Program and Staff Details:

The Dharma Yoga "Life of a Yogi" Teacher Training Programs are life-changing complete immersions for the seasoned teachers, dedicated practitioners and those just discovering Yoga who come to take them from all around the world and in various locations around the world. The aim of our programs is to learn from a living Yoga master what Yoga really is and how one moves toward this goal through a wide variety of Divinely realized techniques. When one is established in Yoga, teaching becomes just another aspect of practice. Our firm goal is to arm the earnest seeker with the essential tools for practicing in the manner of Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra and to learn to teach from this same pure, detached, ego-less, classical place. In addition to Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra, the TT's are staffed by long-time, senior level, fully certified Dharma Yoga teachers who have dedicated their lives to helping disseminate Sri Dharma's teachings and who live and practice according to his example.

"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 and 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 Karma Yoga if one aspires to become a certified Dharma Yoga instructor.

"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 all things Yoga, with an emphasis placed on mastering both physically and through teaching the Dharma I, II and Dharma Gentle classes. Also covered at the 200 Hour level are: Dharma Yoga for Pregnancy, Asana (posture) Alignment and Form, Adjustments, Assisting and Correcting, and how to teach clearly and specifically.

Staff: Our regular teaching staff for these trainings includes Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra, Ismrittee Devi Om and certified senior teachers of Sri Dharma's lineage including Andrei Ram, Kim Jeblick, Bernadette Duthu, Adam Frei, Rebecca Kovacs and Eric Hubel. In the past, our teacher trainings have featured recognized scholars and popular Kirtan Wallahs, but we are moving toward a model of featuring only those people already part of the DY family. 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. While there is some review of the Dharma I, II and Gentle classes, the emphasis here is on taking one's personal practice to the next level and on mastering Dharma levels III and IV. One of the special aspects of the 500 Hour LOAY TT is that all students receive personalized daily Pranayama and Meditation Practice Programs from Sri Dharma Mittra. Also covered at the 500 Hour level: advanced Pranayama techniques, advanced purification studies and techniques, psychic anatomy, body mapping, medical illnesses and conditions, detoxifying and cleansing, the Doshas - an introduction to Ayurveda, Dharma Yoga Teaching Methodology, assisting and intention, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, devotional Satsangs, in-depth sacred scriptural study, especially the Bhagavad-Gita and the Yoga-Sutras, advanced Mudras and Bandhas, classical Yogic concepts for today, and Sattvic Ahara / Yogic nutrition / classical live food Yoga lifestyle according to the lineage of Sri Dharma Mittra.

Staff: Our regular teaching staff for these trainings includes Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra, Ismrittee Devi Om, Andrei Ram, Dr. Jeff Myers and certified senior teachers of Sri Dharma's lineage including Kim Jeblick, Bernadette Duthu, Adam Frei, Rebecca Kovacs, Eric Hubel and other certified senior DY teachers. There are additional special sessions with Dr. Edwin Bryant, Shiva Prasad (Classical and Spiritual Practices), and Claudia Vorwaller (Anatomy and Injuries). For teacher biographies, see our Teachers page.

"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)