I am interested in doing the yoga courses in Vancouver but can you please clarify whether I will have to do the Art of Asanas course first?

We recommend that you start with the Art of Asanas.

How much experience should one have before becoming a yoga teacher?

A reply from shakti mhi, Prana Yoga College's Spiritual Teacher

If you have lived life you have had an experience. The question is what we do with our life experiences. Do we keep living our present moments from the initial life experiences we had in the past? Do we repeat the same patterns because that is all we know and as a result stay standing in the same place in terms of our spiritual evolution? On the contrary, do we use our past experiences to enrich our present moments so we constantly evolve spiritually?

If you have the curiosity to explore other dimensions of existence, beyond what you were given by your immediate environment, if you are willing to do the work that will connect you with your inner power and higher self, and if you would like to share all of it with others so they, like you, can experience their full potential beyond their physical body thoughts and emotions, you are ready to take the teacher training.

What Style of Yoga Do You Teach?

The art of the flow.

The style we teach at Prana is based on the flow of life i.e. working effortlessly, moving beyond the mind, creating endless prana (the life energy) for the aim of realization.

The main message I am weaving into my teacher training is that hatha yoga is not about the physical body, it is a tool to connect with the higher self through the body, to move beyond concepts and illusions.

Unlike the mind that manifests itself in a constant motion, the higher self is pure stillness.

This is why in Prana style we teach the students to move in slow motion from one asana (posture) to the other; and while in the asana, we encourage the students to connect with their inner silence and practise stillness.

There are no interruptions around the postures such as walking to the wall and using it for balance, obtaining props etc. The asanas dissolve one into another with grace and natural logic, flowing organically and symbolizing the natural flow of life. This is why in one class students go through a variety of postures.

As an example: if the students are lying on the floor and the teacher would like them to move to standing positions, it will take place by using several other asanas (postures) that will slowly bring the students into standing position, instead of asking them to stand up.

Prana style has the precision of Iyengar style without the rigidity, it has the style of shivananda but with many more asanas and without the worship aspect, it has the flow of Ashtanga without the obsession based on the physical workout and with a focus on safety that I feel they are all lacking.

In other words, you will learn all the principles that will help you to teach in a precise manner and yet without disturbing the natural flow of prana (life force). At the end of the course, you will be able to put together unique flows that will allow your students to combine a physical workout with meditation in a balanced way.

With love and peace
shakti mhi

How much is the application fee?

There is no application fee. The former application fee of $200 CAD is now waived.

How long after being accepted into the program do I have to pay the first deposit?

You have 10 days to pay the deposit. See our instructions for making online payment arrangements.

If you are eligible for a discount, different payment terms may apply, such as: full payment within a specific period of time. Please check the discount eligiblity information for your specific program to see if this applies to you.

Can I fill out a paper application form and mail it instead?

Yes, a PDF version of our application can be found here and mailed to us.

I don't wish to use a credit card. What are my other options?

A certified cheque from a bank (we don't take personal cheques) or a money order.

Please make your certified cheque or money order payable as follows :

For programs in BC:

make payable to "Prana Yoga Teacher College"

For international programs:

make payable to "shakti mhi Yoga College"

For ALL certified cheques or money orders, please send to:

Prana Yoga Teacher College
293 East 2nd Avenue
Vancouver BC
Canada
V5T 1B8

Does shakti mhi teach all of the courses?

shakti teaches 90% of all program content for The Art of Asanas, The Science of Yoga, Yoga as Spiritual Discipline and the Philosophy of Yoga, while guest teachers are brought in to share their fields of expertise. For workshops, shakti teaches approximately 50% of all program content while other Program Leaders teach in their areas of expertise.

What can I accomplish with the Ayurveda information other than personal knowledge?

The tools we provide in our program will allow you to connect with your deeper self and we will equip you with knowledge and comprehensive information.  Ayurveda is an in depth study of science and health, and our course will simply provide a solid background of knowledge and skill in formulating a healthy lifestyle for every individual taking the course.

Is the laughter yoga teacher training included in the workshops you provide?

Yes, and you will receive Laughter Leader Certification.

