The joy of sharing
The peace and joy that we experience in meditation, the way it has transformed every aspect of our lives – these are the precious things the heart longs to share with others. While daily practice of meditation is of primary importance, imparting it to others is both a science and an art. The Ananda Raja Yoga School is dedicated to impassioned meditators who want to become proficient and inspiring meditation teachers. The techniques themselves are not difficult to explain and in fact are widely available in written materials. Communicating them in an authentic and inspiring way can best be learned from experienced and inspiring teachers. The Ananda Raja Yoga School brings together enthusiastic meditators with inspiring teachers so that the joy of inner peace can spread around the world.
A comprehensive training program
During this extensive training program you will learn how to teach the timeless truths of Sanaatan Dharma – taught by the great master, Paramhansa Yogananda, as the Science of Self-realization – in ways that fulfill the needs of our times. The curriculum includes historic background, philosophical foundations, exploration of deeper dimensions of meditation and energy recharging, and practical tools, protocols and communication approaches for presenting the techniques to a variety of audiences.
AN AUTHENTIC TRADITION
The tradition followed in the School is based in Sanaatan Dharma, “the eternal wisdom” of ancient India, the foundation on which all true spiritual paths and religions are based.
SELF-REALIZATION
The Science of Self-realization teaches us to harmonize our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual natures, accelerating our evolution and bringing greater fulfillment to our lives.
PRACTICAL TEACHINGS
The curriculum gives you the knowledge you need to be a good teacher, group practices that give you deeper experiences of the techniques, and step-by-step guidance for presenting the practices in an inspiring and engaging manner.
DIVINE FRIENDSHIP AND BROTHERHOOD
You become part of the Raja Yoga family of teachers with whom you grow together in greater understanding and mutual support, friendships that last a lifetime.
Always remember, nothing can touch you if you are inwardly calm. You must learn to stand unshaken amidst the crash of breaking worlds.
– Paramhansa Yogananda
Teachers
Nayaswami Shivani
Co-founder of the Yogananda Academy of Europe and founder of the Schools of Raja Yoga and Life Therapy
Darshan Lotichius
Teacher of the Raja Yoga School
Arudra Antonijo Slisko
Teacher of the Raja Yoga School
Nayaswami Bhajana
Teacher of the Raja Yoga School
Jayadev Jaerschky
Director of Ananda Yoga School Yoga
Testimonial
I am grateful to God for having given me this opportunity that has opened my mind and has expanded my consciousness on this Raja Yoga path toward growth.
— Lucilla di Somma
Training programs for Meditation and Raja Yoga instructors
Based on the teachings of sage Patanjali, Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda, this training program gives primary emphasis on deepening your practice of meditation and energization, through guided group sessions. You will learn how to present these techniques in an effective way, and also gain a solid foundation in the philosophy of the science of Raja Yoga, the “royal path” that comprises Patanjali’s eightfold path and unites the major path of you Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion); Karma Yoga (the yoga of right action); Gyana Yoga (the way of discrimination) – through the practices of meditation.
How to participate in the courses
The courses are offered only online:
✓ ONLINE: you can follow the lessons and the practices live in the morning and in the afternoon; you can see the recorded lessons during the day at the time which suits you best. You must read the manual for each course before the lessons begin.
How the school is structured
The curriculum includes two levels of study:
✓ Level 1: Ananda Meditation Instructor (300 hours)
✓ Level 2: Ananda Raja Yoga Instructor (300 hours)
View below to see the complete description of the courses and the necessary requirements:
LEVEL 1: Ananda Meditation Instructor (300 hours)
The curriculum includes a series of practical activities guided by the teachers (energization exercises, meditation, relaxation, visualization, affirmations, chants, prayers, introspection), theoretical lessons with the teachers, the study of written texts (manuals and books) and watching recorded talks, as well as doing individual exercises.
The students will be closely followed throughout their preparation and will be able to interact directly with the teachers during the lessons or via email or phone.
The training will help you to deepen your own personal practice, and understand more deeply the principals on which the teachings are based, thereby enabling you to learn how to convey the techniques in a clear, creative and magnetic way.
By the end of the training period the meditation instructor will have acquired experience, the necessary knowledge to be able to share what was learned, and to be able to organize, independently, courses on meditation and energization exercises, as well as creating a meditation group.
