Click Here for Our General Information Flyer

Program and Staff Details:

Our Dharma Yoga "Life of a Yogi" Teacher Training Immersion Programs are ideal for seasoned teachers, dedicated practitioners, and those discovering Yoga. Our goal is to disseminate classical Yoga from the lineage of living Yoga Master Sri Dharma Mittra, and to impart its essence by means of Divinely-realized techniques. When one is established in Yoga, sattva or peace pervades our life and teaching. The essential tools for teaching Dharma Yoga will be shared by Sri Dharma Mittra and his long-time, senior level, certified and dedicated teachers. These trainings immersions are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to change your life and your teaching skills.

"By keeping the Ethical Rules, gradually we’ll reach all beings everywhere. Then there will be Divine Love everywhere." DM

There is little in the classical canon of Yoga not covered at both the 200 and 500 Hour levels, although as part of the 500 Hour TT, many subjects are covered at an advanced level, since one must already be a certified 200 Hour teacher and have some experience teaching to be eligible for this program. The 200 and 500 Hour programs exceed Yoga Alliance standards in all areas. Both trainings delve into the ethical rules (Yama) and observances (Niyama), the postures (Asana), the breathing exercises (Pranayama), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana), diet practices, purification techniques (Kriyas), physical and subtle (psychic) anatomy, the seven major energy centers (Chakras), seals (Mudras) and locks (Bandhas), philosophy, scriptural study, pedagogy, Dharma Yoga teaching methodology, Yogic lifestyle, Dharma Partner Yoga, Psychic Development, Mantra initiation and instruction, alignment, adjustments, assisting and correcting, and include actual experiential practice, clinics, lectures, Satsang and Kirtan. There is homework and reading assigned prior to the actual commencement of each intensive, assignments and an examination during, and an internship which includes required components such as teaching, assisting and service if one aspires to become a certified Dharma Yoga instructor.

"I am only here to share my knowledge with others, and to help them make quick and rapid progress on the path of yoga, without much of the suffering I experienced." DM

"Only the fire of Yoga can purify the spirit. I have chosen this program because I believe Dharma Mittra to be a pure spirit, and I'd be honored to learn to teach others through a program designed to embody the grace and generosity of a great Yogi." Student

"For me it’s essential to regularly take class with Dharma -- to drink from the well that is deep with experience, knowledge, and sincerity. Dharma is integral to who I am now as a teacher. I hope to reflect as best I can, in any way that I naturally can, the teachings that I have learned from my teacher, to my students." Yvonne

The Dharma Yoga 200 Hour LOAY TT is an exploration of Yoga, with an emphasis placed on mastering both physically and through teaching the Dharma I and Dharma Gentle classes. Also covered at the 200 Hour level are: physical anatomy, psychic anatomy, Pranayama, Deep Relaxation method and philosophy discourses.

Staff: Our regular teaching staff for these trainings includes Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra, Ismrittee Devi, Adam Frei, Kim Jeblick, Bernadette Duthu, Rebecca Kovacs, Eric Hubel, Lorie Bebber, Penny Kalloo, Amitai Cohen and Chikako Mizokami. For teacher biographies, see our Teachers page.

The Dharma Yoga 500 Hour LOAY TT is an opportunity for those already teaching to take an in-depth look at the entire Sacred Science of Yoga through the lens of Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra's experience with his beloved Guru and his almost half century of practice and teaching. The emphasis here is on taking one's personal practice to the next level and on mastering Dharma II and III practices. Please note that certification in Dharma Gentle and Dharma I will no longer be features of the 500 Hour DYLOAYTT programs.

Staff: Our regular teaching staff for these trainings includes Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra, Ismrittee Devi, Adam Frei, Kim Jeblick, Bernadette Duthu, Rebecca Kovacs, Eric Hubel, Melissa Capezzuto and Andrew Jones. For teacher biographies, see our Teachers page.

800 Hour Dharma Yoga "Life of a Yogi" Ultimate Teacher Training program: all applicants for this program must have completed the 500 Hour DY LOAY TT program and achieved certification, in addition to meeting the program entrance requirements listed in the entries above for the 200 and 500 Hour DY LOAY TT programs. Preference will be given to those who have also completed the LOAY 200 Hour program. Please note that this 800 Hour DY LOAY TT will be an advanced and intense immersion and will require an advanced and committed regular practice of all applicants seeking admission. According to Sri Dharma Mittra, applicants must have been practicing yoga regularly for at least one year, must be reverent, strictly vegetarian, disciplined, obedient, moderate in sleep and diet, already possess some degree of self-control and already possess some desire for liberation. An entrance application, entrance essays, application fee and entrance interview will be required of all applicants.

During the TT, trainee Sadhakas are bound to approach the course with energy and enthusiasm. Once having taken this TT, all students are bound to practice as strictly as taught, and will be asked to sign a contract to help remove some cravings and desires. The curriculum will focus on Psychic Development, Dharma IV and Yoga Nidra, and will include: 

• Daily practice of Psychic Development and detailed exposure to its underpinnings, core elements and theory;
• Detailed exposure to Dharma IV including detailed breakdown and analysis, small group student teaching, and assisting and adjusting;
• Detailed exposure to Dharma Yoga Nidra Method, technique and theory. Experiential and student teaching elements will be included;
• Asana classes, morning Pranayama/Dhyana sessions and spiritual discourse with Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra;
• Curriculum overview of new Dharma classes under development;
• Anatomy unit specifically focused on Dharma IV.

