Pranayama Training

This five-day training on Pranayama vidya is an opportunity to connect with the ever-loyal companion: the breath, through pranayama. Often misconstrued as a breathing technique, pranayama is the non-negotiable link between external and internal yoga. Learn about the role of kumbhaka (breath retention), posture, diet, and dosha pertaining to pranayama.

A great addition for any sincere Yoga, Ayurveda, and Tantra practitioner.

October 7-8, and November 3-5, 2023

10am - 6pm (CT), with 1.5-hour lunch break

We fear what we do not understand completely. Many yoga teachers are hesitant to guide in Pranayama as they do not understand this precious limb of yoga. Take this opportunity to discover, understand, and immerse yourself in the wise river of life. The nature of prana is mother-like. It's nurturing, nursing, caring, loving, nourishing, and brings things to life. The practice of Pranayama should not be feared but embraced instead, as if we are hugging mother divine.

This five-day training on Pranayama vidya is a must for every aspiring teacher, as well as established yoga teachers. When we focus on this limb of yoga, we can dive deeper, form a healthy relationship with it, and utilize the wisdom for healing as well as attaining yogic states.

Learn the practice, philosophy, and techniques as mentioned in Yoga Sutra, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, Shiva Samhita, and Shiva Swarodaya. Learn about the 12 main pranayamas to balance doshas, increase prana, tejas, and ojas, as well as deepen rest.

Be a part of the most in-depth study of Pranayama Vidya - the essence of life.

15 practice sessions, detailed handouts, several Q & A opportunities, and video replay (limited time) allow the registered participant opportunity for qualitative assimilation of teachings.

DAY 1: Pranayama: The Basics (October 7)

On Day 1, we start at the root with an exploration of shastra (references in Vedic texts) along with etymology and synonyms of Prana, definition, history, purpose, and benefits of Pranayama, and the connection to consciousness. We will bring home the learning as we put Pranayama, pre-practices, and specific mudras into practice to hone our understanding through the lens of our own experience. Other topics we will cover include:

• Common myths, misunderstanding, and appropriation around Pranayama
• Four Stages of Pranayama from Shiva Samhita
• Pakti Prananama for healthy digestion
• Savitiri Pranayama for consistent energy levels, removing lethargy, reducing tamas

Day 2: The Science of Breathing and Prana (October 8)

Day 2 brings us to breath. We investigate the relationship and theory of breath, prana, and apana and dig into the science of the brain. With an introduction to Swara breath per the Tantric text, Shiva Swarodaya, we discuss nostril dominance and why and how one can shift it. We delve into the study of the Five Pranas and Apanas, the tattvas (elements), and the physical and subtle body, along with key Pranayama practices and a Five-Prana meditation. Other topics include:

• Introduction to the three diaphragms
• Relationship between five elements and Anuloma Viloma Pranayama
• Pranava Pranayama technique
• Bhramari Pranayama with suchi mudra practice
• Introduction to Aharana Pranayama

Day 3: Technical Consideration and Pranayama Techniques (November 3)

With our foundational understanding in place, on Day 3 we begin to put it all together. We consider what the shastras have to say about types of Pranayama. We refine our understanding of the three essential components of Pranayama, look at how to connect asanas, shat kriyas, and apana kriyas (and which to choose) for certain practices (meditation, shavasana, etc.), and the 12 main Pranayama techniques. We cover preliminary techniques/purification of the nadis, posture, dos and don'ts of kumbhaka/breath retention, and consideration of dosha and seasons. We solidify the understanding with experiential, Prana-building practice. Other topics include:

• Kaki Pranayama practice
• Kundalini Pranayama practice
• Surya Pranayama practice to support digestion
• Aharana Pranayama practice for deep relaxation and restful sleep

Day 4: Variations, Modification, and Guidelines for Pranayama (November 4)

On Day 4, we take time for the four types of Pranayama practices and share practical tips and considerations for modifying Pranayama for certain practitioners or situations. Other topics include:

• Anuloma Viloma Pranayama practice
• Mantra with Pranayama practice
• Su-shumna Pranayama

Day 5: Tips, Cues, and Caution: How to guide Pranayama (November 5)

On our final day, we bring all the final components and review together to ensure you are ready to confidently practice and/or lead Pranayama. We will discuss sequencing, use of Mudra and Mantra, how to lead an individual or group, the two golden rules of practice, cautions for self-practice or guiding others, how to deal with challenges in the practice, and esoteric experiences in Pranayama. As with each day, there will be time for Q & A and ample practice to help you internalize what you’ve learned!

• Pranayama for stress-related conditions
• Shitali and Shitkari Pranayama practice
• Anuloma Viloma with Gayatri mantra practice
• Summarization of the training

Course Objectives and Takeaways:

• Learn about the etymology, definition, and synonyms of prana
• Draw a connection between prana, prani, and consciousness
• Role and Purpose of Pranayama in Yoga
• Connect with the History of Pranayama
• Important verses from ancient texts on Pranayama
• Four Stages of Pranayama from Shiva Samhita
• Common myths, misunderstandin, and appropriation around Pranayama
• Pranayama pre-practices
• Mudras for Pranayama
• Pakti Prananama for healthy digestion
• Savitiri Pranayama for consistent energy levels, removing lethargy, reducing tamas
• Connection between breath and prana
• How is the brain wired to breathe
• The importance of lung capacity and deep breathing
• How to check the dominant nostril
• Techniques to shift nostril dominance
• Relationship between five elements and Anuloma Viloma Pranayama
• Learn about the importance of apana in Pranayama
• Pranava Pranayama technique
• Bhramari Pranayama with suchi mudra practice
• Introduction to Aharana Pranayama
• Five Prana Meditation practice
• Learn about the 3 essential components of Pranayama
• Textual references of Pranayama
• Preliminary breathing practices before Pranayama
• Techniques of 12 main Pranayama
• How to choose Pranayama as per dosha and seasons
• Surya Pranayama practice to support digestion
• Aharana Pranayama practice for deep relaxation and restful sleep
• Practical hints and consideration before, during, and after Pranayama
• How to sequence Pranayama
• Pranayama in a group setting
• Pranayama for stress-related conditions
• Use of Mantra and Mudra in Pranayama
• How to deal with challenges in the practice
• Esoteric experiences in Pranayama practice
• How to lead a Pranayama session
• Cautions for self-practice and in guiding others
• Summarization of the training
• How to choose a practice that is right for you
• To empower the Yoga student, Yoga Teacher, and Yoga Therapist with Prana wisdom, to do/lead the practice with confidence, clarity, and awareness.
• Walk away with tangible, doable, supportive Yoga practices of asana, Pranayama, mantra, kriyas, asanas, relaxation, and meditation to connect with prana.

Upon successful completion of the workshop participants will receive 50-hour training certificate from Yogsadhna/Indu Arora.

50 CEU's from Yoga Alliance, NAMA and 35 from IAYT for Registered Yoga teachers (YA), Registered Yoga Therapists (IAYT), and Registered Ayurveda practitioners (NAMA)

Dates: October 7-8, and November 3-5, 2023

Times: 10am - 6pm (CT), with 1.5-hour lunch break

Cost:

• $900 (regular, after August 22, 2023)
• $850 (Early bird, before August 22, 2023)

Please read our Cancellation Policy below before registering.

Prerequisites (any one of the following):

• Current student in a Yoga teacher training program
• Completed a Yoga teacher training program
• 3 years of Yoga practice

Payment Plan*: For INSTALLMENT PAYMENT PLAN, email us

Audio & Video Recordings: Cost includes access to the video recordings of the training for 1 month once the training is complete. The audio recording will be available for purchase for registered and fully paid participants.

Required Books:

Mudra: The Sacred Secret

Yoga: Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow’s Vision

Recommended Books and tools

• Breath by James Nestor
• Swara Yoga by Swami Mukti Bodhananda
• Marma Stick
• Copper Neti Pot
• Tongue Scraper bundle
• Cold Pressed Sesame oil (for nasya)

POLICIES FOR ALL STUDENTS

• “No shows” will receive no refund and forfeit full payment
• Fees, once paid (in partial or full), can neither be refunded nor transferred
• No verbal commitments will hold your spot

Cancellation and refund policy: No refunds

1. Are there any prerequisites for this training?

Any one of the following:

• Current student in a Yoga teacher training program
• Completed a Yoga teacher training program
• 3 years of Yoga practice

A seeking heart is the most important requirement. Come and fill your cup.

2. Who is this training for?

This course is for anyone seeking insight into Prana and Pranayama to deepen Yoga Studies and have a better understanding of the role of breathing in meditation and healthy life. It will benefit anyone from a yoga seeker, yoga teacher, yoga therapist, Ayurveda counselor, energy healer, or curious learner.

3. Is this course suitable for all levels of physical ability?

Yes, most of the practices are simple to do and do not require extreme physical flexibility, strength, or even a large amount of time. This course is designed for current times where time is of the essence and accessibility is a must. Apart from this, the participant will learn a variety of techniques and have access to diverse tools. This is to make sure that we start from where we are comfortable and ready. The trainer’s philosophy is “The participant is welcome at their own pace.”

4. Is it a specific style of Yoga that will be taught in the course?

Indu Arora, the trainer of the course, is equipped with the knowledge and practice of Kriya Yoga, Himalayan Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, Ayurveda, Tantra, Kashmir Shaivism, Bhakti Yoga, and Yoga Therapy. She combines the wisdom of all these streams in her trainings, workshops, and courses.

5. Will I be able to apply this information to my classes or sessions if I am a yoga teacher or yoga therapist?

Absolutely, you can. That is the goal—to learn, apply for self-practice, and share in this order. It is crucial and suggested that we first apply the teachings to understand and support our own growth and emotions. This allows us to share with integrity, truthfulness, and from a place of realization.

6. How much time do we dedicate to practice versus theory in this course?

Each day session will include 3 practice sessions. The morning session is typically 60 minutes, mid-day and afternoon sessions are about 30 minutes each. The remaining time is divided between theory and real-time Q and A.

7. Will this training accommodate different time zones?

We’ve selected times (central time zone) that will hopefully accommodate participants in various time zones, though it’s impossible to make the time ideal for everyone. If you are unable to attend the live sessions, you can watch each session’s video replay. It will be made available to the participants for 30 days’ time period once the course has ended.

8. Can I get contact continuing education hours if I’m a registered teacher with Yoga Alliance, IAYT, and/ or NAMA?

Yes! Currently, Yoga Alliance, IAYT, and NAMA are accepting all continuing education completed online. This includes both contact and non-contact hours.

9. What tools will I need for attending this course?

Yoga mat, any props (as needed), journaling notebook, and meditation cushion. Check the required and recommended books in the course description section.

10. Are any books suggested as a part of the course?

In addition to any books listed under Required Reading, there are two books suggested as recommended reading/corequisites by Indu Arora. The titles are Yoga: Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow’s Vision and Mudra: The Sacred Secret. Both books are available for purchase at the author’s website (www.yogsadhna.com).

11. Will there be any handouts, reading material, resources included in the price of the course?

Participants will be provided with handouts/worksheets as a part of the course. Indu Arora will also guide the participant toward important resources for reading, watching, and listening.

12. Is there any test/assessment involved?

The worksheets may be provided to the participants as a guideline. There is no formal submission of assignments for the participants.