International Himalayan Yoga Teachers Association (IHYTA)
Box 31023 Bridgeland RPO
Calgary, AB Canada T2E 3R9
1-866-588-4887 in USA and Canada or Canada 403-618-6834
The Himalayan Tradition of Yoga Meditation, as taught by Swami Rama of the Himalayas, is multifaceted yoga and pranayama taught as part of the philosophy of Raja Yoga. There is less emphasis on body positions, but more on the prana body, emotional purification, yoga philosophy and meditation in the International Himalayan Yoga Teachers Association (IHYTA).
The IHYTA was formed in 1999 under the guidance of Swami Veda Bharati.
Our Initial Certification program is three years and 600 hours in the subject areas of Foundation, Meditation, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Psychology, Sadhana (Spiritual Lifestyle), Pranayama, Asana, Anatomy/Physiology, Health/Well-Being and Practical Teaching Procedures. Students decide on one of two tracks--Certification OR Continuing Studies.
Each year students attend a two week retreat and fulfill extensive home study requirements. Towards the conclusion of their study, they have a practical teaching examination in which they plan and teach a one hour integrated class which includes pranayama, asana and meditation. There is an on-site closed book written exam (3 hours) covering all areas of the curriculum and a take-home exam of essay questions covering yoga philosophy and their experience as they worked their way through the program.
This is an international program, and retreats are offered in North America and Rishikesh each year. Local senior teachers mentor students to guide them through the curriculum and help them to hone their teaching skills.
Here is information on the Summer Retreat (2004)
"Meditation, the Heart of Yoga," July 18-31, 2004.
It will take place at Dunrovin Retreat Center, on the St. Croix River, 30 miles east of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA--two weeks of immersion in a peaceful, natural setting with Swami Veda!
The format will be similar to the recent TTP Retreats in the past; however, there will be more emphasis on leading students to an understanding about the Himalayan Yoga Meditation in context of one's entire life.
Much of yoga instruction today deals only with hatha, and Swami Veda has seen that students do not make spiritual progress if their relationship with yoga is limited to only a few workshops on hatha, or only a few techniques, whether they be with asanas, pranayama or meditation. People learn a particular technique and then feel that this is all they need, and ignore relationships, the quality of their thoughts and emotions, and the integration of the Yamas and Niyamas into their lives.
The emphasis of this retreat will be on Foundational Studies with the theme: "WHAT IS YOGA SADHANA?" There will be time to connect with staff and friends, opportunities for structured learning, small group discussion, personal contemplation, intensive meditation, and sustained silence (for those who could not make the June 20th to 30th Silence Retreat).
If you are interested in getting teacher's certification in the Himalayan Tradition, this retreat will also satisfy the first year requirements for the Teacher Training Program (TTP).
Please let us know your plans for this Summer Retreat, so we can roll out the red carpet.
Topics include:
What is Yoga Sadhana and the Marks of Spiritual Progress?
Silence and Inner Dialogue
Practices of Subtle Body Hatha
Subtleties of Breath, Steps in Meditation
Mantra: Its Use and Meaning
Initiation: Gateway to Sadhana
Sample Schedule of Daily Activities:
6:00--6:30 Prayers and Meditation
6:30--8:00 Guided Hatha Yoga
8:15--9:00 Breakfast
10:30--12:30 Workshop and Practicum
1:00--1:45 Lunch
1:45--4:00 (Open) Walks, Discussion, Meditation
4:00--5:45 Workshop and Practicum
6:00--6:45 Supper
7:00--10:00 Lecture
10:00--11:00 Prayers and Meditation
Presenters include:
Swami Veda Bharati
Pandit Hari Shankar Dabral
Pandit Ananta Sharma
Maya Balog
Dr. John O'Hearne
Dr. Steven Parker
Cynthia and Gary Gran
Mary Mohs
Ron Valle, Ph.D.
Jim Nelson
Cost Breakdown for July 18-31, 2004
"Teacher Training Program" & "Continuing Studies Program"
Please send 50% of your amount due now. Balance is payable before beginning the retreat. Make cheque payable to IHYTA and mail to Calgary address (at bottom).
(A) Continuing Studies Program: (for personal enrichment)
Full time - July 18-31 (14 nights)
Tuition: $450
Room & Board: $800
If you are staying on-site less than 14 days, the cost is $100 per day for tuition and room and board.
(B) (3-Year) Teacher Training Program: (allows for certification upon completion)
Full time - July 18-31 (14 nights)
Tuition: $1,500 (one-time tuition payment)
Room & Board: $ 800
If you are staying on-site less than 14 days, room and board is calculated at $60 per day.
Participation Per Day / No Overnight Stay:
3/Sessions + 3/Meals: $75 / Per Day
($45) ($30)
Participation Per Event:
Per Session: $15
Per Meal: $10
Contact us at:
IHYTA
Box 31023 Bridgeland RPO
Calgary, AB Canada T2E 3R9
1-866-588-4887 in USA and Canada or Canada 403-618-6834
Namaste,
Lynn Fraser