How long has Dharma Yoga been running teacher training programs?
Sri Dharma Mittra has been serving students from all walks of life by disseminating classical Yogic disciplines for almost 45 years, first under his Guru beginning in 1967, and then through his own school since 1975. He has trained many students to teach Yoga since the early 1980’s, and, in 1999, officially inaugurated a complete, accredited Eight Limbs of Yoga-based training program. The first group of teacher trainees was comprised of students who had studied with Sri Dharma for several years and were personally invited to participate by him. This special group led the way for hundreds of Dharma Yoga teachers to spread the teachings of Dharma Yoga to those in need everywhere. Today, Sri Dharma Mittra’s training programs are held in New York City multiple times a year, as well as in places like Colombia, Japan, Spain, Israel, Mexico, California, Massachusetts and New York State.

How do I qualify for the 200 Hour DY LOAY Teacher Training?
You qualify for the 200 hour DYLOAYTT if you have a sincere desire to explore and practice classical Yoga in the way it has been transmitted from teacher to student for thousands of years. Most of our trainees have met and studied with Sri Dharma Mittra or one of his senior teachers at a weekend retreat or workshop in their area or country of origin, and are inspired to come and learn more in a dedicated manner under the guidance of a Master Yogi and his long-time close disciples. Others are regular students at a Dharma Yoga Center, or have encountered Dharma Yoga in their local studio, gym or school. Beginning with the April 2011 Kripalu 200 Hour DYLOAYTT, all prospective trainees will need to have attended at least 50 hours of classes, workshops or teacher trainings to be considered for these programs. If one resides somewhere where this is not possible, we will accept an equivalent number of hours spent practicing with and learning from one or both of the Maha Sadhana DVD’s. People who participate in our trainings represent diverse backgrounds and experiences, and wish to move forward in their practice to become serious Yogis. What brings them together is a common desire to learn and study.

How do I qualify for the 500 Hour DY LOAY Teacher Training?
To apply for the 500 Hour DYLOAYTT, one must have completed a 200 Hour DYLOAYTT program or a Yoga Alliance approved 200 Hour certification that is recognized by Dharma Yoga, in addition to meeting the program entrance requirements listed in the entry above. It is recommended that one possess at least 100 hours of hands-on teaching experience when applying for the 500 Hour training. Please note that the 500 Hour DYLOAYTT is an advanced training immersion for serious seekers and dedicated aspirants. (Any 500 Hour TT program is actually a 300 Hour teacher training program which builds upon a 200 Hour TT plus at least 100 hours of actual teaching experience, much in the way a two year Masters program is rooted in four years of undergraduate work.)

Should I have taken the 200 Hour program in order to qualify for the 500 Hour program?
Yes.

If I take part in the DY LOAY 500 Hour TT, but did not receive my 200 Hour certification through the DYC “Life of a Yogi” programs, will I be “behind” in any way?
"Behind" is a relative term in this instance. Some of the material presented as part of the current 200 Hour DYLOAYTT will be reviewed at the 500 Hour level, but typically 50% of the people participating in our advanced certification program have not done their 200 Hour certification with us. If you feel the lack or have interest, there is no reason not to also take our 200 Hour DYLOAYTT at some later date in time.

What if I don't want to become a Yoga teacher?
There are typically a number of students who take part in the 200 and 500 Hour DYLOAYTT programs without having a goal of teaching, and which we openly embrace. We understand that this approach includes a sincere desire to go deeper into personal practice to gain Self-knowledge and to experience Dharma Yoga through direct contact with a living Yoga master and his close disciples. For these students, a completion certificate is awarded and they come away having learned, practiced and studied the numerous time-tested techniques passed-down by Sri Dharma Mittra, like his Guru before him. Our LOAY Immersions guide them all towards the goal of liberation.

How is it possible to compress 200 hours worth of training into ten days?
Yoga Alliance demands a certain number of contact hours containing a set curriculum to qualify for accreditation. These requirements are met and exceeded in the 200 Hour DYLOAYTT offered through the DYC’s “Life of a Yogi” programming. The ten consecutive days that comprise the hands-on training contain at least 13 to 15 daily contact hours. These ten days represent a complete immersion in the theory and practice which are the essence of Dharma Yoga and the “Life of a Yogi” TT Immersions. An additional minimum of 50 to 100 non-contact hours are gained through required reading, essays on the reading, homework, dietary plans, independent personal practice, teaching/assisting/observing of Dharma Yoga, Karma Yoga-Selfless Service and a variety of other internship opportunities.

