ashtanga yoga [Ashtanga Yog] Teachers, Yoga Alliance?

[Guest guest]

I am sure we would all rather be doing or teaching

yoga than thinking about these things, but the fact is

that like massage, yoga will eventually be regulated.

 

Only those with certifications from supposedly

qualified organizations will be able to teach,

irregardless of what we, or PJ thinks. There's

discussion that it may also be covered by insurance at

some point and we know what that means.

 

In many instances this is a lot of bunk. As with every

profession, there are people teaching yoga that are

qualified but are terrible teachers. There are people

with lesser qualifications that are excellent. Just

because you can do a headstand doesn't mean you are

qualified to teach. And if your students have neck

injuries this shouldn't be taught period.

 

I have been trained in both Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga

styles. I have over 500 hours of training both in the

physical and metaphysical aspects of yoga. As well as

Anatomy and Physiology. I have years of teaching

experience. And my learning is ongoing. I am

registered with the necessary Yoga organization, not

because they make me a better teacher, but because I

know I need to be in order to teach yoga in this ever

changing, regulated world.

 

One of my employers won't hire anyone not certified by

Yoga Alliance. They even told me they don't know if

they are the best, but they need some type of

standards to go by. Since they are a health

organization and could be sued, they have to cover

their you know whats.

 

Ashtanga is my personal favorite yoga style. I simply

love moving quietly and peacefully from one asana to

another without stopping. I follow the primary series

sequence, illiminating those that are beyond my

abilities like lotus. I have knee injuries that will

prevent me from ever being able to do this. But I'll

teach it. Irregardless of whether I can do everything,

and do it perfectly, my yoga practice brings me such

joy that I want to share the benefits with everyone.

 

Yet with all my experience, based on PJ's

requirements, I am not qualified to teach Ashtanga

Yoga even though my training has been excellent and

extensive, from people blessed by PJ, or Yogi's that

have trained with T. Krishnamacharyam the grandfather

of modern yoga, the person PJ and Iyengar and

Desikachar learned from.

 

Whether I like or agree with this makes no difference.

It is what it is. I teach Power or Dynamic Yoga and

use the Ashtanga sequence as a guideline. I teach

integrative yoga. I teach gentle, restorative yoga. As

well as relaxation and meditation. It doesn't matter

to me what name is attached to it by someone else.

 

My classes are modified based on the skills, abilities

and fitness levels of my students. There has to be a

sensitivity to their needs, safety and a fun and

challenging learning environment. I think the most

important thing to give someone is a wonderful yoga

experience that includes the many aspects of yoga from

Pranayama to asana to relaxation and nurturing to yoga

philosophies. A teacher is simply a guide enabling

people to discover themselves through the gift of

yoga.

 

I was in Mysore 7 weeks this year. PJ puts 100%

emphasis on asana. In order to teach Ashtanga yoga,

you have to have the primary series under your belt.

If you can't do everything in the primary series, you

aren't allowed to move up. But he isn't alone. All the

teachers I worked with emphasized the physical aspect

of the practice with the exception of one. Once I

understood the philosophy behind this, it made sense,

but I don't agree with the all or nothing angle.

 

PJ is expensive. After this tour in America he is

raising his prices to $850 per month. Maybe not a lot

to you or I who live in America, but when I was in

India, this is out of reach for all but the richest of

these people. The most other highly qualified teachers

charge is $100.00 a month. Which in itself raises

questions like "Should yoga only be taught by those

with money and no physical limitations at all?

 

For what it's worth this is my two and a half cents.

Thanks to for the opportunity to share our thoughts.

And I agree with this person, no need to jump down my

throat if you don't agree. We're all entitled to our

opinions. However, in the true spirit of yoga, can't

we attempt to do it with love and compassion?

 

Have a blissful Holiday.

 

Namaste'

 

Deb Bobier

www.yogabound.com

 

--- mangaladasa <no_reply> wrote:

> Hi RC,

> Regarding the Yoga Alliance, They do not list any

> sort of

> certification other then those organizations who

> have applied to have

> their training or school listed by that registry. In

> other words they

> do not accept even the certificate which Sri K.

> Pattabhi Jois issues

> because he has not registered with them! This is

> true of the B.K.S.

