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Our Philosophy
AYTT is a relaxed, yet effective yoga teacher training in the Kripalu tradition. The word Kripalu translates as compassion and indicates a core philosophy of the practice. This 200 hour program is a spark which can ignite a life-long passion for practice, study and learning.
On the deck at Shining Bay Yoga Retreat
AYTT is a no-compromise program and a labour of love. For thousands of years, yoga was passed directly from the teacher to the student, or to small groups. We honour that tradition by hosting a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 16 participants.
To ensure the highest quality of instruction and transmission of the true essence of yoga, all sessions are facilitated by the two main trainers and/or with occasional specialty guest trainers.
We embrace the philosophy that yoga is for everybody who has a sincere interest to learn. Our teachers are trained with an inclusive spirit and are encouraged to be committed to study, practice and progress at their own natural pace.
AYTT groups are usually composed of participants of various age ranges, who bring not only their experiences in yoga, but their life experience, which in turn enriches the program. AYTT groups often form close bonds, some of which last for years beyond the program.
Along with a full program in the traditional practices of Hatha Yoga (including the Kripalu approach), AYTT introduces and exposes trainees to a variety of other yoga practices.
Some of these include:
Bhakti Yoga
• Chanting from a variety of cultures as well as traditional Sanskrit chanting.
• YogaDancing to free the spirit - purely for fun.
• Group bonding - getting to know and care about your fellow trainees.
Karma Yoga
• Service and sharing (Seva) of certain functional responsibilities, especially at the group camp.
• Exploring the concept of Karma Yoga at home and throughout the life of students.
Jnana Yoga
• Self-study, study of the yogic texts and other pertinent literature to gain Knowledge.
Asthanga Yoga
• In the traditional sense, exposure to the eight-fold path of Patanjali and how these stages of yoga lead into Meditation-in-Motion — the hallmark of Kripalu Yoga.
Mantra Yoga
• Exposure to meditation through various traditional approaches.
Sahaja Yoga
• Practicing natural yoga, which leads to stillness, curiosity and flexibility (physically, mentally, emotionally). This includes hatha yoga/meditation practices, singing, chanting, dancing, sharing, laughing, storytelling, journaling and more.
"The dharma of service is the dharma of love, the very embodiment of love.
In whomever love arises, divine vision also arises, so service does not remain inaccessible to him.
The person who becomes an embodiment of love, does not remain an ordinary human being. His faults are transformed into strengths and he becomes an extraordinary person."
- Swami Kripalu
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