Our 300-hour advanced program is a yoga intensive designed to nourish your practice, inspire your teaching, and expand your skill set. This immersion provides unique tools and valuable wisdom for both self-development and sharing with your community.
Students have two choices for completing this course: a 21-day immersion or four 7-day modules. Both templates cover the same material. Both run alongside Lakshmi Rising’s 3-week, 200-hour foundational training, with a slightly different, expanded schedule.
For the 21-day immersion, simply choose a training date that works with your schedule! If you opt for four 7-day modules, you’ll need to attend—sequentially and over the course of five years—week 1 of one training session, week 2 of another, and week 3 of a third, as well as an independent fourth 7-day module, currently offered once per year. Each 7-day module runs Sunday to Saturday; it is not possible to attend any of the weeks more than once.
Many of the modules will merge foundational and advanced students, bringing mixed levels of experience together for a full-spectrum exploration of yoga. Advanced students will delve into yoga philosophy, asana theory and lab, physical and energetic anatomy, and advanced sequencing topics with deeper insight and perspective than students receiving this information for the first time. One can never return to the same river, because it is ever flowing and changing. Our practice mirrors this truth: each time a student of yoga returns to these timeless concepts, their context and understanding evolve. Overlap in the curriculum provides the opportunity, especially for Lakshmi Rising graduates, to elevate their experience to the next level.
Advanced students start the day with meditation and chanting an hour before foundational students . Our 2-hour asana practice and subsequent discussion is collective. Philosophy modules and asana lab are also concurrent with the 200-hour training. However, advanced students have different textbooks, reading assignments, and in-class projects. Saturday and Sunday sessions do not overlap with foundational content, nor does the fourth 7-day module.
To register, simply go to our registration page, choose your dates, make a tuition payment, complete our registration form and start planning you trip! Email us with your questions.
Sample Schedule:
Sunday* to Friday
5-6am Meditation and Chanting Hanuman Chalisa
6-8 Asana Sadhana
8-9 Concept in Sequencing Group Session
9-10 Silent Breakfast
10-11 Break
11-2 Group Session
2-3 Lunch
3-4 Break
4-7 Group Session
7-8 Dinner
Saturday*
Silence 5am-4pm
Self-led Meditation, pranayama and asana practice
9am Breakfast
2pm Lunch
4-7 Group Session
*7-day students must arrive by 2pm on Sunday and should plan to depart by 10 a.m. on Saturday
Required Texts:
Prakriti by Robert Svoboda
Yoga of the Subtle Body by Tias Little
Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson
Your Body, Your Yoga: Learn Alignment Cues That Are Skillful, Safe, and Best Suited to You by Bernie Clark
Curriculum:
What is Lakshmi Rising?
3 total hours
Learning Objective:
During our opening circle, we discuss the course overview, introduce the power of intention and ritual, share collective introductions and goal setting among the kula (community), and explain the Lakshmi Rising concept. We also go over the course requirements.
What is Yoga? What is Wellness?
2 total hours
Learning Objective:
Students collectively define both yoga and wellness, and draw connections between them. A brief cultural history and classical definitions of yoga are discussed. Concepts like Samkhya and kleshas are introduced.
Daily Morning Sadhana
34 total hours
Learning Objective:
These two-hour daily modules include asana, pranayama, mantra, kriya, and mudra. They are designed to stretch, tone, and heal the body. Lakshmi Rising specialty yoga master classes not only move the body, but also stir the heart and mind. They weave classical yogic concepts with modern anatomical intelligence, inspiration for self-observation, and spiritual wisdom.
Hanuman Chalisa
19 total hours
Learning Objective:
Students learn this traditional chant to cultivate strength of body and mind, stamina, and vibrant health, and to ground excess Vata.
Meditation Practicum
34.5 total hours
Learning Objective:
Students actively practice lovingkindness, japa, trataka, japa mala, mindfulness, sound healing, yoga nidra, mantra, and nyasm styles of meditation twice daily to directly experience the benefits and challenges. Students will note the effects of a consistent daily meditation practice for 21 days in a row. Students will be asked to journal after each session to record data, catalog insights, and track progress.
Sequencing Concepts and Techniques
12.5 total hours (5 anatomy hours; 7.5
Learning Objective:
In this one-hour daily module following the morning sadhana, the instructor explains the preceding practice. Our morning yoga classes are based on the Lakshmi Rising Hatha Vinyasa method of building a sequence around a cohesive theme and variations on that theme—physically, and often mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. In each of these break-down sessions, an asana (the peak pose of the day) is explained in detail including benefits and effects, modifications and variations, anatomical alignment details, and contraindications.