> Iyengar certication as well. They were acepting what

> they

> call "grandfathering in" for a while where people

> could write up

> their own hours and have sudents or friends sign it,

> but I think the

> deadline is up for that. All in all there is

> something wrong with

> this picture right? I'm glad you asked this question

> because many

> people are in the dark about how the whole thing

> works. So my opinion

> is don't bother with them. Pursue your practice and

> get a true

> certification that means something from a real

> teacher.

>

>

> ashtanga yoga, Rock Chick

> <rokchik666>

> wrote:

> > Hello Everyone,

> > First thanks to everyone for their opinions and

> > thoughts on migranes, i'm feeling much better!

> >

> >

> > I would like to get everyone's thoughts on the

> Yoga

> > Alliance. I personally have been dedicated to the

> > ashtanga practice for 3 years now, i know it is

> not a

> > lifetime, but i am extremely dedicated. I

> completed

> > the teacher training w/ david swenson and did a

> > workshop w/ Manju Jois. I am currently teaching a

> few

> > classes, while maintaining my own practice.

> Frankly,

> > i do not have 1500$ to spend to take a 200 hour

> > course.

> > i do intend however to keep attending workshops,

> etc

> > to excel my practice.

> >

> > I am wondering what everybody's thoughts are on

> this.

> > Now, as a disclaimer, no need to jump down my

> throat

> > (or anyone elses) and/or criticize, as sometimes

> > happens w/ these controversial posts. Just asking

> for

> > everyone's opinions and thoughts.

> >

> > Thanks so much, and hope all is well with

> everyone!

> > xo

> > RC

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up

> now.

> > http://mailplus.

>

>

>

 

 

 

 

Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.

http://mailplus.

[Guest guest]

"I was in Mysore 7 weeks this year. PJ puts 100%

emphasis on asana."

 

By the way Ms. Bobier if you dislike SKPJ so much why do you quote

him on your website www.yogabound.com? Being in Mysore for 7 weeks

hardly qualifies you as an expert on his methods or his emphasis. You

also quote Swami Vishnudevananda but are you aware that the Yoga

Alliance does not recognize the Sivananda Certification either? From

what organization did you obtain your certification. According to

your logic David Swenson who you have posted a picture of posing with

you and your husband should not be able to teach either since he is

not registered with the Yoga Alliance. Start making sense!

 

ashtanga yoga, debra bobier <debbobier>

wrote:

> I am sure we would all rather be doing or teaching

> yoga than thinking about these things, but the fact is

> that like massage, yoga will eventually be regulated.

>

> Only those with certifications from supposedly

> qualified organizations will be able to teach,

> irregardless of what we, or PJ thinks. There's

> discussion that it may also be covered by insurance at

> some point and we know what that means.

>

> In many instances this is a lot of bunk. As with every

> profession, there are people teaching yoga that are

> qualified but are terrible teachers. There are people

> with lesser qualifications that are excellent. Just

> because you can do a headstand doesn't mean you are

> qualified to teach. And if your students have neck

> injuries this shouldn't be taught period.

>

> I have been trained in both Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga

> styles. I have over 500 hours of training both in the

> physical and metaphysical aspects of yoga. As well as

> Anatomy and Physiology. I have years of teaching

> experience. And my learning is ongoing. I am

> registered with the necessary Yoga organization, not

> because they make me a better teacher, but because I

> know I need to be in order to teach yoga in this ever

> changing, regulated world.

>

> One of my employers won't hire anyone not certified by

> Yoga Alliance. They even told me they don't know if

> they are the best, but they need some type of

> standards to go by. Since they are a health

> organization and could be sued, they have to cover

> their you know whats.

>

> Ashtanga is my personal favorite yoga style. I simply

> love moving quietly and peacefully from one asana to

> another without stopping. I follow the primary series

> sequence, illiminating those that are beyond my

> abilities like lotus. I have knee injuries that will

> prevent me from ever being able to do this. But I'll

> teach it. Irregardless of whether I can do everything,

> and do it perfectly, my yoga practice brings me such

> joy that I want to share the benefits with everyone.

>

> Yet with all my experience, based on PJ's

> requirements, I am not qualified to teach Ashtanga

> Yoga even though my training has been excellent and

> extensive, from people blessed by PJ, or Yogi's that

> have trained with T. Krishnamacharyam the grandfather

> of modern yoga, the person PJ and Iyengar and

> Desikachar learned from.

