11 Capítulo Hong So

Chapter Eleven: Practice and Lesson Outlines

Outline for Lesson at Ananda Assisi

Length: one and a half hours (18:00-19:30)

FIRST PART: WHAT IS MEDITATION AND WHY MEDITATE? (30 minutes)

1.      Verify who has experience with meditation already and what type

2.  Meditation is a natural activity

Ø  it is part of both the Oriental and Christian traditions

Ø  it is a natural need of the soul (just as eating and drinking are needs of the body).

Ø  the soul wants to be listened to in the silence.

3. We have forgotten that it's something natural, we are no longer used to the silence and to

listen to the soul, delusion.

            Possible story: the first man to ever meditate reunited with God

4. The three levels of consciousness (if there's time...)

5. Super-consciousness and the 8 manifestations of God (= benefits of meditation)

SECOND PART: THE PRACTICE (1 hour)

1. The first obstacle to meditation: the restless body

Ø  correct posture

Ø  tense and relax the body (practice together)

Ø  the importance of relaxation, Hatha Yoga and EE

2. The second obstacle to meditation: the restless breath

Ø  connection between breath and mind

Ø  how to calm the breath (exercise of equal breathing and brief practice of awareness

Ø  of breath)

Ø  concentration

Ø  practice of observing the breath until the observation is in the nose

Ø  comments and questions

3. The third obstacle to meditation: the restless mind

Ø  mantra as a further instrument for calming the mind the power of sound

Ø  the meaning of Hong-Sau

Ø  practice of Hong-Sau, leaving time at the end for true "meditation" (guiding them through the experience) and a brief healing prayer

4.  Commentary on the last phase without techniques, touching on the difference between concentration and meditation.

5.  Touch on the importance of chanting at the beginning and of healing prayers at the end.

6.  Bibliography, video and brief hints (if there is time) on practicing at home.

7.  Postpone questions until sadhana Sunday morning, perhaps.

Ananda Raja Yoga Instructor Diploma

As an Ananda Raja Yoga Instructor you will be certified to teach the basic techniques of concentration, meditation and prana recharging, and to give courses on the basic principles of the science of Raja Yoga.

The certification curriculum includes

• 130 hours of meditation techniques practice,
• 160 hours of instruction in Raja Yoga philosophy, teaching methods and spiritual anatomy,
• 10 hours of student teaching.

Program Structure

The teachers’ training program for certification as an Ananda Raja Yoga Instructor consists of:

• Six seven-day intensives
• Four five-day intensives

There are six areas of study recognized by the International Yoga Federations, all of which will be covered during the seven-week program:

1. Techniques Practice. The daily schedule for each intensive program includes three hours of meditation, energization and chanting, divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The Meditation Intensive includes 25-30 hours of practice during the five days.

2. Techniques Instruction. The Hong-Sau and Energization intensives are dedicated to learning all aspects of the techniques and methods for teaching them to others.

3. Philosophy. Three five-day intensives are dedicated to the basic philosophy of Raja Yoga, to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and the fundamental principles of Sanatan Dharma, including the laws of karma, magnetism and evolution.

4. Methodology. One of the seven intensives is dedicated to methodology, which includes techniques for effective teaching, for class preparation, and practical aspects of organization, communications and promotion of your classes. Included are discussions about the ethics of yoga and of representing yoga as an instructor.

5. Anatomy. The Raja Yoga III course includes the anatomy of the subtle bodies, and the Methodology course includes lessons with a medical doctor about the effects of meditation practices on the physical body, brain and consciousness.

6. Practicum. Students will have opportunities throughout the program to give oral presentations, and a final weekend is scheduled for more lengthy presentations by the students of the meditation practices.

Certification Requirements

To qualify for the Ananda Raja Yoga Instructor diploma you will need to:

Ø  Complete the seven-week training courses.

Ø  Successfully pass the written exams at the end of each course.

Ø  Successfully pass the final written examination.

Ø  Successfully pass the final oral examination.