You will receive 300 hours of training distributed in 5 modules:
- ARYTT Teaching 1: Teaching the Energization Exercises
- ARYTT Teaching 2: How to teach the Meditation Techniques
- ARYTT Teaching 3: Methodology and Ethics of Spiritual Teaching
- ARYTT: Meditation intensive
- ARYTT Teaching 4: Final oral exam
The entire teacher training is held online. The modules are designed to be accesible for those who work or have busy lives. They contain:
✓ Spiritual practices during the courses
✓ Lessons with a teacher
✓ Readings of texts and manuals
✓ Written exams
✓ Oral exams
Schedule
The first 3 modules are structured in 3 consecutive weekends:
- Weekend 1
- Friday
- 20.30-21.30: Orientation
- Saturday
- 15.00-18.00: Lesson
- 18.30-20.00: Long meditation
- Sunday
- 7.00-8.45: Long meditation
- 10.00-13.00: Lesson
- Friday
- Weekend 2
- Saturday:
- 15.00-18.00: Lesson
- 18.30-20.00: Long meditation
- Sunday
- 7.00-8.45: Long meditation
- 10.00-13.00: Lesson
- Saturday:
- Weekend 3
- Saturday
- 10.00-13.00: Presentations
- 18.30-20.00: Long meditation
- Sunday
- 7.00-8.45: Long meditation
- 10.00-13.00 & 16.00-19.00: Presentations (as needed)
- Saturday
Module 4, the Meditation Intensive, is divided into 2 consecutive weekends:
- Weekend 1
- Friday
- 20.30-21.30: Orientation
- Saturday:
- 18.00-20.00: Guided meditation
- Sunday:
- 7.00-9.00: guided meditation
- Friday
- Weekend 2
- Saturday:
- 18.00-20.00: Guided meditation
- Sunday:
- 7.00-9.00: guided meditation
- Saturday:
Module 5, the oral exam, is held in one weekend:
- Weekend 1
- Friday
- 20.30-21.30: Orientation
- Saturday:
- 7.00-8.45 & 10.00-13.30 Presentations
- 15.00-20.00 Presentations, guided Energization Exercises and meditation
- Sunday:
- 7.00-8.45 & 10.00-13.30 presentations
- 15.00-20.00 presentations, guided Energization Exercises and meditation
- Friday
ARYTT Teaching 1: Teaching the Energization Exercises
This course is dedicated to the in-depth exploration of Paramhansa Yogananda’s Energization Exercises, which are the basis of the science of Kriya Yoga, the path of Self-realization and the science of self-healing. During this intensive course you will learn how to perfect the practice of each of the 39 exercises, become passionate about them and learn how to communicate/awaken this passion to others.
Price: 275€
ARYTT Teaching 2: How to teach the Meditation Techniques
The Hong So Technique of Concentration is a practice that can be taught to anyone interested in learning a meditation technique, regardless of age, nationality or religion. For those who will follow the path of Kriya Yoga, this technique is fundamental, as its practice leads to very high states of consciousness. In this course you will deepen your understanding and value of this practice and broaden your experience of it; you will also learn how to teach it to beginning students.
During this course we will carefully analyze each stage of the meditation sequence and learn how to teach it:
- Preparation before meditation: body, breath, spine, heart
- Technique
- Silent meditation
- The “return journey”
- Using the meditative state for healing and inner guidance
- Sharing the blessings of meditation with other
ARYTT Teaching 3: Methodology and Ethics of Spiritual Teaching
This course completes your training as an instructor; you will learn how to create effective lessons, lead meditations/recharging for beginners and semi-experts.
In particular, this course will help you understand:
- The role of the spiritual teacher
- What are the essential steps for each lesson
- How to convey content clearly and effectively to others
- How to do audience analysis
- How to create an introductory lecture
- How to create a meditation/recharging exercises course in 4/5 classes.
- How to advertise your courses effectively and correctly
- The importance of the code of ethics
Please note: You will only be able to take this course after completing Teaching 1 and 2.
To apply for the Teaching courses you should have a regular practice of Energization and Meditation for at least a year (see pre-requisites and admission).
ARYTT: Meditation intensive
This meditation intensive is a unique opportunity for longer and deeper meditations. During this intensive you will find many moments of inspiration, silence, calm and inwardness. You will discover the joy that flows naturally from your soul when we devote our time and energy completely to connecting with God.
We recommend taking this course after Teaching 1 and 2.
Course price*: €75
ARYTT Teaching 4: Final oral exam
- Additional requirements for completing the Instructor Certificate:
- Written summaries on some of Swami Kriyananda’s talks
- Oral presentation of the basic techniques
Course price*: €100
Recommended reading
- ✓ The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, Swami Kriyananda
- ✓ Awaken to Superconsciousness, Swami Kriyananda
** NB: Prices and timetables could be subject to change
The Raja Yoga School belongs to the Yogananda Academy and holds ISO 9001-2015 quality certification.