The entire class is collectively discussed and written down. This provides students with a library of intentional, versatile sequences to reference for inspiration when putting together their own classes. This session also serves as a Q&A about any part of the morning practice. Students gain experiential perspective on designing and teaching a yoga class and clarification about the class elements.
Structure of a Vinyasa Class
2 total hours
Learning Objective:
Basic and advanced concepts specific to hatha vinyasa yoga in the lineage of Sri Krishnamacharya are defined, as well as elements unique to Lakshmi Rising. This gives students a map to follow regarding what to include in vinyasa-style classes, and why. Concepts such as surya namaskar (sun salutations), vinyasa krama (flows), kriya (repetitive movements), and connecting vinyasa (linking sequences) are explored.
The Art of Intelligent Sequencing
5 total hours
Learning Objective:
Students gain a solid understanding of how to sequence a vinyasa class using the Lakshmi Rising method. Concepts such as theme and variation in asana, peak pose, vinyasa krama, connecting vinyasa, music, philosophical themes, and timing are covered. Students design a class using this method and receive feedback.
Roots of Alignment: Defining Asana and Intro to Yoga Anatomy
2.5 total hours
Learning Objective:
This module includes Krishmacharya’s and Patanjali’s definition of asana. Students working together in partners or small groups to perform a postural analysis, and an overview of common alignment mistakes is presented.
Anatomy of Asana Families
3 total hours
Learning Objective:
Different categories of asana are defined. Regions of the body are identified. Muscles, bones, nerves, organs, and connective tissues are explained in relation to different types of postures and positions. Cautions and contraindications, range of motion, and general benefits of posture groupings are explained.
Asana Lab
21.5 total hours
Learning Objective:
Different asanas are explained and demonstrated. The anatomy of each asana is discussed, as well as variations, modifications, benefits, contraindications, and hands-on assists, adjustments, and enhancements. Students work in pairs or small groups to practice teaching asana, mini-sequences, hands-on techniques, pranayama, and chanting. Students create mini-sequences and are given feedback to understand how to be a more capable teacher.
Hands-on Adjustments 101
1.5 total hours
Learning Objective:
Ethical, energetic, and anatomical aspects of touching yoga students are discussed. Options for student and teacher safety are explored. Similarities and differences between adjusting, assisting, and enhancing asana are considered. Contraindications are explained. Verbal and energetic assists are also explained.
Art of Shape Shifting 2 total hours
Learning Objective:
For this photography project, students are given a list of asanas that are a part of the Lakshmi Rising curriculum. With a partner or small group, students photographically document their understanding of these poses on the first and last days of the training program. This illustrates their growth and transformation during the yoga teacher certification course, and their understanding of the physical and energetic alignment of each asana.
Secrets of the Bandhas
2 total hours
Learning Objective:
Students receive theoretical and experiential information about hasta, pada, mula, uddiyana, jalandhara, and maha bandhas. We discuss benefits, contraindications,and physical and energetic anatomy, and explore several different techniques for teaching and self-practice.
Chakras, Nadis, Koshas: Energetic Anatomy of the Human Experience
2.5 total hours
Learning Objective:
This module gives students an overview of the energy-body through the lens of yoga.
Yoga in the World Today: The Legacy of Krishnamacharya
1 total hour
Learning Objective:
Students discuss the similarities and differences between yoga and exercise. The global influence of Krishnamacharya and his students isbe discussed, as well as other popular styles of yoga.
Patanjali and the Eight Limbs of Yoga
1 total hour
Learning Objective:
This is an introduction to Yoga as a philosophy and lifestyle that encompasses more than just the physical postures.
Yoga Sutra Discussion: Yama and Niyama
4 total hours
Learning Objective:
Students learn the ethical aspects of relating to self and others in this exploration of the yamas and niyamas. Different translations of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are referenced, as well as current applications of these ancient and timeless guidelines to living a yogic lifestyle.
Concepts in Ahimsa: Plant-Based Nutrition for the Health of the Whole
38 total hours
Learning Objective:
Students will explore one of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga, yama. The first of these ethical observances is ahimsa, non-harming of self and others. We apply this principle to our yogic lifestyle by adhering to a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet for 21 days. Our mealtimes are not only an opportunity to practice mindful eating, but also a time to educate students about plant-based nutrition. Students gain first-hand experience of the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle in harmony with Ayurvedic principles.
