Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many students do you accept into this course?
Our maximum enrollment is 40 students.

Q. How do you address the individual needs within the larger group?
This being our 9th year of offering this training, the following arrangements have proved to be very effective in supporting individuals within the larger group context:

For the morning asana classes, we offer 2 to 3 different classes simultaneously to accomodate the various levels, with teacher-spotters as needed.

The pranayama/meditation class is taught as one group by 2 main instructors with several teacher-spotters present to assist with individual needs/adjustments.

The afternoon asana clinics are divided into 2 smaller groups of 20 students or less, with 2 main instructors and 1 assistant present.

All the student-teaching practice sessions are done in small groups of 10 YTT students with 1 to 2 teacher-mentors present.

Several times during each session, we gather together in small 'check-in groups' comprised of 6 students and 2 teacher-mentors. This provides the opportunity to have personal dialogues within a small group context.

This course has an experienced faculty of 17 instructors - with several instructors living on site during the entire program. The instructors welcome personal questions and will make time during breaks to provide feedback/assistance.

We also have a Human Resources Counselor on faculty who is available to provide confidential support for personal needs.

Between sessions and after the course has finished, the instructors continue to invite any questions you may have about the yoga practices, yoga theory, or teaching experiences.

Q. Is this Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as taught by Patabhi Jois? (sometimes referred to as power yoga).
No, this program is based on classical 8 limbed Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga as taught by Baba Hari Dass. The style of asana taught in this training includes a broad range of postures with a variety of sequencing options and modifications, based on classical principles. Both flow and sustained postures as well as more vigorous and gentler sequences will be taught. The sanskrit term "Ashtanga" means "8 limbs", all of which are addressed in this program.

Q. What does the Anatomy section cover?
The anatomy component of YTT is a unit of 8 hours class time. The goal of this unit is to provide students with a conceptual understanding of how muscle, bone, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other organs are involved in the practice of classical Ashtanga and Hatha yoga. While some concepts are covered at a basic level, others will be more developed as they apply to safety and quality while teaching the asana and pranayama practices.

We will explore specific asanas, related potential injuries, and grounding/stabilisation within a regional review of the anatomy. Given the limited time available we cannot cover all these topics in depth. This engaging presentation will include a PowerPoint presentation, handouts, reference material, and an interactive 3-D DVD CD ROM anatomy program.

Q. What kinds of publications and reading materials will I receive in this course?
Prior to beginning the program, an orientation package is sent out to those who have paid their deposit. The package includes an optional reading list and the following two publications:

1. The Ashtanga Yoga Primer
2. An Essay entitled “Binding Thoughts”

Both are by master yogi and author, Baba Hari Dass. These give a preview to the actual course content. Two internet links will also be e-mailed - basic anatomy visuals and an introduction to Ayurveda, by Dr. Vasant Lad.

At the start of the course each student receives an extensive manual with printed materials related to the curriculum content. During the course, each teacher also provides printed materials which specifically relates to the subject being taught. A CD of common sanskrit terms as related to yoga, is also included in the manual.

No publications are required to be purchased for this course.

Q. When do the student-teaching practice sessions occur?
These take place during the August session. Each student teaches two student-teaching practice sessions - one for a beginning level pranayama and meditation class and one for a beginning level asana class. A full orientation for both practice sessions is done at the end of the July session. What you will be teaching is based on that which you have been learning in the July session. During your break between the two sessions you will prepare for your practice sessions. There will also be some class time at the start of the August session to review your practice sessions as well.

Q. What size are the student-teaching practice session groups?
Both practice sessions are done in small groups of 10 YTT students with 1- 2 faculty mentors observing. (You will be teaching your fellow YTT students, not the public).

Q. Can I tape the lectures?
YES, you are most welcome to tape any of the talks if you can bring all your own equiptment to do so. Being prepared to record the classes would be quite valuable especially for some of the, "yoga theory" classes that introduce sanskrit terms which will be new to everyone.

Q. I have an injury which limits usage of my body. Am I still eligible to take this training and how will it affect my participation?
A pre-existing injury or physical limitation doesn't preclude you from being eligible to take this training. Depending on the extent and nature of the injury, we would determine how that would affect your participation in the program. This can be discussed with the program director, Andrea (604-279-5465) prior to submitting an application or after we've received your application, at the time of your telephone interview.

Q. I am not very flexible or strong and/or have physical limitations - will i still be able to teach yoga?
In this course, you will learn and practice the many ways to modify the postures to accommodate physical limitations for yourself as well as for others in a classroom setting.

Q. Why is the first meal at 11 am, and is there any food or drink provided prior to that?
It is contraindicated to practice pranayama and asana after eating solid food as it interferes with digestion. However, prior to the 7 am pranayama and meditation class, a warmed soy milk and dairy milk drink prepared daily with mild chai spices will be available. These are non-caffeinated; however, black tea is available to add to these drinks if you so choose. The milk protein helps to sustain one's energy and blood sugar levels. In addition, fresh fruit is available prior to the 9 am asana classes.

A full tea bar of herbal, green and black teas as well as soy, rice and dairy milks are available 24/7. If you have any concerns or questions about the meal schedule, please consult with Andrea at 604-279-5465 or aktabachnick@aol.com.

Q. I have a severe peanut /nut allergy. Can you still accommodate me?
It would be next to impossible to control the kitchen environment enough to ensure that peanuts were not within your vicinity and that you were not exposed to nuts in any of our meals.

Based on a lacto vegetarian diet, we use a lot of nuts to supplement the protein needs of the guests. We serve granola every morning that has walnuts and cashews in it, and muffins that on occasion have nuts. In the afternoon we offer a snack that sometimes includes peanut butter on muffins or peanut butter on the side. For dinner, we may serve casseroles which contain cashews and/or almonds.

We believe that it is in our best interest and yours to say that, we are sorry we are unable to accommodate your needs safely.

Please contact the Program Director, Andrea, to discuss your situation directly: 604- 279-5465 or aktabachnick@aol.com

Q. Can I bring my own food?
It is not necessary to bring your own food as the meals and snacks we provide give ample nutrition. It is fine to bring personal snacks or treats that don't need refrigeration, such as trail mix, cookies, power bars etc. (vegetarian origin please.)

Q. Can I bring my children, husband, mother?
Although we can not accommodate family members during this program, we do offer an annual family retreat in August. Family and friends are welcome to visit the centre during the breaks in the program and can join in a meal if advance notice is given to the kitchen (a meal fee will apply).

Q. Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, we are not set up to accommodate animal companions.