After completing the four training course of LEVEL 1: (see Study Plan), taking the final exam and signing our Code of Ethics you will receive a diploma from the Yogananda Academy in the Raja Yoga School that will certify your professional training as a Meditation Instructor and allow you to teach the meditation techniques and Energization Exercises and create a Meditation Group following the directives of Sangha Europe.
REQUIREMENTS, ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION
Prerequisites:
✓ For Level 1 and 2 registration you must have a well-established and regular meditation routine, and have been practicing Hong-So and the Energization exercises for at least a year. To obtain the Level 2 diploma you must have completed Level 1.
✓ The Teaching 1, 2, and 3 courses are exclusively open to those who have a daily, well-established and regular routine, and have been practicing Hong-So and the Energization exercises for at least a year.
✓ The Teaching 1 and 2 courses can be taken in any order, while the Teaching 3 course must be taken last, after the first two courses have been completed (written exams included).
Admission:
For information on Admission contact rajayoga (at) ananda.it
Registration:
It is possible to register for the training ONLY after admission has been granted. Registration in the Ananda Raja Yoga School is mandatory for all those who wish to obtain the certification as a Meditation or Raja Yoga instructor. You will receive the admission request form and the Code of Ethics, to be signed and returned to us upon admission.
To complete registration, you will have to pay a one-time registration fee of €200,00 which is valid for any Yogananda Academy of Europe School (Raja Yoga, Ananda Yoga and Life Therapy) .
The registration fee can be paid in one of the following ways:
✓ Reception: you can pay the registration fee with cash, credit card or check at the Reception office at Ananda.
✓Bank transfer: give this information to your bank: – Account name: Ananda Associazione, Via Montecchio 61, 06025 Nocera Umbra (PG), Italia – Bank name: Unicredit, Fil. Gualdo Tadino
IBAN : IT 14 U 02008 38473 000102090324
BIC/SWIFT: UNCRITM1J21
Please indicate on the reference: Your full name and “Meditation or Raja Yoga Instructor Registration Fee.”
All the activities promoted by Ananda Associazione (in affiliation with CSEN) are in accordance with the Italian laws and are reserved only to associated members.
The annual association fee includes an injury insurance policy.
For information and clarifications regarding payment, contact: Tel. 0742.813620
For information and clarification regarding the training, write to: rajayoga (at) ananda.it
THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR ANANDA RAJA YOGA TEACHERS
Guidelines
- Live daily the practices that are taught
- Respect God in each student and maintain a professional relationship
- Uphold the dignity and integrity of the teachings
- Teach according to Paramhansa Yogananda’s instructions and to what you have learned at the Ananda Academy
- If you have any doubts or questions, contact the Director or teachers from the school of Raja Yoga, or the Spiritual Director of Ananda Sangha for Self-realization
Relationships with Students
Recognizing the trust placed in me by my students, I agree to:
- Show only the highest regard for my students’ personal beliefs and values
- Offer the meditation and Raja Yoga teachings to all persons regardless of sex, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, age, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation – to the extent I am competent based on my training and experience.
- Avoid any action that I know will conflict with the highest interests of my students
- Avoid taking unfair advantage of students financially, sexually, romantically, or otherwise
- Refrain from initiating a romantic or sexual relationship with a current student, even if invited by the student
Professional Conduct
In conducting my teaching practice, I will:
- Offer only those services that I am competent to provide
- Not attempt to diagnose a student’s physical or psychological condition, prescribe a treatment, or suggest or approve of going against a physician’s advice.
- Take continuing education in Raja Yoga teachings on a regular basis
- Be honest, straightforward, fair, and conscientious in all business dealings
- Manage my business finances according to accepted business and accounting practice
Advertising
In brochures, advertising, and other descriptions of my services (including verbal), I will:
- Make no exaggerated claims as to the benefits of meditation practices or of my lessons
- Represent my training, qualifications, abilities, and affiliations accurately and unambiguously
- Not falsely imply sponsorship by, representation of, or endorsement by any organization (including Ananda)
I understand that any reports of my breaching this code will be fairly investigated by the European Ananda Raja Yoga School, and that it could lead to revocation of my Instructor/Teacher certification.
Having read and comprehended the Code of Ethics, I pledge to honor it in its entirety.
Name in print:________________________________________
Date and signature:____________________________________
For questions related to the ethics of the Ananda Raja Yoga teachings, contact Nayaswami Shivani, Shivani@ananda.it
LEVEL 2: Ananda Raja Yoga Instructor
(300 hours)
The curriculum includes a series of practical activities guided by the teachers (energization exercises, meditation, relaxation, visualization, affirmations, chants, prayers, introspection), theoretical lessons with the teachers, the study of written texts (manuals and books) and watching recorded talks, as well as doing individual exercises.