>

> Whether I like or agree with this makes no difference.

> It is what it is. I teach Power or Dynamic Yoga and

> use the Ashtanga sequence as a guideline. I teach

> integrative yoga. I teach gentle, restorative yoga. As

> well as relaxation and meditation. It doesn't matter

> to me what name is attached to it by someone else.

>

> My classes are modified based on the skills, abilities

> and fitness levels of my students. There has to be a

> sensitivity to their needs, safety and a fun and

> challenging learning environment. I think the most

> important thing to give someone is a wonderful yoga

> experience that includes the many aspects of yoga from

> Pranayama to asana to relaxation and nurturing to yoga

> philosophies. A teacher is simply a guide enabling

> people to discover themselves through the gift of

> yoga.

>

> I was in Mysore 7 weeks this year. PJ puts 100%

> emphasis on asana. In order to teach Ashtanga yoga,

> you have to have the primary series under your belt.

> If you can't do everything in the primary series, you

> aren't allowed to move up. But he isn't alone. All the

> teachers I worked with emphasized the physical aspect

> of the practice with the exception of one. Once I

> understood the philosophy behind this, it made sense,

> but I don't agree with the all or nothing angle.

>

> PJ is expensive. After this tour in America he is

> raising his prices to $850 per month. Maybe not a lot

> to you or I who live in America, but when I was in

> India, this is out of reach for all but the richest of

> these people. The most other highly qualified teachers

> charge is $100.00 a month. Which in itself raises

> questions like "Should yoga only be taught by those

> with money and no physical limitations at all?

>

> For what it's worth this is my two and a half cents.

> Thanks to for the opportunity to share our thoughts.

> And I agree with this person, no need to jump down my

> throat if you don't agree. We're all entitled to our

> opinions. However, in the true spirit of yoga, can't

> we attempt to do it with love and compassion?

>

> Have a blissful Holiday.

>

> Namaste'

>

> Deb Bobier

> www.yogabound.com

>

> --- mangaladasa <no_reply> wrote:

> > Hi RC,

> > Regarding the Yoga Alliance, They do not list any

> > sort of

> > certification other then those organizations who

> > have applied to have

> > their training or school listed by that registry. In

> > other words they

> > do not accept even the certificate which Sri K.

> > Pattabhi Jois issues

> > because he has not registered with them! This is

> > true of the B.K.S.

> > Iyengar certication as well. They were acepting what

> > they

> > call "grandfathering in" for a while where people

> > could write up

> > their own hours and have sudents or friends sign it,

> > but I think the

> > deadline is up for that. All in all there is

> > something wrong with

> > this picture right? I'm glad you asked this question

> > because many

> > people are in the dark about how the whole thing

> > works. So my opinion

> > is don't bother with them. Pursue your practice and

> > get a true

> > certification that means something from a real

> > teacher.

> >

> >

> > ashtanga yoga, Rock Chick

> > <rokchik666>

> > wrote:

> > > Hello Everyone,

> > > First thanks to everyone for their opinions and

> > > thoughts on migranes, i'm feeling much better!

> > >

> > >

> > > I would like to get everyone's thoughts on the

> > Yoga

> > > Alliance. I personally have been dedicated to the

> > > ashtanga practice for 3 years now, i know it is

> > not a

> > > lifetime, but i am extremely dedicated. I

> > completed

> > > the teacher training w/ david swenson and did a

> > > workshop w/ Manju Jois. I am currently teaching a

> > few

> > > classes, while maintaining my own practice.

> > Frankly,

> > > i do not have 1500$ to spend to take a 200 hour

> > > course.

> > > i do intend however to keep attending workshops,

> > etc

> > > to excel my practice.

> > >

> > > I am wondering what everybody's thoughts are on

> > this.

> > > Now, as a disclaimer, no need to jump down my

> > throat

> > > (or anyone elses) and/or criticize, as sometimes

> > > happens w/ these controversial posts. Just asking

> > for

> > > everyone's opinions and thoughts.

> > >

> > > Thanks so much, and hope all is well with

> > everyone!

> > > xo

> > > RC

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up

> > now.