We guarantee you that in the end of the course you will be very different as a yogi. The course will enrich your understanding in the depth of yoga anatomy and philosophy, as well as give you communication tools which will enable you to deliver your knowledge in the highest level.

You will learn about safety, you will practice hands on, you will dive into the depth of the yoga spirituality so you can unfold the magic and power of the yoga discipline with confidence.

Come and join us on a journey that will illuminate your yoga path so when you step into your classes, you will radiate a high level state of consciousness and project confidence in delivering your knowledge.

I've been teaching yoga for some time. I think I already have solid knowledge and good experience. Are your programs right for me? What will I get out of it?

We often have yoga teachers taking our courses who within the first few days of the start of the course already realize how much they needed this course.

We guarantee you that in the end of the course you will be very different as a yogi and as a yoga teacher. The course will enrich your understanding in the depth of yoga anatomy and philosophy, as well as give you communication tools which will enable you to deliver your teaching in the highest level.

You will learn how to teach safety, you will practice hands on, you will dive into the depth of the yoga spirituality so you can unfold to your students the magic and power of the yoga discipline with confidence.

By taking our courses you will understand how many layers there are to teaching, and as a teacher you cannot compromise on any of these dimensions as you hold such responsibility for your students.

Come and join us on a journey that will illuminate your yoga path so when you step into your classes, you will radiate a high level state of consciousness and project confidence in delivering your knowledge.

Can Prana Yoga College provide CRA T2202 claim forms for continuing education workshop fees?

As per the stipulations of the CRA form available at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/t2202/t2202-06e.pdf, to qualify for the part time education amount the student must have been enrolled in a specified educational program. Such a program must last at least 3 consecutive weeks and involve a minimum of 12 hours of instruction each month on courses in the program. A continuing education workshop taken independently of a specified program would not fulfill the above requirements.

Do I need a study permit to enter Canada for this program?

If you are planning to study in Canada for longer than 6 months, you will be required to obtain a study permit from a Canadian consulate, high commission or embassy. If you plan to stay in Canada for less than six months on a tourist visa, and subsequently study for longer than 6 months, it is recommended that the study permit is obtained prior to initial arrival to Canada. If you do not, you may be required to leave Canada in order to apply for the study permit and continue your studies.

So, what kind of visa will I need to enter the country, since I do not need a student visa? (unless above exception applies to you)

Depending on your nationality, you might need a visitor (tourist) visa to visit Canada. Some countries have reciprocal arrangements such that no visa is required at all, and you simply need your passport. As requirements are frequently changed and unique to each country, you will need to contact your Canadian consulate, high commission or embassy in your city (or nearest metropolis). Look for the number in your local directory, or by doing an on-line search. This will ensure that you have all of the information you need to have a successful and well planned journey.

I'm from out-of-town. What sort of accommodation options are available in Vancouver?

You are responsible for arranging your own accommodation, however, we have an accommodation options page to help you get started.

Where is the 300/500hr Diploma program held?

Currently, the 300hr Diploma program is held in BALI. It will also be held in Israel.

In Canada we are also offering a series of workshops and seminars that contain all of the 300hr subjects.

Do you hold 200hr programs in other parts of the world?

We currently offer Level 1 200 hr programs in Bali in the spring 2013 and in the summer of 2013 we will be offering programs in Israel, possibly Ireland and Croatia. If we finalize an international program, it will be listed on our website on the "Training Program Calendar."

Does my tuition include airfare to and from the Program?

Transportation to and from the Programs are not included in the tuition. It is the student's responsibility to make personal flight and transportation arrangements. Please visit our student forum to exchange ideas with other students about what options may be available.

I don't wish to use a credit card. What are my other options?

A certified cheque from a bank (we don't take personal cheques) or a money order.

Please make your certified cheque or money order payable as follows :

For programs in BC:

make payable to "Prana Yoga Teacher College"

For international programs:

make payable to "shakti mhi Yoga College"

For ALL certified cheques or money orders, please send to:

Prana Yoga Teacher College
293 East 2nd Avenue
Vancouver BC
Canada
V5T 1B8