The students will be closely followed throughout their preparation and will be able to interact directly with the teachers during the lessons or via email or phone.
The training will help you to deepen your own personal practice, and gain a deeper understanding of the principals on which the teachings are based, thereby enabling you to learn how to convey the techniques in a clear, creative and magnetic way.
By the end of the training period the raja yoga instructor (Level 2) will have acquired experience to organize, independently, courses on raja yoga.
You will receive 300 hours of training distributed as follows:
✓ Spiritual practices during the courses
✓ Lessons with a teacher
✓ Readings of texts and manuals
✓ Written exams
✓ Oral exams
The Online Lesson Plan
a. There are three five-day online courses on the philosophy of Raja Yoga, with a written exam to be completed at home:
Mode: only in the online mode
Duration: 4 days each divided into two consecutive weekends
Week 1, day 0: 20.30-21.30 Welcome and orientation
Week 1, day 1: 16.00-18.00 Lesson & 18.30-20.00 Long meditation
Week 1, day 2: 16.00-18.00 Lesson & 18.30-20.00 Long meditation
Week 2, day 1: 16.00-18.00 Lesson & 18.30-20.00 Long meditation
Week 2, day 2: 16.00-18.00 Lesson & 18.30-20.00 Long meditation
Course price*: €200 for each of the three Raja Yoga Philosophy courses
The courses of Raja Yoga 1, 2 and 3 can be taken in any order and at any time during the training period.
Description:
- ARYTT Raja Yoga 1: The Four Paths of Enlightenment: Gyana, Bhakti, Karma and Raja Yoga
This course is a “full immersion” in the practices of each of the four main paths of yoga, offering an in-depth study of its philosophical foundations and explaining how each of these 4 yogas brings us closer to Self-realization. The practices of each one of these yogic paths will be an integral part of your day:
Gyana Yoga: awareness, observation, introspection; use of spiritual journaling; discrimination, affirmation and detachment.
Bhakti Yoga: chanting; prayer; japa; devotional ceremonies; pilgrimages.
Karma Yoga: Karma and Dharma; right action; service; detachment.
Raja Yoga: daily meditation; strengthening willpower; developing self-control.
- ARYTT Raja Yoga 2: Eight steps to Samadhi: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
This course is a “full immersion” in Patanjali’s eight-step path.
Classes include:
- The philosophical foundations of Ashtanga Yoga;
- The classic definition of God (Satchidananda);
- The essence of Raja Yoga: Yogas chitta vritti nirodh;
- Patanjali’s eight steps including a complete explanation of Yama and Niyama, the “ten commandments of yoga;”
- Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.
- ARYTT Raja Yoga 3: Sanaatan Dharma: Personal and Planetary Evolution
The contents of this course include the following concepts:
- Dharma and karma
- Maya and duality
- The major trinity of Sanataan Dharma: Sat, Tat, Aum
- The minor trinities Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva/Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvati
- The three Gunas and the five elements
- The four Yugas: the cycles of planetary evolution
- The four Varnas: the stages of human evolution
- The four Ashrams: the stages of life from birth to death
- The anatomy of the astral body, including the chakras
- The sacred scriptures of India (Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas)
The courses of Raja Yoga 1, 2 and 3 can be taken in any order and at any time during the training period.
b. ARYTT Teaching 5: How to teach Raja Yoga
Mode: only in the online mode
Duration: 2 days each in one weekend
Week 1, Saturday:
7.00-8.30 & 10.00-13.00 Lesson & 16.00-18.00 Lesson & 18.30-20.00 guided meditation
Week 1, Sunday:
7.00-8.30 & 10.00-13.00 presentations & 15.00-20.00 presentations and guided meditation
Course price*: €100
Description:
This course completes your training as an instructor; you will learn how to create effective lessons of raja yoga, include dicepleship lessons.
c. ARYTT Teaching 4: Final oral exam
Mode: only in the online mode
Duration: 2 days each in one weekend
Week 1, Saturday:
7.00-8.30 & 10.00-13.30 presentations & 15.00-20.00 presentations and guided Energization Exercises and meditation
Week 1, Sunday:
7.00-8.30 & 10.00-13.30 presentations & 15.00-20.00 presentations and guided Energization Exercises and meditation
Course price*: €100
Additional requirements for completing the Instructor Certificate:
- A 2,500-word written thesis
- Oral presentation of the basic techniques
d. Recommended reading
✓ The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, Swami Kriyananda
✓ Awaken to Superconsciousness, Swami Kriyananda
✓ Demystifying Patanjali, Swami Kriyananda
✓ The Hindu Way of Awakening, Swami Kriyananda
** NB: Prices and timetables could be subject to change
We are getting certified with UNI EN ISO 90001_20015. We will let you know as soon as the process of certification has been completed.