The internship component of this 800 Hour TT towards formal certification will include three months daily practice of Psychic Development, and, for Dharma IV and Yoga Nidra, there will be a student teaching component, as well as a personal practice / taking classes area of requirement.

Staff: Our regular teaching staff for these trainings includes Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra, Ismrittee Devi, Adam Frei, Kim Jeblick, Bernadette Duthu, Eric Hubel, Melissa Capezzuto and Andrew Jones. For teacher biographies, see our Teachers page.

Dharma Yoga Teacher Training Prerequisites

Upon receipt of your completed application, essays and application fee, a member of the DY LOAY TT management team will contact you to arrange a required entrance interview either in person, by phone or SKYPE. Please note that the final application deadline is 14 days prior to the start date of any offered teacher training.

200 Hour Dharma Yoga "Life of a Yogi" Teacher Training program: all applicants to these programs will be required to have had at least 50 hours of Dharma Yoga instruction. To the extent possible, such instruction should consist of attending classes with Sri Dharma Mittra, retreats or workshops with him, or DY Clincs or with DY teachers who have extensive training under him. Please indicate on your application the name of the teacher and location of any Dharma Yoga instruction you have taken or will take prior to the program. If necessary, you can satisfy this requirement by independent study using Sri Dharma Mittra's "Maha Sadhana" DVD's, but please provide a brief explanation as to why you are doing so.

500 Hour Dharma Yoga "Life of a Yogi" Teacher Training program: all applicants to this program must have completed a 200 Hour DY LOAY TT 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 for the 200 Hour DY LOAY TT program. 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 DY LOAY TT is an advanced training immersion for serious seekers and dedicated aspirants.

800 Hour Dharma Yoga "Life of a Yogi" Teacher Training program: all applicants to this program must have completed the 500 Hour DY LOAY TT program and achieved certification, in addition to meeting the program entrance requirements listed in the entries above for the 200 Hour and 500 Hour DY LOAY TT programs. Preference will be given to those who have also completed the LOAY 200 Hour program. Please note that this 800 Hour DY LOAY TT will be an advanced and intense immersion and will require an advanced and committed regular practice of all applicants seeking admission.

Certification

In order to achieve certification, you must to our satisfaction complete and submit all pre-training homework assignments, attend every session of the contact hours during the actual immersion program, achieve a passing grade on both the written and oral exams given during the contact hours of the training, complete all of the assignments given during the training where applicable, and complete and submit all supporting documentation and assignments relating to the post-training internship. Please note that in addition to assignments in reading and writing prior to your training, you will be expected to begin shifting over to a vegetarian diet if you do not keep one already and journal regarding the experience. Between the contact hour modules of the advanced teacher training immersions, you will have daily assignments in Asana (postures), diet, Pranayama (breathing exercises), Dharana/Dhyana (concentration/meditiation), journaling and actual teaching assignments to complete. During the actual contact hours of the DY LOAY TT, you will be exposed to the full range of classical Yogic techniques and will be expected to participate fully in all aspects of the program. The post-training internships for all programs include teaching, assisting and Karma Yoga (selfless service) components that will be explained in detail towards the conclusion of the relevant DY LOAY TT' contact hours.

Certification 3 or More Years After Training

Those who completed their 200 or 500 Hour LOAY Teacher Training more than 3 years ago must follow these procedures:

1. Register for and pay for either a 200 or a 500 Hour DY LOAY TT Refresher Long Weekend as appropriate.

2. Complete all current 200 or 500 Hour DY LOAY TT Internship requirements as appropriate and as they exist for the most recent 200 or 500 Hour DY LOAY TT.

3. Take 10 Dharma Yoga practices, including (a) Five practices in the levels one seeks to be certified in either at the New York Centers or with a recently certified instructor; and, (b) Five practices with Sri Dharma Mittra if at all possible or all ten with an approved certified instructor. A workshop with Sri Dharma Mittra or a senior Dharma Teacher may substitute for the five classes with Sri Dharma Mittra if the hours are equivalent.

4. Pay a $200 processing fee, in addition to any course related fees.

For more information, trainees can contact Enid at 212.889.8160 ext.306 (LOAY department).

Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credit

One facet to the re-certification process mandated for Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teachers includes 30 “Training Hours”, consisting of both contact hours (10 hours) and non-contact hours (20 hours). Please note that all of the daily course offerings available at both Dharma East and Dharma West, the workshops, retreats and clinics offered by Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra and his senior teaching staff, and the Dharma Yoga “Life of a Yogi” Teacher Training Immersion programs would allow one to fulfill the contact hour area of requirement. Viewing, studying and practicing with the Maha Sadhana Level I and II DVD’s would allow one to fulfill the non-contact hour of requirement.

For information regarding the courses, workshops, teacher training immersions and clinics offered by the Dharma Yoga Centers, both in Manhattan and beyond, please visit the relevant areas of this website. The Maha Sadhana DVD’s are available through the Shop, or may be purchased in person at the shops at Dharma East or West. Additionally, there are other books available in our physical shops which could be used to fulfill the non-contact hours area of requirement. For more information about Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credits, click here.

"Everyone at the LOAY TT received the information and inspiration to go out and share and spread the amazing teachings of Sri Dharma Mittra. We came from all corners of the globe and from this temple we will go back out and send Sri Dharma's message of grace and receptivity around the world.

I'm still trying to figure out what it is that brought me to my knees that last day. The closest I can come up with is that as we left the Dharma Yoga Center, we were leaving behind a home and a family. Knowing that we will always be joined in spirit, however, makes it easier as I continue on my path." -Shana Meyerson (DY LOAY TT trainee, June 2010)