What Should A Hatha Yoga Teacher Know?

Summary: Yoga teachers are responsible for delivering quality education. In this article, know what all should a Hatha yoga teacher know for conducting a great class.

A teacher is someone who is the ultimate source of preaching quality and authentic knowledge and when it comes to yoga, the role of a yoga teacher or guru is the most essential. They spread the wisdom of yoga and their teaching goes beyond the physical aspect as some teachers can take a holistic approach to teach. Every yoga teacher has their own unique teaching approach. Even a traditional Hatha Yoga teacher does not share the same style of teaching.

To go into the roots of Hatha Yoga and to attain a profound knowledge of the same, a person needs a wonderful Hatha teacher. Being the birth land of yoga, you can find an experienced and qualified Hatha yoga teacher in India.

So here are certain important points a hatha yoga teacher should know.

Hold a Certification

A qualified Hatha yoga teacher should ideally hold a yoga teacher training certification for both 200 Hour and 300 Hour. A Hatha Yoga specialized teacher should have knowledge of both primary and secondary training in order to attain profound knowledge.

Outline of the curriculum that a Hatha Yoga Teacher should ideally know and impart:

A Complete Knowledge of Hatha Yoga Primary Series

Hatha yoga is the traditional classical form of yoga, and a Sanskrit word that means Ha- Sun, and Tha- moon, and with a regular practice, we equalize the sun and moon of the body to activate the Sushumna. Hatha also means ‘force’. It is traditionally defined as attaining a Yoga state through force.

Surya Namaskar

Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar is a 12-series practice and a major aspect of Hatha practice.

Hatha Yoga Asana

There are various asanas of Hatha Yoga in the primary series that are divided into various forms- Sukshma Vyayama joints and glands exercise that helps to remove the energy blockages, how to bring awareness to the body and mind, and ways to gain all the benefits of the Hatha Yoga Asanas. The Hatha Yoga asanas are of 84 basic poses that are divided into- Surya Namaskar series, Standing series of asanas, Kneeling, Sitting, Lying on stomach, Supine series, and Inversion series. These asanas are usually demonstrated and imparted by the teacher in sequences to meet the needs and requirements of the students.

Practical and Theoretical Knowledge of the Hatha Yoga Intermediate Series

Advanced Level Asana

In this series, the teacher shall take you through an advanced level of Hatha Yoga learning. The teaching comprises of the advanced and profound level of asana practice like- balancing series of asanas, twisting series, a detailed study of asanas where you gain knowledge that is beyond the physical exercise, Shankhaprakshalana Asana Series For Cleaning the Abdomen, and how to practice the asanas according to Patanjali.

Four Meditative Postures- Sukhasana, Siddhasana, Vajrasana, and Padmasana.

A great Hatha Yoga teacher shall impart both Ayurveda and Yoga therapy in India during their YTT.

Chandra Namaskar

Chandra Namaskar or Moon Salutation is similar to Surya Namaskar and comprises 12 sequences, and the addition of two of Ardha Chandrasana that needs to be performed at step five and eleven. Where 12 steps of Surya Namaskar are related to 12 solar phases or zodiac, the 14 steps of Chandra Namaskar are related to 14 lunar phases. This can also be performed along with chanting Chandra Mantra.

Knowledge of Chakra Awareness

Hatha yoga teacher should ideally be aware of the above-mentioned points. To refine the skills and techniques further, they should invest as much time in self-practice.