What comprises the non-contact (a.k.a. internship) hours for DY LOAY certification?
Examples include: develop a personal practice and journal; complete a minimum of 40 hours combined of home-study, service, teaching and practice; real world experience teaching public classes to varied populations; assist experienced DY teachers in teaching and supporting students; schedule and design student-teacher workshops and/or classes at the New York Centers; organize your own DY events and begin to build your own community of students; work under the supervision of DY staff, mentors and advisors; pass three evaluations with your DY mentors to review your progress; clarify your path and remove obstacles to your practice and teaching.

Can I complete my post-contact hours internship where I live?
Yes. You will receive a mentor from our Dharma Yoga staff who will guide you through your internship and help support you in its completion. If there is a Dharma Yoga teacher in your area, they will work with you to the extent they can, as well. You will always have support from the Dharma Yoga New York Centers by e-mail and phone on all of your questions. It is easy to finish the minimum requirements in a relatively short amount of time.

As for additional requirements that might affect out-of-towners, often, more than half the participants in any of our TT's are from all around the world, so we are prepared for this, as it is our normal mode of operation.

What is covered in the 500 Hour DY LOAY TT?
The 500 Hour DYLOAYTT is an in-depth examination of Dharma II and III, complemented by an introduction to Dharma IV. This course invites the student to go deeper into the esoteric spiritual studies at the core of traditional practice in the lineage of Sri Dharma Mittra. These include study of the scriptures, Psychic Development, Karma Yoga, Dharana and Dhyana, purification techniques and specific Pranayama practices. While some major components of the 500 Hour DYLOAYTT are covered in the 200 Hour program (Divine Purification techniques, Psychic Development, meditation, scriptural study, etc); the 500 program is designed to place focus on the deeper traditions and values of Yoga. It will bring the student toward the true understanding of Yoga on many levels and transform one’s personal practice and, quite often, one’s life, as well.

What if I have to miss a few days or hours during the contact hours of the DYLOAYTT?
Due to the intensive nature of these programs, you are required to be available for the entire duration of the training. Our on-site hours meet and surpass the Yoga Alliance minimum standards and categories of training. In addition, we require you to learn to lead a Yogic lifestyle throughout your course of study. It is not advisable to start new projects at this time or to schedule other activities. We have set aside this whole time to be with you and expect and want you to be 100% with us. It is best to plan ahead so you do not have any other obligations during the time you are in your immersion with us. Absence is discouraged, as you are responsible for any missed hours and will have to pay out-of-pocket for private sessions to make-up the difference.

What does Yoga Alliance require for the 500 Hour registry mark?
A 200 Hour certification; advanced training (totaling over 300 contact hours); and 100 additional hours of teaching experience (internship), either in classes or privately.

When do I receive a book and reading list?
You will receive the lists upon receipt of your reservation deposit.

Am I done when I complete the contact hours and is there a graduation ceremony?
All students who attend the contact portion of our teacher training immersion programs receive a completion certificate noting that they have completed this aspect of the TT, which is not the diploma or actual 200 or 500 Hour certification. In order to receive your diploma and become a certified Dharma Yoga Registered Teacher and register with Yoga Alliance, as desired, you must complete all the required post-contact hour internship assignments and submit written documentation for all teaching done outside Dharma East. You will also be evaluated based on actual teaching of Dharma I and Gentle for the 200 Hour certification and Dharma II and or III for the 500 Hour certification. All of this constitutes the DYLOAYTT Internship. Once all requirements have been successfully fulfilled and all assignments are reviewed, a diploma will be awarded. Usually two graduation ceremonies are scheduled per year, which all eligible trainees are invited to attend. Trainees are given at least three to four months following the contact hour portion of their training to complete their DYLOAYTT Internship. Please notify us in advance of your plans to attend a scheduled graduation ceremony. Our graduation ceremonies are held at our Dharma West New York Center. Guests, family and friends are welcome, but an RSVP is requested regarding head count. For those unable to attend a graduation ceremony in Manhattan, your diploma will be mailed to you.

Do I need to be in good health to participate in a DY LOAY TT?
Yes. Completing and signing a DYLOAYTT Health/Medical Condition Waiver, completing our Medical History form and submitting a signed doctor's note clearing your health are basic requirements of this program.

Is there anything else I need to provide?
We need your headshot! Please e-mail us a digital image of yourself.

How many students do you expect to take part in this DY LOAY TT?
The number of trainees varies. We process applications and accept students on a daily basis up to the application deadline, which is generally two weeks before the actual training starts.