I wrote this exam mindful of teaching teachers.
It pointed to all the information and understandings
that I felt confirmed a person would deeply understand Yoga.
Naturally, then, such a person would be well suited to Teach.
My experience in India showed that Indians relate to teaching
and the Arts, in a very different way to westerners.
In my opinion, the western approach to Yoga is highly anxious,
try-hard, obsessive, narrow, fearful, perfectionist, neurotic, and unwise!
The Indian Yogis that I met understood that it was necessary to teach
as a way to Learning...a beginner teacher can teach a beginner.
There is so much to be shared and passed on;
a teacher is not expected to be Perfect to still be able to give;
Yoga is not a conformist practice for obsessives;
Trust is a natural element of Yoga;
Fear is not a dominant part of Yoga.
I see so many young teachers in Australia
placing massive expectations on themselves,
and similarly high expectations of their teachers,
and of a Yoga class itself.
To my mind this is limiting.
Below are a whole lot of questions.
Their answers are found in books,
and of course, experience.
Most of all, all answers need to be confirmed
by your own Mind.
You are welcome to write in to me with answers
if you like.
x Toby.
Certified by Toby Wallace
Masters in Yoga -
Yoga Training Centre
TEACHER’S EXAMINATION
To achieve accreditation,
the aspirant must achieve a
minimum mark of 80%.
1.
What does it mean to be practising Yoga?
2.
Name 5 important objectives of practising Yoga.
3.
Describe the 8 sections of Classical Yoga as defined by Patanjali.
4.
Describe Raja Yoga and its intent.
5.
Describe some differences between Classical and Modern (20th Cent.)
Yogas.
6.
Describe five different ways to perform an Asana.
7.
According to Patanjali, what is the ideal way to practise? Explain.
8.
What are some benefits of practising in a different way to Patanjali’s creed?
9.
What does Integrated Raja Yoga mean?
10.
Describe the theory of Prana and Akasha. How can this be related to the
practise of Asanas? How, to Pranayama?How, to Life?
11.
Discuss the potential effects of Japa Yoga, and relate some of your own
experiences with this.
12.
Discuss Bhakti Yoga, and some of its philosophies.
13.
Discuss Jnana Yoga and some of its philosophies.
14.
Discuss one Yogic opinion in relation to meditation that may differ from other
esoteric forms, such as Buddhism.
15.
Discuss the idea of Psycho Somatic illness. Describe three simple ways to
change this tendency.
16.
Describe the 7 Chakra points as described in an Indian Classical Yoga sense,
the related Mantra for each, and at least 3 effective Asanas for each.
17.
Please relate your own historical experience of Yoga, how it has evolved, and
how you feel about this.
18.
Name and describe 5 effective practices to counter each of the following
ailments: a) Asthma b) Lower back strain c) Sore knee
d)
Digestion complaints e) Multiple Sclorosis f) Fever g) Arthritis
19.
Discuss the pros and cons of teaching Yoga Theory to beginners, as opposed to
not doing this.
20.
Discuss some ideas about Tantra philosophy and how this can relate to Yogic
philosophy.
21.
Discuss five Pranayama practices, commenting on technique and benefits.
22.
Describe your understanding of the 7 Psychic Breathing Techniques.
23.
Describe your understanding of the Five Tibetan practices.
24.
List 5 Anti-Rheumatic practices.
25.
List 5 Abdominal Group practices.
26.
Explain the difference between Asana and Kriya.
List 5 more Kriyas, and relate your own opinion to what effects these may have.
27.
Talk about Square Breathing. List 3 variations.
28.
What are the Dristis? Discuss their importance.
29.
Write and then translate the Ashtanga Yoga Mantram.
30.
Talk about Kundalini Yoga, and describe five particularly intense Kundalini
practices.
31.
Discuss ideas and your own opinions in relation to Contra-Indicated practices,
such as for pregnant women, children, menstruating women, beginners, not using
the Left hand. Why are some practices not recommended for women at all?
32.
Define Mudra. Describe 5 Mudras and their effects.
33.
Describe Ayurvedic Medicine, and its links to Yoga.
34.
Discuss the nature of Gayatri and name four practices that can invoke this
manifestation.
35.
Describe the Bandhas and some important points about these.
36.
Describe your experience of 5 Shatkarma practices.
37.
Discuss the Nadis and Swara Yoga.
38.
Describe the Pancha Koshas, Prana Vayu, and the Pancha Tattwas.
39.
Discuss some Yogic perspectives on the Ego.
40.
Explain Yoga Nidra.
41.
Discuss the Laughing practices.
42.
What do you think the Bhagavad Gita is talking about?
43.
What do you think the Avadhutta Gita is talking about?
44.
What do you think about Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras?
45.
How do you rate your own technical knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology? For a
Yoga teacher do you think this is sufficient?
46.
How do you view your own Yogic performance?
47. Discuss
the Yogic philosophical question: Who am I?
48.
Explain the metaphorical natures of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
49.
What is the most important thing for you in life, and how do you imagine
teaching Yoga can relate to this?
50. Do you see a distinction between a Yoga teacher and a Yogi/Yogini? What do you want to be?
51. Discuss five main benefits of Meditation. What do you understand about this practice? How can you apply knowledge gained in meditation?
WELL DONE. THANK YOU.
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