Practitioner Programs

Each of the Practitioner programs noted below have three components:

  1. Yogasana coursework
  2. Pranayama coursework
  3. Led practice

1. Yogasana Coursework

Coursework for both Yogasana and pranayama is characterised by instruction and application. The syllabus guides students through Yogasana, pranayama and Yoga philosophy such that Yoga is engaged as a reflective practice

2. Pranayama Coursework

Pranayama is the Yogic art of breathing. Pranayama is introduced in lying down position and evolves through repetition with an emphasis on the quality and texture of the breath. This approach develops a steady mind and a capacity to direct our attention. In a fast paced ever changing world pranayama requires that we let go of characteristics associated with doing and achieving to a state of being and watching.

3. Led Practice

Led practice moves students from a focus on instruction to an environment where they can refine observation, develop concentration and experience integration. In these sessions, the asana names are called with the practice leader presenting but there is no instruction. To enrol in a Led practice, students must also be enrolled in a Yogasana course.

 

Introduction to Iyengar Yoga

Students who are new to yoga attend our Introduction to Iyengar Yoga Methodology . This entry level course can be attended either as a 10 Week course or an Intensive week of study. New students who have prior yoga experience may enter Foundation Practitioner courses but remember it may be ideal to start from basic principles.

Foundation practitioner

Learning to practice yoga requires a foundation in the techniques and principles of yoga. Our Foundation Practitioner program covers 4 terms of enrollment to develop an understanding of what to practice and how to practice Iyengar Yoga. Teachers guide students through the syllabus to consolidate their understanding.
New students enrol the Introduction to Iyengar Methodology prior to Foundation Practitioner enrolment unless they have prior yoga experience.

Developing practitioner

Developing practitioners have completed enrolment in the Foundation Program use an expanded repertoire of asana to engage in a svadhyaya (self study). Students begin to watch sensations across a spectrum from gross to subtle as well as differentiate sensations from thoughts and emotions. A study of the organs of action and the senses of perception is undertaken.
The mode of practice is described as ‘Studying’

Established practitioner

A student arriving within this level has learnt to watch the rise of emotions and thoughts and recognised that emotions and thoughts give rise to ideas of ‘self’. The challenge is to examine notions of ‘self’ and attempt to alter experience by adjusting or calibrating our thoughts and emotions within practice.

Maturing practitioner

Maturing Practitioner Level is for practitioners of Yoga who have developed the skills and judgement necessary to practice.
Mature practitioners apply the Iyengar Yoga methods of technique, timing, sequencing and repetition to study consciousness (citta) within practice. Practice is understood as a quest for understanding (Vidya). Practitioners mature ethically as their dedication to practice as a contemplative science evolves

Introducing Sadhana

Introducing Sadhana aims to deliver the building blocks for a self directed practice and requires a commitment to a regular practice of between 15-30 minutes per day as well as the reading and study material provided. The program is targeted at anyone who would like to gain further understanding of the time required to complete the one year Sadhaka program or would like to explore how they may start a self directed practice of yoga. The Introducing Sadhana Program is a single term enrolment.