The First Yoga Teacher Training Course (TTC) at the Bharat Vidya Kendra Yoga in Madanapalle began on 28th Jan 2021 with students arriving from all across the country – Playful, inquisitive, unjaded childlike humans finding their way back to the source through the process of Yoga.
Developed under the direct guidance of Sri M, the course is based on the ancient gurukula system of India where teacher and student live in an ashram atmosphere. The students are trained to develop a strong foundation in comprehensive understanding of yoga, yogic philosophy and traditional yogic practices.
It is also an opportunity to explore the ancient yogic wisdom, and open oneself up for inner transformation. Students experience different aspects of Yoga such as Bhakti, Karma and Jnana Yoga through the course as a means to internalize the practice of Yoga.
It is now week 4 of the intense program and It has been over a week since the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Yogashala followed by a meaningful interaction with the students.
Surrounded by lush foliage and soft, natural light streaming through the ceiling high windows, the Yogashala’s atmosphere effortlessly puts the practitioner in a quiet frame of mind, open and ready to imbibe the subtle and yogic teachings for a truly wholesome experience.
Classes include recitation and discussions on the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras and numerous other ancient texts. A typical day starts with meditation at 6:30 am followed by sessions on theory, asana practice, Karma Yoga, swadhyaya (self-study), Yogic anatomy and medical anatomy, and priceless satsangs on yogic texts and interactions with Sri M.
Students are split into batches during Karma Yoga sessions and take turns cleaning the Yogashala, dining hall, the goshala, and around the campus.
At the end of the day, one can hear the sound of sacred vedic chants or the melodious singing of hymns emanating from the Yogashala and reverberating in the ashram. As the weeks have progressed the focus has shifted to bringing out the teacher in the students with the introduction of methodologies and mock classes, giving them first hand teaching experience in a supportive and enabling environment.
Our first teacher’s training batch has students from many walks of life ranging from Ph.Ds. to engineers and Yoga practitioners who have decided to deepen their understanding of this ancient science of Yoga. Several students have left their children in the care of family just to be able to learn, imbibe and eventually spread the authentic practice of Yoga to the world. Such is their dedication and resolve.
Aided by the grace of the Guru, support of the teachers and camaraderie of fellow classmates who were strangers just a few weeks ago, have made some life-long friendships and will forever be bonded together as the first batch of students from the Bharat Yoga Vidya Kendra, Madanapalle.
In the words of our current batch of students –
“What sets BVYK’s yoga teacher training apart is that it has brought together rigor and depth of yogic understanding, with a constant undercurrent of love, fun and care.”
“It has been an amazing journey for all of us. It’s a safe, non-judgmental & supportive space to be in where we are well-nourished & taken care of. The program has a wonderful group of instructors who brings a holistic approach to our yoga experience.”
“This is a great course for anyone who wants to understand yoga to the fullest, beyond asanas and pranayama. All the modules are well thought through and efficiently delivered by the best teachers. For me, this course is a once in a lifetime experience.”