Ø  Present an introductory talk about Meditation and Energization.

Ø  Present and discuss your written thesis.

Ø  Study the bibliography.

Ø  Have a regular daily practice of meditation of at least 60 minutes.

Ø  Accept and uphold the Code of Ethics for Ananda teachers.

Code of Ethics for Ananda Raja Yoga Teachers

The Code of Ethics for Ananda Raja Yoga teachers is based on the following guidelines

v  Living daily the practices you teach.

v  Respecting God in each student, and maintaining a professional relationship with them.

v  Presenting the teachings with a dignity worthy of their high standards.

v  Teaching as Paramhansa Yogananda has instructed and as you have learned from the Ananda Yoga Academy.

v  When you have questions concerning the teachings, referring them to the Director or teachers of the Raja Yoga School, or to the Spiritual Director of Ananda Sangha for Self-realization.

As an Ananda Raja Yoga teacher or instructor, I recognize that it is my responsibility and privilege to support the physical, mental, and spiritual welfare of my students, and to uphold the dignity and integrity of the yoga teachings. Therefore I agree to abide by the following ethical code:

Relationships with Students

In recognition of the trust placed in me by my students, I agree to:

§  Show only the highest regard for my students’ personal beliefs and values.

§  Offer my services of teaching yoga 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 to offer such services, 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 yoga teaching 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 yoga practice or my classes.

§  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 Ananda Yoga Ethics Team, and that it could lead to revocation of my Ananda Yoga Teacher certification.

Ananda Raja Yoga Teacher Diploma

Prerequisites

• Kriya Yoga practitioner for at least 2 years
• Diploma as an Ananda Raja Yoga Instructor
• 50 hours of teaching experience

The certification curriculum includes

• 6 intensives of five days, 40 hours each
• 2 long weekends, 30 hours each
• Discipleship weekend, 10 hours
• 50 hours of home study
• Total of 360 hours

Program Structure

1. Advanced Techniques. A five-day course that revisits and goes deeper into the meditation and energization practices, and teaching methods. Course supplement: € 200.00.
2. Methodology 2. A five-day course which focuses on spiritual counseling and how to be an inspiring channel. Course supplement: € 200.00
3. Sanatan Dharma 2 – The Bhagavad Gita. A five-day in-depth study of the commentaries of Parmhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda, with a special focus on the first two chapters. Course supplement: € 200.00. Required reading: The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Kriyananda, and God Talks with Arjuna by Paramhansa Yogananda.
4. Yoga and Christianity. A five-day course exploring the connection between Sanatan Dharma and the original teachings of Jesus Christ, and how to present these concepts to beginners. Course supplement: € 200.00. Required reading: The Promise of Immortality and The Revelations of Christ by Swami Kriyananda.
5. Chakras Intensive. A five-day course dedicated to the practice of stimulating the energies in the chakras, and methods of teachings these techniques to beginners. Course supplement: € 200.00. Required reading: Chakras for Starters by Savitri Simpson.
6. Meditation Intensive. The annual five-day program of long daily group meditations. No course supplement.
7. Preparing People for Discipleship. A weekend program dedicated to discipleship, during which there will be specific workshops on how to introduce this concept to students and support them in their search for their spiritual master. Course supplement: € 100.00
8. Preparing Disciples for Kriya Initiation — Levels 1 and 2. These programs are offered at various times throughout the year, usually during long weekends and include teachers’ workshops. Course supplement: € 100.00 each level.
9. Exams and Diploma, Fee € 100.00.

Certification Requirements

• Successful completion of the five intensives and three weekends, including their examinations
• Annual participation in the Meditation Intensive
• 50 hours of teaching experience
• 50 hours of home-study of talks by Swami Kriyananda, with written summaries
• Video presentation of meditation and energization classes, evaluation by teachers
• Written thesis, oral presentation
• Co-teaching and evaluation of meditation and energization
• Acceptance of the Ananda Raja Yoga teacher code of ethics