Prerequisites:
✓ For Level 1 and 2 registration you must have a well-established and regular meditation routine, and have been practicing Hong-So and the Energization exercises for at least a year. To obtain the Level 2 diploma you must have completed Level 1.
Admission:
For information on admission contact: rajayoga (at) ananda.it
Registration:
It is possible to register for the training ONLY after admission has been granted. Registration in the Ananda Raja Yoga Academy is mandatory for all those who wish to obtain the certification as an Ananda Meditation Instructor or Ananda Raja Yoga Instructor. You will receive the Registration form and the Code of Ethics, to be signed and returned to us upon admission.
To complete registration, you will have to pay a one-time registration fee of €200,00 which is valid for any Yogananda Academy of Europe School (Raja Yoga, Ananda Yoga and Life Therapy).
The registration fee can be paid in one of the following ways:
✓ Reception: you can pay the registration fee with cash, credit card or check at the Reception office at Ananda.
✓Bank transfer: give this information to your bank:
Ananda Associazione, A.s.d – Via Montecchio 61, 06025 Nocera Umbra (PG) presso: Intesa San Paolo
IBAN: IT35H0306909606100000176173
SWIFT/BIC: BCITITM
REFERENCE: RAJA YOGA TEACHER TRAINING and First and Last Name.
All the activities promoted by Ananda Associazione (in affiliation with CSEN) are in accordance with the Italian laws and are reserved only to associated members.
The annual association fee includes an injury insurance policy.
For information and clarifications regarding payment, phone +39 0742 813620
For information and clarification regarding the training, write to rajayoga (at) ananda.it
As an instructor/teacher of Ananda Raja Yoga, I recognize that it is my responsibility and privilege to support the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of my students and to uphold the dignity and integrity of the teachings of Self-realization. I therefore agree to abide by the following code of ethics and the guidelines that inspire it:
- Live daily the practices that are taught
- Respect God in each student and maintain a professional relationship
- Uphold the dignity and integrity of the teachings
- Teach according to Paramhansa Yogananda’s instructions and to what you have learned at the Ananda Raja Yoga School
- If you have any doubts or questions, contact the Director or teachers from the school of Raja Yoga, or the Spiritual Director of Ananda Sangha for Self-realization
Relationships with Students
Recognizing the trust placed in me by my students, I agree to:
- Show only the highest regard for my students’ personal beliefs and values
- Offer the meditation and Raja Yoga teachings to all persons regardless of sex, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, age, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation – to the extent I am competent based on my training and experience.
- Avoid any action that I know will conflict with the highest interests of my students
- Avoid taking unfair advantage of students financially, sexually, romantically, or otherwise
- Refrain from initiating a romantic or sexual relationship with a current student, even if invited by the student
Professional Conduct
In conducting my teaching practice, I will:
- Offer only those services that I am competent to provide
- Not attempt to diagnose a student’s physical or psychological condition, prescribe a treatment, or suggest or approve of going against a physician’s advice.
- Take continuing education in Raja Yoga teachings on a regular basis
- Be honest, straightforward, fair, and conscientious in all business dealings
- Manage my business finances according to accepted business and accounting practice
Advertising
In brochures, advertising, and other descriptions of my services (including verbal), I will:
- Make no exaggerated claims as to the benefits of meditation practices or of my lessons
- Represent my training, qualifications, abilities, and affiliations accurately and unambiguously
- Not falsely imply sponsorship by, representation of, or endorsement by any organization (including Ananda)
I understand that any reports of my breaching this code will be fairly investigated by the European Ananda Raja Yoga School, and that it could lead to revocation of my Instructor/Teacher certification.
Having read and comprehended the Code of Ethics, I pledge to honor it in its entirety.
Name in print:________________________________________
Date and signature:____________________________________
For questions related to the ethics of the Ananda Raja Yoga teachings, contact Nayaswami Shivani, Shivani@ananda.it
Calendar
Here you will find the complete calendar of all training courses, both online and residential at the Ananda Assisi Center
ONLINE COURSE: ARYTT Teaching 2: How to Teach the Meditation Techniques
Students of the Ananda Raja Yoga School who are regularly enrolled may participate in this course.
Become a Raja Yoga teacher
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