Pranayama Defined: May the Force be with You
2 total hours
Learning Objective:
Pranayama as one of Patanjali’s eight limbs is defined and discussed. The anatomy of the respiratory system is explained. Concepts such as sama vritti(even breath), visama vritti (uneven breath), kumbhaka (breath retention), and vayu (wind) are defined. Benefits and contraindications are also explained.
Meditation Defined: Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi
2 total hours
Learning Objective:
Meditation as one of Patanjali’s eight limbs is defined and discussed. Modern research and classical perspectives are included in the discussion, in addition to benefits and physiological processes. Different styles and approaches are explained.
Meditation Techniques Explained
7.5 total hours
Learning Objective:
Nyasm, lovingkindness, japa, japa mala, mindfulness, sound healing, yoga nidra, mantra, and trataka are explained in depth, so that each student has clear instruction on how to practice each of these techniques. Benefits of, variations on, and contraindications for each are also discussed.
Mauna: Practicing Silence
30 total hours
Learning Objective:
Students learn about the benefits of silence by refraining from speech and technology during silent breakfasts and on Saturdays for half the day.
Sahaja Vinyasa: Lakshmi Rising Conscious Dance
2 total Hours
Learning Objective:
Students practice meditation in motion, ritual, and a new way of experiencing asana, to break habits and patterns that block their flow of awareness.
Yoga Philosophy: Samskara, Karma, Klesha, and Pratyahara
1 total hour
Learning Objective:
This discussion is designed to spark insight into what we believe and why. Students are invited to identify patterns in themselves, their relationships, and society that can be shifted through diligent self-study (svadhyaya) and through the practice of yoga.
Yoga Philosophy: Intro to Classical Tantra, Mantra, and Ritual
9 total hours
Learning Objective:
Students will learn the core principles of what Classical Tantra is and is not. How to create sacred space, how to work in harmony with the five elements, and how to select specific mantras and energies to align with will all be discussed.
Mantra: Tools for the Mind
1 total hour
Learning Objective:
Different chants are explained, practiced, and recorded to expose students to this ancient form of yoga.
Ayurveda
9 total hours
Learning Objective:
Students will be introduced to Ayurveda as a sister science to yoga: yoga being a path to purify the mind and Ayurveda a path to purify the body. An overview of the five elements, three doshas, dinacharya (daily routine) guidelines, and living in harmony with our environment are given.
Jyotisha: Vedic Astrology
6 total hours
Learning Objective:
This module serves as an introduction to the classical science of Vedic astrology. The relationship of the celestial bodies with each of us as individuals has a profound impact on who we are, where our strengths and weaknesses lie, and how to take the best course of action to make the most of this human lifetime. Students’ individual charts will be analyzed to give an overview of general concepts.
Vaastu: Creating Heaven on Earth
3 total hours
Learning Objective:
Vaastu is the Vedic science of creating a harmonious environment, similar to the better-known approach from China, feng shui. Parallels will be drawn between Vaastu and both Jyotisha and Ayurveda. Students learn another way to cultivate a yogic lifestyle, by living in harmony with our environment.
The Business of Teaching Yoga
3 total Hours
Learning Objective:
We discuss teaching options and possibilities; how to find teaching opportunities and what to expect; continuing education; mentorship and higher-level trainings; hosting and attending workshops, retreats, and special events; marketing alliances; social media; and how to write a bio, resume, and mission statement.
Evaluating the Role of Teacher
5 total hours
Learning Objective:
The concept of lineage is defined. Students reflect on their own lineage and identify their strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. We discuss what it means to be a teacher, yoga teacher, educator, guide, and leader.
Quiz and Review
2 total hours
Learning Objective:
In two quizzes—at the beginning of weeks two and three—students have 30 minutes to take each quiz and 30 minutes to go over the quiz as a group. This emphasizes important course content and gives students a gauge of their strengths and weaknesses.
273.5 Total Contact Hours
Non-Contact Hours:
40+ hours of course reading prior to or during the training program
5 hours prep and planning time for final student practicum
1 hour prep, planning, design, and creation of sacred space altar
1 hour karma yoga
2 hours to research and write 1000-word essay
10+ hours teaching community classes upon completion of training