> > > http://mailplus.

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

> Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.

> http://mailplus.

[Guest guest]

Mangaladasa,

 

You put a question out there and someone took the time

to answer. But it sounds as though you weren't truly

looking for anothers opinion. Just an argument or

another way to vent what appears to be a lot of pent

up hostility.

 

Yes, Yoga Alliance is a registry. I inadvertenly used

the wrong word. Some of us aren't perfect. While I

don't agree with all their practices and procedures

many Companies will not hire you unless you are

registered with them, which makes them very relevant.

 

I don't believe I ever said anything about my personal

feelings in regards to PJ or Swenson. As a matter of

fact, I had hoped to train with PJ while I was in

India but it didn't work out. My practice has

benefited the most by seeking out this diversity of

teachers and experiences.

 

My website, YogaBound is a labor of love and a

reflection of my beliefs. Swenson and PJ are

individuals I have respect and admiration for, as I do

others. This is why they are prominent on my site.

 

To clear up your misperceptions, I don't believe I

ever said I teach Ashtanga. Or what I don't know. I

believe I said that I teach Dynamic and Power Yoga and

use the Primary series, as well as other aspects of

Ashtanga as a guidelined

 

No, 7 weeks in Mysore doesn't make anyone an expert.

And I don't believe I professed to be one. But like

many, I can certainly walk into a room and pick up a

vibe. Not only was there a vibe in Mysore, PJ was a

hot topic of conversation.

 

Of course you can always say that people are jealous,

etc., however, there was a common theme I heard over

and over from the local people and some Westerners as

well apparent. No matter who you are this will always

be the case to some extent. It is obvious you like PJ

very much. As I do. As do many people. But I don't

look through rose colored glasses. It's a fact that we

all have our strengths and weaknesses.

 

Yes, I had hear from Westerners that he has discounted

rates for the locals. To bad the locals don't know

about this. I found people were either hot or cold

about PJ. The people who were hot were westerners. But

who cares really. Everyone must search out their own

teachers, guru, etc.

 

You seem to have a strong opinion on these issues and

don't seem to really want to hear what others have to

say unless they support and validate your own point of

view. So what was your motivation behind asking for

others points of view?

 

This all makes perfect sense to me. However, we all

see what we want to see. Believe what we want to

believe. As long as you see things from a negative,

angry and hostile perspective, there is nothing I can

do or say that will change your take on the world. I

send you wishes that your own Yoga practice will help

you find some Joy in this world.

 

Blessings to You!

 

Namaste'

 

Deb

 

 

--- mangaladasa <no_reply> wrote:

> "I was in Mysore 7 weeks this year. PJ puts 100%

> emphasis on asana."

>

> By the way Ms. Bobier if you dislike SKPJ so much

> why do you quote

> him on your website www.yogabound.com? Being in

> Mysore for 7 weeks

> hardly qualifies you as an expert on his methods or

> his emphasis. You

> also quote Swami Vishnudevananda but are you aware

> that the Yoga

> Alliance does not recognize the Sivananda

> Certification either? From

> what organization did you obtain your certification.

> According to

> your logic David Swenson who you have posted a

> picture of posing with

> you and your husband should not be able to teach

> either since he is

> not registered with the Yoga Alliance. Start making

> sense!

>

> ashtanga yoga, debra bobier

> <debbobier>

> wrote:

> > I am sure we would all rather be doing or teaching

> > yoga than thinking about these things, but the

> fact is

> > that like massage, yoga will eventually be

> regulated.

> >

> > Only those with certifications from supposedly

> > qualified organizations will be able to teach,

> > irregardless of what we, or PJ thinks. There's

> > discussion that it may also be covered by

> insurance at

> > some point and we know what that means.

> >

> > In many instances this is a lot of bunk. As with

> every

> > profession, there are people teaching yoga that

> are

> > qualified but are terrible teachers. There are

> people

> > with lesser qualifications that are excellent.

> Just

> > because you can do a headstand doesn't mean you

> are

> > qualified to teach. And if your students have neck

> > injuries this shouldn't be taught period.

