 2003
Sandhi & Kumiko

One of the highlights for me was the atomosphere of bhav, or deep devotion, that came from the whole group. We practice, learn, be nervous, and cry together as a whole group. was very nice. Eating vegan meals three times a day was great! I would recommend this teacher training because it will deepen your knowledge about yourself and your connection to others which is the essence of yoga.  
-Kumiko Buchman, Graduate 2006
 
The Jivamukti training will shift a person’s perception, creating the transformation to begin to live life from a yogic point of view.  When that miracle happens you are never the same.  Sharon used to say "don't just give a class, give an experience."  That is what the Jivamukti Teacher training is, an experience.  It is a life changing experience and if one has an opportunity to take the training I would advise strongly to do so.
-Michael Farewell, Graduate 2001

My experience at the Jivamukti training was world-view altering.  The highlight was being able to devote 100 percent of my time and attention to these ancient and sacred teachings, morning, noon, and night, and being surrounded by so many others who are striving to become spiritually activated.  Sharonji and Davidji are absolutely selfless with the teachings.  They spoon-fed to us sacred knowledge that took them decades to acquire.  I have never felt so elevated as I did the month I spent at the training.  
–Amy Armstrong, Graduate 2007

Teacher training was life changing. You will discover your true Self in a vigorous learning atmosphere. It is more precious than any money can buy.   
–Esther Widjaja, Graduate 2005

I came out of this training not only wanting to serve but also knowing how to serve others and the earth with confidence and joy. I recommend others to take the training to deepen their practice - physical and spiritual, to learn how to transmit the teachings, to teach correct alignment of postures and be able to give hands-on adjustments, to become an extension of an ancient lineage, and to feel part of a vibrant community of teachers and students (a community that forms during the 4-week campus-based teacher training which then extends into the world). The Jivamukti Yoga Teacher training is about expansion and strengthening of the body, mind, and heart. With that expansion comes space, space to take care of others, to uplift the lives ofothers.       
-Rima Rabbath, Graduate 2005
Sharon assists

Highlights of my Jivamukti Yoga teacher training include the priceless opportunity to have daily intensive instruction, life-time connections with classmates and mentors from all over the world, a full month of dedicated study and practice, great vegan food, fresh air, becoming part of the global Jivamukti family. I encourage anyone who's interested in an authentic yoga teacher education to come to the Jivamukti Teacher Training.             
–Karl Straub, Graduate 2005

In a nutshell, the Jivamukti Yoga Teacher training teaches you about yoga from the inside out. You get awesome training for how to teach asana, how to give excellent hands-on adjustments, backed  up with juicy yoga philosophy that inspires every breath.  
–Marni Trask, Graduate 1997
 

 

Register now for Teacher Training through Omega Institute