> >

> > I have been trained in both Iyengar and Ashtanga

> yoga

> > styles. I have over 500 hours of training both in

> the

> > physical and metaphysical aspects of yoga. As well

> as

> > Anatomy and Physiology. I have years of teaching

> > experience. And my learning is ongoing. I am

> > registered with the necessary Yoga organization,

> not

> > because they make me a better teacher, but because

> I

> > know I need to be in order to teach yoga in this

> ever

> > changing, regulated world.

> >

> > One of my employers won't hire anyone not

> certified by

> > Yoga Alliance. They even told me they don't know

> if

> > they are the best, but they need some type of

> > standards to go by. Since they are a health

> > organization and could be sued, they have to cover

> > their you know whats.

> >

> > Ashtanga is my personal favorite yoga style. I

> simply

> > love moving quietly and peacefully from one asana

> to

> > another without stopping. I follow the primary

> series

> > sequence, illiminating those that are beyond my

> > abilities like lotus. I have knee injuries that

> will

> > prevent me from ever being able to do this. But

> I'll

> > teach it. Irregardless of whether I can do

> everything,

> > and do it perfectly, my yoga practice brings me

> such

> > joy that I want to share the benefits with

> everyone.

> >

> > Yet with all my experience, based on PJ's

> > requirements, I am not qualified to teach Ashtanga

> > Yoga even though my training has been excellent

> and

> > extensive, from people blessed by PJ, or Yogi's

> that

> > have trained with T. Krishnamacharyam the

> grandfather

> > of modern yoga, the person PJ and Iyengar and

> > Desikachar learned from.

> >

> > Whether I like or agree with this makes no

> difference.

> > It is what it is. I teach Power or Dynamic Yoga

> and

> > use the Ashtanga sequence as a guideline. I teach

> > integrative yoga. I teach gentle, restorative

> yoga. As

> > well as relaxation and meditation. It doesn't

> matter

> > to me what name is attached to it by someone else.

>

> >

> > My classes are modified based on the skills,

> abilities

> > and fitness levels of my students. There has to be

> a

> > sensitivity to their needs, safety and a fun and

> > challenging learning environment. I think the most

> > important thing to give someone is a wonderful

> yoga

> > experience that includes the many aspects of yoga

> from

> > Pranayama to asana to relaxation and nurturing to

> yoga

> > philosophies. A teacher is simply a guide enabling

> > people to discover themselves through the gift of

> > yoga.

> >

> > I was in Mysore 7 weeks this year. PJ puts 100%

> > emphasis on asana. In order to teach Ashtanga

> yoga,

> > you have to have the primary series under your

> belt.

> > If you can't do everything in the primary series,

> you

> > aren't allowed to move up. But he isn't alone. All

> the

> > teachers I worked with emphasized the physical

> aspect

> > of the practice with the exception of one. Once I

> > understood the philosophy behind this, it made

> sense,

> > but I don't agree with the all or nothing angle.

> >

> > PJ is expensive. After this tour in America he is

> > raising his prices to $850 per month. Maybe not a

> lot

> > to you or I who live in America, but when I was in

> > India, this is out of reach for all but the

> richest of

> > these people. The most other highly qualified

> teachers

> > charge is $100.00 a month. Which in itself raises

> > questions like "Should yoga only be taught by

> those

> > with money and no physical limitations at all?

> >

> > For what it's worth this is my two and a half

> cents.

> > Thanks to for the opportunity to share our

> thoughts.

> > And I agree with this person, no need to jump down

> my

> > throat if you don't agree. We're all entitled to

> our

> > opinions. However, in the true spirit of yoga,

> can't

> > we attempt to do it with love and compassion?

> >

> > Have a blissful Holiday.

> >

> > Namaste'

> >

> > Deb Bobier

> > www.yogabound.com

> >

> > --- mangaladasa <no_reply>

> wrote:

> > > Hi RC,

> > > Regarding the Yoga Alliance, They do not list

> any

> > > sort of

> > > certification other then those organizations who

> > > have applied to have

> > > their training or school listed by that

> registry. In

> > > other words they

> > > do not accept even the certificate which Sri K.

> > > Pattabhi Jois issues

> > > because he has not registered with them! This is

> > > true of the B.K.S.

> > > Iyengar certication as well. They were acepting

> what

> > > they

> > > call "grandfathering in" for a while where

> people

>

=== message truncated ===

 

 

 

 

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